Paper Paradise

All Wrapped Up

2011-11-30T16:09:00.015Z

This months challenge over at Crafty Individuals is 'All Wrapped Up' chosen by the very talented Jo Capper-Sandon.

I decided to make some gift tags as seen above and some wrapping paper.......

Then pretty them up by adding hand made flowers and leaves, although the leaves above were a punch.

I love black and gold, it always looks so elegant.

The above paper was made by spritzing distress inks on a non stick mat and smooshing paper into it. Any gaps were filled in with DI's and foam pads. I then over stamped one of my favourite CI-161 text stamps randomly over the top.

This background was simply stamped (CI-058) in Timber Brown Staz-on onto old paper then ripped and used as a wrap around over the snowflake background shown above.

The black and gold paper was created by heat embossing the swirl (CI-182) in gold and swiping gold paint across it as above.

The other one here was heat embossed the same, but then I added the crackle background (CI 116) using versamark and gold pearlex powder.

Why not enter the challenge over on Crafty Individuals blog, there are some prizes to be won?

Sue x

Crafty Individuals 'newbies'

2011-11-29T12:14:00.009Z

Jean ans Malcolm have added more stamps to their ever increasing collection, as shown below...

I decided to make a card and gift tag using the lovely CI-335 silhouette plate

and a set of ATC's using the rest of the plates.

I mixed and matched elements and words

and also used an image from one of their books.

I made all of the backgrounds look aged using distress inks

and raised a couple of images with 3 d pads to add a bit of interest.

and yes, I do know the soldier is 'on the slosh', wanted to get the point across that sometimes, when our worlds are turning upside down to try and 'KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON'. Easier said than done eh?

Sue x

Such 'utter class'

2011-11-25T07:58:00.014Z

For many, many , many years I have been lucky to have known Dyan Reavely of Art from the Heart in Harrogate. Those of you who know me will know just how much of an inspiration she has been to me over the years. I have not been able to visit her lovely studio for classes as much as I would have liked due to me not having the guts to drive out of town! However, luckily for me, my friend Denise has recently finished working, and due to having the time has been more than eager to drive us to take part in some amazing classes.

Although I have always enjoyed playing around with mixed media, altered books, splodgy paints and all that goes with it, I struggle to journal. Writing things down on paper does not come easy to me, so I am hoping to get over my fear and begin to journal.

Dyan is 'THE QUEEN OF ART JOURNALING' Her journals are absolutely out of this world. Her talents have not gone unnoticed. She is now one of the 'Signature Designers' for Ranger! She totally deserves the success that is coming her way........GO DYAN!!!!!!

The photo's show some of the pages in preparation. We used all Dylusions products for the backgrounds. I have to say, I have loads of different makes of paints, but the creaminess of her acrylics is amazing, I had to indulge in a little spend! The sprays, used in the backgrounds above give great effects and there are so many techniques you can do with them. Dy is a fab teacher and oh soooooooooooooooooooooo classy. We were spoilt with Marks and Sparks choccy biscuits, swilled down with tea poured from a vintage brown tea pot into beautiful miss-matched china cups and saucers. Here's Lady Dy, enjoying her 'cuppa' during the day...............utter class! Don't you just love her eh?

Can you see now how you cannot fail to have a great day? The first class we attended was the anatomy of a page. We were guided through, stage by stage and used lots of different mediums.

I really must get hold of some magazines.......

I had a go at home using a slightly different approach, below. Not finished, yet though....

Then I went off and 'did my own thing' Sticking, splodging, stamping, ripping etc using VERY BRIGHT COLOURS, which I NEVER use generally. This is where I can experiment with things I don't find easy, such as journalling and using bright colours. My style at the minute is very pale and vintage, so we will see where this leads me.

I still have a long long way to go with all of these pages, time always runs away with itself for me, but at least going away for classes with Dyan gives full days of crafting without interruption.

The absolute added bonus is making new friends. We attended the class with all the regulars last weekend and have to say, it was a fantastic day!!!!!! We had a great time with the ladies who had us in stitches most of the time. I was also lucky to meet a couple of ladies who's blogs I have followed for a long long time and they both recognised me! How cool is that? Ann of Flutterby Crafter (http://flutterbycrafter.blogspot.com/) who has some amazing work to show, love her 'she doll' stuff, and the very talented Kate Crane! http://thekathrynwheel.blogspot.com/ (sorry, been trying but can't add the links)

Kate has excelled in her art journalling after attending Dyans classes. She has her own unique style and has her own DVD's out as well as contributing regularly to magazines and running her Calendar Challenge each year on her blog. I am SOOOOOOOOO looking forward to my next visit to Art From The Heart. Maybe Dyan can teach me how to add a bloomin link !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (http://www.afth.co.uk/workshops.html) It was great to meet up with you all and can't wait for our next visit in a couple of weeks.

My unexpected meeting with these lovely ladies has prompted me to get back into 'blogging mode'. So much has been going on lately I have found it very hard to grab enough time, but I'll get a catch up post done soon showing more crafty bits, family, the bungalow etc etc. Until then, thanks for popping by.

Sue x

'WINTER WONDERLAND' challenge

2011-11-01T08:48:00.001Z

The challenge over at Crafty Individuals this month is 'WINTER WONDERLAND', a great choice ready for the magical season of Christmas which is really not that far away...I created a tag and combined it with other elements to try and gain a magical feeling. The stamps I used were 138 (Let it snow) 281 (Magic of Christmas) 282 (Santa Claus is coming to town) and 323 (Fashion ladies).

It's always get so excited when my CI design team 'Ggoodies' arrive and have to say have had so much fun with the lovely new Christmas designs.

They all have a lovely vintage feel to them......

so as I love the vintage style had so much fun making a few Christmas cards.

The snow angel above is an older design, but one of my all time favourite Christmas stamps. All of the designs can be seen on the website, and the challenge is on Jeans' blog. Why not enter the challenge for the chance of winning one of Crafty Individuals amazing stamps?

Sue x

More Winged Things Design pieces

2011-10-08T23:33:00.000Z

I've had a play with a couple of ideas for the current 'Winged Things' theme over at Crafty Individuals. The card above is very simple and uses an acetate overlay which has the beautiful butterflies mounted on pads over the acetate. It was coloured with chalks for a subtle finish and a bit of stickles was added to the corners.

I received a copy of the dreamy 'shades of summer' paper pad recently and decided that they were SOOOOOOOOOOOO gorgeous I needed to use the whole pages to create something.

Still on the winged things theme I created a tryptich type wall plaque as below....

I added an extra cage and raised it on pads for interest

corrugated hearts and paper roses

and 'Home Sweet Home' as a title onto a Marianne die

Here's the complete plaque.

I have lots of lovely new Crafty Individuals stamps to play with so hope to be back with more soon.

Sue x

Crafty Individuals October Challenge 'Winged Things'

2011-10-02T20:19:00.015Z

The theme for the Crafty Individuals October Challenge is 'Winged Things' I have had SOOOO much fun creating my DT piece.

I decided to use angels as my 'winged things' as seen on the plaque above. Made form grey board, painted with acrylics and over stamped with Crafty Individuals 'script' stamp.

I kept the colours very pale and muted to suit the angels theme,

and used a selection of slide mounts to hold the beautiful CI angel images

along some book plates to embellish the CI sentiments.

I have another piece half finished using the gorgeous pages from the new 'Shades of Summer' paper pad. They are just so gorgeous in their own right I had to leave them as full pages. Hope to get in completed very soon.

I have been very busy teaching Christmas card classes at Grimsby Crafts recently and here are a few little snippets for you. Acetate,

die cutting, pretty papers,

background techniques, embossing, distressing,

wax rubs, stickles,

stamping,

glitter and lace......

It seemed really strange to be creating these cards on some of the hottest days of the year... very strange indeed.

Sue x

Alterd beer mat plaques

2011-09-16T06:14:00.006Z

Just a short post so you know I am 'still around'. This was the class I taught last Sunday at Grimsby Crafts.

I love mixed media and it gave us the chance to mess around with gesso, spackle and distress inks to create the backgrounds.

We used my favourite Crafty Individuals images and tiny word stamps combined with die cut shapes, ribbons lace etc. Here are just a selection of the completed plaques, 'all the same but different'

My next workshop is (dare I say) the Christmas card day, three dates available so they should be fun!
Sue x

Crafty Individuals 'Bright and Beautiful' DT piece

2011-07-29T06:43:00.004Z

This was what I came up with for the new challenge on Crafty Individuals http://craftyindividualsblog.blogspot.com/ blog this month.

The theme is 'Bright and Beautiful, and yeah, OK this is certainly BRIGHT!!!!!!!!!! I created a background with distressing inks and embossed areas of gold. Simply embossed 3 CI slide mounts in the cuttlebug and coloured them with the same 3 colours of ink I used for the background and added CI butterfly images, adding one on top to give dimension. I finished off by adding some die cut leaves, flowers, gems, die cut letters and plaited ribbon for the hanger. Then I thought mmmmm, what the hell am I going to do with this?

I decided to remove the slide mounts etc and created 3 cards which are simply mounted onto vintage style papers. At least I can use them......

I decided then to re cycle the ripped paper background into a set of ATC's and overstamped it with CI assorted swirls which I just love! Created some cardboard slide mounts and added Crafty Individuals images from the Images 4 sheet, I love these they are just so classy. The words were from another CI plate of stamps which is just full of loads of tiny words. I use it all of the time, as I'm sure you'll know.

Well that's it for today. I have a couple of classes ready so I'll be back as soon as I get a spare minute.....

Sue xxx

This, that and the other.

2011-07-12T06:44:00.027Z

I made a little frame as a present recently....very square and 'me'......

And used another frame for the challenge on Crafty Individuals blog this month....pink, brown and cream.
http://craftyindividualsblog.blogspot.com/
Take a look at the inspirational pieces by clicking the link.

We are working so hard on the bungalow, concentrating on the overgrown garden while we have reasonable weather and longer days.

Assisted by our hard working little Grandson, JJ. He loves to be out in the garden........

Watering.........

Digging......

Barrowing the soil.....

And of course a little bit of relaxing while he sneaks in a quick drink....but he also loves something just as much as gardening....can you guess? All will be revealed......

We have seen lots of wildlife in the garden, I think it's due to the fact it's so overgrown.

Anyway, here's JJ again enjoyin crafting in my 'make shift' craft room. He loves it splodging, brayering, brushing and dripping paint all over...

Here's his first ever finishe 'abstract' which will take pride of place in my craft room when it's completed.

This is his first 'textural' masterpiece in progress using texture paste on a shoe box lid.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO concentration!!!!!!!! I wonder if Tim Holtz is needing an apprentice? I think I'll email and ask him. Oh maybe he's a bit toooooo young yet eh?

Finally a couple of bits for Lynn at Grimsby Crafts. I have had these two letters for ages.....sorry Lynn...... and had to force myself to grab some time for them as I have been so busy. Mind you, when I got into them I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Quite a shabby vintage look, background created with gesso, acrylic wash, texture paste, overstamping usin Craty Individuals text stamp, and finally dry drushing. The dies are Tim Holtz Sizzix, flowers etc from my stash.

Before I go, I must say I apologise for the lack of comments on everyone's blogs. I have been commenting so often and blogger won't allow the comments to publish, I just keep being asked to sign in, then am redirected, asked to sign in, redirected again....and again. It is so frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!! So it's not that I can't be bothered etc. If anyone knows a cure for the problem PLEASE let me know....Thanks...

Sue x

Crafty Individuals June Challenge...chosen by little old me

2011-06-01T01:00:00.013Z

VINTAGE MEMORY ACCORDION BOOK

I feel very VERY honoured to be part of the design team for Crafty Individuals, and to have been asked to choose the challenge for June. I love anything vintage and romantic, so have set the criteria as 'VINTAGE, USING AT LEAST ONE HEART'. Pop over to

http://craftyindividualsblog.blogspot.com/ for more details on how to enter and see more inspirational entries.

I decided to make an accordion style book out of beer mats, the finished piece is shown above. Below are the beer mats after a coat of gesso and acrylics, lots of little 'blank canvas' ready to work on.

I added a letter on each page to spell out 'VINTAGE MEMORY' when it's open. Here are the individual pages with a few details.

V....overstamp beermat with CI-116 crackle. Create a grungeboard slide mount, emboss and colour with Distress inks. Add lady image CI-264 to the slide mount, colour with chalks. Finish off by adding some lace, sentiment and letter from Sizzix Vintage Market alphabet.

I....Stamp lady and clock , sorry, not sure of this number as it was one of my first ever wooden stamps from Crafty Individuals. Colour with chalks and cut out. Add the lace then cut out a butterfly from a CI image book and ad to tag along with a clock from CI-255. Using glossy accents, add a curtain ring over the clock and fill with glossy accents to create a glass effect. Set to one side to dry. Add a sentiment from the clock plate.

N.... Overstamp with CI-182 large swirl. Cut out an image from a CI image book and edge with a pink dabber before adding it to the beer mat. Add faux stitching with a ranger white gel pen and finish off with a hand made heart shape.

T....Stamp The image, again not sure of the number as its a wooden stamp and colour with chalks. Stamp again and cut ut th butterfly and word and mount them using 3d pads to add dimention. Add some pearls as shown.

A....Overstamp with CI-309 birdsong. Use a border punch on a CI square frame and colour with a pink dabber and distressing ink. Stamp 'love' from CI-256 and add as shown. Finish with lace and pearls.

G....Create a heart, cut out an image from an image book and mount as shown with a word from CI-156 and a few flowers.

E....Overstamp with text CI-161. Stamp the ladies from plate CI-174 and cut out three of them. Colour with chalks and add to mat as shown with a flower in the centre.

M....Stamp and cut out a border from CI-156, colour, cut in half and add top right and bottom left as shown. Stamp CI-069 girl with wings colour with chalks and punch into an oval shape. Add a flower and sentiment from CI-156.

E....Create a hand made heart then stamp with CI-302 postcard. Colour to add interest. Add lace at the bottom combined with a border from CI-156. Embellish with a key and flower.

M....Create a postcard from CI-307 and add some old text. Stamp, colour and cut out lady from plate CI-139 Queen of Hearts andadd to postcard. Add the postmark topped with a punched butterfly.

O.... Add old text to the left of the page. Create a corrugated heart and stamp and cut out a further heart from plate CI-016. Mount as shown. Embellish with a flower, leaves and words from CI-139....

R....Create a text butterfly add to centre of page. Cut three girls in a row from previously stamped CI-174 and colour with chalks. Add as shown and highlite with stickles and liquid pearls.

Y.... Add a torn strip of music to the centre of the page. Stamp CI-189 Old fashioned Girl, cut out the words then make a heart template. Draw around it and cut out the girl image. Add to page and place the words inside a bookplate.

Finally create a slide mount, emboss and paint with dabbers. Stamp girl image from CI-148 Floradora, colour with chalks and add to the slide mount. Add to page and embellish with a butterfly and word 'sweet' also from CI-148. Finish with pearls and stickles and bind together with ribbon as shown when dry.......

PHEW....If you have followed that lot you deserve a gold star!

ALTERED BOXES

My sister was throwing out a tiny box and I thought I'd alter it in a style to suit the vintage with at least one heart Crafty Individuals June Challenge.

Very simple to make, paint and distress the boxes, line with old text and add string as a hanger.

Create a couple of hearts and paint with distress crackle paint.

Embellish with CI images, curtain rings and glossy accents as in previous project and leave to dry.

Finish off by adding rusty keys, flowers, ribbons and words from CI-258.

Quick and easy.....

But very effective. I feel a couple of classes coming along very shortly.......

I do hope these projects have inspired you to enter the challenge over at Crafty Individuals Blog? There are prizes for the winners so why not have a go. I' look forward to seeing the entries.....

Sue x

The big move

2011-05-27T05:39:00.004Z

Well the big move is finally here. It's been quicker than we would have liked but our buyers really needed to be in so it's only far we move out. The bungalow is still needing lots of work but it will be easier when we get in. At least I will see my husband again lol.

Here he is working so very hard, ten months on since we first got the house.

We have managed to get a bedroom and a lounge carpetted ready to get 'organised at least for sleeping and relaxing.

The garsge is now complete with roof, photo's will follow, and the buiding in progress, well on hold now will be my new little craft room.

And the garden.......well, shall we just say it's gonna have to wait?? ?

This will be my last post for a week or so as the internet needs to be connected at the new hous. I have scheduled a post for 1st June and if it works I will be amazed.

Oh well, removal men due in just over an hour so I better show willing!!!!!!!!!!

Sue x

The next Grimsby Crafts class

2011-05-24T11:38:00.006Z

Due to moving house in just three days ...eeeeeeeek! and all my craft stuff being in boxes I am not doing a class at Grimsby Crafts this Thursday. Lynn has kindly given me a week off to get organised, thanks Lynn!

But the Thursday after we will be creating one of these little tag books.

I love tags and I love mini books so had a lot of fun creating these.

I love the fact that dies are now so much more intricate. It was only a few years ago I would never EVER have used a die cutting machine, but now I love them! I will be off on the hunt for peel off's soon (NOT)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We will also be using embossing folders....

border punches.....

distress inks and stickles....YUM!

Sue x

Todays class and a little update.

2011-05-19T16:47:00.006Z

Been a while, but I know you will let me off! We have been so very very busy preparing for the house move which has suddenly appeared from nowhere. We have spent 10 months up to now doing up our little 'bungy' and then all of a sudden we have a date. A week tomorrow we have to move. I'm looking forward to it but dreading it if you know what I mean. After living here for 25 years all but 4 months, things will seem strange. I'll let you know how we settle....

Here's what we did today in the class I taught at Grimsby Crafts. A simple little tile plaque using lots of embossing folders and die cuts. The subtle colour combination was inspired by Polly's scrapbook page from last week. We will be doing a more in depth version of these as a full days class in the near future.

Back to the house move. This is going to be my little craft space. It is still in it's early stage at the minute and now on hold as we really must get the inside done.

The bay window has been 'recycled'. It was originally the front window of the house. I think it will be lovely looking out onto the garden while I am crafting away.

This is looking in from where the double doors will lead from the garden into the room. It looks big, but it isn't really, it's just how the photo made it look. Big enough though, about twice as big as the on I have now. I can't wait till we can do some more work on it. I'll keep you posted.

I will probably not be blogging for a while after this post as Paul is off from tomorrow and we will be busy, busy, busy! Plus we will not have the internet for a while when we move.

Oh and while it's in my head, I will be hosting the June challenge on Crafty Individuals blog at the end of the month so keep a look out for that. I have had my design pieces done for a while now as I knew I needed to be organised for it. Hopefully I will be able to suss out how to schedule my post for the 1st June????? Fingers tightly crossed for that eh?

Thanks to all of you for following and commenting, It means a lot to me!

Sue xxx

Free as a Bird

2011-05-01T13:19:00.007Z

The theme for the second 'Crafty Individuals' monthly challenge has been chosen by Isabelle Norris http://www.isabelle-norris.com/ and is entitled 'FREE AS A BIRD'. Here's my design team submission..........

The base of the canvas is painted with acrylics, overstamped using one of the new plates 'bird song, CI-309 and large swirl CI-182 and aged with distress inks. I added an image of a birds nest , eggs and a Crafty Individuals 'must have' chippy tree......yummy.....which I had previously painted and overstamped with CI-116 crackle.

I stamped the three beautiful tree and bird images, CI-287 once on tissue and once onto card and glued the tissue images onto the background. I then coloured the other images and made some rough frames from balsa wood to add dimension.

I had a couple of Crafty Individuals tiny canvass' left so crackled them up , aged them and stuck birds eggs onto them, bringing them together by adding the words. I painted a silver bird in flight charm to make it blend in better and dangled it from some fine thread from one of the canvas'.

I finished it off by adding a beautiful sentiment from plate CI-287 'Trees and birds' in the bottom left hand corner, overlapping the tree trunk.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Isabelle's challenge, do take a look at her lovely blog and also take a peek at Crafty Individuals blog for further inspiration. http://craftyindividualsblog.blogspot.com/ Maybe you could have a go yourselves, there are prizes up for grabs!!!!

Sue x

Craft clear out approaches!!!!

2011-04-24T09:56:00.017Z

We had loads of fun creating tags on Thursday at Grimsby Crafts, the main aim being creating our own backgrounds, slide mounts, flowers, leaves, ribbon, heart and butterflies.

The ladies are really getting into the 'altered art' now, they all come up with amazing creations.

All of the images and rubber stamps used were (of course, you guessed) Crafty Individuals, as were the slide mounts.

This was an oriental style mini wall hanging I created using the new CI-310 plate. Simple stamping, matting and layering and waater coloured images, finished off with a tassell...

HOLIDAY TIME

Well I am on holiday now for a couple of weeks, so is my hard working hubby! He is still working like mad on the bungalow. It's so much nicer now the better weather and longer days are back. We are aiming to move in about 6 to 8 weeks but still have a very long way to go. Our priority is getting the garage built as we have no where to 'store' stuff, and hopefully we will get this finished in about a week.

This is what it's like up to now. I'll add a few more photo's soon. I add them to my facebook but always forget to add them on my blog. Mind you we have hundreds, they would bore you stupid!

CRAFT BITS FOR SALE

I have been thinning out my crafty items in preparation for the house move as we are downsizing so we have to be a bi ruthless. I have made a start, the first 'sale' is this Wednesday fron 2pm - 9pm.

Here are JUST A FEW bits that are available.......

I really do mean 'a few bits' too. I have flowers, card, scrapbooking papers, ribbon, lace, envelopes, cards, mini books, samples, stuff to alter, tags, tools.......etc etc........

I'll keep you updated....

Sue x

New Releases

2011-04-14T17:54:00.009Z

Here are the latest new releases from Crafty Individuals.

I got stuck in straight away on a tag using plate CI-306. I love all the sewing stuff out at the minute so created a tag.

I went on to create these 'faux postcards from plate CI-307. I was inspired by a previous plate CI-302.

I left the front empty for a name and a greeting.....

and decorated the backs all in the same manner but using different stamps and images.

The circle 'postmarks' are from new release CI-308.

The words are from the above plates. There are more available including love, hope, happy birthday and Christmas, they are just so versatile.

Oh well best get some tea on the table.....

Sue x

Winding down and my 'not so little' man....

2011-04-12T10:46:00.008Z

Some of you may have noticed my irregular blogging lately. I'm afraid it will be like this for a while as the house move will be upon is soon so I really need to start getting organised and crafting and blogging will be taking a bit of a back seat for the time being. I have been very ruthless and thinned out my crafting goodies with a view to selling lots of my 'stash'. For those of you who live close by you are very welcome to pop in and see if anything is of interest to you. I think I will need a few 'sales' as I really do have so much to get rid of. The first date is Wednesday 27th April from 2pm till 9pm. I will post a few photos soon so you have an idea what there is available.

This was the litle booklet we made in class last week. The sentiment and image are by Crafty Individuals.

The booklet opens to reveal pockets for either tags or photo's.

Sunday saw the Acetate Book class at Grimsby Crafts. I felt a bit redundant when the ladies were colouring.......so very quiet, it was unreal!

Before I go, something very special......... well to me any way. My lovely little Grandson 'JJ'.

Here he is with Paul and 'Storm' having fun on the concrete base of our soon to be built garage. One day I will see Paul in something other than his scruffy work gear! Bless him, he has worked so hard on the bungalow.

Aw, he was listening to the birds...........Hell, he just melts my heart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In fact I can honestly say he is one of the most precious things in my life......

Sue xxx

Crafty Individuals challenge....SIMPLY SQUARE'

2011-04-01T05:36:00.013Z

I'm so excited to let you know that Crafty Individuals are holding their first ever blog challenge .......

http://craftyindividualsblog.blogspot.com/

I love Crafty Individuals stuff, as many of you know and I also love 'squares' so came up with the following.

Three tiny CI frames, distressed and overstamped, although the stamping is not really visible on the photo's.

All in using the same format of an embossed back drop, matted onto black...

Finished off with three beautiful Crafty Individuals images stamped onto 'stampbord' ahich I haven't used in aaaages. The plates used were 189, 132, 137,156 and 235.

The acetate book shown above is for a class I will be teaching next Sunday at Grimsby Crafts, and this would also fit the challenge as it is also 'simply square'.....

It's full of Crafty Individuals images including plates 186, 052, 116, 213, 182, 277, 283, and 284.

I think the papers are 'Paper Reverie'????????

Finally, the card from yesterday's class, CI stamp plate 285 in the background and The Tim Holtz dress form die.......

Hope you pop over to see the rest of the design teams work and keep checking back to see the entries as they arrive on the blog.....

Sue x

Crafty Individuals canvas book

2011-03-18T09:49:00.006Z

I have transformed a couple of Crafty Individuals http://www.craftyindividuals.co.uk/ mini canvas' into a tiny little accordion book. Why I don't just use them as a canvas is beyond me but I like to try and inspire my readers to think outside the box a bit.......

The birds singing in the mornings and the spring flowers inspired my 'SPRING TIME' book.

All of the images and words are stamps by Crafty Individuals, plates 194 music, 256 words and birds, 287 birds on wire and sentment,296 clock face and 302 flowers. I just added a few leaves, flowers and pearly centres as embellishments, oh and flower soft for the birds 'nest'.

The book opens out to reveal the words 'Spring Time'.

Thanks again to Jean and Malcolm of Crafty Individuals for their yummy stamps. The tiny canvasses are also from them, you can find them on their web site under 'Must Haves'.

Right, off to do a spot of baby sitting now, must try to remember to take some photo's to share with you all, he is really growing up so fast!!!

Sue x

'The Bride'

2011-03-16T10:49:00.007Z

I have completed another lay out and am really going to try and complete a couple of albums of the girls recent weddings.

Scrapbooking does not come easy to me. I would much rather work on a smaller scale but thanks to Polly suggesting using sketches to help me along, I will get there.

The more I do it, the easier it will become????? Flowers are hand made and swirl was inked, overstamped and embossed.

That's all for today, got a spot of baby sitting to do now.........

Sue x

Altered scrapbook pages

2011-03-15T20:17:00.011Z

I just couldn't find the right background paper. You know what it's like, so I made my own.

I also made the half artisan shape from simple copy paper, coloured and stamped it to go with the background.

Then made a simple flower to add some interest and depth.

I love messing with paints and other mediums to create something a little bit different. Mind you, sometimes things don't turn out how you want them to.

The crackle effect was just what I wanted but the colours were wrong...

Then I spent ages looking for a photo to suit, but eventually threw it to one side and started another lay out using the same background as before.

Before I go, here's a couple of snips from the next class at Grimsby Crafts.

Pretty and floral

And finally some of the the ladies with their completed star books after Sunday's class.

Thanks for a fun day ladies, and thanks for keeping us all fed and watered Lynn!

Sue x

Our Vintage Affair Challenge and slide mailer

2011-03-05T16:42:00.009Z

My friend Polly is part of Our Vintage Affair blog, and along with Loreta organises some brlliant challenges. I can't get the link to work but this is the address, Polly I need a refresher please !!!!!!!!!!

http://ourvintageaffair.blogspot.com/2011/03/march-lo-challenge-butterflies-sketch.html

This layout is based around this months challenge, 'butterflies and a sketch'. Those of you who know me will know that I don't do scrapbooking as I find it hard to work 'big', however I really fancied trying this challenge. I began bu altering the plain white paper by distressing it and stamping a Kelly Panacci corner stamp. I have a few sets of their stamps, they are so versatile.

I created a corrugated heart, then ran a butterfly through the cuttlebug, and added colour and pearls. LOVE was cut using a Tim Holtz sizzix alphabet to which I added colour and glitter. The rest of the wording was from a rubber stamp by Inkadinkado.

I wanted to use someting different to flowers and swirls and then I had an idea I thought I would try. I intertwined some cuttlebug swirly shapes, on their own at first, but was not happy to see the bottom of the photo's through the openings. I then tried weaving some sheer fabric through the shapes and it worked really well. I finished it off by adding just a hint of colour and some pearls. I was soooo pleased with the end result, worth a full day of crating to finally get there with it!

Here's the inside of one of the 3 slide mailers I have on the go. All words and angel image are by Crafty Individuals who also sell the tiny slide mailers. They are so cute and make a nice change to give instead of a card.

This is the front of the mailer, although the colours are not at all how they look here. Again the stamped image is by Crafty Individuals.

Jean has finally started a 'Crafty Individuals blog. It's full of inspiration so if you like their style, pop and have a look...

http://craftyindividualsblog.blogspot.com/

Sue x

2011-03-02T20:04:00.008Z

This is a snippet of the card and tiny gift tag which is part of tomorrows class.

And just look at these tiny little 'must haves' available from Crafty Individuals. I was sooooo happy when I received them.

Teeny, tiny canvas, can't wait to work on them!

This is the rest of the stuff I received. Chipboard frames, trees, tiny birdhouses and MDF mini frames. They are so reasonably priced. I can certainly see some workshops here.

I have a few microscope slide mounts almost ready, so be back soon to share them with you.

Sue x

My shortest post......EVER!

2011-02-28T20:07:00.003Z

I used the remainder of my masterboard as a backdrop for this card.

I added a framed sentiment, Marianne die cut butterfly, flower, offcut of lace, handmade heart and charm.

Not my normal colours again, but I am quite enjoying experimenting.

Sue x

Same but different........

2011-02-26T08:26:00.007Z

My Dad always used to use the saying 'same but different' and it just about sums up the next three cards.

Same size, same layout, same letters......

but different colours and embellishments.

The Atc's below were made by using the new CI-293 'floral' stamp for the background. The circular raised images and sentiments are from plate CI-256. I am so pleased that Grimsby Crafts have started to sell Crafty Individuals products. Bet you don't know, but I love them!

Rather than keep them as ATC's I decided to add them as a focal point to a couple of cards.

I kept them really simple by just adding a bow, a bit of an embossed background and a few gems.

I finished the four mini tiles and mounted them on a narrow background using brads. I am amazed at how far this pad of papers went. I still have some offcuts left.

Well must get up out of bed. I have a day of crafting ahead of me. Mind you, I am sure something will turn up and stop the creative flow! It usually does!

Sue x

Crafty Individuals EXCITING NEW blog!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-02-21T21:24:00.008Z

I am soooooooo pleased to have returned home form the Birmingham trade show to find an email from Jean of Crafty Individuals, telling me that she has finally started a blog. As you all know I just LOVE their stuff anfd the blog will be an ideal way to keep up with new releases and ideas and inspiration for using their lovely stamps.

Why not hop over and have a look and maybe sign in as a follower?http://craftyindividualsblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/hello-friends-and-crafters-and-welcome.html

Lynn and myself spent a couple of days at the trade show inBirmingham at the weekend. We had a really good look around and took part in a few workshops. It was great to bump into so many old friends.

This was the queue waiting for the Ranger workshop with Tim Holtz, which was great fun. As an added bonus, Dyan Reavley took the second part of the class. It must be around 10 years since we first met on one of her amazing workshops, 'Ultra thick Embossing onto CD's'. Dyan has taught me so much over the years. I just love her. Ranger are distributors for her new Dylusions Rubber stamp range, great for scrapbooking, card making and especially journalling.

I also had a bit of a catch up with Leandra of Paper Artsy, another of my favourite ladies in the craft industry, who has brought out some fab new stamps, paints and 'metal card'.

And last but by no means least, Tim Holtz, who provided us all with a brilliant class packed full of techniques and laughs.

Myself, Tim Holtz and Lynn after the classes.

Caption for the photo anyone?

Sue x

More Thorndon Hall and an exciting weekend ahead.

2011-02-18T19:30:00.010Z

I have just found the tiny frames I started ages ago, using the Thorndon Hall papers very kindly sent to me by Leandra Franiche of Paper Artsy and managed to get them finished, here they are.

I still have to add the hanger to two of them.

All the images and sentiments are by Paper Artsy.

Plates used were USNT 1, Petals 6, USYL 3, Vintage Nudes 2, USYL 4 and backgrounds 6.

Some photo's are a bit blurred, sorry.

I decided to make a quick masterboard today, based on inspiration from Chris' blog http://rubbaluvva.blogspot.com/

I used distress inks and stamps CI-116, CI-161 and CI-182, all by Crafty Individuals.

I used it on the card below, combined with another brand new Crafty Individuals stamp.

That's it until next week as I am away tomorrow to the Birmingham trade show with my friend Lynn of Grimsby Crafts. We have a couple of classes booked and are looking forward to having a good look at all of the new 'goodies' available.

Will tell you all about it next week!

Sue x

More class samples

2011-02-16T18:42:00.003Z

I have loved creating these 'tiny wall plaques', not that I would ever hang them on my wall!

I used some 'oldies' by Paper Artsy, above. Quite apt for Valentines Day, and not dated at all.

Crafty Individuals for the one above,

and Paper Artsy again.

I expect a bit of fun tomorrow in class with the shrink plastic and heat embossing, I'll keep you posted!

Sue x

Hot off the Press! Yummy Crafty Individuals!

2011-02-13T10:57:00.012Z

I always get excited when a package arrives from Jean and Malcolm of Crafty Individuals!

These are a few cards made with some of the new stamps which are just beautiful. CI-302 is this gorgeous 'postcard' which I layered a few together and tied with string.

I added detail with a slide mount containing a CI image and a chippie heart, painted, overstamped with the CI-161 script stamp and the word, CI-156.

This one uses a gorgeous collage stamp, CI-301. simply coloured then a book plate turned lengthways to create a frame which I filled with Glassy accents and added embellishments into the holes rather than brads or eyelets.

Finally, well for now anyway, another 'Mans' card using plate CI-305.

I loved the way this stamp could be cut, layered etc, there is so much on it!

These are the 5 new stamps in detail........Yummy

My neice Abi is on her way round to make a valentine card, so gaotta dash,

Be back later,

Sue x

Mini wall hanging

2011-02-11T12:00:00.010Z

This is a real short post as I am going to 'retire into my craft room' and continue the massive clear out!

A teeny weeny wall hanging using one of the Crafty Individuals Angel stamps from the set of 4. This was one of the first CI stamps I ever bought and I use it soooo much. The background stamp on the slide mount and wall hanging is also by Crafty Individuals. The sentiment is on shrink plastic and is by Creative Expressions I think?

Here are some of the ladies deeply engrossed in their twinchie class. It went down really well, hope they like the plaque next week too.

Sue x

Twinch by twinch......

2011-02-07T18:34:00.004Z

I finished a few more twinchie samples for Thursday's class at Grimsby Crafts yesterday, again using lots of yummy Crafty Individuals images, stamps and words.

I worked with the colour theme of lilac and green and was quite pleased with how they worked so well together. The colours were suggested by Lynn, so thanks Lynn!

These are just close up's of the lilac and green set. It will be nice to see what the ladies create on Thursday. I'll try to remember my camera and take some photo's if they don't mind.

Unfortunately I had to take 'Cinders' back to Hearing Dogs today as her 'problem' has got far worse than I can cope with. We are all hopeful that they will be able to sort her out and get her 'dry'. They will be doing urine tests to rule out any infection and checking for any medical reasons which may be causing it.

She is such a lovely natured and friendly dog. It has been so upsetting taking her back, but in the end I knew it had to be. It is really wierd coming into the house and not getting pounced upon, very quiet too....................................................................think I'd best get another tissue.....

Sue x

It's 'twinchie' time

2011-02-05T15:57:00.006Z

The colours in these photo's are just not how they should be, but you will get the idea I hope? All of the images and words are by Crafty Individuals.

The ladies at my class at Grimsby crafts wanted to try making some 'twinchies' using lots of leftovers and odd enbellishments, so I've made a start on some samples and have lots more 'on the go' to complete tomorrow.

I just love working 'small', just wish I could do the same on a larger scale, but for some odd reason I really struggle.

I will soon be making a start on my acetate book class. Lynn is getting some lovely new stuff in and I have chosen the items above to include in the book.

I have chosen these papers in browns and creams as a bit of a change as I am a bit 'pink' again at the moment.

They are from the Paper Reverie range by Making Memories. I love the bird one!

I received the above 'goodies' in a lovely surprise package through the post yesterday. The advent calendar I altered received an honourable mention in the 'Let's Get Shabby' challenge in December and this was a prize from the sponsor'TALLULAHBELLES'. I might use some of the pieces on some more 'twinchies tomorrow.

Until then.......Bye.....

Sue x

Star Book class and another 'easel'...

2011-02-01T12:30:00.009Z

This is the final easel card for a while.......honest!

It's just I had the base prepared so thought I may as well finish it, plus I have enjoyed making them as I'm sure the ladies will on Thursday.

Here's the completed (well apart from photo's and journalling) star book class for Grimsby Crafts, and will probably take place one Sunday.

Pretty, feminine and very 'pink'.

With lots of room to add photo's and special words.

With a simple front cover.

Hope you like it!

Sue x

Easy Easel cards

2011-01-31T20:57:00.006Z

I'm really enjoying teaching regular classes again. My friend Lynn has recently bought Grimsby Crafts and I am now on my 4th week of teaching! I was a bit unsure whether or not to get back into teaching regular classes but I am pleased I accepted. The ladies on the classes have been so much fun and very friendly. Dawn even makes the drinks for me!!!!!!!! Mind you, I think that's so she knows she will be able to drink it if she makes her own!!!!

These are similar to the cards we will be making in class this week. Easel cards are quite easy to make, but very effective. Images are from Crafty Individuals.

These photo's just show the front of the cards.

I've got a couple more almost done, using papers from my stash.

My craft room is almost sorted now, at long last. I have so much stuff to sell on ebay, but will be contacting my friends before I list it. Lots of bargains to be had!

Sue xxx

Back to normality??????

2011-01-25T16:12:00.015Z

Here are a few photo's of a class in progress which I will be teaching at Grimsby Crafts. They will eventually be part of a 'star book', one of my all time requested classes. In all I have taught 9 different starbooks, I still have the samples and it is really interesting to see how my style has changed from very dark and grungy to pale, floral and vintage/shabby. Must be an age thing eh?

The papers are double sided Je t'adore by Making Memories. I have used lots of Nestabilities and Marianne cutting dies, coupled with various embossing folders.

Not always in the way they are meant to be used, as I like to try to think a bit outside the box.
Lots of distressing resulting in some very messy fingers.

Some little pockets and tags, all ready for stamping and embellishing.

I have finally used some of my new 'babies' fro Crafty Individuals. I received the stamps ages ago but with so much going on have only just found spare time to play. I decided to make a few ATC's, here's the first one using plate CI-296. The sentiment is from CI-292.

The three below use images and sentiments from CI-292.

These two 'mens' cards are from plates CI-295 (boats) and CI297 (birds).

The friendship sentinment on the bird card is from plate CI-277 and the background is CI-213.

I'll leave you with these two acetate cards using BasicGrey papers, and CI images. Will be back soon with more of the star book.

Sue x

Tags of Crafty Individuality 11 inspired by Tim Holtz

2010-12-13T19:41:00.008Z

I love the way this heart turned out for tag 10, what 'a happy accident'.

I am going to try to recreate it and share it, but it will be in the New Year as priority must now be given to Josh's DDA which, due to trying to keep up with Tim's Tags has taken a back seat.

Tag 11 is above, the text showing in the background is CI-161. Texture on the tree is Ranger Crackle paint. I created the snowflakes with a stencil made with a punch, then stippled through it with an acrylic dabber. This resisted the disress inks. The sentiment is from CI-282. I have thoroughly enjoyed creating these tags. I know they are nothing at all like the amazing tags Tim Holtz creates, but as he says, 'it is not the destination, but the journey'. Special thanks go to Jean and Malcolm of CRAFTY INDIVIDUALS for the amazing stamps......I just love them!!!!!!

Sue x

Tags of 'Crafty Individuality' 10 Inspired by Tim Holtz

2010-12-11T17:03:00.005Z

Well only one day left then the Tim Holtz 12 Tags of Christmas 'frenzy' will come to an end for another year. Here's my tag number 11, using three of my favourite Crafty Individuals stamps. It's not easy to see the embossed 'snow' on the acetate overlay on the pic above, but below shows it up much better.

The beautiful Angels are from CI-169......oh I just LOVE 'em! The photo's don't show up the colouring on the angel image, sorry, I had lost the light when I finally got time to take the photo's.

The resist technique on the background of the tag is from CI-116 crackle background, and the word from CI156. Thanks for looking and especially for all the positive comments. I know my tags are not anything like Tim's but it is from him that I gained the inspiration. I just enjoy doing my own thing!!!!!!

Sue x

Tags of 'Crafty Individuality' inspired by Tim Holtz 9

2010-12-10T10:01:00.002Z

I just LOVED making this tag!!!!

I loved the challenge of making a rosette flower without the die, I loved using one of my ALL TIME FAVOURITE 'Crafty Individauls' stamps....this beautiful 'Angel Child' It was one of the very first stamps I bought from CI and again, it is just timeless... and suitable for either Christmas or general occasions. This is one stamp I would never part with! The words on the bottom left are from plate CI-140 Angel words and sayings, again, a stamp I use on so many projects.

Time to hop over to see what Tim has in store for us all today!!!!! He has certainly excelled again this year. Oh and my New Years Resolution???????? To stock up on lots of yummy Ranger products, they are simply amazing!!!!!!

Sue x

Tags of Crafty Individuality inspired by Tim Holtz 8

2010-12-09T14:19:00.004Z

Well we are on tag eight now, and here it is. Same elements, corners, sleigh and houses as Tim Holtz used, but with Crafty Individuals stuff. The stamps I used were CI-254 (sleigh), CI-282 (sentiment), and CI-273 for the houses which I simply stamped and then coloured black to create a silhouette effect.

Gotta go, tag nine is on the go now, but again, light is fading so I will show it tomorrow.

Sue x

Tags of 'Crafty Individuality' inspired by Tim Holtz

2010-12-08T10:44:00.004Z

This is my take on day 7 (I think) of Tim's 12 tags of Christmas, once again using my favourite Crafty Individuals stash whenever possible. The Santa image is from one of their image books and the word, BELIEVE is from plate CI-258. It must have about 100 words on it and I am for ever using it.

Still not had time to do the first 2 tags but I think I am better doing it this wasy rather than trying to catch up. Right off to start the next one............. might be back later today.....

Sue x

Tags of 'Crafty Individuality' inspired by Tim holtz

2010-12-07T19:14:00.002Z

This is my take on Tim's twelve tags of Christmas day 6.

Again, nothing at all like his, but his tag did inspire me. I am enjoying using my Crafty Individuals 'stash'. It's surprising how much fun it is limiting yourself to what you can use. It certainly makes you think!
Stamps I used were CI-282, CI-281 and CI-258.
Day 7 is complet too, surprisingly, but it was too dark to get a photo today. Hope I keep up with it now. If you want to see tags 3,4 and 5 they are on the post below.
Be back tomorrow......

Sue x

Tags of 'Crafty Idividuality' inspired by Tim Holtz

2010-12-06T20:56:00.009Z

The number of crafters following 'Tim's 12 tags of Christmas' is just AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!! Unfortunately time hasn't allowed me to complete the first 2 tags but here's my take on tags 3, 4 and 5 using Crafty Individuals http://www.craftyindividuals.co.uk/ rubber stamps.........

My 'Tags of Crafty Individuality' ....inspired by the brilliant Tim Holtz.

Above is my take on tag three. I decided to use Ranger products, obviously, as they are second to none!!!!! However, I do like to try to 'think outside the box', so decided to use my favourite stash of 'Crafty Individuals' rubber stamps and hand made embellishments as much as possible. Tha stamps used in tag 3 are CI-156 words, CI-182 large swirl, CI-235 small swirls assorted and CI-161 script. The santa on the tag is an image from the Christmas image book.

Tag 4 next, seen above. Not at all like Tims again, but the inspiration was from his work. This one uses the absolutely beautiful 'butterfly girl' CI-108 and a couple of snowflakes I received from Crafty Individuals on a demo day. I use these so often. The saying, 'a snowflake is a winter's butterfly is one of my favourites too. The circle is a fragment, coloured with alcohol inks as instructed, using archival ink to remove the alcohol ink on the back of the fragment.

Above is my take on tag 5. It's very plain I suppose, (I struggled a bit with this one. ) The santa and child is plate CI-136 and greeting is CI-142. These stamps are just timeless and I don't think they will ever date..........

Well that's it for now. I have tag 6 drying as we speak. I finished it yesterday but decided to tweek it a bit by adding Glossy accents. Hope fully I will post it later along with tag 7 which I am about to take a look at on Tim Holtz's blog now.

See you later!!!!!!!!!

Sue x

Shabby advent....'Let's Get Shabby' challenge

2010-12-03T14:14:00.009Z

It's ages since I entered a challenge, in fact it is very rare I do, but on 'Let's Get Shabby' this month, the challenge is to use the title of your favourite Christmas song on your creation. You can see the challenge details on their blog.http://letsgetshabby.blogspot.com/2010/11/challenge-18.html#comments

Anyway, I had bright red advent calendar and decided to alter it for my niece, who loves the 'shabby' look. The title of the song, 'Oh Christmas Tree' is on the star at the top, hope it is visible enough to fit the criteria.

I had a whale of a time altering it, and did take some pics of it when it was bright red, but just can't find them! Never mind, sure you can imagine it.......... That's it for now......

Sue x

Josh's DDA and future classes

2010-11-29T15:33:00.015Z

It'll be all systems go now for lots of us, with the December Daily Album's and Tim's twelve tags of Christmas starting on Wednesday. I have the book ready and decorated the front cover of my DDA in preparation.

I'm using an album I made with extra large brown craft paper bags. When folded in half, as seen above the pages measure 11" x 10" which should enable me to fit more than one day on each page??????? If not I have the added bonus of being able to put 'tags' inside some of the open ends of the bags. I'm really looking forward to doing one again this year as I know how much Faye and Ash loved last years which was Josh's First Christmas. They often take it out and look at it, so I think this will be great to see how much he has changed. To think last year he was only 4 months old, not really doing much other than eating and sleeping, now he is walking, dancing, feeding himself, drinking from a beaker and trying so hard to talk! He is so very special to us, an amazing 'little man'!

I've been back in 'Crafty Individuals' mode, preparing a few classes. The timeless large swirl stamp, acetate, cuttlebug and stickles.

Images are from the CI people and places books, altered slide mounts, hand made paper flowers,

I just love the effect of sanding back the core dinations card.

I had fun creating this accodion fold 'booklet'

using some of my favourite CI stamps, and just giving the images a hint of colour with distress inks and stickles.

The double sided card is Capella by Basic Grey, it's lovely to work with.

I'll leave you today with a couple of photo's of Cinders. I am amazed at how she loves the snow! She really didn't want to come back into the house.

She really makes me giggle!

Sue x

Mini maze 'star' book etc

2010-11-25T14:36:00.021Z

Well I am still having fun with my Paper Artsy Thorndon Hall Paper Pack. The tiny stacked slide mount frames are ready for the embellishments and the lasagne frome is painted ready too......

Heres the tiny mini maze book, complete all but for a bit of gossy accaents here and there. I decided to secure all the pages together to create a star type book for a change.

This is how it looks from the top.

All of the images and sentiments used are from my stash of 'Paper Artsy' stamps. Working with them took me back to when I first saw the stamp range in 2005 and eagerly ordered them to stock in my shop. They were just so different and very versatile. I don't think they will ever date.......

The pages of the book are just 7.5cm square.

I Love the fact that the papers have a white core. They are great for running through the cuttlebug and sanding back as shown below. I also sanded the edges.

The papers are also really smooth for stamping onto...

and distress inks just glide over so smoothly. A quick spritz of water adds to the effects.

I used some off-cuts to cover this little note book.

and did a basic scrapbook page using a couple of pics of Josh. I really had to stop myself adding flowers...

I really must have another clear out in my craft room.

There is stuff all over. I daren't even show you the floor!........ For some reason I always miss the bin!

It's a good job I stand up to craft as my chair is never empty.

It won't be long now until I box everything up ready for the house move. I keep putting it off, but really need to start getting organised. Anyway, if you are still reading this far down, thanks for visiting, it is appreciated.

Sue x

Floral hanger, Thorndon Hall Style

2010-11-18T12:04:00.009Z

This is what I came up with using some of the flowers and leaves I made with the Paper Artsy Thorndon Hall papers.

The quality papers scrunch up really well. I love the fact that the core is white, giving great results when sanded. The paper is also ultra smooth for stamping onto.

Stamps used are from Urban Snapshots - Young Love 4 and Petals 4. Leaved were coloured using distress inks.

Leaves above embossed in cuttlebug then coloured with distress inks. Background stamp words from Petals 6 plate.

'Roses' word also from Young Love 4 plate.

'Beauty' word in a tag from Vintage Nudes 2 plate....

'Unknown Specimen' words also from Petals 4 plate.

Next project could be something using these tiny frames I made by stacking up slide mounts. I have ideas in my head but not enough time in the day.............

Sue x

Flower Power....Thorndon Hall style

2010-11-15T17:19:00.006Z

I am still having fun with the pack of Paper Artsy Thorndon Hall papers. I have made my 3 'blocks' as seen in my previous post, have a mini maze book ready for decorating and have spent a few hours today creating flowers from the yummy papers.

The photo's are the same flowers, but from a different angle. I have made 6 different ones up to now and am hoping to maybe come up with a few more.

There are a few leaves in there too. I just need to think what to do with them when they are all finished. Frame, cards, scrapbook page??????? mmmm????

Sue x

Paper Artsy 'Vintage Nudes' blocks

2010-11-14T16:01:00.011Z

I can't tell you how much fun I am having with Leandra's 'Thorndon Hall' pack of papers (as shown in my previous post) and my old stash of Paper Artsy stamps creating these 'Vintage Nudes' blocks! Thanks again Leandra for sending them for me! This is the first thing I have produced with them.

You will have to forgive the variation in the colours, just one day it was bright sunshine then the next it was dull, hence the difference.....

I began by adding paint techniques to the blocks, then covering one side with paper and another with stamping. The image on the largest block above is from Vintage Nudes - plate 3 and the sentiment is from plate 1. The key was cut from one of the papers and covered with Glossy Accents to give it more definition. Tag and background are papers from the pack and the flower and leaves are handmade.

The medium size block has a painted and stamped background with papers cut with a Fiskars border punch and corrugated card to add detail. Image is from Vintage Nudes - plate 2, as is the sentiment. The smallest heart is shrink plastic.

The smallest block was backed with paper, again from the pack, and the image is part of one from Vintage Nudes - plate 1. Words are from ' Gentleman - plate 2.

The back of the smallest block, painted and overstamped with a flower from Vintage Nudes - plate 3. I'm not sure if I should decorate the backs or just leave them........?????

The back of the medium sized block was covered in part of one of the papers. I just love the beauty of this paper on its own, it would seem such a shame to cover it!

The back of the largest block was overstamped with a gorgeous script from Winter Wonderland - plate 1. I have LOADS of paper left so have plans for some more projects to follow....... 'watch this space'

Sue x

Gorgeous 'Thorndon Hall' papers by Paper Artsy

2010-11-11T06:56:00.019Z

Just look at these yummy 12" x 12" papers by Paper Artsy!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are called 'Thorndon Hall' and the pack consists of 24 sheets of double sided card. There are 12 designs in all and the quality is amazing, great for stamping, spritzing, sanding and scrunching etc, or simply leaving as it is! Great value at about £14.99 a pack!!!!!

You can't imagine how chuffed I was when Leandra sent a pack of papers for me to 'play with' !!!!!!!!!!! I have always loved the eclectic style of stamps produced by Leandra and Mark of Paper Artsy, so I eagerly dragged a few of my PA stamps out of the draw and began to play.

If you scroll down through the photo's you will see all of the designs in the pack

These photo's don't show the full sheets, just part of them.....

Some bold designs, text........

Dainty swirls, chunky images.........

Maps, correspondence.........

Scripts, flowers........lovely, all in pinky, plum and creamy colours.......

How lucky am I?????????

I started making a few screwed up flowers, as I'd like to make most of the embellishments myself if I can.

And here are a couple of little snippets, just to whet your appetite until I finish the project.

I'll list the stamps that I use when the project is finished, along with photo's of the finished articles.

Hope to get some more done tomorrow afternoon after my voluntary work at the Women's Refuge, fingers crossed..... Bye for now.....

Sue x

Altered book page

2010-11-07T14:55:00.008Z

I decided to use some of the new Crafty Individuals stamps to create a page in my altered book. This book has been an ongoing project for a while now and it's great to be able to fall back on it when I am in the mood for messing about with collage and other techniques.

The stamps I used are CI-287 (saying at the top left of the page and free flying birds), CI-276 (poppy field along bottom left page), CI-286 (background on arch, cross and words on plaque) and CI-249, (arched door).

I love the fact that this door can easily be cut in a way that it will open. It shows the mirror image of the stamp through when it's open.

This is the back of the page ready for me when I next have a free day to 'play', whenever that may be.

This was a simple page created using a magazine cut out on a painted, stamped and glittered background. I just added a saying, punched hearts and rub on wings.

Finally, a couple of photo's of the absolute love of my life. We had a family gathering round at our house on Bonfire Night, after all it will be the last one we spend here due to moving next year. (sob, sob.........)

Josh loved the fireworks, mind you he was indoors, but just look at him trying to get closer to them.

Well that's it for now, best get some tea prepared for Paul as he has spent another full weekend at the bungalow. It's coming on slowly but surely, will post some more photo's soon.

Sue x

Crafty Individuals 'Dream Plaque' and new releases.

2010-11-03T20:15:00.014Z

A few days ago I received these yummy new releases from Crafty Individuals. They are just so lovely and I am looking forward to getting them inked up soon.

I have been busy completing this plaque, using a variety of CI goodies and some other embelishments. If you look closely, you will see the word 'dream' added randomly to the tiles.

The base is painted with acrylics, then overstamped in white staz-on using CI swirls. It gave a realy nice effect.

Here are the individual tile photo's.

Finally, we have had six weeks of swimming classes with JJ to get him a bit used to the water ready for next years visit to Cyprus for his God Mother and God Fathers wedding. He absolutely loved it, so we have him booked in for another six weeks in the New Year.

He's growing up so quickly!

Sue x

Sleepy head and scraggy head

2010-10-20T14:12:00.004Z

This week was meant to be a 'me' week, well for three days of it anyway, but somehow it just never happens for me. I'm not moaning though, just sort of tittering away to myself, as I know it will always be this way. One of the lovely things that happened today though, was my best friend of 37 years popped in to see me with her Dad who emigrated to Australia all those years ago and they were reunited on Monday after almost 37 years. They had not seen one another for all of that time and now he has come back to live with her and her family. Can you even imagine how that must feel? It was lovely to see him and catch up after all those years........

The above layout was created on a plain piece of 'cotton' card. I added subtle colour to random parts of the background, stamped a bit of text, a fancy border and a couple of words, cut a few bits of basic grey paper and left it at that. It didn't take long, and I was pleased it didn't, as when I put it in my album I relised I had scrapped the photo already......what a waste of time lol.

Anyway, this was Cinders looking scruffy and bedragled before her session at the grooming parlour of our local college. I had waited for over 4 months to get her in.

Aw and just look at her when I got her back. She looked a completely different dog. I was so pleased with what they had done for her and at just £17, what a bargain eh?

Well that's it again, not a lot goin on in the crafting scene, there's always something else to do lately.

Sue x

Christmas is coming.......

2010-09-30T16:33:00.007Z

We are seeing more and more Christmas projects on blogs now, and mine is no exception although time is a bit scarce again lately. Here's a couple of snippets from my Christmas card class which is in 'early prep stage' at the minute.

In 2 days I've only completed 3 cards, seems I have got too much in my head to concentrate at the minute, but I have a month to go yet so I am not too worried.

It's our 27th wedding anniversary today. We are so whacked out with all the work at the bungalow we have decided on a quiet night in for two, with an 'M and S Meal Deal'. Quick, cheap and easy with wine thrown in, cant be bad for a tenner eh?

Finally, for those of you who read my blog, and are interested, I still have Cinders. She is such a scruffy mutt, but I just love her, I just wish I could find a solution to her 'water works, problem. If any one out there has any advice on a 'cure' for submissive urination, let me know. I really don't want to give up on her. (Think I am going soft in my old age.)

Sue x

Can't see the wood for the trees.....

2010-09-21T16:51:00.011Z

Do you ever struggle to find something in your craft room? Just lately I spend more time looking for stuff than I do crafting, and I reckon it's simply because I have too much. I have decided to have a real good clear out and get rid of my 'unwanted' items. I am going to start sorting it all out tomorrow, but I am expecting it to take a while...............................

Sue, as promised, this is for you. A different way of texture swirls, created with 3d paint, allowed to dry thoroughly, painted over then either dry brushed or rubbed with wax rubs.

The folloeing pics are from the 'prototype' of my next class, a Christmas waterfall book, (I have to get some current papers yet.) It is ring bound, giving the opportunity to add further pages to house lots of photo's.

Finally an update on the bungalow. It is a danger zone at the minute, no plaster on the walls, doors and windows boarded up, no plumbing, (yeah that means no loo) and no floors, just brick rubble. I think that we will start getting a bit more organised when the floors are concreted, at least it will be easier to walk around!

See what I mean, and it is like this all the way through. I'm so pleased I have been taking photo's and I am also pleased we still have the comfort of our other house for a while longer.

I keep telling myself, IT WILL BE WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!!!

Sue x

Completed plaque

2010-09-19T18:47:00.002Z

Here's the finished 'plaque. The base of the large circle is just cardboard coated in texture paste, painted in pink and cream acrylic then dry brushed with gold. Short and sweet post I know, but X Factor is on...............ha ha ha ..........

Sue x

On a roll......

2010-09-19T13:57:00.003Z

I don't know what Jean and Malcolm put in my parcel on Friday, (other than the yummy new stamps) but I am on a roll...........

Plate CI-285 is just beautiful, so here I am in the throws of making some sort of wall hanging. I even dragged the redundant tub of slightly hardened texture paste from the bottom of the cupboard. Can't do much more now till it dries, so thought I'd let you have a peep at it mid stream.......

Be back soon!!!!!

Sue x

Crafty Individuals 'friends' acetate book

2010-09-18T20:21:00.014Z

I knew as soon as I saw the latest stamps from Crafty Individuals on my doormat yesterday afternoon, that it would not be long before I used them. Here's the result, a mini acetate 'friends' book.

I have taken photo's of the individual pages, difficult though as they are clear.

I have put them onto black card to make it easier to take the photos, as the stamping, (using Staz-on) does not show up on white.

The background is CI-235 and the gorgeous 'friend' images are from the new plate CI-283.

Words from CI-052 punched into a heart shape.

Another gorgeous image from CI-283 Friends word from CI- and swirls as before.

A little pocket housing a clear tag and an image from CI-277. Words from CI-283

Here's one side of the tag,

and the other side.

Background above, CI-116 and new images from CI-284. I cut the image to fit in a CI paper slide mount and added a few gems.

This swirl has to be my all time favourite of all swirls!!!!!! CI-182. New stamps from CI-284 and the postmark is from CI-278.

I added a tiny file folder and decorated it with 'cherish' and a border from CI-156 plus a sentiment from CI-277.

It opens up to reveal this, music CI-194, sentiment CI-052 and girls CI-277.

Finally I added an undecorated page to protect the inside, I just stamped CI-213 to add a bit of interest. I held the book together with book rings and ribbon to add interest

I can honestly say I have enjoyed making this so much. I am so lucky to be able to work with Jean and Malcolms lovely designs, SO LUCKY!!!!!!

Sue x

Crafty Individuals add to a great day

2010-09-17T20:29:00.002Z

Just look at these new stamps from http://www.craftyindividuals.co.uk/. I was a very happy lady when I found them on my door mat at lunchtime. I couldn't wait to use them, but had to wait until I had been for my dinner at Faye's.

I have started a little acetate 'Friends' book, and hopefully will have it ready to add to my blog tomorrow. Just had to let you see these new stamps though, are they gorgeous or what?

Sue x

Just 'playing', my 'new kitchen' and 'frisky Mike!

2010-09-16T07:53:00.012Z

I have been 'just playing' with my hand made art journal pages, and messing around with paint effects and techniques, just like 'in the old days'. Her's the results.......

Painting, chalking, stamping, embossing, gluing, sticking, peel off's OOOOOOP'S sorry, no peel off's, ha ha.

Some of the pages were torn, others cut straight, simply because they were for 'playing'.

I'd had my T H Sizzix dies for ages and not used them, so gave them a try.

Experimented by making a paper flower.

or two.......I have lots more work to do on them re journalling, but that will come......

SOOOOOOOOO, READY FOR MY KITCHEN NOW?????????

EXCITED?????????

VERY????????

Well don't be, it's only a temporary one (thank goodness.)

My sink unit and draining board

Fridge in the shape of a cool box, and work tops/ pantry, and finally the dining room........... set up for a cosy lunch for two!

On a more positive note, we have ordered my kitchen, but it is a long way off being fitted. We have no floors, just rubble, no plaster on the walls, no plumbing or toilet, no heating, just a stop tap for water supplies and minimal lighting. The good news is (I have to keep telling myself this) is IT WILL BE NICE WHEN IT'S DONE!!!!!!

Finally, both the girls have birthdays this month and Gina had her 30th last weekend, celebrated by an 80's themed night at home. Her friends really did her proud with the fancy dress costumes. Here are some of them, Gina is 3rd from the left.

Looks to me like Mike, with the guitar was feeling a wee bit frisky. Amazing what you can do with an old sock lol!!!!!!!

Think I'll leave you here......

Sue x

'Family' waterfall book

2010-09-10T13:25:00.010Z

I prepared this book at least 2 years ago, cut it, covered it, inked it, then left it, as we do.

Then, as a little 'extra' for my eldest daughter Gina's 30th, decided to create a little album of relatives, some of whom she had never seen.

On the page above, I added small accordian fold booklet and tied it together with ribbon.

This is one side of it, full of mini photo's of days gone by.

The page above shows Great Grandparents from Norwich, who Gina never got the chance to meet.

And her Great Nanna from Grimsby, who she was very close to. The kids on the pics (now don't laugh toooooo loud) are me and my little sister. (OK I will allow it as they are hilarious I know).

The further you get through the book the older the phot's become......

Going right back to her Great Great Nanna. Gina absolutely loved it as the photo's were new to her. There is loads more in the book but I just couldn't show it all due to time.

Finally, I am having a go at art journalling, but have a LONG way to go. Here's the start of it at least.

Enjoy the weekend.........

Sue x

Butterfly tag book

2010-09-04T16:20:00.010Z

Today was a great 'fun' day spent with four friends, chatting, laughing, joking, creating and generally having a good time!

We created a tag book, based on the theme of butterflies, and it was great to see the variety of different colours used.

The colours don't show up as well as they turned out in these photo's. Maybe it was too bright in the conservatory as it was sunny.

They do give a bit of an idea though......

Just look at the concentration on their faces,

Mind you, Betty was a bit of a handful again!!!!!!!!! lol Betty, talk about DISTRESSED!!!!!!

These are the completed books.....Sharons,

Deb Debs....

Jane

and Betty, hope that's right. Thanks for a great fun day ladies.......

Sue x

Nothing new.....

2010-08-25T17:22:00.024Z

Well I have nothing at all new to show as the majority of my time has been spent at the bungalow. In view of this I am cheating by showing a mini acordion book I created in my more 'grungy' style a good few years ago now.

Wierd or what? The theme was eyes and art........ the eye image was on stampboard, oh how I loved this stuff! I need to get back into it .......when and if I ever get time.

This is one side, opened out....

and this is the other.

a few close ups now

Oh and more

And now onto a BIGGER project I am working on, the bungalow....

We are getting on really well considering it is not even 3 weeks since we got the keys and Paul is working too. We managed to knock the wall out which joins the kitchen and dining room, and it gives us a more workable area. The lintel will be put in place hopefully over the weekend.

We have also got the massive eucalyptus tree down, a shame, but it was so big it was preventing any other plants and trees from growing. We are still left with the stump which is a good 7ft tall by 4 ft wide. We could do with someone carving it into something????

This was the view before the tree came down.....

and this was after.....

We were left to clear away the branches and tree trunks, and the garden was FULL!!!! but not for long. Our good friends Polly and Steve turned up just at the right time and soon grabbed the tools and mucked in. Also Gina and Steve came for an hour to lend a hand.

Steve made a barrow up for us and started moving the massive stumps.

If you scroll through the next lot of photo's you will see the process of cutting the tree down.

I was amazed at how they did it.

Trimming it so precisely.

They made it look so easy.

I mean, come on, how scary is this????????

Anyway, falling back to the inside, we have taken the firplace out to reveal this opening which we are going to make bigger to house the fridge/freezer, and make a feature of it.

and finally this is the space we have now we have knocked the wall down between the kitchen and dining room, not massive but much more workable.

Well that's it for now, I have a night off from the muck and rubble tonight, so really must get some tea sorted.

Sue x

Altered mirror and hand made flowers

2010-08-16T13:13:00.006Z

This frame started life as a mirror but when I had added the paint changed my mind as I thought it might be nice as a picture. Anyway here's the result, although the colours and paint effects don't look too good on this photo. (Wish I knew more about how to take better photo's).

There is a bit of a collage going on, some swirly die cuts by Tim Holtz, lace, ric-rac, chippy heart, crackle paint, punches, liquid pearls, embossing on the cuttlebug and hand made flowers. The sentiment is by Hero Arts.

Here's a bit of a closer view.

And here's some of the family 'roughin it' at lunchtime yesterday at the bungalow. The forecast was blak, but surprise surprise, they got it wrong!!!!!!! It's a blessing as we hired a mini digger for the weekend and managed to get loads done.........

Sue x

A bargain, a bungalow and a class.......

2010-08-12T11:13:00.012Z

At last I have managed to prepare a class........... Here's a little neb......... It's a 'book' on the theme of butterflies and is made using the large 81/2" x 4" manilla tags. They are really great to work with.

This gives you an idea of the layers involved, using punches, stamps, lace etc etc etc.......

If you are in and aroud Sainsbury's have a browse in the stationery section. They have all sorts of bargains. I picked up this A3 book today it is so heavy and sturdy, for the bargain price of £4.49!!!!!!!!! Just have to see if I ever use it??????? They also had canvasses, canvas pads etc, well worth a look....

The bungalow is now taking up all of our spare time. We are concentrating on the garden while the days are warmer, brighter and longer. There will be plenty of days over the Autumn and Winter to get on inside. The garden was so overgrown with 'self set' trees and plants, it's gonna be a long job. We have a mini digger over the weekend to get all the tree stumps out, which will be a good job out of the way.

We have been able to get rid of the branches of the trees to the tip as it is re-cyclable, and have had a bonfire each night to get rid of the smaller stuff. I love it!

Ash has been giving Paul a hand to fell the conifers and Steve dismantled the greenhouse for us yesterday. I am looking forward to finding a nice spot for it so I can try my hand at growing my own plants etc.

A week on Saturday will see the removal of this MASSIVE eucalyptus tree. It seems a shame but as it is not a native to our country it has to go. It is preventing some gorgeous trees and plants from reaching their potential, including a lovely oak tree.

I will take some more pics so we can see the difference it makes. Well gotta dash, be back soon.

Sue x

Broken Heart

2010-08-04T12:11:00.009Z

I love working with clay, the only problem is it's so fragile. I made a few hearts a while ago and have used them in lots of projects, and found a broken one the other day. It reminded me a Jimmy Ruffin balad, 'What becomes of the broken hearted'? which took me back to years gone by. This is a journal page prompted by the lyrics.

I broke another heart to add as extra embellishments.The faces were stamped on tissue, stuck on then chalked. I ripped pages and added accent beads to the ripped border.

This is another background in preparation........

I've got loads of stuff sorted out to sell before I move into the bungalow, (I must learn how to use Ebay), and while I was sorting I came across a couple of real old Basic Grey collection packs, Sweetpea Jack and Sweetpae Alyssa. I used 'Jack' for a 'card' for Josh, would you believe he is ONE TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I made an accordian style card, it simply ties at the side with a broad ribbon.

and opens up to reveal just a few photo's of his growth from the day he was born till today. I have left a space on the last page for a photo of him on his first birthday, so we can compare.

We will be calling round to Faye and Ash's tonight to take his presents and grab a cuppa and a bit of cake with them all.

Just look at him on these next few photo's, he has just shot up.

He loves sitting with his books and turning the pages.

And something tells me Paul enjoys it too.......

I will be back later hopefully, with some photo's of the Birthday Boy!!!!!

Sue x

Craft Stamper Project

2010-07-31T14:12:00.002Z

My grey board frame has been published in the new edition of Craft Stamper magazine. I have not seen it myself, but have had a couple of lovely congratulations emails from my friends Chrissie and Thelma letting me know. Also Paula has commented on my blog. Thanks! Here are a couple of 'tasters'. If you want to see the full project, go grab a look at the magazine.

Unfortunately I can't show anymore as the frame is with Craft Stamper, sorry.

For those of you who get the mag, 'hope you like it'. It should be available in the shops next week.

Sue x

Scrapping!!!!!!

2010-07-28T14:45:00.008Z

I have had a great day today, 'scrapping'. Just for me, to keep for myself and look back on in years to come. And do you know what? I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. I haven't excelled in style, techniques or designs, but just made 3 simple layouts of my 'little man'. I became aware whilst tossing and turning in bed last night (due to my still painful ribs), that in just a week he will be one and I have only done about 5 pages of him, how bad is that? so I made it my aim to start some today. Here's the end results.

We had a picnic in the garden here, and he loved it, just sitting around on a picnic mat, chomping away on bits and pieces and swilling it all back with a beaker of tea.

Here he is with 'Grumps' in the garden. He loves to smell the flowers, stamp on the pebbles and waft his hand in the pond, trying to catch the fish! Oh and the page is meant to be wonky, lol, however looking at it now I wish I had kept it straight, but ne' mind.

The second page of the double spread, taken on the same day.

This is a close-up of the flower with an altered button for the centre. I also found an old faded album pale pink, not suitable for 'little man' so am attemting to alter it. I have gesso'd and given it one coat of paint, but it seems to be not drying off too well. I am going to leave it over night to see if it will be worth the time and effort, I'll let you know the outcome.

Back to the bungalow now. Looks as though we will be delayed due to shall we say 'lack of communication', but hopefully it won't be too long. This is a photo of the overgrown drive and the massive tree in the background which we have to take down. It is a eucalyptus, and it is preventing a gorgeous oak tree from growing to its true beauty, so unfortunately it has to go. I am really looking forward to having trees in the garden. I'm sure Josh will be up 'em before we know it!

I think we might have our hands full for a good few years don't you?

Sue x

Memory Lane wall plaque

2010-07-26T07:42:00.009Z

I just love the quaint look of the new 'Memory Lane' house stamps from Crafty Individuals. In view of our imminent house move, I was inspired to make this shabby little wall plaque.

I used an off cut of grey board for the plaque and altered it with gesso and various subtle ink pads. I overstamped all over with Crafty Individuals large swirl CI-182 in pale green staz-on, then in two ofthe corners with brown.

I began by stamping , colouring and cutting out some houses, then made some assorted hearts. The large one is corrugated card, painted and tinted with ink pads.

The one above is a punch, embossed and coloured to suit.

Another two are made of clay, which can be quite fragile, and the others of paper clay which is nice and flexible, and unbreakable!

Finally added the flowers, gems and sentiment 'there's no place like home' (cos let's face it, there isn't) from plate CI-280. Thanks again Jean and Malcolm for the opportunities you give me to play with all your new products. I have certainly had some fun!

Sue x

CI-277 cards and our future new home.

2010-07-22T14:58:00.015Z

Well my ribs are still hurting, but I have made the most of it by using some of my new Crafty Individuals stamps. I only managed 3 1/2 cards, so here are the three I managed to complete.

All of the 'Victorian Children' images here are on CI-277 plate, along with the words/sentiments. It really is excellent value for money you can get so much out of it. I started by making various ATC sized backgrounds using paint, torn paper, gesso, then overstamped the swirl from CI-236 to add further detail, using pale chalk inks. On the first card I added a backdrop of a distressed tag, a tiny tag to which I added the sentiment, then added the image, flower, leaves abd button to embellish it. The second card had a chalked background behind the ATC, created by chalking, then overstamping with CI-213, crackle background.The oval is a punch, again stamped with the swirl stamp around the edges and the image added before finishing off with the embellishments. Card 3 uses painted corrugated card as a background which was ripped to reveal the original colour. I rounded the corners of the ATC, overstamped again with the swirl, and finished off with a sentiment, bit of ribbon, leaves and a flower. This is one of my all time favourite plates so far, I feel I will never tire of it............

OUR FUTURE NEW (well old) HOME

Well here it is, the bungalow of our dreams....... Well we are still dreaming, and will be for a long time as it really does need a massive amount doing to it. I mean massive amount too, both inside and out, but we are really looking forward to seeing the transformation, although it may be slow..... I will be posting its progress on my blog and as soon as we get the keys will post the 'before' pictures of the inside. It will be a permanent reminder of how it looked and to record the hurdles we come across.

It is in the village of Healing, just a few miles down the road from where we are now. I never ever thought I would venture out of town as I have spent all of my life living just 10 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the town centre. We feel that the time is right for the challenge now, as the girls are both settled, the weddings are out of the way and Paul is still young enough to do the work himself,

This is the back of the bungalow. It is very plain, but hopefully we will be able to get it looking a bit more interesting. The garden is quite big, and a lot of it is overgrown as you will see from the following photo's.

The grass near the back of the house has been kept, but the further into the garden you go, the more unkept it becomes. You can just see the bungalow through the trees on the photo above.

There are so many trees and shrubs, it is like a secret garden. Josh is gonna just love it playing hide and seek in here, mind you, I will be keeping an eye out for hazards!

I am hoping to use the green house when we get sorted.

You can see how the garden is more overgrown here.

Even so there are some lovely established shrubs which we will hopefully trim back and keep.

But some unfortunately will have to go.

Believe it or not the photo below shows 'the garage', obviously we will be ripping it down but it is so 'cute' in its own little way.

Hope you have enjoyed the first instalment. I'll be back with photo's of the BIG trees soon.

Sue x

Finally a bit of crafting....

2010-07-20T15:20:00.015Z

What with the Weddings, work and organising to move house, I have been a real busy bee of late. I spent most of today crafting with a few of the new CI items Jean and Malcolm sent recently. I challenged myself to make something using just white card stock, the CI 'Seaside' background paper book and the new 'Seaside' stamp plate, CI-278. Here's the result....

I cut the card into a strip and folded it to create a tiny accordion fold book. It measures just 8cm x 5cm. If you look at it next to the 6" paper pad, you will get more of an idea of its size.

This is the top view......

And the front page.

I kept the reverse side 'plain' and just added different background papers as shown above.

Then cut, stamped, coloured, chalked and ripped to create little mini pages as above.

A bit of a closer view. It is amazing what you can achieve by just using 3 items. I found it very relaxing folding, cutting, colouring and collaging the elements together.

As I have mentioned before, I love working with CI stuff because of the amount of words, sayings and sentiments you can find. I am hoping to do a couple more bits with the 'Victorian Children' plate CI-277 tomorrow, fingers crossed.

On Sunday, Faye and Ash went off to Meadow Hall shopping for pressies for JJ's first birthday. Can you believe that in just a fortnight he will be ONE?????? We had the pleasure of having him for the day, and during the afternoon took a drive to 'Waltham Windmill' for a bit of play time and an ice cream.

Josh seems so grown up, walking around, investigating all sorts of things including the swinging sign outside the sweet shop.

Here he is with Grumps on his way to find me, I though a game of hide and seek was in order. He was in fits of laughter when I kept jumping out at him from behind the trees, until I had a little mishap. I failed to see a 6" stump of an old tree and fell flat out, and ended up in agony for the rest of the day. Eventually I had to go to A and E as I thought I had broken a rib it was so painful. Examinations and X rays showed no breaks, thank goodness but I am still in agony with it, hence my crafting time. I just hope it gets a bit easier soon, we have a house to do up!!!

Sue x

Crafty Individuals new releases.

2010-07-14T15:03:00.006Z

These little beauties popped happily through my letter box today, courtesy of Jean and Malcolm of Crafty Individuals. I absolutely love them ........

The thing I just love so much about CI stamps is that they nearly all have words of some description on them. My favourites from these are

Happiness is time spent with a friend......

Friendship can not be measured, only treasured........

There's no place like home........

and I do like to be beside the seaside, I do like to be beside the sea.........

Finally another book of gorgeous background papers, 'The Seaside', which co-ordinate so well with the rubber stampsCI 272 and CI 278.

All I need to do now is find some spare time to craft, what with helping out at school, two weddings and now moving house I have not seemed to have any 'me time'.

For the sake of showing something creative, here's a couple of pages I did a while ago in my altered book, and never managed to blog.

Oh and I think my project will be in the next issue of Craft Stamper, I think it is out on the first Friday of August, I'll keep you posted. It's a lovely little frame full of Crafty Individual images.

Till then, bye for now.........

Sue xxx

Faye and Ash's Wedding Photo's (lots of 'em, sorry)

2010-06-29T06:14:00.025Z

Well, can we breathe a sigh of relief now that both of the weddings are over??????

The day was just amazing from start to finish. I am just amazed that the girls picked the two hottest and sunniest Saturdays of the year for their wedding days. Above you see Gaynor of
http://www.gaynorandrews.co.uk/ a fantastic, newly established local bridal boutique. We have been amazed by Gaynor's excellent service and help from the day we first stepped into her shop to browse at what she had to offer. She saved me such a lot of stress by coming to dress evryone for both of the girl's wedding days. I would certainly recommend her if anyone is planning a wedding.

The wedding was at the Habrough Hotel in Habrough, again a perfect venue within lovely surroundings and serving yummy food!!!!!!!!!!

Here's Ash and our 'little man' waiting for the bride to arrive. How cute is that?

He was as good as gold, my sister Ang had plenty of entertainment organised for him throughout the day.

The bridesmaids, my daughter Gina and niece Abi.

Gia and Steve were witnesses. It is just 5 weeks since they were married, in fact here you see Mr and Mrs Lilley, (Gina and Steve) and Mr and Mrs Wright, (Faye and Ash). I am so lucky to have two wonderful son in laws, they are both amazing lads!!!!!!!

Her's Ang, keeping Josh quiet during the service with a book, oh and a very useful dummy! She had his reins on in case a walk was needed lol.

And my lovely Mum, holding back both tears of joy for Faye and Ash, but also wishing my dear Dad had been here to see the girls on their wedding days, he really would have been so very happy and proud......

The newly weds, Mr and Mrs Wright.

And again. The flowers are by Jane Ides and unfortunately I don't have a photo but the cake was by Julie of 'Scarlet Ribbons' another new local venture.

Just look how the sun was shining, it was beautiful. So was the Rose' wine according to some, (Ben, Teresa, Jean and Dave, ha ha ha).

I forgot to add a photo of the back of the dress it was gorgeous.

I love this one as it shows Gina and Steve, my niece Abi and Scott and two very old friends Janice and Simon. We have been friends for year and it was great to have them at the wedding.

The bridal group photo.

With the addition of the parents.

Me and Paul chillin with a glass of Rose' which I didn't drink, but looked and apparently tasted nice.

And our very close friends Polly and Steve. We have only known them for about 2 years, but we all get on so well. Steve and Paul are like brothers, they have so much in common, mainly drinking!!!!!!!!!, (only kidding), not!

Here's Paul looking so proud with his grandson Josh. It's hard to believe he will be one in five weeks. He is walking about all over now.

Polly and Steve again, probably laughing at the antics of someone on their table. The neighbours, Ben, Teresa, Jean and Dave are how shall we say, very entertaining........

Mr D was so happy when he could get back next to Faye. Thnk we should use her dress as a dog bed!

Speaking of dogs, a little update on Cinders my 'Fallen Angel'. She is just the scruffiest mutt ever but so loving. She is still having the occasional 'accident' but they are less frequent, so that is very promising. I managed to get a dog sitter to look after her and Storm our black labrador while we were away at the wedding. It was a great help and relief to not have to send them to kennels or keep running home to look after them. I would certainly use her again!!!!!!!!!

Finally the three of them together, at home. Cinders, Disney and Storm, aw bless 'em!!!!!

Well that's it for now, no crafting I'm afraid and there is a reason for that which I will tell you of in my next post as I have to get showered and ready for work.

Sue xxx

Lets Get Shabby and Faye's Hen Night

2010-06-15T19:32:00.016Z

The challenge over on http://letsgetshabby.blogspot.com/ is to createsomething using chipboard, paint and lace. Here's my entry to the challenge, an 8'' square chipboard accordion book in a box.
To make the front cover a bit different from the rest of the album, I cut a square of corrugated card and distressed it in similar colours to the box and the album, created an arched aperture, added lace to the inside of it and a photo.

I created a flower from lace with a pearl brad centre to add some dimension.

For the box, I used green shades of acrylic paints and blended them well along with some white, which was dry brushed to make the finish a bit more shabby looking. I added the words with white acrylic using some large foam stamps by Making Memories.

I made another lace flower with a brad centre and added a couple more bought flowers, ribbon, pearls, 3d paint dots and painted a couple of Chippy swirls with silver acrylic to add some dimension. This was coupled with a photo of Gina and Steve which was cut into the shape of an arch to fit in with the wedding theme.

I used various hand made embellishments and stamped sentiments to accent the inside pages.

I painted the backgrounds before stamping the sentiments, painted the green leaves white and added a few pearls.

The leaves on the page below were made from dried baby wipes which I had used to add paint to the pages. I cut them out by hand and added swirls using a rubber stamp.

The chipboard letters below were painted with crackle paint.

The slide mounts on the pages below were all painted using different techniques and were a great way of showing some of the family at the Wedding. I used my own handwriting through out the book as I think it is so important.

It was Faye's Hen Night last Saturday and here we all are at the start of the evening. We had a fantastic meal in 'the Punch Bowl' in Cleethorpes, then moved onto a couple of pubs, arriving home at 2 in the morning which is very late for me.

Here is Gina, now Mrs Lilley, and Faye on the night. In just 11 days, Faye will become Mrs Wright. I am really looking forward to the day and evening when so many family and friends will come together to celebrate, many of which will be staying over at the Hotel with us. I can't wait!!!!!!!
My next post will probably be of the Wedding, then it will be back to normality......................................................................................OR WILL IT???

We have seen a house and are thinking of moving, will it happen?????? Watch this space!!!

Sue x

One down one to go!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-05-23T19:51:00.020Z

The day was perfect........

Beautiful, boiling hot sunshine from start to finish,

Classy transport,

Stunning Church,

Amazing venue,

Scrumptious food,

Plenty of drink (for those who like a tipple)

Awesome entertainment by 'The Rumble Band',

and the most fantastic guests raving it up until the early hours!!!!!!!!!!!!

I made these shabby wooden spoon keepsakes for Josh, Millie and Gracie to give to Gina and Steve as a memento of their special day.

A close-up of Gina's 'Dream Dress' on the hanger I altered earlier. Now for a quick run down on the Wedding.

Started off with a very healthy breakfast of Pettits sausages and mushroom buns, cooked to perfection by my hubby Paul,

and eaten out in the fresh air. Gina swilled hers down with a cool Pepsi, lol

See the sun is casting shadows all ready.

Kerry of 'Flirty Frocks' glamming Gina up with a bit of make up.

Faye and Abi doing their own, lol.

Here they are as they set off for the Church,

The newly Weds.

With Mr and Mrs Lilley......

They used their old camper van as one of the cars.

Their first dance to I can't help falling in love with you by Elvis., aaaaaaw

A silly pose especially for my Mum

Gina and Faye having five minutes together

Me, my sister Angela and our lovely Mum.

And finally, me and Paul.

I have loads of photo's on Facebook, but at least this has given an insight to our perfect day.

Four weeks on Saturday to the next one............

BRING IT ON !!!!!!!!

Sue xxx

As unorganised as it gets!!!!!

2010-05-20T04:52:00.010Z

Wedding number one has been taking the normality out of my life for a while now, but only two more sleeps lol then the big day will be here.

Gina wanted a postbox for cards, so they dont get lost on the day, so Paul constructed one from grey board, at about 9 o'clock on Tuesday night, after a very long and hard day at work. It looks MASSIVE on this photo, but it's not really.

I used paint techniques to create a shabby look and simply added a bow of cream fabric and their names and date.

I just have to add a little message Gina and Steve are printing out to the front to finish it off. I had such a lot of fun slapping the different mediums on to create the finish and colours.

Gina is very into the environment and recycling so I used recycled corrugated card to make this cake on their card. I still have to embellish the heart and add the insert.

Steve called around yesterday too with a little card and gift for me to give to his bride on the morning of their wedding. It will be the last card she gets as Miss Gina Abbott.

Finally, here are some new releases from Crafty Individuals that I received yesterday. I took them as one photo to save time so maybe if you click on them they will enlarge a bit. Hopefull I will get some time to create again soon??????

Believe it or not I am still not sorted for my 'outfit'. I have hunted high and low for something 'me'. I went out to Brigg, made my choices, had them altered and changed my mind! I have managed to find some dresses but need to match a jacket and shoes to them. My sisters coming round today then we are off to town to get me sorted. Oh why am I never organised?????????

Sue xxx

Fallen Angel.........

2010-05-08T11:21:00.005Z

Meet 'Cinders' our new addition........

Cinders is a 'Fallen Angel' in other words, a Hearing Dog, who has just not quite met all of the criteria to become a Hearing Dog. http://www.hearingdogs.org.uk/

She is a Labradoodle, so scruffy looking, just how I like them!

But she is so loveable. I do hope she settles and we can give her a happy, loving home.

I'll keep you posted......

Sue xxx

Back to reality. stuffed to the brim and stone cold sober

2010-05-03T19:41:00.007Z

It was a very eventful hen weekend. Unfortunately, Gina started feeling ill on the Thursday and had a terrible cold, sore throat and felt sick all the time we were there. She hardly ate anything, and certainly didn't drink much at all..........
Despite feeling terrible, she rallied round and managed to smile all through the weekend!!!!!!!

16 of us were picked up at 7.45 am by Select Limo's and of we headed to the Park Inn, York. It was a great Hotel, very clean and central to the shops, eateries and bars. My sister, Angela had planned the days really well, and included some challenges, pass the parcels, pyjama competitio, spot prizes and a photo challenge. It was so much better than wandering around for 2 days wondering what to do.

Gina is the quieter of the two girls, not wanting to stand out in a crowd 'too much', so we dressed her in a simple sash, veil and tiara. Despite her feeling so poorly, she still looks lovely!

Here's the girls, all dressed up and raring to go. We got back to the Hotel at a reasonable time and had our pyjama party!

Me and the girls at the pyjama party!!!!!

My niece Abi and her friend Lydia were shattered and got their heads down for half an hour on the boat trip. (Light weights)!!!

Here we all are after the boat trip, which I found very relaxing and interesting. We did so much more, shopping, eating at The Slug and Lettuce, gorgeous, for Saturday lunch and Pizza Express for our Saturday Evening meal. Sunday morning breakfast was absolutely MASSIVE!!!!! It kept is all going for the full day!

We arrived back in town at about half six and Paul had the house spick and san, wasing all sorted and a yummy M and S meal deal at the ready. He does spoil me, bless him, and as great as the weekend was, 'there's no place like home.

Sue xxx

Ready for the weekend?

2010-04-30T05:40:00.008Z

Well as many of you may know it's the firstof the Hen celebrations this weekend. 16 of us will be living it up at lovely York. I am sure I will have lots to 'show and tell' when I return on Sunday evening!
I have managed to submit my project for Craft Stamper Magazine. I willl let you know as soon as I get a date for its publication, but until then here are a couple of snippets for you.....

These two layouts are very flat and embellishment free, but I just want to start getting into scrapbooking some photo's and flowers and frills just didn't seem to work on the pages.

The photo above shows Josh all snug in the coat bought for him by my lovely friend Debbie, when Josh was first born. He wore it so much it was like a second skin!!!!!!!

And here is another of my favourite snaps of him, flat out, face all squashed, a classic! I just used a sheet of white Bazzill and added colour with acrylics and a dotty stamp. The title is painted and stamped chipboard. Simple, yeah, but better being in an album than stuck in a box.

Josh is still taking steps from person to person, but not yet set off on his own from the furniture. He's feeding himself finger foods and drinking from his own cup too. To think a year ago he still had 3 months to go until he was born just amazes me.

Bless his little heart..........

Sue xxx

Almost there.......

2010-04-28T05:42:00.003Z

There is just over three weeks to go for Gina and Steves wedding (22nd May) and we spent all day on Sunday finishing off 'most' of the stationery. It was a great day. Even Paul got stuck in making boxes.

All there is to do now is the table plan then we can crack on with Faye's..........

Sue xxx