A little bit of Clarity

Evening everyone,
Here it is, the final post for today (who said Thank goodness?!! - I heard you.  Only joking).

I've been going on about what I've been doing since getting back from my recent trip, but I haven't said much about what I got up to whilst I was across in the UK.
Well, where do I begin ........ it was craft, craft and more craft - with very little sleep in between.  I'm still buzzing from it all though, and I've been home since Monday.

The Indigo Blu Secret Retreat was my first stop, but more about that later - I need to finish off my projects before I can share them with you.  I will just say though, we had a FANTASTIC time.  I've already put my name down for the next one.  Haven't got the exact dates but I'm going, whenever it  is!  Maybe some of you will be there too.

On the Saturday I was booked on a workshop with the lovely Maria Simms, amongst other things, she's the North West's Queen of Clarity Stamps.  What she can't do with a Barbara Gray stamp and a brayer, well, it's just not worth doing!
As this workshop was a Clarity one I was so excited. Though I must admit that my brayer hasn't seen the light of day for months (years possibly), and as it's the one craft tool that puts the fear of God in me, I was also a little nervous.  Especially when I was on a workshop with an expert!!

We did have fun though, it was a lovely bunch of ladies, some of which had also been on the Indigo Blu retreat so you can imagine what it was like when we all got together again. 
We did two lovely, very different, projects using the same Clarity stamp - Butterfly Montage
First up we did a card in the morning.  This is where the brayer came in,  to create a resist background.  Not sure if it comes across in the picture though, but believe me it's there.

Yes, I did use my brayer, with Maria stood behind me - nervous or what!  Thank goodness for my Splodgeaway mat.  If you're not familiar with these check them out here on their website - fabulous product.  You may have seen Maria on Create and Craft with them. They're great when using a brayer too - no lines! And they just wipe clean with a bit of water. 

The colours we used on the workshop were a bit different for me, Lettuce and Willow Adirondak and Mustard Seed Distress Ink, but they worked. Always nice to try something different.

After lunch Maria really worked us hard and we made a beautiful box card, with matching gift box, sleeve and tag.

We used the same stamp and the same inks and masks but ended up with a completely different look. I love the steampunk look to the frame.  As you can imagine, all the masks had to come home with me.  Well, it would have been rude not to have them.

Here you can see the stamp in full, isn't it pretty.  We actually stamped it a few times and cut layers of it to decoupage, finishing with the butterfly embossed in gold onto acetate.

I was really pleased with my results.  Maria always comes up with such beautiful designs. it's a pleasure doing one of her workshops. I'm just sorry I can't get to do more. 

Well that was one of my days away.  Like I've said, we didn't get an awful lot of sleep and every day was packed with something.  We never stopped.  We did workshops, and shopping - lots of shopping (you've seen the stuff I brought back with me).  I went back to where I used to work - Inspirations in Preston - it was nice to see everyone again, and I also managed to pop into a lovely little craft shop I used to go to called The Stampers Gallery in Tarleton, near to where Lauren lives.  I even managed a visit to the hairdressers while I was over there.
When I finally met up with Stephen again properly (Saturday evening) I was shattered.

We got to spend a couple of lovely days with Lauren and Alex.  He's growing up so fast.  I can't believe he's 2 next month - where did that time go?!!

what a cutie pie

strike a pose ....

chillin with Grandad

We spent a glorious afternoon at the Owl and Bird Sanctuary at Trebaron Garden Centre in Whitestake near Preston.  Alex has this thing about birds, but he couldn't quite understand why these were all in cages.  He kept pointing to the sky as if to say 'they should be up there'.

They had some pretty big birds in there though, and it was feeding time - not nice (yuck!)  The birds were pretty spectacular though

........... even if some of them were a little shy.

Well, if you've read to the end of this post you've probably had enough of me by now. 
Would you believe I'm off on another workshop tomorrow, Christmas themed this time.  I'd better go and put my tool kit back together, then I'm afraid the ironing is calling me.  Back to nomal now eh!!

Thanks for sticking with me today.  Hope you enjoyed it.

Have a great weekend and I'll be back again soon.

Linda

x

3 - 2 - 1 .......Go!

Hi guys,
Second post of the day, another quick one you'll be pleased to know.
Well, it didn't take me long to make a mess of my craft room again, I don't know why I bother tidying it!  As usual there's stuff everywhere - mostly stamps because I couldn't decide on what to use for this weeks Less is More Challenge.
After toying with the idea of going festive and making another Christmas card I changed my mind and decided to make a start on some of the birthday cards I need for September (there's a few!)

It's Week 82 and we have a RECIPE .......
                                     3 - 2 -1
We have to incorporate 3 of something, 2 of something and 1 of something else into our designs.  Sound easy?  Well it wasn't.  I knew I would struggle because I'm on the last minute, as usual (one of these weeks I will be the first one on there ........ ok, in my dreams!)
After quite a few attempts with various stamps, this is what I came up with .......

My recipe is ...
3 flowers  - BoBunny clear stamp set from the Jazmyne range
2 words - Stampin Up Curly Cute sentiments
1 button - from my stash

The flower was stamped twice in Imperial Purple Versafine and again in Stampin Up Marina Mist ink.
I stamped the sentiment in black on a separate piece of cardstock, inked the edges slightly with the purple ink and attached across the card, to cover two of the flowers slightly. 
A piece of white bakers twine was tied through the button and then attached to the centre of a flower.  Simple design really. Don't know what took me so long!

Thanks for popping by again.  Hopefully I'll be back later to share some of what I got up on my recent trip across to the UK.

Bye for now

Linda

x

Back to work

Hello folks,
It's weekend!! Well .... nearly.
Sorry I went AWOL yesterday, no time to Blog!  Hopefully I'll catch up a little today.  In fact,  you'll probably be fed up of me by the time today is over - I'm planning 3 posts at least (now I've gone and set myself a challenge).  I'll try to keep them short and sweet, I don't want to take up all of you day.

First off this morning  I want to give you a sneaky little look at what I was doing all day Thursday.
After finding a home for all my new crafty goodies (well, most of them anyway) it was time to get back to 'work'.
I locked myself away in the old craft room and made a start on my latest Design Team samples using the current Project kit  from Craftwork Cards. 
Mine arrived just a couple of days before we went across to the UK and I hadn't had time to look at it properly.  It's Gorgeous ..........  'Naturally Gorgeous' in fact.  You can find the full details of it here on the Craftwork Cards website.

Here's a few snippets of some of the cards I came up with .......

You get loads in the kit, papers, cardstock, die-cut flowers, sentiments, candi, ribbon.  Some fabulous new chipboard elements too, so that you can decorate them however you like.  Use paints and inks, or cover them with papers, it's up to you.  There's also some shaped cards in the chipboard too.  It's a fabulous little kit, and great value for money.
I had loads of fun yesterday making these samples.  Once I got started the ideas just kept on coming ....

The colours are so pretty and a nice contrast to the natural pieces in there.  I know all my samples are a little on the feminine side, but saying that there are pieces in the kit that would make great mens cards - the chipboard elements are perfect for that.

If you want to see these in full and more of what I came up with, pop over to the Craftwork Cards Blog in a few days, they should appear on there possibly next week sometime.

Well that's the first post done.  Off to clear my desk, and try and put together something for this weeks Less is More Challenge.  I've not got long to get my entry in I know.   Wish me luck - this could take all day!!

Thanks for popping by.

See you soon

Linda

x

Hi Honey, I'm home!!

Hello folks,

Yes I'm back from my crafty week away.  Have you missed me?
Sorry I didn't get chance to blog while I was away, I was just so busy you wouldn't believe.  My friend Susan says that when I'm over in the UK it's like being on roller skates - we never stop.  And this trip was no different.  I had a great time, hardly slept but hey, who needs sleep when you can craft!!

We were actually home on Monday evening, after a bit of a lumpy crossing.  Stephen and I were fine, Christopher suffered a little, but we got home safely.
Yesterday was spent unpacking, washing and ironing and just generally getting back into the swing of the things.
My main job was finding a home for this lot ......

I brought quite a bit of new stash home with me (I did say I was doing a stock up!)  In fact it was touch and go as to whether it would all fit in the car, along with the luggage (lol!)  Managed it though (good job we have a big car!!)
I think I got a bit of everything.  Stamps, inks, paint, PanPastels, cardstock, lots of wooden stuff to alter.  You name it and it's there. Lots to keep me busy. 
There's also new Indigo Blu Stamps in there (ooh!)  More on that later.

Over the next few days I'll fill you in on all the details of what I got up to last week, but first I must get my Tag done for 12 Tags of 2012  before the Friday deadline. Where has August gone!

This is the inspiration Tim Holtz gave us for this month  ........

I love it, I think it's so pretty. 
This is my version, nothing like Tim's at all, but then again they never are.
What do you think ............

As usual, I didn't have all the stash that he'd used, so off I went to search through my boxes to see what I could find.  It's always fun trying to find something to use to get the same effect.  I always manage to come across things I'd forgotten I had.
I don't really have any silhouette stamps, no cameos anyway. But, I came across this little guy who's been sat in my collection for ever.  I think he was one of the first rubber stamps that I bought all those years ago.  It's called 'Magic of You' and it's from Rubber Stampede.
Now I didn't have the embossing folder with the frame so I had to emboss the whole of the tag first, and stamp my image onto a seperate piece of card, which was then layered onto a Nestie Labels die to give the look of a frame.
The colours I've used are the same as Tim's, although mine are much paler.  I've added a little bit of pink into the mix too.
The flowers and foliage are from the Tattered PineCone die and I used the Autumn Gatherings and the Tattered Flower Garland dies to add the leaves and twigs.
I kept to the same little trinkets and the chit chat words, but added a couple of hat pins into the flowers.
It's a little bit rushed but I like the way it turned out.  Just need to get it uploaded now.

Well that's job number one crossed off my rather long 'To Do' list.  At least I've made a start.
It's nice to be back, and I'm looking forward to sharing with you some of the fun I had across in the UK.

Thanks for popping by.  Have a lovely afternoon, and I hope the sun is shining where you are.

Bye for now

Linda

x

Craft Room - CLOSED

Morning everyone,
Bit of an early post from me today - busy, busy, busy! 
Nothing to share with you craft wise I'm afraid.  I was hoping to get my August Tag done before I went on this UK trip but unfortunately time ran out.  First job on the list for when I get back.

As of now, the old craft room is closed for a few days.  It's actually tidy in there, the floor has even been vacuumed.  There's not much on my desk, most of it's in my trolley waiting to go across to the UK.   Trolley weighs a ton.  Well, you never know what I might need.  I have a week of craft, craft and more craft coming up.

I'm on a  2 day Craft retreat doing workshops with the lovely Kay from Indigo Blu  and the very talented Sarah McCrossan - it's going to be a good one, lots of crafty friends going to be there.

Then at the weekend I have a workshop booked with the one and only Maria Simms and that's a Clarity class (oooh!). Brayer at the ready!

On top of all that it's Leigh Craft Show next weekend so that means shopping for new stash. Has to be done I'm afraid.
I'm also going to be spending time with my gorgeous grandson Alex, and his mum too, and of course we need to catch up with the rest of the family.  So, lots to do, it's going to be a busy week. 

I'm afraid all this means that Blog posts will be few and far between.  Don't worry, if I get time I'll let you know how I''m getting on, otherwise I'll see you all when I get back for a good old catch up.

Enjoy your week, I know I'm going to. 
I'm off into town shortly for some last minute shopping, but first there's a cup with my name on, waiting for me in the kitchen - coffee time!

Bye for now

Linda

x

Twice in one day

Hi everyone,
Nothing from me all weekend then twice in one day! 
I'm not a happy bunny though as my Blog is playing up - again!  I don't think it's Blogger this time though, I think it's something to do with where I get my template from. I've just spent the last hour trying to figure out what's going on.  Think I'll leave it overnight and see what it's like in the morning.  It looks a bit naked though without my background. 

Anyways, tonight's post is,  wait for it ......... my Less is More entry for this week.  Yes, I know it's only Monday, and a little early for me, but I had to get it done today or it just wasn't getting done at all this week.  I don't like to miss my blog challenges.

It's Week 81 and it's a Theme week.  The girls want to see 

                              TEARING

It can be in any form, as subtle or as bold as we like.  And the usual rules apply.

For me, paper tearing is one of those things you either like to do and are quite happy to tear away at your designs or, you're one of those people who can't quite bring themselves to start ripping at their beautiful papers in case they don't get it right.  Me, I don't mind it, I'm quite happy to tear away.   I like the old tattered edge look.

Here's mine ....

The torn panel was just a piece of white cardstock stamped with the gorgeous (but rather large) SU background stamp - En Francais.  I then tore it down to the size I wanted, and inked the edges with Tea Dye and Vintage Photo Distress inks.  A piece of black satin ribbon and a sweet little bow add a little bit of interest.
When I got my craft trolley out last week, ready to pack for my trip to the UK,  I found the Hero Arts/Sizzix Stamp and Die cut set inside - Flowers and Butterflies.  It must have been there since we moved in May!!! I must admit I did wonder where I'd put it.  Anyway,  I decided to use it.  I love this little set it's so pretty. 
The flowers were stamped in black Versafine and cut using the matching die, then inked around the edges with Tea Dye Distress.  I added pearls to the centres and attached the flowers over the torn background with foam pads.
The butterfly was stamped directly onto the card base then again onto acetate to add a little dimension to the wings.

I decided not to add a sentiment as I don't think it needs one.

I think that's about it for today.  I've still some ironing and some packing to do, and I must try and sort my Blog background out - arggghh!! Flippin' technology!

Thanks for popping by, again.

See you soon

Linda

x

Happy Monday!

Hi guys,
Hope you all had a good weekend and managed to enjoy some of the glorious weather that was around.
Saturday was gorgeous here. It did get off to a grey start but once the sun came out it was beautiful.  Just as well, because we were at a BBQ/Lobster Party in the afternoon.  Stephen was put in charge of cooking the lobsters, and I somehow managed to end up as Sous-Chef.
Lots of beer and wine, two small gas stoves, two rather large pans of boiling water, one mean looking meat cleaver and 50 (yes, I said 50!!) LIVE lobsters.  What could possibly go wrong!

Well actually, nothing! Surprisingly.
We made a great team.   (How is it that men like to cook outdoors, but when it comes to cooking in the kitchen that's our job!?)   We managed to cook, serve, and everyone managed to eat, 37 of the lobsters ....

 - as well as 2 large legs of lamb plus all the usual salads, bread, desserts etc., that you get at a BBQ - nom! nom! nom!  The remaining lobsters were cooked yesterday (Sunday) and then Steve and Sarah, who hosted the BBQ, did a take-out service for those that wanted it.  So it was lobster and salmon again for tea.  I don't want to see another plate of seafood until at least November!!!

Even though we had a busy weekend I did manage to spend some time in the old craft room.  I've been playing with paint and inks, masks and Gesso, Flitter Glu and Flakes, Fran-tage embossing powders - I've had a ball!  And what's really good is, the end result is for ME!!

I've been making so many projects recently, for other people, using the dress form, some of which I really didn't want to give away (is that naughty of me?), that I thought it was time I made one for myself.  So here it is .....

..... it's an 8x8 canvas, and there's just about everything on there.  It looks like I'm still in my pink phase too. 
I didn't really have a plan when I started out, except that I knew I was going to use a dress form somewhere on there, and there had to be lots of texture too (Ooh!  Now why is that I wonder?  Maybe I'll say more later ...... !?!??)
Most of the inspiration for this came from Hels Sheridan.  I love reading her blog, there's so much inspriation and loads of ideas on there, she's such a talented lady.   If you're not already a fan pop over and take at look - you don't know what you're missing.

Right how did this come together .......
I started by randomly painting the canvas with pastel shades of acrylic paint.  I just kept adding paint until I was happy with the look.   Once it was all dry I used one of the Prima masks and inked through it with Worn Lipstick Distress ink.  I then used another mask, this time with Gesso to add a bit of texture. (Love this stuff - note to self .... Need a new BIGGER pot!) 
The new Fran-tage Embossing Enamels have been sat on my window ledge for goodness knows how long so I thought it was time I gave them a go.  I used them with a stamp and Versamark ink, just like you would any other embossing powder, and, you can just about see, I also added some to the edges of the piece of corrugated  card, just by sprinkling it on where I wanted it and then heated from underneath so as not to blow it all away.  I used the Shabby Pink, but there's lots of fab colours available.

There's a little bit of gilded crackle (an Indigo Blu stamp), and I've edged the whole of the canvas with Flitter Glu and flakes (Manchester Tart),  again to add a different texture.
The dress form is a Tim Holtz rubber stamp, stamped directly onto the canvas and then just the top half stamped again onto a piece of card, this time in Worn Lipstick DI.  It's then been cut out and attached over the top.
She's been dressed with a little more of the Fran-tage, ribbon flowers and some tulle.  Her wings are an Indigo Blu butterfly stamp done in two layers, one card, one acetate.

I stamped one of my favourite Tim Holtz sayings, cut it out and layered it using the Spellbinders Labels 18 dies.  You can see the black layer has also been put through an embossing folder and then sanded back, more texture.
Also the large paper flower in the corner has been Fran-taged (I'm hooked on this stuff now).  It was stamped, completely covered in Versamark then 2 layers of the Embossing Enamel.  A smaller rose has been added to the centre.

To finish it all off, I used some more paper flowers (Prima), vintage seam binding, some decorative pins, a couple of  metal charms, a few Chit Chat words, and finally, I covered the sides with strips of inked and distressed scrapbooking papers.  I said there was a bit of everything on here.  And the best bit is, it can stay on my craft room wall, for now. Yeah!!

Phew, that was a long one for first post of the week.  I'm hoping to be back later with another one.
I'm off across to the UK tomorrow evening so I need to get a few things done before then.

Thanks for popping by today.
I notice that I've got a couple of new followers again over the weekend.  Hello and Welcome to Shelagh and Brenda.  It's lovely to have you along and I really appreciate you taking the time to read my posts.  It's so nice to know there's someone out there.

Enjoy the rest of your day, and I'll see you all again later.

Bye for now

Linda

x

Feeling all Festive again!

Happy Friday everyone.

Hey, I've finally reached 60! - followers that is.  Thanks for joining me Jane, and making my lovely gang a nice round figure.  I'll set the next milestone at ..... 80.  Lets see if I can reach that by the end of September.

Today is flying by and I've not really done that much.  I did spend a lovely hour this morning though, on the phone to a very special friend over in the UK.  I know I'll be seeing her next week but we still had a lot to chat about  - we always do.

Speaking of next week I'm really looking forward to a trip across to the UK.  We don't go until Tuesday, but I'm packing already.  It's going to be a week of craft, craft, and more craft.  I cannot wait! 
I'll apologise now because Blog posts may be a little few and far between I'm sorry to say.  I am taking the laptop with me, but I might not have the time.  Don't worry I'll fill you in on all the details when I get back.


Todays post is my entry for this months Penny Black Saturday Challenge, and I've gone all festive again I'm afraid - well it is nearly September!
This months challenge is ......

 DOUBLE THE TROUBLE

We have to use 2 different PB images on our designs, hmmm ... shouldn't be too difficult!

I've got my hands on a few of the new Penny Black Christmas stamps and they are gorgeous.  I just had to use the super cute  Fairy Holly.  She's one of the new slapstick/Clings by Mo Manning and she is sooo sweet.  See what you think ......

Fairy Holly ( PB 40-173)

.......... isn't she pretty?
She's been coloured with Copics (rather quickly!) and then I cut round her as I didn't have any Nesties that she would fit in  (sigh! - I really do need to buy myself a Grand Calibur).
The background papers are from Magnolia, and I've used the Spellbinders Poinsettia and the Heirloom Ornament dies to make my embellishments.
My second PB image is the sentiment, it's from the new "T for Transparent" set Christmas Cheer.  It's a lovely new collection with some great  festive sentiments in a range of fonts along with a few extras.


I've added a bit of glitter, and some Glossy Accents on her snow globe,
although the gloss doesn't really show up well in the picture.
She really does look like she's dreaming of a white Christmas.

Actually, I've used 3 PB images on this card, no wait a minute, 4.  There's another of the new sentiments inside along with one of the little extra bits.
I thought as this is officially the first of my handmade cards for Christmas 2012, I would finish it off properly and decorate the inside.


Well that's another job crossed off my craft 'To Do' list.  I've done really well this week, there's been nothing added to the bottom either. just need to tidy up now ready for the next project.

Have a lovely weekend everyone, enjoy this glorious weather that the UK is supposed to have. 
It's raining here at the moment but finger's crossed it's nice for us tomorrow too.  We're going to a BBQ/Lobster Party - Nom! Nom!   and Stephen's helping with the cooking!

Thanks for popping by, see you all again soon

Linda

x

Fifty Shades of ....... PINK!

Well not quite fifty, but I've used a few ........

Hi everyone,
It's time for my IN THE PINK  entry.  This is a brand new fortnightly blog challenge and is hosted by two very talented ladies Christine and Sylvia (AKA  Posh Priscilla and Pretty Patricia - the 2 PP's).  Check out the Blog here, you'll find some great inspiration from the ladies themselves, and there's already loads of fabulous entries too. Lots of Pink lovers out there.

It's the first challenge and it's basically anything goes .... but it has to be PINK!

Well, mine is certainly that .....  it may be a little OTT even for me!  I think I've just about thrown everything on there, and most of it is in fact, pink.

As you can see the dress form has come out (again!), and I've dressed her up this time in some white tulle, Tim Holtz fabric flowers from his Lavish Trim pack and the new range of Prima papers - Rondelle.  This paper pad is absolutely gorgeous, there's a bit of everything in there - florals, dots, flourishes, script and it's all shades of pinks, peaches, creams, teamed up with the black. Just stunning!
Anyway, back to the card.
The background is spritzed with Distress inks - Spun Sugar and Worn Lipstick with a touch of Perfect Pearls.  I've used a leafy mask and inked through with Black Soot DI.  I've also used the same mask on the paper, only this time I used a spatula and put white Gesso through to add a little bit of texture.  
The whole thing is finsihed off  with ribbon, vintage seam binding, a few gems and a large paper flower - all pink of course.  The sentiments are from Tim Holtz and are stamped on pieces of the same background card.
I'm afraid if you're not a Pink lover then this card isn't for you!

While we're on the subject of Pink here's a couple of projects I did for Kay to display on the Indigo Blu stand at Donnington Park this weekend.

 

These are a little bit PINK too.  If you want more details, and a closer look pop over to the Indigo Blu Blog, I've done a full post with details of what I've used etc.,  and you'll also find out what's in the box - any ideas?

Well, that's me done for today.   It's back to a Christmas theme again tomorrow, I've made my first Christmas card (my own that is).  It's for the Penny Black Saturday challenge, I can't Blog it today as it's not quite finished yet. Tomorrow - I promise.

Enjoy the rest of Thursday.

Thanks for popping by.

Linda

x

Twinchie Time!

Hi folks,
It's only a short post from me this afternoon.   I've just taken a quick break to share my latest Twinchie with you.
It's Challenge #4 and the subject of this one is ......  Add a flower
There's some fabulous inspiration here on the Twinchie Blog from the DT members.  Here's my take on the challenge ....

Can't quite believe how much I've managed to use on this little piece of artwork  ....
2 colours of Distress inks (Antique Linen and Tattered Rose)
2 colours of Versafine ink (Vintage Sepia and Onyx Black)
1 script background stamp (from who knows where I've had it that long!)
4 individual little stamps from a new set by Prima from the Tea Thyme range
Some Glossy Accents
and a small silk ribbon bow .....
.......... all on a piece of card 2x2inches in size.  Amazing!
I only wish all my projects were as quick to do.

Well, I said it was short.  Back to the ironing. 
I'm doing what we women are good at - multi-tasking.  I'm waiting for some stuff to dry in the old craft room so, I thought I'd make good use of my time and tackle the ever-growing mountain that is my ironing pile.   Once I've finished that,  it's a quick check on my craft projects then I need to get the dinner on.  I'm out this evening at a craft workshop so I need to be organised.  It's all go here.
  
I've noticed I have another new follower again today.  Hello Lynn and welcome.  It's so nice to have you with me.  Only 1 more and that makes 60 of you.   I'm delighted that you all like to read my crafty ramblings,  thank you so much.

Well, must dash.  see you again soon

Linda

x

Fur or Feathers .........

Good afternoon folks,
And what a lovely afternoon it is too.  We have blue skies and the sun is shining again in the Isle of Man.   It hasn't been like this all day though, it did get off to a wet start and it still wasn't very nice at lunchtime when I had to go to the Post Office.
I've popped another parcel in the post today for Kay at Indigo Blu.  I can't show you what's in there yet, I want Kay to see them first. All I can say is ...... they're not cards???!!  Hopefully she'll have them tomorrow and then I can share them on here.

I can see that I have a couple of new followers today.  Hello and welcome to my little space in Blogland. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I do blogging it!  

This afternoon has been quite productive, I've made a start on a few of the things that have been on the list for a couple of weeks, and I've also managed to squeeze in my Less is More Challenge entry.
It's One Layer Week (oh no!)  Usual rules to follow along with the subject for this challenge ....

FUR or FEATHERS

Hmmm ..... what to go for.  I decided on FUR and I think this is the quickest card I've ever made.

Aloysius by Indigo Blu

I wasn't going to use this stamp as both Chrissie and Mandi have used it on one of their samples, but I just couldn't resist, he's sooo cute. And, as I still had my Indigo Blu box open, he was handy.  Plus I don't have a lot of time to spare and it was taking me too long to choose something else.
All I've done is stamp him in Sepia Versafine ink, added a Penny Black sentiment and then lightly dabbed some Distress Inks around the image - Spun Sugar and Tumbled Glass.  Job done!
He reminds me so much of my teddy that I had when I was little, except mine didn't have ears!  Mum used to hang him on the washing line with them until eventually they came off.  I still loved him though.
That was all a LONNNNG time ago.  This is who sits on the bed during the day now .....

look at that face .......

His name is Wilson and he's been with me for about 17 years or so.  He came to live with us when we were in the South of England and he's moved with us ever since.  I don't hang him on the washing line so he still had his ears!

Well, I've a busy week ahead, lots to do and not enough time to do it in.  Nothing changes there then, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  It keeps me out of mischief!!

Thank you so much for popping by. I hope the sun is shining where you are.

See you again soon

Linda

x

Oh What a Night!!

Good afternoon folks,
Please bear with me today, I'm feeling a little 'delicate' shall we say.  It's the result of last nights Olympic celebrations.  Well it would have been rude not to join in now wouldn't it.
What a great night, we can't half put on a show.  The best bit for me though was Eric Idle - he was PRICELESS!  Whoever thought to include that deserves a Gold medal.
Team GB did us proud. 29 Gold, 17 Silver and 19 Bronze medals - Congratulations and Well Done to all of them.

Did you all see Kay on Saturday on Create and Craft? If not, where where you?  It was another fabulous show.  Even the other half sat and watched it with me.
Kay was working with Nigel for the first time and they made a great team.  It was a pleasure to watch.  For those of you who didn't see it, Nigel has given the Indigo Blu Design Team a name - we are now officially known as ....... the Indigo Blu Belles.  Not sure what the rest of the team thinks but I quite like it. 
It was a Christmas show again and as usual things sold out pretty fast.  There were some fabulous designs from Jo, Clare, Alix, Sarah and Rae (sorry if I've missed anyone out), and Kay did some great demos again too.  I always pick up a few tips when I watch her, she's brill.

I showed you a few sneak peeks last week of some of my samples, so here they are now, in more detail .......

the Merry Christmas Tree

I love this stamp, and here I've used the Flitter Glu and the Royal Peacock flakes.  I've also gone around the edge with the glu and added the flakes.  So quick and easy but very effective.  Great if you have lots of Christmas cards to make.
Next is the Bare Forest stamp ....

I was really pleased with this when it was finished.  I wanted shades of purple and lilac, so I used my trusty Distress Inks in Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord and I wanted just a hint of Chipped Sapphire, but as I couldn't find it anywhere, (another thing added to the shopping list) Faded Jeans had to do.
I blended the inks over a circle mask to create the sky background.   The trees were then stamped on the top in black Versafine ink and then I added some fine glitter over the top of Liquid Pearls to give a snowy look.  Kay did the same with Flitter glu and Flakes on the show, and that looked really nice.

Funky Circles Tree

I must say this wasn't my favourite stamp when I opened my box from Kay, but that soon changed.  It's so useful, and not just for Christmas either.  You can see I've used it to make a border, by masking a strip across the card and stamping the tree.  It's so simple to line up the stamp to create a continuous pattern.
I also used it to decorate around the edge of one of my layers.  I love it!  I can see this becoming one of my well used stamps.

This is so cute.  I painted a little wooden icon and then used artists Masking fluid and Distress Inks to create the snowy sky, and then made a little Christmas scene using the Here Comes Santa set.

Last, but not least ........

......... this was a stamp that wasn't actually on the show.  I wanted to share it anyway. 
The stamp's called 'Tree-mendous' and it's lovely.  I think it's one of those that can be used for any occasion.  Here, it's just stamped in brown, and then I've picked out a few leaves and used a Quickie Glue pen and the flakes to highlight them.  Again, I've masked a strip across the bottom of  the card and used the same tree to create a matching border.
This card is so simple but I love it.  I couldn't resist adding the little Indigo Blu owl charm to one of the branches - he's sooo cute!

Nearly everything I've used for these cards can be found here on the Indigo Blu website.  I was on there the other day, and all the stamps were in stock along with loads of fabulous new stuff.  Save some for me though won't you.

Well that's about it for today, I've rambled on long enough.  If you get the chance, please pop over to the Indigo Blu Blog sometime. You'll find it here.   Over the next few days I'll be posting more of my Christmas samples on there, and you'll see what the rest of the Design Team are up to as well.

Thanks for popping by.  Enjoy the rest of your day.

Linda

x

A member of the Indigo Blu Belles

(thanks Nigel)

That Friday feeling ...

Happy Friday folks!
Are you all ready for the weekend?  I know I am, it's been a really long week this week.

Still haven't cleared the ironing mountain, in fact it's getting bigger!! Must stop putting on the washing machine ......  I must confess though, I got a little distracted yesterday, I went into the old craft room to put something away (my latest ebay purchases), and decided to sit for a while and plan the next project on my list.  Four hours later (oops!) 2 projects started, but still no ironing done I thought it best to leave things.  I think I'll take Mel's advice - give the ironing a miss and go buy new clothes!!!  Not sure the other half will approve of that one though.

Anyway, on to things crafty.
Did any of you see Sarah and Vicky, from Stamp Addicts, on C&C yesterday?  They were showing their new Christmas stamps.
I gave you a few sneak peeks last week of some of the samples I did for them, well here they are in full.

the beautiful poinsettia

the winter scene

 this has a bit of everything

Not all of my samples were shown on the telly, here's the one's you didn't see ....

I think out of all of them my favourites are the winter scene in the Christmas bauble (Spellbinders Heirloom Ornament - love this die).  I used my favourite technique for the background, and there's even some flitter flu and flakes on there.
And, I really like how my tag turned out.  The girls sent me three stamps to work with, and they're all on there.  There's a bit of masking, inking, colouring with Copics, some glitter, a bit of decoupage, die cutting and it's all finished off with ribbon and a charm.  Me and my tags - the bigger the better.  The only problem is, when you make a large tag, it needs a large box to go on, could prove to be expensive!

The next C&C show to watch out for is Kay tomorrow with Indigo Blu Christmas (Saturday 11th,  11 o'clock til 1).  I spoke to her yesterday, my box had arrived safely - phew!  There's going to be some stunning new stamp designs, as well as more stock of ones that sold out so quickly last time.  Also no doubt Kay will have some great demos planned, so tune in, or set to record, you won't want to miss it!  HO! HO! HO!

Well,I suppose it's back to the ironing (sigh!).  No rest for the wicked.  Or, maybe I'll just pop into the old craft room and check how things are looking this morning - much better idea I think. 

Have a lovely weekend, hope this glorious weather lasts.
It's actually the Royal Manx Show today and tomorrow, so it would be nice if the sunshine stayed a little bit longer.

Thanks for popping by, and thank you all for your lovely comments on posts this week.  It's nice to know that you're out there.

Bye for now

Linda

x