Sparkles Simple Stuff

'Somewhere Over The Rainbow'

2012-01-20T12:10:00.001+01:00

This week it has to be very colourful. So, a rainbow [of course!] Chalked background, with Octopode flowers

I thought the castle, from their digi stamp range, held by the 'you need hands' digi stamp, would come in useful. A touch of rain with diamond glaze.

Play Date Cafe Challenge #115

2012-01-19T15:03:00.002+01:00

Colours this week are Slate, Moss, Bark and Burlap. Not quite sure what Burlap is, but hope I have matched it.

Another favourite stamp by 'Stamps Happen' called Umbrellas - well, well lol

I embossed with gold powder, and coloured in with pro markers Sangria which I blended as this one is an aqua marker. The other three colours are Tan, Olive Green [closest to Moss !] and Cool Grey.
A few drops of diamond glaze for rain drops.
The words are from the Inkadinkado collection 'You Make Me Smile All Over'.
Finally two peel offs [sorry but I have to use them up and had to cover a smudge !!] and gold edging

The Octopode Factory Challenge

2012-01-16T17:44:00.002+01:00

This week the challenge is 'Stars' So here comes the Queen of stars
aka 'Queen of Hearts'

A glittery background only fit for a Queen and stars to surround her.

Shaky mushrooms as you would expect in the presence of such royalty

A bit of mo jo back

2012-01-03T15:57:00.001+01:00

A day of gale force winds and heavy rain, so, what better way to spend the day, but craft. I had lost the will to do anything crafty, but lying in bed first thing, with the wind and rain hammering on the windows, I came up with these ideas, although not new techniques.

So, out with tissue paper, bubble wrap, glimmer mists, moulds which I had made at sometime or other, beads and coloured flakes. Texture paste and things pressed into it before it dried.
All put together and here is what I made.
First one 'Dream'

Detail of the torso above

Not sure what I will do with them, but kept me out of trouble !!!

Play Date Cafe Challenge

2011-12-25T16:06:00.001+01:00

Cristmas colours, so cheating and publishing one of my wreaths, which I made with wool, wound round a polystyrene circle and decorated with beads

octopode challenge/Christmas

2011-12-24T15:10:00.002+01:00

So here are the Christmas cards I made from Octopode Factory digi images

So it must be Christmas

2011-12-14T17:25:00.002+01:00

I have got the 'bug' and made these bits and pieces

This is a Christmas tree made from a magazine inspired by Leelmills [google 'magazine Christmas tree]

These are place mats inspired by my Bessie

I sprayed them with my favourite paint Glimmer mist

Then the candles wrapped with meta,l and nailed on flowers which I used' rub&buff' on.

Lastly the three special cards

Hard to see, but I embossed white snowflakes, before adding 'Octopode' images

WISHING ALL WHO READS MY BLOG A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS

update !!

2011-12-10T14:02:00.001+01:00

Well, I haven't posted for ages. No mo-jo here but I have made these wreaths for my family. It was a bit of theraputice work, so can't be bad. Well, good for me, not sure for them lol but they can be hung in the loo!!!

Made from winding wool round a polystyrene circle - reminder to myself, must get some more circles!! Then decorated with beads, a charm star and Cuttlebugged metal

The Octopode Factory Chalenge

2011-11-19T08:48:00.001+01:00

Wings

A quick publish, as I have my Bessie staying and we are off out today [more on that later]

Octopode Factory challenge

2011-11-15T09:28:00.001+01:00

Swirls and Flourishes this week, so I cuttlebigged a swirl in silver card. Embossed that before attaching it to a piece of mountboard, which I had sponged with gold paint.
Marie Antoinette has swirls in her hair, so she seemed the obvious choice. Coloured in with pro markers, as were the flowers.
I admit to using a few peel offs [Nicks block your ears and eyes lol] but they need to be used.

PDCC #102

2011-11-10T15:36:00.001+01:00

Black, White and a splash of orange, so dusted off the Cuttlebug, and cut out these flowers from Tim Holtz die cut. A piece of black ribbon across the centre. I had to add sparkle as, some of you know, my knick name is Sparkles lol! Finaly a touch of orange embossing ink around the edges.

Octopode challenge

2011-11-07T15:42:00.001+01:00

Back from a few weeks in Scotland with my family, so buckled down to the octopode Challenge which is 'Friends'

Digi stamps of the owls sitting on a branch. A few gold circles, the leaves are frm a mask and I used a texture with glass beads in, at the corner.
The 'friends' stamp, I have had forever, but felt it came in useful for this.

Play Date Cafe Challenge #101

2011-09-29T17:41:00.002+02:00

Unfortunately, I missed the 100th challenge due to things going on here, So, this weeks is wine,grey, leather and parchment.

I have just been shown, by my Bessie, how to get digi stamps, so I sent for 'Octopode' Queens and she is the right colours - wine in the dress, together with leather in the dress and her goggles, and grey helmet. The tag is the parchment bit. The wheels are a Paper Artsy mini and the wheel at the top is a Tim Holtz metal one

Locks and keys challenge

2011-09-17T14:50:00.000+02:00

So here is Marie Antoinette with her locks and keys. Mounted on a piece of mountboard, covered with crumpled foil. The silver key and lock is stuck underneath, then, the foil is pasted over the top. Smooth the lock and key out with a paper stump [or your finger, but that is painful!] I cut these out on the Cuttlebug, and the two on top I painted with Viva, Ferro metal effect colour.
Glimmer misted over the top, and then stuck Her Mag. on.

Octopode Challenge

2011-08-26T09:05:00.000+02:00

Great 'Steampunk' this week, so here is Nipper Winston

I gave him some wings to help him fly !!

The Result of the workshop

2011-08-22T15:50:00.001+02:00

Sorry if people are wanting instant Challenge posts, just scroll down, please

This is how I have put together the tags we made at Pickleberry Papercafts workshop. We didn't have time to finish on Saturday, so, finished yesterday and today. All Utee items fixed to the tags

PDCC #95

2011-08-21T17:19:00.004+02:00

Eeeeer well, I did cheat a bit on this, as I wasn't well last week, had been in Norfolk, and went to Pickleberry Papercrafts workshop run by the VERY patient Jennie, from Artistic stamper. We played wit Utee and this bitterfly was among the items we made, and as it has lime green and pink in it, I decided it was perfect.

Friday octopode Challenge

2011-08-21T16:18:00.001+02:00

This one is 'Birds' So I used all the Octopode ones I have !!
The backround is Distress Stains and a few dabs of Viva paper soft colour which is used with a sponge.
The birds in the sky are one of my favourite stamps and you will have seen it many times.
So the theme is 'Love' as the beaks form a heart, and 'Share' as the rook has a fish charm in his beak.

My few days in Norfolk

2011-08-21T16:11:00.003+02:00

A great Saturday at Nicks, meeting up with Ejay, Madglad, KatherineT, Beryl and Fuchsia. A lot of laughs at the expense of two very funny ladies from up North.

and a very funny dog 'Marzie' We walked along the canal and, of course, she just had to go in the water. She had dry skins, so had to have Johnsons baby shampoo in the bath. She behaved very well, but it will be interesting to see what happens next time she is taken to the bathroom !

with the lovely Georgina

and it ended up as a good game with the towel She smelt quite sweet after all this so i was happy to give her a hug !

A lovely few days with my bessie even though a tummy bug hit me and then hit Matt too.

Back home to get ready for a Utee workshop on Saturday with Jennie Artistic Stamper. I haven't put it all together yet, but will doo soon. A fun day with 5 of us. A thankyou to Lesley [Dragon lady] for the lift. i appreciated it.

Octodode Friday Challenge

2011-08-06T17:12:00.002+02:00

Girls Girls Girls !!! This should really be next week as I am of to Norlolk to my very very best Bessie You may know her as Nicks - that's not what I call her at times lol

Anyway this is my challenge for this week. Distress inks which I sprayed with water. Octopode 'Dorothy' and 'Alice' and, of course, the 'Witch'

for Grls GirlsGrls

We all have a bit of naughtinesss in us !!!!

PDCC #93

2011-08-04T15:39:00.002+02:00

Wow happy colours, so out with the waxes again. Yo be truthful they were never put away. Still in the worktop in the kitchen lol

The fairy stamp is an encaustic stamp I got from Wakes Waxes where I get my waxes from. The bare branch is a Penny Black

Another Challenge

2011-07-31T14:35:00.002+02:00

So, yet another challenge, this time from Hels.

The theme is 'SUNSETS' so out came my waxes.

Thought to make this one magical

Love these Stampendous stamps. I use the ducks and birds a lot, so might have to replace, whe we go to Ally Pally.

The bottom one came out better. The bright yellow doesn't photograph well, which is a shame.

Octopode Challenge Summertime

2011-07-28T16:56:00.007+02:00

Yeah I know it's Thursday and the challenge is for Friday, but I crafted today, so killed two birds with one stone !

The theme is 'Summertime' and I was tempted to do something with an umbrella and rain, but then the sun can out this afternoon.

Alcohol inks sponged, again with baby wipes. I embossed grass at one corner, the button flower [Octopode] in the other, Stampendous birds and ducks before I stuck Alice [Octopode] on.

Although you can't see it here, I used Diamond Glaze on her hair, after colouring with pro markers.

The two little tags, I have had for ages, but don't know who they are made by as I lost the packet. Finishing off with fibre to make a hanging.

Play Date Cafe challenge#92

2011-07-28T14:24:00.003+02:00

Coral, Pale Pink and Antique Gold this week.

So I used mount board, which I dabbed with pink and gold alcoholinks, on baby wipes, edged in coral and found a piece of paper with these colours. The butterfly is from Artistic Stamper and I coloured in the circles with Inktense pencils.
Finally I found fibres all in pink, coral and gold which I threaded through the corners

Play Date Cafe Challenge

2011-07-23T13:52:00.001+02:00

A splash of colour, so again, an Octopode stamp 'Queen of Hearts'

First using a Penny Black stamp 'Bare Tree'
A heart cut out on the CuttleBug
A few red dots and line in the corners of the card

'Glinda'

2011-07-22T16:39:00.000+02:00

This is an Octopode stamp and I am adding her for the Friday challenge on the Octodode site.
I did send her to a very dear friend for her birthday, but as the challenge was for dots and spots, it seemed appropriate
The dots and spots are with Stazon jet black.
I first 'stroked' over distress ink onto the card, with baby wipes. Stamped Glinda and the Small Boy onto seperate card, coloured with promarks and mounted with sticky pads.
Finally glimmer misted flowers.

2011-07-22T16:38:00.000+02:00

'Tell Me A Story'

2011-07-17T14:55:00.002+02:00

This weeks Octopode theme is 'Once Upon A Time' which, to me is a fairy story, so I used the Queen of Hearts, and made her into a fairy.

PDCC

2011-07-17T14:50:00.000+02:00

Quite a challenge with these colours, but hope I have managed.

A T.Holtz embossing folder, one side which I managed to get upside down! But, that adds interest lol

This Hanging was for my Bessie Mate

2011-07-17T09:35:00.001+02:00

I hope she liked it !

Nicks Birthday, on July 11th
There was some waxing in this , but it hasn't shown up

A Hanging for my Grandson

2011-07-16T10:01:00.004+02:00

For Fins 8th Birthday He loves the 'Octopode' stamps, so they were perfect for this

Three Hangings I made recently

2011-07-16T09:47:00.001+02:00

This one I made for my youngest Grand daughter who's Birthday was in May and she 'likes pink' !!

Play Date Cafe challenge

2011-07-10T10:05:00.004+02:00

I am back and taking part in this weeks challenge.
Beautiful, soft colours, so I used Promarkers for this.
The stamp is one I have had for years, but, one that can be used for any occasion.
It is a 'Stamps Happen' stamp,always a foavourite company of mine

2011-07-08T14:24:00.002+02:00

2011-07-08T14:22:00.001+02:00

Here is my entry for 'Octopode' challenge called 'Time'

2011-07-06T21:40:00.003+02:00

This photo slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Hope you enjoy my pictures

So what have I been doing?

2011-06-09T17:52:00.001+02:00

Train journey up was perfect. Whew about time too. Free food and drink on East Coast rail, which was a surprise, but very welcome. An odd travelling companion who is a stand up comic and managed to get through two bottles of red wine ! No, that's taking the p**s out of the generosity afforded us!!

First two or three days were very warm and we thought Summer had arrived. Spent some time in the garden having lunch outside in the sun.

I had promised the girls, they could both have their hair cut, at the new salon in Inverness shopping centre, so off we went.

Freya had hers done first. She sat so still, with a look of pure concentration on her face! I think the hairdresser was a bit nervous, as I sat beside Freya watching. She need not have worried !

We had to go and buy new hair bands and clips for them

Next was Keira. She was so funny as she kept grinning from ear to ear.

As you can see she was very happy.
At 1o/c I went back and had mine re-styled !

Sunday was spent at Ullapool, as Nicki was involved in an art exhibition there.

A cup of hot chocolate at the Ceilidh Place

After time on the beach, we picked Nicki up, and went to a resturant where Fin and Freya had ENORMOUS pizzas. We didn't think Freya would eat all of hers - BUT - she ate the lot !!! Fin needed no prompting as he just loves pizza and his favourite place is the pizza place in Inverness. Think this is now his number one place !

A long day as it is quite a drive, but we all slept that night !

Ready for the off

2011-05-30T19:53:00.001+02:00

All packed and just about to try and close my case !!!

Now wondering what I can take out, but, for five weeks i can't think of anything lol.

Well I HAVE to be prepared for Summer, so cotton skirts are in there, together with jumpers and cardigans, leggins, jeans and socks lol

Ian sent my boots back, so will have to wear them back again, with strict instructions NOT to send them back to Kent again !!!

A rucksack with a book, biscuits and other essentials. My handbag with lots of rubbish, but needed.

So, tomorrow off to Scotland, to be with the family. Surely i will have an uneventful journey, unlike many times before.
Reports and photos will follow soon

Play Date Cafe Challenge #88

2011-05-26T14:40:00.000+02:00

I should be busy packing, seeing to my house plants, and a hundred other things, but couldn't resist this challenge.

Black, white and a splash of green

A black swirl to which I added a few sticky 'gems'.

The Tim Holtz flower die in black and white paper, to match the piece at the out edge, but emeerald green Promarker edging to the petals. A 'gem' sticker in the middle of the flower and just few green ones to fill up the gap.

Now, really am going to what I can possibly take OUT of my case lol

Our Family Day at Brogdale Farm

2011-05-24T15:19:00.003+02:00

Last Saturday, I was collected by Duncan and Chris, for a family lunch at Brogdale Farm. They have the National Fruit Collection there, and very often featured on TV. A farm shop,where I bought home made sausages. Thought I would have two for my tea last night lol SO big I couldn't finish them, so it will be just one next time !

Johns Brother, Wife, Daughter, her Husband and 6month old Roxy, who were over from Canda, were there, along with other Cousins and Aunts I haven't seen for a while.

This is baby Roxy.Isn't he a beauty?

He has made me a Great Aunt !!!

Here is a photo of my lovely Niece Laura, and her boyfriend, Jez. All I will say about him is 'a really nice fella and if I was her age I would fall in love too lol' We are having a meal here, which was fantastic. I had beef and ale pie !!! Not my usual thing, but thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thankyou all for a really lovely day

we have a woodpecker

2011-05-24T14:54:00.000+02:00

They have a nest in the apple tree. Very timid, but I managed to get a couple of photos, albeit they are a tad blurry!
There are babies in there, but the magpies are lurking, so they may not survive. Such a shame, as they work so hard.

Play date Cafe Challenge #81

2011-05-12T19:27:00.000+02:00

Lovely colours to work with again, so out came the Cuttlebug for Tim Holtz dies.

The umbrella man is cut in mauve and i used the stamp from Katzelkraft, which I bought at 'The Craft Barn'

The clock is another T.H. die which I cut in the green and then the words are from PaperArtsy

Daubing in the mauve and green onto a grey card. A gem in the middle of the hands

Play Date Cafe Challenge #80

2011-05-05T20:08:00.000+02:00

Lovely colours this week, so made an ATC sized centre with a skeleton leaf mounted on card covered with Appli glue in orange and gold. Before it dried I sprinkled gold flakes, ball and glitter decorations.

Then, a Paper Artsy stamp fr the quote at the bottom

Adirondack pearl dabber made the rings and edging. A few small buttons finished the card off

Play Date Cafe Challenge

2011-04-22T19:47:00.001+02:00

Made a bit of a mistake here lol

Thought I rememebered it as red, pink and green !!!! But, hey I got pink wings, red strawberrys, and blue skyand blue flakes, so hope it conforms with the rules [eeek that was a bit close] Not sure it is strawberry time, but we can look forward to that time !

My strawberry gal is an old stamp by 'Inca Stamps' but found her in the very back of my cupboard and still like her.

I used the technique we learnt last Saturday at the Pickleberry Craft [look at her site] workshop using wax. Dipping a paper napkin, which has been pulled apart to the top layer, into the melt pot filled with melted wax. Placed onto the card using tweezers] and swiped with a plastic credit card [hmm obviously plastic duh!] The blue and gold flakes need to be pressed into the wax, but if they don't first time, just melt again with a heat gun, and press again, they are so thin they will go into the wax easily.

Daubers in pale blue for the sky and pink [yes PINK] edge to the card and hope it is accepted !!!!

my day at Pickleberry Crafts

2011-04-17T14:32:00.002+02:00

and what a great day it was.

This is what I made!

A wall hanging A lot of different techniques with wax [no not eyebrows or legs ] Jennie from 'Artistic Stamper '- take a look at her blog, it is awesome! She ran the workshop and we had a LOT of fun trying dofferent techniques with wax. That is my effort at the begining of this post. We could make books or, as in my case, a hang
Please note - wax can develope into FIRE - I did hope we might have firemen , but we were very careful and didn't need them - drat!!!!

We used paper napkins, stamps into the wax - heck that was hard lol

but we did that BEFORE lunch and just a few chocs and mini hot cross buns! Part waxing on the card, eeeeer we were alowed to go into the shop to find stuff to use [I need another mortgage!] Dipping images into wax, swiping wax across the card.

The bird is a paper napkin, torn and dipped

getting there lol

The daisy is stamped into molten was on a heat mat this was very very difficult as the wax runs everywhere - yep in your lap if you are not careful! But the effect is stunning

Thats' it !!

If you haven't used a melt pot I would say go for it. It is great fun and I will use mine more now even for moulds - we did that too ! Together with perfect pearls - no end to the possibilities

PDCC #77

2011-04-14T15:38:00.003+02:00

My contribution to the Play Date Cafe challenge is the Green Man, moulded and painted with the lovely Glimmer mists.

I then used the sun ray embossing folder, in my Cuttle Bug, coloured with Dissstress Ink 'tattered rose', which looks beige in real light. I used the technique where you use baby wipes and Distress ink refills. Drop one drop of ink onto a folded baby wipe and just swipe. A lovely result, especially if more than one coloured is used.

DSST round the edges and embossed with Cosmic Shimmer 'dark bronze lustre'. You have to be quick with te heat gun on this,as it tend to shrivel in the heat, but, if you are careful, it works well.

A fabby weekend

2011-04-12T09:32:00.001+02:00

My Bessie Mate came down, from Norfolk, to take me to our usual visit to Alexandra Palace [Ally Pally] on Saturday. But, it didn't work out that way lol Going over Detling, on Friday, to meet up with 'Dragon Queen' [Lesley] I mentioned what a glorious day it was, and what a shame, to waste the Saturday, fighting our way through London traffic, and spending the day jostling in a hot, crowded place.
After a lot of discussion, it was decided we spend the day at the Craft Barn, and, then, off to Wakehurst Place, for a picnic. We met up at the Malta Inn at Maidstone and met Dragon Queen for lunch, then off to Sevenoaks to meet Kathy, another crafter, who has ducks ! Lovely people.

Saturday proved to be the most relaxing day - for me ! A long drive for Nicks, but thank goodness she doesn't mind driving. A visit to Craft Barn was great, from our point of view ! Spent as much as I would at Ally Pally, but able to look at the stuff in comfort. A cuppa in the cafe, a play with a dabber, and a decision to go back for more lol

Off to Wakehurst and our picnic. Then a leisurly stroll. The colours are beautiful at this time of year.

They have these fab iron work garden thingys, and think at some point we might go back for one ! They rock - literally.
The evening spent getting my new lap top up and working Thankyou Nicks x

Then the biggest news of the weekend

A final amount for MacMillan was announced, from our HugBinders event in March

A whopping £4005.43p. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Still a few bits to sell, but Nicks is putting them on ebay and having a car boot sale.

A fantastic amount raised by so many wonderful people. John would have been so proud

Gothic Arches Challenge

2011-04-05T13:56:00.000+02:00

This week we have been given free rein, so I have tried a method of shadowing, which I read about in 'Craft Stamper's March issue.
First, I dabbed over with Distress Inks, in Barn Door and Wild Honey.

My stamps are from Creative Expressions. Going by the instructions in the magazine, I cut out the stamped image [well, I did a spare one so that this one didn't spoil] then, with a paper stump, smudged jet black Stazon round the image, which, incidently, I also, dabbed with Distress inks.

Then, stuck the 'good' image on, adding the 'family' stamp and a grunge flower. Finally, edging the whole thing with Colour Box cats eye in silk green.

Play Date Cafe Fantasy Flowers

2011-03-31T19:09:00.001+02:00

It's that time of the week again.

So I have dug out my felting bag. Must say, I was given the idea when I saw what Nicks had made last night, at her craft club. 'Altered Art and a Load of Tat' is her blog.

I cuttlebugged the felt, pink flowers, needled some felting wool in the top one using the blue/turquoise. Silver ribbon in the middles of the smaller flowers and pink, organza on the petals of the lower one.

PDCC#74

2011-03-25T14:54:00.000+01:00

This weeks colours shout Spring so I have made, for a change, a canvas.

Painted blue, then thick embossed over a sprinkle of glitter. Edged with white.

I encaustic waxed an ATC sized piece of card in white and blue over the wording. Edged that in silver.

Out came the Cuttlebug, yet again, and, with Tim Holtz die, cut out the silver heart, crown and wings in silver card. Then I smeared those with pale blue paint.

A small moon charm completed my effort.

Hope you like it.

Gothic Arches challenge

2011-03-21T17:18:00.001+01:00

This bi-weekly theme is 'Spring' so the colours, yellow, green and orange, together with the gold of sunshine spring to mind !

Birds, leaves and flowers.

This effect is the same as the one below for PDCC. A leaf cut out of card and stuck on the arch, then covered with the creased kitchen foil, painted with bronze, a bit of glitter on the leaf 'cos we usually get frost in Spring, and then I used an alcohol ink, in green, to sponge randomly into the pockets of creases.

The bird is a Tim Holtz die. A touch of chalks on printed, stazon inked script stamp, and diamond glazed over the top.

A couple of swirls and a few buttons in spring- like colours set it off. Hope you like it.

Play Date Cafe Challenge

2011-03-18T11:21:00.001+01:00

This week I decided to make a hanging 'thing' for the colours of lilac, light maroon and orange.

A technique I learnt at the Hugbinders day [scroll down for pics] rolling up kitchen foil, the good sort, not cheapy as it tears.

So, to get the the effect,crunch the foil, and unfold. place an item, albeit a cuttlebugged scroll or anything that can show through. Stick onto mountboard, or as I didn't have any, a piece of card. Spread all over with glue and place the foil on top.

rub your item with your finger, but my finger wasn't good enough, so, I used my metal craft roller.

Go around the edge of the scroll [or whatever you use] with a ball tool. Again, I used my metal work tool, but, you can use an old ball point pen, to make it stand out.

Paint twice with paint of your choice, PDCC was the maroon. I managed to avoid my scroll and use lilac. Make sure you get paint into all the crevices. I use a sponge.

Finally, to conform with PDCC colours, I sprayed with lilac and orange Glimmer Mists. Take my word for it orange IS there !!

Play Date Cafe challenge

2011-03-10T13:50:00.000+01:00

This week is Orange, Dark Blue and Pink so I found this ATC made with encaustic wax. It seemed to 'go' lol

Imagine IF..................
you changed things in your life
you were nicer to people you love
you had done more in your past

A moment to reflect

HugBinders Day

2011-03-08T13:50:00.007+01:00

Ooooh Myyyy Goooodness what a day it was and the week before was pretty busy too !

This is in Nicks kitchen where the pages are being sorted ready for the book.

I wasn't a lot of use but did my best lol Making tea is pretty easy really, and writing the names on the bottom of pages

The begining of the day in the local hall. I wasn't there at 8.30am !!! Well, I am old! But all was under way by the time I had walked up there. A lovely walk, as I had, had a rather emotional start to the day knowing it would have been Johns 70th Birthday. Well, if I admit to it, I am still a tad teary.

So we are off !

Here are all the ladies and gents involved, and what a grand bunch they were

Debs looking at me looking at her lol

and this is the badge Nicks made. They were all made with peoples names on and, of course the blue balloon!

The wonderful men who kept us watered and fed

Then the raffle which took ages as so many prizes were so gratefully received. Yes, I did win a bit lol

Georgina [Nicks daughter] read out the names as I drew the tickets. Not sure what Nicks was doing haha!

I made a little thankyou speech at this point but don't think you want to see the photo !!

A fish and chip supper, a general clear up of the hall and home for voddie, pj's and feet up

A wonderful week for me albeit very emotional, but I did have a day out with the lovely Beryl on Thursday, a very cold day so, kept to the shops to keep warm.

A HUGE THANKYOU TO ALL THE PEOPLE INVOLVED WITH HUGBINDERS.

and here they all are ready for the Post Office to send out

and the END

But this one is coming home with me !!!

Butterflys for 'Gothic Arches'

2011-02-22T14:08:00.000+01:00

A jar of butterflys for this challenge. The arch I cut out in pale blue card, then tore a piece of scrapbooking paper for one side.
Glimmer misted at one side.
I cut out two butterflys from the paper, to put in the 'jar'. The jar stamp is from The Artistic Stamper [www.theartisticstamper.com]
Finishing off with a nice charm at the top and metallic pen round the edges

PDCC

2011-02-17T15:40:00.000+01:00

The colours for this weeks Play Date Cafe Challenge. So found a piece of vintage lace, made a smaller card using kitchen roll dabbed with 'Lumiere' colours for the back ground and a shrink plastic pattern. A final green ribbon bow.

My two eldest boys birthday cards

2011-02-17T15:33:00.000+01:00

It will be Peters Birthday on Sunday ,and Davids on the 1st March, so set my mind to doing something boyish! Peters, I embossed on metal, with the Cuttlebug, then held it over a candle flame to make black blobs to add interest. The soot didn't rub off, so I was well pleased. Then I just added a domino which I had stamped with a clock, triple embossed the edges and used Diamond Glaze to seal.

Cogs cut out, again on the Cuttlebug, with Tim Holtz die, and coloured with glimmer mists.

Davids on much the same lines, except for the grass, and that was clear embossed. Alcohol inks on the bird metal.

Happy Birthday to you both xxxx

PDCC #67

2011-02-08T15:14:00.000+01:00

These are the colours for this weeks challenge. Hope I came close ! Out came the friendly plastic and triple embossing powder plus alcohol inks. Now I have a 'new' craft room [the study which I took over!] I can find stuff more easily. Well, most of the time lol

I started with the inks on glossy card, using blending solution to get an effect
Played with F.P. moulding in the colours and, maybe they don't show up here, stuck in weeny beads. A dollop of triple embossing powder, and using a perfect pearls powder to give it a sheen.

Edged the blue card with the favourite metallic pen, which I feel just finishes it off, and mounted the whole thing onto cream card

my raffle contribution

2011-02-06T17:29:00.000+01:00

This just a small contribution to the 'Hugbinders' raffle. There have been the most amazing prizes donated, but felt I should make some small thingy, so here it is. I know the butterfly should have a backing, but I like it as a skeleton. I painted it with all sorts of mixtures ! and then sprayed with 'Glitter Mist'

Hugbinders

2011-02-06T09:15:00.000+01:00

I have made an attempt, to start covers, for the books, we are going to produce at the 'HugBinders' event, being held in Hainford Norfolk, on March 5th to raise donations for Macmillan, who looked after John {MrS} while he was so ill.

These are my first efforts. I hope I have used mount board !! I found some 'stuff' that looks like it, in a cupboard upstairs. Very difficult to cut as the edges went ragged, so might have to put card on the back to make it the right size. I'm sure I will be told lol

Our internet went off last night. Probably because of the very windy weather, so managed to finish these off during the evening.

Gothic Arches Challenge

2011-01-30T15:36:00.001+01:00

The challenge is ''Queen''
I found a stamp, but not sure who she is, so the angel wings are crooked, because she might have been bad!

Disrtessed the middle arch with distress ink 'old paper' a few 'Anitas' gems [how fiddly are they !] a metal charm at the top, metallic pen around the edges and hey presto !

Play Date Cafe Challenge

2011-01-27T09:01:00.001+01:00

Took ages to wind the single strands round, but think it is worth it!

lilac or purple this week so I have entered my purple wreath made from wool wound round a polystyrene circle and decorated with shabby flowers

a weekend with the nicest bessie ever

2011-01-23T17:30:00.001+01:00

no, I am not drunk, it really is the best time for me to have Nicks here to laugh, cry, giggle and generally have ''kids' time lol! Yeah we are kids at heart and I know OH would have been looking down and knowing we were having a good time.
We had a busy day Friday. Nicks came down Thursday night - brave gal xx'
Going to the cemetry to take away the Christmas holly wreath we put there last year, and tidy up OH's hair [it was always a mess 'cos I cut it lol] A tad cold down there, but, bless her, I can't get there very easily.
Then off to - guess where? HOBBYCRAFT!!!!!!!!!! No, I not telling how much I spent lol All needed though [smile]
Then to the 'Malta Inn' which was rather [very] emotional, as we all went there in the past, together, the staff know us,and there are photos here somewhere, to show Nicks and John sharing a knickerbocker glory - more than once. Think it was the last place he went to before he passed.
Then back to Asda [how exciting] to get a dust buster. I fell down the stairs the week before, hoovering with the big hoover eeeeeek! By then I was desperate for a cuppa, which we had.
Back to Sainsburys - oh joy! We did manage not to shake up fizz cans, but bought wine instead. Well, you have to don't you?
Back home for yet another cuppa then pj's and find something on tele. Gawd, Nothing on except the ususal Corrie [not a bad choice !]
Saturday has been explained, so on to today. Nicks wanted some moulds of my green man, but managed to find a few more to use! I don't think she has left anything behind, but it won't be long before she is back, so no problems. That is, except for a pink fluffy thing in the bathroom PMSL
So, I am now here having a cuppa and thinking about the lovely weekend
Thanks mate xxxx

My fab weekend continued

2011-01-23T17:04:00.003+01:00

Well the weekend was great. I had my Bessie mate and we went to this workshop yesterday, even though I threatened to take my rubber gloves to keep the paint off my nail varnish, and an apron lol The paint didn't work , so, off to remove varnish !! Run by Jennie

'Artistic Stamper' [thankyou for being so patient with me Jennie ] she and had us making a calendar for 2011. The origonal workshop was booked for 2010 but because of unfoseen circumstances, it was cancelled. Anyway, I show here my effort for January. December is a whiteout lol Well, we didn't have time to finish, as we all talked [Jennie] too much, so we just managed to get the heading on and we are left to decorate ourselves. No not ''ourselves''- the page !!!! Hence the whiteout , get it?? Oh ok! But my in between will be between me and my pages as they are not as good as some of the others. Maybe my mojo has left me!

Happy Kids

2011-01-16T16:35:00.002+01:00

Customize your own photo album

My Christmas 2010

2011-01-16T15:08:00.000+01:00

Home again now, with happy memories of a lovely, unexpected, stay with family.
An eventful journey home as usual! One day I will get through without any problems. In saying that, the snow made beautiful pictures, as you can see on my smilebox at the bottom.
Freezing fog began to ice the trains engine up, but we limped into Edinburgh and hour and a half hour late. Consequently, I lost my connection to Kings X.

Glad to be home, I fell into bed for a long exhausting sleep !
I awoke - not to this kind of sunrise
but to the sound of school pupils !! No change there then !

Unpacked my case not realising the amount of washing I had brought home lol But, it soon got sorted.
Funny, though, how you go away for a month, get back and forget where things are. Took ages to find the toaster haha! Oh well, a haircut this week, then my Bessie is staying at the weekend. We have arranged to go to a workshop on Saturday whick is something to look forward to.

2011-01-16T14:51:00.000+01:00

http://smilebox.com/playBlog/4d6a497a4d4451354d444d3d0d0a&blogview=

Customize a free slideshow design

true

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T20:06:00.000+01:00

I made it up to Tain, to Ian and family, on the spur of the moment. Just one day to pack !! Hence I forgot to pack the lead for the camera, so I could take photos off, and on to this computor. Also, the charger DUH!! Most annoying, so I will have to make a slideshow when I get home.

My journey was eventful, being taken off the train at Perth, with all the other passengers, to be bused on to Inverness. This was due to ''adverse weather conditions approaching''. Well, conditions went downhill on Thursday. It snowed all day and night, and the next day, too.
A very nice thoughtful young lady, helped me with my case, to the coach ,and sat with me all the way.
We got on very well and had lots in common. Callie I thank you.

By Friday, we were snowed in, but Ian still made it into work. The postie round was very difficult in the snow, but he managed to deliver lots of the parcels.

The Grandchildren broke up on Thursday, but Nicki decided not to take them to school that day, as Freya had cried so much due to the cold, she would have been miserable at the church service.
We had a party Thursday, for the Mums, and their children, who Nicki knows from both schools.
A tad noisy and a few minor incidents, but, on the whole, a good time had by all.

Christmas Day was full of excitement. Freya and Keira knocked on my door at 6.45am, so off I stumbled to Ian and Nicks bedroom for the stocking opening. Fin was still fast asleep and I woke him up, saying Father Christmas had come. Response to that was ''No he hasn't been yet'' but I did convince him he had. He, too, stumbled into the bedroom where we all undid out stockings.

Whew! that was one lot out of the way LOL!! Bucks Fizz and salmon for breakfast, a morning surrounded in paper, another Bucks Fizz, a glass of coke with something unexplainable in it !! Then wine at lunch time. Pretty heady by the afternoon, but slept, before the neighbours came in for a chat.
Feeling OK today though, so can't have been that bad !

Off to Inverness tomorrow, if the weather holds.
No, not to the sales for anything in particular, just to look !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not sure when I will go home, it does depend on weather. I am warm here , so no hurry

Play Date Cafe Challenge #59

2010-12-09T15:14:00.000+01:00

Nice bright colours this week.
So, out came my alcohol inks.
An arch for the stamp 'onceuponastamp' from the Grunge Gallery
I then inked round the edges, with dark blue embossing ink, and ultra thick embossing crystal powder, from the Cosmic Shimmer range.
Finishing with ribbon in the same colours, and a charm

It's Snow Time in Kent

2010-12-02T17:17:00.001+01:00

Well, it arrived at the begining fo the week, and it is still falling fast. Will I ever find my garden again ?

I can't remember the last time we had so much

and wonder where it will all go when it starts to melt!

All very pretty, but my Bessie mate can't visit from Norfolk tomorrow, so won't see her, now until after Christmas.

and this is the view from my kitchen window ! Don't think the rubbish will be put into the bin yet. The lid has frozen. Not sure what the temperature has been all day, but the heating is banging away like mad

2010-11-28T11:50:00.003+01:00

Play Date Cafe Challenge

2010-11-28T11:33:00.000+01:00

So these are the colours for this week, so out with my metal, for the flower and leaf.

The card is brown, and I tore the dark grey patterned paper, for the corner. Silver Marvy Metallic pen around the edges.

Then the Tim Holtz shabby flower and shabby leaf die to use on my Cuttlebug. The flower is silver edged with bronze Metallic pen and the leaf is bronze. Back through in a script embossing folder and smeared with Jet Black Stazon.

A brad in the middle holds it all together

and now to a more important thing....

2010-11-24T16:32:00.002+01:00

Take a peek at http://www.hugbinders.blogspot.com/

This is SO important .As most of you know, I lost my dear MrS September 27th this year.
Three of the DoCraft members, decided to raise yet more money for Macmillan, who have supported me so much when John was so ill, and now.
It was suggested one Sunday, a week or so ago, that there would be a craft event in Hainford Norfolk, where Nicks, my bessie lives.
Well, it has taken off country [and even WORLD] wide. That evening on the forum, people just went mad - yes, MAD!!
All is explained on the blog.
One person is holding a raffle, free use of a hall, the manager is paying for the pies and bingo at Joyce's Bowling Club Her raffle has been supported by Oyster Stamps [£100 worth craft machine] Glitter Girls. So emotional for me,if you would like to make a page - here are a few 'rules' as written by Nicks and Linkon and Bev....................................................

''The page can be anything you like - within reason! - we reserve the right to not include any page which is deemed inappropriate/rude/defamatory (not that we are expecting any but you never know!) - so it can be a drawing/poem/piece of writing/painting/scrapbook type affair - whatever!!

It must be two dimensional - i.e. flat! no embellishments etc. . Your page must be able to be scanned/photo copied.

If possible, it would help greatly with costs if you could do some copies of your work (maybe 20 - 30 ? but this will be confirmed when we have more idea of how many books will be sold) If you are not able to do this please don't worry but it would be really appreciated by us and will add to the profits made. Please use a fairly good paper rather than cheap copier paper. we hope the books will be well loved and well thumbed through!

We welcome coloured pages, but if you feel you page will look better in black and white (if it is just text for example) then these will be will be easier/cheaper to copy so feel free to send them - no reason why you can't print onto coloured paper!

Please do not use a lot of blocks of colour - these are thirsty on ink (unless you are prepared to print the copies off yourself)

Pages must be A5 - but bear in mind that by the nature of the binding two holes will be made in the left hand margin approx. 1cm from the edge.

The orientation of the book will be 'Portrait' but your page can be either portrait or landscape

THE BOOK

The pages will be made into books by people attending the 'workshop' on the 5th of March

Each book will be unique and made with love

They will retail at £10 each plus P&P.

We will need orders and payment before the day so we know how many need to be made and how many pages need to be copied

Lynn has opened a separate bank account to pay monies into - please make cheques payable to P L Snelson but send it along with your page to me (nicks) - we are looking into whether it will be possible to gift aid your donation so please wait before we have confirmation before sending your cheques.

RAFFLE

There will be a raffle which will be drawn at the Workshop £1 a ticket - please add this to your payment and we will put your name in the hat!!

THE WORKSHOP

This will be held on the above date and everybody is welcome.

The cost will be £25 per person, which will include Tea/coffee/soft drinks light snacks served by a band of very handsome men and a copy of the book.

At the workshop you will make one or more covers for the book and help assemble them ready for posting.

There will also hopefully be some demonstrations going on - is there any technique anyone would particularly like to learn?

To keep costs down it would be good if people could bring along a plateful of food to add to the lunchtime buffet!

We are also hoping to hold a raffle to add a bit more to funds so if you would like to donate a prize all the better!

At the end of the day we will he having a Fish and Chip supper - orders will need to be placed in advance @£5 a head - bring your own wine!!

Cant come to the workshop???

We would love it if this could be a national event on the day - so could you hold your own crafty event/coffee morning on that day ??

OTHER WAYS TO HELP!

Donations please!

offers of help printing the pages

Backing papers etc. that can be used on the book covers

Ribbons, twines etc.

BOOK RINGS!! Silver or coloured

Raffle Prizes

But most importantly make a page and BUY A BOOK!

Thank you xxx

Nicks' Blog

http://www.nicksartystuff.blogspot.com/ ''

I’m sure we will think of other stuff so will keep you posted ...................................''

knowing people have been so generous in the name of MrS the huggable [and who should know more than me lol] makes me trust in human nature again
Thankyou xx

A friends 'birthday card'

2010-11-24T16:12:00.000+01:00

Taking a leaf out Nicks book, I found tis wooden arch and thought I would make a card/present for an old [yes we are the same age!] Of course Nicks uses lumps of wood lol 'altered art and a load of tat' is her blog and well wrth a visit.
Back to my effort. I bought this at the Craft Barn some time ago, and wanted something different to give Joan, my school friend of long ago.
First I painted with a blue test paint, which I nicked from a well known store!

Double embossed the tops with Cosmic Shimmer ultra thick 'Artic Lake'. It gives a double take colour in blue/mauve.

Moulds from my mould box, of which I have many ! Coloured with perfect pearls.

Stenciled swirls and added stamped images for the inside.

inside

Beads for a bit of interest and hey presto!!!! front

My Tribute to my lovely caring Husband

2010-11-15T19:06:00.005+01:00

No we are not asleep lol Just happy

----- Original Message -----

From: Barbara Macrae

Sent: Monday, November 15, 2010 5:45 PM

Knowing you for so long

We knew each others thoughts

we knew each other faults

We had our disagreements

But sorted soon enough

The arrival of our first born

Was delight beyond belief

She, in turn, gave us our Grandson

A time of joy and life

Two more followed

Oh! the bank account

Our Son, then gave us Freya

The first Granddaughter

After Fin ,that is, another joy abound

Then, of course came Keira

Our family complete.

Keith and Nicki inlaws

Never 'outlaws' as believed

A support to me just now
They will never know just how

And so our life as Grandparents

Took on different paths

Paths to mountains

Paths to lakes

Playing games, things to make

Picking apples, planting bulbs

Nans favourtite tree for photos to frame

The tree to climb, and those to stand

Too old to climb that tree!

Then, yet another step.

My use of internet!

You said 'be careful!'

Some maniac awaits

Then DoCrafts on the scene

A wonder to be seen

When you were ill

So much good will

Many friends in that one year

One in particular, so very dear

We had hugs a plenty

But none so many

As when you got known

As 'MrS' the hugs did flow

Downhill you went, my lovely man

You fought so hard year in and out

We supported each other

In good and bad, and sad

That's what our love was all about

Our family around you

You slipped away in peace

We cried, we hugged

The tributes flooding in

From far and wide they came for you

And yet, to me my lovely, you were the best xxx

Play Date Cafe Challenge

2010-11-11T15:00:00.000+01:00

Speaks for itself this week, as I found my encastic wax ! Maybe call it 'Stormy over the Mountains'

Gothic Arches Challenge

2010-11-08T17:41:00.002+01:00

This is for 'Baubles' soooo here goes

The arch is sponged with Pastelles Watercolour Palette which I bought from Horseshoe Crafts a loooong time ago but last forever!

I am known on one forum as TOD [the old dear] but this stamp is - TOS [the old stamp![ I have had for dino years but love it and until now not used it eek!
Until now ~!
It is a Stamendous stamp 'Petit Point'
I embossed with Lapis Black Aurora which I bought from Craft Barn [hope she reads this [smile]]
A touch of gel pen round the leaf

Hope I haven't left anything out, Am sure you will tell me lol
The baubles I bought in Lakeland, but they don't sell craft stuff any more, so keep them under lock and key.

Play Date Cafe Challenge #54

2010-11-04T16:37:00.000+01:00

As I missed a few I went for these lovely colours, they have shown up quite bright on my canvas, but, hope you like it.
I covered the canvas with muslin, which I coloured with Glimmer Mists and let dry [of coures!]
The orange is just right as is the green.
Then I printed the words which are by 'Stampscapes' onto card, used diamond glaze, which I didn't want smooth. Just to let it look like rain puddles.
Adirondack Dabber in pearl round the edges.

Metal leaves and silver charms to finish off

Camille's Appeal

2010-10-31T15:26:00.000+01:00

This is a Christmas card my Daughter.in.Law has designed for Camilles' Appeal. Please take a peek at her blog. She is selling them, fast so hurry, hurry!!

http://www.nickipaints.blogspot.com/

Gothic Arch Challenge

2010-10-31T14:59:00.001+01:00

Hi! I am back to join in the challenge ''Text''
After a sad few weeks, I thought, on this dreary Sunday afternoon, it would be as good a time as any, to get the craft stuff unpacked, and do something. So here is my effort.

I have used the new Stazon Metallic ink pad, but a word of warning. When using this, don't jump when the phone rings ! It is very difficult to remover from your carpet eeek!
So, I stamped the Chinese text with the bronze, and the bird/twig and postage stamp, with the silver.

Raffia, and charms I bought at Ally Pally, then Krylon pen round the edges,

St. Mary's church Teynham

2010-10-27T14:27:00.005+02:00

A last goodbye to my lovely John, my soulmate, but it was the most beautiful, sunny, peaceful day at St. Marys, where we were married, and my Mum and Dad are buried. Now John lies at rest there.
It was my church, where I went every Sunday, with Mum and Dad, and where I went bell ringing as a teenager.

A very historic church, reputed to have been used by smugglers, and there is supposed to have been a tunnel from there, right up to Lynsted, which is a long way away. The door has bullet holes, made by Cromwells men, as Royalists sought refuge in the church. There is length of chain which is believed to have been used for tethering horses belonging to Roundheads. Peter [eldest Grandson] was mesmerised !

The first priest of the parish was Master Giraud in 1175.

Roman coins have been found in the area which makes for early inhabitants.
It is built of flint, probably in the 12th century.

Adjoining, there were vineyards, but more importantly ,Richard Harrys, who was gardener to Henry V111, planted the first cherry and apple trees he got from abroad. Hence many orchards in Kent housing cherries and apples

So, this is where my roots lie - in Teynham!

Stempelomis Bastelkeller: Halloween in rund

2010-10-22T15:52:00.000+02:00

Stempelomis Bastelkeller: Halloween in rund
Love this cheeky entry.
Fab
Barbara

Play Date Cafe Challenge

2010-10-22T15:38:00.001+02:00

I thought I would dig deep into my craft stash, which is still packed, to enter the special PDCC for their anniversary [congratulations and long may you continue] As most of you know, my dear OH died in September, so I haven't had time ,or heart to craft. After a lovely week with my Bessie and her family, in Norfolk, I felt the urge to do something, so where better to go than to PDCC and the bright colour combination drew my eye immediately.

The colours are orange, yellow and bright pink, so out came the faithful Cuttlebug and a couple of dies. I bought the bird house at Ally Pally and it hadn't been unpacked let alone used. I inked and stamped the grass with 'elusiveimages' stamp, sponged with pink Viva Paper-soft-colour, a mirror in the middle of the birdhouse and finished round the edges with pro marker

our lantern messages up to John

2010-10-17T20:11:00.001+02:00

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My stay in Norfolk with Nicks and her family has come to an end, but we wrote messages on lanterns and sent them up to John.
A tad emotional, but a lovely calm evening, so they went for what seemed miles.
I had a very welcome break here with them, and now have to get myself together to face my life.

2010-10-11T16:12:00.000+02:00

Feya had her 5th Birthday while they were with us.
A shame it had to be the week of John's funeral, but we hope we made it special for her.

Keira, her Sister, helped her open her parcels, then we all went to Bluewater for the day.
Ian took the children to the Cinema to see 'Toy Story' whilst DIL and I hit the shops. A very nice handbag shop which we couldn't resist!

After we had met up, Nicki and Ian asked where she would like to go for the meal, and she chose a fish resturant.
Very wise choice and everyone enjoyed what they ate, including Fin, who asked for, and got MUSSELS!!!!!!
He had never had them before, but was adamant that was what he wanted.

Surprising us all by eating, and enjoying them.

not quite finishing the plate full, but he had a good try, and enjoyed what he had!!!

But, then the day of Johns funeral took over.

I hope I showed control, but the church was packed, and it was very emotional, but I did hold it together until we arrived at the Crem. Just immediate family and cousins, but, it was that final farewell.

A lot of crafters on my craft site, had let off blue balloons, at some point during the day, trying, though, to make it 12o/c while we were at the Crem. We were unable to do that, of course, so Ian had been to town and bought 6 for the Grandchildren to write messages on and let go 'up to Pops'

I am now in Norfolk, with my Bessie, who was a tremendous support to me the day John died, and I will be forever grateful that she stayed, on that night.

Luvs her tons xxxx

Seal - Secret (Video)

2010-10-02T12:40:00.000+02:00

a tribute

2010-09-28T18:25:00.001+02:00

"Armed Salute" by the Huggers.

A tribute to a much-loved King of Hugs, and to the courageous fight of a gentle man against illness.

Let Chat be hushed

Awhile today...

The King of Hugs

Has slipped away.

For those who loved him,

And held him dear,

May comfort come

From far and near.

A tribute to courage,

A thought for the way

He faced up to illness,

Yet little did say.

How to express

The sadness we feel?

Our pain isn't virtual

For a cyber-friend real.

In memory of John

At Nicks' request...

May hugs continue!

Our King is at rest.

Hugs for Sparkles and family, for Nicks, and for all who mourn Mr.S.

A tribute to my dear Husband [from a very clever DoCrafter]
John passed away yesterday afternoon at 4.10pm
A great loss to us all, but with many happy memories to cherish

RIP my lovely xxx

2010-09-18T16:28:00.002+02:00

Play Date Cafe challenge

2010-09-18T16:10:00.000+02:00

I have had this photo frame for ages, but didn't know what to do with it other then put photos in it !!!
I have an albumn full of ATC's so decided, that, as this weeks colours began with turquoise, I would adapt this for the challenge.

I painted the box with a gesso which has weeny glass beads in it.

I love the look and then painted over with the turquoise paint

This is on a swivel, so it has four sides.

another challenge

2010-09-13T09:19:00.000+02:00

I can't resist a new challenge, and this one, I found on Face Book, so await a parcel of stuff to make something. Interesting!!

2010-09-12T13:16:00.000+02:00

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2010-09-12T10:18:00.000+02:00

Artistic Stamper candy giveaway

This Little Blackbird

2010-09-11T14:33:00.000+02:00

He was very poorly not so long ago. A bit battered, but mealy worms [dry ones !] have done the trick. He waits for me every morning to feed him. I am the bird nurse lol!

I had a bag of bird seed in the garage. John had a look under the bonnet of the car, at the engine, and lo and behold, there was bird seed in the air system. We caught a mouse overnight, so hopefully - for my sake - no nest in the car. They know a nice car when they see it lol

Play Date Cafe Challenge #46

2010-09-09T20:28:00.001+02:00

Black, white, copper/gold and pink, so -- 'Night Sky'
A black painted canvas with white trees in Brilliance ink pad
The trees, birds in flight and grass are Stampscapes unmounted stamps.

dots in pink in th grass, round the edge and 'pink sky at night' Double embossing powder over pink ink.
A sprinkling of copper glitter [er looks green here !]

Play Date Cafe Challenge #45

2010-09-03T16:36:00.000+02:00

My attempt this week is a sea horse, which I have felted with wool and ribbon.

A close up of the ribbon rosette

shabby flower bag

2010-08-31T15:51:00.000+02:00

I bought this bag in Inverness, when I went shopping with DIL, in June.
We had SO much shopping and not enough bags, so went into a cheap shop [no, not Sainsbury's] and I bought this zebra print one.

Not being into animal print, and the Big Stamp Show coming up, I decided to make some shabby flowers to fix onto it.

Some flowers are on brooch pins, but then, I got fed up with faffing about, and just sewed them on!

Arches Challenge

2010-08-30T14:36:00.000+02:00

With limited craft stash [we are moving!] I have managed to come up with this challenge 'Daisy'
The grass is a PaperArtsy stamp

The main daisy is unknown. I have had it a loooong time!I embossed with To-toned Moon Glow embossing powder.

Used a cats eye pigment bruch pad in 'silk green'

Added a piece of daisy ribbon and garden tie stuff

oops!!

2010-08-27T17:02:00.002+02:00

hope you found me as I messed up on the thumbnail LOL

Play Date Cafe Challenge #44

2010-08-27T16:39:00.000+02:00

This week has come round so fast, so with my limitied stash of craft stuff [I am boxing up to move!] I have put together the colours of navy, hot pink and mustard.
I used Marvy pens, to colour the stamp, which gives a look of water colouring.
Then a bit of this and a bit of that !!!

Three Grandsons

2010-08-20T18:44:00.000+02:00

Our daughter, and family, popped in, on their way to Dover, where they are catching a ferry to France, then drive to Belgium, for a week.
It was only for an hour, as they had a bad journey down from Wrexham. A shame it was such a short visit, but they had to report to their hotel.

I did manage my tradition of a photo in the apple tree, David, Alden and Peter

Then one with Nan and Pops