My Crafting Space

It's been a long time since I shared any pictures of my crafting space, it's nothing fancy but it's all mine and I love it!

Here is my main workspace

Eek, I didn't realise how bowed my shelving unit was till I saw this picture! I like to keep the things I use most often close to hand. My PTI stamps, markers and ink pads and my most used items. I keep all my markers, pens, pencils and tools in the little blue drawers. The little beige tins are Quickutz storage and I keep loose embellishments and miscellaneous small items in them.

I have two of the old Quickutz Magpie storage units which have sadly been discontinued, I would have loved a third one. I keep all of my Promarkers in colour families in the cubby holes, spare nibs and markers are kept in the drawers beneath, I have a small collection of Flexmarkers in the second cube. I am now a convert to the useability of Flexmarkers and am looking to swap over to using them exclusively.

 

On the top I keep a small selection of ribbons, my beloved button jar and my newest purchase, washi tape (I know, I am late to the party!)

I love this part of my storage, the rainbow colours of my memento ink pads, however, with the news that Tsukineko are releasing pigment ink pads to match the dye ink pads, I have no idea where I will store them all!

The green folder to the left of the units is my Martha Stewart folder in which I keep all of my dies. I love all the different pocket sizes you can buy, and I like to keep any spare dies cuts in the same pocket, it really is perfect. I bought my folder when I visited Canada last year, but I was so pleased to find that they now carry the whole range in Staples in the UK so it is easy to buy extras.

Now, please excuse the mess...

This is my Ikea Expedit unit that sits on the wall behind me so I simply have to swivel round in my chair to get access to all my supplies. The grey drawers hold my heat and glue guns, all of my gems and lots of small embellishments. Beneath my big shot there are four 'bins' that keep all my punches, Spellbinder/Sizzix dies, more cardstock and the inevitable 'junk drawer'.

On top is the home made 'clip it up' that my darling husband made for me, love it so much!

 

To the right of my expedit is a set of metal drawers which were, how do I say it, purloined from my wonderful Mum, I had my eye on them for ages and one day when she was having a tidy up I asked if I may have them and luckily she said yes! I have grand plans to rub them down and spray them duck egg blue and white, it's just another thing to go on my to do list!

Finally a glimpse into some of the drawers, mini ink pads, Tim Holtz pads, Hero Arts stamps to name just a few, it is surprising just how much these drawers can hold!

I hope you enjoyed the little tour, there are quite a few things I didn't get round to showing, including the 'Cupboard of Doom' but maybe I will save that for another day!

Thanks for looking
Ang x

Papertrey January Blog Hop Challenge

Every month Papertrey Ink has a blog hop and this month the theme is Black Backgrounds. Here is my entry.

I used my favourite Strawberry Patch stamps and sentiments, embossed in white then simply coloured with my watercolour pencils, I am really loving this look at the moment. I am so annoyed that my pictures are coming out so badly, the snow outside really doesn't help when placed next to the window and my OTT light isn't much better, oh well, I can't wait for sunnier days!

Thanks for looking
Ang x

Make it Monday Part 2

So, I could not resist making a second entry for Make it Monday #100, I had just the idea in mind :)

 

My friend has just given birth to an adorable baby boy and I know that she will love this card. I used the Hanging Out dies and stamps to decorate the card and glassine bag, adding a little bit of twine, some washi and the picket fence dies.

Thanks for looking!
Ang x

Make it Monday #100 Part 1

It is Papertrey Ink's one hundreth Make it Monday and in honour of this they are giving away a $100 gift certificate to the winner, that will buy quite a few stamps! This week it is how to package cards with oversized embellishments. I recently made a Mother's Day card for my lovely Mum (Mother's Day in the UK is on Sunday the 10th of March) and I used a number of foam pads to add depth to my card and had trouble fitting it in a normal envelope, so I created this pretty pouch.

 

I sewed pink felt and vellum together to make the pouch, stamped the front using a dot from PTI Daydreamer set using PTI Fresh Snow Ink, always make sure to heat set pigment ink on vellum as it takes forever to dry. I then embellished it with a pink vellum doily using the Parisian Doily Die, felt leaves die cut using one of the dies from Turning a New Leaf topped with some In Bloom flowers coloured with Promarkers.

 

 

 

I'll be back again with another take on MIM, Thanks for looking!

Ang x

CASE Study Challenge #123

Over at the Case Study Challenge Blog their muse this month is the talented Amber Kemp-Gerstel and the challenge this week is to use this pretty card as inspiration;

So, without further ado, here is my take;

Apologies for the poorly lit picture I am still working on better ways to take pictures at night! I used the PTI Friendship Jar and filled it with hearts from the PTI Sweet Baby set, although you can't see it in this picture I also die cut a jar out of acetate to place over the top to give it a nice glossy 'jar-like' finish. My favourite part was colouring the bow (from PTI Friendship Jar Summer Fillers) I'm not too good when it comes to colouring but I am getting better, I just need to practise more! I finished it all off with a sweet sentiment from Hero Arts.

I am also trying to work more on the inside of cards and envelopes, the quickest way to add a nice finishing touch was some heart print washi tape on the envelope.

Thanks for looking
Ang x

Update: Here is a marginally better photo! You can just about see the shine on the jar from the acetate.

Hero Arts Blog Challenge January 2013

I'm a big fan of Hero Arts product and try to enter their monthly challenges as often as I can, so I decided to join January's challenge. There were three different options to choose from or you could combine all three!

Try Something New — A new year is the perfect time to try something new! A new technique, new color combination, new stamp, new inkpad, new embellishment…anything new to YOU!

ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) — Miniature works of art created on a 2. 5″ x 3. 5″ base. Any theme goes! Be sure to check out Shari Carroll’s January technique article and video on ATCs.

Create a project using 3-4 colors from the palette below, inspired by our new Just Beachy ink cube pack. Color names are provided for reference but feel free to substitute similar shades.

I decided to go for a 'new to me' technique that I have been wanting to try for a long time, but have never got round to it, stamping metallics on acetate. I have had a platinum Staz-On pad for month's but have never wanted to crack it open for fear of it staining my stamps or drying out, well, I certainly won't be looking back now!

I used the Antique Engravings stamp set for the butterflies, the aforementioned Staz-On and Pool Designer Papers for the background, I am pretty pleased with how it turned out, The only tip I would pass on is to be steady of hand when stamping as the risk of slipping on acetate seems to be increased 100 fold! you may find a stamp positioner useful (must get myself one of those one day).

Have a happy Tuesday and thanks for looking!

Ang x

Make It Monday #99 Repeats & Rainbows

I am finding that entering challenges are really helping me kickstart my creativity for 2013. Here is my entry for Papertrey Ink's Make it Monday #99 Repeats and Rainbows

I used a newly purchased set from a lovely lady on the sale/trade board, Scattered Showers which I have longed for for quite a while, coupled with Up, Up and Away Sentiment. I decided to mount it all on black cardstock to make the colours pop, the handle and sentiment are embossed in white and each umbrella is mounted on increasing layers of foam tape, unfortunately it doesn't show up so well in this photo!

Thanks for looking!
Ang x

Make it Monday #98 - Take 2

As I said in my previous post, I really enjoy the chalkboard technique featured as this week's Papertrey Ink Make it Monday, I just had to make another..

 

The flowers came out as I envisioned, but something is a little 'off', I think it's because it does not have as much detail in the blank space as my previous card and the 'chalk' smudges aren't quite right. I used Year of Flowers Larkspurs for the main image and Movers and Shakers Sentiments for the sentiment and coloured it in with my faithful Derwent Watercolour Pencils, faithful, because I have had them since I started secondary school and they are now *cough* over 20 years old and still in perfect condition!

 

Thank you so much for all the kind comments on my previous card, they really made my day!

 

Happy Saturday, Ang x

Make it Monday #98 - Last card of 2012

I cannot believe how quickly this year has flown and now we are just hours away from 2013. I decided to whip up a card to enter in Papertrey Ink's Make it Monday - Chalkboard Technique.

 

I am constantly in awe of the creative genius that is Betsy Veldman and I have used the techniques she demonstrated to make this card, I love this technique and style so much, I can see me making a  few more!

I used the fabulous 'Thank You' set that was issued last year, Vintage Labels for the scroll work and Strawberry Patch for the little curlicues. I traced round Spellbinders Labels 18 and added some extra lines then added some shading using a yellow pencil. I then mounted it with foam tape on to some pretty yellow damask paper from My Mind's Eye Miss Caroline Pad, all finished off with some ribbon and pins from my Etsy store.

Wishing you all health, wealth and happiness for 2013 - Ang x

2012 Gift Ideas Part 1

As it gets closer and closer to my favourite time of year, I have started scouring the web looking for some cute little gift ideas that are budget friendly and to also use up my mountain of stash. I have found that one of the easiest gifts is filling up a pretty gift box with sweets. First up are these ADORABLE little owl pillow boxes.

I wish I could take credit for the original idea, but I found these adorable ones on Pinterest and had to have a go! I didn't follow the instructions given to the letter, I simply cut a pillow box, circles and the wings on my Silhouette, punched some hearts for the beak and feet and they were ready to go!

With big tins of sweets such as Roses, Quality Street and Celebrations on offer in most supermarkets for £5 I could have filled 6-7 of these with goodies, and standing at 7.5in tall and 4 3/4 inches wide they make a substantial looking gift.

Well, with those finished, I'm off to look for some more inspiration!

Have a great week :)

Bits and Pieces 2

Hello, If you are here from the I Spy My Mind's Eye blog post you can find my cards here :)

Continuing my cards posted the other day where I have made use of scraps, I thought I would share some more. These cards came about after I found I had a lot of scraps from various 6x6 Crate Paper pads and it fit in with their August patterned paper challenge.

I also created a matching envelope and tag to go with it

I seem to have a ton of different sizes of hexagons cut out of these papers, I went a bit crazy with my silhouette to be honest! I am loathe to throw them away, so here's one more card.

Now, I promise that will be the last of the hexagon cards.....in this paper anyway. I know, I know, I am over using the theme but I have always loved the look of hexagons, especially when they resemble an old quilt.

Till next time, stay classy, thanks for stopping by, no, stay classy!



Bits and Pieces 1

Quite a while ago I decided that, if I had any left-overs from making a card, I was to use up all of the scraps on another card or project before moving on to the next. I made these two cards for the Hero Arts monthly challenge and was left with the positive shapes of the little girl and the balloon.

I also made a matching mini-tag

Apologies for the blurriness!

Fortunately I had enough scraps to make 2 cards and 2 tags. I've got a few more cards to share that have just been made from the scraps of another project and I'll post them soon.

Have a lovely sunday!

In Love....

With My Minds Eye Sweetest Thing Lavender paper collection, specifically the 6x6 pad (of which I bought 2!). I cannot remember the last time that I had so much fun creating with just one paper line, the colours are soft and pretty and the patterns are just perfect!

I decided to embark on, what turned out to be, a marathon card making weekend and I can't believe how many I managed (considering I am a slow cardmaker!) Without further ado here are the *11* cards I came up with:

I'm still 'experimenting' with embossing powders, it just seems to be the one thing I can't seem to do properly (as evidenced by the faded doily edge at the bottom). This was made using the Lavender 'Cutie Pie' stamp set which I adore.

They are just so delicate and lacy and look fabulous when stacked on top of one another. I intend to make these into a cut file on my silhouette so I can die cut and stamp to my hearts content. I do love the colours on this, especially the new Morocco memento ink.

And they look great when stamped with kraft coloured ink on kraft paper. This card was made to use up scraps from the first card.

I went with a clear cardstock base on this card, not a good choice as I completely covered it in paper. I think the stamps look so fresh in these colours.

Love ruffly seam binding ribbon!

I love the sentiments that come on the tiny word stickers. One in particular 'tender hearted' I am saving for a card for my mum as it is such a great description of her.

I started playing with scraps, cutting them into matchstick strips and adhering to the card base.

A sweet card, perfect for valentines day (it's not that far off!)

I made this fabric flower a long time ago, not knowing what to do with it, until now! It is a perfect match to the paper. I love it when a plan comes together ;)

I am always in need of cards for birthdays and the die cut #1 seemed to be a perfect fit when coupled with the tiny word sticker and label. I think this one is quite girly so I tried a more 'unisex' version here..

Have I exhausted you yet? There are another 4 cards that aren't shown as they have been submitted for a publication call, which brings the grand total to 15 cards made!

I am now about to embark on a little scrapbooking action using the same paper. Thanks for looking and have a great week :)

Supplies used - Paper, Tiny Word Stickers, Chipboard Elements, Stickers and Stamps are all My Minds Eye Sweetest Thing Lavender collection. Embellishments (Wooden Stars and Butterfly) Studio Calico. (Pins) Dainty Paperie

PS - Do you tweet? Come chat with me on Twitter!

Taking Part // PTI August Blog Hop

I felt quite inspired when I saw the details of PTI's August Blog Hop and immediately started digging through my supplies. I had quite a clear picture in my head of what I wanted it to be, and here it is, it just feels a little 'off' and I'm not sure why (I can take constructive criticism in the comments)

(and I know, it's a terrible, terrible picture!) :) I stamped Stitches and Swirls on to a piece of felt using a light coloured permanent ink pad and then spent a couple of hours in front of a movie over stitching the stamp. I mounted it on to some raspberry fizz card and then on to a square of burlap. I stamped the sentiment and mounted it on foam pads. Thanks for looking!

Supplies: Stamps; Think Big Favourites 12, Stitches and Swirls (Papertrey Ink), Other; Felt and Burlap (Etsy)

Update: Here is a *marginally* better picture :)

On a roll...

I've really been enjoying my crafting time over the past few days, I think trying to enter different challenges is great to help kick start your creativeness.

Here is another entry for the Hero Arts challenge (I promise you it's the last one)

Supplies used:Stamp; Antique Engravings, Sky's the Limit (Hero Arts). Die Cut; Antique Engravings (Hero Arts/Silhouette America) Cardstock; Pool (Hero Arts)

and this one is for the Papercrafts Connection August Gallery Challenge,

Supplies used: Die Cut; Borders (Silhouette America/Jamie Koay) Tag (Papertrey Ink) Paper; Stella and Rose Hazel 6x6 (My Mind's Eye), Stamp; Tiny Tags 2 (Papertrey Ink) Other; Heart Button (Etsy)

Well, it's a Bank Holiday weekend here so I am off to make some more cards :) Hope you have a super weekend!

Make A Wish - Clean and Simple?

Here is another card that I am entering in to the Hero Arts monthly challenge. I have been playing around with my silhouette and saw this shape by Jenni Bowlin silhouette of a little girl holding a star. I initially wanted it to take the positive die cut and incorporate it into a card but found that I much preferred the negative. I am entering this as 'clean and simple' which doesn't seem to be my style, I just look at it and wonder if it's CAS enough?

This is the end result:

Supplies: Stamp; Classic Fabric Design Cling, Sky's the Limit Clear (Hero Arts). Ink; Picked Raspberry, Shaded Lilac and Salty Ocean, Squeezed Lemonade Distress Inks (Ranger). Die Cut; Whimsy Silhouette (Jenni Bowlin/Silhouette America).

It wasn't my first try, I made this card first,

I used the Envelope Pattern Background and black pen around the edges but i felt the pattern wasn't bold enough, but i'm happy i have 2 to use as i just love the die cut. Now I need to see what i can do with the positive image :)

Well, Hello there!

Is is hot where you are? It's 30 degrees in my garden and I am melting in the heat! Not the best time to be crafting, however I seem to have recovered a tiny sliver of my mojo (I cannot believe that the last time I created something was in March) and when the mood strikes, you just have to go with it!

I decided to enter a challenge as it's the best way to get the creative juices flowing. I chose to enter this month's challenge over on the Hero Arts Blog which is Clean and Simple style stamping, a sketch challenge or make your own embellishment.

I decided to go the 'make your own embellishment' route. I have had a pack of fimo sitting on my desk for ages, I had such grand plans for it, I was going to make my own cabochons, cameos and frames, all of which fell by the wayside and I'm left looking at this squidgy lump feeling completely uninspired. As the weather is balmy and where I would really rather be is at the beach I pulled out my 6x6 pack of Pink Paislee Nantucket papers and ephemera, my Hero Arts Antique Engraving stamps and came up with this:

As you can see i'm still a beginner when it comes to stamping into clay, here are a couple of LFMF (learn from my fail's)

1. Make sure your work surface is really clean. I run my finger along my craft mat, hmmm, seems clean, errr.....NOT. Always use a wet wipe
2. If it's hot where you are or you have really hot hands and the clay is sticky, let it rest and cool before stamping
3. ALWAYS protect the stamp by inking it up with your chosen colour or a versamark watermark pad....Why?
4. If you don't you will spend ages scraping clay out of all the tiny grooves and scrubbing it to within an inch of it's life. Like I said, LFMF ;)

I rubbed the shell over using a peach coloured Faber Castell Gelato and dusted it with Cosmic Shimmer Mango mica powder. I attached it to my prepared card base with a squidge of silicone glue.

Give me links to your favourite stamped clay embellishments in the comments?

Happy Father's Day Giftset

This post was first published on 15th May 2010.

This month's Crafty Templates kit 'Bee Creative' is filled with lots of yummy Pink Paislee loveliness! As soon as I saw the watering can template I knew that I had to use it on a Father's Day card. Both my Dad and Father-In-Law are avid gardeners and love to grow their own veg so it didn't take long for the 'seed' of an idea to form (see what I did there? ok, ok, no more puns!)

The card uses paper from the kit liberally doused with some distress ink, stamped with a vintage text stamp and chalk ink. I cut the watering can from one of the sheets and accented it with a complimentary pattern and highlighted the edges with black pen and white sakura pen. The plant pot is an Art Impressions stamp and coloured with pro-markers and the little seed was drawn by hand with a dash of glossy accents. I mounted them all on the card and added 'fig 1.' etc like you would see in an old diagram and wrote planting instructions on the side edge. I finished it all off by mounting some of the letter stickers from the kit on a seed stick for the greeting. I love how it turned out, like really love it, I have mentioned before how I struggle with cards for men but I think I managed to pull it off this time!

As the card went so well I pulled out a notebook from my stash, painted it brown and decorated it to match. I also used my McGill tab punch to add tabs for the months.

I also die cut some paper and folded them over some seed packets finished with twine and another watering can.

I now have a lovely little giftset to give for Father's Day, I just need to make another one for my Father in Law!

Make It Monday - Creating Large Frames...

from smaller stamps is the challenge over on the Papertrey Ink blog this week. I took Tag It's 5 masked off a circle with paper and stamped around the edge to create a scalloped frame for my sentiment.

Supplies used:
Stamps:Tag-It's 5 - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper - Doodlebug, My Minds Eye
Felt - Dainty Paperie
Button - Papertrey Ink
Dies - Papertrey Ink
Ink - Papertrey Ink, Memento

I stamped the background using the same stamp set, layered some pretty co-ordinating patterned paper, created the felt embellishment and mounted it all with foam tape to add dimension. I like the 'It's your day' sentiment as it can be used for a number of occasions.

Happy Thursday :)