TAG ONE

Who has been following Tim`s 12 tags of Christmas? If you don't know what I am on about have a look here
I have been watching these awesome tags by Tim for the last three years.
This year I thought it was about time to try and re create something similar or at least use some of the techniques.
Like many people, I don't have ALL the supplies that Tim used on the tags.
The idea is to get INSPIRED to try the techniques and get creative with what you do have.
Not the best photo, but here is my tag

For the creation of this tag, I was also inspired by Shelly Hickox
Her blog 'Stamptramp' is one of my favourites...so full of great techiques and ideas.
I don't have Kraft Resist paper, so I cased Shelly's idea and painted over kraft cardstock with Pool dabber paint. I used a different cuttlebug folder.
Instead of white embossing powder I applied UTEE (embossing enamel) I used this because it was sitting in front of me and I was in a hurry ( I should have been more organised!) It works, but think it may have made my tag a bit 'brittle'. It tore a little when I was distressing the edges with the distresser.
I also followed Shelly's idea of making your own tattered banners...ooh la la! So fun!
For the leaves I used the mini tattered leaves movers and shapers die with two different shades of green cardstock. I embossed the leaves with 'branches' embossing folder. I then sanded,applied some 'gathered twigs' distress ink and a bit of snow dabber paint. Used same technique for the Elegant Flourish.
I don't have the pine cones die, so used some white mini roses.Sprayed 'Crushed Shells' glimmer mist on them and sponged some 'Frayed Burlap' ink to the centres.
The reindeer (Reindeer Flight die)was cut with Jac paper (double sided sticky paper)
I peeled off one side and coated with silver glitter.
The ribbon is colored with 'Iced Spruce' distress ink...love that colour!
I dabbed a little 'Snow' dabber paint randomly on the tag.
Tim is already up to tag five...so I better get a move on!
If you are still here...thanks for looking :)

BONJOUR!

I made this card for the monthly challenge at The Craft Queen

The challenge is to use pink ribbon and some stamping. How easy is that?

I started with this

This page is from the gorgeous 6 1/2 paper pad from Kaisercraft called Bonjour.
I trimmed the page down to fit the front of the folded kraft card.
The chipboard dress form was dabbed with vintage photo distress ink at the top and bottom. I then covered it with some striped pattern paper from the same paper pad.
Added some pink ribbon for the waist. Stickles for the bottom of the dress for a bit of bling.
The word "Friend" is from Crafty Secrets 'Garden Girls' gorgeous stamp set .
The Paris post mark and swirls (Tim Holtz Boundless Flight)inked with Vintage Photo distress ink. Edges of paper sponged with Walnut Stain distress ink.
The small white flower was 'dusted' with Worn Lipstick distress ink. I then applied some Iridescent Medium to the flower for some sparkle.

To enter the challenge, just click on the Craft Queen link for all the info.
You do not need a blog. Just email your creation to Nicole.
So...what are you waiting for?

Craft Barn Blog Candy

Have a look at this fabulous giveaway!

Just click here for more details.

WHAT! NO STAMPING?!

The few days leading up to my husband's operation were stressful.
I usually find getting inky with my favourite rubber stamps and distress inks relaxing,but I just could not get my creative juices going.
So I came across a fabulous magazine 'Cards and Crafts for Christmas Vol 5.' Special collector's edition.
It has tons of ideas using Christmas pattern paper. I have way too many 6x6 pattern paper pads (another addiction!)
So, I pulled out my Christmas 6x6 pads and picked two that I liked the most.
Bo Bunny "Father Christmas Collection" and my fave by Simple Stories "25 Days of Christmas"
All the cards created here were ideas from the magazine.The instructions are easy to follow. I cased some of them using the Christmas pads I had on hand.

I added a Tim Holtz Reindeer die cut and 'noel' is from another die cut.

'Joy' is a die cut. Added some stickles for bling!

Love this one! All paper here is from the Simple Stories paper pad.

This would be a great one to give to a male. Simple Stories paper used for this card. So easy!

Love the vintage style of this one!

Love the turned over corner on this card. It was supposed to have matching paper inside. I am going to use a corner style rub on in the top right hand side...or maybe even stamp a corner design.

I really enjoyed making these cards. I am going to use my other paper pads to create similar cards in other themes.
I bought the paper pads from Nicole at the Craft Queen You will find a huge range of 6x6 paper pads here.

Hope you have enjoyed viewing the cards.

ORANGE GREEN AND PURPLE!

Thank you to all my friends/followers who have emailed me to wish my hubby all the best during his illness.
This is the second time he has had cancer. The operation went well, but still a long road to recovery with chemo to come sometime soon.
Emails from my blogging buddies and phone calls from friends has kept my spirits up.
I am just starting to get creative again. So what better way to start than a fabulous colour challenge from Sarah over at Inkurable Stampers.
The theme is to use orange green and purple. You may also used a neutral. I used black.

I am a bit out of practice with the photography.
I made a gift card (7.5x10.5). First I dabbed some dusty concord,shabby shutters and spiced marmalade distress inks onto my non stick craft mat. Spritzed a little water, then dabbed some white cardstock repeatedly over the mat until I was happy with the colour.
I then stamped the Tim Holtz postcard/santa atc size image in black stazon over the coloured cardstock. After cutting it out I sponged dusty concord distress ink around the edges. I applied lime green stickles to the branches and a 'dot' next to the sentiment.
I matted it to a orange and then a black mat. The orange mat was white,which I just coloured the edges with spiced marmalade ink.
'Good Cheer' a word strip from Darkroom Door,which I coloured with dusty concord ink.All attached to olive green card base.
Thanks for visiting!

POISON BOTTLE CHALLENGE

Hi there!
Very quick post.
Stampotique's Designers challenge is to make a Poison Bottle using only Stampotique stamps.

I started with this cute little bottle

While visiting my hubby in hospital I spied this empty milk bottle on his tray and thought of this challenge. Luckily I was able to grab five minutes here and there to create this

I stamped 'Mr Stripes' onto white tissue (from napkin) in black Stazon ink.
Tore around image and applied to bottle with Liquitex. I stamped the spider again on scrap white card in Stampin Up Real Red ink. I then cut out the red striped body and paper pieced over the first image.
Word 'Poison' was simply written on masking tape with black pen and the 'x' with red pen. Stuck masking tape to bottle. Painted and dabbed on colour with black dabber paint and red Viva Precious Metal paint.

Thanks for visiting!

PLAYING CARDS

Today's card is for a challenge over at Moxie Fab World. The theme is Playing Cards.

The red folded card base is 8.5 x 12.5 and opens from the bottom. I chose this size because it was a left over piece sitting on my desk.
Image was stamped in Stampin Up Real Red. The black mat is die cut from Tim Holtz ATC die.
'Queen for a Day' are words stamped and cut out from EK and Memories in the Making.
'Celebrate' from Darkroom Door 'All Occasions' set.
Chipboard crown from Scrapware was coloured in gold gel pen. Added some red rhinestones from Kaiser.

The playing card stamp is from Darkroom Door "Playing Cards" set.
I was lucky to win this fun set from a Inkurable Stampers challenge

I also made some ATC's for the Monthly Darkroom Door ATC swap which is 'Masked Stamping'

For the ATC's I used 1920's Chic and the Playing Cards sets.
The lady in red was masked to create the background. On scrap paper a stamped the Queen playing card and cut out the Queen of Hearts image with a craft knife. I used the left over piece to 'frame' the lady.
Matted onto black ATC die cut. Added a red button and some red rhinestones.
I am looking forward to seeing what other stampers have created for this swap.
If you are interested in taking part in future Darkroom Door ATC swaps, just click on the highlighted link. On the Darkroom Door blog,look down the left hand column and you will find the themes for each month. Go on, you know you want to!

STEAMPUNK

I regularly take part in the monthly Darkroom Door Artist Trading Card (ATC)swap.
For the September swap, I borrowed my friend Lynne's Steampunk set. I made 10 of these

I created the background on a A4 sheet of white card before cutting up into ATC size
(3.5x2.5)
The background is created using the wrinkle free distress technique. You can view a fab video tutorial here
by the Duke of Distress himself :)

I think the colours I used were Vintage Photo,Faded Jeans and maybe another brown.
My hubby was kind enough to let me raid his garage for some metal washers.
I put the washers in a small zip lock bag with a few drops of rust colored alcohol ink. Shook the bag until the washers changed colour.
Then laid the washers on my craft mat to dry. Painted over in black paint then wiped off excess.
Stamped some words onto masking tape.

I had made two A4 background sheets. Some left over so I made a matching card

I thoroughly enjoyed making these.

Here is one ATC and the card together

It is World Card Making day, so I hope you all get the chance to get inky this weekend!

BLACK WHITE AND HINT OF COLOUR

THIS fun tag is my entry for the SDC38

You can use any stamps this week, but I just had to use this fun Stampotique image.
Her name is Perl. My lovely on line stamping buddy Vicky sent it to me along with some other Stampotique images. We did a swap.

The background stamp is from Darkroom Door Christmas Sentiments and the HO is from Yuletide 2.
I cut out Perl leaving a small white border.Matted on red. Perl is coloured with gel pens.
The beautiful black ribbon is from The Craft Queen. Nicole had wrapped it around some yummy paper pads I had ordered.

EYELETS

Today's card was inspired by a challenge on Inkurable Stampers to use eyelets.

I forgot about these cute Tulip eyelets. Think I bought them on ebay. I have a small bag of 100 in white pink and red!

After 'blowing' the dust of my stash of eyelets and brads I also found some small pastel green square eyelets. (looks blue in the photo)
I was excited when I re discovered the bag of pots and water cans brads!

I started with a white piece 4.5x3.5in card stock. Distress ink Tumbled Glass for sky.Darkroom Door Wildflowers VOL2 used for bottom layer and for flower stems.
'Hello' from String Sentiments set.

Matted this on a 5x4 black piece of card then a pink folded card.

No, I was not drinking at the same time! I chose to mat them on an angle for an interesting and fun look :)

Thank you Sarah for inspiring me to dig out my eyelets!

I feel another creation using eyelets coming soon :)

GARDEN INCHIES ART

In my last post I showed my first creations using the gorgeous Garden Inchies stamp set.
The images were stamped in black.

I wanted to try them in colour. The hardest part was deciding which of the lovely images to use. Solution?

WALL ART!

The 5x5 white canvas was coloured with black distess stain.
The inchies stamped in various yummy colours of distress inks.
'Enjoy Life' from one of the Darkroom Door word strips was edged in distress ink.
Click on the photo to get a closer look at the gorgeous images.
ENJOY!

Garden Inchies.

I am in love with my new set of stamps from Darkroom Door called Garden Inchies.

I had to make some quick 'Thank You' cards.

I am entering the Butterflies card in the Moxie Fab Horizontal Sketch Challenge

Lovely butterflies

I love the birds on this one

Flowers

Trees

There are 24 inchies in this gorgeous set of stamps.

So many more cards to make with these...

Round Canvas Wall Hanging.

Last week I had fun making this wall hanging in a mixed media class.

My photography skills are not the best! Started with a 5in round white canvas. Adhered lots of small pieces of gauze with PVA glue. Painted with two different shades of purple Lumiere paint. A length of black swirl chipboard attached to back of canvas. Coated the chipboard with dimensional magic. Gold leaf added to chipboard and canvas Here is a close up

Thanks for visiting!

Stampotique Bookmark

The challenge at Stampotique Designers Challenge Blog is to make a bookmark.

I cut two pieces of white card 14.5x5cm. Front and back of book mark. I had just enough decorative tape for the background left over from my last cardto cover the front of the bookmark. The stamp used on the tape is Paris Postcard (Stampotique). I stamped 'Eric' onto white scrap card. Coloured with distress inks,cut out and adhered over the background tape. The back of the bookmark was coloured with distress stain in Faded Jeans. Stamped a mesh background in Frayed Burlap distress ink and sponged outer edges in Walnut Stain distress ink.

I took photos before laminating and adding ribbon.

Simon Says Travel

Simon Says Stamp and Show Travel.

This is the entry for the challenge

I was inspired by 'Decorative Tape' technique in the July Craft Stamper (UK).

Lay strips of Sellotape onto NON STICK craft sheet.
Few drops of alcohol ink onto blending tool with a little blending solution.
Drag the ink across the tape. It will dry on the tape.
The article says to use Archival ink, but I used Staz On in black.
I stamped a Paris Postcard stamp by Stampotique several times across the length of the tape.
I had laid out a few strips of tape to about the same size as the stamp.
The alcohol ink colours I used were Sail Boat Blue,Watermelon and Citrus.

I attached the tape to white card.Applied distress stain in Old Paper to rest of the white card.Sponged some Frayed Burlap distress ink.
The 'mini postcard' was trimmed,distress edges and 'scratched' with scratching tool.
Frayed Burlap distress ink on edges and over scratches to highlight.
The Chic Lady from Darkroom Door 1920's Chic set was stamped on scrap white card in Versafine black. Coloured dress with Blue Lagoon Viva Metallic paint.(Rachel Greig gave me the tip).The collar,belt and bow coloured with Frayed Burlap distess ink.
Matted on light blue,then folded brown card.

For all you TYPO fans out there. The mini postcard I used comes in a set of 52 different mini postcards called 'Message in a Box' They are stored in a cute little silver tin with a hinged lid.

Inkurable Sketch Challenge

WHOO HOOO! Sarah is back with a new look blog and another awesome challenge!

Check out the sketch challenge at Inkurable Stampers

I thought it was time to add to my slow growing collection of Christmas cards

All the pattern papers are from Bo Bunny Blitzen Collection 6x6 paper pad.

The cute row of reindeer was my inspiration to use this paper for the sketch.
All the pattern papers were edged with Walnut Stain distress ink.
The scallop edge is a EK punch.
Embossing folder from Basic Grey used on the white layer of card.
'Merry Christmas' stamped in Walnut Stain. Die cut with a Quickuts die. Dabbed Tumbled Glass distress ink over it before removing white card from die.
"Peace,Love Joy" stamped in Walnut Stain and punched out with circle punch. Edged in Tumbled Glass.
Green fibre from Making Memories.
All layered on to brown card
Both stamps from Darkroom Door Christmas Reindeer stamp set.

Another Book Page

Three blog posts ago, I showed a card in which I altered a book page.
I enjoyed this technique so much I made another card.

Applied gesso to book page.When dried applied some distress stains (forgotten which colours!)
The large branches is part of a Unity stamp. I actually stamped it with Distress ink in Forest Moss,but it looks more like blue/grey. Could it be because it was stamped on top of gesso and distress stains? I don't mind it.
I stamped some small flowers (Savvystamps)in Spiced Marmalade distress ink and created some grass in Peeled Paint (I think!)with the stems of the flower stamp.
Click on photo to get a better look. I kind of like the 'washed out look' LOL!
The birds inked in black versafine as usual.Darkroom Door and Typo birds of course.
Vintage Photo distress ink applied to edges.
Thanks for taking the time to visit and I love and appreciate your comments!

DISTRESS STAINS

Look what I found on my door step two days ago

25 yummy colours of Distress Stains!

I added these to my first collection of 12 (basket on right)

The other basket contains some Glimmer Mist. I found the set of 2 white baskets ($2)from KMART fit nicely in my drawer.

To find the colour I need....

I punched out 3/4in circles out of jac paper ,peeled off one side and adhered the sticky side to the lids. I then had the fun of applying the colour to the circles.
How cool do they look?

I can easily remove the basket out of the drawer and take to my desk when I want to have a play.

Another idea is to try and keep the colour groups together.
Blues,browns, reds etc.

These colours match the 36 colours of Distress Inks plus one new colour Picket Fence
(white)

Do you have a great way to store your Distress stains,inks or other stamping supplies?

Just For Fun.

Hello!

Last night I had the urge to get inky when I should have been thinking about getting some beauty sleep...since I had to get up early next morning!
Does this happen to you?

I was trying really hard...erm..'cough' to tidy up my desk when I came across a manila tag that had been sitting there for a couple of weeks. It had one strip of tissue tape on it.
I decided it was time to add a bit of this and that and this is the end result.

I started by applying distress stains in Barn Door,Vintage Photo and Spun Sugar.
Added more strips of tissue tape. A left over thin strip of music pattern paper was coloured with Antique Linen distress stain, cut into three and added to tag.
Vintage paper image of Lady completes the tag.
Edged tag in Walnut Stain ink
It turned out better than I was expecting...love it and had fun along the way.

Book Page Background

Stampotique Designers Challenge is to Alter a Book Page.

You can use any stamps, but I just love Moth Fab from Stampotique.

Its not the best photo. Had to take the photo while the sun was shining before work.

This is the first time I have used a whole book page for a background...so much fun!
I applied white dabber paint lightly over the page.When dried sponged different colours of Pan Pastels until I was happy with the look. This is my first creation using the yummy Pan Pastels and I LOVE them!

Stamped the Stampotique fence onto page in Versafine black. Coloured the fence with more Pan Pastels and outlined with a black pen. The little hearts on the fence were filled in with black gelly pen for sparkle.
Moth Fab was stamped onto book page and again on scrap card. Coloured the scrap card image with pens and gelly pens,cut out and adhered over the first image on page.
Added stickles to Moth Fab's waistline.
I had previously attached the page to scrap card for stability.
Matted on orange card and then folded black card.

I am also entering this card for Simon Says Stamp and Show Some Bling!

Stay tuned for more book pages!

Tree Tag

Try it on Tuesday's challenge is to show a tree on a tag.

To create the background I used Distress Stains in Faded Jeans and Wild Honey.
I received some fabulous new stamps in the mail this week from Unity. One is called
'Free to Be'.The branches and the sitting bird is part of this large set.
The owl (on top branch) and the three flying birds are from a small set of bird stamps from Typo. One of my favorite and so versatile. The words are from Darkroom Door 'Love Birds' stamp set. All stamps inked with Versfine black.
Walnut Stain Distress Ink sponged on the edges of the tag.

First Stampbord.

I mentioned in my last blog post that one of my good blogging friends, Vicky, sent me some stampbord.

Well, it took me all day Sunday to find the courage to use it. I was afraid I would 'mess' it up.To my surprise and delight it was fun and easy to use!
It`s only my first attempt, so don't be too hard on me! LOL!

It's the first time I have used this adorable owl/girl image. I bought it cheap on ebay.
I stamped it in Versafine black. Distress Stains in Faded Jeans,Wild Honey,Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain were used.

The bird is from a small bird stamp set from Typo.

I had originally masked a circle for the moon....but had a mishap. So I have just punched a small white circle for the moon instead. I applied some Iridescent Medium over the moon to give it a 'silvery' shimmer. Hard to see in the photo.

White gelly pen used to create some stars.

HAPPY MAIL!

One of the best things about blogging is that you 'meet' some lovely people.
Vicky is one of my blogging friends. A couple of weeks ago I was lucky and thrilled to receive some awesome happy mail from Vicky. Just looking at the envelope put a smile on my face.
In the envelope were a few different size of Stampboard,a quirky atc and a fab card.
I have been impressed with Vicky`s creativity using Stampbord and cannot wait to create something with it too!
To see some items Vicky made using Stampbord, have a look here
I am off to create something...with Stampbord!

THANK YOU VICKY!

RED YELLOW AND ORANGE STAMPOTIQUE.

Red Yellow Orange is the theme over at Stampotique Designers Challenge blog.

I created a simple (but fun!) background for this card.
Randomly applied Gesso to white cardstock.When dried, applied Distress Stains in Fired Brick and Wild Honey.Then sponged some More Mustard distress ink.
Spiced Marmalade distress ink sponged around the outside edges.

'Gooseneck' stamped in black Versafine ink once onto the background and again on scrap white card. Coloured the scrap piece with orange gel pen (Papermate) and gold gelly pen.I then cut out the face/bow and from the shoulders to boots. Glued these over the first stamped image on card.

Stamped the sentiment (which I think so suits the image!)on scrap white card,cut out in three parts,sponged with More Mustard distress ink and glued to card.
Attached background to black card.

I am so loving my 12 Distress Stains....cannot wait for the rest of the 25 colours to arrive! Should be any day now :)

Embossing

Great to see the sun today...still cold, but at least no rain!

I have come across a couple of techniques that I just had to try out.
Used them on this card

I found this awesome heat embossing technique using silver embossing powder and utee.
This technique was so much fun I made a few bird cages. On some I used gold embossing powder instead of silver. On one of the gold bird cages I omitted the black paint. They all looked fabulous!

The embossed background was made by dabbing Faded Jeans and Chipped Sapphire Distress inks onto a Cuttlebug folder and then lightly misted with water. Insert water colour paper and emboss through the Cuttlebug.

The tape across the bottom of the card is masking tape which I have rolled over a inked stamp.I applied some color to the tape with Antique Linen Distress Stain.
It's just like Tim Holtz's tissue tape...only easier on the pockets! Thinking it will also look good with a music pattern.

The bird cage and birds are Tim Holtz mini dies. (my fave!)
Brown/white twine to 'hold' bird cage.
'Love Birds' sentiment (Darkroom Door) stamped onto grunge paper which had been coloured with Faded Jeans Stain.
White paper flower sprayed with Bell Bottom Jeans Glimmer mist.

I am entering this card for TWO challenges. Simon Says show some embossing and Stampotique Designers Challenge to uses flowers.

I enjoyed making this card, so made another

On this card I used Forest Moss and Spiced Marmalade distress inks for the background. Same technique used on bird cage as first card, but changed the silver for gold embossing powder.
The branch is from Tim Holtz mini Branch and Leaf dies set.
The white flower was misted with Apple Glimmer mist .
Both cards have a folded black base to bring out the colours.

Napkin Birthday Card

Made this card for my mother in law for her 95th birthday. She is an amazing woman for her age. Only looks about 75 and is still able to get out and about on her own.
I had to make it quickly last night and added the flowers this morning. Her birthday lunch was today!

I am not 100 per cent happy with it, but my MIL loved it!

Started with a folded 4x4 white card. Tore the napkin and adhered to card with napkin glue.
Sponged some Vintage Photo distress ink around the edges of napkin and on some of the white spaces on the card.
Stamped birthday sentiment (EK Success)in Rusty Brown stazon ink and punched out with Word Window punch. Sprayed two white paper flowers with Crushed Sand and Gold glimmer mist before adhering to card.

BIRD SONG

Hello!
Tonight I have made a tag for Try It On Tuesday challenge.
This week it is all about birds and bees.

I applied Distress Stains Faded Jeans,Broken China and Forest Moss to manila tag.
Stamps are Love Birds and Wildflowers VOL2 from Darkroom Door. All stamps were stamped in black Versafine ink. Weathered Wood Distress ink swiped around outside edges of tag.

This was a fun and quick tag.

Scrapmatts House

This was made at a Scrapmatts class while at the Brisbane Craft Expo.

Just realised I have a couple of things to add to the front cover.

Was a lot fun painting,inking and assembling the cover.
The house album has 6 chipboard pages. I have some ideas brewing for the pages.
Will be adding lots of ribbon and fibres to the book rings.
I was going to put an old family photo in the frame, but decided to use this gorgeous image instead.

KRAFT MALE

This card is for THREE challenges today.Whoo! Go me!
Stampotique Designers blog challenges us to use scraps and must use Stampotique stamps.
CAS-ual Fridays challenge is to use Kraft,Clean and Simple, Masculine!
Playdate Cafe using the colour theme.Tried to bring out the colours in 'Eric'

Folded Kraft card for base.Stamped 'Scratches' background stamp(Darkroom Door) in Vintage Photo distress ink onto the kraft card. LOVE that stamp!
'Eric' (Stampotique)another favourite! stamped on scrap white card,coloured with markers and aquapen and then adhered to the kraft card.
A scrap of hessian used to 'mat' the sentiment (smile)from Darkroom Door 'All Occasions' stamp set.
Please let me know what you think if you have time...I love to get comments! :)

ONE LAYER CARD

Susan, over at Simplicity has challenged us to make a one layer card using stamped images and/or sentiments.
NO extra cardstock
NO embellishments
NO masking
No sponging

CAS (clean and simple)

We could layer with ink.

On a folded white card I stamped the Reindeer in Barn Door distress ink.
The sentiment stamped next in black versafine ink.
This was surprisingly fun to do...so I made about 12 cards in a few minutes.

Some with a different sentiment.

Some I had to add a little bling

See the bling on the nose?

And then got carried away!

All stamps are from Darkroom Door 'Christmas Reindeer' set.