November Stamp of the Month

This week so far has been all go, go, go and I've hardly had time to catch my breath, shouldn't complain. Tomorrow is Scrapaholix, yippee, my layout has been ready since the end of last week and I'm dying to get going because I had so much fun. Well prepared you might think, particularly for those of you that know me well, however, I still have to write and type my notes, erm......

Getting back on focus, Tuesday was the first Tuesday of the month so that means it's time for the new SOTM. This month's is definitely a little different to my usual selections and for good reason. Stamping is hugely versatile, all it takes is a little imagination and a different ink/paint, to transform something.

The Take a Note set from Stampendous is a truly versatile stamp, you can use it on so many things, cards obviously, scrapbooks, gifts (recipe books, jotter pads), etc. I have loads of ideas for it, now I just have to find the time. As is the norm the stamp has 15% off for the month whilst stocks last.

For the purposes of this demonstration though, I shall be using mostly cards, although I will upload some pictures of my Scrapaholix work after tomorrow, so you can see it used.

This one is a good basic card, I've stamped and embossed the notepaper and message in gold on cream cardstock. Using peel-offs I added the Golden Wedding and the 50 and then randomly stuck more peel-offs onto a scrap of Mirri card (remembering to take them over the edge). With yet another peel-off I created the 3d 'flower' in the right hand corner and once stuck down over more fancy card, it becomes a 'wow' card.

I'm disappointed that this one hasn't come out more clearly in the photograph because the pink background paper was created with the Adirondack Dabbers, a technique I intend to demonstrate over the coming weeks. One of the ideas I had when I chose this stamp was the idea of telling someone you love to take a break. By sticking down an individual tea bag or chocolate bar it helps to reinforce your message. The background paper is a K&Co. one.

This card has been stamped and embossed in one of the new pearlescent embossing powders. The 7 is cut out of Mirri card on the Cricut, which despite how much I love my Bigshot, I have to accept that for Mirri card it's not great. The card is actually royal blue, and lime green, but that hasn't come out to well in the photo. The idea is that you can write the birthday boy's name before the 7 and 'Today' after.

This card has been created by stamping onto some previously distressed cardstock, then tearing and further distressing. The background papers are from K&Co. whilst the other was made by brayering onto matt cardstock. The paper rose has been threaded through the stamped cardstock to secure it and the mini postcards are placed to conceal the holes. The heart charm has been suspended with thread (should hang downwards) and the hole card is finished off with a strip of olive green ribbon.

For this one I tinted white shrink plastic wit red chalk, before stamping the tiny hearts in Versamark and chalking over them again. Next I stamped the notepaper and message in

Stayz-on and punched holes over the drawn holes on the image. Once shrunk I coiled wire through the holes, to look like a notebook and matted and layered on one of the tag cards from last week. Finished off with a little ribbon and a white peel-off.

I hope you can see that I've really enjoyed making my samples this time. The stamp obviously lends itself very well to more contemporary cards, but I've managed to make two more traditional cards without even realising it.

I'll try and get the Scarpaholix pictures up as soon as possible.

xxx

Halloween spooks

It's been half term this week and that has had the knock on affect it always does, my pile of things to do has increased ten fold.

The trick or treaters were out in force last night, no die hard ones at our house though (something to be said for living in the middle of nowhere). They must have been freezing though, it's been so cold, snow in Dublin, what's going on????


The cold days and nights make you want to stay in, by the fire and get creative, such a shame then that all my bits and bobs are elsewhere. Even so I've moved things in over the last couple of days to work on. However if I'm honest most of the work I've been doing has been for the website, which is getting ever closer. Who'd have thought there was so much to do??


Getting back to the job in hand Tuesday nights club was a giggle as usual, after we'd discussed Shingles (lol) I showed my cards which are all made using the new tag cardblanks. I'd be the first to admit that they are definitely not the cheapest cardblanks, nor are they the largest, but they are some of the easiest and therefore quickest, to use to great effect.


My first card has been stamped down one side using an Opalite ink pad. The trees in the centre were stamped in Versamark and embossed with one of the new pearlescent powders. Matted on green Mirri card and then green Stickles has been used to decorate. I've finished the tag off with a piece of satin edged, organza ribbon.

This one is my take on a sympathy card, the stamped image is one taken from the stamp of the month set and I've used black Stayz-on. I chose to layer the plain image on a gunmetal Mirri card and used a plain white satin ribbon to finish off.

On this one all of the stamping has again been done with Stayz-on purely because it is very intense on white card. The image has been coloured in a little with plain colouring pencils. A little bit of glitter card and a few gems add a bit of bling and I've opted to staple my ribbon to try and keep the card very contemporary looking.

For this one I've covered the whole card with K&Co. papers, inking around the edges to tie it all in. The stamped image is another from the stamp of the month, this time I've stamped the image onto Stampboard, before adding some shading with pencils and then layered up clear embossing powder. A peel off and gold ribbon finish off the antique look.

Last but not least is my Snowy Jo tag card. The card has been created using strips of the Snowy Jo papers, Snowy Jo himself is one of the Build a Jo stickers and Stickles have been used to create the snow. Finished off with a little two tone organza ribbon.

Next week is Stamp of the Month and then Scrapaholic, can't wait. I really love the stamp for November and am having trouble narrowing down my choice of cards to make.

xxxxxxxxx

Chalks

Last night we played around with chalks, quite often we use chalks very lightly to achieve light results. This time I used the chalks very heavily to achieve 'bold' affects.

All the images are from stamped with clear stamps from the Snowy Jo range and stamped in Versamark before being chalked.

The chalked baubles have been attached with gold brads to black glitter card and the triangle card has been finished off with a gold bow and bell from the Craftime Christmas range.



My little Gingerbread man makes another appearance again, heavily chalked in brown and matted onto some of the Snowy Jo papers, decorated with punched out snowflakes.

Snowy Jo himself......



Little chalked Poinsettias layered to form a Christmas Wreath. Mounted on green, gold and red cardstock.

To fix chalks I recommend a spritz of cheap hairspray, the cheaper the better.

Off for tea.

xxx

October Scrapaholix - Beading

Saturday was fantastic, we had a full house and time flew.

Scrapaholix rocked this month, I actually felt my heart in my hand when I first sat down to get my layout together. I could see lots of different layouts created with the kit, but as time is a factor I thought it would be tricky. My layout (I think) was a hit and I really hope all the ladies had a wicked time. Both Sue and Elaine came baring sweet treats, which meant I didn't feel so bad that my shortbread hadn't had time to cool. We ran over by 30 minutes and have decided to make the class that bit longer in future.

This is my layout as you can see there is quite a lot going on, but I'm hoping it doesn't look to 'busy.

This second layout compliments the first whilst giving me the ideal journalling space. The feel of the page is still very much the same and the two pages work well together side by side.

Lastly, this is a car I made using the leftovers, of which there were few. I added one of the big blooms purely because I love them.

xxxxxxx

Brayering with a difference

Part of Monday and Tuesday saw me up to my eyes in scrap paper, masking tape and baby wipes as I got my samples for Tuesday nights club ready. I got so stuck in that I ended up with loads of samples and had to pick the best ones with which to make my cards. My hands were stained with ink, which has only just come off.

All of these cards have been made using dye ink, the ink has been transfered from the pad with a brayer. To add further interest I rolled over the ink before it dried with a screwed up piece of scrap paper.

This card is created with a Distress Ink Pad, the Snowy Jo Gingerbread Man is then stamped on top with Timber Brown Stayz-on. Scraps of paper and card are used to compliment the image, to make a contemporary Christmas card.

Same technique this time I used a Big 'n' Juicy ink pad and black Stayz-on on a Magenta stamp. handmade paper scraps have come from the mega value packs.

This one has been created with one of the Adirondack multicoloured ink pads. The Faerie Poppet stamp has been embossed in fine detail gold embossing powder.

This one has been brayered with an Adirondack ink pad in Cranberry. The stamp is one from a Stamp of the Month set from last year and it's embossed in a detail, gold powder.

Lastly, my favourite, the background is a Adirondack multicoloured ink pad, the fantastic stamp is from Stampendous and embossed with a pearlescent graphite powder.

Scarpaholix tomorrow, can't wait. I've managed to create a two page layout and a card and have very few bits left.

xxxxx

Catching up

On a roll again here it would seem, I was determined to get the stamp of the month samples loaded up today. I really have to get better at keeping this up to date as fingers crossed the design aspect of the website is complete, so it shouldn't be too much longer now.

October places us firmly in the Autumn months, the harvest festival spirit of September still lingers and we begin to look towards the colder months. Here Halloween becomes more and more popular (in England it's bonfire night on November 5th that everyone loves) and there are some great Halloween stamps around this year. However, I'm not sure any of them would be great as our stamp of the month as they could be a little restricted in their application, hence my choice of stamp which is the Autumn Theme Puzzle Set from Magenta.

On first glance it appears to be one large stamp (it is when it's wood mounted), it's not though all of the images separate and can be used either individually or in any combination. Being Magenta stamps they are very good quality, good clean, crisp images, no blurring and almost impossible to mess up with. There is also a little bonus apple stamp.

know I tend to say every month how much fun I've had making my samples, but I really have enjoyed it. I had lots of ideas and could have made at least 20 or so different cards before I'd have to stop and think.

These are just some of my ideas, again the photos have come out quite dark. I think I might have to start taking them in another room to see if that helps.

This one uses the complete puzzle set stamped in Stayz-on over a brayered background. Co-ordinating cardstock and torn handmade paper, finished off with a leather button that reminded me of a conker.

This time I selected 5 of the panels and stamped them in Stayz-on onto copper sheet, before mounting on a similar colour of cardstock and then onto my black DL card blank. A deckled photo corner, drawn dots and stamped greeting add a little more interest.

This time the image has been stamped with Versamark (to act as a release) into hot gold and copper embossing powder, before being layered onto co-ordinating cardstock. This method has a real tendency to buckle your cardstock. Unfortunately in the photo the card doesn't look as nice.

On this card I've taken three of the smaller images and stamped and embossed using a fine detail embossing powder onto a background created with the Adirondack Dabbers. I mounted the image onto dark blue card and finished off with a greeting stamped directly onto the card blank. The apples are stamped in the same way and stuck down with 3d foam.

Lastly, so as not to forget Halloween, this one is stamped onto white card and shaded with colouring pencils. The faces are drawn on with Marvy Le Plume in black. Layered onto a black card blank with orange and pearlescent purple card, with spooky cut out using the Endless Love alphabet from Sizzix and wiggily eyes for affect.

This months newsletter should be going out later today or tomorrow, once I've typed it up. The offers this month are on Christmas Embellishments, Spiderweb embossed pearlescent card and bumper Christmas crafty packs. The yarn of the month offers are on Noro Iro and Sirdar Bigga. It's also our 3rd anniversary this month so I'll be having a prize draw, for which you will automatically be entered into when you spend €25 or more in a single transaction.

I think that's everything for now, knitting is on on this Monday coming and I'd love to know if anybody would be interested in coming along if we can find a venue in Dungarvan?

XXXXX

Lost my blog

I can't find it???

After spending ages the other day uploading photographs and typing I had to pause and go and sort the small one out, coming back to my computer I discover all my hard work has vanished. Blogger automatically saves as you go along so I have absolutely no idea where it's gone.

Anyway, as I had already said these cards are the ones from last week (30/09/08), they were late going up anyway and are now even later. We were using fabric on our cards, one thing I didn't really cover with these cards was using fabric in place of background papers which can work really well.

In terms of preventing the cloth from fraying there are several options other than sewing. The first is by using good old pinking sheers. I coveted a pair when I was a child and can distinctly remember feeling a pang of jealousy wash over me when I saw that my friends mother had a pair - terrible really, must have been the start of the end with me and crafting I suppose.

Another way is Wundaweb/Bondaweb, both of which are iron on adhesives fantastic for making applique in fabric crafts, you can also use double sided sheet adhesive.

The one thing to remember when using fabric on your cards is that it tends to be a little see through particularly on darker cards and papers. I find if I mount my fabric piece on light card before sticking it into place then the real colours of the fabric shine through.

Really sorry the photos are a little dark.

This card is one of my favourites, very plain with just a rub-on to lift it a little.

Same as the previous card but with additional strips of co-ordinating card and some gems.

This is a play on a Christmas with a stamped background and greeting, fabric trees and Mirri card scraps combined with some sparkling gems.

This time I trimmed a circle of Christmas fabric, added a few peel-offs and some ribbon to create my Christmas bauble.

My library folder is made using fabric, the tag is adorned with flowers cut out on the Big Shot and finished with some ribbon knotted to it. The corners have been rounded off on the base card layers to add to the 'pop-art' feel.

Another plain and simple card, I seem to be favouring this look a little at the moment. Again I've used the Big Shot, this time to cut out the Primitive Hearts from Gingham which are mounted onto a torn piece of blue card and then onto the Kraft card blank. I've added the fake stitches to keep it rustic looking.

I really think the plain fabric heart cards would both make unusual wedding invitations if they were made in different fabric. Although, quite plain and understated you can get away with it because it is fabric, where paper or card could look a little plain.

Before I finish this post, here is a picture of Bear, we desperately need to find him a home. He was born on 15th September and is cuddle mad. If anyone glancing over this blog happens to know someone who would love to take care of him please let me know. We will be happy for him to go to the right home for free.

xxxxxxx

September Scrapaholix

Scrapaholix took place on Saturday just gone, this months theme was vinyl lettering.

If I'm at all honest I found the lettering to be rather uninspiring despite trying to jazz them up with alcohol inks and peel-off pens I still ended up using them in their naked white form. They do take acrylic paint well and would probably glitter up well, but as you can buy lettering already coloured or glittered I'm not sure why you'd bother with these.

Fortunately, the papers were cool and lent themselves quite nicely to lots of subjects. I selected photos of Kye at the Inishannon Steam Rally a couple of years ago now.

I still have to do my journaling here......

With the addition of an extra sheet of cardstock (white) I managed to make a double page layout. The three photos on the bottom of the second page to this layout fold out to show another 6 cheeky faces.

Card/scrap club tonight and I'm using fabric on cards, loads of fun. Have to try and unpack some of the boxes before the girls arrive.

xx

We're on a roll here

See I'm actually sticking to what I've set myself, this being the 2nd post of the day, 3rd actually if you count the one on my other blog.

I'm being rather naughty really as I still have to add the finishing touches to the 2nd page of my Scrapaholix layout for tomorrow. Technically, I don't have to do it, but I like to give my ladies options.

On Tuesday just gone I made my cards using some of the new Snowy Jo products, in particular the Snowflowers which are just so scrummy.

This was my first card, as the holes in the centre of the Snowflowers is quite large and my co-ordinating brads are quite little, I used punched out snowflakes in the centre of my blooms. I was being thrifty by trying to make my flowers go further. I've used one of the double-sided papers here (inked as per usual), in combination with a stamped greeting. My Snowflower has also been inked, because I inadvertently managed to splurge.

Similar look here, this time I've included another one of the papers and some white Ric-Rac.

Again, it's the same elements just switched around.

This time I've opted for a DL card and used a tag.

Completely different this time, white cardstock border with punched snowflakes with the Snowflower is on black glitter card.

This card is as a result of Midi setting us a challenge to make a card out of the scrap box. My poor farmer looks a bit mangled because he was suppose to be a scarecrow. Any way Kye will love it because it's a tractor.

Now I'm quitting whilst I'm ahead and going to grab some lunch before I complete my layout.

xxxxxx

How Long???

I knew it was bad, but never realised it's actually been that long since I've added anything to my blog - SHAME ON ME!!!!

To make matters worse this is a post that I began last week and then couldn't find my camera to upload the photos. Undaunted I thought I should at least complete this post.......

Loads has happened since June, loads in fact I'd managed to convince myself that I'd at least got around to updating this since then.

........Where to start, we've moved, hands up I just couldn't cope anymore with working full time and then some and trying to juggle my family and other commitments. I now have the shop outside my home, with hours that are much reduced and am actually enjoying it again.

The card/scrap club still takes place on a Tuesday, knit 'n' knatter is back on from next week, Scrapaholix is still monthly and I'm hoping to start travelling a bit with my classes too.

This Tuesday we had a bit of a heat embossing masterclass, no real need for cards. So instead these are photographs of last weeks cards with the Stamp of the month.

The decorated tree from Personal Impressions is fab, I think it's an extremely versatile stamp, but then I would as that's one of the things I look for with the SOM. As is usual it has 15% off the marked price for the remainder of the month or while stocks last.

A little bit of fine gold embossing powder, Mirri card and ribbon combined with Christmas green and cream card to make a 'classic' looking card.

Stamped with Versacraft onto calico which I then frayed. To prevent further fraying I stuck the material onto cream cardstock with double-sided sheet adhesive and then matted this onto navy card before sticking it on the cream card blank. A little tartan bow and Merry Christmas stamped in the same ink to Co-ordinate. (sorry photo is a bit poor)

My ever faithful black and white. Tree is stamped on white card with black Stayz-on for depth of colour as is the Merry Christmas. Layered onto black cardstock and then mounted onto a spotty cardblank. Finished off with a little Xmas red Stickles.

This time I've used chalks over Versamark on the tree and the two background papers. Unfortunately, it's yet another bad photograph which doesn't show that the colours are pink/purple and teal. The card in reality looks very effective.

Lastly, this time I stamped the tree on white shrink plastic with Stayz-on and coloured using pencils. Once shrunk I covered with a layer of Glossy Accents and then matted on cerise and green cardstock before fixing it to a gatefold card with a K&Co. patterned paper. Every conceivable edge is inked (great for hiding wonky edges).

I'm now going to go off in search of my camera again, which I took to the Ploughing Festival yesterday so I can take pics of the cards from Tuesday just gone. Fingers crossed it could be two posts in one day.

xxxx