Woodware - White ....

I had so many plans this weekend but as usual here I am on Sunday night wondering why do weekends always fly by!! I am first up this week for the Woodware DT and our theme is white!! I thought this will be easy, but actually it's not. Also this week I had a lot of birthday cards to make so I kind of left this challenge to the last minute. So apologies for a rather quick and simple effort this week.
For me white cards imply either bridal or sympathy. So rather predictably I went for sympathy. 

The other problem I found with white is that it is difficult to photograph and make look good. Basically I used a script stamp on to parchment paper or vellum stamped with Cotton White Staz-On.
Then I stencil embossed the iris and the sympathy onto white linen card. Both are Dreamweaver stencils.  

Not my best effort I have to say. But hopefully the other girls will provide some better inspiration for the rest of the week.
I was asked at short notice to make a couple of large cards for 60th birthday's at work this week. I very rarely make such big cards so that was a little challenging. The female one was to be in lilacs and lavender and have butterflies. So this is what I came up with. 

Since I took the photo I have changed the butterfly on the postcard for a paler one stamped on vellum and cut out which looks better than this dark one. I had to join the two sheets of A4 together with a folded piece of paper at the top but it seems to have worked. The card I made for a male colleague was with a golfing theme but I forgot to take a picture of it before handing it over!!
Hope you all have a good week. 
Siobhan x

Crafty Cardmakers - Tag/Card with matching gift bag/box of gift wrap

Hello we have something different for you this week…

We are sponsoring the challenge over on the Crafty Card Makers this week, so we thought we should just play along with their choice of topic (gives my brain a rest), so if you blog please use the link on the Crafty Card Maker’s blog to add your card and if you don’t if you e-mail your card to me and I will post it here and add it to the challenge, but check out the rules as we are playing by the Crafty Card Makers rules, good luck and thanks for playing.

I made an origami folded box with matching card and tag for my take on this week's Woodware challenge.

The origami box is one I make quite often as it is quick and very effective. I got the idea from a book of origami I gave my son but I have since found a You Tube clip of Karen Thomas showing you how to fold the pieces. This size uses to sheets of 12 x 12 scrapbook paper cut into 6 inch squares. I like to use two sheets from each design to get this alternating pattern.

I have also made the box using 8 x 8 inch squares and it is a really useful size. 

Here are the links if you want to have a go :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On2bzlpW00Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beetUQgO7no

The first video shows you how to make the box top and the second, the box bottom.

I finished off the top by adding a chipboard tile that I built up layers of embossing powder and stamped into it. 

Here is the coordinating card:

 

The stamping was all done with one of Stampendous's Quad cubes. This is the paisley cube. I have had this for years but I believe it is still available. The chipboard cube is made using a deep impression embossing technique. I built up about 3 layers of Aged Bronze Frantage powder. Before heating the final layer I inked the stamp with Versamark. This I find helps release the stamp but it also makes the indented part of the impression sticky, allowing time to brush over some mica powder. In this case I used a smokey blue colour. I think it makes the piece a sort of Patina effect. 

The 3 circles were just stamped with Versamark and embossed with the same powder.

To finish the ensemble I made a quick tag: 

 

I like the idea of making mating gift packaging and card. It makes the recipient feel that you really have made an effort!! This design is quite masculine. I have in the past made a little origami shirt out of a bank note to fit inside the box ... this usually goes down well!!

Siobhan x

Woodware - Vellum

It's time for this week's challenge from Woodware. This week we are using vellum. I remember years ago how difficult it was to buy good patterned vellum. Then along came white Staz-on and then it became easy to stamp your own vellum. So this project kind of reflects the beauty of creating lovely patterned vellum to suit your theme.
I have stamped a square panel of vellum using a lovely scrolled medallion from Stampendous CRV268 and a Cotton White Staz-On ink pad.

The bride and groom is also a Stampendous image, an old one now but is still available and now on cling (V126 Happy Couple). For the brides veil, I stamped the image onto a post-it note and carefully cut out the veil to create a reverse mask. This was placed over the main stamped image and I stamped the medallion on top of the mask using Versamark. Once the mask was removed I covered with detail white embossing powder and embossed with my heat gun.

For the brides dress I stamped onto double sided adhesive film and cut out just the dress. Take off the back contact sheet and stick exactly on top of the main stamped image. After removing the top sheet I stuck down the pearls. The stick better before adding glitter! Then pour over a fine crystal glitter. This technique always gives you a very even layer of glitter, something I find hard to get when using a glue pen and glitter.
Rather than stick the vellum down I have stuck it under the bride and groom topper and used a couple of corners (peel-offs or die cut) the hold down a couple of corners.
So that's it for this week folks. For more ideas using vellum be sure to check out the Woodware blog this week.
Siobhan x

Tagtastic Circle Group - Round Two

Our circle group met today for a cuppa and a catch up in Perth. This month our theme was "Embossed Resist". So here is what our talented bunch came up with:

First up was Erin. She used the resist for the white clock face.The blues work so well to show off the clock face. Her tag went to Lin.
Next is Isobel's tag that was destined for Linda.

 
Isobel used the resist technique for the background. The colours work well and I love her flower!!
Next up is Lin's tag. She made this one for Liz.

I love Lin's subtle and soft colour scheme and the button flower is a lovely finishing touch.
Linda's tag was for Lynne. Unfortunately Lynne couldn't make it today but I know she will love this.

Lynne loves elephants!! Linda has used the resist technique for her jungle trees. It is so effective.
Liz is next up. She was making her tag for Maggie. 

 
The stunning centre piece was embossed with gold powder to really stand out. I love the blues with the gold.
Maggie was to make a tag for me this time.

Like me Maggie uses a lot of nature inspired images in her stamping. The bird is an old Penny Black stamp and is in my personal favourites. The tag is so pretty and I love it.
Pat has made a beautiful oriental themed tag which went to Sue.

The little tags use the resist technique and look great next to the oriental lady. 
My tag this time was made for Erin. I know she likes Alice in Wonderland. 

I really enjoyed making this one as it was a bit of fun.
Sue is another member of our group who loves nature and this is reflected in her lovely tag.

 

I love the resist image around the edges ..it is so effective. Sue's tag went to Isobel.

As Pat was to get a tag from Lynne who wasn't there, I had made an extra tag as a sample of next month's technique (dry embossing). So this went to Pat.

I love all the different takes on the theme. This post is really for our great little group so they can see each others work. 

Well it turned out to be a lovely day. I even ventured into the garden this afternoon to start tidying up ready for spring!!

Have a good weekend whatever you are doing.

Siobhan x

Woodware - Sketch Challenge 22

We have another sketch challenge this week at Woodware. This is the sketch :

 

I was at Samuel Taylor's craft shop in Embsay near Skipton a couple of weeks ago and managed to get this beautiful new Stampendous cling stamp called CRR164 "Poem Tree".

 

I love tree stamps and am always on the look out for new ones. As soon as I saw this in the new catalogue I just had to have it. I have made it fit the sketch as best I can. 

 

I stamped the tree several times in browns and ochre colours to punch out the circles. The brown strip was stamped with gold ink and embossed with a detail gold powder to pick up the very fine script.

I also used the RH edge of the tree to make the foliage border on the background panel. A very simple card but one I thought would be good for masculine occasions. This one will do just fine for my father in law as his birthday is coming up later in the month!!

I think this will be a stamp I will use plenty!! 

Isn't it lovely to have longer evenings again. Although I got caught out on Sunday morning as I totally forgot the clocks were going forward!! 

Remember you can join in our April challenge for a chance to win a voucher. Check out the Woodware blog for details. Have a good week!

Siobhan x

 

Woodware - Around the World

This week at Woodware we are going around the world. After seeing what the other girls have done this week, my effort seems a bit basic. I decided to use a new set of Stampendous travel stamps along with a lovely quote that I recently got. I have made a quick simple card which you could give to someone setting off travelling.

 

I have simply blended brown inks on a white square panel and distressed with some splatters of water. Then some background stamping with stamps from the Stampendous set SSC1166 Air Travel :

This set would be very useful for your travel scrapbook pages. I have also used this new Stampendous cling quote stamp. Anyone who knows me will know that I love including quotes in my projects. My son is still in Vancouver and I haven't seen him since last July. I am getting the chance to go to Vancouver in June to attend a conference for work. So I am hoping to see my wee boy!! All 6ft 2inches of him!! 

I embellished the card with some little stamped tags and some string. I really like the vintage feel of these images. If you look on the Woodware blog this week, Pam our DT buddy from across the pond has also used this set in a fabulous wallet for keeping all your travelling paraphernalia in one place. A great idea.
Let's hope it's a warmer weekend than last week!! Hope you have a good one.
Siobhan x

Woodware - Lavander and Lace

I am last to post this week for Woodware. Our theme this week is Lavender and Lace. I will be in Yorkshire this weekend with my friend Linda for our craft retreat. We have been several times now and it is always lovely to see the regulars. The retreat is run by Janet and Michelle of Lovin Ink. This time we are having a go at altered books. It's something I have never tried before. I love making little books but have yet to alter one!! If the results turn out OK I will post it on my blog when we get back. 
But back to this week's offering. I used two Stampendous stamps that I recently got ....the chandelier and a medallion stamp.

 

I stamped the medallion stamp with Versamark repeatedly to cover the white card stock then embossed with a pearl white embossing powder. This was my resist. I then blended blue and lilac pigment inks over the top. I love the little Colorbox Cat's Eye ink pads for this as you can really blend them well. A quick wipe over the top with kitchen towel makes the white pop. So this was my "Lacy" background.

 My main image is the gorgeous Stampendous Chandelier stamp which I embossed with a pearly purple powder.
To finish off a few pearls and some ribbon. And my flower was made from parchment vellum. I stamped it first with the medallion stamp and White Staz-on then punched out some flowers before building it up. All in all I thought it was quite "Downton Abbeyesque".

I have just seen the weather forecast and just hope that we managed to get to Skipton!!
Whatever you are doing this weekend I hope it's a good one.

Siobhan x

Woodware - Spring Blooms

Firstly apologies for being late for this post. I had maybe a glass of wine too many last night and forgot to write my post for Woodware. Well it was Mother's Day ....!!
Anyway here it is. We were asked to use Spring Blooms as our theme. I know the Onion Bloom stamp from Magenta is not really a spring flower. But I used fresh greens and yellows to give it a touch of spring.

For the main image I used yellow and green brush markers directly on the stamp and spritzed lightly with water before stamping onto white card.

 

I love the effects you get using this brush less watercolour technique.

For the background  I used a resist known as Ghosting. I first came across it in the lovely book Magenta published a few years ago called "Paper Magic". You stamp your image using white pigment ink all over the card and allow to dry or heat set. Then blend 3 or 4 colours of pigment inks over the top. I used a couple of yellow and green Colorbox Cat's eyes. They are great for this technique. But alternatively you can use a bit of sponge. Rub firmly over the top with some kitchen towel and your images will appear. I used another Magenta stamp for this called "Shadow Branch" but any solid image would work quite well.

 

  I then over stamped tone on tone with a little sprig stamp just to add a little more depth. What I like about this technique is that it allows you to make lovely subtle delicate backgrounds that can be tailor made for your main image. How many times do you waste time looking for exactly the right patterned paper to compliment your main image? I know I have. This way you make your own!!
A bit of ribbon and a few pearls just add the finishing touches.
Have a good week everyone.
Siobhan x

Woodware - Sketch Challenge 21

Well folks, this week is our 21st sketch challenge for Woodware. This is the one you are invited to enter as there is a voucher up for grabs. 
Here is the sketch :

A nice simple layout. I have turned the sketch 90 degrees for my project. I chose to use the lovelyCRP146 Rose Corset made by Stampendous. I always find this goes down a treat for girly cards. 
 

I coloured the image with pink and coral coloured pencils. To add a bit of bling, I embossed the edges of the scallop oval with Frantage Shabby Pink embossing powder.

I stamped a border down the RHS using the border from Stampendous Damask Chair clear set. The American Lady Corsets script came from another Stampendous clear set. I also used one of the Crafty Edge punches to add a lacy edge on the strip of patterned paper to continue the feminine feel.
For my rose embellishment I used my "Emboss Gloss" wand on the edges of the petals before assembling the flower, to emboss with the Shabby pink powder. I love the texture of these powders....they really do add another dimension!!
Here is my rose in more detail:

 
Remember if you want to join us in this month's challenge, you will find the details on the Woodware blog. Stampendous have also just released their new catalogue and there are some stunning stamps and new Frantage powders.
Have a good week.
Siobhan x

Tagtastic Circle Group

Last year I was part of a circle journal group. We decided this year to have a different theme and we decided on Technique Tags. For anyone that follows Tim Holtz, you will know that he uses tags for so much of his art work. They are a nice size and shape and easy to display or store.
The idea is that each month we chose a technique in advance. We make one tag using the basic technique as a reference. Then we make two tags using that technique then finishing with stamping and embellishments. One tag we keep for ourselves and the second goes to a member of our group. Its a great way to keep in touch as we meet for coffee and blether for an hour or so and today we swapped our first tags. So I told the girls that I would post the tags on my blog. I apologise in advance for the quality of the photos. The lighting was not great for taking pictures but hopefully you get the idea.
Our first technique was "BLENDED DISTRESS/SPRITZ AND FLICK". We thought we would start with something simple to ease everyone in.

First up was Erin's tag which went to Isobel. This was Erin's first attempted at this technique. I love the combination of colours.

Next was Isobel's tag. This went to Lin. I like the soft vintage colours and all the little haberdashery details.

Lin's tag went to Linda. I love the colours Lin used and the metallic pocket watch which started life as mirri card!

 
Next up Linda's Tag was for Liz. Unfortunately Liz couldn't make it today so I have her tag for safe keeping. So Liz if you see this you will know what you are getting!! The wings and flowers are all sparkly and I love the citrus colours Linda has used!! 

This was Linda's second tag, but she didn't know if Liz would like the Octopede factory image so went for a safer option to give away, but I love this one two - fun and quirky just like our Linda!!

Next up is Maggie's tag which went to Pat. Maggie was inspired by the Chinese New Year for her tag. I think she has captured the oriental theme beautifully! Can you spot a serpent's head?

Pat's tag came to me. Apologies Pat, my hand must of shook a bit when I took this photo. Pat is a new member to our group but I think she did a great job. I love the colours and the little scene is actually tissue paper. Very clever!

My tag went to Sue. I chose a nature scene for my tag. I got given the poppy die from my sister last time I was home in Ireland and thought it would work well in my country scene.

Sue ended up having to make a tag for her daughter Erin. So to surprise her she made two, one Erin had seen and the other she hadn't. This is the one Erin knew she was getting. I love the colours and the use of Frantage powders around the edge.

 
Now here is the tag that Erin didn't know about. Erin loves Winnie the Pooh so a perfect choice from her Mum!!

Last up is an extra tag I made. Lynne was unable to make the meeting so that meant Maggie would have had nothing to take home. So she got my extra tag of the elephants.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the challenge. It was lovely to see so many great interpretations of the technique. I think you will agree, we have a talented bunch of ladies. Next time we are tackling Embossed Resist Backgrounds.