Friday, 1 November 2013

New House, New Location, New Start.....

..... New Crafty Inspiration.

Hello all and welcome (back) to my crafty blog.

It has been three months to the day since I last posted on my blog and a busy three months it has been.  Long story short, everything took longer than planned to arrange. From removal, to phones and internet access, to finding my craft kit amongst all the boxes we shipped, everything just took longer than anticipated.

But we find ourselves in the wonderful county of Longford in the Irish midlands, a short stroll from Lough Ree and it's beautiful surroundings.  A lovely spot, peaceful and quiet.
I must say we have been met with great friendliness and warmt and the welcome has been fantastic. In the short space of time since we moved in, I've found a new crafty friend, Marie, whose a dab hand with upcycling furniture and my new neighbour Anne, who is a keen photographer. I am sure we are going to get on fabulously!

Here are a few photos taken of the lake at various times in the day and you can see just how beautiful it is here. The lake has it's mooods and at times it's own climate, but it is always stunning. We are entertained by the local wild life including some birdlife specific to this lake and the evening sky is a wonder. With hardly any light pollution, the night sky is just amazing! Lots of stars and satelites and the occasional shooting stars.
We share a hedge with a herd of well behaved cows , but Finn, our dog, remains on alert just in case they rush the fence and try to make use of the grass we have yet to cut! Lots of trees and a large garden that will keep us busy for some time to come. But it is so worth it.

 Evening Lough Ree


 Sunset  Lough Ree

Autumn Sky lough Ree

It has been a bit of hard work to get in and get settled but it has been worth it. It is all sorted now ( she types while knocking wood) ,all that is left is to find the final resting places for the furniture and unpack the last of the craft kit.  As you can see from the photos, there is some  great inspiration just in the surroundings and I am looking forward to using these inspirational views in future projects.

So sorry I've been away for so long, but I've got a great excuse. Just look at those photos! I am SO looking forward to getting back into crafting and getting to know my craft kit all over again. It'll be like an early Christmas :-)

Thank you for visiting today to read my blog. As always, your time and comments are appreciated.

Angela x



Thursday, 1 August 2013

New Challenge - Crafts Galore - Bingo!




Hello and welcome to my crafty blog

My post today is my DT project for the new challenge starting today over at the Cards Galore blog  and the new theme is BINGO!!!


Our sponsors for this project are

 Scrapper's Delight



The prize is $10 voucher to spend in the Scrapper's Delight Store


The usual rules apply, select a row , vertically, horizontally or diagonally to get your combination of elements and make your project incorporating all these elements.





For my project I have chosen to use 'Embossing or Masks - Inks or Dyes - Ribbon' and the image I am using is the Woodland Elf from Scrapper's Delight.



I started by using Photoshop to digitally colour the Elf image, the intention was to use my new Silhouette Cameo to cut it out. My learning curve is a bit steep so I opted to print the image and then cut by hand.
I wanted to created a woodland background to make the elf image pop and I chose a muted green backing paper and inked the edges with  Ranger Vintage Photo ink to age and distress the paper a bit. I then used a Memory Box die to cut the tree shape and used the negative image as a mask to ink in some branch shapes with the same ink.  I spritzed the front of the panel with Perfect Pearls Mist in Heirloom Gold to bring out a sheen which sadly you can't see from this photo. Looks fab though.

Another Memory Box die was used to create the 'Heart Canopy' which was inked with Versacolor red ink and I added some bling with random green gems. The tree was finished with a die-cut of the trunk inked with Vintage Photo ink and adhered to the panel. Some contrasting blue organza ribbon was looped around the lower part of the card, tied in a bow and the Elf then secured with some sticky fixers. This was mounted to the front of an A5 card front with the card edges inked in Peeled Paint from Ranger. I finished the card with a little 'Make a Wish' sentiment made to look like a sign in the woodland :-)

I enjoyed this exercise and getting inky is always fun. I hope you take some time to visit the blog at Cards Galore and take a few mins to check out the DT projects made to help and inspire you with your entries. Don't forget to link your entries back to the blog and remember to leave us your comments.  Good Luck and I am looking forward to seeing how you combine your chosen BINGO elements in your entry.

Thanks for stopping by.


Angela x

Monday, 22 July 2013


Hello Crafters and  welcome to my crafty blog.

My post today is my DT project for the 'On the Beach' challenge  which started on the 19th July over at the Stamping with the Dragon  challenge blog.
 
For this DT card I am using on of the digital stamps from Stamping Dragon Designs - Beach Scene.


 Wish You Were Here

I printed the digital stamp onto good quality paper as I wanted to use my Copics to do some of the colouring and some papers are just not up to it.  I then used my Reeves soft pastels to add the sky and the sand  and blended colours to create a soft almost faded look. I then mounted the image onto a  pale blue polka dot backing paper and then onto a light brown piece of card. I looped a piece of orange RickRack ribbon along the bottom and added a luggage tag and a ticket element with the sentiment 'Wish you Were Here'. The ticket and luggage tag com from a 6x6 paper pack from Papermania 'All Aboard'.

Stamping with the Dragon are also our sponsors and the winner chosen from the entries that comply with the challenge will receive a voucher to spend here

 
 
 
Now its your turn. Time to get crafting, and once your projects are ready, dont forget to come back and link up to our challenge.
 
Thank you again for stopping by to read and comment. I appreciate your time and your comments.
 
Angela x

Monday, 1 July 2013

New Crafts Galore Challenge for July - 'Copy That'

Hello and welcome to my crafty blogg.

my post today is for the new challenge starting over at  Crafts Galore and the theme is 'Copy This'. each DT member  has to create project for the entrants to copy for the challenge. And we've got some great inspiration here.


Our sponsor for this challenge is  Stamping Dragon and the lucky winner of the challenge will receive a voucher to spend in the SDD on-line store.


This months challenge will be sponsored by the fabulous
Stamping Dragon Design - http://dragonslairdesigns.com/shop/
Prize: £5 voucher to the store.

From the great selection of digital stamps at Stamping Dragon,  I chose Jiggy the little dragon with a slice of lucious cake. I had in mind to use a backing paper I'd bought from Printable Heaven where the word 'chocolate' was the main theme.



I am in the middle of relocating and my crafting stash is in storage, so I have been resisting the need to go out and buy new stuff until I am finally installed in my new craft space.  The 'New Home' thingy has gone on too long and I have had no choice but to go craft stuff shopping.  First thing I bought was some new Copics ( how can I resist) and some paper that is Copics friendly and some new cardstock.

The digital image was printed directly onto the special paper and I used a selection of Copics to colour the dragon and cake. I'll add the list of markers at the bottem of the post.

I found the quote on Pinterest and I thought is suited my card idea very well. The speech bubble was created in Photoshop and resized to fit the front of a standard A5 card. The 'chocolate' backing paper was cut to fit the card front just leaving a small border and the coloured image was mounted onto the card with dimensional tape with a few strand of dark brown fibers to create some texture. I made a backing for the speech bubble from some dark brown card to help pop it out from the background.  To complete the card, this was also adhered to the card front using dinensional tape. And there you have it.

I seem to be back in the card making business regardless of my lack of supplies :-) But it did feel good to be able to complete the card using  with resources I have.

The challenge runs until the end of July and you can check out the other DT projects for inspiration over at the  Crafts Galore Challenge Blog.   Looking forward to seeing your entries.

Thanks for stopping by to visit and read my blog. Your time and comments are appreciated.

Angela x


Copices Colours Used
Cake  -Y11, E09, E29, E35, E43
Jiggy -  YG03, G14, G17, G28
Plate -  Boo, B14



Sunday, 30 June 2013

June ATC Swap Set - Time

Hello and welcome to my crafty blog.

It's a bit of a dull start to the day, but I am cheering myself up with my new set of Artist's Trading Cards made for a swap group I belong to.  The theme for this swap is 'Time'.

 



 I used an embossing folder to create the 'stamped' clock image by inking the inside of the folder with Ranger Vintage Photo distress ink and pressing the card onto the ink. I was quite impressed with the result and the stamping was reasonably crisp and clear.
Depending on which side of the embossing folder you ink you will get a possitive or negative image. I also used some chronology type stamps I got free with a magazine to emphasise the time theme.

 I added more colour to the ATCs with  Ranger Peeled Paint, Tumbled Glass and Memento Dandelion inks and some spritzes of water. This helped created a nice faded watercolour look. A few hints of watery red added a splash of interest.
 I then set about the distressing to try to create a worn enamel effect. I use a spray enamel from a home decor range which works okay on paper but can leave only a gloss effect with no real impact or texture.
 Crackle Accents also from Ranger is much better. I used it sparingly on the ATCs , picking areas I wanted to pop out from the background and the crackle finish is a real treat.

 I was so happy with this batch of ATCs I want to try this process again but on a larger scale, maybe a canvas. These ATCs were fun to create and experiment with. 






So that's my lot for today.

I hope you are having a great day with fair weather wherever you are.

Thanks for stopping by to read and comment on my blog. Your time and comments are always appreciated.

Angela

Saturday, 1 June 2013

Cards Galore Sketch Challenge - June 1st


Hello and welcome to my crafty blog.

Today my post is my DT card project for the new challenge starting today 1st June over at the Cards Galore Challenge Blog .

The challenge is based on the sketch below and two fabulous stamps from our sponsor  BYRYN will be the prize for the lucky winner!










I have chosen to make my project a christmas card. I know it's a bit early, but I wanted to try something different and as I only start making christmas cards in December,  this IS different for me LOL.



The base is a 5'' x 5'' tent fold card in red with a cream coloured square popped up on some sticky fixers.

I added the backing paper in a complimentary red and red holly motif paper with a striped ribbon and a felt embossed heart. My 'circle' turned into a 'Frilly Square' die cut using the Go Kreate 'frilly square #1' die in two sizes and distressed the edges with some Whispers Archival Ink in Grass Green. The Sentiment was also stamped using the green ink and comes from the Papermania docrafts clear stamp set 'Sleigh'

The card, paper, ribbon and heart came from my stash

Take a peek at the other DTs take on the card sketch and see what thye've produced. So now it is over to you to get your crafty thinking caps on and get working on your entry.We are looking forward to seeing your projects at  Cards Galore Challenge Blog


Thanks for stoping by to visit and read my blog. Your time and comment are appreciated.

Angela x

Wednesday, 1 May 2013

Cards Galore - Tim Holtz Homage Challenge



Hello and welcome to my crafty blog. I can't believe  it is the first of May already and we are starting a new challenge over at the  Cards Galore Challenge Blog !  

Our theme this month should prove popular with the crafty people out there as we have chosen to pay homage to the wonderfully talented and creative Tim Holtz.  A personal favourite of mine, I have been inspired to get down and inky many's a time LOL.


You can use any craft technique you like, as long as it stays within the theme.
So why not bring out your inner Tim and enter the challenge for the chance to win a great prize from this months fantastic sponsors

Where you will can win this great set of Ultra-Fine Edition Promarkers

My DT project for this challenge was to make a Tag, which has at least for me, has become a symbol of the art of Tim Holtz.  A wonderful combination of ink and stamps, a few well chosen vintage embellishments, text and quotations.  I love it.



Tempus Fugit


For my Tag I used the Alterations 'Movers and Shapers' die Tags and Bookplates to cut the basic tag shape.  I used some  drops of Broken China  distress ink with some water to spritz the tag here and there and then used Peeled Paint on a craft mat with water to add a contrasting colour. The edges were rubbed with Vintage Photo ink and roughed up with the distressing tool.

 The 'time' pieces were made using an embossing folder from Couture Creations called Renaissance and I cut out the bits I needed for the tag. These were rubbed over with various inks to create a distress / rusted effect. I added the TIME lettering using a Paperchase stamp set and a background stamp from Heindesign provided the cursive script. The bird and floral images are from a stamp set from Cardline Papers. There is also a splash of Color Box Scarlet  and Memento Dandelion ink for added interest.

With a lot of my kit still in storage I am a bit stuck for embellishments,so I had to be creative and invent my own. The framed quotation was made from a scanned photo in a magazine of a wall mirror and a quotation from the late Robert Kennedy. I printed the combined image onto strong watercolour paper, distressed the edges and added a layer of  Ranger Crackle Glaze to finish. The wings are also from Tim Holtz grungeboard set, inked with Gold VersaColor and scuffed with sandpaper.

Visit us here on FAce and join in with the fun.

So now it's over to you. We are waiting here at the  Cards Galore Challenge Blog to see what you can produce for this great challenge. Visit the blog and see the great DT inpiration including Cards, Tags and  my new favourite Art Journalling.

Thanks again for taking time to stop by and read my blog. Your time and comments are appreciated.

Angela x

Thursday, 18 April 2013

Steam Punk Heart - Stampin' with the Dragon Journalling Pages



Hello and welcome to my crafty blog.

My post today is a quick one. My Mum  is visiting and we are spending a lot of time shopping and chatting and hanging out. Great fun :-)

In keeping with the current challenge running over at the Stampin' with the Dragon challenge blog, my project today is a digitally created card-topper in the Steam Punk Style. I have chosen not to do a scrap page, instead I like to demonstrate that digital kits are fab for making digitally created cards.

 I am calling this card-topper ' Steam Punk Heart' and was inspired by some images I discovered on Pinterest and fit very nicely with the Journalling papers from Stamping Dragon Designs.

Steam Punk heart

I used two of the papers to create a dark distressed background with a lighter coloured frame. I used my Photoshop to create the cookie-cut heart and distorted the shape and matched the colour with the background. Using the standard shapes in the Photoshop Cookie Cutter tool, I manipulated the various flower, circles and cog-like shapes to make digital industrial shapes and matched the colours to the papers.  The clock is a scan from a magazine , cut to size and digitally distressed..

Although I can't wait to get my traditional scrapbooking kits around me, I am more than happy to use digital until that day arrives.

Thank you for stopping by to read my blog. Your time and comments are appreciated.

Angela x

Friday, 12 April 2013

Steampunk Challenge - Stampin Dragon Designs

Hello and welcome to my crafty blog.

today my post is my DT project for the new challenge starting today over at Stampin' with the Dragon blog and the theme is the ever increasingly popular STEAMPUNK.

The prize for the winner of the challenge with receive a  £5 voucher to the Stamping Dragon Store
 to spend on the wonderful products available there.

My choice from the SDD digital kits are the wonderful distressed and aged looking Journal Papers.  I felt the papers had that dark quality that Steampunkers like. The papers have a really gritty feel

My layout is not the usual 12x12 inch scrapbook page but a straight forward A4 size that accommodates the Journal Papers comfortably.


 I used the digi kit not only as a background for my layout I also used the papers to create metallic flowers with elongated petals to form a garland for the frame. The frame was also 'cookie-cut' from another of the digital papers and given a metal finish too.   I 'cut' some leaves from a contrasting paper to add some lighter colour to the page and this helped to pop the flowers our from the canvas. Using the Photoshop overlay, I created a hot-air baloon image and placed this along with 2 more of different sizes onto the top right-hand corner of the page. I then used the 'wheel' image from the paper to add colour and depth to the baloons.

I'm quite please with this result and it has whetted my appitite to try some new layouts in this size and with these journalling papers.



Pop over to the challenge blog and check out the great projects created by my teamies and we have some new DT members joining us for this challenge. Once your steampunk creations are ready, dont forget to come back and link up to our challenge. The prize for the winner is a £5 voucher to the

Oh and dont forget to come and join our little family over on Facebook.
We have started a group, just for Stamping Dragon fans. We have loads of fun things going on. We have card swaps, fun challenges, games ect ect... And once we reach 200 members, we are doing a draw for another £5 voucher to the store.. So do come and join us.

Thank you for stopping by to visit and read my blog.  Your time and comments are appreciated.

Angela x

Tuesday, 9 April 2013

ATC - Take a Number - April Swap

Hello and welcome to my crafty blog.

Today I am posting my  new set of ATCS for the April challenge with my Facebook ATC swap buddies.

Still working with a 'Art Journalling' style, I choose a another bit of mixed media for this set.

The background is a scanned image of several playing cards selected at random and printed onto watercolour paper.  Using watercolour pencils I blocked out the partial lettering in red  on each ATC to create a contrast and I  then used some distress inks and water spritzer to add theremaining colour.  I embossed each ATC with a corner of the Tim Holtz  'College and Notebook' embossing folder to emphasise the number theme and rubbed over the impression with some Tattered Rose distress ink. The numbers were inked with Tumbled Glass ink and when dry I rubbed some dark brown Versa Color ink in places to create a rusty effect. I finished the number with a coating of Crackle Accents to give more texture.
I need to finish the ATCs with a numbers related quotes and then they're off to the ATC sorting office LOL.








I did say I had chosen the cards at random for scanning and then using an aperture to select the view I wanted, I managed to select 6 consecutive numbers from two scanned A4 sheets...go figure. :-)



Thanks for stopping by to visit and read my blog. You time and comments are appreciated and I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Angela x

Saturday, 30 March 2013

Cards Galore Challenge - Vintage

Hello and welcome to my crafty blog.

My post today is my DT project for the new challenge starting over at the  Cards Galore Challenge blog and the theme is 'VINTAGE'.

Vintage
and is sponsored by the fabulous
where you'll win these fabulous stamps...worth over £20!!!!!!!


 I used the stamps to create a scanned imaged and then printed this onto a faded yellow background in a brown coloured ink. I was able to digitally distress the edges of the image to help pop the colours a bit.
I am still without my full crafting kit ( still waiting on the paperwork on the house to be completed) but I thought a mixed -media type of project might fit the bill here.


The printed base was then adhered to a standard A6 white cardbase. I used a second image to create another layer and decoupaged the car on top on the back ground image. For a bit of contrast I added some yellow to the headlights and gray tones to the wheels and chrome using my Copics.

I printed the sentiment onto a similar coloured  background and popped it up on a white trim and sticky fixers.  For extra detail I added a torn strip of Washi tape across the bottom of the card along with some tickets I got with a Freebie disc I got with a card magazine. My final embellishment was made using a copper plant tag that I ran through my BIG SHOT with a Sizzix Letterpress embossing plate.  I cut the piece I wanted and adhered it to the front of the card.

I had this idea since I saw the copper tags in the local DIY store and saw how soft the metal is and how malable.  I have used other embossing folders with the copper tags and the results are great.  Just something different you can do with everyday bits and pieces.


The Cards Galore Challenge starts to day and there are some wonderful Vintage themed DT projects on the blog to inspire you and get the creative juices flowing.   Pop over to check out the site and have a go at this very popular theme. You can enter as many time as you like, link your entry using the link tool provided  but please don't back-link to older projects. And ...remember to have fun.


Thanks again for taking time to visit and read my blog,  your time and comments are appreciated.


Angela x


  

Wednesday, 27 March 2013

ATCs with an Art Journalling Twist


Hello and welcome to my crafty blog.


Today my post is some ATCs I've made for a swap with the the theme 'LOVE' being organised by my crafty mate Sandra. 

I have been facinated by Art Journalling for a while now and I wanted to use this style in my ATCs.  I have created all my backgrounds with canvas, using watercolour pencils, distress inks, glitter sprays and glue.  I then added either stamped or hand drawn images to the backgrounds.






Starry Eyed

This is a piece of canvas with a distressed ink background using Ranger Tumbled Glass ink and some glitter spray for the 'starry' effect.  I lifted the image of the eyes from a magazine photocopy with clear sticky tape and adhered it to the canvas. I added a small heart and the text ' Starry Eyed' to finish.

Moments


This backgrouns was created with watercolour pencils and spritzed of water with the blue rectangle and the red  square my homage to one of my fav artists  Mark Rothko. I added the stamped image in Staz-On black using a Hero Arts Stamp 'Moments and a grunge heart embellishment from Tim Holtz.


Object of My Affection


This background was created with Ranger distress ink and water, spritz with glitter spray and spray enamel. I was experimenting with lots of different things just to see what the result would be. I used words from various stamps with different inks to provide the text together with some scrapbooking 
captions to finish.


 Endless Love

More watercolour pencils and a hand-written cursive 'love' is the base for this ATC. I added the grunge board heart that has a crackle -glazed finish and another scrpbooking caption to complete.


You are My Sunshine

 Hand-drawn sunflower with text coloured with watercolour pencils , background too, and  brished with water to blend. A grunge-board painted red was added to finish.



Falling in Love


Another of the canvas backgrounds that was treated with inks, watercolour pencils, spray glitter and enamel. Grung-board 'love' lettering and a stamped bird and heart outline completes the ATC.

I had a lot of fun doing these ATCs and I have become quite attached to them and I am sad to be letting them go. But...I know they are going to good homes. 

This messing about with canvas and ink and all manner of stuff has given me a few ideas of what I might like to try on a lager scale.  Testing this and that and just going with the flow. LIke I said great creative fun.

Thanks for stopping by to read my crafty blog. Your time is appreciated and your comments mean a lot.

 Angela x


Monday, 4 March 2013

ATC Swap - Black and White - and a Certain Little Book


Hello and welcome to my crafty blog.


Today my post is a for an ATC Swap and mostly about a book I found that has enthralled me. Organised by my FB buddy Sandie, the theme for February's swap was 'Black and White'.

Those of you who follow the blog, will already be aware that I am working with just a few bits and pieces from my craftroom , so ATCs and smaller  projects are ideal for me at the moment.  In my temporary quarters I have come across some things that I can use in craft projects and one of these discoveries is an old book, dog-eared and without a cover called simply ' Enquire Inside'. The book has a fantastic patina and the pages are wonderfully creased and discoloured and the information inside is just amazing!  You can enquire about the treament of Chilblains, Gumboils, Table Manners, the Cup final winners from 1895  to 1926 and the correct used of Vaseline. According to this little gem, Vaseline can be used for Chapped Hands, Burns and Inflamed Eyelids. Taken internally (yes  INTERNALLY!!!) it is reported to ease diseases of the throat, chest and stomach  along with diphteria and croup!!!!! Who'd athought?! This must have been the book Noah took with him in the Ark!!!

Don't know about you, but when I see cards or scrapbook pages with printed backgrounds I try dicypher them. I found one project in a leading card craft magazine that used printed backing paper with what turned out to be a medical report on Uninary Infections  LOL.  So I am hoping  that this little book will provide me with lots of  interesting talking points for my craft projects.

Here are the six ATCs I've submitted for the swap. A mixed bunch using some copied pages from the little book I mentioned and some digital backgrounds I designed myself. I have added some stamped images, parchment with a white relief design and foam lettering to add some texture to the cards. All bits and piece culled from the chaos around me.







Can't wait to see what I get in my swap. I am never disappointed and  I marvel at the creativity that my fellow ATCers can fit on to that small canvas.


Thanks for stopping by to read my blog. Delighted to see as always and looking forward to reading your comments.


Hope you are having a wonderful day.

Angela x

Saturday, 2 February 2013

Blog Candy winner and a New Cards Galore Challenge

Hello and welcome to my crafty blog!

I should have posted this yesterday but....spent the day house-hunting and couldn't find a brain -cell with enough power to work the computer :-)

Anywhoo I want to announce the winner of the Blog Candy I offered for comments and tips on repurposed, up-cycled, creative and cheap storage ideas to help me through this temporary 'no place to craft' stage.


And the winner is



Thank you for taking part in the Blog Candy competition and your prize will be winging it's way to you first thing next week.


My second post for today is the Cards Galore challenge which started yesterday and the theme is  'One for the men'.

Not sure about you but I find it a tad difficult to come up with cards for men of the male persuasion so this DT project was a bit difficult. I had two attempts at this and finally settled on this card for my DT submission. Tim Holtz to the rescue again.



The sponsor for this challenge is 
 


and THIS is the prize!!!!

 
 They are also offering the wonderful opportunity to join their design team (for UK residents only). If you would like to take part in the Design Team Call, please put the intials 'DT' next to your name when you enter the challenge.

Here's what they have said:

"Do you love creating inspirational, beautiful vintage-style papercraft projects? Are you a cardmaker, stamper, scrapbooker, ATC maker and/or an altered artist? Can you take great photos or your work & write easy to follow instructions? Do you like to make videos? If you fit any or all of the above, then we're looking for you!!
Here at Shernocky Crafts, we're looking to put together our very own Design Team (SCDT) & are looking for passionate, talented, creative papercrafters to become part of that team, who will make wonderful projects that showcase the products we sell. We specialise in vintage papercraft, so this will feature heavily in the projects."

To find out more about this wonderful opportunity please visit 
http://www.shernockycrafts.co.uk/shernocky-crafts-design-team-call/
Where you will find all the informatiom

So to enter the challenge you need to pop over to the Cards Galore challenge blog and get your 'One for the Boys'  project entered and linked to your blog and you have about 25 days to get your project made and submitted. Loads of time !!!

Looking forward to seeing your take on our Masculine challenge.

Thanks for stopping by to read my blog. Your time and comments are really appreciated.


Angela x