Distress Inks

After attending the GNPE at Harrogate and learning new Distress Ink techniques, I have been busy dabbling and testing what effects I can achieve. I stamped a few images to play with and was pleasantly surprised at the finished results:-

I haven't decided what I want to do with the forever friends bears yet, though I am thinking about an Anniversary Card (I'll keep you posted!)

After finishing the flowers, I thought they would be ideal for my Gran's birthday card. After playing about with the different backing papers and ribbons, I finished the card quite quickly. It will be my Gran's 93rd birthday this time. She has been falling a lot lately and keeps telling us she doesn't have much time left, so I hope this will make her happy and that she will enjoy being with the family for a get together.

I absoluately adore this stamp and the distress inks have really added depth to the image. I am looking forward to playing more with these inks as the demonstrator mentioned that they are very versatile...... I guess only time will tell! If anybody has any hints and tips, please let me know.

xxxx



Happy Easter!

Well, what a busy week! The fabulous weather has meant the garden is now finished, I have been building a pagoda with my husband and we have just finished wiring in the lights and planting the honeysuckles to finish it off. It does look fab, even if I do say so myself!!

Last Sunday I added to the family by purchasing a chocolate lab puppy. I have called him Sam and he is sooooo cute and very well behaved...

In between the gardening and puppy (playing) training, I have managed to make the 18th not girly, girly birthday card. To be honest, it took me ages to decide on what I could use on this one, but after rifling through a do-crafts magazine, inspiration finally hit...

 This is nice easy card to make using the following:

8x8 white card blank

Purple spotty paper

Purple striped paper

Purple satin card

Thunder Grey Mirriboard

Silver metalic effect paper

Organza Ribbon ( lilac with silver edge and Heather )

Papermania glitter dots

Cricut - Simply Sweet Cartridge (for name and numbers)

All the card and papers are stuck together using double sided tape, the bow using pinflair glue and the letters/numbers using Quickie glue.

I am pleased with the outcome and will be taking this one to work next week after I've finished my Easter break.

Hopefully the remaining few days will be nice and relaxing and the sun will continue to shine!

xx

Unique Wedding Card

Well what a fantastic weather we've had this week. I have been focusing on one card along side the garden projects I decided it was time to undertake!!.

I was asked to make a custom wedding card. The brief I was given was a wedding card with a purple theme. Simple!

I spent two nights this week sat on the floor making paper roses. Its a slow process, but I hope you agree that the end result is so worth it.

To make this card you will need:

Card Blank - any size you desire. I've used an 8x8 craftwork cards blank.
Lilac satin cardstock
Craftwork cards white paper with silver spirals
Craftwork cards paper blox - purple selection
Liliofthevalley wedding couple stamp
Copics - BV29,E37,E00,RV000,V15,V17,V91,V95,YG11
Oval scalloped edge Nestabilities Die
Cuttlebug or other die cutting machine
Crafters Companion Irreidescent Spray
Pinflair Glue & Quickie Glue
Cricut - Calligraphy Cartridge (for writing)

The lilac card and white/silver paper is attached to the card blank using pinflair glue. This gives you the extra time to move the items into the exact position.

I have also used the pinflaie glue to stick the roses together and then attach to the card. I have only just started using this glue, but I have to say, it is fantastic! It dries quickly and if you splurge, it wipes away leaving no marks! Superb!!

The letters are attached using quickie glue. I am loving my Cricut for cutting different shaped letters. Although I haven't used it here, you have the ability to cut shadow lettering for a 3d effect and can make any size you so desire.....(just want a gypsy now to complete the outfit!)

I will be delivering this card to my colleague tomorrow. Fingers crossed it is well received!

Next week I will be working on an 18 year old girl's card. Apparently she's not girly or cutesy, so this one is going to be challenging!

Unit 1 Assessment - the first 3 cards

I think I'm getting the hang of the blog site now, so here are the first 3 cards I have submitted.

My first ever blog!

I am currently saving (really hard) to turn my hobby into a career. I am longing to open my own little craft shop, but decided I should research as much as possible and show my commitment by undertaking a papercraft qualification.

About a month ago I started the course and submitted 3 cards for unit 1. The first part requests a 'receipe card' completing for each card/papercraft item you make. The 'receipe card' is basically a list of items used, considerations made and an evaluation of your end product. I can't say I found it easy, as I find it very difficult to evaluate myself on any task, but after al lot of pondering I did it and submitted my coursework.

A week later I received my result...a pass credit! That's the top mark I could get, so I am very pleased with myself!!

I've now started unit 2, which is working on displaying my work publically. As I want to open my own store, what better way to start 'advertising' myself than to have a blog, so here it is!

As I make more cards and learn new techniques, I hope to keep the blog updated. I always appreciate feedback, so if you like/don't like what you see, please feel free to comment.

I will post my unit one creations for all to see.

xx