Busy in the background.

I am not ignoring you blog, honest, just busy beavering away in the background.  I have a demonstration coming up at Papercraft's Boutique this Saturday and another couple of projects on the go just now.

Recently I was asked if I would consider making up Memory boxes with a lovely lady and her two young children.  Unfortunately she is not keeping the best of health and that is all I am saying on the matter. 
Three wooden boxes have been supplied by a well known charity with a request to decorate them so that they'll stand the test of time.  The art of decoupage sprung to mind as the finished projects can be varnished and should stand up to lots of knocks and bangs.  It is also a great technique for doing with small children. 
With that in mind I arranged to meet the family yesterday and set to task decorating.  These are the boxes.....

They are a super size and remind me more of treasure chests. 

 

Before going to craft I painted a quick coat of white acrylic paint on all three boxes as some of the decoupage papers had white backgrounds.  Here....

 

What fun we had decorating them.  I wanted to find papers that would stand the test of time but would also appeal to small children.  I've just got to leave them to dry and add a couple of finishing touches before varnishing them....back soon with the finished boxes.

A super morning crafting was had by all although the youngest had much more fun playing with my bubble wrap, LOL.  Small children don't need toys do they?  Big boxes and a roll of bubble wrap will get you at least a couple of hour play.  Pity it doesn't last!

Have a super crafty week and I look forwards to seeing some of you in Elgin on Saturday, it's been a while!

Last but not least in the Stamping techniques class.

Back again, so over the last couple of days we have done inking with Distress inks, today we are adding a second ink and a mask, then splitting the whole thing up! 

To create this card I have used stamps from Marion Emberson stamp sets On your special day and Build a tree.  The Spellbinder die is Ribbon tags trio, seam binding coloured with Broken china and Brushed corduroy.  Again I made the mask first and placed on the card and then inked the blue then brown around the edge.  I then removed the mask before stamping the images.  Once finished I cut the whole design in 4 before layering on black card.  I do think adding a second colour makes all the difference and changes the whole mood of the card.

That's all from me today, I'm taking a wee break over the next couple of days to catch up on jobs and do a little research.
If you are in the Elgin area I shall be demonstrating at Papercraft's Boutique a week on Saturday, the 4th of  May between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Inking techniques part two!

Morning, a wee gap in the proceedings and totally unexpected.  I was called into work on Friday first thing and then time got away from me, appointments, kids etc... 
Our wee pup had an operation too.  She is now chipped and had her "bits" sorted, bless.  Trying to keep her calm and relaxed is proving difficult when all she wants is to play.  I did have total sympathy for her as she came home, she walked just like I did after my sections with the boys. (carefully!) 
Back for a check up tomorrow to see that everything has gone ok.

Yesterday I was at work, a busy day there too as it was dine in, lots of customers in for meal deals and a few colleagues missing.  Tired.com when I got home.....I'm such a lightweight!

Enough of the chit chat this is my second card from the inking techniques class.  I have again used Broken china distress ink but have made a mask for the clouds and then used the water spritzing technique after applying the ink.

The tree and sentiment are by Marion Emberson, Build a tree and It's all in the words.  The frame is created using Spellbinder grand scalloped squares with the inside cut out.  Finally I have added a bit of bling to finish.
 
Carrying on from Thursday's post and adding ink to your card.
Place your masks onto the card first then add small circles of light ink, hold at an arms length away and spritzing with water, leave to dry, removed masks and then stamp images.  Simples!

That's all from me today, have a super Sunday, whatever you are up to.  I've a few jobs to do then hope to get some time to play later. 
I nearly forgot I did make the Key lime pie last week and it was very yummy, the kids weren't keen but hubby asked if I'd brought it home from work!! 
Good enough to be M & S! 
Best I make that again.  :)

Inking techinques..Distress ink style.

Morning, yep posting early this morning whilst playing catch up with Broadchurch...don't tell me la, la, la...fingers in my ears! 
Who did it? 
Could be so many different characters I usually have a stab but am reserving judgement with this show...why?  Because I haven't a clue! 
So many twists and turns....anyway back to crafting and today I am starting with my 3 cards from my inking techniques class.
I  have created similar cards to these in the past and love playing with the Distress inks to make backgrounds.  Working with these inks (Broken China below) is all about practising and getting a feel for the ink.  We started by just applying one colour creating light and depth here.....

It's all in the movement, little circles and not too much pressure then you don't get lines.  Also I find dabbing off initial ink helps, a bit like the dry brushing technique.  It is much easier to add light laters over and over till you are happy than try and rush it. 
The stamped image is by Marion Emberson Birthday kisses and the sentiment is by Hero Arts Anytime messages.  I did of course have to add a bit of Spellbinder magic into the mix using the Classic square die together with Fleur de lis square to create the frame.
This is again a very much less is more card, the style I seem to be favouring just now.

That's all from me today, now I can't decide to iron or tidy my craft room....oh the decisions.  I'm fancying making a Key lime cheesecake instead.  Nomm, nomm.
Have a super Thursday.  x

My favourite Spellbinding card.com!

Slightly earlier post today as again I've been a busy little bee this morning.  I have a big bowl of fruit salad made in the fridge and soup on the stove, the dog walked and some work caught up with.
But enough about that let me show you my favourite card of mine from the retreat.  I know you shouldn't have favourites but we all do, don't we?

I have used Spellbinder dies Labels 14, Labels 30 M-Bossabilities folder Numbers and letters plus Edgeabilities Classic triple scallop.  The sentiment is by Hero arts Very Special with ribbon and bling from my stash. 
I love this colour combo and it isn't one I usually use...that will change,  I think the Apricot shade works so well with the black and white.

That's all from me today.
I've got a boring afternoon of catching up with some house work planned.  Dependant on how quick I work will decide whether I get time to play later.  I feel the need for speed!
Have a super Wednesday and I'll be back tomorrow with some inky fun.

Part 2 of 3D Spellbinder fun.

Another later post for me today, it's getting to be a habit!
You know when you've had one of those days when....every step you take forward you immediately take two back! 
With a wee argh, to follow.  That sums my day up today, great intentions out of the window and very little achieved up to now. 
Lets move on as I share my second card of three using the new 3D M-Bossibilities dies by Spellbinder.

Again I've shown this on the tilt so you can hopefully see the embossing better....it looks so much better in real life, honest.
For this card I have used 3D M-bossibilities Framed labels 18 together with Labels 18 dies and Fancy tags 2.  The sentiment is by Marion Emberson On your Special day and pearls from my stash.
Less is more again with just a black and white combo.

I'm now hoping for a more productive evening....catch you again tomorrow with my favourite card of the class. 
Happy crafting.  x

Spellbinding class part two....in 3D!

Ooooo, very late post for me today, bad girl that I am.  I have been busy and that's my excuse, I will tell you more at the end.
Today's sample card is from my second Spellbinder class using the new 3D E-bossibilities.

I've taken the photo at a slight angle so you can see the embossing a little better.  For this card I have used Delightful Daisy's 3D folder then have added a wee bit of colour using the Tarnished brass Distress stain.  The butterfly is from the Jewel Flowers and Flourishes die set and the sentiment is from Hero arts Very special.  Finally I have added a wee bit of bling and matted on a corresponding card.  LIM!
I love the depth of emboss you get with these new folders, such fun!

Back to today and after walking the dog this morning I cracked on with some ironing before my pal Irene came over at lunch so we could both crack on with our new rugs together.  We both had a super day yesterday at our class and decided to do a bigger rug than originally planned.   
Here is my work in progress......

Move over cards....the rug lady is in town!
I am really enjoying making this rug and both of my boys have had a wee go too.
I will show you another picture when I have it done and dusted.

Enjoy the rest of your Monday, I'll be back again tomorrow if I can pull myself away from Mr Rug!

Girlie grunge Hero arts style!

It actually felt like Spring was on it's way yesterday, although the weather is still cold, the sun was out and the skies were blue.....at this point I want to burst into song and say "not a cloud could spoil the view!" 
You can't beat a bit of Buddy Holly. 
I digress.
Back to Girlie grunge.  I am not a girlie girl and so when I was asked to do this class I had a wee gulp and thought, well, I'm not doing pink!  Instead we played with the Tim Holtz Distress Metallic stains and Hero arts stamps creating a "strap"  sorry, corsage instead.
The ladies had a choice of two designs or they could mix them up after all it was their project!
Here are mine....

For this class we used Grunge paper 12 x 6, it is easier to cut than the board and just as flexible but still as tough.  The metallic stains used are Antique bronze, Brushed pewter and Tarnished brass, together with Hitch fasteners from Tim Holtz and brads supplied by PI.  The Hero art stamps sets are Layered flowers and  Big flowers pattern, great crafting staples, so to speak, I used them lots!
I have edged both flowers with Distress ink Brushed corduroy and to finish, shaped the grunge paper.  Girlie grunge....my style!

Today I am crafting with wool as I am having a day out with my good friend Irene.  We are going to a rug making class locally.  I'm looking forwards to trying something totally different and will report back on how we get on. 
On that note I better go and get myself ready to go.  Have a super Sunday and I'll catch you again tomorrow.  x

Last but not least from my first Spellbinder class.

Morning ladies, well you'd be disappointed my my making yesterday, only 30 whiskey cards! 
The girl is on a roll and that's two orders now ready to ship out...might even get some playtime this weekend, can't wait.
Anyway the last card.....I wasn't sure about this one, going through my less is more phase, but the ladies seemed to like.

How many dies did I use on this one?! 

A few....it's addictive, don't you know. 

I have used D-lite dies Fantastic Flourish three (x4), Nestabilities Classic circle, Asian Accents, Decorative labels 1, Tear drop circles and Decorative labels 8.  The sentiment is again by Marion Emberson, Find joy everyday, pearls from my stash and all the card is from The Papeterie.

I have the day off work today so what to do?  The boys don't seem to want to do anything just now....is that just teenagers?! 
Mind you I have been asked to bake with them since they've watch Master chef and The Great British bake off with me.  Maybe a morning in the kitchen is in order. 
They've also shown an interest in sewing!  Yes I've made them sit through the Great British Sewing bee too.  Love it! 
Doesn't it just make you want to get all creative.....it is great that handmade, and make things yourself, is having a revival.
My mum used to cook everything from scratch and bake every week plus all our clothes were made too. 
On the clothes front I do think in the 70's it was the cheaper option but not now. 
Still nothing beats that sense of satisfaction when you've created something yourself.  Don't you think?

That's all from me today, I'll be back tomorrow with some girlie grunge...then Monday I shall be starting on my favourite class....should I have a favourite?  Probably not. 

Happy crafting!  x

Spellbinding class part 2......the sequel!

Back again today with part 2 of the Spellbinder class and this is today's card.....

 

For this card I have used A4 embossing folder Garden lattice, D-lites Window two and shapeabilities Back to basic tags.  The sentiment is by Marion Emberson, Find joy everyday and the curtains are made by knotting some tartan ribbon.
I love these window dies and have seen them used in many ways on the Internet.  Change the decor behind the window dependant on the sentiment of the card be it Christmas, birthdays etc...

I'm going great guns on the card front making 60 yesterday!! 
Wow I hear you cry. 
The cards I am making are VERY minimal and that is why I am getting through so many.  Some designs take less time than others.  I call them my pin cards, a card with a small gift included. 
Today I shall be moving on to my Whiskey cards and then I think we're taking the pup to learn some agility work......should be fun!
Have a super Friday.  x

Spellbinding card class no. 1

Hi all sorry for the late post today but I've been busy with company and have only just managed to escape.  Today I am starting with my first Spellbinder class reveal, the cards we created and a list of the products used.
First the card....

This range of cards are using the Spellbinder D-lite range which were released in the Autumn of last year.  The D-lite die is called Poppy patch and has been cut twice and the heads of the red attached to the white.  It is mounted on the square die from Asian Motifs on a background from (A4) Garden lattice.  The sentiment is stamped on the insert of the die from Back to basic tags and A dream is a wish is from Marion Emberson's stamp set Find joy everyday.  Pearls added to finish.

I love the simplicity of this card, the minimal colour choice....letting the dies do all the work, or as I kept mentioning at the weekend LIS "less is more!"  This is the style of card I am enjoying making just now.

Back to the grind for me today 30 cards made yesterday and housework done for today....more cards to crack on with now. 
Where has this week gone? 
Friday tomorrow and then the kids back to school next week, normality will reign....whatever that is!

Anything but a card, Spellbinder style, part 3.

Back again today with the final "Anything but a card" box.  This little box die I have used so much, it would  be great for Wedding and Anniversary favours and I've also seen it used for an Advent calendar, not to mention to put small gifts in.

 

The Spellbinder grand die is called Square bracket edged box and I have used it with Jewel Flowers and Flourishes (Flower and butterfly) plus Asian Motifs (under the flower).  Before putting the box together I embossed the lid with Spellbinder A4 dots embossing folder and added pearls to finish.  Again red tape works best with boxes.

 

I didn't end up making the cards I wanted to yesterday, getting side tracked food shopping and running a few errands.  I managed to get the preparation sorted so maybe today I can start making later!

Mind you I believe my other half has ideas of us all "doing lunch" with a trip to the local auctions.  Sounds like fun.......I wonder if I will see anything exciting?!

Enjoy your Wednesday.  x

Anything but a card part 2, Spellbinder style.

Morning today I am sharing with you part 2 of 3 in our Anything but a card class from the weekend.  The next box is a Pillar box and this is the site that I got the template from.
Here is my finished box.

Once I had printed, cut out and scored the box as per the instructions I die cut the window with Labels 20 then added an acetate sheet below before gluing the box together with red tape. 
This really is a simple box to create but looks so effective. 
To decorate I have used elements from Bauble blossoms 1 (the flower) and Jewel flowers and flourishes (the flourish and butterfly).  Finally to add the sentiment I have used the sentiment from Marion Emberson stamp set Find joy everyday and the new Spellbinders sets A2 curved matting basics a and b, adding two pearls to finish.

I am often asked by people wanting to buy a die cutting machine which dies to go for first.  With such a beautiful array of intricate dies it is always tempting to go fancy. 
This is never my suggestion. 
What is the hardest basic shape to cut freehand? 
Yep, a circle......not exciting from a die cut point of view when there is so much choice but boy it is one you will use over and over again for all manor of projects. 
The last dies I mentioned above are a bit like that, they're basically curved edged rectangles.  Yes you could create these by hand with the aid of a corner punch but these two sets together mat and layer perfectly and take all the hassle away for you at a fraction of the time.  Another staple must have, I think.....but then it is only my opinion.
Anything that helps the creative process has to be a good thing right?!

Anyway that is all from me today, I've got a few house jobs I let slip last week and a couple of orders to crack on with.  Have a super Tuesday and I'll be back tomorrow with box 3.

Happy crafting!

Sneak peaks revealed.com......getting our craft on in Aberdeen!

Morning everyone and I must start today by thanking all the lovely ladies for such a great weekend crafty retreat in Aberdeen at the Papeterie.  Good fun was had by all.
I had a great weekend teaching with Charlotte, Kath and Debbi and the lots of lovely ladies who travelled from far and wide to be with us, Meg from Zimbabwe and Anna from Norway probably travelling the furthest.  Wow that's crafting commitment!  Great to meet everyone and share in the crafty fun.

This first reveal today is especially for Kjersti who had given me a crafty challenge too....I will be back later with that one.  Thank you very much for your kindness Kjersti and as I didn't catch you before you left yesterday this post is for you......x

A Spellbinding bag!

To create your box you first need to decide on which dies you want to use and cut them out.

 

The next step is to take your two large cut out dies that make the body of the box and you place them both together on your cutting mat with a classic circle die at the top.  This circle is going to make the handle on your bag.  In order just to create the half circle handle you only put through the calibur the top of the card....this tends to be the bit that confuses as it goes against the regular cutting habits.  Just the top goes in your plates like so....(I also run it through forwards and backwards to that it cuts both layers at the same time, getting the handles in the same position on both sides).

 

You then need to score the semi circle and glue to the inside of the card....you have handles!

Now you need to create your gusset!  This can be any size or depth depending on what you want to use it for and the size of the card you have.  All you need to remember is to add 1/2" each side in order to attach it to the larger dies above.

 

For mine above I have scored  3 1/2 " at either side and top and bottom 1/2" in.  You then fold at these score points and cut a V where it folds...see here....

 

 

Then you can attach both dies front and back to create your bag. 

I tend to pick a shape that gives a point of reference when sticking together as you want the inside to be straight. 

You can always pencil in some guide lines to make sure. 

Always use red tape when creating boxes as it is so much stronger than your regular double sided tape.

 

 

Now your box is ready to decorate! 

 

The best bit.

 

The dies I have used for this project are Spellbinder Grand labels 23, Labels 30, Labels 21, Labels 14 and Classic circles.  The card is from the Papeterie and the sentiment is Hero Arts Very Special.  The ribbon and pearls to finish are from my stash.

 

Hope this makes sense, happy crafting all and again thanks for a lovely weekend.  x

Getting my craft on.....last of the sneak peaks....Anything but a card Spellbinder style!

Hi folks, are you excited yet?  I am.....one more sleep then it is our craft retreat in Aberdeen.  Today I have the last of my sneak peaks for you and this class is called "Anything but a card!"  (Spellbinder style of course.)

 

 

 

And not a card in sight.

There is a theme mind, can you guess what it is?

I've used the new "PINK" card too available at the Papeterie....and I don't normally do pink but you were right Debbi.  As pinks go I could live with this one.

 

Short and sweet from me today, lots to do and better get packed up and sorted for my weekend of crafty fun.  Looking forwards to catching up with everyone again.  I'll be back on Monday to start and share the full reveals of all my sneak peaks this week. 

 

Have a super weekend whatever you have planned.

Catch you soon.

Sugar bowl challenge 102 Anything goes!

That's another month done and dusted and it's time again for another Sugary treat over on the Sugar bowl. 
This month again the theme is Anything goes, no sketch or challenge just remember to use a Sugar Nellie rubber stamp or digital image.
This is my April attempt....as Easter has just passed I thought it only right to include a wee bunny!

 

Up for grabs are your choice of 4 Sugar Nellie stamps with under 100 entries on the blog and 6 if over.  Pop on over and give it a go, the winner will be chosen at random and you can enter as many times as you like.

Today I have used Hello little friend with papers by Memory box and embellishments from my stash. 

 

More from me tomorrow with my last sneaky peak before our Crafty retreat in Aberdeen this weekend then I'll be back next week to show you what we got up to.

Sneaky peaks for the craft retreat part 2....The revenge of the Spellbinders!

Back again with another couple of sneaky peaks, for my second Spellbinder class and my down and inky class with a Spellbinder twist!
Are you sitting comfortably.......

I'll begin......

 

 

 

For the inky class.......

 

 

 

 

 

I'll be back tomorrow with our next Sugar bowl challenge and then finally Friday I will show you the last of my classes.....Anything but a card....Spellbinder style.

Sneaky peaks for the coming weekends craft retreat at The Papeterie

Morning my crafty friends and today I thought I'd share a sneaky peak for the up coming retreat this weekend at The Papeterie in Aberdeen.
So for my first class "Girlie grunge!"
Now those of you who know me will know I'm not a girlie girl so I'm afraid if you are expecting something pink in this class you will be a tad disappointed.  I have gone all metallic instead giving you the choice of flower one or two to create, here.....

 

 

I shall also be using Spellbinders in the rest of my classes, so here is today's second set of sneaky peak......

 

 

 

 

So what do you think?

 

Three more classes to go, I'll be back tomorrow with more sneaks!

"White rabbits!"

Well it is the first of the month and Easter what better time to shout "white rabbits?"
Has anyone got you with an April's fool yet?  My brain isn't quite with it just yet this morning but I I might fit one or two in before lunch.
Today I thought I'd show you my Easter layout.  It's the first scrapbook page I have done for a long time, I guess I'm a bit out of practise, but I have to admit I seem to be going the same way as my cards, LIS. 
For me scrapbooking is really all about the photographs and the story behind them rather than the decoration as that's the bit that the children will look back on and relate too. 
It's just my opinion, but I'm sticking to it.

This is one of my kids tucking in after our annual bunny hop in the garden.  He's definitely a "stuff it all in at once kind of guy", getting the usual warnings, "don't eat it all at once", "you'll make yourself sick"...........but does he listen? 
It usually ends up with a little voice an hour later saying, "mum I don't feel well!"
And on that note "Happy Easter!"
Sometimes you just have to learn the hard way.