12 Tags of 2013 - March Tag

Hello blog friends,

I hope you've all had a lovely Easter Day, you can see what I've been doing with mine, and there was no chocolate involved!
I'd like to say 'Hello' to my latest follower too.  Thank you so much for joining me.   I'm up to 92 now - whoo hoo!  When I reach the grand number of 100, I think a little Blog Giveaway may be in order, to say Thanks for putting up with me -  what do you think?
 
After a bit of a late start this morning (I'm blaming that on the clocks going forward and losing an hour) I thought it was time I made a start on my March Tag for Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of 2013.  Nothing like leaving it to the last minute eh!  Especially when I haven't got half the stuff on the shopping list. 

Here's Tim's ........

and this is mine .....

It's not quite the same, but it's not bad, seeing as I had none of the dies he'd used, the paper pads or the right colours of Distress Paints.  But that's part of the fun of doing these tags I think.  It makes you think about what's actually in your stash.

My little bunny is from a Cricut cartridge - Kate's ABCs, and, as I didn't have any white Kraft Core  cardstock I used a sheet of  Core-dinations Whitewash card, with a Kraft-ish core.  I cut the bunny first, then used one of the Nestabilities dies - Labels 18 to cut my fancy label around it.

I used the blue tinsel twine behind (I don't have the silver one!) so that cut out the need to add colour.  I was a little nervous about heating it though, but, if the master says it's ok then I'll give it a go.  It's quite cute how it curls with the heat.
I added a bit more ribbon to my tag - the little bow around the bunny's neck.  And, as I've run out of Tim's Crinkle ribbon, I found out this afternoon, I used coloured seam binding - looks just as pretty.

My tag's been covered with one of the new BoBunny papers from the C'est la Vie range.  I think the stripes go well with the spring colours, and it does have a bit of a vintage look.

As I didn't have the Tapered Fringe die (must get hold of that one), I cut my own grass strips and used the edge of a bone folder to curl the edges over.  (I found this easier to do before I attached them to my tag).
  

The metal flowers I did have, but, not the right colours of Distress paint (still building my collection of those).  However, like most of you out there, I have many bottles of various brands of acrylic paint so with a bit of searching I found the right shades (PaperArtsy Fresco Finish to the rescue!)  I love this technique of painting metal charms.  Like Tim says, they do look like vintage enamel.

I've just realised I lied (sorry!) I did have one of the dies for this tag (yeah!!) - the Tattered Banner.  I cut mine from a scrap of cardstock and used Tim's new stamps for the message.
 
And there you have it, my version of this months 12 Tags of 2013.  Finished, finally, with a few hours to go before the deadline (breathes a sigh of relief!).  I'd better get it uploaded to the site now.

Thanks for popping by today, it's always nice to see you.

Enjoy the rest of the long weekend, and I'll see you all again soon.

Cheerio for now

Linda

x

One card, two challenges ....... with a bit of help from the fairies

Evening everyone,

Hope you're all enjoying the Easter break.  Anyone overdone the chocolate yet?

It's been a lovely day here on the Isle of Man.  A bit chilly, but at least the sun was shining.  Could the weather finally be changing? Well British Summertime starts tomorrow so you would think we stand a chance. Fingers crossed eh!

It's also the last day of March tomorrow (yikes!!!) and I haven't done any blog challenges yet this month!  (Timmie tag is due tomorrow!!!)
There were quite a few new ones started at the beginning of this month which I really fancied giving a go.  One of them being the new Lavinia Stamps Challenge

I love Lavinia stamps, especially the fairies, and as soon as I heard about the challenge I knew exactly what I wanted to do.  The gorgeous Tree Goddess 'Luna' has been in my stash for a while but this is her first outing.

She was simply stamped using Onyx Black Versafine ink onto the side of a piece of white cardstock.  I used the Weeping Willow leaves to add the foliage.
I drew a circle onto the card with part of the Fairy inside, then using a craft knife I carefully cut out the circle and around the fairy.

On an 8x8 cardblank I marked where the cut out circle was to sit, then using my Distress Inks, some torn copier paper and a punched circle for the moon, I made a bit of a scene for Luna to look out on. 
This is where Challenge number 2 comes in ..........

Back in February, Craft Stamper magazine launched their own Take It, Make It Blog Challenge.  This is my favourite craft magazine ever (and that's not just because I won Craft Stamper of the Year a couple of years ago either!)  Every month it's full of fabulous projects, great tips and techniques, and loads of inspiration from the Design Team.  So, when they launched their challenge I had to give it a go.  It's taken me a while to get around to doing it I know, but better late than never.

The idea is you TAKE a specified technique, then you MAKE something using that technique - simples!
For their first challenge they chose a technique showcased in the March issue of the magazine ...... Faux Airbrushing

I gave this a go on the little background scene I created

and also did a touch on the sentiment strip across the bottom. 

To get the light, soft, speckled look you apply your Distress Inks with a soft sponge, using a pouncing or dabbing motion.  I used make-up sponges to do mine, you don't need to spend a fortune on special ones.
To finish off I added one of the small Lavinia fairies in the background along with some fairy dust.

I stamped the fairy's wings onto acetate, then attached them to the card to add a bit of dimension.   I used a gemstone to hide the dab of glue, then added lots of Glamour Dust - well a fairy needs a bit of sparkle.

A bit of matting and layering and some paper roses finish the whole thing off.

Oh well, that's two challenges done.  There's still a few on my list though.

Don't forget to put your clocks forward tonight.  At least it'll stay light a bit longer tomorrow so who knows, I may just manage a couple more.

Thanks for popping by this evening.  Enjoy the rest of the long weekend.

Cheerio for now

Linda

x

Happy Easter!

Hi everyone,
I don't do Easter cards but I just thought I'd share my Easter ATC that I made for the new monthly swap over on Julie's Blog
This little Penny Black bunny is soooo cute - I couldn't resist putting the pom pom on his tail (sweet!)

ATC's were something else I didn't do up until recently, but now I've started, they're so much fun.  Easter was the theme for March, next month it's Sunshine and Showers.  Hmmmm ......... wonder if that can be snow showers.  Most of the hills and countryside over here still looks like something off a Christmas card. 
In fact, when we took Lauren and Alex to the airport on Wednesday morning it was snowing.  There was just a bit coming down in Douglas but by the time we got  to Ronaldsway airport we were in a blizzard. 

Driving home from the airport

It didn't last long though - IOM weather = changeable to say the least.

Wednesday afternoon I should have been in my craft room but, I got a phone call from hubby at work saying an email had been sent round, asking for volunteers to go up on the mountains and help the farmers look for their sheep lost in the snow.  Stephen said he was going and did I want to go with him.  So I dug out my thermals and my hiking boots, layered up and off I went.
I didn't know quite what to expect, but I was shocked by the amount of snow that was actually up there. The mountain road has been closed for a couple of weeks and now I know why.  Some of the drifts were over 6 foot deep where we were, and it was soooo cold.  It actually snowed again while we were up there.

270 sheep had been found the day before.  The farmers have certainly got their work cut out, it was a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack.  Everywhere was just white .....

 

Hubby wrapped up warm

........ and the snow was so deep.
Some of the road had been cleared part way, so that tractors could get down there but most of the time you couldn't see any of it. 

As you can see, eventually the skies did clear and the sun came out.  It was beautiful up there, but still flippin' cold!

There must have been about 70-80 people up there looking but unfortunately we didn't find any sheep or lambs alive. It's so sad to think that they're still out there. 
It was a case of just covering ground, poking the snow with a long stick, and if you felt any holes or ridges, then dig to see if anything was down there.   Some people did have a bit more luck than us.  About 20 sheep were spotted over the other side of the mountian which was good news.
There's still a lot out there though, it's going to take days to find them all.  And it's going to be a while before the moutain road is open again.  It's only about 8 weeks before the TT, when bikes are going down there at speeds of over 120 mph.  Lets hope the weather changes soon.

Thanks for popping by today.  Sorry there hasn't been much craft on here lately - I'm rubbish I know!  Hopefully this weekend will see a change to that - my Tim Tag really needs doing! 

I'll be posting on the Creative Studios DT Blog later today, and tomorrow (if I get a wriggle on) I'll be posting on the Craftwork Cards DT Blog with some of the new Dolly Mixtures range.  Busy day ahead.

Have a lovely Easter - not too many chocolate eggs though!

Cheerio for now.

Linda

x

Keep Warm and Craft!

Hellooooo,

Not quite 100%, but I'm getting there.  The nasty tummy bug that hitched a ride home with me last weekend has finally moved out - I think! (I hope!).

After my 4 day crafty-licious long weekend, I spent most of last week fit for nothing.   I generously passed the bug on to the other half though, (I'm nice like that, I was brought up to share), so I also played nursemaid for a couple of days (he was far worse than I was though - of course!!)
Anyway, Stephen's gone back to work today, I've got Lauren and my delicious Grandson Alex to keep me busy for a couple of days ........ it's wear a silly hat day today ........

And I've got lots of new craft goodies to play with later in the week. Yes, I'm feeling better, finally.

I did do my regular DT posts last week - Indigo Blu and Creative Studios but that was about it. 
I did have a fabulous trip across to the UK though - I always do.  When I get over we just carry on from where we left off -  it's like I've never been away. 

The Indigo Blu Retreat was so much fun.  Watch out on the website for dates of the next one. 

Look at our posh aprons ........ part of our Goody Bag this time.

Here we are, busy in Sarah's workshop - art journaling.  I only managed 4 pages, must have been doing too much of the old chit-chatting!! 

Not having tried this before, I wasn't quite sure where I was going with it.  Now I've made a start though, I just want to carry on.

We also made this beautiful box frame with Sarah, using the In Stitches stamp set from Indigo Blu ......

The second day was spent with Kay, creating this gorgeous frame ........

We did so many different techniques throughout the day.  More details can be found in my DT post.

We did think (or hoped) we were going to get snowed in on the Thursday but unfortunately the snow didn't stick!  Just as well really, as we wouldn't have got to Harrogate then I suppose.

It was lovely to see everyone at the GNPE, old friends and new ones.  It was nice to finally meet up with Blog and Facebook friends - Avril, Jane, and Linda.  Sorry to have missed a few of you that were there - next time!!  I'm terrible though, I never spot people in a crowd unless they're two inches from my face.  Too busy chatting again I think. 
We had a lovely day, spent a fortune as usual then off we went over to Diane Reavley's place - Art from the Heart (well, it would have been rude not to, seeing as I'd gone all that way). 

I had to have the new colours in the Dylusions inks, and the Tim Holtz stamps are a set I've been after for ages and somehow they found their way into my shopping basket.  Oh well, broke again!  Need to start saving up now for Ally Pally.  We're off down there 2 weeks on Friday so I've not got long!  I'll never be rich, but at least I'll have loads of stuff to keep me busy.

It's nice to be back in the land of Blog again - I've missed you all.   Hopefully I can get back in the old craft room this week and then I'll have something to blog about.

Thanks for popping by today, it's nice to know you haven't forgotten me. 
Take care, and stay warm.  Our snow has nearly all gone but I know some parts of the UK have still got it bad.  Keep Warm and Craft is what I say.

Cheerio for now

Linda

x

It's only words ........

Happy Thursday everyone!

Yes, I'm back from my latest crafty adventure ........ more about all that later.

Wow!  What a fabulous response we had to the first Indigo Blu Forever 21 Blog Challenge.  Thank you so much to everyone that took part, we had some stunning entries.  Well done to all of you, but as you know there can only be one winner.   Mr random.org did his magic stuff last night, and the number he came up with was ..... number 7

Congratulations! to Minxy ....... our first winner.  You're going to be getting your hands on that mahoosive prize.  Enjoy all your goodies.

Now on to this months challenge.  The theme for the Forever 21 Challenge #2 is .......

WORDS AND PHRASES

Same rules as last time .....

Entry must feature Indigo Blu stamps only

Only one entry per person

Enter the challenge via Mr Linky at the bottom of the blog post - challenge closes at 8.00pm on the 20th April

Winner will be chosen at random by random.org

Simples!

Here's what I came up with, hopefully to give you a little inspiration .......

For those of you that follow my blog, you'll already know I love my tags.  And, a current favourite thing I like to do, is to add the hinged bit at the bottom. 

My inspiration for this project came from an article by the lovely Hels Sheridan, in the March edition of Craft Stamper Magazine.

I loved the bright colours that she used - not what I would usually put together so I thought I'd give it a go.

I cut my tag shape from a piece of manilla cardstock (approx. 3.5inches by 7inches).  It's then been coloured using Picked Raspberry, Ripe Persimmon and Picket Fence Distress Stains.  The colours have been put onto a craft sheet then the tag has been swiped through the inks to create a marbled effect.

Once this was dry I stamped the background, using the script from Sarah's Choice in Picked Raspberry Distress ink, and the Itsy Bitsy Backgrounds stamped in Black Archival.

I stamped the bottom of the tag with the gorgeous lace stamp from the Mr Darcy set, again in black.

I then cut the bottom 2 inches off the tag and punched three holes, for the jump rings.

From the main part of the tag I cut out a heart using one of the Tim Holtz Alterations Movers and Shapers dies.  I covered a piece of white card with some of the Washi tape and placed it behind the cut out, to add a bit more interest.

My words came from the new 'B.F.F.' stamp set.  I've taken the 'friendship' sentiment and stamped it, using the Flitter Glu and Flakes, onto black card.  I've then cut out the two large words.  The stamping onto the white card was a little more tricky because there's no room to cut around the words.  You need to stamp this a couple of times, and the easiest way is to ink your stamp using markers.  That way you only ink the words you need, leaving lots of space to cut them out.

I stamped my favourite image from the Mr Darcy set, and added a touch of colour to her using the same Distress colours from earlier ............ isn't she pretty!

A paper flower in her hair, a bit of matting and layering, and the odd spot of doodling with a white gel pen finishes off the tag. 
Ialso coloured some vintage seam binding with the Distress Stains so that my ribbon would match the tag perfectly.

Why not pop over to the DT Blog for more fabulous inspiration from the rest of the Indigo Blu Belles.

Feeling inspired?  You have until 8.00pm on 20th April to get your entries in. Good luck!

There's another fabulous prize up for grabs.  This time it's your choice of Indigo Blu stamps - wow!
You can choose one of the following options .....
1.   2 large stamp plates (A5 size)
2.   4 small stamp plates (A6 size)  or
3.   1 large and 2 small stamp plates

How good is that!   Happy crafting!

Linda

x

I'm off again!

Relax ......and ...... breathe .......

Helloooo,

From a beautiful Isle of Man.  It's a bit chilly out there but the sun is shining.  A little different from the weekend ....... Saturday it rained nearly all day, and this is what I woke up to on Sunday .....

Yep! Snow!  Only on the mountains though.  I know parts of the UK are covered again.  If that's you - stay safe and warm.  I'm flying across there tomorrow, brrrrr....... I've packed my thermals along with the craft stuff. 
I've got 4 days of sheer bliss coming up, so I don't really care about the weather (just as long as I get there!)  Susan is meeting me at the airport and then we're off!  Starting with 2 days on the Indigo Blu Secret Retreat.  Then it's off to Harrogate on Saturday with the girls, for the GNPE.  And rounding it all off on Sunday is a Cricut workshop with the fabulous Mel Heaton.  Relaxing long weekend ........ I don't think so. 

This week's been a bit of a rush too.  I've been busy getting  DT samples finished before I go away.  I just about managed it by the end of last night.  They were all boxed up and put in the post this morning, now it's just me I have to worry about.  Ironing is next on the list - oh joy!, then packing tomorrow morning. 
My craft stuff is already packed, so the old craft room is now CLOSED.  There's not that much room left in my suitcase for clothes, but hey, I'll manage.

Here's a little look at some of the things that I put in the hands of the Royal Mail this morning.  I had my Craftwork Cards hat on yesterday and I made a few samples using some of their lovely new products. Hopefully these will arrive in time for the show at the weekend ..........

One of the pretty new heart wreaths - love the nice bright colours.......

A couple of quick and easy cards made using the new Fusion papers and the Kraft Flowers...........

And one of the brand new tunnel cards ......

 .......... soooo cute!

All the products can be found on the Craftwork Cards Website.  Or, why not pop along to the GNPE this weekend and treat yourself to some new stash there.  Go on, you deserve it! 
Tickets will be available to purchase on the door, and if you see me grabbing a bargain (or two, or three, or four .......!) you will say Hi! won't you.

Is that the ironing pile I hear calling - no it's just the washing machine telling me the next lots done.  Oh well, the sooner I make a start, the sooner it will all be finished!  And, I would like to spend a little bit of time with hubby tonight, before I leave on my latest trip.

As I'll be busy getting all inky and things on Friday and I haven't had any time to schedule a post, you won't find me on the Creative Studios DT Blog this week (sigh!).  Sam has kindly given me the day off!
I will be posting as usual on the Indigo Blu DT Blog tomorrow though.   Shhhh ........ don't tell anyone but here's a sneaky peek .........

This is my favourite stamp from the new Mr Darcy stamp set and the inspiration for this little project came from the March issue of Craft Stamper Magazine.  Pop over to the DT Blog tomorrow and all will be revealed.

Thanks for popping by today.  It'll be next week before I see you again.  Don't worry I'll fill you in on all the details and I'll try and remember to take some pictures.

Have a lovely weekend won't you.  I going to enjoy mine (big smile!)

Cheerio for now

Linda

x

Quick Post

Happy weekend everyone,

Hope it's a good one.

Just a quickie this morning - I know, I know,  I'm hopeless at the moment.  Too much to do, and not enough time to do it in.  I will book these little trips across to the UK! and with visitors the last two weekends I haven't had as much craft time as usual.

First of, welcome to my latest follower.  It's always nice to have a new face along.  Thanks for taking the time to join me on my crafty journey.  I will try and pop over to your blog at some point, I promise.

I know I haven't been commenting as I should recently, on all your blogs - guilty as charged I'm afraid. Sorry!  I have been popping over there though for a quick peek, every now and again.  I don't want to miss anything!  Once my next little trip is over, things should calm down a bit - for a couple of weeks at least.  I'll do a big catch up with you all then.

I'm busy at the moment with DT stuff.  Yesterday was my regular post on the Creative Studios DT Blog.  Sam's designed some more new stamps and I've been lucky enough to have a play ...... here's a sneaky peek at this weeks project ......

Keep your eyes open too for another new addition on the website ....... sshhh .... can't say anymore than that at the moment (new stamp set ..... hint, hint!)

I've also been busy making Indigo Blu samples for the NEC.  This is some of what came out of the old craft room yesterday ......

Love this stamp, it's from one of the latest releases - Mr. Darcy.  You can find it here on the Indigo Blu website.  The sentiment is also from a new set - 'B.F.F.'

Something a little different from the same stamp set .....

How true is that phrase ......  you can't beat a nice bottle of red, shared with friends.

Well, I've still lots to do this weekend.   I'm hoping to get a bit of retail therapy today though - I think hubby should start making things up to me, seeing as how he temporarily forgot my birthday, don't you.

Have a lovely weekend.  Happy Mother's Day too. 
I hope all you crafty mums out there have a really special day, and that you all get well and truly spoiled! 

Cheerio for now

Linda

x

Time to catch up .....

Forgive me Bloggers for I have sinned .........

It's been 7 days since my last blog post.  Where has the time gone?  I'll tell you where it's gone .........
we had another visitor at the weekend.  My good friend Sue was over from the UK, and boy was she determined to have a good time!
She arrived first thing Friday morning, and we didn't stop until she flew back to the UK on Monday morning! We had a fabulous weekend.  Any of you who are friends on Facebook will have already seen what we've been up to, but to cut a rather long story short, I think she had a ball!  She's already planning a return trip - soon!

I won't go into too much detail (we'd be here for the rest of the week).  Let's just say we couldn't have crammned more into the weekend if we tried. There was lots of laughing, chatting and catching up (obviously!).  We hit the shops and did the old purses some damage (well Sue did anyway!).
Lots of eating, and drinking went on.  And a shed load of sightseeing - we went all round the island on Saturday.  We started from Douglas and went up to Laxey, to see the Great Laxey Wheel.  Had coffee and a rather large piece of cake, in the lovely tea rooms there.

picture from google.com

Then off up to Ramsey and called in my favourite shop.  Lovely hubby bought us both a small gift in there - bless him!  Then it was off up to the Point of Ayre, the northern tip of the island.

From there it was down to Peel, and a walk around the castle.

picture from Wiki

The seal even popped his head up and said 'hello', which was nice.  Then it was on to Niarbyl, one of hubby's favourite spots.  It is rather beautiful down there, very peaceful.

Then it was down to the Sound, and the Calf of Man, the southern tip of the island.

picture from Wiki

Eveytime we've been in the past it's been blowing a gale but this weekend it was lovely.  We walked out to the cliff edge, and just watched the sea, beautiful!
We ended up back in Douglas and finished the day off with fish and chips from the best chip shop on the island (in my opinion anyway, and now Sue's too)  Port Jack - perfect!

Sunday we spent walking in Groudle Glen, (thought we'd better after the fish and chips)

and finished off with a mahoosive chinese banquet (more food!).  We spent a lovely evening meeting up with some more friends of Sue's who also live on the island (small world!).

But, back to normal now.  Busy, busy, busy!  I'm playing catchup for the rest of this week, I've got the usual 'to do' list, (as long as my arm), and I'm going away for a few days next week so most of it has to be done before I go - eeeek!
I did manage to squeeze in a Mother's day card for Stephen's mum.  Well I couldn't not really after the beautiful bouquet she had delivered for my birthday on Tuesday

Which by the way, hubby FORGOT!!!!  But that's another story.  He did eventually remember, before lunchtime.  Don't worry, he's going to pay for this one!  He took me for a lovely meal on Tuesday evening but that's no where near made up for his brief memory loss.  I feel a small(ish!) shopping trip at the weekend maybe (haha).

Anyway, enough of all that, on to the craft.  Here's the Mother's Day card ....... It's a variation of one I did for the Indigo Blu show on Create and Craft 

Isn't the stamp just beautiful, Elizabeth Bennet- it's one of my favourites from the latest Indigo Blu releases.
She's been stamped onto vellum using brown Stazon and I've added a touch of colour on the back.  I've also done a touch of parchment craft (don't laugh!) on the flowers.

Not quite sure whether it's right or not but I think it's turned out ok.
I've finished off with lots of flowers and vintage seam binding ......

And I also decorated the inside ......

The origianl card I did is on the Indigo Blu DT blog with full details.  If you've not already seen it, you can find it here
She's so pretty, I almost don't want to give her away.  She's going to a good home though!

Well I'd better get back to the old craft room, things to do.  I'm working on some samples for Kay to take to the NEC later in the month.  If you're lucky enough to be going to the craft show you may just see them on the stand.  If you fancy a look before then though, pop over to the Indigo Blu DT Blog, I posted a couple on there yesterday.

Thanks for popping by today.  Hopefully I'll be back again before the end of the weekend.
Have a great day.

Cheerio for now

Linda

x