HAPPY ACCIDENTS

Did you think........

2008-11-10T20:37:00.004Z

......I'd disappeared off the face of the earth??

I'm so sorry for neglecting my blog these last few weeks but I did have a lot on my plate recently.

One happy occasion we celebrated was my son Ben's 7th birthday. He's already asking "When will I be 8?"
Here he is with his cake - Disney Cars of course! He is a big Lightning McQueen fan.

And here he is with his sweet little girlfriend Ellis who isn't at all girlie (She loves dressing as a pirate!)

On the subject of Ben - he loves to create, especially painting projects. I came across great puppet kits by Crafty Kids and Ben loved the dinosaur one.

Take a look at the website to see the fantastic range of puppets on offer. I have one small comment to make and that is the paint supplied needs 3-4 coats but when I used my good acrylic paint the coverage was much better. It wouldn't put me off buying more though.

Here he is doing his prep work. I love those busy little fingers hard at work!

Ta Dah!!!! The finished article! Ben is ever so proud of his creation and this occupied him for many hours before and after the making of it.

I've been doing mainly little painting projects so I apologise to all those paper crafters who might not be interested. I'll be back soon with a couple of little name plaques I made recently.

Hey, hey my laptop's back!!!

2008-10-20T09:00:00.005+01:00

Happy Days!!!! Thankfully my laptop just needed a new AC adapter.

Well, I thought I'd share a few simple cards with you using this tree from a Stampin up set called "Season of Joy". I don't own this set (wish I did!!) but my friend Judith kindly lent me hers.

I love lettuce ink from Adirondack and used that as my starting point and I just happened to have great green ribbon from Mayarts that worked a treat.

This first card is a 5 min card which I finished with a sparkly star, a corner rounder and a little dotty embossing using a Cuttlebug folder.

This card was inspired by a scrap of Basic Grey paper on my desk. (Mellow, I think??)
The sentiment is from Cornish Heritage Farms (Mona Lisa Moments - Christmas expressions), inked in another fav Adirondack colour "Stream", bringing out that little blue stripe in the designer paper.

This card was also good for the Color Throwdown challenge no. 14
I know I'm a little late for this challenge but I had a good excuse with my wonky laptop!

This final one used up my last tree and remaining Basic Grey paper.
I blinged it up a little with A muse twinkle stickers on the star.

So, if you are looking for some quick Christmas ideas, why not try one of these!

I still can't quite believe that I didn't colour one thing for these cards and there isn't a copic pen in sight!!!!

For Father - SU

2008-10-11T09:00:00.001+01:00

My friend Judith is a SU demonstrator and she kindly shared some stamps with me last week.
This image is one from the "For Father" set.

There is a great sentiment with this set but for this card I chose to write my own!
The yellow dotty paper and ribbon are both A muse and the lace punch is by Fiskars.
Coloured with copics and apples glazed with Judikins Amazing glaze.

Little close up.
Just another take on the same image but using little scraps of paper and ribbon I had on my desk.

RST ~ Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-10-09T10:00:00.001+01:00

I'm a little sad today as my laptop is leaving for a repair (I hope!). They've promised a 3 day turnaround, so fingers crossed as some of my photo-shopped photos are still on it ready for blogging.
I think the little port that my AC adapter fits into is faulty or the actual AC adapter itself as it won't work off the mains and I can't recharge my battery.
My other AC adapters don't fit so I can't check that.
So I'm back on my old PC that the kids use lately and it is a little slower so bear with me.

I thought I'd share a couple of cards with you that started out purely as little oval panels with absolutely no thought to what the designer paper choice or cardstock colour would be! (Not the best way to work I admit!)

Anyhoo, the stamp set is "Fall leaves and acorns" from Rubber Stamp Tapestry and the sentiment is theirs too. I like how you can get such different looks from the same set by tweaking the colours.

Both use the oval and scallop oval nestabilities, dewdrops, Ranger inkssentials white opaque pen and "Mellow" 6 x 6 paper pad by Basic Grey that RST sell also.

Pic 1, ORANGE - other supplies. Brilliance rocket red, Versamagic pumpkin spice, Versamagic mango madness, Versamagic Hint of pesto.

Pic 2, PURPLE - other supplies. Versamagic eggplant, Versacolour green tea, Versamagic mango madness. Corner rounder from SU and ribbon by Mayarts.

End of Summer?

2008-09-30T08:00:00.008+01:00

I did this card a little while ago and meant to post but forgot!!
I think it marks the end of Summer for us here in N. Ireland - long gone are the sunny days that were few and far between! It is pouring down as I write and there are huge puddles everywhere which my 6 yr old son demands I drive through!

I opted for my Prismacolor pencils for this one just to give my Copics a rest. Hehe!
It is soft and subtle and the light coming through the trees was my white pencil.

This stamp is "Perfect Summer's Day" a Thomas Kinkade image from Cornish Heritage Farms.
The backgrounder is theirs too and one of my favs. I inked it with Jumbo Java.
I finished with some little Prima flowers, stickle and a ribbon tab.

Other supplies: Oval punch from SU, eyelet.

Pink cat Christmas

2008-09-25T14:29:00.004+01:00

The starting point for this card was the lovely starry paper by Flair designs and a Fiskars snowflake border punch. This image is one of my favs from Pink Cat Studio and is from a set called "Lily & Tweet".

I wanted to limit the colours I used to colour the image and stuck with reds, tans and a little green to add an accent. I'm not at my desk right now but I think I used the following Copic colours. It's very tempting to use lots of colours but I often find the best results are from a limited palette.

Copics: Skin White, Brick beige, pale sepia, cardinal red, cadmium red, olive, black and cool shadow.
It is very subtle but I did airbrush some cool shadow copic around the main panel.

Accessories: Airbrush system. Snowflake punches by EK success and Dovecraft. Ribbon by Mayarts. Liquid applique and my "couldn't be without" white inkssentials pen for highlights from Ranger.
The sentiment inside is from the same unmounted stamp set.

Here's a little pic of a bonus project. Same image but applied to a candle and glittered to death!

Holly-Day House

2008-09-17T18:56:00.003+01:00

I hope you like this as much as I do. This is a new one from the Tom Allen Friendly Kritters range at Cornish Heritage Farms, "Holly-Day House". It is a dream to colour and a perfect excuse to crack open my new long rectangle nestabilities.
The sentiment is by CHF too and I think it would work with quite a few stamps I own.

The gorgeous sparkly paper is from DCWV, 'butterfly' 8 x 8 book but I thought it looked quite Christmassy.

I apologise now for the number of photos but I'm trying to improve my v. basic photographic skills and I'm sure there are a few like me!
I've photographed the main card indoors and outdoors - which looks best? I'm leaning towards the dark one.

Do you see that little motif in the corner? Well, I thought it looked a little bare so I got my Copic multiliner and drew my own little holly and pine sprig and added a bauble too! V. proud if I do say so myself! :o)

Now you've seen it from all angles - I've been admiring photos in this style on other blogs and wanted to give it a try.

Other accessories : Dewdrops, crystal stickles, copics, nestabilities.

Check this card out by Julie Campbell using the same stamp. WOW! You can tell it is one of her favs too.
Or this is another fantastic one by Kristine Reynolds. I love the snowy roof and the hanging sign!

Sleepy Santa!

2008-09-13T19:47:00.006+01:00

I don't own v. many Stamps Happen stamps but a friend stamped this out for me and it was really fun to colour. I didn't use my Copics! Shock, horror!! I used my Marvy pens and water brush for this one and it was nice using my old supplies again.

Don't look too closely at his mouth, you'd think he stained his beard whilst eating tomato soup!!
I stamped the image twice and popped the middle square up on dimensionals for a little more depth.

This great sentiment is one of many from a sheet "Christmas Expressions" from the Mona Lisa range at Cornish Heritage Farms.

Some Mayarts stripey grosgrain and stickle and it was done.

A cuppa with Riley!

2008-09-11T20:07:00.005+01:00

This one was for last week's sketch challenge on Splitcoaststampers, SC192 hosted by Roxie.
This cute little moose Riley doesn't usually have clothes but I made her some nice frilly pyjamas so she looked extra cosy having her cuppa. I drew the jammies with my copic multiliner and copics to colour. I love the ice cream coloured papers and ribbons by A muse.
The stamp is actually called "Coffee Riley" from Hanna Stamps.

Oval and scalloped oval nestabilities.
Cuttlebug embossing border, dots.
Sentiment from MFT coffee set.
Ribbons, yellow twinkle sticklers and yellow and pink dotty paper from A muse.
Photo corner punch from A muse.

This pic shows up her sparkly yellow gem necklace and cupcake topping and of course those white highlights I love to add!

All for Riley's Wedding!

2008-09-06T15:33:00.005+01:00

I know the tune is Mairi's wedding but I tweaked it a little for Riley.
If you don't know the song, the chorus goes like this.

"Step we gaily on we go,
heel and heel
and toe for toe
arm and arm
and row and row
all for Mairi's wedding."

I've had this cute stamp a while and finally inked it up - what took me so long??!!
I think I had weddings in mind as my husband's friend is getting married today and my niece is her friend's bridesmaid today. I couldn't just make a card so I did a little keepsake candle to match. We celebrate our 13th anniversary on the 9th Sep so it must be a popular month!

The stamp is by Hanna Stamps, Riley range and comes wood mounted. I coloured both the candle and the card with Copics. (see final pic for colours used).
Cuttlebug folder (swiss dots) on Lasting impressions cool blue shiny paper. (perfect for dry embossing and especially good for snow scenes).
Nestabilities used again of course!
Stickles, ribbon and heart charm to finish.

I had a candle class recently and one lady made a similar candle and put the bride and groom's names and a little pair of rings on the back which was gorgeous.

Wouldn't this make a nice little gift set for a child to present to the happy couple?

Scrap attack!

2008-09-03T20:10:00.000+01:00

Elements of this card have been languishing on my desk for months and I've finally put them to good use. The scalloped oval was actually used as a template for me to airbrush clouds on another card and was destined for the bin. The image was stamped and coloured with Copics but then suffered an ink blob resulting in the flowerpot having to be cut out!

I airbrushed the oval with a few more colour tones and raised the image to make it pop.
The background stamp is canvas from Cornish Heritage Farms.
The sentiment is from another MFT set.
Cuttlebug embossing folder, Swiss dots.
Ribbons from A muse.

I like how the spots on the vase look glossy but this was achieved by colouring and no need to add diamond glaze. A simple little card made up of crafting rejects!
What do you do with your scraps?

A pink NOEL. (last one I promise!!)

2008-09-01T20:24:00.000+01:00

I apologise now if I'm boring you with Christmas cards but this is my last from this creative batch! I promise!
It's not quite apparent from the pic but there are 6 little square panels for the background, all created with Rubber Stamp Tapestry's NOEL set, using Versacolor split pea and opera pink.
I used my new long rectangle nestabilites for the panel and added a little ribbon detail tying all the colours together.
I inked the NOEL stamp with split pea and added a little pink to both sides for the two tone effect. A touch of black always adds a little drama and contrast.

I have a non- Christmas card for tomorrow using up my craft desk scraps.

A few more quick ones!

2008-08-30T19:50:00.003+01:00

I thought I would just keep going with these stamps whilst they occupied my craft desk and whilst my brain processed a few more ideas.

I love tiny cards and this sweet little one is only 3" x 3". I used the Holiday Joy set from Rubber Stamp Tapestry for the main panel and the background was created with a single peg from the same company.

This is the Holiday Joy set but used with a poinsettia stamp and leaf from a clear stamp set by RST as well. I did add some polka dot organza ribbon in black but I forgot to take a pic with it!
It's a little more traditional but the Brilliance inks are really vibrant.

This took the least amount of work but is quite effective and ideal for a speedy batch of Xmas cards. The top part is one of the new Cuttlebug embossing borders which I love. The panel is very simple - I used the leaf from the Holiday Joy set to create a flower and added red dewdrops for the centres. Simply finished with a corner rounder.

Back to simple...

2008-08-25T12:18:00.004+01:00

I wanted to do a couple of simple cards using a couple of Christmas sets by Rubber Stamp Tapestry, Holiday Joy set and NOEL set.
You get the main word, e.g. NOEL plus some flowers and foliage single pegs.

This was a pre- deckled edge card inked using Versacolor split pea and opera pink and Brilliance Graphite black. A simple addition of black diamond stickle and gorgeous pink ribbon finished this quick card.

I used one of my new Cuttlebug embossing strips for the circle designs and my scoreboard to create the panels at the bottom. This time I used Brilliance rocket red and Adirondack citrus inks. (and some Xmas red stickle!)
I love this wide green satin ribbon and I combined it here with Prima flowers and a button from my stash.

I did another 3 or 4 simple designs using these stamps, so watch this space for a few more quick ideas.

Wedding Day!

2008-08-22T15:17:00.007+01:00

I know this isn't a very traditional wedding card but who says it can't be different??

This is from the same Rachel Hancox stamp set as yesterday's card but using a different tag on the bouquet. (Still haven't traced a stockist!)

We're invited to a wedding in September but unfortunately we can't make it so I wanted to send a special card with our gift.

Copic colours used: YR21 Cream (my most used pen!), YR09 Cadmium orange,YG00 Mimosa Yellow, Y19 Napoli Yellow, YG95 Pale Olive, G40 Dim Green, R29 Lipstick red.
Ranger Inkssentials white opaque pen.

The lovely background paper is from a large 12 x 12 Brenda Walton pad I've had in my stash for a looong time..... (makes this card eligible for the LSC182 challenge on Splitcoaststampers this week, to use old items you have in your craft stash!)

Gorgeous ribbon is Mayarts.
Can you see a little paper piercing going on in the top left corner - that's my little Ornare corner template used partially.

I think I prefer this one to yesterdays. :)

Shabby chic!

2008-08-22T14:51:00.007+01:00

This card all started when my friend Jill brought over this cute stamp set by Rachel Hancox and before she disappeared off home with it I stamped it a few times and finally found a little time to make use of them. You can see there are 3 tags you can add to the bouquet which I thought was a neat idea. I did a search online but I can't find a link for this stamp so if anyone knows I'll edit this post.

For this one, I opted for the "happy birthday" tag and a cool pink theme but I'll hopefully post a "wedding day" version with a different colour scheme in the next few days.

For those of you who might be interested in the Copic colours used:
R11, Pale Cherry pink, RV02 Sugared almond pink, RV14, Begonia Pink, RV17, Deep magenta, YG03 Yellow Green and B00, Frost blue.
The white highlights were with my Ranger Inkssentials white opaque pen. (I LOVE IT!)

I then chose this fab double sided paper by Fancy Pants as my background.

Mounted onto pale pink card stock, I added a little green dotted paper and some green stripey ribbon from Mayarts.
I even dragged out my sewing machine for a couple of zig zag lines of stitching! I'm not great at the whole distressed shabby look but I did curl those paper edges!!! LOL!

Do you like those little embossed flowers at the top and bottom ?? (see last pic)
I added white brilliance ink to the embossed flowers with my finger tip.

I think this close up is good for showing off those white highlights.
If you love cuttlebug embossing folders and don't want to cut them into strips for border effects, check out these new narrow border folders. I bought 3 packs and there are 5 designs in each. YUMMY!! You'll obviously see these being used in forthcoming projects on my blog.

"Sisters" Sandra Kuck

2008-08-11T19:41:00.003+01:00

This was my first time trying out a Sandra Kuck image which is relatively new from Cornish Heritage Farms. There have been 2 more releases since this one which is called "Sisters". I have 4 sisters and I have 2 daughters so I couldn't NOT give it a go!

I got this new paper from Fancy pants which looks like old faded fabric and I thought this image would complement it. I chose my dress colours from the muted flower colours on the DP.

I coloured the main image with some very pale muted Copics and highlighted with my white Inksentials pen from Ranger. I thought this was pretty effective on the hair and for highlighting the dress folds.

"Sisters" by Cornish Heritage Farms (Sandra Kuck range).
Sentiment from Kim Hughes set from CHF too.
Designer paper is by Fancy Pants, Sweet Pea collection. Both sides were used here.
Ruffled ribbon and gingham (2 widths) by Mayarts.
Rectangular nestabilities.
Buttons from my stash.

Pretty Peppermint

2008-08-05T20:22:00.005+01:00

I'm sure you know by now that one of my favourite stamp companies is "My Favorite Things" and this is one of their Annie LaPoint images "Peppermint". They also have lavender and chamomile and I think they'd be great for little gift packages of specialty tea or attached to a plant, perhaps as a new home gift tag.

I know a peppermint plant would have green leaves but heck I had a piece of designer paper I needed to use up so you'll forgive me my artistic licence!!

I started with the paper (Scrappy cats) and picked out these colours to start me off.
I then thought I might as well play along with a MFT sketch challenge over on Splitcoaststampers.

Click here for details. If you'd like to play along with a sketch challenge, check out MFTSC42 for this week. I did last week's. (Whoops, YG03 must have flipped!)
MFTSC41

I really enjoyed using my copics to colour this image and the shadows really help the pot to pop. It isn't v. clear but I used Copic spica glitter pen in orange on the flowers and I used Inksentials white pen for the little highlights. ( I love this pen!!)
I cut 2 fine slits either side of the pot and fed some turquoise A muse ribbon to tie around the pot. ........and of course some nestabilites to die cut those wonderful scalloped ovals.

I apologise now for the quality of this photo. It seems to have rained here for about the last 3 days and the light is poor - so rather than delay it any longer I decided to post as is.

Shiny green satin ribbon and gorgeous velvet ric rac are both by Mayarts.
Dotty paper is Scrappy cats and the square panel is actually the reverse side.
Corner rounder by SU for scalloped edge.

New release ~ Rubber Stamp Tapestry

2008-07-31T18:55:00.004+01:00

This "NOEL" stamp has just been released today by Rubber Stamp Tapestry. I used the same layout as I did yesterday which was SC187, this week's sketch challenge over at Splitcoaststampers.

Please see my last post for details on the steps to begin creating the background patterned paper.

Once I created a panel of patterned paper using Rubber Stamp Tapestry peg stamps and Brilliance inks, I cut it equally into 3 slim panels as per the sketch challenge. I kept yesterday's card a bright white background but for today's I brushed the edges using Adirondack latte. I did the same to the NOEL panel.

I then decided to outline each panel with a gold pen to mimick another layer without the bulk of more card. I use Posh impressions gold pen but you can use Krylon or similar.
I like to press the edge of the card into the centre of the pen creating a V-shape in the nib. I then keep the pen for this purpose. It's amazing how straight the gold lines are.

I then outlined all 4 panels with the gold marker.

I mounted the panels on black cardstock and then green.

The green scalloped panel behind NOEL was actually hand drawn with a black pen and cut out. The NOEL panel is mounted on foam tape.

Stickles: black diamond, Xmas red and holly
Gingham ribbon to finish.

DIY Designer paper!

2008-07-31T16:44:00.009+01:00

Well today all started with the new sketch challenge over at Splitcoaststampers, SC187 hosted by Roxie and I also received some fab new stamps from Rubber Stamp Tapestry. I can reveal this one today and I have another for you on Friday when RST release it for sale.
Susan Walton - the creative brains from RST is very generous and is a pleasure to work with.

Here's how I created my background panels.

STEP1

STEP2

STEP3

STEP4

STEP5

All stamps are by Rubber Stamp Tapestry. JOY is stamped in Rocket red and clear embossed.
Inks used are Brilliane, Graphite black, Rocket Red, Pearlescent ivy and Galaxy Gold.
Cardstock: White, green, black and gold mirri card.
Red striped paper is by Lasting Impressions.
Ribbon by Mayarts. Do you like my knotted ribbon effect??)
Bling by A muse (twinkle stickers in red and clear).

Come back tomorrow to see another design based on sketch SC187!

Sleepy kitten!

2008-07-26T18:52:00.003+01:00

This is another one of those ones I coloured a few weeks back and finally created a card with it. I don't usually work this way - I often choose a designer paper and colour my image to co-ordinate/complement the paper and embellishments.

"Sleepy Kitten" is stamp from Cornish Heritage Farms, Friendly Kritters range. I coloured the image with copics and keeping my scallop rectangle nestability in place I airbrushed a very pale blue around the main image, removing the nestability die to have a white border. I then brushed some antique linen over the edges.
The 2 panels in the backgroud are textured using Cuttlebug embossing folders and brushing with antique linen too.
The ribbon is from Amuse. Flowers from Prima marketing. Dewdrops for flower centres. Corner rounder punch on card and panels.

This has a softer colour palette than usual for me but I think it suits the sleepy kitten.

I'm back!!

2008-07-26T18:26:00.006+01:00

Well we've had a busy couple of weeks recently. The kids finished school on 27th June for a 9 week break. I think N.Ireland has the longest Summer break in the UK and yet the education on offer and qualifications obtained by students are of an extremely high standard so no argument that the holidays are too long unfortunately!!!!

We took the children for a break to Newcastle, N.Ireland and amongst other things we got lost in the maze at Castlewellan Forest Park! We had a fun sunny day out and finished off with fish and chips from nearby Kilkeel. Scrummy!
Look at the lovely view of the mountains of Mourne in the background.

Here's Abbie and her Dad after sucessfully escaping from the maze!

This is a picture of Ben enjoying a day out at "Exploris" an aquarium and sea sanctuary in Portaferry where they saw many rescued seal pups being cared for until their release back to the sea.

The centre had an area where the kids were able to do brass rubbings - never missing an opportunity to do some crafting!!! Here's Annie in a creative moment.

After a fantastic week which I didn't think could get much better, we had a kids free weekend in Glasgow! The food and shopping was great but the highlight was the Michael Buble concert. He did a fantastic performance and had everyone laughing throughout. I can't wait to go see him again.

I did do a little bit of crafting before I left so I'll do a separate post with a new card really soon.

Shop info.

2008-07-11T18:25:00.003+01:00

Just in case you were thinking of visiting Mill House Crafts over the Summer - I'm just taking a short break and will re-open on Thurs 24th July 2008.

See you soon!

More airbrushing!

2008-07-10T14:30:00.007+01:00

This is my new 'baby'. A fairly small low noise compressor that I got from airbrushpro in England. I have the Copic ABS1 system which doesn't fit directly to it so my hubby came up with a connector and some tubing from his plumbing supplies.

I've chosen another Tim Allen, Friendly Kritters stamp, "Friends don't mind" from Cornish Heritage Farms to illustrate a cloud effect. I loaded the copic "gun" with Frost blue, chisel end, and using an oval scallop nestability as a mask I sprayed the frost blue gently around the scallops. I chose frost blue as it is light enough so as not to alter the main image and it meant I didn't need to create a mask of the main image.

I then move the scalloped oval around, spraying around the scallops to form more clouds. I keep a few of these scallop cut outs for this job as I use them again and again.

My friend Jill came over today to play with the compressor too so we both coloured the same image but Jill used RV02 layered over the Frost blue and I used YG00 over mine on the right. This softens the blue and ties in better with the finished designs.

Here you can see the variations of different backgrounds.

My finished design.
(Cupcake paper by Fancy pants, A muse ribbon, border punch from Dovecraft, diamond glaze on balloons by Judikins, liquid pearls, stickles and white inkssentials pen by Ranger for highlights)

I achieved this effect on the hedgehog by dotting white inkssentials pen and then dabbing it off with my finger before it had dried so that it wasn't a bright white.

This is Jill's fabulous creation. Same paper by 'Fancy pants but also Cuttlebug embossing folder "swiss dots" and sentiment from Kim Hughes 'Tag, you're it' set for Cornish Heritage Farms.
Punch from SU for corner.

Harvest mice ~ airbrushed!

2008-07-09T20:48:00.004+01:00

This is another cute image from the Tom Allen, Friendly Kritters range at Cornish Heritage Farms (available from Mill House Crafts if in the UK).

I had this image coloured and decided to experiment with my new compressor and Copic airbrush system. All I can say is I am loving it and can't wait to play some more. I was so caught up having fun I forgot to take some pics of the system but I will next time!

I decided to participate in Rox's sketch challenge on Splitcoaststampers. SC183. I like to play along sometimes when I'm in a rut and they always get you creating again.

The main image is all coloured with copics.
This was my first time using the "wheat" stamp by CHF too and I really like it. After sponging it a little too much I lost some detail so drew some back in with a brown prismacolor pencil.
It isn't clear from the pic but the corn is glossy with diamond glaze and I added white highlights with a white Ranger inksentials pen.

Designer paper: Prima marketing
Stamps: Tom Allen, Harvest mice, Wheat and "thankful hearts" from Kim Hughes set. All CHF.
SU Oval punch.
Oval scallop nestability.
Turqoise, yellow and bronze stickles.
Judikins diamond glaze.
White inksentials pen for highlights.

Bind-it-all in action!

2008-07-04T20:03:00.005+01:00

I've have my Bind-it-all for a while now and finally found an hour to myself to try it out. I don't think I did too badly for my first attempt. I decided on little mini books using new beer mats to form the covers, bound with 5/8" white wires from Bind-it-all. I used pink cardstock to hide where I glued the outer covers and cream cardstock (8 pages) for the interior pages. The 5/8" wire will actually hold more inner pages than this.

RECIPE
Both books are covered with a designer paper by Arctic frog. The stamped images on the front and interior pages are all by Cornish Heritage Farms.
Pink and green ribbons are by Mayarts.
Blue ribbon by A muse.
Nestabilities for the ovals and scalloped ovals.
Crop-a-dile.
Diamante from mystash.

I've included a few more snaps below for those who aren't familiar with what a Bind -it-all looks like.

There are markings on the side for cover, inner pages etc. These beer mats are 10cm square and an ideal size for one punch creating 6 holes.

This is one outer cover punched. I then needed 6 loops cut from the bind it all wire length using wire cutters. One length of wire was 24 loops ( I think) - enough for 4 mini books.

Next, I popped the wire through the holes .

As the wire diameters are 5/8", I used the guide supplied with the Bind it all to ensure the machine was at the correct setting.

These last 2 pics are a little blurry and no I didn't get free beer mats with my beer!!
Put the book into the aperture as pictured.

Pull the handle to force the wire together. The 5/8" setting prevents you from over-squeezing the handle.

Basic supplies, Bind-it-all, wires, 2 beer mats, designer paper, cardstock, glue stick, embellishments. EASY!!!

Bloomin' Beautiful!

2008-06-28T15:32:00.003+01:00

This was my first inking of this flower pot from the Stampin up set "Bloomin Beautiful" available in the U.S from their occasions mini collection 2008.

It is perfect for letting me play with my copics and for experimenting with my new air compressor using my Copic airbrushing system. My ABS1 system is ok to use with Copic air cans BUT the hose and connector did not fit my new compressor.

I discovered my hubby does have his uses!!! and being a plumber he was able to get me the right fitting connectors and tubing and now I'm in action!!

Rox on Splitcoaststampers had a sketch challenge this week, SC182 and this design fits nicely. I coloured the main image with copics and after masking off the pot, I stamped an oval shadow using A muse oval clear stamps. I then experimented by airbrushing mimosa yellow copic and pink copic and I'm happy with how it turned out for my first time. I'll try and photograph steps next time for anyone interested in learning more about airbrushing.

Both ribbons are by Mayarts.
Pale pink liquid pearls for flower centres.
Designer paper by Hot off the press.
Nestabilities by Spellbinders.
Ranger inksentials white pen.

Close up!

Happy Graduation!

2008-06-23T08:10:00.004+01:00

My niece will be graduating soon from the University of Ulster and for once I'm a step ahead and have the card ready!!! (this is a first - I might have to lie down!!)

I used the congrats embossing folder by Cuttlebug on red card from Lasting Impressions that has a white core making it ideal for sanding to really make the words pop. It's not very clear from this photo but the main "congrats" is v. glittery with crystal stickles and there is a sparkly red diamante (A muse) on the grad cap.

The cap is an A muse stamp from one of their clear steps which I punched out with a circle punch and mounted on a slightly larger circle.
The black and white gingham is by Creative Impressions and the red stitched grosgrain is A muse.

This is a nice simple card to put together and I then stamped the mortarboard several times on the envelope to add a little something extra.

TIP: Just change the image in the circle tag and paper for different occasions, e.g. little baby shoes for baby congrats, or wedding rings for wedding congrats.

Teacher gifts!

2008-06-23T08:04:00.001+01:00

It's that time of year again - wracking our brains to give teachers a gift, hopefully original and something they'll appreciate. My kids have fantastic teachers and they will truly miss them as they move to their next class.
My 3 children are at primary school (ages 6, 9 and 11). My eldest daughter is leaving primary school this year and will go to "Big" school in September. She gave her teacher a nameframe last year so we've opted for book tokens this year BUT my other 2 children's teachers don't have nameframes so that's what we did!

Ben loves his P2 teacher Miss Tannahill and this nameframe is especially for her.

This nameframe is for Annie's teacher Miss Graham who she'll miss very much.

Both nameframes use A muse stitched alphabet letters. Sentiment "for a special teacher" is Amuse also. The designer papers on both frames is from Stampin' up.

Stamps: "Kids at play" from Stampin up. This set is long retired and I bought it second hand on ebay but it is one of my favs and brilliant for school themed nameframes. All coloured with copics. SU scallop circle punch, small oval and large oval punches. Prima flowers and liquid pearls.

This is the thank you card to accompany this frame.

Leaf backgrounder by Cornish Heritage Farms and alphabet by Hero arts. Little girl is from the same Kids at play SU set. Ric rac by Mayarts.

This is Ben's thank you card for Miss Tannahill. I didn't have a heart balloon stamp to hold this sentiment from My Favorite Things so I used a Copic pen fineliner to draw the balloon by hand around the sentiment.

Cuttlebug embossing folder for card. Designer paper from SU. Little boy from Kids at play by SU. Ric rac by Mayarts. Thread from Lasting Impressions.

A Frog Chorus!

2008-06-19T16:35:00.004+01:00

Today, I'm going to attempt to take you step by step on my Copic colouring of "Frog Chorus" from Tom Allen's Friendly Kritters range at Cornish Heritage Farms. This one is fun to colour and I've not used too many colours to keep it fairly simple.

I started by colouring all the frogs wiht YG00, Mimosa yellow and I decided at a fairly early stage to use A muse stitched grosgrain so that was a good colour guide for me to keep at hand.

I added shadows with YG23 new leaf which I then blended with the mimosa yellow again to avoid any stripey lines.

The frog's lovely round tummies were coloured with Y38 honey but I kept the colour neat and strong around the outline of the bellies and faded towards the centre by just lifting a little colour from the Honey tip with my Colorless blender. Alternatively you could use the colorless blender to remove some of the colour from the centre of the bellies after colouring in full with Honey. If you look closely you can see that I added little dabs of honey to the bodies as well.

Next up, I used R29, Lipstick red with colorless blender to colour their tongues, keeping a darker red towards the back of the tongue. I'm ashamed at how grubby my R29 looks but I was able to use some of this old ink along with Honey to colour the ground under the frogs. There is a little ladybird to the right (out of shot) which is R29 too.

One of my most used pens is BG10, Cool shadow which I used here around the edges of the frogs and around their bibs. I also used the T3, Toner Gray, no. 3 at the very foreground and to cast darker shadows on their limbs.

Taadaahh!!!!

The sentiment is a new one from Cornish Heritage Farms which I cut up and placed half inside the card. Look at that ink BLOB!! Yak!

Backgrounders - Step by Step

2008-06-14T10:02:00.007+01:00

I apologise now for the extra long post today but I took the pics as I completed the process and I thought they might be of some help to someone somewhere!!!

I know from talking to others that not everyone can see what to do exactly with a backgrounder except perhaps the obvious such as a "canvas" bg to add texture to cardstock so I thought I'd show how I use some of them in their own right as the focus of the card. Follow the post for more pics and step-by-step colouring.
Sunflowers backgrounder and sentiment by Cornish Heritage Farms. Leaf from a Kim Hughes set by CHF too. Green dotty cardstock by A muse.

I used the Sunflowers background by Cornish Heritage Farms and inked it with Versamark before using black embossing powder and a heat gun. This creates the right surface for applying inks.

I chose Adirondack inks to sponge colour in the following sequence.

I filled the white gaps with a little more sunshine yellow to brighten the card generally and finished by using a Souffle pen for white highlights. I intensified the flower centres with cardinal copic R59.
This is another card I made for my Dad using a similar method with Trees backgrounder from Cornish Heritage Farms. The orange dotty paper is by A muse and I dulled it down a little by brushing it with yellow acrylic paint. The chipboard is by Stampin UP and painted with orange and yellow acrylic paints.
Alphabet stamps, retired from PSX. Dotty stamp is by Hot off the press.
Black stitched grosgrain from Creative Impressions and orange ribbon by Amuse. I think this one is my favourite!!

This is just another little sample using a paisley backgrounder by CHF but sponged with more vivid ink pads! Put on your sunglasses!!

(TIP - if you don't have a white pen handy, use a tippex pen or white out with a fine paintbrush for the same effect). I haven't made this into a card yet......

SORRY for the epic post!!!

Some for the Daddies!

2008-06-12T13:10:00.004+01:00

I love this set "Let's hear it for the boys" from My Favorite Things and it is perfect for Father's Day or male Birthdays. My daughter Abbie (11yrs) and I had fun together colouring and you can see her designs further down. She has a great knack with Copics and a good eye for picking out designer papers and co-ordinating cardstock. I really love turquoise and orange as it is so bright and cheery.

Sentiment is from A muse as is the dotty orange paper. Wide ribbon from Mayarts.
Coloured with Copics. Swiss dots cuttlebug folder. Corner rounder punch.

The dotty designer paper here is by Scrappy Cats.

Now here are a few by Abbie - didn't she do well?? I think the one with the little beer bottle in the corner is a tribute to her Daddy as he loves to recline and have a beer watching Liverpool play.

She was inspired by my first design and tweaked it to suit her fav. dotty paper.

There's still time to get those Father's Day cards done and I hope we've given you a few ideas!!

Friends FURever!!!

2008-06-05T10:37:00.003+01:00

First off, I want to apologise for not posting for so long. My eldest sister is v. ill and underwent an operation on the 28th and we've been spending quite a bit of time visiting her in hospital hence my disappearance from blogland.
She's still in hospital and probably will be for at least another week so bear with me as I get back in to creating and blogging.

As you already know, My Favorite Things is one of my fav stamp companies and this is one of their latest mini sets, "Friends Furever" which is lots of fun to colour. (Mini sets are £6.99 at my shop).

Can you spot my other latest purchases??
Gorgeous dotty zesty paper by A muse. I also have it in green and pink.
The orange stitched grosgrain which is perfect for the paper is by A muse and now also in stock with about 8 other colours!!
The wide 1" ribbon is fabulous and also available in lime with blue stitching but with more colourways arriving soon.

Accessories - Turquoise stickles, rectangle nestability, white souffle pen and of course my COPICS.

If you're looking for more inspiration on how you could use this set, check out these fantastic samples over on Splitcoaststampers.

Stampowl
Cindy-Haffner
cwilliams
flaxychick

There are lots more samples, just search "friends furever" in the gallery home page.

Pink themed cards.

2008-05-24T11:29:00.004+01:00

I played around with this card for a while, trying the wings out in white and silver, finally opting for silver. The scalloped ovals are from my nestability dies. The wings are part of the DRESS UP LILY set by Pink Cat Studios. I finally cut and EZ mounted this set yesterday so watch out for more samples soon.

This background "climbing florals" is one of my all time favourites from Cornish Heritage Farms and worked well here in the faintest of pinks.
The sentiment is from an obsolete set by PSX.
Ribbon by Mayarts.
Dewdrop.

I'm not sure if this is an angel or fairy but I liked using the yellow tones with the pink and Mayarts had the perfect 2 tone ribbon to co-ordinate.
I embossed the image with clear embossing powder on white smooth cardstock and then sponged yellow and pink inks together (from Adirondack). The sentiment is a partial stamp of the sentiment in the card above.
The card is by A muse.

I needed another sympathy card and I really love this image from Fancy Pants and it is super fast to put together. The sentiment is from Cornish Heritage Farms but I think the font suits the flourish. Ribbon by Mayarts.

I think it is pretty amazing that I have made three cards and I haven't used my Copics on a single one!!!! I think I've yet to make a card without ribbon so I may have to challenge myself!

Scoreboard background.

2008-05-23T15:28:00.003+01:00

To create a diamond patterned background I used my M& F scoreboard by Coppernob but any scoreboard will do. I simply lined up, corner to corner and scored and then scored all the way across at equal intervals. Turn card around and do the same on the opposite diagonal.

For this card I used a selection of stamps by Cornish Heritage Farms. I used the sentiment, tag and small flower from the "Tag! You're it!" set by Kim Hughes and Daisy Jar.

I stamped and coloured the Daisy jar with copics and cut around a few of the prominent daisies with my craft knife. I then layered this onto orange cardstock and also used dimensional foam to raise the petals up slightly. (Don't look too closely at the raggedy edges of my cutting - my excuse is that my blade needed changing on my knife!)

I finished off the background by adding white flower motifs in the centre of each scored diamond.
It isn't very clear but I did airbrush pale blue copics around the daisy image.

Finished off with some Amuse ribbon.

Billy the superhero!

2008-05-20T12:40:00.000+01:00

This cute little guy is part of the "BILLY" set by Pink Cat Studio. The "superdog" and sentiment is from the same set and it's great value for money!
If you're in the UK, I have a selection of Pink Cat Studio's stamps in stock.

Click HERE to see the other images of Billy included in this set.

I started by using a scalloped circle nestability to create a template. I then used my Copic airbrush with a yellow marker to create the background. I bought this system months ago and I think I was just too scared of it! Suffice to say that I have now used up the entire air can and I've been asking my hubby to buy me an air compressor!!!

This is what it looks like for those who are new to Copic accessories.

I then used a black Copic pen to add dots around the scalloped outline, followed by a solid black line to make it pop out. I also hand drew the little paw prints!
All of it is coloured with Copics and some red stickle for the cape. I used Stampin up circle punches to mount the sentiment and turned it into a balloon just by adding a black pen line to Billy's hand.

I'll be back with more airbrushing when I get my compressor!!!

Sympathy cards

2008-05-16T12:40:00.000+01:00

No one enjoys making sympathy cards and it is difficult getting it just right and conveying your sentiment in a heartfelt way.

A few days ago, my sister's friend's baby grand daughter died during her birth and her mother is still seriously ill. There was an overwhelming sense of sadness as I made these cards and I visited various online sources and viewed poems and sentiments regarding the loss of a child which had me weeping.
I decided against the long sentiments and kept it simple to allow for a handwritten message inside.

I didn't want the card to be dark and sombre so I decided to use red/green/white.
The flower is from Gina K designs and as I didn't have her sentiment "wishing you comfort & peace", I used my Karen Foster snap stamps to recreate it.
The backgrounder of large polka dots is from Cornish Heritage Farms.
This was a lily stamp by Hero Arts which I sponged with Ranger Adirondack "lemonade" ink and coloured with copics. The sentiment is from Gina K designs. Ribbon by Mayarts.

I wanted this final card to be softer and acknowledge the birth and passing of their baby girl. I avoided traditional baby images and went for simple pink and white flowers. The sentiment is from a discontinued set by PSX.

Sweet Lily!

2008-05-14T09:00:00.003+01:00

Pink Cat Studio have some great stamp designs, including this one "Lily & Tweet". They are supplied as a sheet of grey rubber which you can mount on EZ mount or similar foam and cut out. The stamp then just clings to an acrylic block.

I store mine on laminated sheets in a file binder. I think this set is so versatile but check out their site for other great sets such as "Billy" and "Tweet".

(Mill House Crafts has a selection of Pink Cat Studio stamps in stock)

I loved colouring this image with copics and of course it needed some glittering up and a little liquid pearls for earrings and birdie necklace. It isn't the best photo ever but you get the idea.

I needed a birthday card for a 6yr old girl and these gorgeous dotty notecards by A muse just came into stock with matching ribbon and they provided the perfect speedy card.

The dotty notecards are packed in 10's with envelopes and come in many colours, including pink, green, blue, brown, orange, lilac........ (They sold out the day they arrived and more are on the way).

Fabriano daisy jar

2008-05-13T09:59:00.002+01:00

I treated myself to some beautiful Italian Fabriano notecards and envelopes and I think they are perfect for simple images like this.
This is "daisy jar" from Cornish Heritage Farms, coloured with copics. The sentiment is from a Kim Hughes set by Cornish Heritage Farms as well. The jar is coated with Judikins Diamond glaze and a little on the flower centres too.
The ribbon is another new one from A muse.

Animal challenge!

2008-05-09T09:25:00.004+01:00

Yesterday, My Favorite Things had a designer challenge of using animals in any card or project and as I had a little time on my hands (Bliss!), I decided to ignore my mountain of ironing and stamp. All of them are on the simpler side but I really enjoyed doing them and they are easy for a beginner to attempt.

This image is "Helpful chipmunks" from the Friendly Kritters range by Cornish Heritage Farms and I coloured it with Copics and used liquid pearls and stickles to accent the flowers. The little leaf in pink and the sentiment are by My Favorite Things.
The plain pink grosgrain is from Stampin' up and the stitched grosgrain is from A muse and I only received it yesterday and couldn't wait to use it.
Accessories: Nestability oval scallop die and corner rounder from Stampin' up.
(If you are in the UK and need any SU product, please contact me and I'll pass on my friend Judith's details as she has been demoing now since November). Their punches are the best!!!

This is a simple masking technique card. The stamps are from "It's a jungle" by My Favorite Things and the ribbon (another new one!!!!) from A muse.
I started by stamping the giraffe on the card and then again onto a post it (or eclipse tape if you have it). Cut out the giraffe from the post it and place it over the main image.
I then sponged the background with Ranger willow ink.
If you have an solid oval stamp for a shadow, this is the time to place it over the giraffe's feet to form a shadow and stop the giraffe from looking as though he is floating in mid air. :)

I actually hand drew the shadow using Copic, cool shadow but at my class last night we used an Stampin up oval punch to create a template and used that to create an oval shadow.

Once all the backgrounds were in place, I removed the mask and used cream, pale sepia and sepia Copics to colour the giraffe.

I think this is my favourite but maybe it's because these penguins are so cute. They are from the "Winter blast" set by My Favorite Things. I was inspired by my new dotty notecards from A muse and simply added a piece of white card to create a snowy slope. The dots look perfect as little snow flakes. As the stamps are clear it was easy to place them exactly.
I used my black and orange copics to colour the penguins and Sakura white souffle pen for their tummies and eyes. Crystal stickles as an accent.
The sentiment is from the same set but didn't fit my standard Stampin up "window word" punch so I cut a longer strip of white card and fed it into the punch (hold upside down) and punched one end. I then stamped the sentiment and fed the other end of the long strip into the punch and punched where the sentiment ended. This is a perfect way of shortening or lengthening the punch for those different sized sentiments.

Thomas Kinkade ~ now the copics.......

2008-05-08T10:00:00.008+01:00

I'm sure you thought I'd forgotten about the copics version of Thomas Kinkade's "Make a wish cottage"........... Well, I had the image finished but hadn't chosen any designer paper or card layout until today.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to show you how different an image can look depending on where the photograph is taken, lighting etc.

The designer paper and "hope" tage is from 12 x 12 pad by Brenda Walton for K&Co, called Neopolitan. Velvet ric rac by Mayarts.

This one was outside in the morning sun (we're having a great few days of sunny weather here in N.Ireland!!!)

This was inside with artificial light directed towards it.

This was also inside but with natural daylight.

It's amazing how different the colours can appear depending on what time of day and location you choose to photograph it in.

I was feeling lazy and didn't want to change the thread in my Janome mini from white to brown so I reverted to "faux stitching" and a brown staedtler fine liner in brown.

This is a close up of the main image coloured in copics and I highlighted the windows with Judikins diamond glaze and added Sakura white souffle pen for white highlights.

Make a wish cottage ~ Thomas Kinkade

2008-05-02T14:57:00.005+01:00

I coloured this image some time ago and finally decided to mount it onto a card!!
The stamp is "Make a wish cottage" from the Thomas Kinkade range by Cornish Heritage Farms.
This was coloured using Prismacolor pencils but I coloured the same image using Copics so check back in the next few days to see the same stamp but coloured with Copics and mounted differently.
The designer paper is Fancy Pants and I used turqoise, burgundy and lime stickles to highlight parts of the paper.
The gold ruffled edge ribbon is from Mayarts.

The ways to use it challenge on splitcoaststampers this week, WT164, was to incorporate ruffles so I hope this ribbon fits the bill!

Biker Birthday!!

2008-04-26T17:04:00.005+01:00

I've been dying to ink this image up for ages and I thought it could be birthday-fied with some good designer paper and lots of glitter.
I had originally stamped little rocks (from the same set) on the road but I decided to change them to little cupcakes in keeping with the birthday theme.
My niece is 21 and although she doesn't ride a motorbike her parents have one each and they might appreciate this card!!!!

The image is from Hanna Stamps, Route 66 set and is great fun to colour with Copics.
The designer paper is by Junkitz from their 6 x 6 salsa pad. The tiny cut out cupcakes are also from this pad.
Flowers by Prima marketing. Brad from Lasting Impressions.
Sakura white souffle pen.
Ticket corner punch by Stampin up.
Ribbon by Creative Impressions.
Yellow, turqoise and crystal stickles.

Laura Ashley inspired.......

2008-04-26T15:20:00.004+01:00

I had this idea for a little while to create my own "wallpaper" as such and when I saw this Laura Ashley design, I thought I'd have a go at MY version, creating a card in the process!!!
I know the dirty dozen team over at Splitcoaststampers have been using home design pages for inspiration and I love that we can be inspired by everyday things around us.

I used a blossom and 2 different leaves from a really great floral set by Kim Hughes for Cornish Heritage Farms called "Bloomin' Beautiful".
Ink : Adirondack in slate. Versamark.
White seafoam embossing powder by Ranger.
White souffle pen by Sakura to highlight leaves.
A muse twinkle stickers.
Wedding wishes by My Favourite Things from their wedding set.
Toner Gray T5 copic pen to dye ivory grosgrain.
YR21 Cream copic pen for flower centres.
Buckle from Hodgepodge Hardware and oval punch by Stampin Up.

This was my first time dying my ribbon with copics and it worked out perfectly. It was also my first time using my hodgepodge which I have been hoarding and can't bear to part with.

Sweet nestability!!!

2008-04-25T16:39:00.008+01:00

I remember quite some time ago seeing a beautiful baby dress created from a scalloped circle using a nestability die so I thought I'd have a try at my version.
I love the little collar and dinky bow and only one word sprang to mind "sweet" when I was thinking of a suitable sentiment. This would be perfect for the birth of a baby girl or just a cute card for any little girl.
It also fits well with Splitcoaststampers "Ways to use it" challenge this week. Use scissors, challenge WT163. I used the scissors to form the dress, collar and cuffs.

Designer paper - Fancy pants, English Rose
Cuttlebug "Swiss dots" embossing folder.
Class scalloped circle nestability (sm).
Eyelets and crop-a-dile to set them.
Janome mini sewing machine.
Light pink dewdrops.
Ribbons by Mayarts.
Scoreboard for embossed lines.
Corner rounder, ticket corner and circle punches from Stampin Up.
"Sweet" stamp by Stampin Up from their "SO VERY" set.

(Edited to add - I managed to track down the original that inspired me! It is by the VERY talented Sharon Harnist who is so good she designs for Spellbinders, Copics, Lockhart Stamps......etc. etc.)
Her design can be viewed HERE!
Check out her blog Paper Fections and prepare to be WOWED!!!

I started by cutting 2 of the largest classic scalloped circle (sm) by Spellbingers. I used double sided designer paper from Fancy Pants, English Rose. Using a pencil I decided where the arms should be and used a ruler to make sure it was symmetrical. You could use the petite scalloped circle if you want more scallops, i.e. more frills on your dress!
I used a circle punch for the neck area and scissors to cut the sleeves.

I cut out the dress and trimmed the collar, cuffs and skirt with the reverse side, raspberry coloured design.

Riley flying high!!

2008-04-19T15:32:00.004+01:00

Isn't this stamp so cute?? He is Plane Riley by Hanna Stamps and I thought he'd be perfect to create a scene with. Here I used a stamping wheel by Stampin' Up called "Tailgating" but there are endless possibilities. SU do great Christmassy wheels, cute washing lines and farmyard scenes.
The sentiment is from Hanna Stamps "things Hanna would say" pack.

Not much to say about it - I coloured with Copics and NOT an embellishment in sight!!!

Hanna cleans up!

2008-04-18T12:29:00.005+01:00

I love the "Domestic Goddess" set from Hanna Stamps and the sentiment is perfect for all the diehard stampers out there.

I thought I would take the opportunity to photograph a little bit more of the process and the materials as I created these cards.

This card was designed for Card Positioning systems sketch challenge, CPS #60. ( I actually found it a bit tricky but this will have to do!!!)

The paper is from Junkitz 6x6 salsa pad and I used one sheet to complete both cards. The copic colours I used are photographed below.
Ribbon is from Mayarts.
Twinkle stickers from A muse for her necklace.
Lime stickles for the feather duster.
SU circle punches

This was the second card I made using the leftover piece of dotty paper. The dewdrops are actually all a lemon colour but take on different hues on the dotty paper.

The small clip is from Paperchase.
Dotty ribbon is Mayarts.
Dewdrops from Robin's nest. (now in stock at Mill House Crafts).
Janome mini sewing machine. (I'm using it more often as I have it sitting out all the time. When I packed it away in it's box after use, I was too lazy to drag it out when I needed it!)

I hope you like this longer than normal post and I'll try and remember to photograph as I go along in the future!

The perfect package!

2008-04-17T18:16:00.003+01:00

This is another image from the Hanna Stamps "packages" set. You might recall the girl wrapping a package from a previous post.
They layout was inspired by the wonderfully talented Cindy Haffner. Click on her name to see lots of examples in her gallery over at Splitcoaststampers.
I used my square scalloped nestability and folded some Fancy Pants designer paper and only allowed the die to cut on 3 sides so that I would have a fold. I then punched the circles with the large side of my crop-a-dile.
I used various nestabilities for the circles in the centre.
"Surprise" is from the "Things Hanna would say" pack by Hanna Stamps and I thought it would look good as a flower centre with a largish prima flower, highlighted with dots and lime stickle.
The ribbon is a lovely apple green solid dotty ribbon by Creative Impressions and I like the turquoise in it too :)

Gardener's know all the best dirt!!

2008-04-12T17:36:00.004+01:00

~With the weather turning a little better - well sunshine followed by hail stones!!!, I thought I would do a little project with a Spring theme.
I love the Garden Riley but I also love my new Lockhart stamps from Ellen Hutson of the gardening clogs and sentiment.

My old fav, the tree backgrounder by Cornish Heritage Farms came out again and inked with Adirondack oregano it was a good background for Riley and the tag.

Accessories: nestabilities, dewdrops, ribbon by Mayarts, flower from Prima marketing.

Not sure who is going to get this little set but it is all ready for some cellophane wrap and a ribbon!

Showers of good wishes!

2008-04-08T19:28:00.006+01:00

Have I mentioned I really like stamps by My Favorite Things?? just checking.........he he

This little gal with the umbrella is from their "Shower Time" mini set and comes with other images too. See for yourself HERE. (available at Mill House Crafts £6.99).

I had a class last Thurs night and this was one of the cards created - I think everyone enjoyed using the MFT stamps.

Other stamps used: Canvas backgrounder by Cornish Heritage Farms and sentiment from Amuse.
INK: Brilliance graphite black, Ranger distress ink in 'tattered rose' and Versacolor Jumbo java.
Designer paper for paper piecing from Scrapbook walls double sided.
Dewdrops on corners will soon be in stock in a variety of colours.
Accessories: 'Ribbons by Mayarts, stipple brushes and nestabilities by Spellbinders. Pale pink liquid pearls for highlights and copics for the skintone. Judikins diamond glaze.

This was a VERY quick card using the same stamp as above but also a background stamp from "Behind the scenes" by MFT too.
The umbrella handles are hand drawn as are the raindrops. I used copics to colour the flowery background. If you click on the photo you'll see how the Judikins diamond glaze is effective as raindrops.
Clear dewdrops from Robin's nest.

Here's hoping we don't get any April showers - thanks for stopping by!

Hanna's present!

2008-04-04T18:18:00.002+01:00

This is for this week's Card Positioning systems sketch challenge, CPS 58. This is one of my favorite sets by Hanna Stamps and is great for colouring with Copics.
Package is really sparkly in real life and flowers are by Prima Marketing. Black brads by Creative Impressions.
Nestabilites for layering.
Sorry for the brief post but gotta go......

Dotty doggies!

2008-04-03T22:09:00.003+01:00

Allison over at "Stampin when I can" had another challenge which I'm a bit late in playing along with but here goes anyway!!

It is AFSS11 Dotty - here are her suggestions.

Use polka dotted stamps or DP.
Add some dots with a gel pen. For some inspiration, visit the queen of the gel pen, Faith.
Pierce...that's a dot, right?
Pull out a dotty embossing folder or template.

This is one of my favourite sets "Let's go for a walk" by My Favorite Things. The open circle background and sentiment is in the same set too and I thought there were definitely enough dots to participate in Allison's challenge.

The corner is from another of their background sets.
It's not very clear from the photo but I used dewdrops (island blossom) on some of the circles. If you visit Mill House Crafts, the dewdrops are due in stock soon as are the new Hanna stamps and latest from My Favorite Things.

I sewed a line of stitches along the ribbon and pulled the thread to ruffle it slightly.
All coloured with my fav copics and a little sparkle on the dress and party hats.

Quick baby themed cards

2008-03-31T20:54:00.004+01:00

I was trying to come up with some cards that would work for baby themed cards which just need the sentiment changing depending on the occasion.

All the designer papers and ribbons are from the Basic Grey "Lily Kate" range. In the picture above, the middle ribbon is actually used in reverse on the card on the right. They look so different and I think I actually prefer the reverse!

Using papers and ribbons from a range such as this takes the hard work out of choosing what works best together.

The babygro (onesie), the booties and sentiments are all Rubber Stamp Tapestry stamps.
SU circle punches used for main image.

The photos aren't great but I didn't want to bore you with 6 separate images.

It's a boy!!!

2008-03-29T10:49:00.005Z

My friend gave birth to her first baby on Weds, a healthy baby boy whom I can't wait to see!!! So this card is in honour of Marcus, 8lbs 9ozs!
I love new babies and can't wait for a cuddle and a sniff!!!

Stamps: Zoofari (the zebra) from Stampin up. Snap stamps by Karen Foster (now discontinued) :( Boy oh boy by Amuse stamps.
Designer paper - My mind's eye.
Celery grosgrain by Stampin Up too.
Heart pin by Fancy pants.
Scallop cut with Nestabilities scalloped circle die.
Coloured with copics and highlighted with lime stickles.

Let me know if you need a contact for Stampin Up products in N.Ireland and I'll forward Jude's details to you.

Cute as a button!

2008-03-28T17:01:00.005Z

This is the new sketch challenge released yesterday by Tami and her team at
Card Positioning systems. CPS 57 Part 3.

Here is my take on the challenge but check out their site for lots more ideas!

I had left over scraps of scalloped circles on my desk and decided to halve them for a scalloped border. (Designer paper by My Mind's eye). The wide celery grosgrain is by Stampin Up. I didn't have turquoise buttons but these white ones were easily tinted with my copic pen. I used the same Copic pen to add faux stitching around the scallops. I threaded the buttons with celery coloured embroidery thread by Lasting Impressions.

"Cute as a button" is an old one by Hero Arts that I layered upon layer, stitching the final layer with my Janome mini and adding an embroidery thread bow.

The top half of the card looked bland so I found a brass stencil with tiny baby images (by Paper Mania I think?), and dry embossed some motifs before adding the sentiment panel.

Coincidentally, Papercrafts magazine showcased button projects in their March issue and invited crafters to submit their button projects by 25th March!! I'm too late I know but be sure to watch out for their April challenge. Click HERE!

I've another baby card to share with you tomorrow.

REMEMBER...........

2008-03-22T14:58:00.003Z

......Babe the "sheep pig" - the pig who thought he was a sheep, WELLL, you remember I introduced you to Daisy the lamb.....

Now meet Daisy the "dog sheep"!!!!!

She is now best friends with Boomer and Oscar and they love huddling up together. The photos aren't brilliant but you get the idea. They love to go across our fields together and Daisy follows them everywhere!
We started by letting her be in with them for 10 mins, then 1/2 hr, then an hour etc. until we knew the dogs definitely weren't going to have her for lunch!!!

All visitors to our backyard do a double take and can't believe a lamb is in the dog pen!

Fisherman gift!

2008-03-21T20:49:00.002Z

I've been having fun the last few days creating candles and thought I'd share them with you.
For those who don't know, the simplest way is to stamp your image on white tissue paper (the kind from shoe boxes and packaging is fine and good for recycling!!).
Colour the image with pencils. (I used Prismacolor pencils). Take care not to pull holes in the tissue paper - ask me how I know this!!! LOL!

This image is "It doesn't get much better..." which is a Thomas Kinkade image by Cornish Heritage Farms and the sentiment is theirs too "Fishing Poles". Once coloured, trim around the tissue image about 2mm border around it and then place on the candle where you want it to be. You can then cover the image with waxed paper, greaserproof paper or baking paper. I had thought only waxed paper worked but I was having trouble finding it and the others worked equally well and are readily available.
Hold the waxed paper tightly around the image and heat with a heatgun until you see the wax begin to melt. Move the heatgun around the image being careful not to overheat or drips will appear on the candle. Peel back.
Add sentiment in the same way.
Wrap in cellophane and add a ribbon and tag!

This is "Mr Rooster" by Cornish Heritage Farms and is one of my favourite stamps. The sentiment is from them also. I think this candle took all of 5 mins! ( He does have a partner "Mrs Chicken"!!)
The method is the same as before but much quicker to colour.

I also added some copics to the image once it was on the candle including the markings under the rooster's feet.
Keeping with the country feel I added some red gingham - perfect for a country kitchen.

Happy St Patrick's Day!!

2008-03-17T12:03:00.004Z

I've had a lot of fun playing with these new Riley stamps, my Copics AND my new cuttlebug embossing folders.

Allison on her blog "Stampin when I can" presented the challenge of a card with a boozy theme.

Living in N.Ireland and it being St. Patrick's Day I couldn't not participate!!!

My new St Patty's Riley came in handy and I think he is celebrating with a half pint of Guinness!

St.Patty's Riley, handwritten "Cheers", Designer paper from pack by Hot off the Press, brown grosgrain by May arts and 'swiss dots' cuttlebug folder used over the dp. Coloured with Copics.
White liquid applique for the top of the Guinness!

Clover Riley in traditional Irish colours. Doodles around the main image by hand using Staedtler fineliners. Circle punch for semi circle cut outs to hold ribbon in place. Lime and yellow stickles.
"Floral Fantasy" cuttlebug embossing folder.

Clover Riley, Copics, ~Hot off the press designer paper. The buttons were actually threaded with faux thread. (TIP ~ I trimmed a sliver of brown card with my scissors and threaded it through and adhered it to the back).

I thought I might as well make good use of the stamps now as they'll be put away till next time!

Some of my favourite things........

2008-03-16T12:52:00.003Z

Visitors to my workshop often ask where I got certain things or what tools would I recommend....... well I decided the other day, camera in hand to photograph a few of my favourite things!

Here are just a few and I'll add to them later!

This rotating stand is actually designed for the kitchen and I bought it at a "Pampered Chef" party. I think I was the only one there wondering what items I could use in my craft workshop as I'm not the world's best chef!!!
It is a great asset but note of course the contents:-

My Copics (I've been told it doesn't matter if they are stored upright!)

Prismacolour pencils - fantastic on their own or used in conjunction with Copics.

Stipple brushes - for softening and inking paper edges.

In the exact centre I have my Copic spica glitter pens.

Of course I can't live without my Spellbinders Wizard die cutter and embosser and my essential dies. (I've eyed up a few of the new die sets now out in the States but due here in April).

I think I use this Japanese screw punch on nearly every project alongside my Marvy cutting and eyelet mat. It is a real workhorse and comes with 5 different sized cutting heads.

I love my Crop-A-Dile for hole punching and silent setting of eyelets and especially because it is pink and comes with a cool storage box and eyelets!

What are your favourite crafting tools???

Riley is here!!

2008-03-13T20:57:00.005Z

This is one of the cutest stamps I have seen in ages. Riley doesn't actually have clothes when you stamp him/her (not sure of gender??) but I went with female for this one! Anyway, back to the clothes, I used my Copic fineliner to draw in dungarees before colouring with my Copics and spica glitter pens. I used copics to create a shadow around the embossed square and to tint the deckled edges of the card.

Both the stamp (Garden Riley) and the sentiment are from Hanna Stamps which I am now stocking in my shop if you have to have them!

I'll admit when I put this card through my Wizard with the square nestability to emboss it, I had hoped it would be straight when it came out but it is just one of my 'Happy Accidents' and I now like that it is crooked!
This one is Clover Riley and the sentiment is handwritten. The designer paper is Fancypants , Beautify. Brads by Lasting Impressions.

I have 2 more great Riley designs lined up - 1 is a proper St. Paddy's day image with Riley holding a Guiness and the other is Riley in an aeroplane with a banner behind for you to choose the sentiment to put in the banner.

Announcing Miss DAISY!

2008-03-11T20:42:00.000Z

Announcing sweet Miss Daisy!

Here is the latest addition to our family - she's very cute, soft and snuggly. On the downside I get to make all the feeds and do lots of clearing up!!!!!

She doesn't like going outside - a very spoiled girl already.

If I take her to my craft shop she tries to eat the designer papers and raids the bin! When I barricade her in with cardboard she butts her way out or tries to leap over my makeshift walls.
The alternative is to keep her in the garage but she cries so long and very loudly!

Exciting news!! My new Hanna Stamps arrived today - see below for 3 examples!!
I also received some wood mounted Riley the moose stamps. I'll hopefully get a chance to play and created over the next couple of days......

New shoes!!!

2008-03-10T19:49:00.005Z

When I visited the show in Birmingham recently , I had the pleasure of having my stand next to the very talented Cathie Shuttleworth.

Cathie is a very talented designer and illustrator and you may have recently seen some of her designs in Crafts Beautiful.

Her latest venture is paper design templates like those shown below.

The little shoes above were created from one of her kits and are simple enough for children and adults. This was my first attempt but I think they would look fantastic in all sorts of designer papers and they would be perfect displayed in a box frame for a baby's room or maybe a christening gift.

Each pack retails at £6.99 but includes the template which can be reused or resized again and again. It also includes tracing paper and the papers and card to create your first design.
All you need is glue, scissors, pencil and embellishments. All the different designs are classed for beginner, intermediate and advanced.

Mary the Fairy (back right purple) is very popular and my favourite is Molly mouse (centre). Their fantastic "hair" is formed from fibres and ribbons.
Please visit Cathie's site HERE and let me know if you would like Mill House Crafts to stock these templates. Samples can be viewed at my shop.

Here are some more designs to whet your appetite!

Some more Rubber Stamp Tapestry

2008-03-07T17:25:00.005Z

I promise this will be the last Rubber Stamp Tapestry - at least for a week!!! I had been working on some samples for the company's owner but I thought I would share them with you too.

If you visit my gallery at Splitcoaststampers you will see this work and more and a list of the products I used to make them.

You know how I like shoes - well watch for my next post to see how to make the cutest pair of paper shoes!!!!

Spring Offering!

2008-03-06T11:00:00.000Z

These 2 designs were completed using Rubber Stamp Tapestry's soon to be released "Spring Offering". I loved using the Basic Grey "Lily Kate" paper and purple and yellow theme.

Stamps: Rubber Stamp Tapestry, Spring Offering, Word plate 2, Flourish plate 1.

Paper: Lily Kate by Basic Grey

Ink: Versacolor, evergreen, violet, lilac and Brilliance Sunflower yellow

Accessories: Crop -a-dile, eyelets, purple and yellow stickles, nestabilities and wizard by spellbinders. Prima flowers

Christening card

2008-03-04T23:28:00.004Z

My niece asked me to make a Christening card and I realised I had baby images but not sentiments suitable for such a card. I got this lovely baby set from Rubber Stamp Tapestry and used their clear alphabet to creat the banner at the bottom.

I really like the little bootees and the babygro (onesie). I chose various shades of lilac and purple inks by Versacolor. I punched out the letters with a Stampin Up punch and raised on sticky fixers.
Ribbons are a mixture from May arts.

Here is another little variation in turqoise and pink. I don't know anyone with a baby girl right now but a friend is due next month so we'll wait and see.

Beautiful daisy jar

2008-03-01T12:35:00.002Z

This Daisy jar stamp is by Cornish Heritage Farms and I coloured it some time ago and just never incorporated it in a card. The image is mainly coloured with Prismacolor pencils and highlighted with a red Copic pen.

The glossy finish on the jar and flower centres can be achieved with Ranger glossy accents or Judikins diamond glaze.

I used 2 fantastic backgrounders by Cornish Heritage Farms, broad stripe and geometric flowers II. I used Adirondack butterscotch and red pepper ink pads and used an aqua brush to fill in the flowers and soften the stamped image.

The gorgeous flourish and sentiment are by new designer Lesley from the "Rummage Bin" range by Cornish Heritage Farms, stamped in Brilliance graphite black. (now in stock at Mill House Crafts).

Easter project ~ CHF Blog

2008-02-28T16:27:00.004Z

A little while ago I put together a tutorial and project for Cornish Heritage Farm's own blog using their stamps. Here is a sample of a little 2-4-6-8 treat box and card that I did.........

To see more bonus projects and a brief tutorial, please click HERE!.
Most of the supplies used are listed also, but if you have any questions, let me know!

I thought it would be fun to use my Kim Hughes cute "Cutie Petootie" set coloured with Copics and of course include chocolate!!!! Those Cadbury's mini eggs didn't last long after the photos were taken.

Got to go finish a card I am working on.........
Feel free to let me know if you'd like to see more of these tutorials and projects.

Dogwood blooms - RST

2008-02-26T09:00:00.001Z

For this quick card I used another new peg set by Rubber Stamp Tapestry, titled "Dogwood blooms". The little sprig along the top edge is from the same set. "Family" is from their clear set, Word plate II.
I think the paper is Basic Grey, Lily Kate range and the ribbon is from that range too.

Other supplies: Corner rounder for scalloped edges, Crop-o-dile for punched edges and scalloped oval nestability for the main image.

Sorry the photo isn't the best quality!

Elvis is in the house!!!!

2008-02-23T14:05:00.003Z

.....well, just not yet but he will be on 28th Feb!! Cornish Heritage Farms will be releasing the much awaited line of Elvis stamps. CHF is the only stamp manufacturer with a licensing agreement from Elvis Presley Enterprises.
Mill House Crafts will have them in stock as soon as the plane can fly them here!

This picture was taken by my friend and fellow design team member, Lori Craig, and this was part of the display at CHA in California.

Please visit Lori's blog "Make a Difference" to see the first Elvis card using these stamps. Visit her other posts for lots of inspirational work!

RST Basic grey mellow

2008-02-22T09:56:00.000Z

I thought I'd try something a little bit different for me and I focused on the Basic Grey "Mellow" papers and Basic Grey chipboard. The little flower stamps on the chipboard are from a new Rubber Stamp Tapestry set, Peppermint petunias, which I stamped in Turquoise gem by Versamagic and Brilliance copper. I then highlighted the white areas using a Sakura white souffle pen. I've seen the new Ranger white pen and I'm keen to get my hands on that to try it out!
The'Happiness' chipboard also has Basic Grey rubons at each side and I added a little Sakura clear glitter pen to the background paper.

Rubber Stamp Tapestry new release!

2008-02-16T20:55:00.001Z

Rubber Stamp Tapestry launched some new peg sets at CHA last week and I had the pleasure of playing with them pre-show! Here are some cards using one of my favourite sets, "Blue Eden". These colours look so pearlescent and sparkly in real life. These aren't on their site as yet so I thought I'd share another sneaky peek in advance.

The papers, ribbon and buttons are all Basic Grey "mellow" range and I love them.
"Bloom" is from Rubber Stamp Tapestry also, their clear "Word plate 2" set which is so versatile.
Inks: Brilliance pearlescent rust, coffee bean and Versamagic Turquoise gem.
Copper and turqoise stickles. Corner rounder punch for the scalloped edges.

Well I've spent the day at the NEC and managed to watch Tim Holtz in action. I got to attend 2 classes and got to use the Cricut Expression machine but I can honestly say my style of work does not need a Cricut. Give me stamps and inks any day!!

I did have lots of fun playing with the new Cuttlebug dies and embossing folders before setting up our stand. Our stand is very basic due to the fact that we couldn't carry lots as we flew from Belfast to Birmingham and also as I am in the "Bright Sparks" section I only have 3 m square to play with!!

We had fun spotting all the faces from Create and Craft - some we know by name like Glenda from Graphicus and some by face only! Wendy Rhodes is a couple of stands from us.

I'll try and share some pics tomorrow.

Sneak peek!!!

2008-02-15T20:11:00.003Z

Cornish Heritage Farms are releasing a new line of Easter stamps by Asela Hopkins so you can guarantee you are going to love them!

Here is one to whet your appetite!

As you can see it is a simple design but with NEC trip starting 6.30am tomorrow a.m. I just wanted to play with the new stamps. The image is coloured with Copics and I used my oval nestabilites. The beautiful green silk ribbon is by Creative Impressions.

I'll try and post another tomorrow on the run up to the stamp release on the 20th. Keep watching Cornish Heritage Farm's blog for my project. (It was due 5th Feb but everything has to be moved to a later date due to exhibition committments at CHA in California.)

I'll try and take a few photos at the NEC to keep you updated on any new lines or can't live without supplies.

COPICS!!!!

2008-02-13T21:09:00.004Z

Well I promised a pic of the new delivery of Copics - I love these!!! You can also see the clear Spica glitter pens in the pic too - perfect for a subtle shimmer to your images that dry in seconds.

I also ordered plastic storage boxes to hold up to 36 pens but sadly although I paid for them they didn't arrive. :(
I think you can click on this photo for an enlargement and view the colour names.

If you already know you can't live without them, let me know what colours you NEED!!!! Drop me a line via the email link on www.millhousecrafts.co.uk
I'll let you know the pricing once I confirm a few of my costs.
I'll also upload them to my site in the next few weeks.

If you live in N.Ireland, I will gladly demo the pens for you! My 11yr old has really taken to them as well and does a good job so you can too!

Unfortunately due to NEC committments this weekend I won't get a chance to play with these until I demo with them at the show. Word from CHA is that the Thomas Kinkade stamps were the most popular so I'm going to concentrate on those and how to colour them in different mediums.

My blog entry for Cornish Heritage Farms is delayed until later this week due to the workload Liz and Richard had for CHA in Anaheim. Keep checking their blog for details.

Now that's eggciting!!!

2008-02-13T15:00:00.001Z

Check out the end of this blog for my EGGCITING news!!

This was a card I made "pre-blog" and I thought I would share it with you. It was one of my first designs using prismacolor pencils (that i love!!). The stamps are Stampin up (now in the UK).
If you are in N.Ireland and want a good contact for SU supplies, let me a know and I'll forward you Jude's details.
The large scallops were from a Fiskar's template that I drew round and simply cut out. The yellow dotty paper is by Lasting Impressions and ribbons are May arts and of course some yellow stickle to hightlight the egg.

This was actually one of the designs I submitted that helped me get accepted onto the Cornish Heritage Design Team.

CHA is on at present in Anaheim, California and I am so envious of my team mates as they get to man the Cornish Heritage stand and visit all the other booths and see the new goodies in crafting before anyone else.

I've been working on a few new designs for Rubber Stamp Tapestry but I am just waiting until CHA ends today before I post them as they are only being launched at CHA.

EGGCITING NEWS for those in the UK wanting to get hold of Copics - I just received an order today so watch this space for more details of colours etc. I'll photograph the package to entice you!!
Also got the clear Copic Spica glitter pens!!!

Beelated birthday greetings.

2008-02-10T21:00:00.005Z

This cute little bee is one of my favourite stamps and it is by A muse. He doesn't actually have wings but I decided he needed some (wink!) and of course a dotted flight path. The sentiment is A muse too and I stamped it onto half a label punch from Stampin up and doodled around the edges. The yellow and black inks are both Brilliance. Ribbons are my fav dotty organza by May arts. (Lots in stock at Mill House Crafts!)
The background, from distance, looks like strips of ribbon but as you can see it is just faux ribbon stamped. These stamps are by Papertrey Ink which is a fab company with great designs. the stamp set is FAUX RIBBON amazingly.....
Nichole Heady is the brains behind the company or at least one of them and her blog, Capture the Moment, is not to be missed!!!!!!

I made this card before my blogging adventures began but thought I'd share with you.

Switzerland!!!

2008-02-05T19:22:00.001Z

Not having any crafty supplies with me here in Nendaz, I decided to share a few pics with you!

Here is Ben on our balcony enjoying pain au chocolat and chocolate milk. Check ou the view of the Alps behind him!!
Here are 2 excited girls exchanging Ug boots for ski boots before their very first ski lesson! (They loved it even though their legs were sore!)
Here is another snap of the view from our apartment.
As I write this, a carnival has passed through the streets coming down the mountain by torch light. All the residents are dressed in costumes and bands are playing. Lots of partying in Nendaz tonight!

Memories........

2008-01-30T21:25:00.000Z

Just a quick little card using "Background Patterns 1", clear stamps by Rubber Stamp Tapestry.
The sentiment is from their "Word Plate 2" clear set which I find I use time and time again.
I used my nestabilities to emboss a square onto this hammered card first.
It is a good idea to have a batch of these pre-embossed ready and waiting for a quick card.

I used Marvy pens to ink up the stamps in lavender and olive which I lightly spritzed with water before stamping.
The apple gingham is by Creative Impressions. Crystal stickle to finish.

Just a quick card today as I have been working on a project for Cornish Heritage Farm's Blog which will be available to view on 5th Feb. We go to Switzerland on 2nd so the pressure was on to get it finished.

Wild thing!!

2008-01-30T21:18:00.000Z

In honour of the snow here in Switzerland I thought I would feature a cold climate loving cute penguin. Oh I know they live at the South pole but I needed a tenuous link to show off this card. :)

This is one of my all time favourite cards and not too time consuming to make. It is also a great way of using those cute penguin stamps you might have that only get dusted off at Christmas.
The penguin is by Sunday International and they have some others that are facing left and right so you could create a little scene.
The lower half is actually a stamp roller by Stampin up which I inked in black and added orange stickle. "Wild thing" is a sticker I had left over from a set by KI Memories ( I think!!).
The stitched grosgrain is by Creative Impressions.

Xcalibur!!!!

2008-01-30T20:57:00.000Z

Wow!!! Look at what Spellbinders is launching at CHA in California next week! Rumour has it that it will be available for purchase in May '08 - (probably a bit later in the UK!!).

It is a motorised diecut/ embossing machine. This is the first machine of its kind.

Keep checking Spellbinder's website for details. I'm anxiously awaiting the pricing because I know I want one!!!

Spellbinder's says "A touch of the button gently feeds and slowly releases mats for cutting and embossing. The mats used in Xcalibur will be the same mats currently used in the Wizard, Universal Craft Tool. Xcalibur will cut, emboss and texturize virtually every consumer die from leading manufacturers making it the universal system of choice. Xalibur will revolutionize the die cutting world..."

Please be assured that this is not a replacement for the Wizard. The machines can share the same mats, pads and dies but Xcalibur's main features are to cut and emboss. The Wizard, Universal Craft Tool, continues to provide many additional functions such as cutting chipboard, replicating charms and transferring images, just to name a few.

Start saving your pennies!!!

I've been tagged!!!

2008-01-27T21:06:00.000Z

I've read lots of tagging on other sites but being relatively new to blogging, I've never participated before.My good friend and Cornish Heritage Designer Mary Anderson tagged me today. Check out her blog, It's all about the journey. You won't be disappointed!

Tagging rules!!

Link back to the person who tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog - we all want to know them!
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

MY RANDOM FACTS!

1. I am one of 8 children!!
2. I like being on my own sometimes - see no. 1!!! :)
3. I got in big trouble when I bunked off school for 2 days when I was 12. I went shopping with my friends. (Those who know me won't be surprised!)
4. I was a police officer for almost 5 yrs in Manchester!!
5. I'm an advanced driver (see no. 4!). My husband doesn't agree....... :)
6. I broke my arm when I was 4 swinging from a neighbour's fence!
7. We are the proud owners of 2 lovely pregnant donkeys, Winnie & Rosie!

Proof of fact 7!!

Most of the people I know with blogs have already been tagged..... so I have decided to tag some special people who took the time to leave me a comment on my blog!

Marlou ~ Scrapping with love

Wife2TJ ~ A Scrap Addict's blog

Edna Taylor ~ Edna's place

Mary Duffek ~ Moe Joe Designs

Live.Life.Create.Art

Laurie ~ Stamping for God's Glory

My Paper World

Play along if you have the time.

Thomas Kinkade ~ Cornish Heritage Farms!!!

2008-01-26T18:04:00.001Z

I have some great news for all my blog visitors from the UK!!!

I am now the selling a large range of the Cornish Heritage stamps including the Thomas Kinkade images, backgrounders and much much more!!!!!
Please click here for details.

I have exclusive distribution rights to retailers in the UK so if you are a retailer, please contact me.
If your local stamp store doesn't stock this wonderful line of stamps, let them know that Mill House Crafts is their contact.

I will be exhibiting at the NEC in Birmingham next month, so fingers crossed that retailers will love the CHF stamps as much as I do!

Stazon ~ acetate

2008-01-26T17:56:00.000Z

I played around with this card for ages and this was the final result. I toyed with not showing you the first draft as I really don't like it but I thought we all have days where the cards just won't do what we have in our heads so I thought I would show how I saved a "mistake".
(To be honest my eldest daughter came in and said "I don't like that big ribbon down the left hand side!") and I promptly whipped it out!

I even got out my sewing machine and now when I look at the finished card I can barely see any of the stitching!!!

The first draft. Yuck!!

Stamps:
-Silhouette Blooms I (The Kim Hughes Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms
-Cute Curls (The Kim Hughes Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms

Ink:
-Jet Black Stazon, White Stazon, Royal purple Stazon by Tsukineko

Cardstock:
-Classic purple and Stormy light by Prism Papers
White cardstock and black cardstock.

Tools:
-sewing machine
-slit punch by Stampin up.
-Scalloped scissors by Fiskars

Accessories:
-flower by Prima Marketing
-button unknown source
-purple metallic brads by Dovecraft
-Black grosgrain, purple organza, dotty organza by Mayarts

You're the cat's pyjamas!

2008-01-18T18:59:00.000Z

I love this cute cat from the "Cutie Pet-tootie" set designed by Kim Hughes for Cornish Heritage Farms. He normally looks like this..........

I decided I didn't want him naked as I wanted to handwrite "You're the cat's pyjamas" as a sentiment. Using my Copic fine liner (doesn't bleed when colouring with copics) I drew on some groovy pjs and added little heart and pockets.

I coloured the whole image with Copics and added some clear Copic spica glitter pen.
Oh, and I had pre-embossed the square with my nestabilities before stamping the cat. Some people ask should you stamp first or after?? I do both.

It is best if you are organised and have nestabilites cut out before stamping but sometimes you decide to use nestabilities after you have the image coloured and ready. Now, this is ok if your Wizard holds the paper in place and doesn't move OR all your hard work could be lost. I minimise this by using a thin magnetic layer that holds the nestie in place.

Here's a sneak peek inside!!! This little mousey is from the same set and there is a little piece of cheese too.

Purple & silver thankyou

2008-01-18T10:52:00.000Z

The inspiration for this card was driven by a recent publication call from U.S. magazine Papercrafts asking for this layout in purple/grey or purple/silver. I came up with this and on reading the criteria v. closely!!!! I discovered it should have been 3" x 3.5"!! Argghh!!!

(Mine is standard C6!) Ah well!!! maybe next time.......

Papers: Prism "classic purple" and "stormy light"
Stamps: Cornish Heritage Farms, Fishnet backgrounder, French Script backgrounder and wild rose (love this stamp!).
Inks: Adirondack purple twilight and slate. Encore silver.
Accessories: Purple and silver organdy by Creative Impressions and Pilot silver marker, extra fine point for silver highlights on flower. Judikins duster brush for shading around the flower.

Kick stand challenge

2008-01-13T12:21:00.001Z

As mentioned in my last post, Splitcoaststampers had a card sketch challenge on Weds incorporating a kick stand. For us in the UK we are maybe not so familiar with this website but basically you can join free of charge and post images of your work as long as it uses stamps. Other members can comment on your work and you can comment on theirs.

You have access to a huge gallery of work from all over the world and brilliant tutorials and techniques pages. You can sign up for their "Weekly inklings" which are emailed to you and provide details of the challenges for the week ahead which could be colour, sketch layout, limited supplies etc.

Even if you don't want to join, you can still view the gallery and forums on the site.

So, back to my original reason for posting. I participated in the Weds card sketch challenge 158, hosted by the wonderful Roxie. This is her card sketch. You can go to the Splitcoaststampers gallery and search SC158 to see who participated in the challenge and view their creations.

I didn't follow the plan strictly (forgive me Roxie!) as I haven't added a second panel but I wanted to use Bossy the cow's legs as the kickstand.

I had a leftover scalloped circle cut with my nestabilities lying on my desk that served as a cloud when I sponged on the Adirondack aqua. I can be lazy and just want to use what is lying around rather than spend 30mins searching for the perfect item.

"Smile" is from a great set by Kim Hughes for CHF, "Scripty words", stamped in Brilliance Graphite black.
Bossy (from CHF) is coloured with Prismacolour pencils.
Prima flower and lime stickle.
The little scrap of paper is Fancy Pants, Beautify which is a lovely double sided paper.

CPS ~ Card Positioning Systems

2008-01-11T15:55:00.001Z

If you've not visited this site - where have you been?? Only joking as this is only my first time participating in one of their sketch challenges. I've lurked around this site for some time but finally decided to try a challenge.

Go to CPS and see their latest sketch no. 46 Part 1. (intriguing as to what Part 2 might be.........hmmm.) Be inspired by Tami Mayberry's fab January design. Tami is a fellow design team member at Cornish Heritage Farms and is a v. talented lady.

Kim Hughes, Melissa Phillips and Linda Beeson have 3 beautiful designs showing that can't help but motivate you!

Here's my effort!
Again, this isn't my normal style but I vowed this year to experiment - you never know I might just like it!
Base card was basic white cardstock inked with Adirondack latte and canvas backgrounder by CHF. I then overstamped this with Adirondack meadow and climbing floral backgrounder.
I absolutely LOVE CHF's backgrounders and a large variety are in stock at Mill House Crafts with many more on the way. ( My order was last sighted at L.A. - so fingers crossed xx)

Now for the science part !! I drew round a side plate for the curve and cut out Fancy Pants "Beautify" paper from the Fancy-free collection. This is double sided so the blossom is one side and the green is the other. I actually assembled 2 cut out pieces to make one large blossom and then curved the petals outward.
"Hugs" is from "Scripty words" designed by Kim Hughes for Cornish Heritage farms.
I highlighted the little green thingys on the blossom and the sentiment with Copic Spica glitter pen in melon.

Why not try it too?? Or perhaps this week's sketch challenge 158 over at Splitcoaststampers.
I'm doing this one too so I'll try and post that tomorrow.

Going round in circles

2008-01-10T19:21:00.001Z

Happy New Year everyone!!

I'm so sorry I've been gone for so long but my holidays just seemed to become extended and I spent last weekend in Glasgow but I've finally got my finger out and started creating again.

As you can see this is a very different card for me but I wanted to try something new. I apologise for the sombre tone of a sympathy card but you could use any sentiment in this layout.

The papers are all BasicGrey, Pheobe range.
Nestabilities and circle punches used alot!!
Prima flowers.
Buttons from a craft fair and brown linen thread.
Apple organdy by Creative Impressions.
STAMPS ~ Climbing floral background is by CHF and stamped in the lime section from Brilliance peacock pad.
"With Sympathy" is by CHF from Kim Hughes' Silhouette Blooms set.

I can't believe I haven't coloured anything or added glitter or bling - AMAZING!! I guess my next card will need some sparkle or I'll be having withdrawal symptoms.

Shop closing times

2007-12-22T16:34:00.000Z

Mill House Crafts is now officially closed until Thursday 10th January.

Thanks to all of you for your support throughout 2007.

I wish you all a Healthy Happy Christmas and look forward to seeing you all in 2008.

( Advance notice ~ Shop closed Sat 2nd, Thurs 7th, Fri 8th, Sat 9th Feb.
I will be attending the trade craft fair at the NEC, Birmingham, therefore shop will be closed Sat 16th Feb also. I apologise for any inconvenience caused but hopefully you will like the new products arriving soon!)

Hey cupcakes!!!

2007-12-19T11:22:00.000Z

Finally got a chance to play with my new rubbah!!!Love, love, love my large polkas!! (stamped in brilliance graphite black). This is one of the new release backgrounders from Cornish Heritage Farms.

Cupcakes, xo's, heart and 'hey cupcake' from Kim Hughes new set "Hugs & Kisses" at Cornish Heritage Farms.

Happy Birthday is from Kim Hughes "Tag, you're it" set.

Copic spica glitter added to cupcakes.

Large heart hand drawn with Sakura gelly roll in black- also the cake stand is hand drawn with same pen. Black brads by Lasting Impressions.

I love the simplicity of this card and I like strawberries!!! Super shiny in real life.

Flourish and sentiment is from Kim Hughes' "Cute Curls".

Strawberry is from Kim Hughes' "Sweet Thang".

I added glossy accents from Ranger but unfortunately I think I did it too soon and blurred the little strawberry seeds beyond recognition.When the glossy accents had dried I added white seeds with my Sakura souffle white pen!!!

If you look closely you will see I embossed a square with my nestabilities.

Well I told you they would be different from TK!!!

Oh no!! Not more Thomas Kinkade!!

2007-12-17T19:23:00.000Z

Sorry but I really like my Thomas Kinkade stamps but look away now if you've had enough!!!

This was an experiment with my Copic pens to see if I could create a mock brayered background but it looked a bit garish so I added white Sakura souffle pen in white for snow highlights. The wonderful dotted diamond background is a new release from Cornish Heritage Farms. (stamped on black cardstock with Brilliance moonlight white).
I only had printed Halloween orange twill so I had to be careful and disguise it!! The sentiment is from Kim Hughes "Christmas Cheer" at Cornish Heritage Farms.
The little hat pin started out life pearl coloured but my orange Copic transformed it and I just added a little copper wire to finish.

This one is much more traditional. The main image is stamped in Versamagic Jumbo Java and dark brown highlights added with a Copic marker. Copper and crystal stickles for the skyline. On the lovely bronze pearlescent cardstock I scored 2 channels and added ribbon to one. (note to self - use a bigger card to show off scoring next time!!!).

If you have a minute, drop me a comment and let me know which you prefer or if you are totally sick of TK!!!!
Tomorrow will be completely different - I PROMISE!!!! (not a TK in sight!!)

Arghh!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-12-15T19:48:00.000Z

I can't print what I really said when I did this!!!!!

I spent about 2.5hrs painting this pot for a prize in a raffle for the Down's syndrome association, so I was gutted when I kicked it over and it looked like this!!!!

Anyway, after drying my tears and beating myself up I started again the next day but decided to do 4 this time (allowing for breakages!!!).

A few poinsettias from the local garden centre and Taadah!!!! - the raffle prize and some pressies for my relatives. ( and no I didn't knock any more over!!)
Up close, they have lovely sparkly noses.

I handpainted the designs but I did stamp the snowflakes using white paint and Gel-a-tins retro snowflake set.
I've a few cards to share tomorrow.......

Monchromatic Thomas Kinkade

2007-12-08T11:01:00.001Z

Just a quick post with another card completed for the CHF birthday bash. Go to Cornish Heritage Farms gallery for more monochromatic examples.

The sparkly background is actually "mini triangles" which is one of the many wonderful new backgrounders from CHF. (Embossed with holographic powder. I only used my lilac/purple Copics to colour. The main background is a beautiful flowery sprig from Kim Hughes' Silhouette Blooms I stamped with Versamark. Sentiment is part of a Thomas Kinkade one.
Ribbon Mayarts.

Check this out. Wow, I made the Rubber Stamp Tapestry newsletter with this sample!!!!

Fast & Fun!

2007-12-05T17:15:00.000Z

As promised here are a few cards completed for the birthday bash over at Cornish Heritage Farms. I started this penguin card with my monochromatic challenge in mind but I was too tempted to add some colour here and there! All words handwritten, like you didn't guess!!!!
I feel a little bit like this penguin at the moment trying to keep a step ahead of all the Christmassy things I have still to do!!
The penguins are available singly at Cornish Heritage Farms designed by the very talented Asela Hopkins.

This was quickly put together using a scrap left over from a Nestability scalloped rectangle, some turquoise Colorbox queue ink pad and a sponge! This cute reindeer is another of Asela's stamped in the same turquoise. Pink copics to colour. Liquid applique for tail. Brad from Dovecraft. Lovely stripey ribbon from Mayarts. The little sentiment is from Kim Hughes Christmas set at CHF.

Last but not least, my good friend Lori challenged us to "mask" and I chose Sally the sheep and reverse polka dots backgrounder. This card was for birthday girl Lisa Strahl. In real life, Sally is very pink and very sparkly - just how I imagine Lisa!!!

Simple watercolours

2007-12-02T12:30:00.000Z

Well, we had fun at the CHF Lisa birthday party yesterday and everyone worked really hard from 10am to 10pm participating in the various challenges. I even managed to squeeze some in.

Etha challenged us to use ink from ink pads as our colour medium and water brush.
Using a flower from Silhouette Blooms I by Kim Huges (CHF) I used an ordinary paintbrush to apply pinks, greens and browns to the stamp and then I misted it with water and stamped.
The sentiment is from the same stamp set.

Without re-inking I water spritzed again and see below for a softer look
Now I know you are all saying but what about the embossed cards!!!!!!???? How did you do that??

Check out Nichole Heady's embossing with nestabilities tutorial on her blog.
This is a really effective way of adding to your card with not too much effort.

Now remember these challenges were completed in a short space of time!!! Remember that when I share some of my creations over the next few days.
If you can't wait, check out this album at Cornish Heritage Farms to see everyone's hard work.

CHF ~ 16 new backgrounders

2007-11-30T18:01:00.000Z

Lisa Strahl, Art Director at Cornish Heritage Farms is turning 30 tomorrow!!!!! Happy Birthday Lisa!!!!

Lisa has amazingly designed ANOTHER 16 fantastic backgrounder stamps to add to the CHF collection.

Tomorrow, 1st December, CHF is having a " Birthday Bash" on their forum with new challenges every hour from 10am to 10pm EST. Each challenge is hosted by a Design Team member and I have the honour of hosting the final hour of the day at 10pm so please visit if you get time and play along.

As you may know, Cornish Heritage Farms stocks the Thomas Kinkade line of stamps which are stunning.
If you look closely you can have a sneak peek at one of the new backgrounders, "MINI TRIANGLES" which is stamped here in coral from Colorbox queue ink padsl. I stamped the image in black and coloured with Prismacolor pencils, highlighting with yellow and fruit punch stickles. The main image is "Village Christmas".

The coral ribbon, two tone ribbon and "Merry Christmas" satin ribbon are all from Mayarts. I like how soft and pretty it feels.

This is my first attempt at stamping on candles!!! Easier than I thought. First, stamp the image onto white tissue paper and colour with Prismacolor pencils. Next trim the tissue paper close to the image. Place the image where you want it on your candle and cover the image with waxed paper, waxed side against the candle. Heat with a heat gun until the image bonds to the candle and before the candle starts to run!!!!

Finish with ribbons and stickle. The gold ruffled edge ribbon and black organza are Mayarts.

Announcing Phoebe!!!

2007-11-27T21:23:00.000Z

My sister has become a granny to the beautiful Phoebe!!!!! Here is the little lady herself, proudly held by her big cousin Annie (8yrs). Awww!!
We're planning to stamp her little footprints and emboss them in silver and gold. CUTEEEEE.
Here are a batch of personalised thankyou cards for Phoebe's parents to send out. I stamped "Phoebe" under the little bear using Karen Foster snap stamps and inside are all her details.
I tied them all up together in pastel ribbon and attached a tiny pink dummy/pacifier. I think they liked them.
I had fun using little girly baby stamps and here is another I did to congratulate the proud parents. The little dress and sentiment are from A Muse and coloured with Copics.
(ignore my scruffy craft table!)

Faux stitching!

2007-11-25T00:23:00.001Z

Over on the forum at Cornish Heritage Farms, we were having a chat about stitching with the Janome mini sewing machine (which I love!) and also faux stitching which is pretty effective. There are a few templates on the market you can use as a guide - I know Stampin' Up (now in the UK) have a template and Lasting Impressions do a little metal one. You can probably tell from my pic that I just went right ahead and pierced the holes without a template, ruler etc. If you're a stickler for accuracy get a template. I quite like the hand stitched look.
I just pierced wholes around the red panel and joined each of the holes with a white Sakura souffle pen which dries a lovely bright white and looks good on dark coloured card. I love dotty papers and ribbons and now I have a favourite dotty background stamp from Cornish Heritage Farms. The snowman is their "Enjoy the ice" snowman which you've seen me use before and I've coloured him with Prismacolour pencils and stickled him to finish.
I'm burning the midnight oil just to get this post up but alas, my eyelids are heavy.......

Tomorrow, I'll share my set of thank you cards for my new great niece Phoebe!!!

What's cluckin'?

2007-11-23T08:46:00.000Z

I love this Mr Rooster image from Cornish Heritage Farms - he is so fun to colour and I have seen great examples of him paper pieced too. ( I must try and that and share with you). You may already know but if not, CHF have the most fantastic range of backgrounders that I know of and the quality is second to none with deeply etched rubber. They come mounted and unmounted but I personally use the unmounted with a large acrylic block. This card shows the tree backgrounder and chicken wire. One stamp covers a regular size card.
I coloured him with Copics and his tail is sparkling with Copic Spica glitter pens. (hoping to have those soon at Mill House Crafts!)
The nestabilities were put to use again for that lovely scalloped square which was punched with my Japanese screw punch. (These are £24.99 at my shop and come with 5 different sized heads).

I'll be back tomorrow to show an example with some faux stitching!

A stitch in time......

2007-11-20T21:29:00.000Z

Well, I did say I got a new toy at the Glasgow craft fair ~ Taadah!!! The Janome mini sewing machine! I know it is early days but I am really loving it! I have a larger sewing machine (which my sister has borrowed!!) but I wanted something that would sit on my craft desk easily amongst all my other creative mess.
I'm a bit wobbly on corners and bends but I wanted to share my first project with you. I've just found out that this stamp is now retired by CHF but the backgrounder "cheesecloth" is a really detailed and versatile stamp. The little "blessed" is from this stamp.
This card was a bit different for me in that it was A5 size and needed the bg stamp twice and have you noticed there isn't any glitter!!! Lift your chin off the floor!!
It isn't the best photograph in the floor but I took it in poor lighting last night and was too impatient to wait for another photo opportunity.

Shelly's snowman

2007-11-19T22:19:00.000Z

Just time for a quick upload before the battery goes on my laptop! This was actually my very first attempt at colouring with my Copics and I finally mounted it and made a card! The paper is from Hot off the press and the little sentiment was completed with my tiny Karen Foster snap stamps (Unbelievably they are no longer producing these). I wanted them so badly I tracked them down for sale in Australia!!!
This stamp is another of Hampton Arts and is actually called Shelly's snowman hence my title today.
I've been stitching today on my new Janome mini sewing machine ( a purchase at the fair in Glasgow). Keep watching for some samples as soon as I get a good pic.