Harpies Crafty Corner

Happy Alice !

2012-01-15T09:04:00.000Z

I'm Alice mad at the moment I think !!

Here is a card I made as an entry for The Altered Alice challenge blog which has a theme of 'Stripes' this month. The stripes in my piece are used as a background which I made using double sided adhesive applied onto a square piece of card and dusted over with metallic mica powders in bronze, copper and two types of gold. Each stripe is individually applied and coated until the whole square is completed.

I then used chess piece rubber stamps from a plate by Chocolate Baroque to stamp a base onto the stripey card with black Archival ink.

More chess pieces were stamped and trimmed and Alice herself stamped and coloured with alcohol ink pens. These were trimmed out and mounted on foam pads for depth.

The text stamp was stamped directly onto the base card also. The whole thing was mounted onto a mat of gold mirri board and then onto a background made by passing a square of Coredinations 'black magic' through the Sizzix machine using an embossing folder and this was sanded back to reveal the orange core.

Sid xx

Alice ATC's

2012-01-08T10:55:00.000Z

Here are a set of three Alice in Wonderland themed ATC's done as a swap over on UK Stampers Forum. I have used a variety of techniques all on serendipity type backgrounds.

Some images have been stamped in Archival black ink onto card and trimmed with minimal colour added with alcohol ink based pens before sticking in place.

Some heat embossing in silver followed by colouring with souffle pens was used on the Hatter image.

Alice herself was left entirely monochrome.

Sid xx

Sixes & Sevens

2012-01-02T13:43:00.001Z

First post of this New Year !! This is a 6 x 4 inch postccard made as part of a challenge on UK Stampers Forum. The subject this month is 'Numbers'. The postcards have to be able to be posted naked to your swapee too so no big and bulky embellishments. I started with a large card bingo board trimmed to size.

I used stamped images from Lynne Perrella and Paper Artsy, scrapbook paper fragments and punched elements along with self adhesive numbers collaged with paper Mod Podge.

All the elements were edged in chalk inks and some penwork was added with gold, white and black Posca pens.

Finally the whole postcard was painted with more paper Mod Podge to seal.

Sid xx

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

2012-01-01T00:01:00.002Z

Just to wish all my family, friends, followers and commenters a very Happy, Prosperous & Crafty New Year for 2012

Cheers !!!

Happy Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T00:01:00.001Z

Here is wishing you all a magical Christmas. Have a fabulous time !!

Sid xx

Tim's Tag No.6

2011-12-19T07:38:00.001Z

Still battling on with the 12 tags of Christmas and I am determined to get them all done before Christmas. This is my version of Tag No.6. I have used a sizzix embossing folder on a piece of silver mirri board cut to the size of the tag as the base.

This has then been selectively inked with a variety of colours of Alcohol Inks over the embossing.

A Noel stamped plate and a Merry Christmas plate were then 'hung' on pieces of golden fancy braid adhered with double sided tape. The plates were raised on foam pads.

Another piece of braid was added at the base of the tag. The tag was then finished with a gold eyelet applied with the crop'a'dile, a green ribbon bow and some red/gold mesh ribbon tied through.

Sid xx

Happy Holidays

2011-12-18T12:19:00.002Z

Here is a little matted plate I made using a base of Kraft card. I have stamped, used Distress Inks, stencils & Glossy Accents. Loving the warm colours more so when it's so cold outside.

I have used a squares and a numbers stencil along with Distress Inks in spiced marmalade, mustard seed and vintage photo to produce the background by gradually building up layers through the stencils until happy. All stamping was done with Archival black ink using stamps from Papermania Urban plates to produce the keyplate, key, music plate, background seedheads and sentiment.

The key and keyplate were covered with Versamark ink and heat embossed with stardust embossing powder which add a transparent iridescent finish and these were mounted on foam pads. Some of the coloured background squares were treated with Glossy Accents to add more dimension.

Finally the greetings plate was backed with a piece of orange grosgrain ribbon and mounted on foam pads.

Sid xx

Tims Tag No.5

2011-12-13T07:19:00.002Z

Next one done ! This is my version of Tag No.5. I first cut a white card tag and then cut a matching piece of acetate. I coloured the acetate on one side with red pepper Alcohol ink applied on a piece of felt, building up the layers to gain the desired colour intensity. Then I inked up a small text stamp with Archival Black ink and stamped several times to cover the acetate. I dabbed off the excess black ink with a wipe and then rubbed gently to remove the excess ink. This dissolves the alcohol ink and leaves a see-through area where the ink previously was. Once complete the acetate was adhered (inked side down) to the white tag blank with Glossy Accents around the edge of the acetate.

Next I coloured some grungepaper with picket fence Distress Stain followed with some weathered wood. This was then dried with the heat gun and die cut with a TH die to make the leafy fronds. Once cut these were cut in two and shaped with my fingers to add dimension. These were adhered with Glossy Accents at the top but left free at the bottom. Some half pearls were added to embellish and a white ribbon bow tied and applied with foam pads.

Because the words were not necessarily Christmassy I added a circular seal stamped in Archival black, coloured with red pepper Adirondack ink and heat embossed with clear embossing powder. The seal was stuck in place on more foam pads.

A hole was cut with the crop'a'dile at the top of the tag and threaded through with a piece of open mesh silver ribbon to finish.

Sid xx

Tims Tag No.4

2011-12-12T07:54:00.000Z

Here is tag No.4 in the Christmas series. The white card base was cut to size and some silver snowflake rub-ons were added. The whole tag was then coloured with weathered wood, faded jeans and broken china Distress Inks. The rub-ons resist the colour. Some water splats added a bit of contrast. A snowflake stamp was inked with more faded jeans ink and stamped randomly. A couple of punched snowflaked were also added and a punched out acetate snowflake border was coloured with picket fence Distress Stain and added with glossy accents at the bottom. The tag was then stamped with a dotty stamp and Brilliance moonlight white ink to add some snow effects.

The snowman was cut out of printed paper and edged with broken china Distress, treated with rock candy Stickles and applied on foam pads. A blue grosgrain ribbon scarf was added round the snowmans neck.

The numbers are self adhesive and coloured with an alcohol marker before sticking onto a circle of blue card. More snowflake stamping and Brilliance on this too before sticking in place on shallower pads.

A silver eyelet was added with the crop'a'dile and some silk ribbon, two silver stars and a sparkly drop were attached through and around the eyelet.

Finally the tag edges were distressed with sandpaper and given a rub over with more broken china Distress Ink.

Used some of the recommended items on this tag but not many again.

Sid xx

Tims Tag No.2

2011-12-11T09:44:00.000Z

Yes I know my tags are out of sync. ! But this one is my effort for tag number 2. The base is a white card cut to size and stamped with a music stamp in Archival Black. This was toned down with picket fence Distress stain and dried. I then stamped the word Peace down the right hand side of the tag with Versamark and heat embossed with clear embossing powder. The words were swiped with vintage photo Distress ink and this was rubbed over with a cloth to remove the ink from the embossing.

Next I stamped a fir tree in pine needles Distress ink and used some barn door and a circle stamp to add some berries. This was over coloured with more pine needled on cut'n'dry foam.

The reindeer is a digi image, printed on the printer, cut out and edged with gold Posca pen. The garland round the reindeers neck is made from diecut foliage and a faux gem. He was stuck in place as shown. The base trim was cut using a Sizzix on the edge die and was attached with 4 pewter brads and edged with some frosted ice Stickles.

A pewter eyelet was added with the crop'a'dile and a small piece of woven braid tied through. A little bow and two silver balls were then attached with a star brad as shown. The whole tag was then edged in more vintage photo ink.

Sid xx

Tims Tag No.3

2011-12-05T17:23:00.001Z

Here is Tag No.3. Once again not exactly like Tims and using what I had rather than what I needed to buy !! I used festive words printed paper to cover the blank tag and then using a Versamark pen highlighted certain words and heat embossed with fine detail clear embossing powder. I then also coloured some white 'snow' on the letters of the words with a white Posca pen.

The tag edge was then distressed with a piece of coarse sandpaper and edged with vintage photo Distress Ink.

Next I die-cut all of the embellishments using Sizzix dies and the Big Shot and various coloured cardstocks. These were bent to shape and coloured also with some more of the vintage photo ink.

These were then stuck in place as shown using Glossy Accents and foam pads and the berries were added (self adhesive gems).

The tag was finished with a silver eyelet cut and fixed with the crop'a'dile. The angel charm was attached with a brad through the eyelet and some sparkly gold star & swirl ribbon to finish.

Sid xx

Tims Tag No.1

2011-12-04T13:41:00.000Z

In the best traditions of following Tim Holtz '12 Tags of Christmas' for 2011 this is my first offering. Not quite using all of the Ranger materials but certainly using some of the techniques.

I Started with a blank tag and covered with a piece of printed paper (snowflakes). Gave it a coat of picket fence Distress Stains and dried with the heat gun. Then used a couple of small snowflake stamps and stamped randomly with faded jeans Distress Ink. Finally applying a sprinkling of seafoam white embossing powder and heating from below until melted. The tag was then edged with vintage photo Distress Ink.

Then I prepared the diecut letters to spell out 'Noel'. These were coated with fine silver glitter after a liberal coat of pva glue and allowed to dry.

The embellishmnents were all cut using Sizzix dies (Non-Ranger) and the pine cone made by hand by cutting a spiral with a wavy edge. The leaves were cut from card coloured with shabby shutters Distress Stain. and the banner was made by hand and stamped with a music stamp in vintage sepia Versafine ink. Other additions were some strands of brown sisal and a little silver bow along with a die cut stem from another Sizzix die. All were assembled using various foam pads and glues at the bottom of the tag.

Some more large snowflakes were diecut out from blue paper coloured with faded denim Distress Stain and these were stuck onto the background. A piece of silver braid was applied at the base of the tag.

Finishing touches were to add a silver eyelet with the crop'a'dile and to tie through with some more of the silver ribbon.

Sid xx

Loopy Scarf

2011-12-03T14:07:00.000Z

I recently bought a ball of 'Loopy' wool from a craft shop and have knitted this scarf using the multi coloured yarn. The scarf was really easy to make and the yarn really works well in scarves. This one is actually 57 inches long (the pic shows it knotted).

Only seven stitches on 8mm needles, plain knit.

Will be giving this as a Christmas gift.

Sid xx

Chrissy Tree Mug Rug

2011-11-30T09:01:00.001Z

I am definately not a fantastic machinist when it comes to sewing, but I wanted to show you an 8 x 8inch Mug Rug I made whilst away with my crafty friends. This is the first time I have used paper piecing to make something and boy did it challenge me !

Worst bit for me was the edging (some of the corners are far from perfect), but I was proud to have achieved it with loads of help from the experts. Thanks girls !

Spurred me on to buy a new Janome sewing machine to add to my crafty things. The old machine will be used solely for paper sewing now.

Sid xx

'NOEL' The Owl

2011-11-28T07:30:00.001Z

This little hanger completes my trio of Christmassy items all using the same Cosmo Cricket 6 x 6 inch printed papers. The heart shape is another chipboard blank which has been covered back and front with papers as the base.

The owl and tree are rubber stamps from Hampton Arts. I have stamped the full owl in black Archival Ink on four of the papers and then trimmed out elements which I have then reassembled to make the whole again. Noels eyes have been covered in Glossy Accents to make them pop (looks a bit like he has been on the sherry !).

The tree has been stamped and trimmed out in the same way but this time coloured with Distress stains in forest moss and barn door. The letters have been cut out from another of the papers to spell out NOEL, hence his name.

Finishing touches were to add two eyelets with the crop-a-dile and to make a hanger with florists wire, bending it into shape. A large red jingle bell was added at the base of the heart.

Loved making it again.

Sid xx

Festive Shadow Box

2011-11-27T09:26:00.001Z

In the same theme as my last post and using the same papers here is a mini shadow box book which I have decorated in a festive way. All papers used are from Cosmo Cricket 'Dear Mr. Claus' 6 x 6 inch paper pad (3d Jean).

The outside of the box has been embellished with some elements cut from the paper along with a red satin bow and hat pin (The Ribbon Girl)

The inside boxes have a variety of papers, wooden snowflakes, ribbon, metal charms, felt shapes etc. Yes, the little Christmas tree is from my cake featured in the last post so it's 'waste not want not' recycling in action !!

The internal frame was given a generous coating of pale green transparent glitter applied with PVA glue.

I have used Distress Stain in forest moss and barn door along with the corresponding Distress Inks to colour edges and raw chipboard surfaces.

Really enjoyed making it !

Sid xx

Christmas Book

2011-11-26T10:56:00.000Z

This little chipboard Christmas book was made as part of a project made on a recent crafty weekend retreat with my dear friends in Skipton.

All the decorations were made from a seasonal 6 x 6 inch paper pad. Photos taken at the time were printed on a POGO photo printer. The 3 x 2 inch pics are made with a peelable sticky back so are ideal for this kind of crafting.

What a fab reminder of the great time we all had !!

Sid xx

Birds of a Feather

2011-11-21T12:26:00.002Z

Even more images from The Octopode Factory in this little piece I have done as Guest Designer for this weeks challenge on Lily's Challenge Blog. The theme was 'Things With Wings'.

I used digital images, printed out on thin card and coloured with Marvey Le Plume Alcohol Ink Brush pens. I then trimmed out the images ready for mounting.

The base is an old ribbon reel which I have covered with printed papers and embellished with black AB flat backed gems.

The birdes have been attached using florists wire which has been bent as desired.

Love the images especially their oversized feet and shoes !

Sid xx

We're All Mad !!

2011-11-13T16:08:00.003Z

Here is a little 4.5 x 4.5 inch plate which I have made as my entry into 'The Altered Alice' challenge which is Falling Leaves and their true colours.

I have used a digi-image of the Cheshire Cat from The Octopode Factory printed and coloured with Marvey Le Plume alcohol brush markers as the central image. The leaves (Crafty Individuals) are stamped in vintage sepia Versafine ink and coloured with a waterbrush and Distress inks in spiced marmalade, barn door and crushed olive. All images have been trimmed out. The words were printed on the computer on copier paper, coloured and cut out.

The background is a piece of printed card sploshed with Distress staines in the same colours and taken back with a little picket fence Distress Stain. I have used a skeleton leaf stamp (Lavinia) to stamp randomly ink spiced marmalade Distress Ink over the background. All embellishments were then stuck in place as shown.

The background was matted on some worded paper and some brown card after edging with vintage photo Distress Ink. Finishing touches were to apply some green Souffle pen around the leaves and use a black fineliner to accent the shadow under the cat and around the words.

I have used a folding cardboard stand to display made from recycled card and cut out using a sizzix die.

Sid xx

Home Sweet Home

2011-11-03T07:14:00.001Z

I made this solitary ATC with collaged freeby digi images from Chocolate Baroque. There is a little stamping (7Gypsies - bird) with the borders and the bird and a little embellishing with the green gems. Love the colours in this one.

This one also fits the bill for the Simon Says Stamp & Show Challenge theme which this week is 'House'.

Sid xx

Plant a Seed

2011-10-31T07:02:00.002Z

I have been saying for ages that I need to start journalling. I need to be broken in gently with the handwritten stuff so I decided to go with stamped letters on this my first page. The journal itself is a cheap A4 one bought from PaperChase and I have pre-coated the first half dozen pages with white gesso although the card itself is quite sturdy.

I recently bought a load of garden stamps in rubber from Lily at 'The Octopode Factory' and I have used stamped images of these as the main collaged images on the page.

Also must give thanks to Kate Crane whos' video has inspired me and helped me through some of the background techniques beautifully. I really did end up with paint everywhere but enjoyed every moment until I had to clean up !!

I used a variety of acrylic paints in pink, yellow, orange, blue, white & black to colour the background. I used an old credit card, my fingers and a brush to spatter to apply the paints. I used a Tim Holtz background stamp to apply textural elements in the acrylic and some container lids to produce the circles.

The Octopode flowers (love the eyes), stems, leaves, mushrooms and caterpillar were stamped on thin card in Archival black ink and coloured with Marvey alcohol brush markers. The elements were all then cut out and stuck in place with matt medium on the background. I then went back in and added oil pastels, some edging with charcoal more paint circles and some doodling until happy.

Finally the letters were stamped in Archival black ink and shadowed with some white Posca pen. Definately difficult to know when to stop though................ but stop I did !

That's it, my first page........... but certainly not my last.

Sid xx

The Elixir - of death !

2011-10-30T09:46:00.001Z

Here is an altered poison bottle just ready for Halloween. The bottle started life as one of those reed air fresheners and I liked the shape for this project.

I gave it a good wash and when completely dry liberally coated the inside with splashes of alcohol in in red pepper, denim & raisin added directly from the dispenser and moved around the bottle to mix and obtain a splashed and dripped finish in the bottle. Once happy with the effect I set about doing a spot of embellishing.

I stamped a clear stamp from PinkPaislee onto magenta printed paper with Archival black ink to make a label. Trimmed this out and then distressed the edge with sandpaper and black soot Distress Ink applied on cut'n'dry foam. This was further coloured with a lime green souffle pen before sticking in place on the bottle with Glossy Accents. Some magenta crystals were stuck onto the top and bottom of the label.

I then made a tag by cutting down a white tag into a sort of coffin shape and colouring with crushed olive and bundled sage Distress Stains. The tag was dried, edged with black soot Distress ink and stamped with another of the PinkPaislee stamps in Archival black. The tag was threaded through with some magenta silk woven thread and put aside.

Next I did the cork which I coloured with a few coats of the crushed olive Distress Stain. I topped this with a lime brad and eyelet stuck into the top of the cork. The fibres (made from silk sari ribbon in yellow and lime green) were threaded with black AB beads, separated by tied knots. The bottle was then embellished with the tag and the fibres tied round the neck of the bottle.

This one also qualifies for the 'Just For Fun Challenge' !

Fancy a swig??

Sid xx

Welcome Home

2011-10-24T00:01:00.002+01:00

Tag Time !! I am thinking Halloween again, thinking Welcome Home......not.........

I used digi Art from ARTchix studio in the main with a little swirly stamp in the background inked with brown chalk ink.

The tag base is made from double sided printed cardstock and I have added the punched out fleur-de-lys border down the left hand edge in the reverse colourway (containing light blue, black & lime).

The digi elements have been trimmed out after printing and collaged up after edging with the brown Versamagic chalk ink.

I added the little red heart at the apex of the gothic doors as a contrast and mirrored this by added some red satin ribbon through a silver eyelet applied with the Crop-a-dile. The whole tag was then edged in more brown chalk ink.

Sid xx

Vintage Shadows

2011-10-23T00:01:00.001+01:00

Here is a configurations box I have made using a lot of, but not exclusively, Tim Holtz materials. It's taken me ages to complete it and I have been going back to it over time and adding things as I went. It is now complete .......... at least I think it is but may continue to add things to it yet.

There are alsorts of things in it from birdgages to model cars to keys and cotton reels. Buttons, charms, metal embellishments, glass bottles are also in there. I have kept everything grungy too by using Distress inks.

Used TH papers to line the compartments and the outside of the box and mica sprays to add a pewter and metallic sheen to the outside. I didn't use the acetate lid liner as I wanted things to sort of 'Spill Out'.

Used loads of tissue tape to edge all internal and external edges.

Everything has been stuck in place with Claudine Helmuth Matt Medium which does make a fantastically strong glue also.

Sid xx

A Stripey Little Number

2011-10-21T12:46:00.000+01:00

This little square hanging plate started with a piece of 6x6 7Gypsies printed striped paper which I then treated with acrylic paints applied with a make-up sponge in maroon, toffee & mushroom applied through a square mesh and then a numbers stencil to build up colour layers around the edges. Once happy with the effect I stamped a shell stamp from one of the Lynne Perrella plates from PaperArtsy in Archival black ink, randomly over the painted areas.

I think this one fits the bill for the Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge which this week is 'Stripes'.

Base complete, I then coloured some Grungeboard numbers with more of the maroon paint and when dry applied in relief as shown with Glossy Accents.

The main image is another Lynne Perrella collage stamp from the same plate, stamped in Archival Ink and coloured in toning colours with Marvey Alcohol brush markers. This was trimmed out and applied on foam pads. The top rosette has been stamped again, coloured and applied on a foam pad.

The larger rosette, again from the plate treated in the same way and applied on foam pads at the side.

Final touches were to matt onto tan textured card and apply a piece of metal chain with two gold brads and edge the matt with maroon chalk ink.

Sid xx

Play Day Clown

2011-10-17T11:56:00.002+01:00

Here is another small 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 inch collaged plate called 'Play Day Clown'. I prepared the plain base copier paper by painting with Dylusions paint and applying Distress Stains direct to paper. Once happy I then stamped with Archival black ink and a set of Sizzix flower polymer stamps around the egde of the page and used a flower border down the left side.

The flowers were then coloured with a waterbrush and Distress Inks in various colours. The ink pads were smooshed onto a craft sheet and the colour picked up with the waterbrush before painting in the flowers. Shading was added with black soot Distress ink and the waterbrush.

Next the digi images and words (ARTchix Studio) were printed out onto inkjet paper and trimmed out before edging and sticking in place. Some imperfect circles were added using rose, pink & black Dylusions paints applied using different diameter lids as the applicators.

Finally the centres of the flowers were gilded with Krylon gold pen and the artwork mounted on a double matt of pink and pale blue patterned paper.

Really enjoyed making this one !

Sid xx

Vintage Collage

2011-10-16T11:46:00.002+01:00

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to take a Lynne Perrella masterclass on Saturday in Warrington and this is the piece I made. It's a multi-media vintage collage made using many different materials and techniques, The main image was supplied but the rest was down to us to decorate and layer as we so desired. I was wearing a multi-coloured striped shirt and used the colours in this as my colour palette.

The pics are taken without the frame and glass as the reflections are a menace when trying to photograph. The final image is taken with the frame and it measures 42 x 32cm and is 4cm deep.

Showing the top flower detail and the pennant top.

Details of the hat embellishment made with paper flower, roses, feather and grungeboard leaves. The hatband is made from jute ribbon and applied on red line tape.

Eye detail coloured with sponges and matt acrylic paints.

Paper diamonds mounted on foamboard to mirror the pennant shape and to add dimension.

Detail of neck embellishment made from stamped grungeboard, metal foil flower, button and pearls over a painted paper doiley. Finished with a blue pearly hatpin.

The final image above shows the collage in its glass fronted frame which I kept matt black to pull in the black feather.

Sid xx

Alice Can - I know she can !!

2011-10-14T12:42:00.001+01:00

Here we go with an altered bean can !! I am a great AIW fan and love these stamps from Crafty Secrets so I went ahead and decorated a ring pull can in that style.

The can was prepared by removing the label and painting the central region with a couple of coats of Viva coral Precious Metal Colour. The top and bottom rims were coloured black with Ranger paint dabber. Next, 4 strips of coral and blue printed paper were cut and stuck in place with photo glue at the bottom and top of the painted can.

Big bit next, the stamps were chosen and stamped on smooth white card with black soot Distress ink and dried with a heat gun. The images were then coloured with Spectrum Noir alcohol markers in a variety of colours before cutting out and sticking in place on the centre of the can with foam pads.

The lid was cut from black stout card with a die and heat embossed with the alice text stamp and detail clear embossing powder. The lid eas then rubbed over with Viva Inka Gold and polished off with a soft cloth revealing the resisted heat embossing. The cheshire cat image was stuck in place with Glossy Accents. A TH hitch fastener was screwed in place in the centre of the lid as a handle.

Red faux heart gems were then stuck in place around the top and bottom bands of the can.

Finally dots of gold Stickles were applied to add some bling.

Thought that this one would fit in with The Just For Fun challenge whose theme this week is Kitchen Finds.

That's it !! My AIW altered can.

Sid xx

Spillage !

2011-10-12T07:38:00.001+01:00

.............off the desk.....onto the floor, that is !

Here goes, not done this for ages !! In line with our fab Julias 'Stamping Ground' challenge to show your workdesk on a Wednesday. I braced myself to take these pics following my last session in the craftroom.

The first is a little bit of my workdesk, not much space left now eh..................

So much stuff that the floor is now becoming a storage area too. I must say though, I have got used to it. Now is that good or bad I ask myself ?

Anyway there it is, warts and all. Enjoy and I hope to get round some of your desks today too !

Sid xx

Birdie Moos

2011-10-10T18:33:00.002+01:00

Here is a set of 3 'Moos' done as a swap for UK Stampers Forum. The theme is birds. They were made from printed digi- background papers, 7 Gypsies & Tim Holtz stamps, punched birds (Martha Stewart), Posca Pen & green chalk ink. The 'Fly' word was stamped in green Memento ink and the rest in Versafine black and sepia.

Sid xx

Winged Things !

2011-10-09T17:43:00.001+01:00

This is a 6 x 6 inch plate I have made in the theme of 'Winged Things' and is my entry into the Crafty Individuals October Challenge over on their blog.

I took a piece of 7 Gypsies floral paper as the background and stamped each corner with a corner stamp from Stampology in Versafine onyx black. I then cut out some floral elements and a bird from some Dovecraft papers which I edged with dusty concord Distress ink. These were stuck in place as shown.

Next I made the central element by stamping an old Crafty Individuals stamp onto white card with Versafine. This was trimmed out, coloured with Marvey Le Plume pens and matted onto some textured purple card. This was then stuck in place and edged on two corners with metal corners stuck with Glossy Accents.

The butterflies (Crafty Individuals printed 6 x 6 pad) were cut out and edged with maroon chalk ink before shaping and applying on foam pads to add dimension. The whole sheet was then matted onto purple cardstock and edged in purple chalk ink.

Finishing touches were to add a few pink Prima flowers with Glossy accents and highlight flower stamens and the birds eye with purple Stickles Glitter glue.

Sid xx

Look out, Look out the 31st is About !

2011-10-08T20:35:00.001+01:00

Here is my October postcard for the monthly 'Naked Postcard' swap over on UK Stampers ! Bet you can't guess what the theme is.

Yes, it's Halloween of course !

My postcard started life as a piece of A4 plain copier paper which I treated with a homemade blue and silver mica powder spray leaving a portion at the top unsprayed. I let it dry naturally and built up a couple more layers until happy with the sheen. I then trimmed out a suitable piece to 6 x 4 inches. The top of the piece was coloured with wild honey Distress Stain applied direct to paper, overlapping the blue a bit.

Next I dribbled a few drops of poppy Sticky Fingers Summer Ink from the top left and allowed it to drip down before drying with a heat gun. At this stage I sprayed liberally with cheap hairspray to set and seal.

All clear stamps were from a set by PinkPaisley and the side border, 31 and chandeliers were stamped in Archival black ink. The 'Beware' seal was stamped in Versamark and heat embossed with Moonglow holly berry red gold embossing powder.

The paper was then stuck onto a piece of stout card with a glue stick and the card was edged with maroon Chalk Ink. I then sprayed again with cheap hairspray just to be sure it would travel through the post.

Sid xx

Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder !

2011-10-02T21:18:00.003+01:00

I have entitled this little wooden shadow box 'Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder' as the framed image is one of a rather stern looking lady whilst the other images are those of young and rather attractive vintage ladies. Nice to contrast the two I think.

The plain wood shadow box was first painted with one coat of Viva precious metal colour in turquoise. Once dry I cut down some Crafty Individuals domino sized images to fill 5 of the 6 boxes. These were then stuck in place.

I also used black Stazon and a swirl stamp to stamp the outside edges of the box.

I edged the bottom right corner of the images with diamond Stickles glitter glue to add a little more bling.

The frame is also one of Crafty Individuals and was glittered to within an inch of its life with dries clear pva and fine turquoise glitter. Once the glue had dried all edges of the frame were coloured in purple alcohol ink pen.

The stern lady image was stamped in Versafine ink and heat embossed with Moonglow imperial crown purple gold embossing powder before trimming out and colouring with Copic in pale violet.

This was stuck in place and a small metal strawberry charm was applied. Finally the glittered frame was stuck in place with Glossy Accents and each of the boxes edged with small dots of purple Stickles.

Sid xx

Autumn Leaves

2011-09-25T07:29:00.001+01:00

This is the next postcard in the monthly challenge over on UK Stampers Forum. This months theme is Autumn. I started by cutting a 6 x 4 inch card blank from mottled brown card.

The stamps are from Lavinia and are a set of three layered leaf stamps. All were inked and stamped with Adirondack dye inks in butterscotch, espresso, redcurrant & pesto in different configurations. Once stamped they were dried with a heat gun and sprayed with cheap hair lacquer to seal the inks as the card will be posted as is to the recipient.

The letters spelling out 'Autumn' were pre printed and edged with black stazon ink before sticking in place with Glossy Accents.

Each of the letters were then covered with a coat of Glossy Accents to give them a raised glaze. Once dry the card was edged with barn door Distress ink applied with cut'n'dry foam.

Sid xx

Keeping Up Appearances

2011-09-24T13:02:00.003+01:00

I have an owl fixation at the moment, especially these collage elements from ARTchix studio. Whilst on my owl 'roll' I made an A4 background from stout white card.

The base was made with Distress Stains in scattered straw, spiced marmalade, barn door & pine needles applied directly from the bottles onto a water spritzed card. These were then dried completely.

I then used a plastic scraper and applied a lightly spread coat of grey Dylusions paint - this knocked back the colours slightly and provided a nice matt surface. Some more Dylusions paint in magenta was added and scraped selectively over parts of the background with some added using the edge of the scraper to form lines.

I then used a filigree glimmer screen mask and sprayed with Moonglow Glitz Spritz in royal emerald fire and desert moon purple sage. The mica effect is subtle and can't be seen easily in the pics. This was completely dried again before stamping. I used more Distress stains and a brush to add shadows in the arrows and colour some of the flower petals in walnut stain.

The arrows (Prima), flower border (Elusive Images) and the seedheads (PaperArtsy) were stamped as shown in Archival black ink. The owl, eyes and hat were stuck in place and the printed words coloured in barn door and edged with black Posca pen before adding and edging with white Posca pen.

More of the white Posca was added to highlight elements of the stamped images. The whole piece was then edged with barn door distress ink added with cut'n'dry to finish. Hope Hyacinth Bucket is not offended !!

Sid xx

What a Hoot !!

2011-09-23T07:00:00.002+01:00

This weeks challenge over on the Simon Says Stamp and Show blog is to make an 'ATC'. This is mine ...........

I started with a base of mountboard cut to ATC size and used Dylusions paints in grey and moss applied with my fingers to cover.

I next took a swirl stamp from Paperartsy and inked with Memento bahama blue and stamped randomly as shown. The left hand edge is punched out of patterned paper with a Martha Stewart edger punch and stuck in place.

The main image is a collage made from ARTchix images. I love the specs, eyes and hat ......... don't you? Next I added some little circles (using the lid off a quickie glue pen) inked with rich cocoa and bamboo leaves Memento ink.

Final touches were added with a Posca opaque white pen and barn door distress ink around the edge applied with cut'n'dry foam. The owl words were added finally with a set of office letter stamps and onyx black Versafine ink.

This ATC also meets the challenge over on Fun with ATC's where the theme is 'Circles'

Really enjoyed making it too !

Sid xx

You're The Best

2011-09-22T12:53:00.001+01:00

Here is a card made to meet the Stampotique Designers Challenge for this week. The challenge is to make a piece of art with 'Black, White and a HINT of Colour'

The card blank is made from card cut and scored to make a 135mm square card. I used black Impress Ink and stamped 'Hunk' from Stampotique (Daniel Torrente), text saying 'You're The Best' from PaperArtsy and a row of daisies from Inka stamps.

I used a Marvy Uchida Le Plume alcohol brush pen to colour a limited amount of each stamped element.

Simple but effective I think !!

Sid xx

Spooky !

2011-09-18T11:41:00.001+01:00

Here is a little spooky Halloween offering I made using digi images from ARTchix Studio. The image elements have been mounted on heavy card in two layers.

The top layer has been spritzed with a blue mica spray to add sparkle and has been mounted over another plate on foam squares.

All edges have been edges in fired brick Distress Ink.

A couple of small orange eyelets threaded with orange silk threads allow it to be hung and some pewter brads have been added at each corner to finish the piece.

Sid xx

Hang on Puss

2011-09-17T11:03:00.002+01:00

I have never made a Moo before, but they are 1-1/8 x 2-3/4 inches in size and these were done as part of a swap on UK Stampers Forum with a theme of '4 legs'.

The main climbing cat stamped image is from Lost Coast as is the text stamp both stamped in onyx black Versafine ink.

The background is made from 6x6 papers from the Basic Grey Lauderdale paper pad stuck onto card cut to size.

The bottom border is a digi print from ARTchix Studio punched out with a Martha Stewart punch. I have added a few light grey accents on the puss and top of the Moos with Sakura Souffle pen and they were edged in moss green Colorbox chalk ink to finish.

Sid xx

All for You !!

2011-09-15T07:40:00.000+01:00

This little altered matchbox was done as part of a swap over on UK Stampers Forum. The theme was freeform so I decided on a green and maroon colourway. The contents of the box was decided upon 'on the hoof' and evolved as I looked at my stash of things to put in.

The box was first covered in a printed paper from Stella Rose - Mabel design adhered with tacky PVA glue. Once applied I used stamps to add a mini ruler, a flourish and the words 'All for you' in fired brick, pine needles and Versafine onyz black. All edges were finished with fired brick Distress Ink applied with cut'n'dry foam. Some pale green flat backed gems were added to finish.

The inner matchbox tray was coloured on all sides with fired brick Distress Ink and the base of the tray lined with a spotty Mabel paper.

The handle on the front of the tray was made using a green square brad and a green seed bead used as a spacer. The contents (homemade plastic beads, spotty button, red bead, leaves, gold metal butterfly, green jingle bell, pearl green micro beads and a metal washer with the word 'reminisce') were selected and stuck in place with Matte Medium and Glossy Accents. Some maroon stickles were added to embellish.

Do hope the lady who receives it is pleased.

Sid xx

Wow !! That's Hot

2011-09-11T22:41:00.003+01:00

Here are a set of 6 Twinchies (2 x 2 inch squares) done as a swap for UK Stampers Forum. The theme was 'Firestorm' so I made a suitable HOT set. I used printed backing paper stuck onto card cut to 2 inches square.

The flames were stamped in Versamark Ink and heat embossed with Tangerine iridescent Blonde Moments embossing powder. The colouring was done with cut'n'dry foam and Distress inks in fired brick, spiced marmalade & mustard seed. The letters are rub-ons.

Each twinchie was then edged with red chalk ink to finish.

Think I ought to go and cool down a bit now !!

Sid xx

Teatime Postcard

2011-08-21T00:01:00.002+01:00

This is another 6 x 4 inch postcard, this time with a theme of TeaTime ! The background is made from Websters Pages and 7 gypsies papers, torn and edged with fired brick Distress Ink before sticking onto a piece of card. It will eventually be posted naked to a swap participant over on UK Stampers Forum.

The numbers, teaset and words are stamped in Archival Black ink and are from a set called Playtime 1 by Toodles & Binks. The image is from Land of Nod Studios and was printed on inkjet paper and trimmed out before sticking in place.

The T42 stamps are stamped in Memento inks in ladybug, bahama blue and cottage ivy with stamps from a set by Stampers Anonymous.

Finishing touch was to edge the postcard with maroon Colorbox chalk ink.

Sid xx

Surreality !

2011-08-17T00:01:00.001+01:00

This altered collaged hanger is made from a tuna tin (duly cleaned and washed of course). It was made as part of a swap over on UK Stampers Forum. I called it 'Surreality' because once I had assembled it it seemed to say just that to me.

I have lined the base, insides and outside of the tin with paper from My Minds Eye (Mabel) in contrasting green and rose red. The papers were stuck in place with Claudine Helmuth Matte Medium (Ranger). The base paper was stamped with a couple of flourishes in green Versamagic chalk ink before sticking in place.

Once done the inside base was decorated with some paper leaves cut from a paper stack, mounted on foam squares. The cream paper flowers were coloured with fired brick Distress Ink, stuck in place on foam squares and centred with Adirondack dimensional pearls in bottle green. A bee (7 gypsies conservatory) was stamped in Archival Black ink and the inside edge where the papers join decorated with Cherry Ice Stickles.

The outside of the tin was then stamped with a polymer flower stamp and more of the Versamagic red chalk ink. Two holes were punched with the Crop-a-Dile at the top of the tin and two Tim Holts screw fasteners added through the holes.

I next added the printed image of the boy with the flying fish on layered foam squares and also added a bit of fringed paper coloured with forest green Distress Ink in front with Glossy Accents to add further dimension.

Finishing touches were to add black Enamel Accents around the inside rim and a piece of metallic gold twine tied round the knobs to hang.

Sid xx

Create & Smile

2011-08-13T18:37:00.002+01:00

Simple one layer card made with 2 Paper Artsy stamps, stamped with Memento grape jelly ink on a white card and coloured with Spectrum Noir alcohol ink pens. The 'always smile' plate (Hero Arts polymer) is mounted on foam pads and stamped in Versafine onyx black ink.

Sid xx

L'amour

2011-08-07T17:56:00.001+01:00

Not blogged for so long, just haven't had the time since coming back from holidays. Managed some time today and made this self standing collage........... how satisfying that I have crafted after nearly 3 weeks !!

I had previously made the background from recycled corrugated card which I had given a crackle finish with a gold base coat. The general colourway was purple, red and gold as you can see. The piece measures 6 x 5.5 inches and the background technique is described in this blogpost.

I then used a Tim Holtz background stamp of distressed dots stamped with Versamark ink and heat embossed with violet pearlescent embossing powder. A polymer stamp of a tag was stamped in similar fashion but this time heat embossed with mirror gold EP. I then stamped a couple of flourishes in red Versamagic ink.

I used a lot of elements cut from 6 x 6 - 7gypsies papers (Camden & Lille). All elements were edged in black archival ink to give them definition.

The Eiffel tower frame was made from a black card arch frame ( Stewart Gill) backed with paper from the Lille papers and embellished with amber flatbacked gems adhered with Glossy Accents. The letters were applied as rub-ons (Making Memories)

The remainder of the elements were stuck in place as shown. The floral plate was stuck in place with a foam dot and pierced through with a heart-headed hatpin ( burying the sharp end in the corrugated background).

Some purple deco balls were added as shown with Glossy Accents.

The piece was then matted onto a piece of the Lille papers (they are double sided) and the fold down stand (sizzix die cut out of cardboard) applied with glue to finish.

I like the colours of this piece and of course the bling too !

Sid xx

Smile Pugsley !

2011-07-16T12:09:00.000+01:00

You must all remember Pugsley Addams ........... you know that little brother of Wednesday and the son of Gomez & Morticia.

Well, I have used a digital stamp of Pugsley by The Octopode Factory as the focus of this bright tag - don't you love those eyes which I have accented with Glossy Accents. The image was trimmed out after printing and coloured with copics and Posca markers.

The tag base was coloured round the edges with spiced marmalade Distress ink. The spotty backing paper is also digital and a piece of this was trimmed and stamped with a couple of Stewart Gill Artaglio stamps in archival black ink before being matted onto black card. Some black rub-ons were added at the top of the tag and the mat applied onto the tag with double sided tape.

A plate with the word 'smile' was applied on foam pads and the words 'for us added with self adhesive letters. Pugsley was stuck in place with Glossy Accents as shown.

I then added some lines onto the black card with a white Posca and tied a piece of plain black grosgrain ribbon through the hole in the tag to finish.

Sid xx

'Live' Box

2011-07-15T16:21:00.008+01:00

Here is a box have I crafted using All Tim Holtz products and I think it fits the bill for this weeks Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge which requires us to 'Show some Stitching - Faux or otherwise' & The Stamp Man Challenge 'Anything by T!m'.

The stitching on my box is definately faux and I have made a sort of patchwork effect with 'Lost & Found' papers on the top.

I cut out roughly 9 squares of paper and after distressing the edges stuck them on the top of a 4 inch square box blank which was painted black with Adirondack acrylic paint dabber in pitch black. I used Matte Medium as an adhesive. When dry I distressed the edges with sandpaper.

The sides of the top of the box were covered with die-cuts using the TH 'on the edge' mini scallop and pinking die from more lost and found paper. These were stuck in place on all sides with matte medium and again distressed. All the distressed edges were coloured with aged mahogony Distress ink and foam. The sides were then treated with clear rock candy Distress Stickles and rubbed over with a finger.

I then used stamps from the TH 'Bitty Grunge' plate to add some images onto the top in archival black ink and some faux stitches were added on some edges of the patchwork squares with a black Posca pen.

All the embellishmnets were made from Grungeboard shapes and letters coloured with aged mahogony, dried marigold, faded denim and pine needles Distress inks on bases coloured with more black dabber. The number 18 is a lost and found salvage sticker. All were adhered with Glossy accents.

I was tempted to add more but I think that was enough. This box would make great storage for cufflinks !

Sid xx

Wishing !

2011-07-14T08:34:00.000+01:00

This tag is my entry into the UK Stampers Forum 'Vintage Choice' Competition. This competition has finished but if you like entering competitions then the forum has at least one each 2 months, they are free to enter and the prizes are donated by great sponsors. You will need to join the forum (Free also !) to enter.

I started with a card blank and coloured it with cut'n'dry foam and Distress inks in victorian velvet and dried marigold.

The main stamped image is from Tuscan Rose and this, along with some swirls, was stamped in Versafine vintage sepia ink. The flowers were originally white paper daisies and I coloured them with more victorian velvet and stamped with the swirl adding some gold Stickles glitter glue in the centres.

The lady's top was coloured in with some copic markers in lilac and some highlights were added with a flesh tone to her face. Gold Stickles was added to highlight her hair. She was given a few lilac pearls as a necklace.

I chose two pieces of lace and layered these at the bottom of the tag again adding some lilac pearls on the cream piece. Some edging was punched out with a Martha Stewart punch, coloured with victorian velvet, trimmed and adhered with glossy accents on the left. The leaves are wooden and are coloured and edged with dark brown Copic.

The metallic word plate was cut out and stuck in place and the flowers and leaves were adhered with glue dots. Three more larger lilac pearls were added at the top of the tag and a piece of mustard silk ribbon tied through the hole to finish.

Sid xx

'Will I Ever Get There?' postcard

2011-07-13T12:34:00.000+01:00

Over on UK Stampers Forum one of the members has a monthly postcard swap, this months theme is Red, White & Blue and rather than go patriotic I have produced a Destination style card. One of the stipulations is that it can be posted 'naked' to its recipient so needs to be robust enough to go through the post without damage etc.

The background is painted entirely with Dylusions matt acrylics in pink, white and turquoise, sprayed with home made blue mica spray (mini mister + 4 drops broken china Distress ink + 3 small scoops gold Perfect Pearls + water to fill half way). I used some sequin waste and a sponge to apply white in places and an old credit card to add lines and a spray bottle lid to add circles.

The words stamp is from Indigo Blue (Grand Tour 1 plate) and was stamped in archival black ink. The embellishments are: A ticket stencilled with fired brick Distress ink through sequin waste, a red arrow and two die cut corners (sizzix) made from dark red hand made paper. These were applied with Studio matte medium.

The other lettering is made from small self-adhesive letters. I used Posca pens in black, gold and white to highlight various elements.

Final touch was to coat the whole card front with more Studio matte medium to give it a resilient finish for posting.

Sid xx

Text Background ATC's

2011-07-11T22:57:00.001+01:00

This months swap theme for ATC's over on UK Stampers Forum is 'use some text as a background' so I made these three collage style ATC's as my offering.

The text backgrounds come from an old book featuring various styles of text over the centuries. I simply tore out the page (did I say that?) and then adhered it to the ATC card blank and when dry trimmed round the ATC.

Each of the backgrounds were tinted with Distress inks and cut'n'dry foam, I used worn lipstick, old paper, walnut stain, aged mahogony and victorian velvet.

Various adhesions were used to decorate each ATC in the form of stickers, postage stamps, images, borders and plates. I used the townscape TH 'on the edge' die to make a heavy acetate template and stencilled through it at the base of each ATC.

I used my trusty black Posca pen to outline some of the elements. Just love those pens !!

The only stamping was with a small swirl stamp (?) and vintage sepia Versafine ink. Each ATC was edged with Inka gold applied roughly with my finger and I definately could have been nicknamed 'Gold Finger' after that !

Sid xx

Vintage Style

2011-07-10T11:33:00.001+01:00

Crafty Individuals have a challenge blog run by Jean Hardy and this months challenge centres on a colour theme of Pink, Cream and Brown so I thought I would have a go at a vintage style creation.

I started by cutting out a pre-printed pink and cream rose floral display as the main base. This was edged in pink grapefruit Versamagic chalk ink and adhered onto a piece of brown linen textured card which was then matted further onto a piece of cream card cut at an angle. All edges were inked with the same Versamagic ink.

The main central feature is made from a CI small collage frame which I painted first with french rose acrylic paint. When dry this was liberally coated with cheap PVA glue and then overpainted with plenty of buttermilk acrylic paint. I used a heat gun to immediately dry the paint to achieve the distress crackle effect. This was enhanced with more of the pink grapefruit Versamagic.

I then cut a CI domino sized glossy printed image and attached it to the back of a Tattered Angels glimmer chip frame with Glossy Accents. The frame was also coloured with the Versamagic and was then stuck in place within the collage frame. Three flowers were punched from some brown and pink paper and attached at the bottom left of the frame and centred with pink half pearls. A small piece of cream paper lace was added at the bottom of the frame.

Next I attached a piece of pink satin ribbon centrally over the base matts sticking with double sided tape. I added a little plate with the words 'vintage style' stamped in Vintage Sepia Versafine ink on a piece of cream card. This was attached with foam pads as shown to the frame and the finished frame was adhered to the base with large Glue Dots.

Finishing touch was to add a Tattered Angels chipboard finial to the top with glossy accents.

Sid xx

Butterfly Twinchies

2011-07-09T15:53:00.000+01:00

Twinchie time again !! This time I have made 6 twinchies in the theme of 'Butterflies'. The background is made from white heavy card painted in Dylusions acrylic paints in magenta & rose. Overlaid with Americana acrylics in saffron yellow, warm white & antique white. These were applied with an old credit card in layers until happy with the colours. Final coat was with Lumiere hi-lite red to give it a red subtle iridescence which doesn't show very well on the photos. Once dry the background was cut into six 2 x 2 inch squares.

Next I stamped some butterflies (7 Gypsies polymer) onto the twinchies with archival black ink and added a small rub-on flower to each as shown.

Next I used a green Posca pen and doodled some leafy swirls freehand onto the twinchies as shown.

I then added some crystal ice, crystal & diamond Stickles on the wings of the butterflies and edged the twinchies with dark green chalk ink to complete.

Sid xx

One Mans Journey

2011-06-29T13:31:00.002+01:00

I have just taken part in an altered CD swap over on UK Stampers Forum. I decided to do a vintage theme mainly with Tim Holtz materials and stamps.

The CD was covered in letters backing paper (Lost & Found) adhered with matt medium and trimmed once dry.

I then stamped with the tatty sunburst TH stamp with onyx black Versafine ink at the bottom and the retro circles TH stamp with Versamark and heat embossed this with claret embossing powder on the top left. The journey word (Invoke Arts) was stamped in archival black ink on the top right.

The circles and word were highlighted with gold and white Posca pens. The military man was cut out from another piece of Lost & Found TH paper, stuck in place and highlighted with black Posca Pen. Holes were punched with the crop-o-dile for two star snaps and two gold eyelets as shown. The edges of the covered CD were rubbed over with black soot Distress ink on cut'n'dry foam.

Finishing touch was to thread some brass chain through the top eyelets and join with a triangle split ring to hang.

Sid xx

The Golden Flight

2011-06-19T09:37:00.002+01:00

Here is a tag I made recently. The background technique is a simple Distress ink on craft sheet - water spritz - rub tag onto the ink & water face down - dry process. I used faded jeans Distress ink. When dry I made a mica and water mix with gold Perfect Pearls in a mini mister and sprayed over the surface to add a blotchy gold shimmer. This was allowed to dry naturally.

The butterfly is a Marianne design diecut made from plain white heavy paper which was painted with turquoise Viva Precious Metal Colour. Some gold Stickles was added to the butterfly to embellish.

I then stamped the seedhead (Paper Bag Studios) at the bottom of the tag in Versafine onyx black ink and added some rub-on black flourishes on to the top half of the right side of the tag.

The engraved brass plate was added with glossy accents as shown and the tag edged with blue iris chalk ink. The butterfly was then added with a glue dot.

Final touch was to add some metallic gold ribbon held in place with a staple. Love the blingy effect on this tag.

Sid xx

Laughing with Mort Tag

2011-06-05T13:54:00.002+01:00

I still had the ring pull top off the Sardine tin I used for my altered sardine tin in the last post so I thought I would put it to good use as a tag. After all it was tag-shaped to start with. I folded back the ring pull and used a pair of pliers to flatten the folded over portion. Suprisingly the edges are not sharp at all either but I thought they might be !

I then applied a piece of printed paper in a diamond pattern with multi media and once dry trimmed around the tin lid.

Next I stamped a distressed polka dot pattern in archival black ink over the paper and allowed to dry. Then I used a Versamark pen and selectively inked some of the diamonds which I then heat embossed with glossy claret embossing powder. Didn't want this embossing to be perfect looking in line with the distressed effect. I then went around the edge of the tag with black soot Distress ink and a cut'n'dry foam applicator.

I found a piece of pink and white check paper in my bit box which I then stamped with 'Mort had a Pin Curl' from Stampotique and more archival black ink before colouring in with Copic markers. The image of Mort was then trimmed out leaving a narrow border which again was inked with black soot Distress ink.

I then took a crown bottle cap and after lining with a circle of purple paper I put in a label in silver with the word 'Laugh'. I tipped in clear UTEE crystals and heated until molten and bubble free with the heat gun allowing this to cool completely.

A fabric flower was coloured with matching Copic marker and distressed with more black soot Distress ink. This was stuck to the back of the bottle top .

The tag was then embellished by sticking Mort in place as shown and applying the bottle top flower with a large sticky dot. Some silver metallic marker was applied on some of the background dots and a length of coloured yarn tied through the ring pull to finish.

Sid xx

Altered Sardine Tin

2011-06-01T14:22:00.000+01:00

Front

I started with a plain old Sardine tin which had been thoroughly washed and dried. The outside base and sides of the tin were given a good coat of Viva Precious Metal Colour paint in turquoise. Once dry I applied TH tissue tape over the colour to cover portions of the outside of the tin.

Back

I added a few fleur de lys rub-ons before giving the back of the tin a coat of acrylic gloss finish to seal on the tissue tape and protect the paint. Next the inside of the tin was given a coat of Viva precious metal color in gold. I applied a number of gold metallic Candi circles with glossy accents to the inside top of the tin to reflect the light.

Two leaves stamped with a PaperArtsy Xmas pointsettia stamp and Versafine onyx black ink were then added. They were first coloured with green Marvey le Plume II pen and sprayed with green mica spray before applying on foam pads to raise them.

Next a Tim Holtz ticket was applied on a piece of green card, trimmed and stamped with the words Curioser & Curioser from the IndigoBlu - Alice 1 plate in Archival black ink. This was attached over some gold glass glitter. A metal enamelled bird was attached over the base of this with silicone glue.

Alice herself (from the same IB plate) was stamped in Archival black ink onto white card and coloured with Marvey le Plume II pens before being trimmed out leaving a mounting lug at the base. Some crystal Stickles glitter glue was added to the blue dress for sparkle. Alice was then mounted forward in the can on layered foam pads and Glossy Accents.

Final finishing touch was to add pale blue dew drops attached with more Glossy Accents around the inner rim of the tin.

I decided not to add a hanging device because the can stands on its end quite comfortably for display purposes.

Sid xx

Vintage ATC's

2011-05-29T08:33:00.000+01:00

These ATC's are for a swap over on UK Stampers Forum. The theme this time is 'A Vintage Affair'. The backing was cut from plain card and then covered with some printed papers in three colourways. I then used a swirl Glimmer Screen and coloured through it with a stencil brush and black soot Distress Ink. The inked portions were then heat embossed with detail clear embossing powder.

Next I used a selection of stamps from a new plate by Toodles & Binks called Very Vintage Set one - Gone Postal. The set was compiled by Katy Fox of Craft Stamper. Inks used were Archival Black, Versafine and Brilliance in a selection of colours. Each ATC was edged with dark brown chalk ink to finish.

Sid xx

Overdressed Chair ?

2011-05-18T08:00:00.001+01:00

Believe it or not, there is a chair under there somewhere ! Really have to put that stuff somewhere else. Once more a quick peek at my messy room. If you would like to see others rooms why not pop over to Julias Blog for 'What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday' It's great to see others craft areas and makes you feel easier about your own too !!

Sid xx

Peace in Silence Hanging

2011-05-16T20:01:00.000+01:00

Here is my entry into the Freestyle Tri-Colour Competition running on UK Stampers Forum. We have to use 3 colours as in the swatch below, showing the colours on both a white and a black background.

I started with a piece of unassuming printed background paper which had leafy swirls on a pale greeny-blue background. I then used 3 liquid acrylic paints in the colourway and a foam circle stamp to apply the 3 colours in circles with some overlapping (leaving a space to add the text stamp later). The paint was allowed to dry and then I filled in some stems in black Posca pen, assuming that the circles were going to be abstract flowers, that is !

I then stamped a solid flower in the centres of a number of the circle flowers using Stazon ink in azure, eden green and olive green.

Next I filled in the open centres of the flowers with black Posca pen and highlighted a lightspot on each with silver pen.

I bought the bee stamp recently from Lavinia stamps and I stamped this with Versafine onyx black ink as shown. I applied a bit of glitz with Stickles on the body stripes and added Glossy accents on the wings after colouring blue with Marvey Le plume II water based pens. Once the Glossy Accents had dried I then stamped the text (using a PaperArtsy stamp) also in Versafine onyx black ink. I added the swirls with black Posca too !

The finished plate was edged with broken china and forest moss Distress Inks applied with cut'n'dry foam before mounting on a piece of moss green card edged in more broken china ink.

The roof portion was cut from stout printed paper, edged in the same Distress inks and embellished with a Tim Holtz hitch fastener. This was stuck in place with more glossy accents. Finishing touches were to add a piece of blue bobble edging and to tie some gold twisted twine around the fastener to hang.

Sid xx

Beautiful Postcard

2011-05-15T15:19:00.000+01:00

There is a monthly postcard challenge over on UK Stampers Forum. This months if to use a them of 'Beauty' so this is my entry.

I cut a piece of blue cardstock to 6 x 4 inches and attached a piece of text printed paper from My Minds Eye called Mabel. Once done I stamped an image in archival black ink using a rubber stamp from the Aspects of Design Butterfly Beauties plate by Tracey Coates.

This was coloured with mica paints in various colours to add a shimmer and subtle colour. A little swirl was inked in dove grey Stazon around the edge and the text was added as a rub-on.

I roughly edged the card with gold Krylon pen before giving the card a coat of Ranger matte medium to seal and make it resilient to being posted to the recipient.

Sid xx

Workdesk Shambles !

2011-05-04T07:51:00.000+01:00

Here is a shot of my desk taken this morning just to show you the shambles that it is ! I try to tidy but all I seem to do is move stuff around..........does that sound familiar?

Anyway I have not taken part in WOYWW for a while and for those that know me, my desk always looks like this. To see others (more tidy) desks go to the lovely Julias blog where all will be revealed.

Sid xx

Beautiful Mystery

2011-05-02T00:01:00.004+01:00

I love pearlescent embossing powders, in fact I love anything with a sheen or a shine and this was the inspiration for this little 6 x 6 inch plate. I found a swirl stamp on my workdesk and used this as the main stamp.

I started with a piece of 6 x 6 inch double sided printed paper with an intricate design in maroon and cream on one side and a distressed ledger print on the reverse (My Minds Eye - Stella Rose/Mabel).

In the bottom left corner I used the swirl stamp (?) and inked with Versamark and stamped 3 times, heat embossing each time with a different pearlescent embossing Powder. I overlapped the stamped image in a few places.

I then folded the opposite corner of the square toward the front exposing the reverse print and scored across the fold. I used fired brick Distress ink and cut'n'dry foam to apply an edge colour and then stamped a couple of times with the same stamp and ink.

I then cut a piece of textured cardstock to 6.25 inches square and inked a PaperArtsy architecture stamp of arches with fired brick and stamped this top left, drying with the heat gun to show where the folded paper would be when matted.

The words are from the same PaperArtsy set and were stamped with Versamark and heat embossed with detail gold embossing powder on a piece of the maroon textured card. This was matted onto a piece of cream card.

Before assembly I cut a final mat of 6.5 inches square from the cream card and matted all three pieces as shown. The triangular fold was held in place with foam pads and the wordplate was embellished with a gold swirly clip before applying on foam pads.

The final touch was to add a fab brass mask as shown.

Sid xx

Mailart ATC's

2011-05-01T11:45:00.000+01:00

Here are three ATC's done as part of a swap over on UK Stampers Forum. The theme this time was 'It's In The Mail'

I used spray mica inks for all the backgrounds in different colourways. Some were homemade using distress re-inkers and mica powders whilst others were Glimmer Mists. All were applied in layers, dried between coats until I was happy. with the effect.

Most of the rubber stamps used were from Invoke Arts and I also used a variety of inks including Stazon, Brilliance, Versamark, Archival & Versamagic. Each ATC was embellished with a brad or metal frame, stickers and punched paper. They were all edged in Chalk inks to finish.

Sid xx

Reviving old papers

2011-04-16T15:16:00.002+01:00

I have loads of old 12 x 12 printed scrapbook papers........... don't you? I have recently taken part in a swap where we had to alter a 12 x 12 sheet, cut it into nine 4 x 4 pieces and swap with others.

This is one I just did. The original paper was grey and has printed white leaves on it. To alter it I stamped with a bird stamp (a Stamp In The Hand) inked with Versamark and heat embossed with detail black embossing powder. I then took a swirls stamp (Creative Expressions ) and inked with Stazon gold and randomly stamped with this. The final touch was to spray with some heirloom gold Perfect Pearl Mist and allow to dry. Can't easily be seen in the pic !

That was it, I then cut up and used a drips embossing folder to emboss each piece and then posted. A new lease of life to all those old papers we have and they can be used on collage, cards and many other projects.

Sid xx

Distressed Twinchies

2011-04-10T08:11:00.000+01:00

One of the members on UK Stampers Forum has revived the Twinchie swap after a period of dormancy. This swap has the theme of 'Distressed' and need us each to make 6 Twinchies.

I made 6 twinchies from thick card cut to 2 x 2 inches. The theme is the same for each of them. I first gave the surface a coat of Distress Ink applied with foam. I used pine needles, spiced marmalade, weathered wood, mustard seed, dusty concord and fired brick.

Next a thick coat of the corresponding Distress Crackle paint wa added and allowed to dry completely. A clock face and a swirl stamp from Crafty Individuals was then inked in the corresponding Distress ink and gold Stazon and stamped as shown. A splodge of Rock Candy Stickles was added and rubbed over with a finger to spread.

The edges of each inchie were then distressed with sandpaper and inked in a corresponding colour. Finishing touch was to add a metallic brad in the middle of each watch face and a cut down TH letter sticker.

Sid xx

Birdy Bookmark

2011-04-09T09:25:00.003+01:00

Front

I have been making a bookmark for a swap on UK Stampers Forum and initially had no idea what theme to do it in. I ended up using some fab quirky bird stamps from Personal Impressions (Knotty & Friends - Trotty, Lotty & Botty)

They were stamped onto thin white card in black archival ink and then coloured with Copic markers in bold colours with some areas coloured in gold pen to highlight.

Back

The images were then trimmed out leaving a thin border and set aside.

The bookmark base was a piece of card cut to size and covered on both sides with a paper from My Minds Eye (Stella & Rose - Hazel). I used Claudine Helmuths Studio matte multi-medium applied with a wide brush as an adhesive.

The coloured birdy cut-outs were then adhered with the same medium and the 'Tweet Tweet' words stamped twice on each side of the bookmark.

The edges of the bookmark were painted with an uneven border of Decoart rich espresso metallic paint with a small brush and the edges rubbed over with dark brown chalk ink to colour any white left behind.

I then gave the whole thing a good coat of the matte multi-medium to seal and provide durability.

Sid xx

That 'Blooming' Hanger

2011-04-06T09:27:00.002+01:00

Thought you might like to see a little mini-hanger that was done as a swap over on UK Stampers Forum. This swap comprised of a free style 3 x 3 inch hanging to be swapped with a swap partner.

I did mine on a base of old brown cardboard cut to size on the trimmer. I have recently bought the latest set of colours of the Dylusions paints from Art From The Heart and after applying a piece of thin white card to the base, used grey, sienna & turquoise paints applied with a brush until happy with the effect. Once dry this provided a surface on which to work.

I punched out a border with an EK Success edger punch and stuck this in place at the base of the square. Then I stamped in archival black the central image with a Lost Coast stamp. I used a round lid and inked the lid with broken china distress ink applying rings of ink as shown. These were heat embossed with detail clear embossing powder.

I then used some rub-ons (Kaisercraft) of a flower and a leafy sprig to decorate further. The butterfly is a self adhesive salvage sticker from TH. I then used an opaque Posca pen in turquoise to edge and colour some elements. The edges of the hanger were coloured further with broken china distress ink applied with cut'n'dry foam.

The hanger itself was fashioned from a piece of florists wire threaded through two holes made with a pokey tool and a mini label was added with the word 'Bloom'.

Sid xx

A cup fit for a Red Queen?

2011-04-05T15:38:00.002+01:00

Once more and in line with my Alice in Wonderland theme this cup was made at our retreat in Skipton as one of our projects. The template for making these teacups came from Ann Woods Blog which has loads of other inspiring creations.

The template was cut out from recycled cereal boxes which were reinforced with strips of paper and PVA glue to make papier mache (of a type). The teacup was allowed to dry completely.

I painted mine with a few coats of matt Dylusions paint and then decorated with a gold pen and some Dew Drops. The inside was sprayed with antique gold shimmer mist to give it a sheen. The hearts are cut from pink card using a heart Nestabilities die and stuck in place, followed by a coat of Stickles diamond glitter glue.

This one is displayed on an old porcelain saucer which I didn't make !!

Messy to make but really satisfying once complete.

Sid xx

Understated

2011-03-27T10:47:00.001+01:00

Here is a little grungey plate made on a piece of white card 5x5 inches square. I have used some torn background paper applied with glue stick and coloured with vintage photo and wild honey Distress inks.

I have used some TH Salvage stickers to embellish and a range of stamped images from The Artistic stamper (bee), PaperArtsy (central plaque), Toodles & Binks (flower), Tanda (spotty background), Stampers Anonymous (stencil letters) & a linen stamp ? The red ink is Memento.

The central words were stamped in archival black onto card and trimmed out, I coloured the words red with a copic marker before mounting on foam pads.

A piece of brass chain was added with brads as shown and three star brads were added at the top right. Some stickles was added and some tissue tape at two of the edges.

Sid xx

AIW ATC Mini- Book

2011-03-26T13:20:00.000Z

I thought it about time I did a blog post, it's been a while since I did !!

Because I have an Alice in Wonderland fascination at the moment. This is a little ATC Mini-Book made from a single piece of 12 x 12 printed paper. Instructions on how it was made can be found HERE.

Once the book was made I covered it in printed paper and then started to decorate with printed images, stamping and stickers. I also used my trusty Posca pens to doodle various things on the inside pages & TH Tissue tape on the front.

The book has 8 pockets in which you can fit 8 ATC sized cards.

The ATC's were made from brown textured card which were diecut at the top edge with a Sizzix TH 'on The Edge' die to shape the tops. The panels were covered in various printed papers and embellished with words, printed images etc

Really enjoyed decorating and stamping this one. It's really good to have a go in your own style and these make fab little gifts. A slightly different style for me too but I do like doing these collagey things of late.

Sid xx

Blue Boy ATC

2011-03-14T00:01:00.000Z

Here is an ATC I made using some free images from The Land of Nod Studios blog. The backgroud is tangerine Impress smooshed over a white card and dried with a heat gun. The watch face is a stamp from Crafty Individuals and I have used Copics, Poscas and a silver pen along with an American crafts border & arrow to embellish.

The spots on the background are made using Copics over the background. The words are pre-printed and the ATC is edged with iris blue Chalk Ink (Colobox) to finish.

Sid xx

Tatty Wonderland Tags

2011-03-13T00:01:00.003Z

How about this triple tag that I have just finished. The images are Alice in Wonderland digital stamps from The Octopode Factory. I love the quirky and Gothic look of them !!

I have used a light green triple tag as the background and cut printed backing papers into panels to fit the tags. Distress inks were sponged on to give a tatty appearance and a gold mica spray applied to add some sheen (not easy to see on the pics).

The images have been coloured with copics and embellished with Glossy Accents, Dew Drops and Stickles Glitter Glue. I love the way that the queens crown is just stuck in her head not on it !!

The finished images have been trimmed out and put to one side whilst the tags were decorated.

I have used a variety of stamps and inks with punches along with Posca pens and a gold pen to add doodles to the tags.

I love the eyes of these images and left them white on the whole but couldn't resist applying some dew drops and glossy accents to some of them as I have done with one of the Hatters eyes.

I gave Alice fab blonde hair and called her Unique !

The Tweedles look good with their propellor heads too. Each finished image was stuck in place with foam pads. The words were printed on the inkjet printer, cut out and stuck in place and some black and white spotty ribbon was stapled through each tag hole to finish. If you would like to see more here's Effies version

Sid xx

Cool Cupcake

2011-03-07T18:54:00.001Z

What a cool cupcake !! Not of the edible variety and totally calorie free too. This was made over the weekend as one of our crafty projects at our little crafty retreat in Skipton. As I always liked blue that was my colour theme.

The whole concept was dreamed up and overseen by the very talented Efemera and many thanks to her for sharing it.

The base is an empty cotton reel and the stand top is a piece of circular craft board both covered in patterned paper. The fringe is also made from printed paper punched with a Martha Stewart edge punch.

The cupcake itself is made from a blue silicone cupcake case as its base. The 'cake' is made from a polystyrene ball cut in half which is covered in a piece of white felt stretched and pinned in place over the half poly ball. The frill is made from elasticated blue gingham ribbon from The Ribbon Girl. This was stretched around the half ball and pinned in place into the polystyrene. A very small amount of polyester fibre was added to the silicone base to fill it and the ball fixed in place with silicone glue applied around the ribbon before easing into the case. Once in position I stuck a couple of pins through the case into the poly ball until the glue had set !

When the silicone glue had set the cupcake was embellished with a piece of green satin ribbon, a paper flower, a red bead and a red headed pin to hold all in place on the top.

The finishing touch was to apply some blue Dew Drops from 3D Jean stuck in place with glossy accents.

What a tasty confection !!

Sid xx

'Light Flight' Gift Box

2011-02-23T11:22:00.001Z

Wanted to do something with a little gift box that originally had some tealights in it. It has sat there for ages so I picked it up ans actually did something with it !! This one also is my entry to the Just For Fun Challenge blog whos subject this fortnight is 'Oh for the wings of a bug'.

I gave it two coats of pale blue acrylic paint and allowed it to dry thoroughly. I then took some glossy cardstock and applied Alcohol Ink in juniper and cloudy blue with an applicator and felt until happy with the finish. I also used some blending solution. The colour is very subtle actually. This was trimmed into 4 panels slightly smaller than the base sides.

I took an acrylic poppy stamp and stamped twice with Archival black onto each of the panels and the edges of the card were lined with fine gold pen and a metal edged ruler. These were then adhered with double sided tape to each side panel as shown. A small half pearl embellishment was added to the bottom left of each panel.

The 'to you from me' labels were made using the same AI background and a nestability die which I also embossed before stamping with the words in Archval black ink. Again a half pearl was added to each of the panels. These were stuck in place with DS tape as shown.

The butterflies are made using Martha Stewart punches in two sizes. The background paper used was made by scanning three pieces of cotton printed material that I had bought as fat quarters in Skipton. They were printed with the inkjet printer onto plain 80gsm copier paper. I liked the colours which all compliment each other. The back of the paper was painted with some more of the pale blue acrylic paint to add a little more body to the paper. Once dry I used the two punches and punched out large and small butterlies, some of which were to be layered.

I edged the large butterflies with Stickles diamond glitter glue and once dry layered the small onto the large punched out pieces with glossy accents. Each of the layered butterflies had a half pearl added for a head before sticking in place on the box to decorate.

The top of the box was held shut with two gold swirly clips either side of the two butterflies. I was going to add ribbon but decided not to. Light and Airy I thought !

Sid xx

Americas Inchies

2011-02-22T09:53:00.000Z

Here are a set of 9 inchies done as a swap on UK Stampers Forum. The theme is 'The Americas' so I used a red, white & blue theme.

I printed out the tiny USA flags and trimmed ready to apply to the inchies.

I took a dotty border stamp and stamped with Adirondack stream and red pepper dye inks in stripes on a piece of white card. I dried with a heat gun and punched out the 9 inchies. These were then edged with more stream ink and a foam applicator. I stuck the flags in place, edged with fine black pen and stamped the USA in archival black ink to finish.

Sid xx

Crown Prince of Frogs Card

2011-02-21T10:20:00.002Z

Needed to do some birthday cards so made one using some polymer froggy stamps. The frog (Personal Impressions) was stamped onto a 3 inch square white card mat in Archival black ink. This was then coloured using Copic markers. The crown was stamped separately also on white card with the Archival ink. Once coloured to satisfaction the central mat was edged in tangerine Versamagic chalk ink and matted onto a piece of moss green card at 3.5 inches.

The crown was stamped and trimmed so as not to obscure the froggys eyes and coloured with Deco-Color Liquid Gold paint marker and three adhesive gems were added to the pointy bits. This was put aside to be added at the end.

A 5 inch square piece of printed paper was then punched with Martha Steward 'around the page' punches. This was stuck in place on a plain white card followed by the froggy mat in the centre.

The crown was stuck in place. The 'Hoppy Birthday' sentiment was stamped on white card in Archival black, matted onto moss green card and gold was applied to the spaces in the letters to contrast with the crown. This was edged in tangerine chalk ink and applied as shown on foam pads.

Sid xx

'Asian' Inchies

2011-02-20T08:47:00.000Z

I have organised a 'Continents' inchie swap on UK Stampers Forum. These are my 9 inchies for the Asia Theme. I took a piece of cherry blossom printed paper and stuck this to some stout card. I then cut out the inchies with a 1 inch square punch (a must have for making inchies).

I picked out the blossoms with a Quickie glue pen and glittered with a bronze iridescent fine glitter. Once dry I applied a small brass charm onto each inchie with Glossy Accents.

Finishing touch was to add a printed word & edge each of the inchies with gold Krylon pen.

Sid xx

Hope, Heal & Happiness ATC's

2011-02-19T12:15:00.001Z

Here is one more set of ATC's just completed for a swap on UK Stampers Forum . The theme this time is as the title and I wracked my brain for ideas for these. I ended up using some free digi images from the Land Of Nod Studios of three charming little people who I thought I would use as a depiction of the words. These were printed out onto plain copier paper.

The base cards were cut from pale blue cardstock (just had it spare at the time !) and these were painted with a good coat of acrylic paint in desert sand. When dry I used a piece of sequin scrap as a stencil and went over selected portions with spiced marmalade Distress Ink and yellow Dylusions matt acrylic applied with a matural sponge. I dried all thoroughly with a heat gun.

I then took a polymer Inkadinkado chandelier stamp and stamped this on each card with archival black ink, again drying with the heat gun.

I then stamped the hats (West Coast Designs) onto patterned paper with archival black and carefully trimmed them out.

The images were then assembled and stuck in place first and trimmed followed by the hats and the images gone around with a grey Copic marker. The words were printed out onto copier paper, trimmed out & stuck on and edged with a fine black pen.

Finishing touch was to edge each card with tangerine Colorbox chalk ink.

Sid xx

Favourite Colour Journal Page

2011-02-18T12:57:00.000Z

Here is another page for the weekly journal Challenge over on UK Stampers Forum. This weeks gudelines were:

1. What is your favourite colour and why?

2. Use this as your main background for your page

3. Add a doodled border to your page

Blue is certainly my favourite colour for many reasons too numerous to go into here.

I took a piece of plain card cut to size and then trimmed out a printed backing paper with a predominently blue theme to the same size as the base. I then stamped some text, top and bottom in broken china Distress Ink I next took a piece of wordy paper and tore this colouring the torn edges with broken china Distress Ink also. The paper was stuck in place and trimmed to fit.

I then took a selection of Hero Arts solid block stamps and selected loads of blue inks of all types including Versamagic, Brilliance & Impress and stamped them onto white card. The shapes were trimmed out and stuck in place on the background.

All colour swatches were edged in Posca white pen and the edges of the page were decorated in doodled triangles and dots also in Posca light blue and gold. The word 'BLUE' at the top is made with rub-ons and the rest is written with Posca black and dark blue.

Sid xx

Woody ATC's

2011-02-17T13:52:00.003Z

Here are three ATC's I have done as part of a swap over on the UK Stampers Forum. The theme for the month of March is 'In The Woods' so I decided to do a green woody theme for mine.

I cut the plain white card to size and then applied a digi background to each of the cards, tree trunks and woody effects !

I dug out a load of tiny little stamps of leaves and flowers from a set of See D's Morsels cling stamps. I inked the leaves with Memento Dye inks in new sprout, pear tart, bamboo leaves & cottage ivy and randomly stamped the leaves in bunches on the trees in the background. A number of the leaves were glazed with clear Sakura Glaze pen to highlight.

The flowery stamps were inked in Archival black and stamped randomly at the bottom of the cards. I highlighted areas in yellow, red and blue Posca markers to act as a bed of flowers.

The three words were printed on plain copier paper and coloured with new sprout and bamboo leaves ink before sticking in place with glue pen. Final touch was to edge the cards with tea leaves Versamagic chalk ink.

Sid xx

Friend Card

2011-02-16T14:38:00.002Z

Not like me to do cute really, but I have had some of the Lili of the Valley printed toppers for ages so I decided to start to use them.

This card simply uses the topper as a centre piece, matted onto purple linen textured card and edged wirh diamond stickles.

I embossed stars on a piece of white card using a Sizzix texture plate and cut this into a larger square which I again matted onto a larger square of the purple textured card.

Before mounting I took a piece of mauve silk ribbon and tied around the smaller mat into a bow before matting this onto the larger mat.

All of the mats were then stuck in place on a plain square white card. The 'Friend' plate was made using a Nestability die and thin white card which I embossed and coloured with Dusty Concord Distress Ink before stamping with 'Friend' using a polymer stamp. This plate was then edged with Stickles and stuck in place as shown.

Sid xx

Happy Valentines

2011-02-14T16:48:00.003Z

Here is wishing everyone a fabulous Valentines Day !!!!!

Here is a piece put together with 5 things I had sent to me by a member of UK Stampers Forum as part of a Random Swap.

The five items were an oversized paperclip, a polymer clay pebble with the words Natural Beauty, a wooden bird, a rusty heart and a bookring.

I took some fuschia pink cardstock and punched around with Martha Stewart punches. Then I used Dusty Concord Distress ink and applied this with a sponge around the edges. I applied a mask centrally and sponged through this with the same ink.

Next I stuck the bird in place with Glossy Accents.

The gold paperclip was then coloured with some red pepper AI and some felt. This was then clipped into place to hold the rusty heart as shown.

Final touches were to add the polymer clay sentiment and to place the bookring through the filigree at the top left. The piece was highlighted in various places with white pen to complete.

Sid xx