Artykards

2012-01-19T20:54:00.002Z

Recently I started creating a Book of Days thanks Effy Wild who has now started a group in FB. This is the front cover of my book. I am sure it will not be the last for this one is almost full due to it being so small. I am sure the next will be better and hold alot more. The cover is coloured using alcohol ink and then stamped the edges are bronze and used metallic rub ons for this. The bird cage and bird if from a Tim Holtz die cut painted and inked to make it look old and the bird is inked and stamped over. My theme for the years book is Fly and Love. I will be adding some of the pages as I go along. This has started me on an unexpected journey of which I am sure I will discover others ideas and techniques, thanks to all the girls within the group.
Most of all it has been an enjoyable event to start 2012.
Happy Crafting all
Holly

12 Tags of Christmas Snowman

2011-12-13T18:00:00.001Z

Here is the second tag I made using Tim Holtz ideas. I had to adapt the background for this tag by using faded jeans distressing ink and seafoam embossing powder this give the background the feel of snow. I then stamped with snowflake stamp and embossed. The snowman was made using faded jeans ink and then embossed with seafoam powder. I used the buttons on the snowman and added a punched out snowflake to his hat. Really enjoyed making this tag and learned alot of how to adapt using different methods. To complete I added a little silver edged lace for a trim.

Happy Crafting all

Holly

12 Days of Christmas Tags

2011-12-13T16:40:00.002Z

Well I tried to attempt a couple of the wonderful tags Tim Holtz has been creating. This is my adaptation of the Reindeer tag. The background was a paper and inked using the walnut stain distressing ink, then I used the clear embossing ink and added seafoam embossing powder to give the effect of snow. I then stamped in clear embossing ink some snow flakes and covered with the seafoam embossing powder and heated. I found a reindeer and used the walnut distressing ink to give him some colour and shadow. The neck tie was a christmas pipe cleaner and added a bell. The holly leaves I cut out from paper and coloured. Then added a tiny tag for decoration. The base is a piece of grunge board and used some coloured brads for decoration. Really enjoyed making this tag. My attempt at the snowman was not as good but will add it here.

Happy Crafting and a Merry Christmas to all

Holly

Altered Rummikub Tile

2011-08-30T12:44:00.001+01:00

I managed to find some unwanted rummikub tiles and thought I would attempt altering one. For this design I used alcohol inks with thick gesso. I added the gesso to make a sand effect then let it dry in the sun whilst I carried on with others I was making. Once dry I used tarnished gold paint and using a greenish rub on over the bumps. I added a tiny shell I found around and placed a glass pearl in middle. The hanging items are just small bits of chain and a bluish bead to give the effect of sea themes.

I enjoyed making this tile there are more I have made in my flickr page if you want to view them.

Happy Crafting

Holly

Lancet Arch Notebooks

2011-07-25T23:37:00.001+01:00

I seem to have gone notebook making crazy the past few weeks. These were used by working on canvas boards cut to the size I needed, then using alcohol inks and stamping using stazon ink. Adding pictures and giving them an arty look. To bind the notebook together I used assorted ribbons. To lock the books I used ribbon flowers painted with metallic paints then added charms etc.

Holly

Little Note Books

2011-07-17T11:57:00.001+01:00

Another I have been working on is covers for little note pads. This one I used old cork tiles cut to size, then covered with some fantasy scrapbook papers I had laying around my craft room. The corners I cut out from old thick card from the back of a note pad and painted with metallic acrylic paints. The paper flower is made from old scrap paper and coloured using whispers stroke pens. Then wet with plain water and scrunched up to hold it together I used a brad, I covered the brad using a ribbon flower also coloured with the pens then added some glaze to protect it. The little cat I found in my odds and bobs tins someone had given me and used it as a tie holder

New Creations

2011-07-17T11:36:00.002+01:00

Summer has arrived so time for crafting in the conservatory. As a gift for someone I decided to make a wall hanging for them. I used the backing board of my scrapbook pages as a base. Covered with some cloth I found from an old outfit that was sort of cotton cheesecloth style and painted it with metallic acrylic paints. The shapes I bought ages ago from the Range and painted them to resemble cloisone beads and the paper flowers I painted to match. The large flower is made from paper coloured with whispers stroke pens and water added to wash it out slightly then added some old gold metallic paint. The lady picture I found in my scrapbook of decoupages and when put together glazed over it. To finish I added a little lace and ribbon to hang. Really enjoyed this project.

Holly

Where does the time go!

2011-07-16T01:05:00.002+01:00

Since I last added anything on this blog so much has taken place. It's been almost 3 months since loosing my beautiful dog Mollypenny, and only now can I feel like placing a small part of of her life on my blog without floods of tears. Molly was part of our lives for over 10 years she was a true welsh border collie with all the traits. She was a loveable dog and is missed by so many in the family now. She gave me lots of love and much comfort when times in the past have been so hard to bare at times. Molly was so very special. She would always be there when I got home and would always greet me in her own way. The time when she became ill I knew it was time for her to finally have some rest and go in peace. She was my life for so many years it is at times difficult to realise she will not be here when I get home from work, or there to wake me up if the alarm does not go off, of which in the past has happened and she has saved me many a time from being late. I have thought of another dog but I feel it would be hard to replace the space she has left behind. The house is so quiet these days and many a time I never know if anyone has called she was always the guard dog for the front door. Molly was and always will be the best part of my life as I got older I just wish our animals could stay with us a little bit longer. God bless you Molly!

Holly

Latest Crafting

2011-01-29T19:51:00.003Z

I thought it a good idea to raise money for my work funds,by making some craft items. I set off to buy some Bare Basics frames by Papermania. I bought these last year and made family members a special photo frame each.

The frame shown in the photograph is the larger frame, I started by giving the frame a good coat of normal matt emulsion. You can use acrylic paints and many others, but this seemed to give the frames a good base. Once dry I used rub-ons, this was to give the effect of wood grain. You may be able to see this in the larger picture. Once dry I covered with Anitas embossing fluid. (This I have since discovered has been discontinued dissapointing really) Once the varnish was dry or while it was drying I adapted some deep red petals into the shape of poppies, using buttons for the centre. I used plain white rubbed down with a nail file to remove the shiney surface, then used black acrylic paint.

The shapes are once again bare basics and you can find this set in most good craft stores. These were painted with gold acrylic metalic paint then brushed with glitter glue. The petals are available from Hobby craft they come in all colours, they also do a plain white, of which can be sprayed or painted different colours. This is the cheepest option.

All of the frames sold very well, a good way of making some money I raised £30.00 less the cost of the frames, they are not that expensive.

Hope you enjoy making a little project like this.

Holly

Busy Bee's

2010-05-23T10:34:00.002+01:00

Been quite some time since I added to my blog. I have been busy crafting as well as visiting facebook too much. Recently I have been helping the people I work with to produce fabric artwork, they have been creating fabric books and fabric items. They are now working on patchwork quilt squares. You can view my work blog here .
I need to get the camera working again and take some pictures of what I have been creating. I have recently altered a ring folder, we were lucky to find some that were of a smaller size and been thrown out. I have covered it with a blue and white check gingham, then made a patchwork square to go on the front, adding wording in felt and cut out items. It is now going to be a baby book that you can add clear sleeves and place photographs, as well as other items. I will place the picture on here when it is finally completed. I am still making my cards but since the lack of steroids have not been so creative, now the warmer weather is with us I may be able to create some more. I love sitting in the conservatory with all my craft items around me. So there may be a chance of more items to come, I dont like to be stuck in the one room all the time. Apart from that I am still struggling with my Crohn's but getting used to it now, there are good days and bad days so I have to take it as it comes...lol.
Hope to catch up with my crafting sooner rather than later...lol
Happy Crafting all of you!!!

Holly

Remember to Feed the Garden Wildlife

2010-01-10T23:53:00.003Z

Due to the really cold weather this Winter many of our garden animals are suffering and struggling to find food. Here is one little hungry character finding some seed and nuts on the garden table. He was the last to arrive, at one point there were so many birds all feeding in my garden it was hard to list them all.

This morning I got up early to make them some fat balls simple and easy to do, using old scraps from the kitchen. These I have now put in the nut feeder which is safer for them to use.

For the fat balls I used, chopped up nuts, breadcrumbs, old dried fruit, biscuits, some grated cheese and melted fat. Mixed it all together and rolled into ball shapes then placed in fridge to harden. Although, it was probably cold enough to just leave them outside...lol. Dont forget to feed your birds this year, I did notice they were going mad for stale bread as well as water, they were even taking to eating the snow for a drink. Bless them.

Keep warm everyone

Holly

Seasons Greeting's

2009-12-27T11:14:00.002Z

What a wonderful Christmas it has been this year, lots of visitors and presents, plus so far good health, apart from the odd slip up of over endulging in such rich and wonderful food...lol. My own fault really..but can you blame me after such a downer last year! Anyway feel alot better today. So a new year is almost upon us and we head into a new decade, lets hope it is better than the last one. Now I have completed my NVQ3 I can concentrate on new ideas and designs in my crafting, I cant wait to start...lol. So to begin with it has to be a special birthday card for my dear elderly neighbour who will be celebrating her 90th birthday on new years day. So think I better get off rabbiting from here and gather all my craft stuff and get creating..lol.

Happy New Year to you all and all the best for 2010

Holly

Christmas Gifts

2009-12-11T15:40:00.003Z

Continuing my Homemade gifts for Christmas, here is a small selection of some domino keyrings I have been making. My favourites are the shoes and rose ones. These I stamped the image onto the domino once inked up and then embossed using the glitter gold embossing powder so they sparkle. These keyrings have been so popular when shown to my friends, I just cannot make enough! To add a special christmas touch to the wreath and Santa I found a tiny holly leaf gem stone and a tiny bell.

Hope you are all making homemade christmas gifts this year I found it to be more cost friendly and so personal to the individual it is made for. The programme on Channel 4 this week Kirstys Homemade Christmas was so inspiring and well worth watching, if you missed it you can go to channel4.com and see the episodes, 3 in all and well worth it. Although I felt it was a bit late in the year to make some of the ideas...lol!
Holly

Altered Photo Frame

2009-12-08T11:46:00.002Z

I wanted to give something different this year as Christmas presents. I found some bare basic items from papermania. So I got down to altering this photo frame, I actually bought 2 frames so will add the second one to my flickr when completed. The frames come as bare brown, I began by painting the frame black using liquid gesso, this gives it a good base. I then covered the black in Anitas 3D embossing fluid. I then added a hint of gold by using a rub on. As you can see I did this around the oval and around the outter sides of the frame. I then found some silk flowers in my box of tricks and decided to paint them using metallic paint, thus giving them a nice gold look and a bit of a shine. I then added tiny diamonte gem stones. For the shapes I found these in the Range also from papermania, these I painted with the gold metallic paint and then used sparkles glitter glue to add some christmas effect. The skeleton leaves also had a hint of sparkle by using the glitter glue. I then completed by adding more diamonties to the oval area of the frame. Now all I need is a lovely photo to go inside. I enjoyed making this frame and it looks better in person than in the photograph.

Holly

Crafting like crazy

2009-12-04T21:01:00.002Z

At last I have been able to get back into my crafting. Just in time for Christmas. As you can see I started with the traditional Christmas stockings..lol. These are made of felt and cut out shapes. I added some beads and sequins to finish. There are more in my flickr photostream.
Finally I have completed my NVQ3 now and just awaiting all my work to be verified and eventually will get my certificates. I am very pleased that I completed it on time, as when I was ill it was such a hard task to keep up with.
I bought some plain photoframes at the Range and decided I would alter these to make as Christmas presents, when they are completed I will add a picture here. It seems to have been so long since I last added to the blog, but at the time my camera seemed to have given up the ghost, but now I am able to use the bosses camera...lol!
Well thats about it for now hope all of my followers are keeping busy and I do visit your blogs often.
Happy Christmas crafting everyone!
Cheers
Holly

Altered Board Book

2009-09-20T18:49:00.005+01:00

I have been working on a altered board book, that was given to me. This is only the second time I have worked on altered books so a bit rusty at the moment. The theme of the book was my favourite things and vintage is one of them. I have also made the book a 2 page spread so it matches. More photos of the book and some of the pages are on my flickr slideshow, you can view them all by clicking on the slideshow.

The other favourite theme of mine was the sea so I created 2 sea life pages, some of the pictures do not show all the colours as they should be but the there was too much light in my conservatory

today. My camera is not working at the moment good excuse to spend some more money on a new one ..lol!

But as usual the bills have to come first. I have

added one of the sea life pages here I really enjoyed

making this book its larger than most board books

it was originally a childrens book. I used white gesso to build a base then worked in metallic acrylic paints to add some colour, with the help of finger painting...lol...using inks. The silhouette for the mermaid was cut out from the Once upon a time scrapbook papers and altered to make her stand out. The stamped swirls are from the Personal Impression range.

For the Vintage page I used Alcohol ink for the background and swirled it around with a paint brush had to be fast with this as it dries so fast! I then cut out some lace so that it was more effective and decorated, I then covered the page with Anita's 3D embossing varnish and placed the lace into it so it then changed colour to look older. For the photo frame I used a piece of card that was embossed using the Cuttlebug folder and then inked the embossing with Cranberry alcohol ink to brink out the embossing more, then went over it gently with Impression stamping ink fawn colour. I then covered with the varnish and added a little sparkle that you cannot really see in the photo onto the raised embossing using Sparkles glitter glue bronze colour. Phew think thats about it! Its been ages since I have created something so arty never thought I would be able to get my imagination back but it seems making all those cards...lol...has worked...the cards also did well out of the 70 I made while recovering I sold 33 to one lady and another 8 to others...so a big thankyou to all who bought them from me.

Holly

Altered Beer Mat

2009-09-08T21:36:00.004+01:00

Thought I would have ago at altering a beermat, Pattie had given me ages ago, so trying to catch up with things. I am looking forward to my week off next week so I can venture more on all arty stuff.

No need to explain how I made this mat as I am sure most of you have made one at some point. But just incase here goes. Covered the beer mat in white gesso and thin glue to give it a base, pva glue is what I used. Then when dry added some alcohol inks and blended them all in. Then added some stamping in stazone black. The little pictue I found in one of my scrapbook books and inked that too then used gesso to lighten it up a bit. It's all glossed over to try and give the effect of glass.

Phew! Then I ventures onto more and made a front and back of a board book. Pictures to follow when it's put together so watch this space!....LOL!

Holly

Altered Bird House

2009-09-02T21:01:00.003+01:00

Well finally at last I have stopped making cards..Phew! I bought some plain wooden bird houses way back and found them in my craft room so thought its about time I got down to altering them. I found some cute pictures of birds and thought they would match perfectly. I painted the house in acrylic white as a base then used antique gold metallic arylic paint for the roof and the base. I gave the roof a look of moss effect by using some green ink which took forever to dry even tried the heat gun ...lol. Anyway I added some lace to the roof and then added some green gem stones. On the sides I added some pretty heart shapes and painted and inked them you can see from the side view picture. The size is about 4 to 5 inch tall and about 3 to 4 inch wide. In the middle I added some brown leaves I am not sure what to put inside may add a nice heart shape or if i can add a couple of eggs, for this I could get some sugared almonds and decorate. The house is standing on a stamp to get the best view for the pictures...lol. Its given me a boost making this house I have another on the go now. I may do this on as a wedding theme or new home theme.

Well thats about it... hope you find this as interesting as

I have making it.

This picture is of the side view I found some tiny wooden garden pots and painted it antique gold then in my box of tricks I came across some imitation Ivy and fixed that into the pot. Gives it a more homely feel...lol.

Holly

Making Cards

2009-08-25T22:29:00.002+01:00

I seem to have this awful bug on making cards...lol since I have been on steroids. At least its been keeping me busy as well as in between flying around with the hoover, getting all the washing done and getting myself into a routine. It has also helped to take my mind off of loosing Jack too.

This card I really enjoyed making its decoupage style from a picture I found off one of those cd's with all the papers and pictures. I just made it up a little bit better. Not much else happening just yet, still trying to get back into arty farty stuff guess it will come back to me soon. But I have suprised myself by making alot of cards. I think I am up to 70 cards now since I came out of hospital...lol.

Well thats if for now I have added a few more to my flickr account you can get to that by clicking on the album below.

Cheers

Holly

A Sad Day

2009-08-22T23:48:00.004+01:00

Just thought I would update you all regarding my rescued sparrow called Jack. Today for some unknown reason he died. He was doing really well the past week learning to fly more and would come to you, fly around you and even follow you walking on the floor. He was quite a character too would always make us laugh by running off with tissues and all sorts. I am glad I tried with Jack rather than just leave him hoping his parents found him. Jack also gave me hope when the past weeks have been so hard due to my illness, when recovering Jack became a therapy he would make me laugh and often would get me moving by nipping at my ankles when walking behind me. Many a time I would say 'god Jack watch out I almost never see you there'. Then he would give a loud chirp. He now has a special place in the garden and although we were trying to get him back into the wild, I felt he was becoming too tame, at least now his spirit is free and at peace. God bless you Jack!

Holly

Its been so long

2009-08-07T23:49:00.002+01:00

Well its been along time since I came on the pc at 2am just could not sleep..lol...I have been ill for so long over 7 months. After what seemed hundreds of blood tests later and a test not in the best of places they finally gave me an answer...I have IBD also known as Inflamatory Bowel Disease with the condition called Colitis.
Not nice to have really and can be serious, but could have been alot worse it could have been cancer dread the thought. So now I am on treatment of 8 steroids a day and 8 other pills of which i cannot remember the name, at least the steroids are reducing so each week you cut down one until you get to 1 a week then stop.
In all I lost 5 stone in weight and think I am still loosing, but the treatment I am now on should halt this for some time, then it will be finding the right food that I can and cant eat.I will be so glad to get my strength back and lead a normal life again, I dont know how I managed to get to work some days it was becoming harder each day and even harder to get out of bed in the end. Time came when enough was enough and I ended up in hospital for 3 and a half days .So to all my old buddies I am half the person I used to be...lol...I've been to hell and back over the past 7 months but I really hope to get back on track and start to craft again, I know I have said that in the past but really hope to this time. I just want my life back again.
cheers
Holly

New Links

2009-03-29T11:53:00.003+01:00

I found some new links that may be of use to some of you, they are listed under the Inspirational Blogs. One being Gossamer Creations this lady also has a link in flickr and creates some beautiful work. Check her out. The second is the Graphic Fairy this site offers lots of free graphics for your art work, she has added some backgrounds too for your blog, well worth checking out.
Well thats about it as you can tell I have been surfing more than creating...lol...but have managed to try and do a few altered cd's will add them here when completed. Think I totally wrecked my hammer and punches trying to make a few holes...lol..so now I have been given the man size hammer to use...lol....I must admit the one I had was rather feeble.
Well happy crafting all

Holly

Altered book

2009-03-25T07:28:00.004Z

As I said in my last post I was given 2 little hard board books to alter, so here I have added a couple of pages for you to see, there is more on my flickr pages. You can get to this by clicking on the slideshow on this blog.
The pages were altered by using inks on this page I added some skeleton leaves then inked over and finally covered in 3D embossing varnish it gives a better finish. I have been given another board book to alter larger this time so cant wait to get to work on it. As I have said I am at present time on study for a year so that has to come first, yesterday I completed 27 questions so I can now have time to do some craft work. It may seem simple just 27 questions but when they are on anatomy and physiology not so simple..lol. Also I cant just write one easy answer I have to totally explain myself so they know I understand. Still I hope to get the course done asap. Now I am off to work creating altered CD's today see what they think about doing these..lol.
Cheers

Holly

Crafting again!

2009-03-18T21:26:00.002Z

Well its been along time getting there but think I have finally got back into crafting again. Still dont feel like I want to use my craft room just yet but have set up a place in my little living room..lol. Thanks to Pattie for keeping on at me and to Debs for giving me a little barbie book to alter, of which has got me off the ground so to speak. I will add some pictures of the book once completely finished to my Flickr pages.
I have never known an illness to knock me off my feet so much and make me go off of certain foods, also to stop me from crafting even though I am deep in study with another course. It must be the babychams...lol...yep got a craving for these now, shame I cannot find a way to alter the bottles...lol. I know they are cheep and not everyones taste but enough for me at the moment.
I have missed so much since January so got alot to catch up on including everyones flickr accounts, so think this is enough for now, so watch out all I am back...lol

Cheers! Holly

Christmas Blown out!

2009-01-11T09:32:00.000Z

Well I cant say much about Christmas 2008 apart from I did get some nice presents. New years eve was not much of a party in our house this year either. I have been suffering from this awful stomach bug thats been going round, well so the doctor says, I can honestly say I have never felt so ill, now its like learning to walk again Im so weak. I feel sure I have lost around 2 stone in weight, as all I could do was live on water, with the odd soft sweet to stop my mouth from drying up totally. The last day I had a meal was Christmas day since then its been water and the odd cuppa soup, that seemed to make it worse so declined on those in the end. It was quite strange really cause after some time you get to not miss food. Although, you don't realise how weak you are getting, I could not believe how much energy it took getting from my bed to the bathroom! By the time I got back I just fell onto the bed.This week has been much the same, but have managed to try some creamed rice, I was suprised how it settled my stomach, I could only manage 3 spoons of it! I have noticed you have to eat what you really want to eat otherwise you will be back in the bathroom and in need of a sick bowl. I still feel really weak, its such an effort to get up and down the stairs, my poor dog thinks I am on my last legs and cant understand why I am not eating. I have managed more creamed rice, with the added bonus of a piece of fish at tea time. Just trying to eat to get my strength back now. I am still getting some pain but trying to cope with that, its the times when you feel at death's door are most worrying. Guess that will pass eventually fingers crossed. So I hope to be back into my crafting when my body allows, at present time I have no ideas on crafts and feel unable to cope with making a card or such. So until the big light bulb appears in my head I am going to rest up and get myself well again. So keep well everyone!
Holly

Altered Trinket Box

2008-12-02T00:27:00.002Z

I found a tatty old box at work one morning and thought, I could alter that. It was a box like you get for favours, inside were some tiny shells. So bought it home to alter. I started by painting it with acrylic metallic silver paint. Then using the glitz glitter glues used the palest blue colour, this gives it the bluish effect. I added some blue skeleton leaves around the box and glittered. Then added a row of shells and also added some sparkle to them. The lid was done in the same way as the body with the exception of the tiny blue beads, these were added and using a beaded starfish I added a diamonte gem to the centre. To complete I used a lenght of pretty white lace. It sort of reminds me of the old style shell boxes my gran used to have, and the lace gives it that victorian style look. Inside is painted silver and at the bottom I have covered with a small piece of black felt. Enjoyed this little project.

Holly

Altered Domino Box

2008-11-23T11:10:00.002Z

I bought some cheap domino's and they came with a little carry case, I thought it would be nice to alter the case and make it into a small jewellery box. So I started to peel off the cheap looking plastic and down to the wood. Then using glue and old bits of newspaper I covered it to give it strength. Then covered in a layer of mulberry paper to give it texture. Finally covering with Silver acrylic paint. I wanted to glitter it up a little so then using light green sparkles glitter glue I brused it all over. Let it dry then added some gems to add a bit more sparkle. The shells are tiny and have a mother or pearl effect on them, I brushed over with the same colour sparkle glitter glue. Finally the butterfly, using a die cut shape from the cuttlebug range, I covered with sequins, sticking them on one by one, bit of a task but better effect than using a string of them. The antenna is gold beads on wire with a pearl for the top, then the body part I used clear diamond gems. Inside I covered with dark green felt to place jewellery on. All in all I was quite pleased with the end result.

Easy to make and fun to do happy crafting.

Holly

For Anna

2008-11-08T11:35:00.006Z

No matter how much we try there is always not enough time or days to fit everything into our busy lives. Something always gets in the way of what we really want to do or take part in. It's not until something sad happens that we realise we should have done that now its too late. Today I am dedicating my blog entry to a work colleague and friend Anna, who sadly passed away yesterday after a long battle with illness. Anna loved the garden and birds, and once when we chatted over a coffee, she mentioned about the robin in her garden and how it followed her everywhere, we both laughed and joked about how we thought they were there to watch over us. So Anna I'm sorry I never knew you were so ill and I hope you come visit me from time to time as the Robin, some special words for you.

A lady with a heart of gold,
Precious to everyone young and old.
An angel came, carried you home,
Your journey long, the longest road.
Special dreams you once had,
Are still there to unfold.
In the place where time has no end,
You will share with friends of old.
Heavens garden now you keep,
Beautiful flowers you'll sow.
Through the Sun and rain,
It will shine on Earth as the rainbow.
Words cannot replace the space,
you have left behind,
Although we are far apart,
Forever you'll live in our hearts.

Holly (C) 2008

SOS Cards for Forces in War Zones

2008-10-26T22:54:00.004Z

Here is one of many cards I have been designing for the SOS charity. A simple yet effective card, using printed backing paper to cover the front of the card. Found a really sweet angel picture from a collection and mounted on silver mirror card, below is a verse that was on plain paper but to make it all match I used alcohol inks and blended them together, using caramel, cranberry and latte. Then mounted on silver mirror card. To add a finishing touch I tied on a length of satin ribbon in cream colour.

This charity is really important to me, I understand what it is like to have a family member overseas at Christmas time and in dangerous areas of this World. My brother was in the Falklands during the war and in Cyprus when there was trouble with the Turkish and Cypriats. It takes a few moments of my time to put a card together, so far I have made around 9 cards to send to the charity for service men and women to send back home to their families, a couple I am personally sending to them as a gift of Christmas cheer and support.

Remember our service men and women they do a dangerous and brave job, they are not supported enough by this country, they need our support and need to know we are behind them and that we care.

Enough said!

Holly

Christmas Tag

2008-10-21T12:50:00.002+01:00

I designed this tag for a competition that was held in a craft forum I belong to. I wanted to use the same size and shape as that of the Gothic arches I had created. Using various background papers torn and edged with inks, I printed out a photograph of a lady with a violin and decided to make her into a angel using butterfly shaped wings. These I inked with alcohol inks and edged with silver pen. The Wording I found in a book of verses for Christmas and used different coloured food dye and let the colours merge into each other. This was the effect that I ended up with.

To complete I added a pretty gold and glittery woollen thread to match the colours of the tags theme.

Really enjoyed making this tag, you can also add poems or a verse on the backs of them. May make some more of these for present tags.

Holly

Autumn Altered Note book

2008-10-15T23:18:00.003+01:00

I wanted to make a altered note book for my friend so got down to designing. First I covered the book using quite thick scrapbook papers from the Once upon a time range. Then added some lace down the side. The picture I found on the internet ages ago and thought I could make something with that. The frame is made from pearlised card then embossed using the cuttlebug folders, I quite liked the effect of this folder. To get the frame to look a bit like brass, I used alcohol inks, cranberry and caramel and blotted them on using a felt applicator. You can use tiny pom poms. Then added some bronze stamping ink. I heated the ink to help it dry then stamped all over with clear stamping ink. Then added clear embossing powder and heated once again. I repeated heating and stamping until I was happy with the results. From the same piece of card I cut out corners and attached them to the book. Also using same card I made a name tag. Down the side of the book I attached some fibres, and spaced them out along the spiral holder. Then using a domino of which I had already altered and matched with the same photo, attached using the fibres and attached small gold beads and then greek beads. I was happy with the end result as was the person I made it for....lol. Really enjoyed making this project.

Happy Crafting

Holly

Birthday Shoe

2008-09-28T02:29:00.003+01:00

I was asked to make a special card for a friend, I suggested about making a shoe and this is what I came up with. Working on similar idea to my Wedding shoe pattern (not shown here). Using my own template I used silver holographic card, cut 2 shoes, then stuck together placing a short length of ribbon inside. I decorated with pearlised leaves and tiny rose buds and rose heads, to add a special effect I added a tiny butterfly from pearlised card. Added another pearlised heart shape and placed sliver numbers for 21st. To complete I added a birthday tag using silver thread to tie around the ribbon and placed a tiny silver bow. You can click on the photo to view the detail.

I enjoyed making this little shoe, I will try and place some wedding ones on the blog when time allows.

Happy crafting

Holly

Altered Hot Choc Pot

2008-09-09T05:39:00.003+01:00

I found a really nice shaped hot choc pot while working at the day centre so thought it a good idea to alter it into a nice vase

or pencil holder. This pot was from the Options range. Just take off the outter covering which is easy to remove, then cut the top off by using a blade or scalpal, take care not to cut off your fingers...lol. The patterned look is made by using alcohol inks just dab on with a pom pom or cotton wool ball. I advice that you use rubber gloves to protect your hands when using these inks as they do stain, hence I had pink fingers. Once the ink is dry which does not take that long then add some gold ink, I used a gold ink pad and dabbed it over for some reason it reacted with the inks and spread out a bit making the pattern look like tiny flowers. I then used my heat gun to gently dry the gold ink take care too much heat and you will have a melt down. I then went all over the pot with a clear ink stamp then used enchanted gold embossing powder and sprinkled all over, then back to the heat gun, this sealed all of the colours and added the sparkle. I wanted the pot to be more shiney so to finish I just brushed over with the 3-D embossing varnish. I added a gold ribbon at the top and placed tiny beaded flowers and the same around the middle of the pot. I used a really heavy glue like u-hu glue to fix the ribbon and flowers. The Butterfly is a die cut out of silver card, I added some caramel alcohol ink and built it up, then added clear embossing ink and covered with clear embossing powder and heated with the heat gun. Gived the butterfly a glossy finish, I attached this with a sticky dot bostick ones work the best and added more glue the leaves were attached to the butterfly so everything is held in place.

Hope you like this project, its really simple to make and you can use other ideas of covering the pots, I also made 2 more using napkins, I will try and add them to my photo gallery when time allows. Most of all enjoy your crafting.

Holly

Angel Friend Altered Box

2008-09-04T00:11:00.007+01:00

This box was originally a plain box, It held an item of jewellery that a friend had bought, but had a really nice look about it, so I asked her if I could take it and alter it for her. I found some pretty napkins and began to cover the box with one. Once glued down I then went over with a very watery and thin layer of clear glue. To finish I then covered the whole box with 3-D varnish. For the flower this was made using a heart shaped punch, I cut out 12 hearts and layered them on 2 snowflake punched shapes. To complete added 2 gold padded butterflies. For the inside of the box, I kept the original foam packing and glued down, then cut some card and covered the card with the paper from the fantasy range. The angel is made from pearl beads a small 3mm round and a teardrop, with 2 very small beads for the bottom. At the neck I added another gold bead that was filigree shaped to represent her collar. The wings and arms are made from wire. On the inside of the box lid is wording which states......

You always seem to know,
What to do and say.
To make our friendship grow,
And brighten up my day.
I know that I am lucky,
To have a friend like you.
Someone who makes me happy,
With the things they say and do.
In my heart I hold each memory,
That we have made together.
So I know you will be,
My Angel friend forever.

Beaded Fairy ATC

2008-07-15T12:17:00.004+01:00

For this project I thought I would get out and dust off my old beading ideas. Using my own digital background design that I printed out on glossy paper. Found a cute picture in my scrapbox of a cherub and got down to creating my bead fairy. For the body I made one large sequin daisy flower, using a flower base 20mm then added a 10mm pearlised sequin flower and a Rocaille bead at 3mm. These flowers are so simple to make. Using 28 ga. wire thread through the rocaille bead or seed beads as they are sometimes called. Then twist to hold it firmly 2 twists is enough, then thread on the 10mm flower, then the 20mm flower, to keep mine in secure place I added a clear plain sequin. Then open up the wire and pull, be careful of your fingers here the wire can cut. The strands of wire now opened will keep the flower intact. For the smaller flowers repeat as above without the 20mm flower. To complete the line up just thread 3 or 4 small seed beads onto wire and twist gently to hold until you put it all together.

The Wings

For the wings I used a length of wire and threaded on

about 15 Bugle beads 2mm in size. For the first bead thread wire through then thread the other end of wire through so that you sort of tie a knot. Now continue to thread on the remaining beads. Once complete start to roll the beads gently as they do break. A couple of turns is enough. Then fasten off by twisting wire around the first bead and knot.

For the outter of the wing, I used Bugle beads 2mm in blue or pink, thread on a piece of wire about 20, then shape it around the inner beads and fasten so that you end up with a rounded shape as you can see in lulabell picture.

Putting it all together

Twist both wings together attach to the back of the cherub or picture you have, I used Bostick sticky dots to hold the wires, then added a foam pad over the top to raise the picture. Taking the largest flower make a small hole just under the body, thread both wires through the hole and open up on the backside like you would a brad, only pull it once again to that the beads are held tight. Do the same with the smaller flowers but at different distances. Also the same for the 3 beads on the wire, this time once through the hole pull tight.

I hope the beaded fairy tutorial here is easy to understand and you will have fun making one, they do take some time to get the wings right! The first one took me about 3-4 hours to design and complete.

Happy fairy crafting...lol

Holly

Nostalgic Cards

2008-07-10T10:16:00.003+01:00

I was helping one of the service users I care for in my work, they wanted to make some different style cards. So both of us got down to creating some new ideas. We went through endless books and catalogues, eventually coming up with the idea of nostalgic cards. The picture we covered with acetate and added gold peel off corners, then added some pretty borders of peel offs at the sides. Cutting out some of the flowers and raising them on foam pads as well as the cherub.

In all there are 5 in the set, you can swap and change ideas with each picture. The cards are A6 size and easy to create. I have added more to my photo gallery, there are still more to make to this set. After we are going to reduce the size of the pictures and make a set of atc's with them. Experimenting again...lol.

Happy crafting

Holly

ATC Collection

2008-06-30T08:40:00.005+01:00

This week I started making some new atc's to trade, I love these little works of art, for those who are not familiar with atc's they are miniture works of art created on 2 ½ X 3 ½ inch or 64 X 89 mm card stock. I have traded many of my own atc's and have a nice collection from other artists. This atc, was made using embossed pink card brushed with different shades of red inks. I added some gold mesh and some pretty pink ribbon that holds a chippie heart coated with gold ink. To complete the heart I wrapped some organza ribbon around it and tied in a bow, the theme of this atc is 'believe your heart'.

These tiny works of art are fun to do, many artists put them up for exchange and if you are lucky you could end up with a collection from around the world. So far I have atc's from USA, UK and Malta. Here is a little sample of my other atc's

This atc was exchanged with my friend pattie, the background is of paper printed with white daisy pattern, added a strip of pretty lace and tiny silk flowers attached with brads at the centre. The photograph was given to me by a friend and I cut to fit, to complete I added a small silk ribbon bow and the wording 'without you'.

My next venture will be twinches and inches, lol! Smaller works of art, twinches are 2x2 inch and inches are just that 1x1. Should be fun and I like to experiment!

You can view more of my atc collection in the slideshow on here.

Holly

Dementia Awareness

2008-06-24T11:10:00.003+01:00

After working with individuals with Dementia for about 8 years, I felt it would be nice to produce a card to promote Dementia awareness. Alzheimer's or Dementia will effect someone close to us in our lives within time, may it be a mother, father, grandparents, sisters or brothers. It can also develop at a young age too. People seem to forget that individuals suffering from this disease, once had a normal life. Individuals do not want sympathy, they need good care and attention, but with care of today it is not enough to full fill their needs. Many individuals need one to one care, this is hard to do when homes are unable to meet the demands. Seven individuals to one carer is a impossible task for any human to cope with, which means some individuals go without the special care they require. If you have visited this blog to view this card, then I have made a small difference, just by you reading this you are becoming aware!

This card was made with love to all those individuals I have cared for in the past, and still visit from time to time.

Enough said....Holly x

Leanne's Note Book Lotions & Potions

2008-06-19T20:50:00.008+01:00

For my friend Leanne I created a book cover in the magical
theme, using some of the papers from the Once upon a time
scrapbook pad. I used the 12x12 size for this project which gave me more space to work with. For the tag I used watercolour paper and brushed with a lilac ink pad. Then added the text on my printer, to give it a sparkle effect I used the sakura stardust pens in deep lavender. The fairys are stamped with dark lavender ink and then I used the gold colour stardust pen to highlight the hair and wings, also used the deep lavender pen to highlight the shoes and dress.
The lilac gems are from a kit. To make the book more fairytale like I added pretty lilac organza ribbon and fibres to the wired side then trimmed.
Inside the book I added a fairy picture framed with some of the left over paper and made a small pocket for her to place her business cards.

The book has taken me over a week to complete but I was very pleased with the final results.
For the back of the book, I used the opposite side of the paper, this time just adding one fairy flying and another sitting on the glitter box. once again I highlighted the fairys. I wanted to leave the back rather plain so that it sat on her desk better and would not wobble. To complete the set I added another altered coffee mate tin, larger in length this time. This I coloured with lilac permanent marker pens on the lid, then added a circle of paper from the unicorn themed papers in the same once upon a time book.

Wrapping the unicorn paper around the tin then sealing it. I added lilac poka dot ribbon to the bottom edge as the lid covers the top edge. To complete the lid I added magical fibres with a pink brad and let them hang to one side to represent the unicorns tail. I also added a sequin pink pen to complete. I really enjoyed making this project, I gave her the present today, I am sure she loved it. I loved it I wanted to
keep it..lol. But I know I can make another when I want to.

These books are great to cover and make very pretty
presents. I think I will continue to produce these and
venture into making some as extra gifts for
Christmas...lol..if I start now everyone should get one...lol.

Happy crafting all

Holly

Ooh la la gone sexy red

2008-06-17T21:07:00.002+01:00

On a earlier post of the Ooh la la card I made, I have adapted this one in Red. I stamped in black using part of a oriental cherry blossom clear stamp. Then used gold pen and added red ribbon to lace the corsett. For the backing I used cuttlebug embossings, the darker paper was originally red but I went over it with a darker ink. Then painted on the gold using my gold pilot pen. The cirles paper is actually gold and inked over this in a lighter red. Using my fairy clear stamps I stamped the pretty design and using Dovecraft greetings stamps for the good luck.

I just love doing these corsetts you can try all sorts of threads to lace them up and stamp with all sorts of different designs and colours. Great fun to make and the end result is pretty!

Happy crafting!

Holly

Oriental Green

2008-06-17T20:56:00.003+01:00

I was fed up of seeing red and gold oriental cards so thought I change the colours a little. Using my oriental clear stamps I stamped the background straight onto the card. Then with stardust pens went over the inks. Layered with a green colour paper from the old world stack and finally, used a cuttlebug embossing. For the embossing I glazed over with dark green ink, then added a lighter shade. I was happy with the inks. Then added a pretty picture of oriental lady someone sent me ages ago. To finish I added a green brad and some pretty glittery gold fibres.

Just love oriental cards the themes are endless and with so many cd's of backgrounds out these days I could design for years..lol.

Most of all enjoy!

Holly

Patties Birthday Book

2008-06-16T00:48:00.003+01:00

Well once again I got down to altering another book cover,

this time in the theme of Vintage lady. The back ground is a 12x12 paper from the Heritage range. I used some tags and cut out the lock and keys, then varnished with Anita's 3-D clear gloss. Down the side and attached to the rings I added organza ribbon gold colour. Added lace and finally but not shown in this photo some cream braid. The pictures are from various papers and to finish I added a single silk flower with brad to match for I know pattie loves flowers. The back is covered with same backing paper and lace, with the addition of flapper hat and purse, locket and post card. The text on front and back are in the theme of Memories and read as follows.

'Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us' ~ Oscar Wilde.

'Memory is a crazy woman who hoards coloured rags and throws away food'

These I thought suited Pattie...lol...I am still working on the rest of the set, which comprises of a desk pot and pen. Pattie was delighted with this book and I wish her a very happy birthday on her special big day!!! Lol!!! May she have many more crafting years ahead.

We can't all be stars,but we can all twinkle.

Happy crafting all

Holly

Oriental Lady

2008-06-07T00:47:00.003+01:00

I made this for a friend, who loves oriental cards. I was lucky to have a cd that had oriental backgrounds, so printed one off. The picture I found while surfing the net. Layered onto gold mirror card, but embossed by using fiskars texture plates. The flowers are die cuts using the Cuttlebug machine, coloured with Whispers pens and then varnished with Anita's 3-D varnish. Placed on red polka dot ribbon. To finish off the effect I used a small red ribbon bow.

Oriental cards are great for greetings, you can also use them for men by using dragon themes. I hope to be able to place a male design on the blog when time allows.

Happy Crafting

Holly

Special Birthday 100th

2008-06-03T11:13:00.004+01:00

Made this quick and simple card for a dear lady who I used to care for when I worked in residential care. Using napkins as backing paper I then added one of the die cut butterflys and embossed the top. Covering it with 3-D varnish to give it more depth and to make it stand out better. Then using Dovecraft clear stamps I stamped around the edges. The lettering is just peel off numbers. To finish I added a tiny pink butterfly from the hair bands, and attached some gold fibres with a small dark pink brad. I am sure she will love this card, for she always enjoyed the outside and the garden area.

Holly

Ooh La La

2008-06-02T00:41:00.006+01:00

Cuttlebug die cuts are great to use as toppers for cards. This die cut was of a corset, that you can lace up. I just used plain blue card then used a patterned stamp to decorate. So the shape and outline of the corset would show I used a gold pen and went around the edges. I also put gold ink around the eyelets, this made them look more original. Lacing up with a pretty fringe wool in different shades of blue and tied under.

The background was made by using the embossing folders from the Cuttlebug, I brushed over the embossing with various coloured inks until I was happy with the design. To finish the embossing off I then used the Sakura stardust blue pen to add sparkle and drew around the loops. The fancy border is made by using a stamp from the new range of Dovecraft clear stamps fantasy, perfect for borders. The blue butterflys are from hair ties, I came across these in a chemist shop and thought they would be handy so picked up 3 different colours. They are great for adding a little style to you fibres and brads.

I have added another photo of the corset in a more in

depth picture, you can see the background textures too.

I had alot of fun creating this style of card, much more than I have in the past with stamped versions, you can do alot more with this die cut, it also comes with cut out laces and a sweet little bow. I decided not to use them this time, but may well do in the future.

Happy Crafting

Holly

Cuttlebug Embossing

2008-05-31T23:19:00.004+01:00

I was lucky enough to borrow the Cuttlebug machine from my friend Pattie for a week. During this time I managed to make endless embossed backgrounds and die cuts. This is just a sample card I put together using the Cuttlebug embossing, using a pretty yellow card, then brushing it with golden ink, it seems to make the embossing stand out more. The centre piece was from off cut card stippled with the ink pad and shaped scissors, I used the die cut butterfly shape as main then used the embossed butterfly and cut around it then layered on top. I also brushed the embossed bit with gold ink, then to finish I painted on with 3-D clear gloss finish by Anita's. Just a simple design but has a very nice effect. I would recommend the Cuttlebug to those of you who love embossing and embossed cards. It's simple and fast to create pretty cards.

Holly

A Just for Fun Card

2008-05-31T22:49:00.003+01:00

This card was just for fun really, and also to experiment with different textures and paints and inks. Also using the watering can, flower and sunshine. The background I used a gradient in paint shop pro called morning glory, just printed it out to the size I wanted. Using pens and markers painted in the little tufts of grass and flowers. The sun is stamped and coloured using glass paints, it gave a nice effect. The fairy is also painted using glass paints as well as the flower, the middle of the flower is slightly raised using 3-D clear gloss by Anita's. I used a golden pearlised card for the watercan and then stippled with my gold pen. This card is very colourful and different from my usual range, but I really enjoyed making it and got some great ideas for using textures.

Let there be sunshine and flowers for many hours..lol.

Holly

Father's Day in the Garden

2008-05-20T11:10:00.011+01:00

Father's Day is not far off, so I got down to some serious inspiration. I found a nice tutorial on the Create and Craft website using WS designs templates and stamps. I liked the idea of the card but wanted to design my own style using my own style watering can. This was the end result, I have listed templates that you can download and use for your own use if you choose. This design can also be used for thinking of you, just for you, whatever takes your fancy.

Using A4 white card folded, I layered with a pastel coloured background, this I printed out using a free paper, but you can use any you prefer. For the flower, I printed this from a image from a colouring book, I have added the template of the flower for you. I coloured the flower using Whispers marker pens and sakura stardust pens. For the centre I used Anita's 3-D embossing clear gloss finish. This adds depth to the flower and makes it stand out a little. The watercan I created a nice design from a picture. To get the embossed leaf effect, you need to make a template, cut out the leaves, then place the card over the template and use the embossing tool, I found this works best using pearlised card as you can see. The handle and spout and top are coloured using my gold pilot pen, then the second coat I stippled which gives it a hammered look. I printed out the flower pots from a image I found and made the sign and printed out. The pots I used white card, then using whispers marker pens I coloured in using a orange colour that resembled terracotta. Using the same colour I then went around the edge to hide any trace of the white card, then using the black I outlined the detail. For the soil effect I used the brown marker and drew what is supposed to look like soil...lol. For the 3rd pot I used a peel off garden set2 product code (XL553U) and using the spade, I coloured using the Whispers markers permanents, then attached to the card and coloured using the same green colour. Cut out and making a slight slit in the soil pushed the spade through, then attached at the back with double sides sticky tape. Using the same effect I attached the seeds sign. You can change the style and look as much as you like and everytime you get good results. I hope you enjoy this tutorial and design as much as I have making it.

Happy Crafting all

Holly

Sunshine

2008-05-10T00:14:00.003+01:00

Inspired by one of my favourite songs is how this card came about. I also used some of the songs lyrics. The ribbon reminded me of summer deckchair material. The flowers are sequins with AB beads on wire. Background papers were from a old collection. The sun face I stamped in black ink and used Sakura stardust pens to colour.

This card is rather dark in the photograph but much brighter in person. Need to get a new daylight bulb just when you need it it blows...lol.

Alexander O'Neal 'Sunshine'

Happy lazy Summer days ahead...

Holly

Feeling Oriental

2008-05-09T23:08:00.003+01:00

As the title says I was feeling in the mood to create a oriental style card. So I just had a play about with a picture I had from the internet and it went from there. The Kimono was made from a small template I had using a background paper from the Old World mat stack. and found some nice ruby ribbon. The beads are a pretty japanese bead that I had from way back when I used to make jewellery. The picture was just printed out from my pc and I made the frame from left over backing paper from the Kimono. The tiny sequin flowers were made by threading onto craft wire with AB seed beads. The backing paper on the actual card was from my own design created on my pc.
I do enjoy creating Oriental designs this card began when I was unable to sleep due to chest infection, It helped me get through the night...lol.
Happy Crafting

Holly

Summer Themes

2008-05-05T10:25:00.003+01:00

On a similar theme to the last card I posted, here is another with the use of chippies by Woodware. This time I tried to keep the theme in cool mint colours.

Using green mint backing paper, and layering with embossed white then silver mirror and embossed white. To give the stamped effect I used a small PM clear stamp and stamped in green ink. The medallion I used sakura stardust pens using the yellow and the green. For the centre I added a small floral gem also in green..lol. Usin polka dot ribbon and tiny gem hearts. The Chippie shape I coloured using Whispers markers then added a honey bee stamp in a darker shade of green. The end product is shown here.

The chippies are available in many designs and you can buy them from various outlets, I got these from Artymiss, the medallion stamps are available from Stamps uk

My next theme will be Sunshine....

Holly

Summer

2008-05-03T08:50:00.003+01:00

A bright and cheeful card that resembles Summer time. This card is for a competition in the Artykards group. Using silver mirror card then embossing it with Fiskars texture plates and layering with a summer green background paper.

I added some lace and tied this at the centre using a brad, then covered with the medallion stamp. to finish I added a cream ribbon and some odds and bobs from my craft tin. Simple and easy to make but they look like alot of work went into them.

Happy Crafting all.

Holly

Vintage

2008-04-15T10:23:00.005+01:00

Thinking on the lines of vintage, I decided to make a card that resembled a old pub sign. I came across this stamp at Artymiss, thought it was ideal for a man card.

For this card I got down to designing a background using my graphics programme, and using brushes made a musical theme. Its not shown well on the card. I then used black pearlised card for the backing. I stamped onto cream card the cheers sign. To make the sign look old and slightly worn, I added some double sided tape to the edges, then peeled it off at a angle so that I got a patterned edge. Using vintage fawn ink pad I rubbed some ink into the torn edge, this gave the darker colour. Then using vintage chalks I then brushed over with a brown, then red and finally light fawn colours. To finish I added 2 brass coloured brads as to look like old nails. I thought the card would be suitable for fathers day, I have not added any text to it.

I decided to add a little picture of my own background that I used for layering this card. Using Paint Shop Pro. Starting off with a colour that matched the theme colours I flooded a 3x3 inch square, then changing to the brush I used a range of different brushes that I had made by using black and white images. I kept layering and layering the different brushes until I ended up with the sample that is shown here. I have added more of my backgrounds to my slideshow.

This was just a play about project to start with but I think its turned out pretty good.

Holly

Whispers pens and brads

2008-04-14T17:21:00.003+01:00

Whispers pens are great when using to change the colour of your brads. I used Whispers permanents to do these with, and some colours give a translucent effect. I also made a colour chart so that I know for future reference of what colours look like on the brads. There is not much difference when you use either plain gold or plain silver. You can also cover coloured brads too, but these tend to go darker in colour. I just brushed over these one shown here, but you can add another layer, you may want to varnish them first for if you add more colour before completely dry they do tend to become fluid again.

So now I can add any colour range to the styles of my cards and match any brad with the colours of my fibres.

You can also add glitter and if you add small blobs of clear glue you can then add another colour to the glue so you get a designer effect. The choice is endless.

Hope you enjoy trying this one out, I have added a link to the Whispers pens range just click on Whispers on this page.

Happy crafting all

Holly

Opalite Backgrounds

2008-04-11T22:55:00.003+01:00

For this background I used Opalite inks, Crystal Blush and Glacier blue, I also used gold Ink it up.

Using black card stock, I stamped a butterfly background around the card using the glacier blue, then using my laura ashley clear stamps I used the bird in flight stamp in crystal blush, finally using a tiny bird with a ring stamp in gold ink.

This background looks very pretty when you actually see it, sometimes photographs do work no justice. I am now going to use this background for oriental atc's, I felt the design went well the the oriental theme.

It's great experimenting with your stamps and making your own backgrounds. Trouble is I spent more time playing than I did producing...haha.

Happy Crafting

Holly

Making Backgrounds

2008-04-08T09:20:00.004+01:00

Today I thought I would work on making some backgrounds for a couple of oriental cards. So I got out my stamps and inks and paints. The first attempt was done on plain card, I used green ink and smoothed out with baby wipe. Did not come out to the best I wanted but it did have a nice effect in the end. I then stamped in black using my new Laura Ashley stamps, I then added clear embossing powder and heated with the gun. I then used another of my LA stamps this time the bird one, and using gold ink I stamped some birds scattered here and there. The end product you can see if the picture, after I had taken this I then trimmed the edges and used shaped scissors to give the edge a nice effect. I am going to use this background with butterflys that I stamped on acetate and then coloured in with Sakura stardust pens. These make a nice effect on acetate.

The next background I decided to make on photo paper,

I love working with photo paper, the inks really blend in

and you can add water to them. For this background I used to start with lilac ink, this I pressed on with a baby wipe, it gave it a speckled effect, next I used another of my LA stamps this time a sort of butterfly and leaf stamp, using it to look like a washed out fabric effect. To complete I got a bit adventurous and decided to use my small clear butterfly stamp, as it was cheep I thought no problems if I mess it up. So I covered the stamp using my gold pilot pen, then quickly pressed onto the paper in various areas. I must admit it does give a nice gold effect to the paper, but cleaning the stamp was difficult. So if you use this idea make sure you do not use your best stamps...lol.

So I have got some nice backgrounds to play with now, I may cover one of them with acetate and add a little tag or oriental lady. I will post the cards on this blog when completed.

Till then happy crafting everyone.

Holly

Wedding Card

2008-03-28T10:41:00.004Z

I was trying out my new stamp for Weddings and came up with this little idea for a simple card. The stamp is from the Do Crafts range and you can get it in most craft stores. It is wooden backed and very clear cut. The backing papers are from a range of different packs from paper wishes, from the books card makers Icy Rainbow and Romance and Wedding. I used Cranberry coloured Ink it up! to stamp with then embossed with clear embossing powder, giving it a glitter effect but still showing the colour through to match the theme. Using Pink organza ribbon 7mm width, I threaded through Gold wedding rings available at Stick n Mix, and added a little bow. Then to finish I added 3 tiny padded gold hearts, also available at Stick n Mix. The design is simple but very effective.

I have listed all online stores of where you can obtain the items I used for this project.

Happy crafting

Nursery Rhyme Swap card

2008-03-24T07:58:00.003Z

For a swap in the group I belong to I came up with the following card. I started off with a picture of a cat, and from there I created 'Pussy cat Pussy cat'. Using a 6 x 6 card, I used a lemon and orange polka dot background paper, that matched the colours of the cat. I used Sakura Stardust jelly roll pens to colour in the cat, in certain areas, leaving the remaining white.

Using my technique of my cutting knife, then cut round the cat to the final shape. I then made the wording of the rhyme using plain white card, printed out in black ink and using the font Jangles. Using my earth tones chalks I darkened the card to make it look older, then using my Pilot Gold pen inked slightly around the edges. Laying a strip of polka dot orange ribbon to the edge of the backing paper, I then placed the cat and the text. I thought it a good idea to cut down the side of the ribbon and around the cat so that he stood out slightly, it all went together well. Inside the card I used the same technique as the wording on the outter of the card, and placed information about the origins of the nursery rhyme. I think this is my favourite card for a swap so far this year, I have really enjoyed making it. It would also suit a child for a birthday card, without the wording on the inside, that could be placed on the back of the card.

Enjoy.

Amanda's Garden Notes and Seed Tin

2008-03-20T00:43:00.008Z

My friend and co worker Amanda is leaving soon, so as a gift I decided to make her something she could keep as well as use. So I remebered the coffee whitener I had used to make the flower pot and had some note pads in my room. I got to designing a cover for the book and the tin within the garden theme.

The book cover I used a 12x12 backing paper from the Once upon a time album. I then used lace to edge the book and satin ribbon. Around the rings I tied ruby organza ribbon to short ties. The scroll and flower background is plain white card stippled with ruby ink, then card embossed. Flowers are ivory and fixed together with a brad. The butterfly I outlined in Sakura Stardust pen pink and added some flower stems for the antennas. The verses came from the webside listed below.

www.geocities.com/Heartland/Lane/2470/lslists.htm

The back of the book I used the same backing paper. I found a little stamp for a bird and inked it with black ink then embossed using black sparkle powder. The verse came from the site listed above. I used card stock white, used ruby ink pad and baby wipe, then inked around the edge but gradually pulled the ink off using the baby wipe. Fading it towards the text. Then with a lavender chalk I went over the ink edge and smoothed till I got the effect I was looking for. The card was then embossed using Fiskers texture plate, carpet side. Using my favourite Pilot super colour gold ink pen I slightly brused the curved edge, that I created by using my cutting knife. The photograph does this bird and card effects any justice, the work looks better in person as the say.

To go with the book I thought it a good idea to add a seed collection tin. Using the similar effects of the flower pot in a previous post on here, only this time I wanted to include a lid so that it would keep the seeds fresh. I managed to cover the lids original colour of gold with Whispers permanent marker, Red colour. As this was slightly transparent on the gold it gave a nice ruby colour. Just what I wanted. Keeping within the theme I added a stencil of the swirl patten I had used on the front cover of the book, using the Pilot gold ink pen. within the area of the gold leaves I added some pretty pink gem flowers. I also used one on the lid, and covered the centre circle with the backing paper. I used lace to match the book cover and satin ribbon. As it was a garden theme I added a cute lady bug kindly sent to me by a member of my group. The sequin pen is pink in colour and matches the whole set, this I

obtained from a local supermarket store in my town. The back of the tin as you will see in the photograph has got a tiny verse that incorporates what the tin is designed for. I am sure she will be delighted with the gift, she is a keen gardener and now she can save her seeds for the next season. While all her gardening notes can be placed in the book.

I certainly enjoyed making this little gift, I have got more of these tins and note books, I think they will make nice gifts for birthdays and wedding gifts. The themes are endless.

Enjoy

Making use of Rubbish

2008-03-12T19:20:00.004Z

A few weeks back, while working at the day centre, I was looking through the scrap box. I found an empty tin and thought I could make use of this.

So I set to working on it and also made it into a demonstration for the service users to watch, and take part. The tin was originally used to hold coffee whitener so I washed and dried it. Then covered it all around with background papers using a lilac theme.

I then got together some bbq skewers these I was going to use for stems, I found some pretty lilac tissue paper and cut out some circles, I folded the circles and cut around the outter edge with crinkle scissors. The effect was like carnations.

Using glue and a circle I pushed the tissue paper to the top and shaped it like the middle of the flower, then added more layers to produce a pretty carnation. Using florist tape in green I wound from just under the last circle of tissue paper and down the stem. Once all the pieces were put together I went back to the tin and decorated it with paper flowers and gem stones, then added organza ribbon.

The tin was filled with oasis for dried flowers and the top covered with extra tissue paper, I then cut the stems of the carnations I had made and placed them into the tin.

This is the end product.

Normally I would throw away these tins, now I keep and decorate them they are great for desk tidy or flower holders or anything else that you could use them for. They would also make ideal wedding table decorations, where you could also place silk flowers or fresh flowers and put them in the green oasis.

Hope you try this little craft idea, its fun to make and the flowers are great to make too, just be careful of the bbq skewers the ends are rather sharp, I cut off the sharp bits so no one could damage themselves..lol.

Birthday Cards

2008-03-12T18:57:00.006Z

My next card on the list was for my friends daughter, I made one card and then decided I did not like it for it was not so special so back to the drawing board as they say...lol.

I found a good background paper very girlie and rumaged through all my stamps, eventually finding girlie items, as in the last card I used Sakura pens stardust and used the pastel pink. Inside decorated one corner with one of my new stamps that you can line up and they give perfect results, I also used the same stamp to decorate the envalope too.

I feel it makes a nice change for the postmen and women to see a pretty letter rather than the boring plain white and brown envalopes....lol.

This is the end products hope you like what you see here and it gives inspiration to all.

Happy Crafting

Birthday Cards

2008-03-12T18:47:00.002Z

This past week has been non stop designing birthday cards, there are so many birthdays in my family for the month of March, it does not stop there, for April brings another bunch. So I had to get my mind going and get down to some serious work.

For my friend I decided to design something bright and cheerful, and using a similar design to my baby cards. I used papers I had got from local craft store and had plenty of silk flowers left over from Mother's day cards so managed to mix and match, the little pictures are from a selection of clear rubber stamps by Dovecraft, the glittery effect around the images was made by using Sakura Gelly roll pens, Stardust variety. This was the end result.

Happy Birthday Carly ...lol

Crafting Weekend Cards

2008-03-03T23:23:00.004Z

As I was enjoying myself so much making some new design cards I got into making baby cards for a change. I used a stamp borrowed once again from a friend and added backing papers and ribbon, I love working with pinks. These 2 cards were my work for this weekend.

Crafting Weekend

2008-03-03T23:17:00.002Z

This weekend I decided to have a craft weekend, I was in need of a new home card for my daughter who has just moved into a nice new flat. I am delighted, she can now settle down and baby will have more room to play.

I wanted to make something different than what you find in the shops of ready made cards, so borrowed a nice stamp from Pattie, then added some pretty papers and a little fibres and this was the end product.

Commissioned Card

2008-02-24T18:23:00.003Z

I was asked to make a menu card for a friend, who, will be taking exams soon for catering. The card theme was a first wedding anniversary, for some reason I thought of hearts and white, so the swans came into view. Then I thought of netting for veil and roses for love and bouquet. This was the end product. The insert contained the meal for the evening, I am now thinking maybe I can arrange for this young chap to come and cook for me....lol.

Enjoy

Mother's Day

2008-02-23T15:23:00.003Z

It will soon be Mother's Day for the UK so I got down to making some cards, I wanted to do cards with flowers, and the theme I was looking for was a pink and deep lilac. I could not get silk flowers from craft shop in the style I wanted so decided to buy a cheep bunch from local shop, then sat pulling them all apart...lol. I added a sequin style middle and all was held together with a gold brad.

Then found a template for a handbag and made it much smaller by resizing on the pc, and cut it out of backing paper to match the background paper. Tag I already had from a craft magazine, the tiny flowers were sent to me from USA, thank you to Gail for those. I am pleased with the end product. The second one I cannot show just yet but will add next week, as its for my mother in law who looks on this blog...lol.

Happy crafting all

Scrapbooking Albums

2008-02-16T15:40:00.001Z

I love to work on my scrapbookat present time I am working on a family tree scrapbook, to keep in the family. After many years of researching my family tree, thought it would be great to add photographs and information about my past ancestors. I try to work on a page once a month or when time allows, here is a sample of one of my pages indicating the family names. Each page is dedicated to a family name, incorporating photographs of the family members. Those going back in time where I do not have photographs I have adapted this by using past historical events or fashion. I really enjoy making these pages, they are fun and you can let your imagination go wild.

Easter Bunny Card

2008-02-13T19:36:00.002Z

This cute Easter card I found in a magazine booklet, as I was thinking of doing something slightly different I decided to make it into my own personal touch. I had to make it without any templates as in the magazine the card was made with ready made templates. So I got down to some serious designing and came up with the one shown here!
Whats next on the agenda.....lol.

Friendship Teapot card

2008-02-13T19:26:00.008Z

Thanks to Becca who supplied me with the template for the friendship teapot, I had a fun time creating this cute little card. I sent it to my friend who had been unwell and placed the teabag inside with the complementing verse....

I wish we could sit down together and have a cup of tea!
But as we can't, when you have this one, I hope you think of me!

My friend called me that evening to say how delighted she was to get such a sweet card.