Saturday 19 May 2012

Twitterpated Summer Scrap Book Page !

Hello ! As promised, I return with the afore mentioned scrap book page ! I actually started as a scrap booker and it was my daughter Rosie who was into card making. I gradually started making cards and tags and now I'll pretty much have a go at most thing paper ( except origami - no patience !!! )
This was one of the make and takes at the training day last weekend but I don't do speed scrap booking and didn't finish on the day ! Also, I'm not very good at copying a layout though it was a nice one and super for a demo. Being me I had to change it up a little (well, a lot actually - it's looks nothing like the original layout !), but I am pleased now I have fiddled for over an hour, with the end result !



The layout features lots of new lovelies from the new Summer Mini catalogue including the gorgeous Twitterpated DSP. The original layout was nice and simple but of course I had to add lots of frillies !!!




I think the colours of this DSP are really well thought out and are quite unusual and they work well for a Summer layout which was the theme of the page; the photo is not my backyard but a show garden I photographed at the RHS Tatton Park flower show last year ! I have added lots of detail to the layout in particular with inked edges; this easy technique can make all the difference to your finished work as it gives definition. This is vital when you are working on 12 x 12 inches of layout
I had a lovely new " Paper Dolly " join my class this week and having never made a card ever in her life produced this .... which I just had to share with you ....


Such a pretty card - I see I shall have to up my game to keep ahead !!! 
Thank you so much for your visit today - have a wonderful weekend wherever you are and happy crafting ! 
Hugs Jane x





Friday 18 May 2012

Sail Away - Two of a Kind !

Hello ! A little late for a post ( am supposed to be creating tea !!! ) but thought I'd show you a couple of very quick cards I made today using the a la carte stamp Sail Away. I've had this sitting in my box for ages unused but had a perfect chance to get it out as I had a birthday card for a friend of my husband to make and a card for some lucky friends who have just taken delivery of a gorgeous sailing yacht - it gets better - which will be moored up on Windermere ! We are going to visit when we go up in the summer for our regular holiday and I can't wait to see it !
These are two of a kind cards which I don't do often and they are very simple and quick to put together; not my usual style but designed with the recipients  in mind ! They would also make ideal starter cards for a workshop.



I have shaded this very simply with blue inks and worked on watercolour paper so my inks seeped nicely - here's a little more detail ...



This second card was made in 10 minutes and is beyond simple but we all know how much it would cost in the shops ! I've said it before - invest in tools and lovely card and paper and you can make cards for any occasion at the drop of a hat !
I have a scrap book page to show you soon which I started to make at the training day last Saturday - but of course I was too busy chatting and didn't get to complete it ( I can't roll out three make and takes in less than an hour and socialise at the same time !! )
If you have any questions about the projects shown here please contact me via the link on my profile. Have a wonderful weekend - wet and windy here again in the UK !!!!!
Hugs Jane x


Wednesday 16 May 2012

Nature Walk Revisited !

Hello ! 
I have a small card to share with you today that I created with my favourite stamp set ( probably ever !!! )  Nature Walk ! I love it so much that I constantly go back and find a way to incorporate it into a current project. I have also added a lovely little butterfly from the Creative Elements set, some grasses from Pocket Silhouettes and some itty bitty flowers ( not again !!! ).... here it is ....



The base card is very vanilla and my inks are baja breeze, lucky limeade, old olive, crumb cake and I have added detail with my not quite navy Stampin' write marker. Her are a couple of close ups to show you the subtle details ......



I am currently expanding my classes to give more variety and choice and teach not just card making and scrapbooking but have on offer classes to make items for home decor and art journalling. If you are in the West Worcstershire area and are interested in doing a class please contact me via the e-mail link on my profile  ( see right  ). I will happily discuss any requirements you have !
Thank you for visiting !
 Hugs Jane x



Tuesday 8 May 2012

Beau Chateau Heart Box

Hello ! I've missed not posting as my older little doggie has been unwell; it's amazing how dependant they are upon you when they are poorly. Sadly it's an ongoing condition which will not get better but at least now she is eating again ! Sophie has decided that she prefers ' some ' human food now so I spend ages trying to tempt her with various combinations and often have to feed her by hand; not that I am complaining, she is a fantastic little dog with a lovely temperament and been my constant companion for twelve years. I never cease to be amazed at how these little dogs come into your life and find a place in your heart; what a waste, all those years when I did not have a doggie in my life !
I taught my little class today and we made paper covered boxes so thought I would show you the sample I made. We often throw away really sturdy boxes that can be transformed with a paper makeover ! I saved this one; it had contained some champagne truffles ( !!!! ) and was already quite pretty so I did not cover it completely.



A nice light photo for a change; we had lovely sunshine here in Worcestershire today ! The box was already pale pink with some subtle gold edging so I worked with that and used Beau Chateau DSP to cover and decorate the top and base. I have vintaged everything as always as I think that suits this DSP and added some self adhesive lace ribbon from my stash to edge the side of the box.


I have enjoyed using this DSP, I suppose it suits my style and that's a very difficult thing to get away from ! I feel that I work better in my comfort zone and produce my most satisfying work then ! This is quite a simplified design as the box is quite small but it would be nice to go to town on a larger item !


I am off to a SU training day on Saturday ( my first ) so that should be interesting. Swaps are all done and just need to finish off my name badge !!!
I really appreciate you stopping by my little blog today ! Happy crafting ! 
Hugs Jane x


Tuesday 1 May 2012

Liebster Blog Award !

Hello !
No crafting to show you today but I have something nice to report !I had an e-mail a couple of weeks ago from the lovely Gill, fellow SU demo and Pinterest pinner  and she had very kindly nominated me ( along with four other craft bloggers ) for the Liebster Blog Award ! It's so nice to have your little blog acknowledged in this way and I'd like to say a big thank you to Gill for the nomination.


I have been checking out Gill's lovely blog regularly since I became a demo last summer and enjoy her gorgeous cards usually accompanied by a co-ordinating cake ( she is brilliant in the sugar craft department too ! ). You can see her blog at http://lilybygilly.wordpress.com/ - enjoy !
The Liebster ( meaning darling or beloved ! ) Blog Award is given to show appreciation for sharing creative ideas with fellow bloggers and it also raises awareness of really lovely creative blogs which perhaps are not yet quite as well known in the blogging world ! The huge upside of receiving the award is that you get to nominate five more brilliant blogs so here are my nominations :


1. www.pegcraftalot.com - the lovely blog belonging to Peg who is a respected, experienced crafter and a wonderful friend. Her blog showcases a huge range of crafting ideas and styles all made to the highest standard.


2. www.constantlystamping.com/constantly_stamping/ - this blog belongs to Connie Collins and is a source of great inspiration. Connie showcases lots of paper projects including cards, 3 - D crafts and altered items. Her blog is lovely and fresh and features beautifully photographed crafts.


3. http://stampingsusan.blogspot.co.uk/ - Susan shows lots of new ways of creating with your stash. Lots of fresh ideas and, as she is Mum to two small children there are many lovely child themed projects including some super scrapbook pages.


4. www.kristasstampspot.blogspot.co.uk/ - Krista's blog is a delight to look at with lovely clear photos of beautiful cards which showcase her wonderful eye for colour.


5. http://gentlework.blogspot.co.uk/ - this gorgeous blog shows Christine's stunning textile work. I had to include a textile blog as it is my first love and the work showcased here blew me a way when I first discovered it by accident !


The honour of accepting this award is traditionally done in the following way :
A) Show thanks to the blogger who awarded you by linking back to their blog.
B) Choose five blogs with less than 200 followers and let them know about your nomination by leaving a comment on their blog.
C) Post the award on your blog !

Do please drop by and visit these fab blogs; it's so nice to share ideas and creativity and thanks again to Gill - you are a sweetie and I hope we get to meet one day !
Hugs Jane x


P.S. As I am so useless at posting links, blog addresses appear here temporarily. All will be rectified when I talk to an intelligent computer literate person ! ( My poor OH didn't make the grade on this one as he's a microsoft man , sorry hubs !!! )