Masculine Cards with a 'Hint of Tim Holtz'

Many crafters know how difficult it can be to create cards for the men in our lives. Some of the Dovecraft Funky Vintage papers, Golden Oldies stamps by Art Impressions and some of Tim Holtz' techniques can help to give those cards a bit of an edge.

For the cards below I used Funky Vintage papers, the Art Impressions stamps 'Oscar' and 'Harv' coloured in with Derwent Inktense pencils and ProMarkers respectively, Tim Holtz distress ink pads, Distress Stickles in Clear Rock Candy, Tim Holtz embellishments and for the retirement card also a QuicKutz embossing folder, a brass tag, Adirondack alcohol ink in Espresso and Distress Crackle Paint in Clear Rock Candy.

The sentiments are stamped with the 'Get Well Soon' stamp by Dovecraft and a Hampton Art Studio G alphabet stamp set.

I hope you are enjoying the Art Impressions images as much as I do.

Coming out of hiding ...

I am conscious that I have not made much of an appearance lately. A decorating break caused chaos at home, tested my nerves and accounted for serious 'cold turkey' when it comes to crafting.

Despite the necessary, but not voluntary break I have already managed to fall in love with three crafting products:

• Dovecraft Funky Vintage papers
• Card candy from Craftwork Cards and
• The mask template by WS Designs

And I have had already a good play with the mask template this week. Here are two examples.

The first card is made using black pearlescent card, Funky Vintage papers, the Dovecraft ribbon border punch, silver mirri card, card candy and paper flowers. I used silicone glue to attach the mask, so that I could slightly shape it and give it a more natural bend. The card candy on the mask is stuck down with 3D foam. The pieces in the centre of the flowers with silicone glue, as I wanted this to sit directly on the flowers and not as raised as the card candy on the mask.

For the second card I used black pearlescent card, papers from the Making Cards January issue, card candy and a black feather that I enhanced with a hint of Spray and Sparkle Silver Glitter Varnish from Crafter's Companion.

Trimcraft Projects for a US Show

I am conscious that it has been very quiet on this blog over the last weeks. But I had in fact a very busy time.

At the moment the Trimcraft team is exhibiting a number of their collections at the CHA 2010 Winter Convention & Trade Show in the US. I had the great honour to create samples for Trimcraft, which are being displayed at their stand.

Here is a selection of cards I made for the CHA. The full range of my projects and more details regarding the products can be found in my Trimcraft gallery.

Eastern Blossom:

Fantasy:

Funky Vintage:

Hint of Pink:

Pepper & Friends:

Pepper & Friends in combination with Hint of Pink:

Smirk:

Wild Blossom:

Front and inside view of a tag card: