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