Judith@Poppy Cottage

Forgotten Friday 48- Vintage Christmas

2012-02-10T21:50:00.000Z

Hi folks, well I should have been at my Mum and Dad's house today, but the weather foiled my plans. We had a lot of snow overnight, and unfortunately, it just wasn't really sensible for me to travel.

We are tucked off the road, so this was our drive this morning. Hopefully, it will all disappear again in a few days, but at the moment, we are back to being covered in snow again.

It seems rather apt to be working on a Christmas card in this weather for my Forgotten Friday project! I have chosen an unused Crafty Individuals angel stamp, it's a really cute little image. I decided to go along the lines of vintage this week, as I've discovered a colour combination that I really like lately, which is Antique Linen and Victorian Velvet. Particularly when using Distress stains. Now I hardly ever use these, they really do get forgotten in my stash. I put the two together, as I had been using a brighter combination for something else, and loved these two. I made a piece of background paper using the wrinkle free distress technique, and then stamped another Crafty Individuals stamp, which is an angels definition stamp. I also stamped a music stamp from The Artistic Stamper.

I added some lace, some seam binding, and a crochet flower that I have been hoarding for an age, as it is so lovely. I am improving my crochet skills, along with some of my blog buddies, so I could crochet some of these if I really put my mind to it. The swirl on the Kraft background is another Crafty Individuals stamp.

I have plenty of room to add a sentiment to this card, to personalise it at Christmas, but I'll do that nearer the time. How are you all getting on with your Christmas cards? I know it's only February, but you know how the time flies, I am determined to keep going throughout the year this year.

Anyway, why not have a rummage through your stash, see what items you have forgotten or neglected, and make something with them. Leave a comment on my post, and I'll pop along to your blog to take a look. Thanks for stopping by, xx

Sue's Forgotten Friday Contribution this week!

2012-02-07T09:15:00.000Z

Hi Folks, here's a little something from Sue again. She's been making a box to put her tags in, for the Chocolate Baroque Alpha Tag swap. As you will have seen in my Forgotten Friday post, I'm making covers to put at each end of mine, and will put a large ring through the whole lot. It will be interesting to see what some of the other members come up with. Some may display them on a board, or hang them from some kind of stand, but it will be great to see the different display options as time goes on.

Sue has used "lots of layers of DI stains &inks plus a Mica spray through a stencil. Stamps were La Blanche for theletters and Crafty individuals for the butterflies both of these had beenneglected and never inked. "

So thanks Sue for another fab contribution, the shimmer looks lovely on here. I don't own any La Blanche stamps, but I always stop and look at Craft Shows, because the images are lovely.

I'll be back on Friday with a post of my own for the coming week's FF, thanks for stopping by, xx

Forgotten Friday 47- It's a cover up!

2012-02-03T11:27:00.000Z

Hi folks, it's Friday again, and I've been rummaging through my neglected stash again! This week, I've had a purpose, as I need to make a set of covers to hold some tags. I am taking part in a year long tag swap on the Chocolate Baroque Guild. I got involved in the swaps last year, but had to drop out due to other commitments, and just general stuff that happens. The theme this year is the Alphabet, so each month, we make two, or three tags, based on letters of the alphabet. Here are mine for January:

A is for Art, Arch and Aubergine! I used a gorgeous purple Moonglow embossing powder, but you can't really see it in the photograph. I added acrylic pieces, and used some texture stamps in the corners.

B is for Blue, Brown and Bird! It's a one layer card, simply shaded with Distress Inks after I embossed the design in white embossing powder, and I picked a few details out in pencil. I couldn't resist adding couple of flowers though.

These are the tags that I have received back from Val and Kirsten:

Aren't they fabulous? We will have a real eclectic mix by the end of the year, hopefully with artwork from nearly everybody. There are 30 of us taking part, so it is a really great mixed bunch.

So, I have started to make my covers. I decided to use a very neglected set of stamps to add some background detail to my front cover. Sadly, these are no longer for sale, but they are so useful. They belong to a big A4 sheet that was for ATCs, and was available from Graphicus.

I coloured my tag shape with Distress Inks, and stamped two alphabet sets with the same colours onto the tags. I was naughty, because I used a brand new mask on here, it just slipped in somehow ;) but it's such a brilliant one, and I'm going to use this one a lot. I then stamped 'Art for Art's sake' from the same ATC stamp set using Versafine onto the tag. I chose to use a lovely tree stamp from the 'Woodland Dreams' stamp set available from Chocolate Baroque to complete this cover. I don't use this set, so I feel that it qualifies today as a neglected item. I have so many stamps, I like the set, but it is slipping into a state of being forgotten.

I will show you the completed cover once I have finished it, the back one too, as I know what I want to do. I am quite busy with DT commitments at the moment, so I need to put it to one side for now.

Have a look through your stash and see if you can find something neglected, and make something with it. Add a comment to my post, and I'll pop along to your blog to take a look. Thanks for stopping by, xx

Another Forgotten Friday submission from Sue

2012-02-01T19:07:00.001Z

Hi folks, I'm just dropping in again today, to show you this lovely card from Sue. She has sent me a picture of a card to link to this week's Forgotten Friday post, thank you Sue!

She writes that it is a La Blanche stamp, coloured with Polychromos pencils. She has mounted the image onto a background that has been treated with salt, and then used TH Coordination Kraft card to mount everything onto. To finish, she has used some co-ordinating ricrac ribbon.

I love the colours that she has chosen, that blue green is a colour that I often use myself, and the image is fabulous. I am very fond of bird related images.

Thanks for stopping by today, I'll be back myself on Friday with a new FF post, xx

WOYWW it's been a long time!

2012-02-01T11:49:00.000Z

Hi folks, I know it's been an absolute age since I took part in WOYWW, but I'm here again this week to try and catch up, visit some desks and have a nosey around.

I'm working in the extension today, not my craft room, as the light is so much better in here. My Husband grudgingly calls this 'Craft Room No. 2' as I spend so much time in here, and today, it's looking very tidy!

I held my card class last night, which is only a small affair, so there are lots of baskets along the wall, and a couple on the table. This enables me to carry my stash from my craft room out to the extension quickly and in sections for the class.

Last night we were working with Stampbord, and did a mosaic themed card. We are having a great term, covering lots of new techniques for them, and hopefully they are enjoying themselves. We used some stamps from Chocolate Baroque, creating a little mosaic strip using skinny masking tape. We then coloured three pieces of Stampbord, taped them together on the reverse temporarily, and stamped the image, before seperating them to put on the card. The background was made by applying Distress inks to a large block, and spritzing with water, before plonking it on the card, (technical term there!).

My pride and joy are my Polychromos pencils. I bought a set of 72 initially, because I didn't know how I would get on with them. Silly me! I love them to bits. Anyway, I have built my collection up to the full set now, but I had a lovely tin with the 72 in, and then a plastic box with the others just stuffed in anyhow. I searched on the internet, and found a lovely three drawer pencil box, with room to add extra pencils as I expand my collection.

I love it, and it is ripe to be altered too! The drawers all come out, so I can set them out on the table if I want to. I love the segments as well, so that the pencils are contained within smaller areas. I am a bit OCD about my colour groups, so this is just perfect for me.

Don't forget to hop over to Julia's Desk to see what everyone else is getting up to on this fine, sunny Wednesday, thanks for stopping by, xx

Just to remind you

2012-01-28T14:00:00.007Z

Hi folks, I know two posts in one day, a rare thing for me! I just wanted to remind you that Kay from IndigoBlu will be demoing on Create and Craft again tomorrow. She will be on the 'Tool Shed' programmes at 12-12.30 and 1-1.30, so watch out for lots of Design Team samples. She will be demoing Flitterglu and the gilding flakes again. The stamps will be for the most part, different to those on the last show, so there will be a whole batch of new samples.

However, I've got one of the samples from the last Show for you today. This one is using 'Ella Bella' and the 'Harlequin' stamps. I have created my background using the wrinkle free distress technique, then stamped the harlequin stamp twice, using Versafine Onyx Black ink. I stamped 'Ella Bella' with Flitterglu and flakes onto a cream circle, and then edged the circle with Distress Ink. I made some rolled roses, added some gold leaves and some curled wire as an embellishment.

Don't forget to look out for my new samples on the show, and hopefully, I'll post some on here in the coming weeks. Thanks for stopping by, xx

Forgotten Friday 46- Add a bit of bling!

2012-01-27T23:01:00.000Z

Hi folks, it's Friday and time to rummage through your stash again, to see what you have lurking unused and neglected in your crafty supplies.

I've only just made it today, as we've had a busy day, and I'm not feeling 100% either, so please forgive the late post.

This week I have chosen to use a Christmas stamp from Crafty Individuals, that I hadn't used before. I have used Antique Linen and Weathered Wood Distress inks throughout, with just a touch of pencils for the little angel. I have added the CI crackle stamp to the background as well, I love that stamp.

I broke open my ironworks Nesties too, as yet unused, and added some flat-backed gems. I have tons of these, because I don't generally use them. However Christmas cards are the perfect excuse.

I really like this gentle colour combo, and think that I will have to use it again.

Don't forget, if any of you make something, please leave a comment, and I'll pop along to your blog to take a look. Don't feel that you have to follow my lead, and add bling, or even make a Christmas card. Just do your own thing if you would like to. My pile of Christmas cards is starting to mount up though, and it's only January! Thanks for stopping by, xx

Art Nouveau Friendship Card

2012-01-26T08:00:00.002Z

Hi folks, here's another card made with some of the great new stamps recently released over at Chocolate Baroque I really like this stamp plate, it's called 'Wisteria Lane', and there are some great stamps on this one. I particularly like the large stylised flower, as it reminds me very much of the Art Nouveau era. I set about creating a card with that theme in mind.
I chose to go with a very strong colour theme for this one, and used Butterscotch and Caramel Adirondack inks to create the background for the card. I used one of the smaller flourish stamps to finish off the larger piece of card, using Black Archival ink. I then stamped the large flower onto the smaller piece of card.

I decided to use a Crealie Doily Element Die (Number 8) to mat the smaller card piece, which added definition to the piece. The shape of this die really fitted in well with the Art Nouveau theme. I cut the pieces out, and just put them on the back of the piece of card by eye, I didn't use a template, then stuck them down with double sided tape. I started with the corners, and then worked the other pieces in to fit, adjusting where necessary.

I added a sentiment from another Chocolate Baroque stamp set 'Art Nouveau Birthday', which is sadly soon to be retired. The font is great on this.

Don't forget to pop over to the Design Team Blog to see what the other Design Team members have been up to with the new stamp sets. Thanks for stopping by, xx

Forgotten Friday contribution by Sue

2012-01-25T08:07:00.003Z

Hi folks, I'm just popping in really briefly to show you a lovely card made by Sue. She doesn't have a blog, and so I'm posting a picture of her lovely card here. This is how Sue made the card :

"I made the background with oilcrayons and moved the colour around with sansador and stamped over withAdirondak expresso . Main image stamped with Adirondak expresso andcoloured with Colorsoft pencils , flower and leaves Crealies dies."

I love the colours that Sue has chosen, and the image looks great with the 'eyes' of the peacock feathers coloured in.

If any of you would like me to feature your creations, then don't hesitate to email me like Sue did, and I'll be happy to oblige.

Thanks for stopping by, xx

Wisteria Doorway

2012-01-23T08:00:00.001Z

There are some new stamps recently released over at Chocolate Baroque and as a member of the Design Team, I have been creating some samples with them. There are some great flower stamps in these new sets, dandelion clocks, honeysuckles, rose trees, and some fabulous little insects too.

The first card that I have made to show you combines some of these new stamps with a great door stamp from the 'Echoes of Italy' stamp plate. I stamped this first, and masked it off, sponging Distress Inks over the card. I coloured the image with Polychromos pencils, layering up the colour to create depth and shade on the door.

I used several different colours of Versamagic chalk inks to stamp the flower head in the foreground, starting with the lightest, and moving through to the darkest. I then went back to the lightest colour to fill in the gaps, and add a bit of light to the foreground. I used Versamagic to stamp the wisteria at the top of the card.

Finally, I stamped the butterflies with Versafine Onyx black ink, and coloured these with Polychromos pencils again, before adding them to the picture with some stamens. The picture was matted onto lilac and purple card to tone in with the flowers.

I have used stamps from 'Wisteria Lane' and 'The Rose Tree' to complete this card. Do pop over to the Design Team Blog to see what the other Design Team members have been up to with these stamps over the next few days. Thanks for stopping by, xx

Aloysius goes green

2012-01-22T16:03:00.000Z

Hi folks, here's another sample that I made for the Create and Craft TV show that Kay from Indigoblu presented recently. I was so proud to see my samples on the TV, and had a lot of fun making these.

This particular sample is another one of those book cards that I enjoy making so much. You have seen me make them before, so I won't go in to the specific details of how to make them, but there is a tutorial on the Whiff of Joy tutorial blog.

I used some green Bazzil card as the base card for the book, adding some old book paper for interest. This paper was quite old, so I layered it onto card to make the flower, to give it some strength. I used Claudine Hellmuth Matte Medium, taking care not to get any on the top surface, as I wanted to colour the paper.

(My good blog friend Elaine gave me a great tip that matt Mod Podge works if you want to colour over the top. I have now bought some, and am going to give this a go. She has had great success, and made some stunning pieces of art.)

I coloured some card with Old Paper Distress Ink, and then stamped the card with Flitterglu, covering it with some of the flakes. The result is a lovely shimmery crackle effect. I distressed the edges and coloured these with Walnut Stain Distress ink. I stamped the bear onto a piece of card coloured with Scattered Straw Distress ink, using Versafine Vintage Sepia ink, and cut the image out. I assembled the front of the card, adding some lace and a bow for the bear.

For the tag, I created the background as before, using Flitterglu and flakes on the crackle stamp. I then stamped Aloysius onto shrink plastic using Stazon Timber Brown ink. I coloured the image with pencils before cutting it out and shrinking it. I added a piece of lace and ribbon to match the front of the book card.

The niche inside the book was simply coloured with Distress Inks and stamped with the crackle stamp. Although the bear stamp could be used for a child's Birthday card, I felt that the colours I had used meant that this card could be suitable for a bear lover of any age!

I'll be back in a couple of days with another sample using the gilding flakes and Flitterglu. Pop over to the IndigoBlu website to take a look at all of the fabulous stamps that they have. I'm working on the next batch as you read this, preparing for the next show. Thanks for popping by, xx

Feeling Flaky!

2012-01-21T08:00:00.001Z

Hi folks, I thought that I would show you one of the designs that I made for Kay and Alfie over at IndigoBlu This is one of the cards that I made for the show for Create and Craft last week. Unfortunately, this one didn't get an airing, I spotted it, but I knew what to look for. It was in the wrong pile, but never mind.

I have used a gorgeous stamp called 'Love Is', which I have stamped with Flitterglu, and then applied gilding flakes to show off all of the lovely details of the stamp. I have used the same stamp to create a border around the edge of my card. The heart has little birds and dragonflies around it. I have chosen slightly unorthodox colours for a romantic card, but I really like these caramel tones. The gilding flakes have a great verdigris tinge to them, so I added a pearlescent green card as a layer behind everything else.

I have made another one of those handmade flowers using the brass ring, and pouring seed beads into the Glossy Accents. These are such fun to make.

I am prepping samples for the next TV show as we speak, which is due to be aired on 29th January. I'll show you some more samples over the next few days. Thanks for stopping by, xx

Forgotten Friday 45- Red and Brown

2012-01-20T00:34:00.001Z

Hi folks, it's Friday again, and that means that it's time to rummage through your crafty stash to find something neglected and make a project with it. This week, I'm giving you a colour challenge again, if you would like to take up the option, and I've gone for non-Christmassy items, as twice a month is often enough, thank you very much!

I've been rummaging through my Stamp Camp stamps, I have some beauties, and the two that I have chosen for this project are no exception.I bought these when I went to the Happy Stampers show at Port Sunlight, one in the Autumn, and one from the show previously, in May. I love all of the Stamp Camp stamps that I have bought, but I seem to buy them, and forget about them.Anyway, I stamped 'Side Face' onto Kraft card, and coloured it with Polychromos pencils. This stamp came out so well, just with Versafine Vintage Sepia. I created a piece of background paper by spritzing white card with Distress reinkers and water, then stamping a fabulous leafy stamp over the top again with the same Versafine ink.

I made a flower by spritzing some handmade paper with the reinker solution and some gold Perfect Pearl spray, before cutting the shapes out. I really like to put these brass rings in the middle, and drop seed beads into Glossy Accents for the centres.

I'm going to leave the card without a sentiment for now, and when I need a card for someone special, I'll put the right words on before I send it to the recipient.It's been lovely to just make something for fun today. Why don't you have a look through your stamps and other crafty supplies. If you do make something, post a link in my comments, and I'll pop along to take a look. Thanks for stopping by, xx

EDIT: Following a couple of enquiries about how I made the flower in my comments today, I thought I'd just pop back to let you know what the die was that I have used. It is the Peony Nestability die. Hope this helps.

Popping in midweek, whatever next?

2012-01-18T16:17:00.000Z

Hi folks, it is unusual for me these days to find the time inbetween my Forgotten Friday posts to come and say hello. However, I have been feeling that my poor blog has been woefully neglected lately. My OH and I have just got back from an overnight trip at a lovely hotel called Dunston Hall on the outskirts of Norwich, in Norfolk. My two BILs bought us the trip for our Silver Wedding Anniversary back in November. It was a lovely gift, as it gave us a brief bit of time out, and the surroundings were lovely.

The hotel seemed very imposing when we arrived, but I loved the tall twisted chimneys.

The frosty mornings were just so cold though, I would have liked to have seen more of the grounds, but it was just too chilly to walk around.This week, I have been working on shrink plastic with my card class, at their request. I made a card with them based on a lovely project made by Linda Elbourne for the Craft Barn She used Tim Holtz fragments, Paper Artsy stamps, and shrink plastic. I started by getting the class to make a masterboard with Distress Inks, choosing Old Paper, Victorian Velvet, and Crushed Olive for myself. They chose completely different colours. I kept the application fairly light, as I wanted to add lots of layers afterwards. Now as my shoulder is still quite painful, my blending is still a bit off, so I misted my card with water when I had finished, which kind of smoothes the blending out a bit. I then used a chicken wire mask and went over the Old Paper sections again, using Old Paper DI over the mask. At this point, I chopped my card in half.On one piece of card, I started to add lots of small Paper Artsy stamps, using the DI colours that I had used on my background, to build up some layers. I then stamped the large flower head in Black Archival Ink three times. I stamped the word 'Fly' and the 'birds in the grass' stamp onto the plainer piece of card, again using archival ink, and heat set this. I stuck the fragment pieces over the top of these stamped images with Glossy Accents, trimmed around them, and smoothed the edges with a nail file.I then cut two Nestability butterflies from clear shrink plastic, after sanding it a bit, to give it a key. I coloured it lightly with pencils, and then stamped it with parts of a scroll stamp, using Stazon ink. I shrunk these, bending them slightly with my asbestos fingers, while they were still warm (very hot!) Then I edged these with a gold Krylon pen. Once the card was assembled, I stuck the butterflies to the card with Glossy Accents.

I loved Linda's original project, and I hope that she won't mind me casing it for the much simpler project that my card class really enjoyed putting together.

Thanks for stopping by today, and I'll be back on Friday with my Forgotten Friday project, xx

Forgotten Friday 44- Silver and Blue

2012-01-13T17:27:00.001Z

Phew, what a day I've had! I've been trying to post these cards all day, and everything has just conspired against me. I did joke to someone earlier that I'd have to rechristen the post 'Slipped my Mind Sunday' soon!
I've been mighty busy the last couple of weeks with other crafting commitments, and unfortunately didn't manage a post last week. So, I'm making up for that this week with two cards. These are my first Christmas cards of the year, ta da!

I am working on a theme of silver and blue, as you can see from my post title. My first card uses some beautiful stamps from Art Journey, from a set called 'Noel'. I love these stamps, but it is the first time that I have used them, in fact I only cut them out for this card! I have gone for a clean and simple theme, unusual for me, but these stamps look lovely used this way.

I stamped the girl, masked her off, then embossed the words. I used a smidgen of colour, then coloured her face and her highlights in with Polychromos, before blending them.

My second card is made using IndigoBlu stamps. Now I told you a while back that I have been very lucky to have been asked to work with their stamps, producing samples for them. I am now officially on their Design Team, and on Sunday they have a programme on Create and Craft! Have a look at 11.00 a.m. and see if you can spot any of my samples. You all know my 'style', so you may think you know which ones I have made if they don't call my name out anyway! The show is to promote 'Flitterglu' and the gilding flakes that IndigoBlu sell, as well as several of their fabulous stamp sets. I have made a very quick card here, using the gilding flakes on the santa and reindeer, plus the sentiment, to show you how the glue and flakes will pick out quite fine detail.

Right, so that's two Christmas cards that I've got made already this year. How are you getting on? Why don't you have a rummage through your stash, I bet you haven't finished packing everything away after Christmas properly yet anyway. Make a Christmas card or two, and leave a comment on my post, and I'll pop along to your blog and take a look. Why not stick to the theme of blue and silver, as I have done?

Thanks for popping by xx

Forgotten Friday 43- Winter Wings

2011-12-30T22:30:00.000Z

Hi Folks, I hope that you all had a great Christmas, and are looking forward to the New Year ahead. I have had a lovely time with family and friends, in spite of struggling with a trapped nerve in my arm. I had a cortisone injection just before Christmas, which sadly hasn't eased the problem at all. I have had lots of help from my family though, so it hasn't all been bad.

I have had a forced break from crafting due to the sore arm, and my project today has been the first for several weeks. I have chosen to use lots of neglected stamps for this card. I have decided to make two Christmas items a month for my Forgotten Friday projects at least, to keep me prepared for Christmas next year. Sadly, the Bah Humbug blog won't be running for a while, and I want to make cards all year, as I started to this year, by following their blog. So, if you want to be organied like myself, then join me in making Christmas cards twice a month, and use some of your neglected stash along the way.

I have used some never inked Jo Capper-Sandon stamps for this project, although not typically Christmas themed. You would hardly expect to see a dragonfly in the Winter! I have also used her large and small mushrooms, a stamp from the Judikins Botanical cube, and a tree from the Chocolate Baroque 'Aboretum Design a Tree' stamp set. All of these stamps are neglected stamps, so I have been very good this week. I masked everything off, and then coloured the background with Distress Inks. I coloured the images with Polychromos pencils, then added a touch of Stickles to the dragonfly wings.

If you have time this week, why not have a trawl through your stash, and make something with a forgotten item or two? Leave a link to your project in my comments, and I'll pop along to your blog to take a look.
Have a very Happy New Year all of you, and thanks for all of your support this year. I look forward to crafting with you in 2012, thanks for stopping by, xx

Forgotten Friday 42- It's been a while

2011-12-16T09:28:00.000Z

Hi Folks, it's been a couple of weeks since I've done a Forgotten Friday post, and I'm really not expecting any of you to go rushing out to make something to join in this close to Christmas. The makes that I'm going to show you today are coincidental, not specifically for this post either. We are all so busy at this time of year.

Unfortunately, I haven't been that well recently, so crafting has been almost impossible for me, which has been really frustrating in the lead up to Christmas. I am buying a lot of my cards this year, but listening to a lot of other people, I'm not the only one. I hope that you aren't all feeling the pressure of the season too much. Hopefully you will be able to approach the big day ready to wind down, enjoy some time with friends and family, and that you can relax for a while. I know, I'm not ignoring the fact that there is a huge dinner to cook on the day, believe me! However, I have three helpers who do the vegetable peeling and the washing up, so I have learned to delegate!

Anyway, on to my projects this week. I have been making a book card with my card class for the last couple of weeks. It wasn't meant to take so long, but the construction was a little involved, and then the front needed decorating. I then showed them how to make the TH pine cones, so it became quite time consuming. My project was based on a project taken from the Whiff of Joy tutorial blog, there is a great 'how to' video on the blog. I have used a neglected Martha Stewart punch to make paper lace to decorate both the inside and outside of the project, colouring the card with Antique Linen Distress Ink.

I then embossed a favourite Chocolate Baroque holly swirl stamp in gold onto my background card, and then added various green Distress Inks. I then stamped an unused LOTV angel stamp onto an oval of card, which I had already coloured slightly with some of the green inks. I coloured the image with Coloursoft pencils. I added some more of the paper lace, and two of the pine cones and foliage from the same die, which I had inked with Pine Needles Distresss Ink.

My second project is a Birthday card that I needed to make for a twenty year old this week. I wanted something quite vibrant to reflect her vivacious personality. I used some Distress Inks patted onto my craft mat, spritzed with water, and dragged my card through the colours repeatedly, building up the layers. I then sprayed a Crafty notions white spray over the top to knock the colour back slightly. I then stamped an IndigoBlu crackle stamp over the top.

I stamped 'Ella Bella' from IndigoBlu onto the background, using Archival black ink. I added some lovely sari ribbon that my crafty friend Lesley had given me, I have been hoarding this for an eternity, and the colours are gorgeous. I then added a silver butterfly that I had coloured with Stream and Wild Plum alcohol inks, again, a neglected craft item. To finish, I added some tiny flat-backed self-adhesive pearls on the image. I have lots of these, but rarely use them.

If you feel like making something with your forgotten stash, please leave a comment, and I'll pop along to your blog to take a look. However, please don't feel guilty if you are too busy this week. Thanks for stopping by, xx

White Christmas Challenge

2011-11-25T16:37:00.000Z

Just to let you know that Glenda is hosting a White Christmas Challenge over on her blog at the moment. The more people that enter, the bigger the prize fund becomes, with the maximum amount being £50 in Chocolate Baroque vouchers. That could buy a lot of stamps!. The deadline for the challenge is 15th December. Why not go and take a look? The winner is drawn at random, so everyone gets a chance to win.

Forgotten Friday 41- Pockets and Tags

2011-11-25T16:25:00.000Z

Hi Folks, it's Friday again, and time to rummage through your forgotten stash again. See if you can find something that you have neglected, and make something with it.

Since last week, I've been on my trip to Paris with my Husband, where we celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We had a lovely time, visiting the sights, and taking a much needed break from our normally hectic lives. When we arrived at the hotel, there was a bunch of dark red roses waiting for me, that Terry had organised. I carried the same kind of flowers when we got married. I was very touched that he had been so romantic.

We were staying just off the Champs Elysees, and there was a Christmas Market set up there, which put us in the Christmas spirit straight away. We visited all of the main sights, including the Eiffel Tower. It's beautiful at night, and sparkles on the hour every hour for five minutes.

We spent a few hours one day in the Montmartre district. This was my favourite area. We climbed up the steps to see the Sacre Coeur, and it really does glow pink in the sunset.

We wandered around the cathedral, and I had been hoping, although not expecting, to find a view that matched a particular Darkroom Door stamp that I have. I love this stamp, and have used it on the front of my Paris journal that I am working on to commemorate this trip.

Terry thought I was mad to get so excited when I actually found the street! I guess only a crafter would understand, LOL!

We visited the Moulin Rouge area while we were in Montmartre, bypassing the seedier elements, enough said!
We managed to get a trip to the Louvre, seeing the Mona Lisa. We climbed the Arc de Triomphe, 265 steps, which reminded me that I'm not getting any younger! We also went up the Eiffel Tower, and enjoyed some stunning views. On our last day, we visited Notre Dame, which I was particularly pleased about, as the building is beautiful.

We really enjoyed the trip, and would visit Paris again, as there is a lovely vibe to the place. The weather was very mild too for the time of year, and we quite often didn't even need to wear our coats.

So onto my project for this week. I am working on my journal, and have covered my inner pages now, printed out my photographs, and planned out what is going where with all of my memorabilia. Most of the leg work has been completed, so it is just a matter of sticking, inking, stamping, etc. However, my last journal took a long time to complete! I have concentrated on my front section this week, and created a tag pocket which contains a railway ticket for the Eurostar. I have embossed part of a Tim Holtz embossing folder onto the pocket, and used Distress Inks to pick out the embossing. I have scrunched and inked the train ticket.

On the next page, I have used a photograph to create a pocket for a tag, to which I have added an ideology tag. I am using a mixture of Darkroom Door, Chocolate Baroque, and Cavallini stamps. These are all very much neglected stamps. The Cavallini stamps are another set of stamps in a tin, they are wood mounted, and very lovely to look at. I bought them from an American lady who was selling all of her real stash, as she wanted to go digital in her crafting. They have sat unused in my craft room for ages, and this was the perfect opportunity to use them.

On the small flap, I have stamped a couple of stamps, and added a piece of Stampbord with another DD stamp. I have etched some of the details to highlight them.

I may add something else to this flap, but I'll see what bits and pieces I have left over, or if I want to do any more journalling.

Don't forget to leave a comment attached to this post if you decide to make something yourself with a forgotten item, and I'll pop along to your blog, and take a look. Thanks for stopping by, xx

Forgotten Friday- almost didn't make it!

2011-11-18T21:59:00.000Z

Phew, it's Friday again, although only just. I'm preparing to go away for my Silver Wedding Anniversary trip tomorrow morning, and life is just very hectic. We are off to Paris, and are leaving early in the morning to catch a train up to London, where we are picking up the Eurostar.

It's hard to believe that it is almost twenty five years ago that we got married, the time has just vanished. I don't feel old enough for starters! My children have grown up and sometimes, (if I don't look in the mirror), I don't feel much older than them, LOL! Here's a photo of myself and Terry on our wedding day, and I am the same age as my Daughter is now.

It's not a great photo, as I just snapped the one that is hanging on the wall upstairs. My dress is from the eighties, so it looks a bit stylised these days. I won't even begin to describe my going away outfit!

Anyway, I've cheated with my Forgotten Friday project this week, as time was so tight, and have made a very simple card for my OH as my project. I chose a fabulous paper from My Mind's Eye, that I have been hoarding for ages, with the Eiffel Tower in one corner. As we are going to Paris on our trip, it seemed appropriate. I have used a mask over the top, and sponged Tattered Rose and Aged Mahogany Distress Inks over the paper. I then brushed Walnut Stain DI around the edges.

I've used another neglected item over the top- printable acetate, to add the words 'Happy Anniversary'.

It is a very quick card, but my energy levels are still quite low as I'm still getting over this bone infection in my jaw. No news of when my tooth is coming out yet unfortunately.

Anyway, why don't you have a rummage through your forgotten stash, see what you have been neglecting, and try to make something too. If you leave a comment, I'll pop along to your blog to take a look. Thanks for stopping by, xx

Forgotten Friday 39- Just tagging along

2011-11-11T15:18:00.000Z

Hi folks, it's Friday again, that means it's time to rummage through your stash again to find some neglected items and make something with them.

This week, I've been making tags using a tutorial based on a post I found here using Rock Candy Distress Crackle Paint. I had an unopened pot of this that had been knocking around for ages, so I thought that it was a perfect Forgotten Friday project. I dug out some neglected Christmas embossing folders, and had a go.

I found that the Tim Holtz folders are much better for this project, as they are deeper etched than Cuttlebug embossing folders, for example. However, I could try using my 'Texture Boutique' embossing machine another time, which is meant to emboss much deeper than a regular die cutting machine. It just gathers dust as I don't normally get it out for embossing these days. Here are a couple of sample tags one TH, and one Cuttlebug:

This is a fun technique to do, and makes a very pretty background. I finished the blue tag off, and will finish the red and green tag another day.

Don't forget to have a look through your own craft stash to see what you have been neglecting. If you make something, leave a comment this week, and I'll pop over to your blog to take a look. Thanks for stopping by, xx

A little bit of WOW!

2011-11-05T13:21:00.000Z

Recently I have been playing around with some embossing powders from WOW, and I have to say that I am quite impressed with the range and quality of these powders. Several of my samples, if they have had embossing on them have used these particular powders recently. The extra chunky clear powder I have to say is one of the best I have come across for triple embossing, it gives a super smooth finish. I made a few samples up for WOW themselves this week, and if you've been to the NEC, you may have seen them on the stand. I am not showing you them on here, as the stamps weren't on the website last time I checked, so I'm not sure how top secret they are!

Anyway, here is a sample of a card I made for them using some fabulous stamps from IndigoBlu. I've used the copper pearl embossing powder for the large corner stamp, over a background made using Distress reinkers and water. I spritzed my background, drying each layer, until I was happy with the depth of colour. I then sponged the same colours of Distress Inks onto some white card, and stamped a couple of Butterflies with Coffee Archival Ink, before cutting them out. I've used flower stamens for their antennae.

Glenda has just started stocking some of these embossing powders over at Chocolate Baroque and she has some great samples over on her blog, which you can reach by following the link in my side bar. I hope you are all having a great weekend whatever you are up to, thanks for popping by, xx

Forgotten Friday 38- masks are not just for Halloween!

2011-11-04T10:10:00.001Z

Hi folks, it's Friday again, and time to rummage through your forgotten stash to see what unused items you have laying around. This week, I've been looking through my masks, and have chosen two particularly nice ones, although one is strictly a stencil.

The first one is a holly ring from Creative Expressions, which I've had for ages, and never seem to get around to using. I have lots of their masks, and just forget about them. I did get them out for my card class recently, and they made some fabulous cards with them once I'd given them a quick tutorial. Anyway, I coloured my piece of card using Distress re-inkers and water, I used Bundled Sage, Forest Moss, and Barn Door, drying in between the layers, until I was happy with the colour. I then ran the mask through the Big Shot with the card, to get an embossed impression. I coloured the embossed area with Forest Moss Distress Ink.

I then stamped and embossed a lovely vintage Christmas sentiment, available from Chocolate Baroque in the middle of the holly ring. I have matted the card onto gold and green card, but will probably add some further embellishment before I send this card out at Christmas.

My second card uses a Sweet Poppy stencil from The Craft Station, and I love this beautiful tree. I have another similar tree that I have used before which regular blog followers may remember. I sponged various blue and green inks through the stencil, and also used a stipple brush for the smaller areas. I then spritzed Pearl Glimmer Mist over the top, before removing the stencil, and trimmed away the white frame.

I used a sentiment and digi paper from Chociolate Baroque as before. The digi paper is temporarily unavailable, but keep checking back, as this one is fabulous, and available in lots of different colourways. It's called 'Medieval Script'. Again, I'll probably add some embellishment to this card before I send it out, but I've got a few weeks yet.

I've not been that well this week, unfortunately, I've got an infection in the bone above one of my teeth. It feels like I have flu, and it has completely floored me. I'm now taking lots of antibiotics, so I will hopefully be on the mend soon. My tooth has got to come out, but that's complicated, and has to be done under general anaesthetic, so I have to wait for an appointment. Hopefully by next Friday, I'll be feeling more like myself again.

Don't forget to have a look through your crafty stash to see what items you have been neglecting. If you want to add a link to your blog during the week, I'll pop along and take a look. Thanks for stopping by today, Judith xx

A Place in the Sun

2011-10-30T08:00:00.002Z

Hi Folks, here's another sample using the fabulous 'Echoes of Italy' stamp plate recently released over at Chocolate Baroque My OH and I dream of finding a little cottage over in Italy for when we retire, buying a little Fiat cinquecento and whizzing about the countryside, soaking up the lovely views. I had that idea very much in mind when I created this project.

I created the background by using very thin masking tape, and measuring one and a half inch squares across the background. I used several colours of Distress Inks, and punched a square in a piece of paper to create a reverse mask to colour through, so that I didn't contaminate the other squares as I went along. Once I had finished, I stamped over the whole lot with the large crackle stamp, before peeling off the masking tape. That crackle stamp is such a great stamp.

I coloured the image with Distress Inks, and chose a suitable phrase from the 'Artful Affirmations' stamp set, before adding some Crealie flowers and Marianne leaves. I didn't have any brown brads big enough for the centre of the flowers, so I just glued some buttons over the top of the small ones that I used.

I look at this card and think, 'Oh well, I can dream....' If you get a chance, pop over to the Design Team Blog as I have a card featuring over there today too, also using some of the fabulous stamps from this set.

Thanks for popping by today, and enjoy your weekend, xx

Woodland Dreams

2011-10-29T09:58:00.001+01:00

Glenda over at Chocolate Baroque has just released some great new stamps this week. I showed you a sample earlier in the week using the 'Echoes of Italy' stamp plate, and today, I thought that I'd show you one using the 'Woodland Dreams' stamp plate.

I have already posted this sample on the Chocolate Baroque Design Team Blog:

I used a selection of burgundy, brown and dark green inks, all embossed with clear embossing for my stamping.

For my sample today, I wanted to use a different colour palette, but the same stamps, to show the versatility of these stamps. I used a clear embossing powder on the Kraft card to act as a resist, and then covered the card with various Distress Inks. I embossed the tree and sentiment with copper embossing powder. I made some leaves from Clearly for Art, and coloured them with alcohol inks, adding some copper jump rings. I distressed the edges of my layers, and coloured them with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.

So there you have it, two different looks, but the same stamps. Thanks for stopping by today, xx

Forgotten Friday 37- it's THAT time of year again!

2011-10-28T08:23:00.001+01:00

Hi folks, I hope that you are all well, and keeping busy on the crafting front. Have you got nagging feelings about getting your Christmas cards made yet, or have you got lots made already? Anyway, it's not Christmas that I'm talking about today, it's Halloween. I decided to use some neglected Halloween stamps for my Forgotten Friday project this week, they haven't been used for a year, so I reckon they qualify for this post!
It's also given me the chance to incorporate my new Limited Edition Distress Ink colours, as if I needed much of an excuse for that!

I chose to use a large tag, and stamped and embossed a spooky house from Chocolate Baroque, before masking it with Eclipse tape. I then coloured my tag with the Distress Inks, and spritzed the tag with Perfect Pearls. I then used a fabulous embossing powder called 'Halloween' from WOW, the colour is great, to emboss the word 'Spookylicious', at the top of the tag. I coloured the image with Polychromos pencils. All I have left to do is add some toning ribbon, and my tag will be finished.

I have taken a sideways view of the tag as well, because it was really hard to show the shimmer in the light this morning.

Anyway, why don't you have a rummage through your stash, and see what you have neglected. Leave a link in my comments over the next week, and I'll pop along to your blog to take a look. Thanks for stopping by, xx

A Taste of Italy

2011-10-26T09:23:00.000+01:00

Hi folks, it's unusual that I manage a midweek post these days, I know, as life always seems so busy. I've been away so many weekends lately, that I've almost forgotten what home looks like! I met up with two of my lovely Craft Stamping Quartet buddies Lesley and Jo at the Stamp Magic Show at Doncaster. We don't get to see each other very often, so it was great to see them even just for a little while. I was spending the weekend with my parents, so I took my Mum to the Show too, which was nice for her, as she is an avid crafter too. She has only recently got a Big Shot, and it has opened up a whole new world for her. She has had a new lease of life from a crafting point of view, and it is lovely to see.

I made a few modest purchases, as I have been to several shows recently, so not too much to report. I am looking forward to trying out my Vintaj blanks now in my Big Kick, as I have all of the necessary bits and pieces that I need to get on with that now. I found the Vintaj blog yesterday, that is certainly one beautiful blog to look at if you like anything Vintaj related.

This week, my followers reached the one hundred mark, I have had several new followers recently, and I feel very honoured that you have chosen to follow me. I appreciate all of of my followers taking the time to stop by to look at what I am doing, and I know that not everyone chooses to leave comments, but I'd like to say thank you anyway.

Glenda over at Chocolate Baroque has some new stamps that she has released this week. There is free p & p until tomorrow. There are two sets 'Woodland Dreams' a lovely tree based set, and 'Echoes of Italy', an Italian based set. This set is very close to my heart, as I love Italy, and frequently go there on holiday. I have made several samples with this set, some of which you will be able to see over on the Design Team blog this week, and a couple that I will post on here.

My first sample that I have chosen to show you here is very photograph heavy, but please bear with me, as I really enjoyed making this one! Some of you will have seen the start of my Paris journal a couple of weeks ago in my Forgotten Friday post. I had already made this particular little journal as a sample for Glenda, using the fabulous Echoes of Italy stamps, among others in the Chocolate Baroque range.

I chose to use the fabulous Echoes of Italy papers as a background for my pages, and they just went perfectly with these stamps. I used chipboard covers, and Kraft card for my pages. I have used the stamps mostly as background accents throughout the book, as you will see, but added them to tags as well, which I will use for journalling later.

Here, I have used a photograph as a pocket, to place tickets and memorabilia behind. There are some useful little scroll stamps, great for adding to the tags, as little edge stamps.

This double page reflects a trip to Venice, and uses the 'Weekend in Venice' stamp plate too, also some of the 'Harlequin Mask' stamps. The crackle stamp on the 'Echoes of Italy stamp plate is a stamp that I am going to use over and over. It is a fabulous stamp, and a great size too. I added a train ticket to Venice, some Euros, as everything is so expensive there, and a little leather tag, as we go to the markets to buy leather goods in Venice.

There is a much softer feel to these pages, as this was our visit to 'Casa Juilietta', or Juliet's house. There is a photograph of the balcony, and a statue of Juliet herself. I love Verona, it's a beautiful city. I have used a piece of lace for a pocket, to add to the feminine feel.

Gardone is a town on Lake Garda itself. Everywhere is very bright and colourful, the buildings are painted in strong yellows, terracottas, etc. There are bright flowers everywhere, and the colours are an explosion on the eyes. We visited Il Vittoriale, a house and gardens that reminds me very much of Portmerion for its quirkiness. There is even half of a ship in the garden! The lake views are stunning, and there are lots of statues, arches and columns everywhere. The stamps were just perfect to add to the atmosphere of my pages.

For my last two sections, I have two very different pocket options. On the left, for the visit to Malcesine, on a cable car visit, I have used a conventional little diagonal pocket, matching the paper to the background. On the right hand side, for our trip to Milan, I have used a beer mat for the pocket, tucking photographs, receipts, and other memorabilia behind.

My little book only measures 6" x 6", it is a great size to hold in your hand, and look through. It has fold out flaps, and with its pull out tags, is very interactive. I hope you have enjoyed looking at my project, and I'll be back soon with another one. Thanks for stopping by, xx

Forgotten Friday 36- Some old and new

2011-10-21T08:48:00.000+01:00

Hi folks, a quick post today, as I'm travelling Northwards to visit my Parents for the weekend. My card this week is not strictly all forgotten stash, as it was not made solely for this post. However, there is enough hoarded stash that I am bending the rules to use it!

I made this card for my Nephew's Birthday recently, using Pan Pastels. It was the first time that I had ever tried using these, and I love the vibrancy that they give on projects. I gessoed over some Viva Terra that I had brushed through some sequin waste. I then added some pastels to give some base colour, and then stamped with Versamark and used the pastels again to get a stronger colour laid onto the card. I then added feature stamps with Stazon . I used a piece of Stampbord as the main section, adding an ideology clock and spinner for an element of interest. It's hard making cards for lads, and I know that he was pleased with his card.

Have a rummage through your stash, and if you make a project with your forgotten items, please leave a comment, and I'll pop along to your blog to take a look. Thanks for stopping by today, xx

Forgotten Friday 35- getting ready for another trip!

2011-10-14T08:08:00.002+01:00

Hi Folks, it's been a week since my last post, and a lot has happened since then. I went to visit my Daughter last weekend, and we had some much needed time together. I helped her sort some bits and pieces out for her student house, making her room feel a bit more homely. It was lovely to see her.

I also went to the Happy Stampers show at Port Sunlight on Saturday. This is my favourite show I think, as I love the atmosphere, and the stands that exhibit at this show. I met up with my two blog friends Jo, and Lesley, sadly missing Elaine, or our quartet would have been complete. We met up with several of our Chocolate Baroque Guild friends, who we rarely see these days, so it was lovely to see them again. Lou, Rebecca and Sarah particularly, it was so great to see you girls.

I love to catch up with Jo (Zart) and Jennie at the show, but I had a terrible headache on Saturday, so I only managed the briefest of hellos girls, sorry. I bought some new rubber from several stands including Stamp Camp and Lost Coast, and am really itching to make some projects with those amazing stamps. It was very busy at the show, and sadly I didn't get to all of the stands, so there were several that I know I missed that I would have liked to have looked at.

I spent quite a bit of time at the IndigoBlu stand with Kay and Alfie. Kay was demoing their new Flitter Glu, a really great new product that you can ink up your stamps with, and apply gold leaf or glitter over the top. It captures really fine detail. I'm going to make some bits and pieces with it soon, so watch this space. I was really proud to see some of my samples on their stand too, including a couple that I dropped off to them on the day.

My favourite purchase of the day had to be a new Vintaj Big Kick, which will be able to emboss Vintaj blanks to use for jewellery or mixed media projects. I will also use it to replace my Big Shot, which I've had for quite a long time. I run a card class from home, so the Big Shot will still get used in the class anyway.

Okay, on to today's project! I have chosen to rake through my very neglected Darkroom Door stamps this week. My Husband has booked up for us to go away on a short holiday to Paris next month, to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We have never been there together oddly enough, I've been a few times, on school trips, etc, but we've never gone as a couple. I've decided to make a small journal to record memories of our trip, and collect ephemera that I bring back. So, I have covered the front and back covers of my journal, and started to prepare the pages. I will add pockets, and make some tags, hopefully by the time we go, the journal will be ready!

I have gone with a soft plum colour scheme as my overall base for the journal, it's my favourite colour. I have chosen the Montmartre stamp as the main focal stamp for the front cover, stamped onto a piece of Kraft card with a Versafine, and added clear embossing powder. I have used a white pencil to highlight the street lamps. I have added the word Paris in a Tim Holtz frame, and metal corners to the cover. I hoard my ideology bits for no reason whatsoever, and decided that I should actually use some on this little book. As I make progress with the album, I will try and show you more photos.

So, if you feel like having a rummage through your crafty stash, and making something with a forgotten or neglected item this week, add a link to my comments, and I'll pop along to take a look. Thanks for stopping by today, xx

Friday news

2011-10-07T08:00:00.001+01:00

Hi Folks, I'm away from home this week, so there won't be a Forgotten Friday project from me. However, if you would like to link anything you have made with your neglected stash to this post, I will pop along to your blog to take a look.

I am heading up to Happy Stampers North West on Saturday, but spending two nights with Megan, my Daughter either side of the Show, in Stoke. It will be some much needed time together, so we are very happy about that.

For the past few months, I have had the fabulous news that Kay and Alfie of IndigoBlu wanted me to work as part of their Design Team. I have sent off some samples which will be on display at the Show on Saturday. I have added a link to their blog in my sidebard. Had any of you spotted it? Here are one or two photos of what I have been making for them:

Aren't the stamps lovely? I have had a lot of fun making these, and have lots more ideas, so look out for more posts coming your way soon, hopefully.

Thanks for stopping by today, xx

This and that

2011-10-05T16:15:00.000+01:00

Hi folks, I promised another Christmas sample last week, and never got around to posting it for you. So, I thought I'd post it today. I have created my background using oil pastels and Zest it, which is really quick and easy, plus it smells nice too! I have used some more of the newly released stamps from Chocolate Baroque in particular the lovely holly owl swirl stamp, as my focal stamp, and also a background stamp too.

I also have two samples to show you from the Steampunk Christmas stamp plate that I have had sitting here for a little while. The first, typically in Christmas colours, of Kraft, red and greeen, has been edged with aluminium tape. I ran this through an embossing folder, and coloured it with alcohol inks. I made my flowers with glassine paper, and embossed them with gold embossing powder.

Now, I made this sample a while ago, and I used Queen's Gold embossing powder, a good make. The sample looked lovely. Recently, I've looked at it, and the flowers look terrible, the embossing powder doesn't look shiny anymore, I don't know if glassine just doesn't like embossing powder. Has anyone else had any experiences with glassine and embossing powder?

My final Steampunk sample is not Christmassy at all. I wanted to show the versatility of these stamps, that they could be used for all year round , and so I made this canvas project. I poured UTEE into an oval Nestability, stamped into it and put some micro beads in too. I rubbed some Inka Gold into the cogs, to highlight them. I stamped the wording onto tissue paper, and added it onto the canvas with Matte Medium. I drew around an oval Nestie, adding partial cog shapes, before cutting it out to make a mat for my UTEE piece. I stuck some old keys and cogs on to finish.

Life is kind of busy at the moment. We are going through more than our fair share of ups and downs I feel. However, so are a lot of people, and we are no worse than many of you out there. If you are going through tough times, I feel for you. I am thankful for my crafting and very good friends.(If my lovely Daughter happens to read this, then I love you too, Megsi!)

Anyway, thanks for stopping by today, xx

Forgotten Friday 34- Paper Artsy Tag

2011-09-30T15:58:00.000+01:00

Hi folks, it's Friday again, and time to rummage through your forgotten stash. Have a look to see what crafty items you have neglected, and make something with them.

This week, I have chosen to make a Kraft tag, using stamps from Paper Artsy. I have lots of their stamps, that don't get a proper airing. Some of these haven't been used before, so it was a good excuse to get them out and make this tag. I decided to use the lovely bluebell stamp, so chose a blue theme for my tag. I used some Versamagic chalk inks to make the background, and then stamped the flower with a sepia Archival ink. I coloured the flowers with my Polychromos pencils, and added lots of smaller stamps to build up the completed tag.

If you care to make something yourself with some forgotten items, leave a comment, and I'll pop along to your blog to take a look. Thanks for stopping by today, xx

Another Christmas Sample

2011-09-28T10:15:00.000+01:00

Hi Folks, just hought I'd show you another sample that I'd made with some of the new stamps released over at Chocolate Baroque this week. This card uses stamps from the 'Peace on Earth' stamp set.

I used a piece of backing paper from the Season's Greetings CD mounted onto gold mirri card to start my card off, then stamped the main image, and the lanterns with Versamark, before embossing them with gold embossing powder. I coloured them with Ecoline inks. I put the lanterns onto chain across the top of the card, by adding jump rings through the top of each one.

I'll have another sample for you tomorrow, but in the meantime, don't forget to pop over to the Design Team Blog too, to see what the Design Team have been up to with these stamps as well. Thanks for stopping by, xx

New stamps at Chocolate Baroque

2011-09-27T10:33:00.000+01:00

Hi Folks, just to let you know that there are new Christmas stamps being released over at Chocolate Baroque right now. Why don't you pop over there to take a look. All this week the Design Team are posting their samples on the Design Team Blog

I thought I'd show you another sample that I'd made over here. This card is using a couple of stamps from the 'Fat Robin' stamp plate. I stamped the Trees onto acetate using Stazon, then on the back, I put some Glossy Accents and a couple of drops of Bundled Sage Distress re-inker. I then sprinkled some glitter on top. I then crumpled some tisue paper, and pressed this onto the acetate, before adding a layer of white card. I let the whole thing dry overnight, before trimming the image.

For the background, I put a few drops of Bundled Sage re-inker into a mini mister with water, and spritzed the card, drying the card between each application, until I was happy with the colour. I then stamped the trees with Bundled Sage Distress Ink over the top. I stamped the sentiment with Stazon in the bottom corner.

Glenda is having a giveaway on her blog, so pop over there, the link is in my sidebar. Thanks for popping by today, xx

Ally Pally and the result of my Giveaway

2011-09-26T17:18:00.001+01:00

Hi folks, well I'm back from my weekend jaunt to Alexandra Palace at the weekend. I stayed overnight on Saturday with two of my CSQ buddies, Jo and Elaine. We rarely see each other, so this was a real treat for us. It was just a shame that the other part of the quartet, Lesley, couldn't make it to be with us :(

On Saturday, we spent the day mostly shopping, meeting a few of our friends from the Chocolate Baroque Guild and stopping for tea breaks. On Sunday, we managed to watch more demonstrations, which was great, as we picked up some great tips, especially from one of our crafting friends Linda Brown from LB Crafts. She was demoing Pan Pastels, which I have had my eye on for a little while. I am itching to have a go with some of these now!

In the afternoon, sadly, it was time to say goodbye to each other, and for Elaine and I particularly, knowing that we wouldn't see each other for several months now, it's always quite hard. We formed our other Blog as a means of crafting together, but our busy lives mean that it has been a bit neglected lately.

Now, onto the subject of my Forgotten Friday canvas. My OH very kindly drew a name out of the hat, or paper bag in this case! It was my namesake Judith. I have emailed Judith to let her know, so the canvas will be winging its way to her once I have her snailmail address. Sorry folks to those of you who missed out on this occasion. However, I know that I will be in this position on another occasion, so keep your eyes out for more projects that I will be offering out in the future.

Thanks for stopping by today, xx

Forgotten Friday 33- Project Completed!

2011-09-23T08:00:00.005+01:00

Hi Folks, it's Friday again, and time to rummage through your forgotten stash once again. See if you can make something with your neglected craft items.

This week I have managed to finish my tag canvas started last year at the Graphicus Retreat. I have thoroughly enjoyed this project, using old, neglected stamps, and colours of Distress Inks that I wouldn't look twice at normally. I have revisited techniques on these tags that I want to use again in my crafting, so it has been a really worthwhile experience. This week, yesterday in fact, I made the last five tags, and then stuck all of them onto the canvas. I went a little 'off piste' regarding some of the stamps right at the end, because I wanted to incorporate a couple of slightly newer ones. The stamps used are probably all still available at Chocolate Baroque I also added a couple of my own embellishments, and repeated the gel resist technique, because I like that so much.

I hope you like the finished result!

Now, this particular canvas needs a home, as I am running out of display space. If someone would like it, please let me know. If I get more than one person requesting the canvas, then I'll put everyone's names into a hat, and draw one out. I'll check back, and let you know on Monday, as I'm going away to Ally Pally over the weekend. Look out for me if you are going!

If you feel like making something yourself with something that has been forgotten or neglected, please leave a comment, and I'll pop along to your blog to take a look. Thanks for stopping by today, xx

*** THE DRAW FOR THIS CANVAS HAS NOW TAKEN PLACE ***

A very Special Birthday

2011-09-17T11:00:00.001+01:00

Today it's my Daughter's 22nd Birthday. She feels old, I guess that it's all relative, I look in the mirror, and don't recognise the lines on my face, so I feel old. I look at her, and don't know where the time has gone since she was a little girl, or a stroppy twelve year old. Whatever age I remember her at, it's always with a smile.

I will be celebrating her special day with her as this post appears. We are staying in Stoke for a couple of days, where she goes to University. I'm not sure what we are going to do, except have a lovely meal out in the evening.

I made her card using some lovely stamps from IndigoBlu; 'Ella Bella', and 'Anemone Corner'. I coloured the background with Distress Inks, stamped and embossed 'Ella Bella' in the centre, and then stamped 'Anemone Corner' in the two opposite corners. I stamped the flower sections again onto white card, coloured the flowers with Polychromos pencils, and decoupaged them. I added two little Martha Stewart butterflies, edged with Stickles, and added Stickles to the flowers and central design too.

It gets harder every year to make Megan's card, as she has had a lot of handmade cards from me now! Hopefully she will like this one, it's pink, so I'm starting off in the right direction!
Thanks for stopping by today, xx

Forgotten Friday 32- More Tags

2011-09-16T09:33:00.000+01:00

Hi Folks, it's Friday again, and that means time to rummage through your forgotten stash again, and try to make something with your neglected items. Sorry I missed last week, but as you know, I was away on holiday.

This week, I have made two more tags for the Tag canvas that I was working on two weeks ago, and it is starting to fill up nicely now. The first one was made using Distress Inks to create background colour, then a homemade glimmer spritz, using water and Perfect Pearls. This is so quick, and cheaper than buying custom made pearly sprays. I then stamped a large floral stamp onto the tag. A text daisy, a button and some ribbon completed the tag.

The second tag was made using Distress Inks again, I'm using lots of colours in this project that I might not use regularly these days, so they really qualify for this post. I'm also digging out neglected stamps, and some were used on this second tag particularly. The design was built up using lots of smaller stamps. Two smaller tags were covered in text pages, and coloured with Distress Inks too, then attached to form a closure around the front of the tag.

Here are my tags laid out on the canvas:

I am hoping to get the rest done this week, as they are smaller and simpler than the tags that I have already made.

We are off to see my lovely Daughter this afternoon, as it is her Birthday tomorrow. We are spending the weekend with her and her Boyfriend. I can't blog her card until tomorrow, as she looks at my Blog! Have a great weekend whatever you are up to, and if you feel like making something with your forgotten crafty items, please leave a comment, and I'll pop along to your Blog to take a look. Thanks for stopping by, xx

Birthday Card for a Friend

2011-09-13T15:16:00.000+01:00

Hi Folks, I'm safely back from Italy now, we arrived home last night. Lake Garda was as beautiful as ever, and the week passed very quickly. We visited Venice, Milan and Verona, as well as local towns around the Lake, with stunning views. We went with my Brother-in-law and his wife, My Mother and Father-in-law, and also my Son, so a group of seven of us. We didn't have a drop of rain all week, and the temperatures reached 32 degrees which was about as much as I could bear!

One of my favourite places to visit is Gardone, a town on the Lake, and a house there called Il Vittoriale, with beautiful gardens, reminiscent of Portmerion. I've been there twice now, and just love the atmosphere, it's so peaceful.

It's the Birthday of a very good friend of mine today. I made her card before I went away, and wanted to incorporate things that meant something to her. I created a background using some leaves from my garden, as she loves Nature, and her own lovely garden. Hopefully she'll come and see my garden IRL one day, and I'll get to see hers. We are crafting buddies, but long distance, only meeting at Craft Shows, and days out. I used a technique that I found on Marja's Blog. She gives a link in this post, to where she found the technique. I sprayed some watercolour paper with Cosmic Shimmer sprays, after I had laid my fig leaves onto the paper. I then placed another piece of the paper on top, making a sandwich, and ran this through my Big Shot. The result is this lovely piece of paper.

I used a piece of background paper from a lovely 12 x 12 pad that I hoard in my stash with butterflies on a teal background. I stamped the gardening lady stamp onto a piece of card coloured with Distress Inks, and matted onto a Nestie frame. I used a new Crealie Flower die to make the flowers from some left over card, adding large pearl brads. This image reminded me of my friend as soon as I saw it, and I bought it with her Birthday card in mind, several months ago. I bought it from an Ebay store that she herself frequents!

Some teal ribbon, and a butterfly charm finish the card off. I know that she has received the card, and I hope that she is having a very special Birthday.

Thanks for stopping by today, xx

Life is a Game of Chess

2011-09-03T08:00:00.001+01:00

Hi folks, another day, and another sample from me using the new stamp set 'The Art of Chess', just released over on Chocolate Baroque

I've gone much simpler this time, using a lovely backing paper from a paper set called Echoes of Italy, which I'm hoping will be available again soon. It's from my stash. I created a frame for the central image by stamping it on scrap paper, and then using a circle Nestie to draw around the top edge. I then cut this out, and used the template for my backing paper. I then inked around all of the edges with Chipped Sapphire Distress Ink.

I stamped the image again onto white card, and coloured it with Inktense pencils, using a waterbrush to blend the colours, and then adding more pencil to create depth. I stamped a sentiment from the 'Artful Affirmations' set, to create the impression of a game within the window, and added two polymer clay pieces waiting to enter the game. I coloured these with precious metal paint, and added Inka Gold in Silver on the raised areas to highlight the design of the pieces.

Look out for more samples of these new stamps over on the Design Team Blog I have a couple more samples myself coming up over there this week.

Thanks for stopping by today, xx

Forgotten Friday 31- A forgotten project

2011-09-02T15:37:00.000+01:00

Hi folks, well it's my second post today, but one that you are more familiar with, my Forgotten Friday post. I decided this week to look at a project that I started about a year ago at the Graphicus Retreat, and never managed to finish. I think that I might tackle a bit of this project over the next few weeks in this slot in order to finish the project, as it is such a large project to tackle. There are lots of techniques covered, and it will refresh my memory, and perhaps yours too.

The project that I am looking at is a large canvas with several tags covering it. The class was called 'Tagtastic Workshop', and it was full of fabulous colour and stamping. The beauty of tackling this project now, is that I can take my time, and, if I wish, incorporate newer Chocolate Baroque stamps into the tags that have come along since, which are becoming firm favourites. We were encouraged at the Retreat to go home and use the stamps that we had to finish this project off, I had them all, as I love these stamps so much, but I may incorporate one or two little newbies in.

Another good element to this project is the range of colours that I will be using, I have 'forgotten' Distress Inks too, colours that I don't use or neglect, and this project will see me getting those out, and dusting off the cobwebs.

So far, I have coloured my canvas, I did this at the Retreat, and tackled three tags. Two of these were started, I have just finished them today, and made another one.

I was blown away by the gel resist technique that I learnt at the Retreat, but sadly haven't used it since. I really must make something with that technique again, as it is so effective.

The bird was stamped onto the book page with Matte Multi medium, and once dry, inked over with Distress Inks, it looks amazing, and was so simple to do.

I hardly ever use this Tim Holtz bird and bird cage, so to make something for myself with it makes a change. The cage is painted with precious metal paint, and the background is simply a mix of fabulous Chocolate Baroque stamps.

I am going on holiday on Sunday, to lovely Lake Garda, and will be away until 12th September. If I have time, I will do a scheduled post for next week. However, time is running away with me, so I'm not making any promises! Don't forget to look through your own neglected stash and see if you can make something with your forgotten items. Leave a comment on my Blog, and I'll pop along to take a look. Thanks for stopping by today, xx

Old Leather Music Book

2011-09-02T04:00:00.001+01:00

Continuing on the theme of the new stamps released over at Chocolate Baroque this week, I have made a sample with the 'Music Fanfare' stamp set this time.

I wanted to make my project look like a tooled leather book, and after some thought, set about spraying some cheap photo copy paper with Adirondack spray inks, until I achieved the desired colour. I used Cranberry and Red Pepper. I cut three hearts from chipboard, using the heart music stamp as a template, and stuck these to my main piece of chipboard, before sticking the sprayed paper down. I pressed around the hearts, and the paper was soft enough to settle around them. I coloured the edges of the paper with Black Soot Distress Ink.

I created a central focal point with mount board, stamping one of the lovely music images with Versafine Ink, and triple embossing the oval. I worked out where it was going to go on my project, and stamped some leaves in Black Stazon to create a frame around the oval. Finally, I added hinges and a lock created with grungepaper, and coloured with Black Soot DI.

I'll have another project for you tomorrow, using the chess stamps again. Don't forget to keep checking over on the Design Team Blog for more samples there from myself and my team mates. A sample that I made using the 'Music Fanfare' set is now showing on the DT Blog.

For details on how I made this card, please pop over to the Design Team Blog to take a look.

I'll be back later today with my Forgotten Friday post, see you then!

Thanks for stopping by, xx

New Chocolate Baroque Stamps!

2011-09-01T14:25:00.000+01:00

Over at Chocolate Baroque Glenda has launched two new sets of stamps, 'The Art of Chess', and 'Music Fanfare'.

These are both fabulous stamps sets, and very useful for birthday cards for both men and women. When I first looked at the chess set, I could see the potential for men's cards, but wanted to show just how versatile this stamp set could be. I set about making a much more feminine card, using a palette of yellow and gold.

I created a background using Ecoline ink and salt, which I dried, then stamped some images from the 'Royal Fleur de Lys' stamp set. I used a piece of yellow vellum, and embossed a pawn shape randomly, using gold embossing powder, and painted the images, using Ecoline ink again. I stamped the sentiment on a left over scrap of the background, and edged it with Distress Ink.

Finally, I stamped the image of a woman and coloured her with Polychromos, before mounting her onto an oval Nestie, as if she were a reflection in a mirror, adding a shrink plastic crown.

Hop over to the Design Team Blog to see Glenda's sample card using these fabulous stamps, and keep checking back over the next few days for samples from the Design Team members. I will be posting a couple more samples myself on my Blog, so do come back to see me here as well.

Thanks for popping by today, xx

Forgotten Friday 30- Black and White

2011-08-26T08:00:00.001+01:00

Hi folks, it's Friday again, and time to rummage through your forgotten stash. I'm not at home right now, although I should be on my way back, as we speak. I've been visiting my parents in the North East of England, as it's approaching my Mum's birthday. So, this is a scheduled post.

This week, I have chosen to make a black and white card, which is not a frequent colour choice for me, I have to say. I did cheat a bit, and add slight touches of colour though! I chose a lovely backing paper from an old Graphicus Guild paper pack as my starting point, which I matted onto black card. I coloured some of the details with touches of grey and blue pencil, and edged the paper with Black Soot Distress Ink. I added a KaiserCraft rub on, bought at a Graphicus Retreat, and I had just stored these away and forgotten about them completely. I'm not a great rub on fan, but I liked these sentiments, there are some lovely ones in the set.

I then made a flower using some waxed paper packing that I had received with a craft parcel, and saw the potential for crafting with it. I stamped some wording on it with Black Stazon, but it doesn't show up very well, sadly. I will try other methods of altering, and see how it works. I edged the layers with the Black Soot Distress Ink, and added a large black brad.

Finally, I added a large Stamp Camp butterfly coloured with Antique Linen Distress Ink, to complete the card.

Don't forget to have a look through your stash to see what you have been neglecting. If you feel like making something, add a comment to my post, and I'll pop along to take look. Thanks for stopping by, xx

Another card from Shirley!

2011-08-22T18:07:00.000+01:00

Hi folks, Shirley has sent me a picture of a fabulous card for my Forgotten Friday feature. This week, she has gone oriental, with a kimono stamp. She has embossed this in silver, and decoupaged it. I like the addition of the brads for a bit of bling.

The subtle background echoes the blue tones, with the swirl and the sentiment, which is in a lovely font.

Thanks Shirley for joining in Forgotten Friday again this week. Don't forget, it's not too late to add a comment here, or on my original post linking something that you have made, and I'll pop along to take a look. Thanks for stopping by, xx

Forgotten Friday 29- Butterflies in Blue and Gold

2011-08-19T09:33:00.000+01:00

Hi Folks, well it's Friday again, another week that has just whizzed by. My Daughter is going back to Stoke today, which is a sad occasion for me, as I have enjoyed her company these past few weeks. Her ankle is sufficiently recovered that she can drive now, and get about reasonably well. It will be a while before she is completely pain free and the limp goes though.

This week, I've been rummaging through my stash, and decided to use a lovely set of stamps, originally from Elusive Images, and happily still sold by Chocolate Baroque called 'Whimsey Butterfly'. I bought these when they originally came out years ago, and loved them then, and still love them now. I bought them with another set called 'Oriental Bookmarks', which are another fab set.

My card was rather labour intensive, so I have decided to give it to my Mum for her Birthday, which is at the beginning of September. Mum doesn't have Internet access, so I am completely safe in posting this on here! I started by stamping and embossing the background with Queen's Gold embossing powder. This stamp is a great background stamp, I've used it lots of times, but not in this way. I coloured the image with some Ecoline paints, which I had dug out for another project this week, but I can't tell you what ;) they are normally stuck in a box, and never used. I really like using them, and won't be neglecting them from now on. I coloured the butterflies in the same way.

I decided to use a Crealie flower die that I hadn't used before to create the flowers for this project, well it is Forgotten Friday! I've had this die since last year, and hadn't even opened the packet, as I have my favourites, even among these dies. I spritzed the layers as usual, pinched the ends, and dried them with a heat gun, to set them into shape. I added some pearl brads, and tucked some pearls on wire behind them for added embellishment, instead of adding leaves. I also added flower stamens to the butterflies for their antennae.

I chose to use a well-used sentiment for this card, because it is my Mum's Birthday card. I'm very fond of this sentiment, and I love the size, the font, and the expression. It ticks all of the boxes for me. It's another Chocolate Baroque stamp, from the 'Loving Sentiments' set.

Why don't you have a look through your neglected stash, and make something with your forgotten items. Leave a comment, and I'll pop along to your blog to take a look. Thanks for stopping by today, xx

Forgotten Friday 28- A little Box

2011-08-12T14:02:00.000+01:00

Hi Folks, it's Friday again, two weeks since I last posted for FF, and a little bit late today, I'm sorry to say. I've had a nasty migraine, and although I started my project yesterday, I had to abandon it due to feeling ill. Although I'm woolly today, I do feel better.

I chose to alter a little box for today's project, given to me by my friend Elaine, some time ago. This little box has sat truly neglected, waiting for some TLC, and a new use. There used to be some scrumptious chocolates inside, apparently, and there might be again soon, as I have a few family Birthdays coming up.

I chose to cover the box using some lilac Paper Artsy chalk paint, and some lovely Thordon Hall paper. I love this paper, but am very miserly with it. This is only its second outing. The lovely purple print went with the chalk paint really well. I had some offcuts from some of the other sheets, and made some rolled roses to put on the top of the box.

I then chose to use a lovely stamp from Crafty Individuals that was, you guessed it, as yet unused. I love this stamp, and will use it again now that I have played with it this time. I coloured the entire thing with Polychromos pencils, and used Zest it to blend the colours. I decoupaged four layers in total, not easy with a headache! I chose to replace the stamped ruffle with a piece of cream lace, and one of the buttons with a real pearl button, exactly the right size, for a bit more texture.

I had fun making this box, I just need to persuade Elaine to eat some more chocolates, so that I can have another one!

Why don't you have a look through your neglected crafty items, and see if you can make something with your forgotten stash. Leave a link in my comments, and I'll pop along to your blog to take a look. Thanks for stopping by today, xx

Blue Grasses

2011-08-09T19:37:00.000+01:00

Hi Folks, well I'm back from my holidays, and up to my ears in washing, feeling like I never went away! We had a great time at Center Parcs near Longleat, and it was a much needed break, as we have had a lot of things going on this year. We revisited a lot of favourite haunts, Longleat itself, and Cheddar Gorge, managing to fit in a scrumptious cream tea.

Megan has had her cast removed today, and although she feels as though she has gone backwards a bit, she is glad to be rid of it. She wants to be mobile and independent again.

I am itching to get crafting again, I have lots of things that I want to be getting on with, so hopefully, I'll have a few things to show you shortly. One of the projects I made a little while ago was using the recently released Home Sweet Home stamps by Chocolate Baroque Glenda has been having a giveaway over on the Design Team Blog, and is choosing a winner for a set of these lovely stamps as we speak.

When I was first given these stamps, they spoke to me of Clarice Cliff, a designer that I have always admired. I love that era of design, and apart from the lack of female freedom in those times, would quite cheerfully live back then, as I love the clothes, the art, and the architecture of the period. I researched the alternative colours that Clarice used, and was drawn to the turquoise, navy and cream often found in her designs. I decided to use these colours for this project.

I created two faux porcelain tiles, by cutting a piece of mount board into oval shapes, and stamping my chosen designs onto them. Once dry, I covered the tiles with Versamark, and then used clear embossing powder, to create a tile effect, reapplying this three times. For the background, I added Bundled Sage re-inker to a Mini Mister filled with water, and Tumbled Glass re-inker to another Mini Mister filled with water. I spritzed the watercolour paper with the two colours, drying each layer, until I was happy with the duck egg blue colour that I had created. I then stamped the grasses in a repeat pattern to create a background.

These stamps really are lovely, and myself and the other DT members have really enjoyed working with them. Look out for some more new stamps coming along soon, and some great samples from the Design Team.

Thanks for stopping by today, xx

Chocolate Baroque Giveaway- Home Sweet Home

2011-07-29T18:57:00.000+01:00

There is a giveaway over on the Chocolate Baroque Blog at the moment. There is a new release of stamps called Home Sweet Home, and Glenda is giving away a set of these stamps to a lucky commenter, either on the Design Team Blog, or one of the blogs belonging to the Design Team members, including her own blog. There are links in my sidebar to the other Design Team members' blogs.

I was fortunate enough to work with these fabulous stamps recently, and one of the samples I made involved a card with a secret gift inside.

I wanted to make a very simple card from the outside, and chose very soft muted colours for the image. I used the same colours for the inner pocket.

I then decided to make a Chotski pin to go inside the inner pocket. Chotski pins are a bit like kilt pins with loops on. You can hang charms on them. Normally they are a bit grungier than the ones I have made here, but they can be whatever style you choose to make. I altered a couple of bottle caps, added some beads, used some silver plated charms, lots of odds and ends, and some jewellery findings. I stamped some of the words onto shrink plastic, and coloured some pieces of card to set behind the shrink plastic, in typical Clarice Cliff style colours, then mounted these into the bottle caps.

I stamped the smallest house stamp onto an acrylic heart tag, and coloured the reverse with Copic markers.
I had a lot of fun making this piece.

Hopefully, I've inspired you to have a look at these lovely new stamps, and given you a few ideas as to how to use them. Thanks for stopping by xx

Forgotten Friday 27- Darkroom Door Bicycle

2011-07-29T16:03:00.000+01:00

Hi Folks, it's Friday again, and slightly later than usual, I'm posting my submission for this week's post. We are preparing to go away on holiday on Monday, so I am working my way through my 'to do' list. It's very long, and I am trying to get everything done, not an easy task in this house! Especially as my list seems to get longer every time I look.

This week, I have chosen to use a fabulous set of stamps from Darkroom Door, called 'Enjoy Life'. It is the first time that I have used the lovely stamps, I really like them, but just hadn't got around to inking them up, have you heard that one from me before? I chose to put them with a piece of lovely Kraft resist paper from Tim Holtz, which I am very miserly about using. I love this paper, but can barely force myself to use it, as it so gorgeous. The paper seemed to go so well with the stamps though, so it had to be done. I raided my button collection, and added some paper string to complete my card.

Don't forget to rummage through your own stash to see what you have forgotten or neglected. Make something with it, and I'll pop along to your blog to take a look. Thanks for popping by today, and have a great weekend xx
P.S. What do you think to my new signature block?

New CSQ post

2011-07-25T10:41:00.000+01:00

Hi folks, it's my turn to post a project over on our joint Blog again. Pop over to Craft Stamping Quartet to take a look. If you're not familiar with what happens over there, myself and three crafting friends take it in turns to pick a project based on items featured in Craft Stamper magazine. We each make the project, and post it on our Blog. We don't live near each other, but this way, we feel like we are crafting together.

This month's projects have a slight twist, because they are based on a colour challenge, but we have been allowed to combine them with another random project selected from either the March, April or May edition of the magazine. I chose to use Rachel Jackson's 'Carve a Niche' from the April edition, featuring an altered book. Here is a picture of my take on her project:

Pop over to our joint blog for details on how I put this together. Thanks for stopping by today, Judith xx

Forgotten Friday a submission from Shirley

2011-07-23T16:00:00.000+01:00

Hi Folks, Shirley has sent me a fabulous submission this week for my Forgotten Friday post. She has been following an online class with Glenda Waterworth from Chocolate Baroque It's fabulous!

She has never used these stamps before, so they certainly qualify as forgotten stash.

I love the images on this card, and the colour scheme is great. Thanks Shirley! Don't forget, you have until Thursday evening to join in and make something with your neglected items. Leave a comment on my blog, and I'll pop along and take a look. Or, do as Shirley does, and send me an email with a picture, and I'll upload it to my blog, no worries. Thanks for stopping by today, Judith xx

Forgotten Friday 26- A bit of Tim Holtz

2011-07-22T09:14:00.000+01:00

Hi Folks, it's Friday again, which means that it's time to rummage through your crafty stash and make something with your neglected items again.

This week, I've chosen to use some unused, surprisingly, Tim Holtz stamps for my project. I am very fond of bird stamps, and am starting to collect quite a few. I bought these ages ago, and just never got around to using them. I have some more that I haven't used either, so they may pop up in a week or two. I made a completely different background for this project last night, but wasn't happy with it. So, this morning, I made another one! I had painted my watercolour paper with various acylic paints, added some napkin paper flowers, stamped on various shapes with black and white dabbers, used sequin waste, etc, all very involved. I looked at it, and just didn't feel that I liked it, so it has been ditched for a simpler approach this morning.

I have embossed the flowers with white pearls embossing powder, and then used three different colour blues to spray my watercolour paper. I then used a bit of water to thin the colours a little bit. I have used Stazon to stamp the birds and the sentiment, and then edged the paper with Chipped Sapphire Distress Ink. I stamped the bird onto Kraft card, and coloured it with Weathered Wood and Chipped Sapphire DIs.

I like working with blues, the other colour scheme just wasn't in my comfort zone. Do you have a colour that puts you out of sorts?

Anyway, please join in this week if you have time, add a link in my comments, and I'll pop along and take a look. I have an entry from Shirley, which I'll upload a bit later, it's fabulous. Thanks for stopping by today, Judith xx

Forgotten Friday getting along without me and news of a Blog Fest

2011-07-15T08:00:00.001+01:00

Hi folks, well it's Friday again, and I'm not at home right now. I'm travelling around, so I'm unable to make a contribution for this week's Forgotten Friday. However, my friend Shirley, has very kindly sent her contribution to me, and I am posting a picture of what she has made.

She has stamped her image and coloured it with Promarkers, before mounting it onto pearlescent card. She has used a pretty stripy paper to cut out her border.

Thank you Shirley for joining in the challenge this week! Why don't you have a rummage through your own craft stash, and make something with your forgotten or neglected items, leave a comment on my blog, and I'll pop and take a look.

Over on the Design Team blog there is a Blog Fest this weekend. Keep an eye out over there for lots of designs popping up from the Design Team members.

I'll be back next week as usual, but I hope that you all have a lovely weekend, whatever you are doing. Thanks for stopping by, Judith xx

Forgotten Friday 24- A Touch of Venice

2011-07-08T08:00:00.004+01:00

Hi folks, it's Friday again, this week has flown by! My Daughter is safely back in the UK, but her ankle is in plaster for the next five weeks at least. She has a lovely purple plaster cast- a girl after my own heart! We have been backwards and forwards to the Hospital a lot this week, and need to go again next week for another x-ray. Hopefully then she can settle down a bit, and concentrate on letting the ankle heal. I'm off to pick a wheelchair up for her tomorrow, as she can't walk on it for several weeks. Who would have thought a trip to Disneyland could be so dangerous?

Anyway, onto my project for this week. I have chosen to use a background stamp from Hero Arts, 'Italian Poetry Background', as the starting point for my card. I am very fond of Italy, as those of you who know me will know. I coloured my card with Versamagic chalk inks, that were already laying on my craft desk. I used a lovely mask from Tattered Angels down the left hand side. I then added an as yet unused stamp from Stamp Camp of a scene from Venice. The chalk inks give a very dreamy, watery quality to the picture. The final touch was to add a lovely flourish from Chocolate Baroque in the corner, almost like a watermark.

Don't forget to have a rummage through your stash, to see what you have that is forgotten or neglected. Make something with it, and add a link in my comments. I'll pop along to your blog to take a look. Thanks for stopping by today, Judith xx

Forgotten Friday 23- A Birthday card for a Friend

2011-07-01T07:00:00.001+01:00

Hi Folks, it's been a funny week this week. My lovely Daughter broke her ankle while on holiday in America. She slipped while standing up from coming down a water slide. It took the medical profession two days to realise that it was broken. Today has been a worry, as the original airline refused to take her, and she is coming home on a BA flight, while her Boyfriend is on their original flight. They fly in to seperate terminals at different times. The Insurance Company forgot to tell her that she had to fly FROM a different airport, so she had to get a taxi for a 30 plus mile trip to the other airport, by herself with crutches, and all of her luggage. However, on the plus side, she is flying business class, but it has been very stressful.

As my post appears, I will be heading to get her, very relieved that she is on UK soil again.

This week, I have chosen to use a lovely stamp by Hero Arts, a cling stamp, which I haven't used before. I needed to make a Birthday card for a friend of mine who turns 30 this weekend. I had plans for a much more elaborate card, but today just went pear-shaped. So, my offering is a much more simple affair, hopefully she will like it. I have used Distress and Adirondack inks to make my backgrounds, and decoupaged the butterflies. I have used some untouched, but very pretty lilac seam binding as the only embellishment.

Don't forget to look through your stash, join in and make something with your forgotten or neglected items. Leave me a comment, and I'll pop along to take a look. Thanks for popping by, Judith xx

A Forgotten Friday entry!

2011-06-29T19:51:00.000+01:00

I had an entry for this week's Forgotten Friday post emailed to me today, by a friend of mine, Shirley. She is a fellow Chocolate Baroque Guild member It is lovely to see people joining in with my post, so I am delighted to post a picture of Shirley's card.

Shirley told me that she has probably had this stamp for about thirteen years now, so it really qualifies as a neglected item. She used it for a great niece's 4th or 5th birthday, and she is 18 now! Shirley has used lovely lilac and aqua tones to make this card, stamping on vellum to create her top layers.

It looks as though Shirley has taken the photograph with some plants in the background, giving a real summery feel to the picture.

I'll be posting again on Friday for this week's Forgotten Friday post, so why not start rummaging now, and maybe you can join in this week? Thanks for stopping by, Judith xx

Just to let you know

2011-06-27T15:54:00.000+01:00

I've been having a bit of a clear out of some of my stamps. Locally, there are three American Air Force Bases, with a huge amount of personnel coming and going all of the time. They have a local website where you can put your items up for sale, free of charge, a bit like Ebay. Anyway, there is a link in my sidebar 'Items for Sale', where I have posted my stamps. I have three lots, Wood Mounted, Unmounted clear stamps, and Magnetic unmounted stamps. All huge collections. If you are interested, you can contact me via email, and I'll give you more details. I haven't put photographs on there, but I have taken photographs of them. Judith xx

Forgotten Friday 22- On a Sunday!

2011-06-26T09:46:00.000+01:00

Hi folks,well my post is a little bit late this week. We've had one of those weeks this week, with lots of strange things happening. I even couldn't get in to the house on one occasion, as my front door lock jammed, and it took three hours to break in!! It made me realise that our house is quite secure though, and all's well that ends well.

I took my Hubby to Center Parcs on Friday for an overnight break. It was his Father's Day present. He needed a bit of rest and relaxation from his busy job. It was lovely to take a bit of time out just to slow down and not rush around at the normal day to day pace of life. We live about nine miles from the nearest Center Parcs, so it is only a short drive before we are in a haven of tranquilty, surrounded by amazing forestry and wildlife.We are back to normal again now though, catching up, and tackling our normal weekend tasks, feeling as though we probably haven't been anywhere!

This week, I have chosen to use some great stamps from Innovative Stamp Creations, that I bought a while back. Some of them have been used, but sadly neglected for ages. I stamped the face stamp, and masked it off with eclipse masking tape. I then coloured my background with Distress Inks, and overstamped the area with a canvas background stamp, overlapping some areas slightly. I stamped two flowers and a butterfly onto white card, colouring the flowers with DIs, and the butterfly with pencils.

I then coloured the face with pencils, and blended these with Zest it. I stamped the 'Thanks' with Versafine, and assembled the card. This will be a useful storecupboard card, when I need one in a hurry, and I might make some more of these in various colours, lilac and lime green, orange and purple, cream and brown, red and cream, etc. I've just bought some lovely chalk inks, and might try some of those for a softer finish, the colours are lovely, and will look really pretty with this layout.

So, dig around in your stash, and see what you can find. Make something with your neglected crafty items, and leave a link in my comments, and I'll come and take a look.

Thanks for stopping by, Judith xx

Chocolate Baroque Giveaway

2011-06-19T16:54:00.000+01:00

Hi folks, just to let you know that there is a giveaway on the Chocolate Baroque Design Team Blog. Do pop over there to take a look.

Glenda is giving away two A4 plates and two A5 plates of gorgeous new stamps. There will be samples from the Design Team popping up all week on the Blog too, so keep checking back. I hope that one of you will be lucky! Judith xx

Forgotten Friday 21- Steampunk Tag

2011-06-17T08:46:00.000+01:00

Hi Folks, it's Friday again, phew what a week! It's been really hectic, but thankfully, I've recovered from my migraine. Before I show you what I've made this week, I'd like to say that the winner of my giveaway, was Sue.

This week, I have chosen to use some unused stamps from The Artistic Stamper. I bought these a while back, but just forgot about them. I coloured a tag with Distress inks, and stamped a sequin waste stamp, and large cog background across the tag, leaving the middle of the tag clear.

I then stamped the large and small flower, the leaf and the butterfly onto some sticky backed canvas, which I coloured with Distress Stains. I then cut these out and stuck them onto grungepaper, and coloured the reverse of the grungepaper too.

I added an ideology cog to the flower, and a spinner to the butterfly, before sticking them to the tag. I then just added some green ribbon to finish off my tag.

Why don't you take a look through your stash, and see what you have that is forgotten or neglected lying around. Make something with it during the week, and add a link in my comments. I'll pop along to your blog to take a look.

Thanks for stopping by today, Judith xx

Forgotten Friday 20- Giveaway

2011-06-10T09:41:00.001+01:00

Hi Folks, it's Friday again, and time to rummage through your stash. Make something with what you find, and leave a comment on my blog, and I'll come and take a look.

This week I've been ill, and unfortunately, I haven't been able to make anything to show you myself. However, I have still had a rummage through my forgotten stash. These are my embellishment boxes, and I have left a box of Copic markers in front as a guide to the size of them.

I keep lots of my larger items in here like Stampbord, tins of brads, chipboard embellishments, etc. Lots of stuff gets forgotten about. I have had a good rummage, and pulled out lots of items that I am going to give away to one person this week. All you have to do, is make something with your forgotten stash, and leave a comment on my blog. You do not need to be a follower of my Blog.

Now I have two regular contributors to this slot every week, and I already have a package of goodies made up for them, they know who they are. However, if they happen to get drawn at random again, they they will be doubly lucky, I am not going to discount them for their loyalty. I am also going to rummage through my stamps today, and add one or two of those to the pile of goodies, so there will be more coming someone's way than shown in the photograph. Please join in, the deadline is 6.00 p.m. Thursday 16th June, when I will get my OH to draw a name from all of the contributors who have actually made an item with their forgotten stash.

Good luck to all who take part, thanks for popping by, Judith xx

Less is More- Monochrome

2011-06-07T17:18:00.000+01:00

Hi folks, I decided to enter this week's Less is More challenge again, as the theme is 'Monochrome', and this really appeals to me. I went for my favourite colour palette, purple, and stuck to a theme of clover.I chose to use Kraft card as my base this week, and stamped a lovely stamp from Art Journey three times, once in Versafine Imperial Purple, and twice in Memento Sweet Plum, onto my card. I then stamped a honeycomb design from Jo Capper-Sandon in Lulu Lavender. I stamped the word 'Dream' from Kaisercraft (Life Sentiments) in Imperial Purple again, in the bottom corner. Finally, I stamped two bees, from Jo Capper-Sandon onto Wendy Vecchi's Clearly for Art in Purple Stazon, and moulded them slightly, before sticking them onto the card.

Pop over to the Less is More blog to see what everyone else has been up to. You will find some stunning projects.

Thanks for stopping by today, Judith xx

Summer of Colour

2011-06-06T08:53:00.004+01:00

Today it's raining outside, and it's a bit grey. However, if you fancy a bit of colour, pop over to Kristen's Blog and check out what she is organising. It is a ten week long challenge, starting this week, where you can make anything you like, choosing that particular week's colour of the rainbow. This week, the colour is BLUE. It can be any shade of blue, and you just need to link your project to her blog. There are giveaways, so take a look.

Judith xx

Dandelion Fairy

2011-06-04T10:40:00.001+01:00

Hi folks, it's not often that I post on a Saturday I know, however, I had a rare chance to make a tag yesterday, just for fun. It wasn't for a challenge, or a swap, just a bit of relaxing time.

I stuck to my comfort zone of a Distress Ink background, as I wanted to achieve a certain colour. I used Old Paper, Mustard Seed, and Crushed Olive, blended and then spritzed with water. I used three stamps by Clarity stamps, available from Chocolate Baroque which I stamped in Versafine ink. I stamped the verse in Onyx Black at the top of the tag, followed by the fairy at the bottom in a darker green. I stamped the individual leaf around the edges. I then coloured a piece of scrap card with the same colour Distress Inks and stamped the fairy and the leaves again. I cut the top layers of the fairy's dress out, and highlighted the stems with Glamour Dust. I highlighted all of the remaining leaf stems with a white pencil.

Just a quick note also to say that I have posted my latest project on our joint blog Some of you will have seen it already, as you follow both blogs, but if you haven't, please pop over and take a look. The details of how I made it are all over there.

Thanks for stopping by today, have a great weekend, whatever you are up to, Judith xx

Forgotten Friday 19- Irises

2011-06-03T08:00:00.006+01:00

Hi folks, it's Friday again, time to rummage through your stash again, find a neglected or forgotten item, and make a crafty project. If you post a comment here, linking to your blog, I'll pop along and take a look.

This week, I've chosen to use a lovely set of stamps from Chocolate Baroque, called 'Elegant Iris'. I've had this set of stamps for a long time, unused until today. I decided to steer away from the more traditional lilac colour for my iris, and based my colour scheme on a lovely iris called 'Dame de Coeur'. Elaine, a fellow Guild member gave me link to a fabulous website that sells these irises, they are beautiful, and I am thinking of getting some for my garden.

I printed off a lovely background paper that is available from Chocolate Baroque in the form of a download, it is from the Stucco Backgrounds- Bright Damask collection. Then I stamped the Iris on a script background onto Hot Pressed Watercolour paper. I use this a lot, as it will stamp very smoothly. I used Distress Inks to colour the background of my stamp, and Inktense pencils to colour the image.

I used Clearly for Art by Wendy Vecchi to stamp three of the flowers out, and moulded these slightly. I then stuck these to the card, adding three of my very vast, underused button collection.

I have chosen not to add a sentiment at this point, as this card can be used for a multitude of occasions, and I can add something at the last minute if necessary.

Thanks for popping by today, Judith xx

Paper cobbling

2011-05-28T11:16:00.000+01:00

A while ago, the Design Team at Chocolate Baroque were asked to complete an unusual challenge. Glenda asked us to make some paper shoes, which was a little bit out of our normal comfort zone. However, we gave it some thought, and had a go. We are starting to post our exploits over on the blog now, mine are first, and if you care to take a look, I have explained how I made my paper creations over there.

A pink and black Brocade creation with matching tag:

A pale blue and lace creation with glazed Butterfly:

A French style creation, remeniscent of Marie Antoinette:

There is also a free downloadable shoe template available at www.chocolatebaroque.com in the printables section of the website if you fancy having a go at making a paper shoe yourself. Keep popping back to the Design Team blog, as there are more beautiful creations on their way. Thanks for popping by, Judith xx

Forgotten Friday 18- Photorealistic stamp

2011-05-27T07:30:00.002+01:00

Hi Folks, it's Friday again, where did that week go? It's time to look through your crafty bits and pieces and make something with your forgotten or neglected stash. Leave a comment on this post, and I'll pop along to your blog to take a look. You can take all week, no worries.

This week, I've chosen to use a photorealistic stamp called 'Serena' by Stampsmith I believe. I have never used this stamp, and bought it ages ago. I thought that it wouldn't stamp very well, but this was its first printing, and it came out really well. I used Versafine ink, and brayered the ink onto the stamp. I have used lots of neglected items this week as well as my stamp. Some lovely paper by Prima 'Firefly' from the Flights of Fancy collection. Some gorgeous peach ribbon roses that I bought last year from the Clothes Show where I go every year with my Daughter Megan. I also used some butterflies from an old necklace, bought especially to break up for my crafting. I've used some beautiful sari ribbon, given to me by my lovely friend Lesley. Finally, a sentiment that I hadn't used yet from a Chocolate Baroque set 'Loving Sentiments'. I use lots of others from this set, but I thought that this card could be set aside for when I need to send it someone who needs cheering up.

I love how this image stamped out, isn't it a lovely stamp? I may have to get more of these photorealistic images now I know that I can stamp them okay. I am definitely going to use this one again.

Thanks for popping by today, have a great weekend, whatever you are up to, Judith xx

Less is More- Butterflies

2011-05-23T23:06:00.001+01:00

I've admired the Less is More Challenge Blog since it first started, and been a follower since day one. However, due to other commitments, I've never been able to join in their weekly challenges. This week, the theme is Butterflies, so I just had to have a go. I love using butterflies in my crafting, in all shapes and sizes. I bought a new butterfly stamp last week at the Happy Stampers Show at Port Sunlight, from the Stamp Camp stand, along with a lovely flourish, and decided to use those on my card. I used them alongside a lovely butterfly saying from Chocolate Baroque.
First of all, I stamped the Butterfly, and masked it using the image stamped again onto Eclipse masking tape. I stamped the flourish, so that it appears to be behind the butterfly. I then coloured the butterfly with Inktense pencils.

The picture isn't brilliant, as I've taken it in artificial light, rather than wait until the morning, as I'm working then.
Pop over to the Less is More blog to see what everyone else has been making for the challenge.
Thanks for stopping by, Judith xx

Forgotten Friday 17- Paper Artsy

2011-05-20T08:00:00.002+01:00

Hi Folks, it's Friday again, time to look through your forgotten or neglected stash, and make something with what you find.
This week, I found some very old stamps from Paper Artsy, that I've had since I took out a subscription to Craft Stamper magazine the first time around. I let my subscription lapse, and then several years later renewed it again. These stamps form part of six mini plates from Paper Artsy, and I've dipped into several of them, to create a collage style card. I have a recipient in mind for this card, and she will know who she is, I am sure!

If you feel like joining in my Forgotten Friday challenge, please leave a comment, and I'll pop along to your blog to take a look at what you've made. Thanks for stopping by, Judith xx

Forgotten Friday 16- Hummingbird

2011-05-13T19:21:00.001+01:00

Hi folks, it's Friday again, which means that it's time to rummage through your craft rooms again, and make something with your neglected stash. Sorry my post is a bit late, but Blogger has been down, so I couldn't create my post.
This week, I have chosen to use lots of neglected items on my card. Firstly, Papersoft Colour, which I bought ages ago, tried, and consigned to a box. This blends beautifully, and I have chosen cream, lilac and violet to colour my card.
The stamps that I have used, are a flowerhead from Little Claire, a Humming Bird from the 'Mindscapes' set by Inkadinkadoo, a sentiment by Tim Holtz, and a script background stamp by Viva for My Paper World, designed to go with the Coloursoft range.
I stamped the flowerhead onto a cotten linen fabric, and stuck beads onto the top with silicone glue, to represent the stamens.

I'm off to the Happy Stampers Show at Port Sunlight tomorrow. It's the first time that I've been to this particular show, and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm staying with my Daughter to break the journey up, we followed each other up the motorway today, so it didn't feel like we were driving on our own. We are having a night in front of the TV, which will make a nice change.
If you make something with your Forgotten Stash, leave a comment, and I'll pop along to your Blog, and take a look.
Thanks for stopping by today, Judith xx

The first cut is the deepest

2011-05-09T10:52:00.002+01:00

Hi folks, it's a very sunny Monday here in Norfolk, I hope it's the same wherever you are.
I have another Birthday card to show you today, that I made for a very special friend of mine recently. I've not had much time for crafting lately, and wanted to make something extra special for her. Time unfortunately was against me, but I found a lovely blog recently and the blogger, Paulien had made a beautiful tag which I thought was so pretty. I decided to use the same technique to create a background for my friend's card. You can see a how to on this lady's blog, it's really straightforward.
I decided against making some of the lovely organza flowers, as she has had some of those from me before. I got out my Paper Artsy Thordon Hall paper pack, and decided to use some papers from there to make some flowers.
Now I am a paper hoarder, I buy pretty papers, and I don't use them, it pained me greatly to use these lovely papers, to make that first cut into the new pack. Does anyone else suffer with this problem? I am terrible! Once I got started, I was okay, I used several sheets, and I was fine!
I used three of the Paper Artsy dies to cut out the flower shapes, scrunched them, and fixed them together with brads, before colouring the edges with Vintage Photo Distress Inks. I used a Paper Artsy sentiment stamped onto a background coloured with Fresco Finish paints. I distressed the edges of this, and again coloured it with Vintage Photo DI. The leaves have been stamped onto the same green card as the sentiment, and these are Paper Artsy stamps too.

Don't forget to pop over to Paulien's blog to look at the lovely things that she makes, she is a very talented lady. I'll be back tomorrow hopefully, with some more projects, thanks for stopping by, Judith xx

Stamping Contrasts

2011-05-08T09:36:00.001+01:00

Hi folks, well it's not such a sunny Sunday here today, but it's a welcome change, as the garden really needs a bit of rain. Yesterday was very humid, but it's a bit more pleasant today.

I have two cards to show you today, both using Tim Holtz's 'Papillon' Stamp set, which I loved as soon as I saw it. I love butterflies anyway, but the background stamp is just fabulous. At my card class last week, I wanted to get the girls to use white embossing in their cards, so we based our cards on this technique. We chose three colours, and blended our backgrounds, after embossing the background stamp. We also coloured the butterflies with the same colours, and decoupaged the butterflies. We used some Kraft card, and chose a stamp from the set as our background stamp, this time using a Versafine ink in a matching colour, (I used Majestic Purple), and then I matted everything onto red Bazzil card.

I haven't added added a sentiment, as this card could then be used for any purpose, a great store cupboard card!

My second card has a lovely shabby, vintage feel, which is exactly what I wanted. I firstly created my background, using a Linda Brown technique using Paper Artsy paint, which you apply to white card sparingly, and dry with your heat gun. I then used Antique Linen and Spun Sugar Distress Stains, and blended them with a baby wipe over the top. When these were dry, I stamped the big Papillon background stamp down my card, using archival ink.
I then embossed and refined my metal shapes in Pearl metal, and painted them using Vintage Lace Fresco Finish paint. I rubbed over a little bit of black paint dabber, and wiped off the excess to age them slightly. I cut the wings from sticky back canvas, coloured them with Antique Linen Distress Ink, and stamped a Crafty Individuals script stamp over the top. I coloured the Ideology ribbon and flower trims with Spun Sugar and Antique Linen Distress Stains, before spritzing them with water.
I then assembled my card, adding a computer generated sentiment, and a heart charm. I had seen this sentiment on another blogger's card ages ago, I've looked so that I could give credit to her, but can't find the link. So my apologies for that.

This card is going to a very special person, and I hope she has a lovely Birthday!
Thanks for stopping by today, I hope you have a lovely weekend, whatever you are doing, Judith xx

Forgotten Friday 15- Butterflies and Blossom

2011-05-06T08:00:00.001+01:00

Hi folks, it's Friday again, boy these weeks are flying past! It's time to look through your forgotten and neglected stash again, to see what is lurking unused in your craft areas. Try and make something with what you find, and leave a comment attached to this post, and I'll pop along to your blog and take a look at what you've made.

At this time of year, our garden is full of beautiful blossom. The lilac is particularly lovely, we have white and purple varieties.

Aren't they pretty? I think that this is my favourite time of year in the garden, and it's not too hot for me either, as I suffer from sunstroke when it gets too hot.
Anyway, I wanted to make something that refelected this lovely period, and looked through my stamps. I couldn't find anything in my wood mounted stamps, and had just about given up hope, when by chance I spied a cheap little set from Papermania 'Butterfly Medley' which were perfect. I had never used them, so they qualified for today's spot.
I started with a backing paper from K & Co, from the same pad that I used a couple of weeks ago, and used another unused item, my 'sew easy' to mark out the stitch holes, and then hand stitched my backing papers together. I had to use a pricking tool to go through both layers, but I knew about this in advance, as I had read the write ups about the tool. It was still quite a doddle to use. I then took a piece of music paper, with the perfect wording on it, and coloured this with Distress Inks, and added this to my card. I stamped out my images, and coloured them with Polychromos pencils, I love these for the colour choices I have.
The finishing touch was to add some Scrabble pieces, and the card was done.

Now, I have based my card on a card made by a very talented lady called Peet. I will give you her blog link in a second. I found her through another blog that I follow called 'Inspired by'. This lady chooses an artist each week and a different card each day, shows the card, and then makes a card, putting her own slant on the card. She is very talented in her own right, and makes some lovely cards. Her blog is here Peet's card that I based mine on can be found here and her link is in that post.
Both blogs are fab.
I hope you get a chance to join in with my Forgotten Friday challenge this week, thanks for stopping by, Judith xx

A little update

2011-05-05T09:19:00.000+01:00

Hi folks, life is a little less hectic around here, thank goodness! My OH is slowly improving, but it will be a long haul. I've been getting back to crafting, but most of the things that I've been making, I can't show you yet, as they are on their way to other people, or I've been working on Design Team projects.

My little chicks are growing fast, running about here, there and everywhere. We had put mesh around their compound to stop them getting out, so that the cat couldn't get to them. They keep finding escape routes, so we have given it up as a bad job, and given them the freedom of the garden. The cat sleeps most of the day anyway, so they are fairly safe!

The chicks are starting to grow their feathers now, and are even getting little wispy tails! I took a few photos out in the garden yesterday, and thought that I would share a picture or two with you. Even the non bird lovers amongst you might think these are cute!

Anyway, enough cuteness! Onto matters crafty! I can show you two items that I made recently for swaps on the Chocolate Baroque Guild. Each month, we set challenges, and swap tags or ATCs to a certain theme. This month, we pushed the boat out, and also did an altered matchbox swap too. this is my take on the matchbox swap:

I have coloured my elements with Distress Inks, and then stamped over the top with Versafine Ink, embossing some key areas with clear EP. I covered the box with French poetry, and added a couple of little charms.

For the tag swap, the theme was 'Baroque' and the colour choice was 'hues of blues'. I still had my Venetian lady stamp sitting on my desk from my Forgotten Friday project last week, so I decided to use that stamp again, as it doesn't get to see the light of day very often! I coloured some white card with some Distress Stains in two shades, ran it through an embossing folder, and coloured the raised areas with Inka Gold, in Old Silver. I used a piece of printed paper from an old Guild pack to finish backing my tag. I made some jointed pieces of beading for the bottom of the tag, using gold and turquoise beads.

Hopefully, as my recipients receive more of their items, I can reveal more of what I've been up to!
Thanks for stopping by today, and I'll see you tomorrow for my Forgotten Friday post. Judith xx

Forgotten Friday 14 Venetian Compilation

2011-04-29T08:00:00.003+01:00

Well folks, it's Friday again, where has the week gone? It's time to rummage through your forgotten and neglected stash again and create something with what you find. I was looking through my wood mounted stamps, barely used these days, and came across an old favourite of mine, that I have had for years; 'Italian Poetry Background' by Hero Arts. I love all things Italian, ecxept maybe the Mafia, and I used to love using this stamp. I dug out some bits and pieces to use with it. I have used a chandelier by B-Line stamps, an elegant lady by Chocolate Baroque, and a lovely lace stamp also by Chocolate Baroque. I have used a crackle stamp by Crafty Individuals, as my background looked too 'new', and I wanted a faded, elegant feel to the whole piece.

I have kept my colour scheme quite simple, and added some black Stickles for a little bit of bling. I made a flower from Black Bazzil, spritzing it with water so that I could scrunch the layers up, and then dried it with a heat gun to set the layers in place.

I enjoyed making this card, I haven't managed much crafting lately, and it's been good just to relax and mess about in my craft room. Don't forget, if you have a chance to make something, leave me a comment, and I'll stop by and take a look. Thanks for popping by, Judith xx

Forgotten Friday 13- What a difference a week makes!

2011-04-22T09:19:00.000+01:00

Hello folks, it's Friday, and that means that it's time for you to rummage through your forgotten stash again, and see if you can make something with your neglected craft goodies.

We've had a bit of a week in our house; firstly, we've got 15 chicks that have hatched. They are so cute, and I thought I'd post a couple of pictures for you.

Don't they just make you want to go ahhhh? We keep Pekin chickens, which are miniature sized chickens. They have feathers over their feet like little shoes, with short legs. They waddle when they run towards you, and are very sweet. That is a walnut shell beside the chick on the left, to show you how tiddly they are!

The warm weather has been lovely for them, and they doze off in the sunshine, having 40 winks, when they get tired.

On the flip side this week, my Husband broke his collarbone, and dislocated his shoulder last Friday night, playing football. As he was coming out of Hospital the following morning, he collapsed, and was readmitted. He has given me a bit of a scare, I can tell you! He is okay, and home now, but can't drive, and needs a lot of looking after. It will take several weeks to heal, and will be very painful. No football for a while....

So, I haven't managed any crafting this week apart from a very simple project for this post. I found a lovely, untouched paper pad by Susan Winget titled 'Nature' for K & Co. I chose a lovely peachy themed piece of DP, and rummaged through my neglected Lavinia stamps, to create a scene. I have simply layered the stamps, using different colours, some shading, and a really useful dotty stamp which can be used for leaves, or ground shadows.

I hope you will for give me my quick card today. We have company later, and my nursemaiding duties are calling me again! Have a lovely Easter everyone, hopefully, the next week will be less eventful for me, and I might get a bit more crafting done. Don't forget to leave a comment if you make a 'forgotten' project, and I'll pop along to take a look. Thanks for stopping by, Judith xx

Forgotten Friday 12- Monarch Tag

2011-04-15T08:48:00.000+01:00

Hi folks, well it's Friday, so it's time for my Forgotten Friday post again. How quickly did this week go? I had a lovely time on Saturday at Alexandra Palace, meeting my CSQ friends at the Big Stamp and Scrapbooking Show. I also got to meet some of the Chocolate Baroque Guild members too, whose names I know, but I had never met in person before. It was lovely to meet you girls. It is always a big treat to meet up with Jo, Lesley and Elaine, who I rarely see. We talk all of the time, but this was a great opportunity to catch up face to face. We also managed to fit some time in spending money on crafting goodies too!

My craft room is full to the brim already, but there is always something new coming along that is a 'must have'. Don't you know that feeling? Fridays are a great chance for me to use something that has been lurking unused for a while, and has been neglected, because I've been using my new stuff. This week, I've chosen too use a little bit of both again, some new, some old. I have used a beautiful Monarch Butterfly stamp that I have had for many years, I don't know when I bought it. It doesn't even have a makers name, but I think I bought it from Creative Expressions. I've also used an unused stamp from Stampendous, 'Wishes take flight', I can't believe I haven't used this, considering my love of butterflies! My new items are a large Cling stamp, again from Stampendous of a Dahlia, it's gorgeous! and some of the new Fresco Finish paints from Paper Artsy. I raided my paper stash for a piece of paper from Basic Grey to finish the tag, adding some organza ribbon at the top.

I hope some of you will find time to join in with me this week. Have a look through your forgotten stash, make a project, and leave a comment for me. I'll pop over to your blog to take a look. You've got a week, see what you can come up with! Thanks for stopping by, Judith xx

Mosaic Doodles

2011-04-13T10:05:00.000+01:00

Hi Folks, I thought that I would share another Design Team card that I made recently with you, using the lovely new designs from Chocolate Baroque. Glenda has a giveaway going on at the moment, all of the details are in my previous post. If you comment on any of my posts, the posts made by the other Design Team members on their blogs, or on the Design Team Blog itself, you stand a chance of winning one of three fabulous stamp sets.

The card that I am showing you today, uses backing paper from the Echoes of Italy backing paper set, onto which I have stamped a long border, from the Doodle Butterfly stamp plate stamp, four times. I took nine pieces of one inch Stampbord, and taped them together with masking tape on the back, then coloured them with a mixture of Distress Inks and Memento Inks. I then stamped the Doodle Flower Design, from the Doodle Bird stamp plate on the top. I seperated the pieces, and matted them onto black card, before placing them onto the backing paper, which was also matted onto black card.

I wanted this to look like a piece of Italian wall art, and really enjoyed working within my favourite colour group.
Don't forget to see what the other Design Team members have been up to this week, the more you comment, the more chances, you'll have to win those lovely stamps! Judith xx

Chocolate Baroque Giveaway

2011-04-10T15:01:00.001+01:00

Hi folks, happy Sunday to you all! I hope the weather is as lovely with you, as it is here. I'm here to tell you about a great giveaway over at the Chocolate Baroque Design Team Blog Glenda is giving away three sets of stamps,

Doodle Butterfly

Doodle Birds

Butterfly Dreams

To be in with a chance of winning a set of one these fabulous stamp plates you need to leave a comment either on the Design Team blog, or on one of the Design Team members' blogs, that includes mine! Glenda will then choose random commenters to receive the prizes.

You've already seen some samples on my Blog using these lovely stamps, but here is another one for you today.

I wanted an opulent feel to my card, so I stamped my bird onto the reverse of a metal oval, and embossed each line with an embossing tool while resting on a soft mat. I turned the oval over, and refined the lines. I then used alcohol inks to colour the metal, and gently swiped the raised areas with gold.
I created a tag by stamping a peacock feather in black Stazon Ink on an acrylic tag, and applying metal leaf to the reverse.
I used gold mirri card to mat my Artylicious backing paper, and my metal oval, and hung the tag from a piece of teal ribbon, using jump rings.
Thanks for stopping by today, and don't forget to visit the other Design Team members' blogs to see what they have been up to, Judith xx

Forgotten Friday 11- mixing the old with the new

2011-04-08T10:03:00.001+01:00

Hi folks, well it's Friday, so that means it's time for my Forgotten friday post again. I'm sorry that I missed last week, time just caught up with me. I hope that you have been looking through your neglected stash this week, and if you have time, please make something, and leave a comment. I'll pop along to your Blog to take a look.
This week, I am using a couple of new products with my Forgotten stash; Dylusions sprays, and Clearly for Art, modelling film from Wendy Vecchi. I purchased these at the recent Harrogate Show, and have been itching to play with them.
I have based my card this week on some unused Stampotique stamps designed by Jo Capper-Sandon. You may think that these are not particularly forgotten, or neglected, but I bought them, put them in a drawer, and there they have stayed. I love these stamps, and here is an excuse to use them. I have had them for quite a while, as I pre-ordered them before they were available!
I stamped Jasmine, masked her with Eclipse tape, and then stamped the mushrooms, and masked them too. I then sprayed my watercolour paper with the sprays. I coloured my image with Polychromos pencils, and added a butterfly made from Clearly for Art, coloured with caramel alcohol ink.
I stamped the 'Papillon' word stamp onto some scrapbook paper from my stash, and added the sentiment to my picture.

I really enjoyed making this piece, and don't think that I'll put these stamps back in their drawer just yet. I have the bees and Moongirl as well, so there are more possibilities to my layouts. The Dylusions sprays are lovely to work with, and I did buy quite a few colours.
I'm off to Ally Pally tomorrow, meeting up with my Blog friends, and some Chocolate Baroque Guild members. If you are going, and you see me, please say hello. I may be a bit distracted by all of the goodies on display!
Thanks for stopping by, Judith xx

Chocolate Baroque Doodle stamps

2011-04-05T10:22:00.001+01:00

Hi folks, today I like to show you a card that I made using the new Doodle stamps from Chocolate Baroque. We were given these on the Design Team to play with recently, and had a great time with them.

For this particular sample, I decided to use soft colours, and a Spring palette. I made a stair step card, and instructions for this can be found at http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ in the resources section. You do not have to be a member to use the resource section, just trawl through, and you'll find some great card shapes and techniques over there.

Anyway, I used paper from the Essence of Nature CD to cover the panels of my card, and matted this onto pale green card. I cut an oval, stamped my images with Versamark, and embossed them using pearl white embossing powder. I coloured the oval using Distress Inks. I stamped four butterflies onto shrink plastic, and attached those to the step panels, and added a piece of green seam binding ribbon. A sentiment finishes the card.

I loved working with these soft colours, as I often work with much brighter colours.
The other Design Team members have been posting some of their samples on the Chocolate Baroque Design Team blog, and their own blogs, which can be accessed from the Design Team blog. You can reach the blog from my sidebar. Do go and take a look. Thanks for stopping by today, Judith xx

Where does the time go?

2011-04-04T10:27:00.000+01:00

This last couple of weeks has been incredibly busy, I've been away twice, and time is just whizzing by. Unfortunately, I just didn't manage a Forgotten Friday post last week, but Val and Sue, both posted on their own blogs. They have supported this post from day one, and I truly appreciate that. Girls, will you please get in touch with me, I know you both know how to, either via my profile, or on the Chocolate Baroque social site. You can see Sue's and Val's posts by reading the comments on my previous post.

The Chocolate Baroque website launch has been great, it's lovely to look at, and the new stamps are fabulous. I have made two cards from the new stamp plate 'Butterfly Dreams'

Of course I had to use the poppies first! I used gold embossing to stamp out the image, but I think that it will look stunning stamped in black. That will be how I try it out next time. I've used shrink plastic for the butterflies, but stamped one on the wrong side of the shrink plastic, to get it facing the opposite way.

This card became a Mother's Day card for my Mother in Law, and she was really pleased with it. I stamped the decoupaged butterflies onto coloured vellum which I bought years ago, as a job lot from a certain shopping channel, so I don't know if it's still available. I spritzed the stamped panel with Gold Sticky Fingers spray after I had coloured it with Adirondack inks, it is very shimmery, which you can see if the picture is clickable.
The Chocolate Baroque social site is humming with activity, there are lots of members now. Don't be put off if it seems a bit strange at first. There are lots of places to ask questions. If not, look for me, and I'll help you! The links for the website, and the social site are in my previous post, but there is a nice badge now in my sidebar for the social site for you to click on, and you can reach the shop from there.
I'll be back with a Forgotten Friday post this week, so don't forget to start looking through your neglected or forgotten stash, make something, add a comment to my post , and I'll come and visit you.
Thanks for stopping by, Judith xx

Chocolate Baroque Launches Today!!!

2011-04-01T11:55:00.000+01:00

Just to let you know that Chocolate Baroque opens its doors today at 12 noon. Hop over to http://www.chocolatebaroque.com/ there is a free gift for the first 100 shoppers. There is also a social website http://chocolatebaroque.ning.com/ where you can join in crafty discussions and challenges. You can even make friends. I am living proof of that, I have three lifelong friends that I made through the old Graphicus Guild, Elaine, Jo, and Lesley, with whom I run http://craftstampingquartet.blogspot.com/ The Guild has now become the Baroque Guild, and you can find out about that on the new forum, and the website too. It offers discounts on products from Chocolate Baroque, a monthly newsletter, and a whole host of new crafty friends to get to know.
The clock is ticking, it won't be long now! Judith xx

Forgotten Friday 10- Tim Holtz and grunge

2011-03-25T09:00:00.001Z

Hi folks, well as this post appears, I will be almost landing in Malta! My OH and I are having a long weekend away, as he really needs a break before a very long busy season ahead.
This week I have been rummaging in my Tim Holtz Ideology box for things to put on a special Birthday card. I needed to make a card for my Daughter's Boyfriend, who is in his third year at University, doing a Graphics course. He always has his head over the laptop, or his phone, so I thought that this image from Mo Manning was very apt. I wanted to make his card very shabby and distressed, very like the cool shopping labels that he gets on his clothes, I pinched a couple from Megan's room recently, and I'd love to alter them in some way!

Aren't they fabulous? Anyway, I took inspiration from the colours, and looked through my scrapbook papers that I normally just can't bear to use, and found a great piece from Pink Paislee. I added some Brown card from my Linen Closet Stack by DCWV, and I was nearly there.
I printed off my image, and coloured it with Polychromos pencils, and then scuffed all of the card edges, adding Vintage Photo Distress Ink to highlight the distressing.

Don't forget to have a look through your own stash, play along, and make something with your neglected or forgotten craft goodies. When I'm back from my travels, if you leave a comment, I'll pop along to your blog to take a look at what you have made.
Thanks for stopping by, Judith xx

Bah Humbug- Christmas Trees

2011-03-25T08:30:00.002Z

Well, it's my last week as a Guest Designer over on the Bah Humbug Blog. The time has absolutely flown by! As you read this, I will be in Malta with my Husband having a weekend break, so thoughts of Christmas probably couldn't be further from my mind!
My first card was made using a couple of Tim Holtz stamps, stamped onto cream card, coloured with Distress Inks. I embossed the piece stamped with the music stamp, using a Tim Holtz tree embossing folder, and picked out the embossing, using Pine Needles Distress Ink. I matted both pieces of card onto dark green card, and used a lovely backing paper from Papermania. I then made a handmade flower from brown parcel paper, using a Nestability die. I added a red button and some paper string. Some leaves cut from a Magnolia die finish the flower off.

My second card was made by stamping an Elusive Images tree onto acetate with white Stazon, and glittering the back. I stamped a sentiment onto watercolour paper, and mounted this onto a green mirri card. I used a lovely Christmas paper from Artylicious, and added some red brads to attach the acetate to my card.

The acetate was so shiny, it was difficult not to get a reflection of myself in the picture!

Don't forget to pop over to the Bah Humbug Blog to see what everyone else is getting up to, and thank you so much for stopping by for the last four weeks. I have really enjoyed my stint as Guest Designer. Judith xx

Forgotten Friday 9- Dream

2011-03-18T08:34:00.004Z

Hi folks, it's Friday again, and time to raid my craft room for some forgotten or neglected stash. This week, I have chosen to use two stamps that I bought a year ago, after seeing a lovely project in the Craft Stamper magazine by Jo Capper-Sandon. I wanted to make something similar as a present for a special person. Time got in the way, and the stamps didn't get used.

Anyway, I decided that this spot was a good excuse to get them out and give them an airing. The stamps are both by Lost Coast, and are lovely, I will use them again, now that I've recovered them! I've used a particular colour scheme, as this card has a destination. It was hard to photograph the Glossy Acents on the decoupaged butterfly, so please forgive the funny camera angle.

I have stamped the image onto Hot Pressed watercolour paper, hence the slight texture of the paper, but I really like to use this medium for stamping. I have used Polychromos pencils to colour the image.

I love the dreamy quality of this image, and the text fits the image perfectly. I chose not to use the other two portions of the definition, which were Magic and Love.
Don't forget to leave a link in your comment if you manage to join in with my Forgotten Friday post, and I'll pop along to your blog to have a look. Don't worry if it's halfway through next week either, as I'm away this weekend, visiting my parents, and going to the GNPE Show at Harrogate, so I won't be back until Monday.
Thanks for stopping by, Judith xx

Bah Humbug Metallics

2011-03-18T08:30:00.002Z

The theme over on the Bah Humbug blog this week is metallics. I have made two cards using my favourite colours. Years ago, I had my colours analysed, and was described as a 'Winter' person, dark haired with fair skin, able to wear strong colours like Aubergine and Teal, Black and White. I hate the cold, so I am not a natural Winter person, but I love the colour Aubergine, and this is what I have used on my first card. I took a piece of metal that colour, and embossed it through my Big Shot with a Kabuka mould, and then refined it with my tools. After sticking the metal to a tag, I used the 'controlled squish' technique taught by Linda Brown of LB Crafts to create the harlequin pattern, and drew some squiggles on every other diamond. I aged my piece of metal by rubbing black acylic paint over it, and wiping off the excess.

I stamped my Elusive Images bauble onto pearlescent card with Versamark, and then used Moonglow embossing powder to give a lovely metallic sheen. I added two types of Burgundy ribbon through the top of my tag, and a burgundy bow to the top of my bauble. I embossed the sentiment using Versamark and Moonglow embossing powder again straight onto the Artylicious backing paper.

For my second card, I chose to use another Eluse Images stamp, which I stamped onto acetate, using Stazon. I then applied my adhesive, and metal leaf, before matting this onto silver mirri card. I used a backing paper with the matching image totie everything together, then added a ribbon with a metal snowflake charm.

This is my third week as a Guest Designer on the Bah Humbug blog, only one more week to go, the time is just flying by! Don't forget to pop over there to see what everyone else is getting up tp. Thanks for stopping by, Judith xx

Charming!

2011-03-14T11:26:00.001Z

Just a quick post today, to show you the altered charms that I received back from the Altered Charm swap that I took part in recently. They were waiting for me in my post box when I got home just now. I got two pins from Roni, the organiser, and some charms from different participants. They are all really varied. It is great to see what different people come up with.

Only one participant I received a charm from has a blog to visit as far as I am aware, but they have given me email addresses, so I'm going to email them to say thanks, anyway. Roni is planning to do another swap later in the year, so I'll keep an eye out, as this was a lot of fun. I have some spaces on these two pins, which means that I need to make some more charms of my own to fill them. I'll post some pictures when they are finished.

I'm off to get on with some crafting, as I have a busy week, with lots of deadlines, back later, Judith xx

Forgotten Friday Number 8- Tattered Angels

2011-03-11T11:34:00.001Z

Hello folks, it's Friday, which means that it's time for me to rummage through my vast masses of forgotten stash, and make a project with something forgotten or neglected. This week, I have chosen to use some of my Tattered Angels products. Some of these have never been used, I am ashamed to say!
I decided to decorate a lovely Kraft book from Paperchase that I picked up for about £5, it has Kraft pages inside too, and could be used as a scrapbook, or as an ideas folder, a journal, whatever you like, really.

I chose some masks to go with the unused stamps that I was intending to use, and got out a mixture of very neglected Glimmer mists, Crafty Notions sprays, and Adirondack sprays. I sprayed the front and back covers, removed the masks, and dried off both covers. I stamped the areas that had been masked, and unfortunately, my Butterfly is slightly off centre, but there you go, they can't all be perfect!

The back cover is a lovely greeny blue, to echo the dragonfly stamp.

This is so shimmery, and the photo really doesn't do it justice. I have also added a couple of swirls, and picked out parts of the design in pencil. I would like to add some Tim Holtz corners, and one or two other pieces to the book, just to finish it off, and once I've finished faffing, I'll show you the updated version.

If you feel like joining in with my Forgotten Friday challenge, please leave a link in my comments, and I'll pop along to your blog, and have a look. Thanks for stopping by, Judith xx

Bah Humbug Apertures

2011-03-11T08:30:00.002Z

Hi folks, it's the second week of my stint as a Guest designer over at Bah Humbug. This week the challenge is to make a card or project using apertures.
For my first card, I managed to use three stamps that I haven't used before. I have had them for ages, and they have sat neglected in my box of Christmas stash, gathering dust. They would qualify for my other Friday post, lol! They are a set of bauble stamps from Great Impressions, with the words 'Peace', 'Love' and 'Joy' on the baubles. I chose to stamp these on acetate, and cut three apertures out of my main card. I glittered the baubles, and stuck them into the apertures, and then covered the back with another layer of acetate, to keep the glitter nice and tidy, then added a layer of card, to tidy up the inside of my card.

Apologies for the ornament in the corner of the picture, but I need a nice sunny position to take the photo, and the windowsill was handy!

My second card is a tri-fold card, made using a stamp from Elusive Images, stamped onto watercolour paper, and coloured with Polychromos pencils. I have placed it so that it can be seen through an aperture on the front of the card. I have added some flowers and leaves cut from Crealie dies.

Don't forget to pop over to the Bah Humbug blog to see what everyone else has been up to, and thanks for stopping by, I'll be back later with my Forgotten Friday post, see you then! Judith xx

Forgotten Friday Number 7- Vintage Crafty Individuals

2011-03-04T08:00:00.001Z

Hello Folks, it's Friday so, on my Blog, that means that it's time for my Forgotten Friday post. This week, I've been looking through my neglected Crafty Individuals stamps. I'm an avid collector of these gorgeous stamps, introduced to them by my lovely friend Elaine. However, because I'm so busy, I often don't get to use them, and they get forgotten about. The stamps that I have used on this project are no exception.
I have used CI-173, CI-148 both for the first time, and two old faithfuls, CI-116 the crackle stamp, and CI-085 the letter stamp.
I wanted to create a vintage feel to my piece, so I added cream lace, pearl buttons, and some seam binding. I stamped onto Kraft card, and made my favourite flower at the moment out of brown parcel paper, spritzed with Distress re-inker and water, scrunched, then dried with a heat gun to make it stiff. I added a cute little metal butterfly to tone in with the cream lace.

I painted the main image with Distress Inks to give a washed out feel, and edged the cream card with Distress Inks.

Have a look through your old and neglected stash, make something, and leave a link to your project in my comments. I'll pop along and have a look. I'd love it if more people joined in with my Friday makes, and would be happy to give a spot prize of some of my forgotten stash! Thanks for stopping by today, Judith xx

Bah Humbug Embossing

2011-03-04T07:51:00.000Z

Hi folks, it's the first week of my stint as a Guest Designer on the Bah Humbug Blog. The subject this week was Embossing. I managed to make two cards this week! The first card is using a lovely embossing folder from Cuttlebug, of a village scene. I embossed this through my Big Shot, using Coordinations card, sanded it back a bit, and glittered the rooftops. I mounted it onto silver card, and backed it with a lovely Artylicious backing paper from the Season's Greetings CD.
I then stamped a pretty Whiff of Joy stamp of a little girl with a muff, which I coloured with Polychromos pencils, and set in front of the village scene. A piece of tartan effect ribbon and a sentiment finish off my card.

My second card uses a lovely Elusive Images lantern stamp, which is stamped onto a piece of Stampbord, and triple embossed to look like a tile, after it has been coloured. I have then embossed a swirly corner design in black onto my backing paper to tie in with the wrought iron feel of the lantern. I was obviously feeling cold as I made these cards, as both sentiments are sending warm wishes!

Don't forget to pop over to the Bah Humbug Blog to see what everyone else has been up to. Thanks for looking, Judith xx

Bah Humbug things that fly

2011-03-02T02:55:00.001Z

This week over at Bah Humbug the challenge was to make a card or project incorporating something to do with 'Things that Fly'. I chose to use a lovely stamp from Elusive Images of a bird house and two robins. I coloured my image with Polychromos pencils, and mounted it onto a fabulous backing paper printed onto pearlescent paper. My paper design comes from the Essence of Nature CD, again from Elusive Images. I have used a Martha Stewart branch punch, and a fun sentiment to finish my card off.

Don't forget to go and see what everyone else has been up to this week over on the Bah Humbug blog, and watch out for Friday, as there's an extra treat in store!!!
Thanks for popping by today, Judith xx

Pretty things

2011-02-26T16:44:00.001Z

My Daughter is home from University for the weekend with her Boyfriend, which is a rare occasion. One of the girls who comes to my card class made some cup cakes and dropped them off for Megan, as she knows that she loves her cakes. Aren't they pretty?

They are lemon flavoured, and really moist, I can personally vouch for how delicious they taste!

I have been cutting out and burning some more chiffon and organza flowers ready for future projects over the last couple of days. They just need some beads, brads, or other embellishments in the middle.

I love how the edges go crinkly, and they curl up beautifully. Each material reacts a little bit differently.

Yesterday, while I was photographing my tag for the previous post, the chickens came to see what I was up to. They made me smile, and I thought that I would show you their curious faces.

Now talking of pretty things, hop over to the Chocolate Baroque Blog where Glenda has added another free download to mark 200 followers on the Blog. It's a really lovely download, the flowers remind me of poppies, in soft pastel hues. I hope that you're having a great weekend whatever you're up to, it's raining here, but I'm with family, and that's what counts, Judith xx

Forgotten Friday Number 6

2011-02-24T19:45:00.002Z

Hi folks, it's Friday again, and time to dig out your neglected stash again, to make something and play along with my weekly post. If you make a comment, post a link, and I'll pay a visit to your blog.

This week, I've been trawling through my embellishment baskets, and the stuff in here is seriously neglected! There's ten years worth of goodies stuffed in here; brads, chipboard pieces, buttons, all sorts of things. I got a packet of domino sized pieces of Stampbord out, and decided to use one of those.
I have chosen to use an unused stamp set this week, called 'Parfum de Paris' from Elusive Images. Hopefully this will be available again under the Chocolate Baroque label when the new Company starts up very shortly. I stamped the word 'amour' onto my coloured piece of Stampbord, and inked up a piece of card with Distress Inks, before stamping the large image in Vintage Sepia Versafine ink. I tore around the edges, and then inked those edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink. I used a Tim Holtz flourish die cut, and made a chiffon flower from my old chiffon scarves, another neglected item.

I added a flower from an old Primark necklace, and some very forgotten fibres were threaded through the tag at the top.

Thanks for stopping by today, Judith xx

Bah Humbug use a cd or dvd

2011-02-23T22:44:00.001Z

Hi folks, well I've had a whirlwind two days with Jo, the weather has not been kind to us, but we've had a lovely time, crafting, craft shopping, and consuming way too many calories. I'll miss her now that she has gone home again, but we are meeting up again soon, at the GNPE at Harrogate in March with another Craft Stamping Quartet friend Lesley. In April, the four of us are hoping to get together at Ally Pally, which will be a rare but treasured occasion. I've made my Bah Humbug card by the skin of my teeth this week, as the deadline is lunchtime tomorrow. The challenge was to use a cd or dvd in some way. I chose to stamp on my CD, using Teal Stazon ink, using an Elusive Images snowflake stamp, to match the gorgeous turquoise backing paper that I have used. I have stamped and coloured a Crafty Individuals image called Snow Baby, cutting it out with a Nestie shape, and mounting it onto a lovely teal coloured card. I have used a piece of teal coloured ribbon underneath my image, and hung a snowflake charm from the bow. Don't forget to pop over to the Bah Humbug blog to see what everyone else has been getting up to this week. Thanks for stopping by, Judith xx

An award

2011-02-21T12:41:00.001Z

Hi folks, it's been a busy weekend, and tomorrow is an exciting day, because my friend Jo is coming to stay. We met through the Graphicus Guild, and became firm friends, along with two other Guild members, Lesley and Elaine, with whom we run our blog, Craft Stamping Quartet. We meet up as often as we can at Craft Shows and have the odd day together, but live apart, so keep in touch mainly by email. Jo coming to stay, is therefore a big deal! We have made plans, but probably won't achieve half of them, because we'll be chatting too much, but we'll see! Number one on the list, is a lovely cream tea in Ely, just after I've picked her up from the Station, I'm sure we'll manage that one!

A few days ago Marlena gave me an award on her blog. It was the Stylish Blogger award. Marlena's blog is stunning, and I feel very honoured that she gave me this award. It's taken me a couple of days to gather my information together to post my reply on here.
I need to Thank Marlene, and link back to her blog.
Pass the award on to eight other people who write blogs that I love to visit.
Share eight things about myself with my lovely blog readers.
I have tried to pass the award on to people who I haven't given an award to before, and who I feel really have given me lots of inspiration along the way. Their blogs are full of beautiful ideas, and handy tips too. Some of them are quite private, and may choose not to pass this award on, but I still wanted to let them know that I appreciate what I enjoy every time I visit their blogs. The blogs I have chosen are:
A New Beginning
Ink on My Fingers
A Splash of Colour
Ink Stains with Roni
Anneke
Sarita
Suzz Stamping Spot
Little Birdie Secrets
Okay, so eight things about me, I don't know that many interesting things!

1. I have been married to my childhood sweetheart for 25 years this year.
2. I can't eat cauliflower or dark chocolate, they make me ill :(
3. I am on the Design Team for Chocolate Baroque (that makes me so proud!)
4. I had a piece of work published in Craft Stamper magazine
5. I am a tea drinker (excessively!)
6. I love Italy, and visit as often as I can
7. I have two children, one 21, at University, one 19, living at home.
8. My cat Buzz has to be into everything that I do, including my crafting and my emails.

Don't forget to pop over to the new Chocolate Baroque Blog where there is a chance to win some free stamps, a free download, and inspiration from the Design Team. If the number of followers reaches 200, Glenda will add another free download.
Thanks for stopping by today, Judith xx

Forgotten Friday Number 5 and exciting news!

2011-02-18T21:03:00.001Z

My project for this week's Forgotten Friday post is a little tag box, that I bought ages ago. It was one of those brown flat pack kits that you buy and think, 'oh yes, I'll make that', and it sits for ages, and never gets made. I also had some lovely napkins that I received in a napkin swap last year organised by a lovely lady in the States. I am currently taking part in her altered charm swap. So, I had a look through the napkins, and found a gorgeous egg covered napkin, which I cut up. I covered my tag box first in Gesso, then in Aqua Adirondack paint dabber. Then I added strips of old book pages, and the eggs from my napkin. I also added two little chipboard birds, that have been gathering dust. I coloured these with Vintage Photo Distress Ink,and stamped them with a music stamp. I covered the whole lot with a coat of Claudine Hellmuth Matte medium for durability.

This will be perfect for popping my tags and ATCs in that I receive from blog and Guild friends. I had an audience earlier, she doesn't look too impressed by what I'm doing, or the mess that I'm creating! Don't forget to have a look through your own stash for any forgotten or neglected items and play along with me on a Friday, making something, leave me a comment, and I'll hop over to your blog to take a look.

Now, onto the exciting news! Glenda has launched the new Design Team blog today. We have been beavering away creating new artwork, and working with some lovely new stamps. There is a chance to win a set of four new stamp plates, so pop over to http://chocolatebaroque.blogspot.com/ to take a look. You can see something that I have created over there too. The new Company will be launching soon, so keep checking for news of that, either over there, or I will let you know once I have any information. Thanks for stopping by, Judith xx

Bah Humbug Doilies

2011-02-16T15:19:00.001Z

The challenge over at Bah Humbug this week is to make a card or something incorporating 'Doilies'. I chose to use this lovely angel stamp'Guardian of Hearth and Home' by Carmen Medlin for SCACD which I bought from Quixotic Paperie recently. I used a backing paper called'Twinkle' from Basic Grey, and coloured my image in pale blues to match.

Although I have some actual paper doilies, I chose to use my Martha Stewart doily punch, to create a frill around my image, an idea I saw on this blog and then added a border with the same punch on the base of my card too. I also used a pretty acetate doily on the base of the card, underneath the sentiment, which came from Lili of the Valley.

I'm looking forward to seeing what this week's challenge is now, although I have several craft commitments to get done and dusted first! Thanks for stopping by today, Judith xx