Away with the Fairies

Hello again,
I couldn't decide what to do for this weeks Blog challenge over at Less is More.http://simplylessismoore.blogspot.com/  The theme this week is One Layer cards and you had to use Script.  My problem was I'd already used a script stamp on last weeks entry, so I was hoping to come up with something a little different. Not sure if I achieved that completely or not, the script is still used as the background. See what you think.
I like doing one layer cards.  You need to think a little bit before you start, how you want your images to look when the card is finished. It doesn't have to look flat, you can add a lot of depth and make it look like there's multiple layers by using masks.  Decide what you want at the front of your design, stamp this first, make a mask to cover your image then stamp over the mask with what you want in your background.  Remove the mask and the first stamped image is at the front - clever.  There's no limit to how many masks you can use, it depends on how many 'layers' you want.
I ended up making two cards and then I couldn't decided which one to go with, so I've entered both.

For this card with the cat on, I used 4 masks.  First I cut a circle in the middle of some paper, used the outer piece (mask 1) as a stencil to ink through to give me the circle in the middle of the card.  I also used a smaller circle (mask 2) inside the big one, to give me the moon.  I then covered over the large circle (mask 3), tore a piece of paper big enough to cover top and bottom of my card leaving a strip across the middle and placed this (mask 4) over the top of the circle mask.  I  then stamped the script across the centre of my card, over the masks, and used some Distress Ink along the edges to give a bit of definition.  Once all the masks were removed, I used my fabulous Lavinia stamps to create the scene.  Once it was all finished it looks as though there's 3 layers, when really there's only one.

The second card was a little easier as I only used the one mask, but created the look of  layers by using distress inks to colour, then splashed a little water over the top and removed some of the ink with a paper towel, and then added the leaf and swirl stamp at the top.  I think the fairy on this card is gorgeous, she's one of my favourites.

I do love my fairies, I have them at the bottom of the garden you know!!!  When we moved across to the Isle of Man one of the first things I wanted to see was the 'Fairy Bridge'  According to folklore, this is a place where some of the little people of the island choose to hide away.  It's considered bad luck to pass over the bridge without saying 'Hello' to the fairies that are there.  Some people even write messages to them and pin them on the nearby trees.  It's so funny because when we first came over here we had to remind each other to say it, now we just say 'Hello' to them without even thinking about it when we go across the bridge.  When the kids are over here they do it too!  So, if ever you're in the Isle of Man, remember to say 'Hello Fairies' if you cross Fairy Bridge, you may get a little Fairy Magic!

Fairy Bridge on the A5 at Santon

Well, that's it for today. I don't think I'll get to spend much time in my Craft room this week, apart from cleaning it up.  I need to get things ready for going across to the UK on Friday. At least we're going in the car this time, on the ferry, so luggage isn't an issue.  I can't wait to see the kids and my beautiful Grandson. We've haven't seen him since January.

Have fun, whatever you're up to.

See you all again soon.

Linda

x

It's all Black and White

Brrrr!  We had a frosty start over here this morning, so I decided to snuggle in my craft room and carry on where I left off yesterday.
Same Clarity stamp but this time I went for the old black and white look, only I always like to add a dash of colour.  This is an old favourite style of mine and finds it's way into most of the stuff I do.  Hope you like it.

Here's a couple more examples of my black and white designs, the first one being Christmas cards I did last year.  Nice and simple stamped onto acetate, glitter added to the back and then mat onto white card to make it pop that bit more, a little dash of red for the festive season - classic!  Sorry for the quality of the pictures, I'm no photographer.  I'll have to try and get it so that the glitter and the finer details are easier to see.  Maybe a new camera is needed - hmm?

Penny Black rubber stamps

This was a card I sent off to one of the Craft magazines as a competition entry, I didn't win anything, but I believe it's been shown in one of the issues.  Again, quick and easy.  Just a little shading with distress ink to add the colour, and of course some sparkle added.

I love this Lavinia Cat Stamp - he minds me of my cat Spot!

Thanks for popping by
Linda

x