Monday 28 May 2012

Mr Phantom Mask..

Well, us girlies returned to Snazzy Stamping in Swindon, but this time Ali joined us.  Since we saw this at Ally Pally this year I have longed to have a go at making this Phantom style mask.  Can you believe that it's mostly paper, shrink plastic and paint?  I know there are a couple of metal elements in there too but I have now found a new passion.  Mr Phantom mask is hanging here in my hallway and I have decided he looks rather lonely so he needs a Mrs Mask to keep him company.  That is another project, way down on my wish list. Just loving these workshops at Snazzy Stamping, thank you Val. x

Monday 21 May 2012

Destiny mini book..

Who would of thought a day out at a workshop with the girls and we would all finish a minibook? All that's needed is to just add photo's and some journalling, but thats minor details! Julie-Ann, Sarah and I made our way down to Snazzy Stamping in Swindon to get our creative mojo back, it was a good call.  When we booked the workshop we had no idea what the project was and we were buying in on it "blind".  We are all seasoned crafters and quite often we feel disappointed on workshops or courses as we are continually searching for new techniques to quench our desire to progress further in our craft. Well, we were not disappointed.  I can now only speak for myself, here on in, but I had never thought of using mount board to make a mini book and since using it, I have a real desire to make all my books this way.  The feel of quality when handling this book makes it exquisite, and while we have used good quality cardstock to make our "hinges" for the book, I am wondering if grunge paper or grungeboard would be more hard wearing?
Val, the shop owner, was very generous with her time, and the "kit" had ample pieces left over for embellishing, should you require to do so at a later date.
Each of the mini books were unique, it was amazing to see everyones take on the kit given.
The lovely Almanac paper collection from Prima were used throughout the minibooks.
Lots of hidden journalling can be added under the flaps or in the pockets if you prefer.If you have not found the wonderful craft shop yet, it really has a treasure trove of goodies just waiting for you to experiment with. Or if you prefer why not call Val on 01793 602470 to book a place on one of the many workshops that are on offer.
We were all so inspired that next week we are venturing that way again to learn a new technique, more of that soon.  I know that I am so excited about this, I have been waiting to find out how to do this, like forever.
Until the next time.. happy crafting. x

Wednesday 16 May 2012

Just love him..

He is so adorable and truly scrumptious!
My Grandson Jake, just had to blog this cutey! x

Thursday 10 May 2012

Just loving..

These new stamps from Papermania, Portobello Road.  I know that there are papers, embellishments and ribbons that match these stamps but to be honest you really don't need them.  These stamps are just brilliant on there own. 
I had such fun creating this card for Dad, his passion for buses and stamps fitted with these sets beautifully.  I have used both sets of Portobello Road, Urban postage and Urban Vintage.  I stamped randomly using Stampin Up! Not Quite Navy, covered the lower half with the blue cardstock and then stamped Big Ben using Archival black on white cardstock, the Taxi uisng versamark onto black cardstock and then white embossing powder, the bus was stamped using the Archival onto red cardstock but stamped this bus twice.  Cut out the images, layer up the bus so that it is more 3D using foam pads.  Tuck Big Ben and the Taxi into the blue egde and glue down.  Lay the Made in Britain ribbon across the blue cardstock and glue down, now add the bus in between the other two cut outs.  Cut the words Dad from the Tim Holtz Inside Out die in blue and white, glue onto strip of red cardstock.  Next stamp the postage stamp using Stampin Up! ink Ruby Red, versamark all over the image and then clear embossing powder and heat until shiny, cut out, add foam pads to the back, do not add this at this stage as I stitched in red around the artwork.  It needed some red at the top either side to balance out the colour so I stamped just GB 2012 from the postage stamp again and cut out and put foam pads behind and added a red gem at the top of Big Ben.  All card stock is from Payper Box. Finally add the postage stamp at the bottom and of course make an insert for your card and you are all done.  Really, really love this card, going to see what else I can create.  I think its very fitting for the currect trends-Olympics, Diamond Jubilee and lets not forget ...lets keep it all Made in Britain! x

Wednesday 2 May 2012

Cool Nation..

My good friend and I met up "for a catch up" a while back and she went on to tell me about her son and his new found activity...making ginger beer. I think she was just taken aback at just how much he had made and how every container available had been used.  For me, this provided a great start for a card for his Birthday.  I wanted to use an iconic fridge design, something a bit retro but also very now and the Union Jack Smeg fridge fitted the bill with its rounded corners, the large handle and of course the Smeg brand.  I thought it would be a clean and colourful design and when opened it would offer some of the ginger beer bottles that had been made.
I have used Payper Box cardstock on this card along with Stampin Up! 1" and 3/4" punches and the new Tim Holtz aphabet die Inside Out.  This fridge card would be great for a lot of occassions, you could use it for beer, wine, chocolate, fruit, anything that you would normally find in a fridge that the recipient likes.  I have been thinking of creating an American themed fridge with stars and stipes on the outside and inside having things like, Dunkin donuts, Herseys and Root Beer.  You can see where I am going with this? Let you imagination help you create.  It's amazing where we get our inspiration from, so as they say, just do it! xx