A little reminder for the CAS Mix Up Challenge .......

Hello again ........

I hope you've had a nice day.  It's been lovely here ..... cold, but at least the sun was shining.
And, I managed to get all my jobs done in town which was great.

It's time for a reminder about this month's CAS Mix Up Challenge.
It's the last challenge of the year,  the DT are having a break in December so that we can catch up on all our festive preparations.

The theme for November's challenge is ..... Oxidised Metal  and is hosted by Susan. 
We also have a fab Guest Designer too ...... Arlene (Sundaystamper Papercrafts) is joining in the fun so be sure to pop by and say Hello!

So ....... Oxidised Metal?  Have you tried this technique?  I must say, it was pretty new to me.
If you haven't tried it yet,  check out the CAS Mix Up Blog for links to some great video tutorials on how to create this fab finish.

I used Alcohol Inks onto silver mirri card, heat embossed with a clear powder, and then die cut my fir trees from the finished piece

I love the effect ..... not easy to photograph though!

I added a touch of crystal glitter to the tops of the trees.

To make the card I used a stencil with some white texture paste sprinkled with crystal glitter to create the snowy background.

I then die cut the trees again from white cardstock and layered the metal effect ones over the top.
I love this die (Memory Box) because it cuts out those gorgeous trees, and keeps the bottom part of the card attached allowing you to create little winter scenes.

I stamped my sentiment on the bottom and then attached the piece over my snowy background using foam pads, and then finsihed with a touch of glitter along the edge.

Here's another CAS design using an oxidised metal effect die cut ...... I think I'm hooked on this technique now!

I used a mop up piece of card from my stash for the background ....... it's simply Golden Glizt Delicata ink mopped up off my craft mat

I used a piece of gold mirri card and alcohol inks to create the oxidised metal effect, and then sprinkled on some Black Magic Embossing Powder from WOW!, just a little here and there, before swiping over the whole thing with a Versamark pad and heat embossed again using a clear powder this time

I then die cut the stag from the card, and again from white card and then layered them together and attached them to my card front usng foam pads

Here's a close up of the embossing powder ...... note the added red nose too!

A sprinkling of Chunky White Embossing Powder on the background and a simple sentiment

I'm linking up this card with the Happy Little Stampers CAS Challenge, where the theme is ..... 'tis the Season

I hope you give the Oxidised Metal Effect a try, it really is fun to do.

Thanks for popping by ..... enjoy the rest of your day, and have a lovely weekend.

I've got a Christmas workshop tomorrow, and then we're out in the evening ...... dinner in town followed by a 'surprise' birthday gathering.
Things are starting to get a little busy now in the run up to the festive season, so the Christmas workshop is a little earlier than normal.  Here's a sneaky peek at the project ......

Cheerio until next time ........

Products used:
Card 1
Stamps: Christmas Cheer (Penny Black T for Transparent); Christmas Sentiments(Inkylicious)
Inks:  Delicata - Golden Glitz; Alcohol inks (Ranger) - Patina, Mermaid, Pebble
Others: Silver Mirri card; Alpine Trees die (Memory Box); Falling Snow stencil (Sweet Pea Designs); White Texture Paste; Fine Crystal Glitter

Card 2
Stamps: Christmas Sentiments(Inkylicious)
Inks: Delicata - Golden Glitz (mop up); Versafine Clair - Nocturne;  Alcohol inks - Terracotta, Slate, Sepia, Raisin
Others: Gold Mirri card, Stag die (not sure what brand this is ... sorry!); Chunky White Embossing Powder(Stampendous); Cranberry Stickles Glitter Glue

Last time today ...... honest! Time for the CAS Mix Up Challenge ........

Hello there ..... me again!

It's the last time today ...... I promise!

Are you ready for November's CAS Mix Up Challenge ...... we've got a fabulous technique for you to use this month.
Hosted by the lovely Susan, the theme is ......... OXIDISED METAL

If you're not familiar with this technique, and I must admit it's new to me, pop over to the CAS Mix Up Blog and check out the links on there to some great videos showing how to use this fun technique.

I used a piece of gold mirri card (not something I use very often these days), and I created the oxidised look using Alcohol inks

I applied a few drops of the alcohol inks directly onto the card and then used a felt applicator tool to move the colours around.

Once the inks were dry I ran the mirri card through my Big Shot using a pretty 3D embossing folder.

I then gently swiped a black Stazon ink pad over the top of the embossed design to bring out the detail even more

And finished off with a touch of embossing powder sprinkled along the edges and heated from underneath.

I stamped my sentiment onto the bottom of a piece of white card and then attached the oxidised mirri card on the top ......

We have a fabulous Guest Designer this month ....... Arlene (Sundaystamper Papercrafts) is joining in the fun so be sure to pop by and say Hello.

Well, that's it from me ....... for today anyway! 

Thanks for popping by, enjoy the rest of your day and have a lovely weekend.
I'm hoping for a quiet one ..... just for a change!

Cheerio until next time ......

Products used:
Stamps: Beautiful Heart sentiment set (Penny Black) 
Inks: Versafine Clair - Nocturne; Delicata - Golden Glitz; Alcohol inks - Patina, Pebble, Sepia; Stazon ink - Black
Others: Gold mirri card; 3D embossing folder - Trailing Time (Sheena Douglass); WOW! Embossing Powder - Black Magic

We're having a Uniko Blog Hop .........

Good morning!

Happy weekend!  Lets get things started with a fun Blog Hop.

As August is a non new release month from Uniko, we're having one of our Revisit Blog Hops.
This is where we put a previoulsy released stamp set, sometimes with matching dies or even a stencil, into the spotlight again, and showcase a few new ideas.
This month it's the turn of ....... BIG & BOLD Wish, the clear stamp set and the matching Designer Dies

I do love large sentiments and words.  They're great for making a real statement with your cards.  And when they come with matching dies ....... there are so many possibilities.

One of my favourite techniques using dies is inlaid die cuts, it's also a quick and easy way of making two cards from the one die cut.

I found a nice rainbow coloured piece of YUPO paper in my stash, coloured using Alcohol Inks and left over from a previous project.

I'd simply swiped the alcohol inks across the YUPO paper and then spritzed over the top using Blending Solution.

I die cut the word from the centre, making sure to keep all the loose bits from around each letter, and then set this aside for later.
I also cut the word from plain white cardstock

The white version was then inlaid into the coloured YUPO, replacing the coloured bits from in between the letters (the w and the s)

I stamped the rest of my sentiment onto a snippet of white card using one of the stamps from the matching set and attached it underneath the inlaid die cut

Sparkly gems and a few glitter stars add the finishing touches.

And don't forget the twofer .......

I die cut the word from plain white cardstock, and layered the coloured one on the top for a little dimension.  I also die cut the shadow (which also comes in the matching die set) from white card and attached this underneath.

The word was then attached to the centre of a square card and the rest of the sentiment stamped above and below

And that's it ...... two quick and easy cards.  I love the splash of colour.

As it's a Blog Hop there's a prize up for grabs.
The lucky winner will receive ...... the BIG & BOLD Wish clear stamp set AND the matching Designer Dies!!

All you have to do to be included in the draw is comment on each of the blogs as you hop on through. 
You've probably arrived here from Julie's Blog and the next stop from here will be the lovely Lindsey You have until midnight (GMT) on Saturday 24th August to get your comments in.

Happy Hopping!

Bev

  Carol  

Izzy 

Jane 

Julie

Linda (that's me)

Lindsey

Sarah G

 Wiebke 

Thanks for popping by ......... have a great weekend.
Hubby and I are off to the Gaiety Theatre this afternoon, to see Singing in the Rain.

Apparently it's amazing. The reviews have been fantastic, and I'm so looking forward to seeing it. 
We're off to the matinee, followed by an early dinner in Wine Down.  It's not often I get dinner and a show!
Did you know, it's International Pinot Noir Day tomorrow and to celebrate our favourite little eatery is serving a special dinner this evening ...... they don't open on a Sunday!
4 delicious courses, each paired with a different style of Pinot Noir, and a glass of pink bubbly on arrival.  I do like a nice glass of red ..... especially when there's venison on the menu.  Cheers!

Cheerio until next time .......

Products used:
Stamps: BIG & BOLD Wish clear stamp set (Uniko)
Inks: Versafine Clair - Nocturne; Alcohol Ink Pearls - Deception (pink) Alchemy (yellow) Splendor (orange) & Sublime (green); Blending Solution
Other: YUPO cardstock; BIG & BOLD Wish Designer Dies (Uniko); Clear gems; Die cut stars; Glitter Glue

Life is better in flip flops! ......

Happy Thursday .......

I hope you've had a nice day.
The rain from yesterday seems to have disappeared which is good, however the forecast for weekend is not so good.  Typical ...... the schools finish tomorrow for the long summer break. Lets hope the weekend is just a blip!
I think I'm still in holiday mood though ..... it's been a tough week trying to get back into the swing of things, but I think I'm almost there.

It's time for a little reminder of this months CAS Stencil Challenge ........

Hosted by the lovely Cathy, our theme this month is all about Alcohol Inks and Alcohol Lift

Alcohol Inks are so much fun to use, and the lift technique works so well with stencils.
Why not give them a go and play along with the challenge.
Check out the links on the challenge blog to some great video tutorials on how to use these inks .... and then have some fun!

Told you I was still in the holiday mood ........ totally agree with this sentiment.  I love my flip flops!!!

I've used my Alcohol Pearls again, on YUPO paper, to create the background.
I applied a few drops of colour onto a felt pad applicator and then swiped the colour across the YUPO

I then used a Tim Holtz stencil and the Alcohol Ink Lift Re-inker to add the sunrays ...... a few drops of the re-inker onto a craft mat, picked up with a sponge applicator tool and then lightly dabbed over the stencil to remove the colour.  Less is more with this technique ..... if you have too much of the Lift ink on your sponge  it will seep underneath your stencil spoiling the design.
Remove the stencil and blot the design with a paper towel ...... DON'T RUB!!  Repeat this a few times to make sure all the excess ink and colour has been removed.  When your paper towel is coming up clean then you can rub over the design to give it a nice finish.

I stamped the sentiment using Archival Ink and framed my sunset efore attaching it on to my card.

I stamped the little flip flops, and heat embossed before colouring them using ZIG Markers.  They were then die cut and attached onto the frame ...... cute or what!

I'm also linking this up to the CAS Mix Up Challenge.  The theme this month is Alcohol Lift Ink so this definitely fits the bill.
Alcohol Ink Lift - check!  Stamping - check! and my choice element ..... die cutting - check!

Thanks for popping by ..... enjoy the rest of your day.
Things are definitley getting back to normal around here ........ I'm off to climb make a start on the mountain of ironing that's appeared.  I'm sure we didn't take that many clothes away on holiday!!

Cheerio until next time ......

Products used:
Stamps: Flip Flop Life stamps and matching die (Newton's Nook)
Inks: Alcohol Pearls - Alchemy (yellow), Splendor (orange), Deception (pink); Alcohol Ink Lift Re-inker; Black Archival; Versamark (for the flip flops)
Others: YUPO paper; Sunray Stencil (Tim Holtz); Gold Embossing Powder (WOW!); ZIG Markers; Stitched Frame Die; Jewel Drops (Nuvo)

Time for a little alcochol .... inks that is

Happy Thursday .....

And a Happy 4th July to all you followers across the pond.  I hope you have a great day ..... enjoy your holiday celebrations

Before I leave for our little family trip, there's just time to tell you about this month's CAS Stencil Challenge.
Our host for July is Cathy, and what a theme we have for you .......... Alcohol Inks/Alcohol Lift

If you're like me and love Alcohol Inks but you just don't use them enough, well now's your chance.
Get out those little bottles of inky gorgeousness, your favourite stencils ......... and have some fun!

I've used the Alcohol Ink Pearls from Tim Holtz, onto YUPO paper.
These pretty inks came out a little while ago ......... they're just like the regular Alcohol Inks but, these give a soft pearlescent finish. Not sure it comes across in the photos that well though .....

I simply dropped a few colours onto the YUPO paper, added a little bit of Blending Solution into the mix, and then let the inks do the work.

Once it was all dry I took my floral stencil and laid it onto the YUPO, securing it with a little stencil tape.
I then put some of the Alcohol Lift Re-inker onto a foam applicator and gently dabbed it through the stencil design.  Less is definitley more with this, and be gentle.  Too much ink and it will seep underneath your stencil.  Also it's a good idea to keep cleaning the foam by dabbing it onto a paper towel, especially when you move on to a different colour.

You will see the design slowly getting lighter as you remove the alcohol ink.  Once your happy with it, remove the stencil.
Using a clean paper towel gently dab over the design to remove more of the alcohol ink.  At this stage DON'T RUB ...... just gently dab over the design, making sure to use a clean part of the paper towel as you move around the design.
Once all the ink has been removed and your paper towel comes away clean, then you can gently buff over the top to polish the ink.

I added a frame using a stitched border die cut ......

and a simple sentiment with a few sparkly gems to finish off .......

I hope I've inspired you to play along with this month's challenge ...... if you're still not sure check out the CAS Stencil challenge blog where you'll find links to some great videos on how to use Alcohol Inks and the Lift technique.
You'll also find more great designs on there from the rest of the Design Team.  And, you can meet our newest member.  The lovely Viv from Viv's Visuals has joined the CAS Stencil Team ..... welcome to the family Viv!

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

It's been a busy one here already.  Nails done, trip into town for a little last minute shopping, the bank done, post office, a quick coffee with Lauren and that was all before lunchtime!  Time to finish the packing now.

We're away first thing tomorrow ..... we're on the morning ferry across to the UK.  Let's hope the water's calm!
After a quick stop off to see the in-laws, we're driving down to Norfolk, where on Saturday, we pick up our boat.

Yes, we're messing about on the river ......... the Walmsley family are cruising the Broads again!
Aye Aye Captain!!!

Cheerio until next time .......

Products used:
Stamps: Simple Strips BBackground (Taylored Expressions) and matching die
Inks: Alcohol Ink Pearls - Deception (pink), Alchemy (yellow), Splendor (orange) & Sublime (green); Blending Solution; Delicata Golden Glitz for the sentiment; Alcohol Lift Re-inker
Others: Tim Holtz Floral stencil; YUPO paper; Crazy Double Stitched Rectangle Nesting Dies (STAMPlorations)

It's time for this month's Craft Stamper challenge .......

Happy Friday ......

It's the first Friday of the month and you all know what that means ...... yes, the latest copy of the Craft Stamper magazine hits the shelves today so ........ it's also time to get this month's Craft Stamper challenge underway.

As always the theme is Anything Goes ...... cards, tags, journal pages,  the list is endless.  Just remember ....... include some actual rubber stamping on your project and you're good to go.
You can enter up to three different projects into the challenge, but each one must have its own blog post. And speaking of blog posts, please keep to just the one project per post ..... thanks

We've got 2 fabulous prizes for you again this month ....... there's the regular Design Winner, chosen by the DT and they get their winning project published in the magazine along with a Winner's Profile and a GD spot. 
And there's also our monthly, randomly chosen, Challenge Winner.  What a treat we have for them this month ...... they will receive the brand new Alcohol Lift-Ink Pad and Re-inker!!!

If you haven't already tried this brand new product, you have to give it go ..... it amazing!!!

Like I said,  you NEED to try this.  It's a whole new way of using your Alcohol Inks and you'll love it!  I do ..... the effects are fantastic.
Use it like you would any ink pad onto your stamps, stamp your image and lift off the alcohol ink leaving your image behind, a bit like the ghosting effect.  Without cleaning your stamp, stamp the image again straight onto normal cardstock and voila!....... such a pretty effect, and no wasting the alcohol ink.  How clever is that!!

See what I mean ........ I've used the Alcohol Lift-ink for my inspiration piece  ....... see what you think

I applied various colours of Alcohol Ink onto a piece of YUPO paper (mainly shades of blues on this one) and used a blending tool to spread the ink around and cover the card.  I spritzed a little bit of blending solution on there too, just to help move the ink around.

Once I was happy with the background I left it to dry.

I inked up my stamp (You Are Forever Beautiful from Unity Stamps) using the Alcohol Lift-Ink and then stamped the pretty floral image across two of the corners of my coloured panel .....

Without cleaning the ink off the stamp, I stamped again, this time onto a piece of regular white cardstock ....... how pretty does this look

Use a clean paper towel to remove any ink residue from the coloured panel ...... lightly dab away first, using a clean piece of towel each time you dab, then once all the ink has been carefully removed, buff over the image to make it really pop!

Remember .... each time you lift the alcohol ink, have a piece of cardstock ready to stamp your image again ...... don't waste all that gorgeous ink

I added a simple, layered die cut to the centre of both cards ...... and a touch of rubber stamping

and finished off with some sparkly sequins and a few dots of glitter glue

It's two for one really ..... both the same, but different if you know what I mean!

Check out the Craft Stamper Blog today for more inspiration from the rest of the Design Team.

Happy stamping!

Thanks for popping by .... enjoy your Friday, and have a lovely weekend.
We've got a BBQ planned tomorrow so I'm off now to marinade a lamb shoulder!  Let's hope the sun's back by then too!

Cheerio until next time ......