Craft2gether

Craft Den Workshop

2011-11-23T01:07:00.000-08:00

Hi folks. I know, long time since I posted. New Years resolution!!!!- Post more regularly. See how I go with that one. The diet one doesn't seem to last any longer than a week, same with the 'keeping the craft room tidy' one!!!! Still, I can only try.
Anyhow, thought I would post piccies of the two projects we did at The Craft Den, Wisbech. We had a great time and thanks to Terri for keeping me fed and watered. Love those sausage, bacon and tomato rolls. Yummy!!! I could just eat one now!
We also made some lovely flowers which I will show you tomorrow.
Hope you like these. The easel card has a box for post it notes, and the other card is a slider. Great fun to make.
Take care

Lynne X

Cale Logan

2011-10-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

Our darling little grandson, Cale Logan is actually due this Sunday. But as most of you know, he arrived 9 weeks early, weighing just 3lb 8oz! I have just been to see him and he's now a healthy 6lb 3oz! I suppose we all think our babies are wonderful, but he is so beautiful I could eat him. He has changed so much and today I could see my son in him. His tiny fingers amaze me, so delicate and perfect. Just scrummy!!!
Here is a picture of him taken 2 weeks ago along with the card I made for him.
Love to have your comments.
Hugs
Lynne xxx

Pretty Distress!

2011-07-23T15:04:00.000-07:00

Always a favourite of mine are Distress Inks. I don't think any one of my cards has ever been complete without some kind of distress treatment. It is thought by some that the only effects you achieve with these is grungy but that is just not the case. Pretty and subtle is just as achievable as seen on this card. The colours used here were milled lavender and shabby shutters. Overstamped with dusty concord. The seam binding has been gathered then highlighted by running dusty concord gently along the length.

Here is little Tatty Button. The stamped imaged has been die cut so that her legs hang beyond the Nesty shape. Note all the layers have been distressed to highlight the edges!

Last but not least, a card design using Vintage Aviation. The seam binding has been dyed with alcohol inks and that achieves an almost starched finish.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Lynne. X

Steampunk

2011-07-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone
I'm just back from a fun-packed workshop with Sue Wilson. She certainly worked us hard and we came home with five lovely creations. Sorry about the glue Sue - It was actually still wet when I got home!!!

Just want to say a huge THANK YOU to Sue for all her hard work and to Karen for being there to keep us all under control! Had a great time. It's so nice being on the other side of the table and actually crafting for me!
Haven't got round to taking pictures of the cards but will do that soon and post them here asap. In the meantime here is the card I made for my sons birthday. He's really into model trains so Sam's steampunk stamps seemed ideal. He was amazed I actually new anything about Steampunk and proceeded to tell me all about it. It seems its quite cool - not something you expect your Mum to be at all!!!! Anyway I hope you like it.

Back soon
Lynne. x

Wedding Card

2011-06-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post with a terrible picture of the card I made for my neices Wedding last Saturday. My photography skills are much to be desired. I blame the camera!!!!!

The day was lovely despite the constant threat of rain. But it remained dry and sunny for all the important bits.
The image is Lilli of the valley and I've sprayed it with Cosmic Shimmer Pearl Mister which in real life is beautiful. Can't see it well in this photo though.
Off to Marquetry now so catch up soon

Lynne X

Demo at In2Crafting, Wickford

2011-06-07T14:52:00.001-07:00

Good evening bloggers. I'm not going to apologise for my terrible lack of blogging because it seems to have become a regular occurance. I just don't have time to keep up with it!!! I thought I must just do a quick post since so many of you who came along to the demo at In2Crafting mentioned it was January when I last posted! OUTRAGEOUS!!!!! Still as promised, here a few of the cards I made for the demo. Thank you so much to all those who attended. I had a great time and I hope you did too. It was nice to see so many familiar faces as well as lots of new ones.
I was demoing with the Grand Calibur along with Distress Inks, Cosmic Shimmer Mica's and Misters, Masks and embossing folders. Quite a lot to play with!!!
This first card was made by stamping the beautiful Garden Collage stamp onto card which had been sprayed with Aqua Lagoon and Ancient Copper Misters. Sections were then stamped on the same card and decoupaged. These stamps are so interesting to work with and there are so many ways of using them.

I have used the leaf mask as a background for this Tag card. Distress inks were applied with a stencil brush then whilst wet pearlescent mica was brushed over it. Lovely effect although it doesn't show up that well in the photo. These masks are great fun. They emboss beautifully in the Calibur.

The following cards and the one above have been stamped with a selection of stamps from the British Wild Flowers Stamp set. I thing Rene sold out of this on Saturday but I'm sure she will get some more in if you're interested. It's a lovely set and has two really lovely background stamps which are great to create lovely borders etc. This first card below is an easel card die cut using grand lebels eleven. The images stamped onto a masked distress ink background. Simple but effective.

This last card was something I picked up from Karen Lines. The background created whilst keeping the die in place so as not to lose the white border. Image first stamped with Weathered Wood Distress Ink to create a shadow, then stamped again just off to one side with Archival black heat embossed with Clear E powder.

Hope this is useful to those of you who asked me to post piccies.

Thank you to Rene and John for a nice day and to Michelle who fed me up with cream cakes! Not good for the figure you know! Hope to see you all soon.
Hugs
Lynne. xxx

Bobby's 21st Birthday

2011-02-04T13:25:00.001-08:00

21 Years ago we were blessed with our third son, Bobby. He was a tiny little thing and just as beautiful as Tony and Peter. I can't believe how time has flown, and here we are celebrating his 21st Birthday! We had a little party at home last Saturday and we had friends to dinner on Sunday. He had a lovely time.
Bobby loves bowling, hence the card. I made a type of diorama card to get the three dimensional effect. Can't see it very well in the photo. Sorry, my camera skills are a bit poor!
Just been playing with Sam's new stamp plate: Timeless Journey. I love the images and they really suit the techniques I love to use. I have created a background with Frayed Burlap, Old Paper and Weathered Wood Distress inks. Blended well then spritzed with Enchanted Gold Mica. I have then used a die cut shape as a mask and stippled Distress inks to give a subtle background, then brushed with more mica! I do like a bit of sparkle! The car is stamped with Cobalt Archival ink. The other background is created using some of the many images on the set, stamped with the three Distress pads used previously, spritzed with water to soften and distressed round the edges.

Hope you like them.

Take Care
Lynne

Snow for Hubbies Birthday!

2010-12-01T09:21:00.000-08:00

What a day! Traveled to Barleylands today to find the shop closed! Marion, where were you? You really must take a trip to Sugar and Spice. Lovely shop and lovely people. Just wish they had got to work today! Hope to see you soon girls.
Anyhow, Hubbies birthday today. He was in the car 6 hours yesterday and still didn't get to work!. But today he made it. Shame really because I'm sure he would rather be at home. Still, he got a new camera so I'm sure he'll be taking loads more piccies.

The snow looks so pretty when it first falls. Bit icy out there now though!
Here are the birthday cards. The Vintage Photo plate was just the ticket for the occasion and the little Bluetit is from the Christmas Post plate.I've also used one of the new masks to provide a subtle background. All items available from Creative Expression Stockists. You can find your local one on theCreative Expressions Website.

Take care
Lynne.X

Catch-Up Time----Again!!!

2010-10-30T15:59:00.000-07:00

OMG. How do all you wonderful Bloggers out there find time to keep up to date with everything?! After successfully completing two Retailer Roadshows with Maria, I think we both deserve a well earned rest. But unfortunately that doesn't look likely. With another demo day looming and Craft Club just around the corner, my feet don't seem to be touching the ground! But you know what, I'm really enjoying myself, just need a few extra hours in the day and a few extra days in the week!!! My house has gone to pot, dinners are anything I can lay my hands on and bed time seems to be getting later and later. Still, we get an extra hour tonight!
Going back to the roadshows. Well, Maria and I really enjoyed running both the Brentwood and Guildford days. Lots of hard work preparing for them, but truly worthwhile. We have had lots of positive feedback. Thank you to all those who attended. You made both days great fun.
Here are some photos of the days. The first two taken at Brentwood and the other at Guildford. Everyone hard at work!!!

The following is a sample of the Grunge plaque, designed by Maria. I finished this at home and really love it.

Here are a couple of cards I've made recently. The first using one of the new Creative Expressions embossing folders. They arrived in the post this morning and really love this brick one. I think it works well with this card which I was not very enthusiastic about. I do struggle with MAN cards! And this was no exception. The theme was Man United or Welsh Rugby! But, I am really pleased with how it turned out. These embossing folders are great. Lovely and BIG, and emboss really deep.

This next card, I actually used Promarkers to colour this lovely image. Just had to use her for my Daughter in Laws birthday. She is so fitting and she loved it. Still not keen on using Promarkers but they do give a very professional result and suit this style of stamp.

The following is a card we made at the roadshows using Black Perfect medium with Gold Sparkle embossing powder for the stamped images. The frame was made with Creative Expressions double sided A4 paper. I am currently putting together a tutorial on how to make it. So simple when you know how and very effective.

Sorry to bore you, but wanted to get as much in as possible since I don't know how long it will be before I get a chance to come back!!!
Off to bed now to make the most of that extra hour. Mind you, not looking forward to the dark evenings! Roll on Spring!
Take Care
Lynne. X

Catching Up!

2010-09-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I last blogged! I do make sure I have a little look around to see what everyone is up to but I must apologise for not leaving too many messages. Time is so precious at the moment. Anyhow thought I would just post one of my latest bits. This was a gift stroke card for a friend.I was really pleased with how it came out. Took quite a long time but was worth it. I used mainly Creative Expression stamps along with some from Clarity Stamp. All are associated in some shape or form to the person I made it for. I hope to make a similar one for Mum for Christmas. Obviously much prettier and delicate for a very special lady.
Hope you like it
Take care
Lynne

More Craft Club Creations!

2010-07-22T15:29:00.000-07:00

Just a quicky tonight! Here are Tina's lovely works of art. I just love to see how everyone uses their imagination and come up with such different and original designs. This is not Tina's normal style as you can see if you visit her Blog here. Tina’s Blog .
This is her entry for the picture frame challenge. Absolutely beautiful!

And here is her Grungeboard book. Again stunning!

Don't forget to visit her blog.
Back soon with some more!
Hugs
Lynne. X

Design Team Call

2010-07-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

Firstly, I just thought I would quickly post my latest Wall Plaque project. Got the idea from Lynsay who kindly gave me some MDF off cuts. I have tried to create a Shabby Chic feel by painting with two colours of acrylic then sanding back to reveal the bottom coat. I hope you like the end result. All thats left to do is attach a chain for hanging.

There is a new challenge blog with a DT call. Suzanne over at Lets Ink it up is starting the new blog. The DT call is from 19th July to 8th August. She is looking for 6 ladies. You will find all the details via the above link.

I would love to have a go but don't know if I would have time so I'll leave it up to all you talented ladies. I know Cathy and Tina have entered so good luck to them.
Come on girls - Get those stamps out and get your entry in.
Good luck to all who enter.
Take Care XXX

My First Sweet Pea!!

2010-07-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

I've caught Sweet Pea Mania!!! These images are stunning and I have started my collection. At the moment I only have four but I have my eyes on a few more. This image was kindly stamped for me by Maria. She is certainly on my to buy list! I coloured her with Promarkers. Still not over keen on using these but I was quite pleased with the result and I suppose practice makes perfect. Just need a bit more practice!!!

My photography skills are pretty awful! Sorry!
Hope you like!

Take Care XXX

Shirley's Grungeboard Book and Altered Frame

2010-07-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

As I promised yesterday,some craft club photo's Here are Shirleys fantastic creations.

Her Grungeboard book is beautiful. She coloured it with back soot and Aged Mahogany Distress ink and then decided she needed something to lift it a little. So out came The Cosmic Shimmer Misters and she gave it a spray with Sunlight mist which is a clear based mister with a pale gold mica. It looks wonderful.

Who would have guessed that this lovely little house wallhanger started from a simple wooden picture frame! A fantastic idea,
This month I decided to set a sketch challenge. Can't wait to see the results!
Back tomorrow with some more.

Take care XXX

My Special Helpers!

2010-07-14T12:42:00.000-07:00

As you know, my Craft2gether Craft Club takes place on the second Tuesday of each month. We have a varied timetable covering a variety of techniques and projects. I like to think all who attend go away with something to be proud of. whether it be something new or something they have already tried. But I am always so impressed with everyones work of art. We have such talented crafters and its great to see a variety of different ideas. I know I learn such a lot from everyone and I hope we all can learn from each other.
I couldn't run the club without the help of my darling Bobby and my dear Mum. They are the Refreshments Team!!! Here they are waiting for everyone to arrive.

I would also like to say a big thank you to everyone who help to clear up at the end of a busy evening. I would probably still be there now without their help!!!! You know who you are!
Last month I set a challenge. An Altered picture frame. All who wanted to have ago were given a 5x7 wooden frame. There were no rules only to think outside the box! How wonderful it was when six ladies turned up with their amazing works of art. Every one was completely individual and all were absolutely amazing. It was a shame there had to be a winner because you were all winners Fantastic! Watch this space for the photos.
In the meantime, here are a couple of cards I've made recently. One for my dear friend Karen on her special birthday. Notice there is no age on the card!!!

And one for my oldest Son Tony. Can't believe he's 28!! Makes me feel ancient! Maybe I am!

Don't forget to pop back very soon to see those lovely altered frames.

Take care XXX

Just a Quicky!!!

2010-06-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

I haven't had much time for crafting lately but thought I would just post a piccie of a golden wedding card I have just completed. These little love birds are sitting on a snow covered branch!!! But I've coloured with brown and I think it looks ok! The background has been created with distress inks using a stencil brush to give a nice soft effect. The roses are made with a 6 petal flower punch with a few glossy accent dew drops.A tutorial on how to make these can be found here: Maria

This card was for the same family. This is the design she requested.

Hope you like them.
Lynne. XXX

Easel cards and Craft Club News

2010-06-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

I've got the bug! Easel Cards!!! Really easy to make and very effective. I must admit though that I'm not sure a non crafter would know how to display them if they were sent one. So with that in mind I have made a little instruction leaflet to send with the card. This first card I made for my Mum to give to her friends Grandson.

This second card I made for my good friend and work collegue, Maria. Her birthday was last weekend and what a coincedence that Lynsay also made her an easel card. The stamps used are from a set I purchased at Stamperama and this was their first use!

Here is the card I made for my son Peter's birthday, using our Wine stamp plates and playing with Distress inks and mica pigments.

It was Craft Club last Tuesday and because of my busy lifestyle at the moment I didn't have time to prepare the project I had put on the programme. So the ladies have a challenge: They took their basic frame home so they could come up with their own design. It can be made into anything they wish. Think beyond a frame, maybe a wall hanging with a nice sentiment? Any materials can be used and there will be a competition next month with a prize for the winner.

Anyhow this is the card we made instead and I think everyone enjoyed playing with a new way to apply Distress inks. We used stencil brushes to produce a subtle softer finish. Here are some of the ladies cards.

If anyone from the club would like a frame to enter next months challenge please give me a ring or email me.

Watch this space for news of our October workshop.

Take Care and happy crafting
Lynne XXX

Create a Scene!

2010-05-10T14:29:00.000-07:00

Tomorrows Craft Club is all about creating a scene. No not literally, but using some of Sheena's stamp plates to create beautiful masterpieces! We will be learning different ways of using the stamps and also how to frame them with a box frame. A really easy and effective design, and so many people enquire about how it is made. So the secret's out now! Well it is for those coming along tomorrow evening and after that I will let everyone else know if you're interested. I must admit though, the photo does not do it justice!

This is using Sheena's new Cottage plate. Stamped and masked to create the scene, then painted with Distress Inks. The second photo shows the depth of the frame.

I've used the Pub plate in this next card. Each element stamped with Walnut stain Distress ink then the colour dragged out with a damp paint brush.I've then cut out the elements and decoupaged to create the scene.

This next stamp is not actually a Create a Scene but is the new Lavender plate. I love this and it is so easy to paint. The image has been stamped and embossed with Viola Black EP, then painted with Cosmic Shimmer watercolour paints.
I've used the same stamp in this next card, stamped three times then cut with spellbinders nestability dies to create a pyramage effect. You can use the leftover pieces to make an invertage topper which I have done but haven't yet mounted.

Hope you like them.
Take care
Lynne. XXX

New Stamps

2010-04-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

Really quick post today.
Mum's Birthday Card using my new Lilly of the Valley stamp and Promarkers! Just love these stamps. Still not sure about the Promarkers!

Take care

Lynne

Catch up time!!!

2010-04-22T15:37:00.003-07:00

What a bad blogger I've been. All work and no play at the moment, and Oh how I miss doing a bit of my own crafting!
Got a few little projects to show you. A mothers Day card and a little treasure box (Filled with chocolates!) One of my many new stamps I bought at Stamperama and Ally Pally. At least I got to use a couple of them! (I must say a big thank you to Rushanne for passing on her box design)

A couple of orders: The wedding card made using another of my new stamps and the Dad card made with a Clarity Stamp. I stamped the motor bike on some copper and embossed it. I was really pleased with the result although the picture doesn't do it justice. I'm not really a great fan of using metal mainly because I haven't really had time to play with it. I ran the metal workshop at the Kettering Retailer Day so it has all become a little easier and I've found it can be quite theraputic.

Back in January I made Bobby's birthday card using one of the new stamp plates launched at the trade show at the NEC. Because they hadn't been released at the time I wasn't able to share it with you. So here it is now.Again not a good shot, It is very dimensional. Painted with Distress Inks. If there is something I couldn't live without in my crafting stash it would be these wonderful ink pads!!!! And I now have all those lovely new colours!

I bought myself some more Promarkers at Ally Pally because I want to get to like them!!! Only had a few colours so thought I needed more to play with! You know how it is! Anyway I'm still not overwhelmed with them. I know so many of you love them so what am I doing wrong? Any ideas would be greatly recieved!!!

Thanks for taking the time to drop by. I really appreciate it. I'm not promising to keep up to date with my blogging because I just know that won't happen! But I will try!!!
Love Lynne. XXX

Look Who we Met!!!

2010-02-25T15:08:00.000-08:00

Just a quicky because just don't seem to be able to find a spare minute lately!

It was the Craft Hobby and Stitch show at the NEC at the weekend and Maria and I spent 4 days there working on the Creative Expression Stand. It was very busy and we were both exhausted after being on our feet all day. Great fun though. We met lots of lovely people, one of those being the man himself. Yes, you guessed it! Tim Holtz.

Our challenge, set by Michelle was to get our photo taken with him.
Challenge Completed!!!

Back soon hopefully

Love Lynne

A little preview of what's to come!!!

2010-02-03T07:46:00.000-08:00

Creative Expressions will soon be launching some wonderful new products,some of which I've seen and I can assure you they are worth getting excited about! Amongst them are quite a few Stamp plates designed by Sam Poole and Sheena Douglas. All but a couple will not be available in the shops until the end of February, but as a little treat two of Sam's are actually being delivered to some retailers as we speak. I just love these and can't wait to have more of a play! Will post some more piccies soon.

Lynne. XXX

Easter!

2010-01-25T07:44:00.000-08:00

Just got over Christmas and now we're thinking about Easter. I noticed the supermarkets had started stacking their shelves with eggs as soon as the decorations came down!!!. Anyway, I've been playing with this lovely A5 stamp plate and thought you may like a peek!

I've suspended the centre of the egg on invisible thread. Just tried to take some photos to show you the full effect.
Hope you like them.

Back soon.

Lynne. XXX

Black and White - Don't think so!!!!

2010-01-24T05:01:00.000-08:00

Love this Zebra from one of our Jungle plates. Thought I'd add a bit of extra colour to cheer us all up. The weather is so miserable and January can be a rotten month.

Then we have this adorable gerilla. Just coloured with distress inks and a little bit of metal work to add the more masculine feel.

This Teddy is always a favourite of mine. Stamped onto acetate and painted on the back with pearl crystal laquer. Gives the effect of fur and is great for these cute little images. The stamp is availabe either wood mounted or on an A5 unmounted stamp plate along with lots of other similar images. This is a great value for money way of buying it.Great idea for Mothers Day cards (If your Mum is anything like mine- She loves Teddies!) The images are slightly smaller than the originals.

Now a little peak at what we will be doing at our next craft club. The January meeting was cancelled because of the bad weather so I'll be moving all the projects on one so we'll be doing Tri folder cards which was planned for January.

Hope you like them. They're great fun to make and look really effective even without too much decoration.

Back soon

Lynne

Busy Busy Busy!!!!

2010-01-18T13:44:00.000-08:00

When you can't find a spare minute in the day to catch up with your BLOG, then you must be really busy! That's me at the moment, but just found a spare minute to say HELLO! I promise to try hard to keep in touch more frequently. So much has gone on since I last posted. Christmas has been and gone, and what about the SNOW!!! Glad that's been and gone. Have you noticed the days are staying light longer? That really chears me up to think we're heading towards Spring. My favourite time of the year!
I haven't had time to do much crafting but I just had to send out thank you cards to my work collegues. They gave me a lovely leaving present and made my last day at work really memorable.

Then I was sent some lovely hand made Christmas cards and since I hadn't had a chance to make any myself (how bad is that!?)I decided to make some New Year Cards instead!

I really must try to improve my photography skills, but you get the idea!!!

Then we start looking towards Valentines Day. Here are a couple of samples I made and had to duplicate 4 times!!! (Really sorry about the quality of the photos)

I plan to start on some Mothers Day and Easter projects soon so promise to pop back shortly with those.

Thank you to those of you who leave such lovely posts here for me. I really appreciate it and love reading your comments.

Bye for now

Lynne. XXX

Topiary Trees Galore!

2009-11-11T12:18:00.000-08:00

Feeling quite exhausted after a very busy Craft Club last night! Twenty eight crafters turned up to make their tree or cracker boxes. I think they had a good time and all went home with some lovely creations. I must comment on how well little Emma did. She put her tree together with very little help and she made a brilliant job of it. Well done Emma.

Here are some piccies of everyone at work.

We meet next on a Saturday - 28th November. Hopefully a full day workshop (as opposed to half day), when we can craft at our leisure, have a spot of lunch and hopefully go home with a few Christmas cards ready to pop in the post!

Happy crafting!

Hugs

Topiary Tree's and Cracker boxes

2009-11-09T16:30:00.000-08:00

Craft Club tomorow evening. Whoops, no it's this evening! Must get to bed!!!
Just a short post to show you what we will be making at club. Must remember to take my camera so I can post some piccies of everyone at work!

I have used one of the Sensational stamps from Particraft for one of the trees, the other two are just punched circles, then stamped and embossed with a snowflake or snowflake peel offs.

Hope you like them. Will let you know how everyone gets on.

Night night.

Pastures new!

2009-10-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

Firstly, I would like to say how lucky I feel to have met so many lovely people since I started demonstrating for Particraft. It always amazes me how kind and generous fellow crafters can be!!! I feel privelaged to have made so many good friends and collegues.
I have had a very eventful few days! It all started last Thursday. I was late getting home from work so was pannicking about being late for Bobby and still had the car to pack for the party I was doing in the evening! Got indoors and after speaking to Maria, checked my e-mails to find I had been offered a job working for Creative Expressions!!! I was so excited - How lucky am I to be able to be paid for doing something I absolutely adore? Maria will also be doing the same roll in a different area so it will be great that we can start together and will even be doing our training at the same time.

Well, I had to gather my thoughts and get in gear for the party. So I dropped Bobby round my Mum's (What would I do without her?), and set off to Harlow in plenty of time to arrive there for 6pm. I eventually got there at 8.30ish!!!!! M25 had been closed all day and all surrounding roads were gridlocked! Still, after making a frantic trip to the loo, we managed to get some demo's done and the party I think was a great success.

Home at midnight, not a lot of sleep, then off to work to hand my notice in (after working there for almost 14 years)

So once we go back after half term (I work in a school) I will only have 3 weeks at this job!!! How exciting!!!

I promised some friends that I would post a picture of the card I designed for a Make and Take party I did this week. 8 people made this and it's amazing how they all turned out a little different. We had a few blizzards and a couple of hurricanes!!! But other than that they were all great. No honestly, they were all lovely. Thank you Natalie for making me so welcome.

The background was created with Distress inks: Dusty Concord, Faded Jeans and Worn Lipstick. All blended together with Cut and Dry foam. The hill effect was done by laying a piece of torn paper across the background and sponging with D Ink - lighter colours to the background and darker to the front.The whole background was then spritzed with Mica pigments: midnight blue and gold pearl, before stamping with a selection of stamps from the Stylish 3 Christmas set. All can be found atParticraft

Hope you like!
Bye for now

Birthdays and more birthdays!!!

2009-10-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

It is my Daughter in law's birthday tomorrow and my son asked me to make him a card for her. He sent a picture of the shoes he bought her!!! The card actually turned out ok. Plain but effective! The top shoe has been decoupaged and layered using Glue gel. Doesn't really show up on the photo.

The following is the card we sent. I just love this stamp from Dimension fourth. The Swirl stamps can be found at Particraft
.

This last card was an order. My friend wanted a card for her Mum with a gardening theme and she wanted 'Cute'. This is what I came up with. I was quite pleased.The flower pot stamp is from Dimension Fourth. I stamped it once on white and watercoloured the pots and little molie! Then again on yellow and green and used these to layer up the image. Boo the bear is a Go Kreate die and I used some bits from the gardening set to decorate.

Hope you like them.
Back soon

Weddings and Anniversarys!

2009-10-20T07:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my latest cards made using two new stamps. The circle stamp was purchased from The Card Studio when myself and Darrell went there for a craft weekend. The Cake is a Whiff of Joy stamp. The Swirls are on the new Mini Swirl stamp plate available from Particraft
Off to boil the kettle! Bobby is due home from college any minute.

Bye for now

Particraft News

2009-10-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

We have reached our goal of 100 followers on the Particraft blog
If you want to be in with the chance of winning the fantastic candy then go there right now because Sue will be drawing the winner very soon!!!
Great news for everyone. All orders placed on the Particraft
website have free postage and packaging. So not only do you get wonderful products at very competitive prices, you can now sit in the comfort of your own home and just wait for the postman to arrive!!! Don't forget, you can always contact your local demonstrator and arrange a party. That way you will be given a free stamp plate worth £20 and also be able to choose free products to the value of 10% of your party sales. So what are you waiting for!!!???

We had a Demonstator workshop at our head office in Kettering at the weekend. What a great time we had playing with the stunning new Nature stamp plates. Sue Wilson showed us some brilliant new techniques which we can now pass on to all you hostesses out there! She is great fun and a fantastic cook! She fills us up with wonderful cookies. Not good for the diet but absolutely scrummy! Pop to the Particraft blog to catch up with Sue. She is on Create and Craft tomorrow at 11 am. Don't miss it because she will be demonstating some of those new techniques I told you about. Here are some of the samples we made:

I've also been busy with card orders and birthday cards for friends. My dear friend Darrells birthday today-well not much of today left!!! Here's the card I made for her. She loves dance and teaches little girls ballet! Thought this lovely stamp was appropriate. She is available from Particraft as wood mounted, or better value for money, on an unmounted stamp plate which has 2 other lovely images on it.

Bye for now.

What can I say!!!?

2009-10-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

Time has just flown past since my last post. I have been absolutely snowed under with making samples and getting prepared for Ally Pally. So much has taken place since I was last here, that I really don't know where to start!
To cut a long story short - to start with I had a stand at a local charity event. Prepared loads of samples showcasing the three stamp plates which I had for sale on the night. But unfortunately, most of the guests were not crafters and would have preferred to buy my cards rather than make them themselves! As you can imagine, very little was sold , but I had an enjoyable evening.
The weeekend following this event took Darrell and myself to Maidstone, Kent, to a craft weekend at 'The card studio'. Great fun but hard work!
Then came the big event - Ally Pally. Michelle, Maria, Lynsay and myself ran the stand with Pam helping out the whole weekend. We had demo's and make and takes (grunge board bracelets and alcohol ink tins)running the whole weekend, along with a selection of stock for sale. This was the first time we have been selling products and it was very successful. The weekend sped past and was great fun. I was fit for nothing at work on Monday, and I think I'm still recovering now!Here are just a few piccies showing the fab team!!! and a few samples I made for the charity event. I will post others of the Ally Pally samples soon.

Off to bed now because we have our lovely grand children coming tomorrow and I shall need all my strenth to run around after them! We havn't seen them since the start of the school holidays and I've really missed them. Can't wait to see them!

Catch up soon. Promise I won't leave it as long next time. Thank you for stopping by and have a nice weekend.

Sunset

2009-08-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

Just been playing with some of my Clarity Stamps. I have great admiration for Barbara Gray and having just been to Stamperama and, as ussual, spent a long time at the Clarity Stamp Stand watching Barbara produce some wonderful pieces, I decided to copy one of her scenes. I'm quite pleased with the outcome, although not a patch on hers! She always makes it look so easy, and I find Brayering quite unpredictable.
Practice makes perfect, so I shall keep at it and maybe one day be almost as good as the lady herself - In my dreams!!!

Hope you like my attempt.

An Old Favourite

2009-08-07T13:45:00.000-07:00

This Anita's stamp is one I've had for ages and used to use it so often. Very useful for weddings, Anniversary's etc. I'm really rushed for time at the mo, so I'm trying to get all my orders out, so I can then concentrate on Ally Pally samples. Very traditional, but I do like it! Hope you do too!!! Let me know what you think.

Cosmic Shimmer Fibres

2009-08-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

Sorry havn't been around much lately. You know what it's like during the school holidays!!! My feet have hardly touched the ground. Bobby has had a full programme of activities to attend and "Mum's Taxi" is very busy at the moment! Still it's nice he is being kept busy. He would only watch TV all day otherwise, and I would be climbing the walls!
I have lots of samples to make for Ally Pally 26th September. Don't know quite where I'm going to find the time, but I'm sure I'll manage it somehow.

In these two cards I have used Cosmic Shimmer Fibres on the main image. Lovely when used with this type of stamp. The Bear is from Particraft ,
the rabbit fromDimension Fourth
.They always look nicer in the flesh. It's hard to capture the effect of the fibres on camera.

Please let me know what you think if you stop by.

I demonstrated at a Craft Club in Harlow last Monday. What a lovely group of ladies (and gentleman)they were. I was made very welcome and had a great time. I am going back soon to demonstrate at another club and it looks like we may be organising a Craft Day. It will be lovely if some of my Craft2gether craft club members were able to meet up with these other crafting ladies (and Gent). I'm very excited about it and can't wait to finalise things. Watch this space for details!

Back soon hopefully with a few samples for the Ally Pally stand.

Thanks for looking and I really appreciate your comments.

On a Roll!!!

2009-07-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

This stamp is from the June Issue of the Dimension Fourth Project Club. I love it and have been waiting to find something to use it on! The set consists of this image and another similar, two sentiments and a pretty border stamp. I've watercoloured with Distress inks and used embellishments from my stash.

Thanks for looking.

2009-07-27T01:18:00.000-07:00

A couple of orders finally completed!

I was given running, going to the gym and was a policeman as the theme for the husband card!!! Gardening for Daddy card.Didn't want to go down the line of policeman, but used black and white as my colour theme. Found this footprint ribbon which I thought went in with the running theme and made a set of weights from Fimo clay to add to my new Go Kreate dicut teddy and set of clothes. Love these dicuts and really must invest in a few more sets!!! The happy birthday stamp is from a new set from Particraft It works well with the Nestabilities.

The Daddy card is made using the apron set and the bugs from the Bug stamp plate, all available fromParticraft . Coloured with Cosmic Shimmer watercolours.

Hope you like and as always would love to hear from you.

Craft Club Update!

2009-07-20T01:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry I havn't been around for a while. So much to do and so little time to do it!!!! We had our craft club meeting last Tuesday and we looked at Iris folding and Tea bag folding. Something I don't often use in my own cards, but great fun to do. These are the samples I made and there were some really lovely cards made by all. I really must remember to take my camera so I can post some of the ladies work.

Thanks for looking and as always, I would really appreciate your comments.

"Sunny Days"

2009-07-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

For those of you who couldn't make the Craft Club last Saturday, here's a little taster of what you missed!

I think everyone managed to make some shrink plastic flip flops(some were going to finish them at home)They are great fun and the stamp set does come with a small pair which are great to use on a card.
The card is a step card. I got the idea from a sample Sue Wilson made for her show on Create and Craft. It's very simple to do and really effective. I think everyone fell in love with the little straw hats!
All the stamps and materials are available fromParticraft

We are doing something a little different at our next meeting (Tuesday July 14th)- Iris folding and Teabag techniques. (I will still have all my stamps and equipment available for you to use too) If you are planning on coming along, please let me know either by e-mail or phone. Our membership has been increasing each month so it really helps me to have a rough idea of numbers so I can prepare properly.

Look forward to seeing some of you soon and I would love to know what you think of these samples.

Cosmic Shimmer Mania!!!

2009-06-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what results can be achieved from using a bit of plain white card and a bit of imagination! Inspiration from Sheena Douglas from Creative Expresions has led me to have a play with lots of new and exciting techniques. All the products are from Particraft . We stock a fantastic range of products which can all be used together to create these fantastic results. The photo's do not really show the beauty of them unfortunately.

The backing papers were made by colouring white card with a combination of different coloured Distress inks. Then sprayed with water and blotted. It was then sprayed again with Mica pigments suspended in water. This results in the lovely sparkly finish. I love the gold one. It looks beautiful in real life!!!

The topper was an image from the new Dream stamp plate embossed in gold on a white background which had been sprayed with mica pigments. The edges were torn, distressed with Distress inks, Dabbed with perfect Medium and brushed with some pigments. Fantastic effect! The heart was embossed in gold and edged again with Distress inks. The 2 photo's show how using a different combination of colours result in such different results. This is not my ussual style but I really enjoyed it and was really pleased with the result

Would love to hear what you think.

Baby Lovins

2009-06-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

Just adore these new Baby Lovins Stamps. I've painted the image with Distress inks, Cut out the image and mounted with glue gel onto card embossed with a Cuttlebug folder. The papers are a digital download from Pink Petticoat.

Hope you like it

Short and sweet because I've just dragged myself away from clearing up dust from the kitchen!!! But I've got a Dishwasher, and I'm so excited!!

Man Cards!

2009-06-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

My next craft club has come around really quickly and I have been trying really hard to get together some samples for our Man card theme. It's surprising how many suitable stamps I have, because I always seem to struggle for ideas for men! However I could have gone on and on and I have so many more projects in my head!!! It's a shame I havn't got the time to sit in my craft room making up some more, but here are some I have " almost" completed. Just havn't put greetings on some of them because they can then be suitable for different occasions if I'm stuck at any time!
This first card is using the golfer from the Murray and Ethal stamp set. One of my favourites which I have used a lot, this time a more vintage Theme!

The next two cards are made using stamps from new A4 sets which can be found on the websiteParticraft They are great fun and can be used in so many ways. I have used our new Cosmic Shimmer mists to create the paper for the Tie, papers from my stash and some distress inks for creating the apron. Cosmis Shimmer mica pigments were used to paint the tools. All available from Particraft

The following uses two unmounted stamps fromParticraft . The map was embossed with Cosmic Shimmer Viola black embossing powder, onto Pale blue card which has been misted with Mica pigments. The edges were torn and Distressed then dusted with pigments. The ship was embossed with the same and painted with the pigments. All available fromParticraft

We are now in the process of clearing out our kitchen in preperation for it being refitted as from Monday. Oh no! - How on earth am I going to get ready for Tuesday's craft club?! Well I must get on and finish packing! As from Monday we'll be living off Take Aways and microwave meals. Hope to catch up soon
Thanks for popping by. It's really appreciated.

National Marquetry competition

2009-05-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to tell you that my latest marquetry picture won 2nd place in the advanced class. I was most surprised to recieve a place, but feel very honoured. My next project is a pendulum clock. It will probably take me at least 2 years to complete!!!
Here's a photo of my picture. It will be hanging on Mum's wall when the exibition is finished!

Thank you for looking.

Thanks Maria

2009-05-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

I'm very grateful to Maria for passing these awards onto me. THANK YOU so much!

These awards are the friendship and Lemonade stand awards:
The instructions for each award are as follows:

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated" It also says: "Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award." (Friendship)
and:
Nominate 5 to 10 blogs you feel show great attitude and gratitude. Link to your nominees within your blog post.- Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received the award. Link back to the person who gave you the award to show your appreciation. (Lemonade Stand)

So here is my list of those I'd like to pass this award onto, these are people whom through them and their blogs help inspire and motivate me:

Cathy
Becki and Alan
Beryl
Sassy
Hazel
Lynsay
Debbie
Teri
And of course:
Maria

Do visit these blogs. They really are full of inspiration.

New Stamps!

2009-05-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

Now the wedding is over and our Son and Daughter in law have left for their honymoon, I can finally start getting back to normal. Mind you - school holidays are now upon us so no doupt I will be back and forth with Bobby to his various activities! I have a party to prepare for this Wednesday as well as reorganising our garage for the delivery of our kitchen!!!
Here are a few little projects I've been doing using some of my new stamps from Particraft

This is using an unmounted butterfly stamp, inked with Perfect medium and brushed with Cosmic Shimmer mica pigments (pearl set)The background is Mica pigment suspended in a little water and sprayed onto the cardstock.

The following stamp is from a new unmounted stamp set. Great value for money! It has been watercoloured with my favourite! Distress Inks! Glitter highlights using the new Cosmic Shimmer Twinkles.

This last card is again watercoloured with Distress inks. The stamp from the Murray and Ethel A4 Stamp set.

Thanks for looking!

Wedding Photos!

2009-05-18T15:03:00.000-07:00

Been a bit busy this last couple of weeks!! Tony and Sammy were married last Saturday. It was a beautiful wedding, the weather was great thank goodness, the venue was wonderful and the reception went really well. All in all, it couldn't have been better! The service took place at Hedingham Castle and the reception was at Marks Hall Country Estate. Both stand in the most beautiful grounds as you can see in the photos.

Thanks for looking. Hope you enjoy the photos. I will get back to Blogging again soon. Still getting over a hectic few days!!!

Love Lynne. X

Just "Bee"cause!

2009-05-07T15:27:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've not been around visiting your blogs lately, but our pc's been on strike. How did we ever cope without one!!! Just back on line and hoping things will stay that way until I've finished this post!
Been busy playing with some of my new stamps from Ally Pally. These lovely Bee stamps are a selection from some of the new stamp sets from Particraft The images have been coloured with Cosmic Shimmer watercolours and the papers are from my stash.

This following card has been made with a few different stamping techniques which we will be using at the craft club next Tuesday. Stamping with Perfect Medium and heat embossing with clear EP to create a subtle floral matt. The green has been done with a background stamp from the Bee range, stamped with Perfect Medium and gently brushed with Cosmic Shimmer Mica pigments

This Baby Lovins stamp is from Rubbernecker.Isn't she cute!

Hope you like them. Hopefully back soon.

Lynne. X

Mum's Birthday

2009-04-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

Me and my lovely Mum!

Paul and Bobby!

We had a great time yesterday. Mum said it was her best birthday ever, so it must have been good. We went to the beautiful village of Finchingfield, Essex, To a small friendly little restuarant. Great food and it just so happened they had entertainment there. 2 stars from the show 'The Rat Pack' - Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin! They were brilliant and made a great fuss of Mum. Just Wonderful!!!

Love Lynne. X

Another Award

2009-04-30T14:59:00.001-07:00

This award is meant, according to Bella, to be given to those that, like Renee, are like "the acorn, a small package becoming a tall and sturdy oak giving more acorns, becoming tall and sturdy oaks, giving acorns…".

I am so chuffed to recieve this award from two people who I consider to be good friends. We met through our love of crafting and we all decided to join Particraft as independent demonstrators. Both Maria and Lynsay have inspired me in my card making and both are always there for a chat if I ever need help or advice. They know that I'll always be there for them too!
Maria, Michelle (who has yet to set up a Blog!), Lynsay and myself were at Ally Pally together running the Particraft stand. We had a great time and all got on so well. As a result I would like to pass this award onto these 3 special people.

Back shortly with some new projects. Got a busy weekend ahead -having the grandchildren to stay so probably not a lot of crafting time!!!

Lol Lynne. X

Silver Wedding

2009-04-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

Quick post today because we're off out tonight for Mum's birthday treat! She likes her card I made her. She has always loved Flower Fairies and I am at the moment finishing a marquetry picture of the Hawthorne fairy for her. It was supposed to be ready for her birthday , but I always struggle with the polishing and finishing and leave it until the last minute. Hopefully it will be ready to enter in the National marquetry competition in May. I'll let you know how it gets on!

This is an order I've just completed for a Silver Wedding Anniversary

Hope you like it. The customer was pleased with it I'm pleased to say. I don't like making cards with photographs on them, but unfortunately I seem to get a lot of orders for them. Still, as long as they are pleased!

Back soon
Lynne. X

Mum's Birthday

2009-04-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

I've really not got back into the swing of things since Ally Pally! I made up one of Maria's cards from the Make and Take for a friends 40th birthday.

Just completed Mum's bithday card for Wednesday. We're off to a restuarant which has a guest singer from The Rat Pack. It's a surprise for her but I'm sure she'll love it!

This is the rose fairy from Crafters Companion. All the stamps and are from the set and backing papers from the Triple CD

Hope you like the cards and thanks for looking.
Lynne. X

An Award

2009-04-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to Maria for giving me this award. It's always so nice to recieve something like this. I would like to pass it on to the following people, all of which have great blogs which always make me smile!
Cathy
Becki and Alan

Beryl
Sassy
Hazel
Lynsay

Lynne. X

Mini Scrapbook

2009-04-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to let you know Lynsay has posted her instructions for the mini scrapbook. One of the Make and Take projects from Ally Pally.
Catch up soon

Lynne. X

Ally Pally

2009-04-21T11:16:00.000-07:00

We're back to reality now! After a very hectic Easter break, followed by a really busy and exciting weekend at Ally Pally, I really wasn't ready to return to work. But needs must unfortunately!

Thank you to those who came to see me on the Particraft stand. Sorry I wasn't able to hold a long conversation!!!! My voice is slowly returning, but bringing along a rotten cold with it!!! I hope those of you who had a go at the make and takes, enjoyed them. We will be posting instructions for both the card and the mini scrapbook. You can see the card onMaria’s blog , along with instructions for the rose. Lynsay will be putting her scrapbook on her blog shortly. I will let you know when it's there. Anyone interested in the gift bag will find a tutorial here:Particraft

I have loads of wonderful goodies to sort through and play with. Maria managed to find me a flower punch to make the roses, but we later found it was a 5 petal instead of a 6 petal. Well, just to let you know, it can be done with the 5 petal. You have to be a bit more careful when folding to find the centre. Make sure you don't fold the petals in half!

The pink rose is made with the 6 petal punch, and the red with the 5 petal:

Here is a photo of the 'TEAM', preparing the stall on Friday

Ready for the rush on Saturday
From the left: Michelle, Maria, Me and Lynsay ( the aprons were made for us by Lynsay's Mum - I would like to say a big Thank you!!)

Buy for now. Hope to be back soon to show you some of my treasures!!!
Love Lynne

Whoops!!!

2009-04-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry I didn't finish my last post. Please take a look at it and I would love you to let me know what you think.
All I wanted to say was sorry I havn't been able to comment on many blogs lately, but hopefully things will calm down a bit after Ally Pally and I'll get back to normal!!!

Wish us luck and I'll let you know how things go.
Love Lynne. XXX

Fairy Happy Birthday!

2009-04-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Firstly, I must apologise for being so bad at keeping my blog updated. I have been busy preparing bits for Ally Pally, and for last Tuesday's craft club.

There was a wonderful turnout on Tuesday and I would like to say a big welcome to our two new members - Tracy and Viv. Hope you both enjoyed it and look forward to seeing you again next month. We did Medallion cards this time and what a lovely selection of beautiful cards were produced. It is really nice to see so many variations and colour schemes. I like to encourage individuality, and that is what we saw on Tuesday. Unfortunately, I forgot to take any pictures, but if any of you would like to take a photo of your card I will post it here.
Here are a couple of the samples:

Preparation for Ally Pally:
Maria, Michelle, Lynsay and myself are running the Particraft stand this weekend, so please come and say HELLO if you are visiting. There will be various demonstrations and Make and Takes throughout the day. I have been using a new unmounted Stamp Plate - Fairy Princess 1 to make these samples:
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This next sample is using the Clown unmounted Plate:
a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2lULf2OYgKI/SedoAJNuiYI/AAAAAAAAAhI/xa-ccQ_UWRI/s1600-h/DSCN3341.JPG">

These are great value for money, so pop off toParticraft and have a look around! Even better, come and see us at Ally Pally at the weekend.

Beautiful!

2009-04-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

Just got back from Saisbury's. What a nightmare. Thought I was being clever going late to miss all the crowds, but there were a few others with the same idea!!! Not only that - the shelves were virtually empty, so it's a good job I didn't need too much!

Tomorrow I'm going with my future Daughter in law, for her final wedding dress fitting. Really looking forward to it because it will be the first time I've seen it. Then straight from there I have to take Bobby to his Mencap Disco Party! That charity is just brilliant. They arrange so many activities for all ages and Bobby absolutely loves going. There is so much bad press these days about teenagers/young adults, but there are so many wonderful youngsters who give up their time to support and help those with special needs. It's a shame we don't hear more about them, but I am eternally grateful for all they do for Bobby.

I will collect Bobby at 3.30pm, then straight home to get ready to go to a friends wedding reception!!! So this will be my last post for a few days.

This card has been inspired by Maria and her wonderful samples she is making for Ally Pally. The stamp is from Particraft new Ladies stamp plate. She has been coloured with Whispers pens. The Swirl stamp is again from Particraft
Swirls stamp plate and has been inked with Whispers pens, spritzed and stamped, then glittered.I hope you like her.

I am getting a few things ready for The Big Stamp and Scrapbooking show at Ally Pally, 18-19th April. Particraft have a stand there and we are running Make and Takes both days along with some Demonstrations. If you are planning on visiting, do come and say hello. It would be great to meet you.

Buy for now. Back in a couple of days with some more projects using the new stamp plates fromParticraft

Thanks for looking and hope you all have a nice Easter.

Love Lynne. XXX

School Holidays!

2009-04-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

Not much of a holiday for me!!! Bobby is out every day so I seem to be spending more time in the car than at home. I grabbed a couple of hours this afternoon to do a bit of crafting, when I should have been doing housework!!!

Another quicky today, using my favourite cat stamp from Dimension Fourth. I think its an elegant stamp and apparently this young lady who the card is for, is quite fond of cats! The photo's are of her as a baby and a young girl.

Back soon

Love Lynne. X

Born to Garden

2009-04-06T16:44:00.000-07:00

Just a quicky tonight. Using one of the new stamp plates available at Particraft- Fairy Princess 1. Painted with distress inks with glossy accents ( which don't show up in the picture!

Back tomorrow.
Love Lynne. X

Another moonlit tree!!!

2009-04-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

Since I made the blue and pink version, I have been asked to make 2 more. This is the first one, made using vintage photo and spiced marmalade Distress inks.
Hope you like the colour scheme.
Thanks for looking
Love Lynne. XXX

Wedding Card

2009-04-01T16:13:00.000-07:00

This is my 2nd post tonight!!! I only normally manage 3 or 4 a week, if I'm lucky. So this is a real achievment for me!!!
Hope you like this card. It is for a collegue at work who loves his cats, so thought this stamp would be just right for them. I've stamped with Coffee Archival ink, then painted with a mixture of Cosmic Shimmer watercolour paints and mica pigments. All available from Particraft . The stamp is from Dimension Fourth . The photo hasn't come out very well because of the paints. The dress in particular is very 'shimmery', and I'm quite pleased at how it looks.

Just got to do the insert, then off to the land of nod!!!

Hubby still not home from Wembley so I'll probably stay awake until he gets in!
Back soon with my next project!
Love Lynne. XXX

Ol' Boy's 50th!!!

2009-04-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

This stamp is from the Murray and Ethel A4 stamp plate available from Particraft . The image has been coloured with Distress inks and Glossy Accents added as highlights on the glasses and watch face. He's pretty ugly isn't he - but great fun, and ideal for this sort of occasion!! The golf ball has been embossed with the cuttlebug Swiss dots folder.
Hope you like it and back later hopefully. Just off to make a wedding card and an 80th Birthday card. May not get to finish them because Paul has gone to Wembley tonight to watch England and I can't leave Bobby downstairs all night on his own.

Love Lynne. XXX

Particraft

2009-03-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

I am doing a Particraft party tomorrow at a local craft club. I have been asked to demonstrate some simple stamping techniques and the members would all like to go home with a completed card. This is the project I am going to do. The stamps are from our Nature stamp plate and can be used for any occasion, male or female. I am going to demonstrate a purple version and I've also done one very similar in sepia.
I made a cirle mask and fixed it to the card before I distressed it with Broken China and Worn Lipstick Distress inks. Then on removing the mask you are left with the moon. I've glittered the edge to add a bit of sparkle. The tree is then stamped with Archival black making sure some of the branches reach into the moon. I've then inked the tree again, this time with Perfect medium and stamped over the tree slightly off to one side ( if you know what I mean)!!! It has then been heat embossed with Cosmic Shimmer clear embossing powder. A bit of Aurora glitter added for that little bit of moonlight sparkle!
The tag has been stamped with the leaf using Archival black, then watercoloured with the same distress inks used above. The edges then distressed to match the tree.
The sentiment has been stamped and distressed the same then all layered and mounted on the card. Please visit Particraft
to see the products I've used along with lots more wonderful products which are being constantly updated. There are loads of really lovely new stamp plates all of which are great value for money.

Hope you like the card and I'll let you know how the party goes.

Love Lynne. XXX

Second attempt!

2009-03-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I think I'm a bit happier with this card! I've used one of my new Crafters Companion Flower Fairy stamps along with a backing paper from the Flower Fairy CD.

I'd love to hear what you think!

Love Lynne. XXX

Birthday Card

2009-03-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

Just a quicky! Not that pleased with this card. I'm feeling soooo.... tired, so I'm giving up tonight and I'll try again tomorrow evening! I really don't know what I was thinking of when I made this!
Mind you, this photo doesn't do it justice. It looks much better in the flesh!!!-I keep trying to convince myself!!!!

It's really hard when you don't know the person the card is for. This lady apparently loves flowers and bright colours. I've been a bit lacking in inspiration, so I'll sleep on it and hope for more ideas tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping by, and I'd love to hear what you think!
Love Lynne

An Award!

2009-03-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

What a nice surprise to find I've been given an award by Maria
. Her Blog is one you really must visit. Full of wonderful projects and some great tutorials. Thank you so much Maria for thinking of me.

This award is given to blogs which:
-inspire you
-make you smile and laugh
-or maybe gives amazing information
-a great read - has an amazing design
-any other reasons you can think of that make them "Uber Amazing" !

The Rules are:
-Put the logo on your blog sidebar or post
-Nominate at least 5 blogs that for you are "Uber Amazing"
-Share the love and link to this post and to the person you recieved your award from!

There are some great blogs out there all of whom deserve this award, but these are the ones I have chosen as my favourites!
Cathy

Sassy

Beryl

Joanne

Sonia

Jennifer

Back Soon.
Love Lynne. XXX

Twins Birthday

2009-03-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

It's my cousin's twin girls birthdays today. I normally try to make them a similar card but not exactly the same. They are far from identical-one with dark curly hair, the other with straight blond hair. And they have completely different personalities. My grandchildren are twins, but having a boy and girl is so different because you don't expect them to be too much alike!

Happy 10th Birthday Jessica and Emily.

Love Lynne. XXX

Mothers Day

2009-03-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would post these photo's quickly before I go off to the land of Nod!!! I'm feeling absolutely exhausted, and it's late, and I've got work in the morning!

The lavender one is Mum's Mothers Day card. Thought this Elizabeth Bell stamp was appropriate, since she's always got her nose in a book! Cuttlebug embossed background and letters. The paper is from my stash.

The blue card is an order. Again a Elizabeth Bell stamp and embossed background. The lettering and Tag made with my Cricut.

Thanks for looking.
Love Lynne. XXX

Just a Quicky!!!

2009-03-16T16:04:00.000-07:00

Sorry I havn't been around for a while. What with one thing and another, I don't seem to have had much time at all for crafting. Had to get ready for Saturday's craft club. Not as many ladies were able to come this time but we still had eight and three young girls. It was lovely to see Lynsay, a good friend who I met through Particraft. We stamped some images from each others stamps, so I've got lots of colouring to do!

I've quickly finished this card which I started as a Demo at the club. I think this little Bunny is a real favourite with everyone. I used him in the Easter card which I have already posted, and this one just shows how he can be adapted for any occasion.

Thanks for looking.

Love Lynne. X

Busy, Busy, Busy!!!!

2009-03-08T16:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry havn't been around for a few days. I've had the most hectic week, followed by an even more hectic weekend. Whats new I ask myself!! Bobby hasn't been well and is still feeling under the weather, so not sure if he'll be going to school tomorrow. We've had the twins all weekend because Tony hasn't been well either. So all in all I'm feeling rather shattered, and worried that I have so much to do with so little time to do it!

Don't see there being much crafting time in the next few days-I'm fully booked unfortunately!!! Oh how I wish I could give up work!

Keep popping by because I will be back soon!!!

Love Lynne. XXX

Hooray!

2009-03-04T07:41:00.000-08:00

At last I've managed to do a bit of crafting. Just made a few sample cards for the craft club on March 14th. We're looking at ideas for Easter, but I think we'll be making some Mothers Day cards too!

Thank you for taking the time to look and for your comments.

Howdy Cowboy!

2009-02-23T09:03:00.000-08:00

This is one of my new Elizabeth Bell Stamps. I think he is adorable. He has been watercoloured with a mixture of Distress inks and Cosmic Shimmer Mica Powders mixed with a drop of water. These powders are so versatile and can be used in so many ways.

This next image is one which Maria sent me when I was the lucky winner of one of her Blog candy's. Again painted with the mica pigments with a touch of colour from my distress inks.

Thanks for looking, and as always I appreciate any comments.

Love Lynne. X

Champneys

2009-02-21T13:54:00.000-08:00

Just arrived home after a "relaxing" stay at Champneys Health Resort in Tring, Hertfordshire. It was absolutely wonderful, I ache all over,but that must mean I've done something good!!! The food was wonderful-all very healthy, but loads of it. I havn't eaten so much in ages. Probably put on weight which I can't afford to do because I've got to get in my outfit for my son's wedding in May!

I really missed Paul and Bobby, but they were fine without me. I feel as if I've been away ages, and it was only 1 night!

I get withdrawal symptons when I havn't been able to do any crafting! I'll be back at it tomorrow hopefully. Got a couple of cards to make for next week. Then must start thinking about next months craft club.

I missed being able to help on the Particraft stand at MAKE IT,Farnborough, this weekend. Maria
is there and she has some photo's on her blog. Why not have a look. She will be letting us know all about it when she gets back.

Happy crafting
Love Lynne. XXX

Oriental lady-Completed!

2009-02-19T00:56:00.000-08:00

Here is the finished card. I have entered a Challenge. First one ( of many I hope )!
Rainbow lady Challenge
This challenge was to produce a card using a fan somewhere on it.

In the next picture I've tried to show you the layering on the image. She really lends herself to it and looks absolutely beautiful.

Thank you for looking.
Love Lynne. X

Oriental Lady

2009-02-18T15:44:00.000-08:00

Just finished watercolouring this lovely oriental stamp. I havn't used her for a while and had forgotten how much I loved her!
I stamped her 3 times and decoupaged her. I have used glossy accents on her hair(which is still wet!), and I have glittered a flower for her hair. I will post a photo when I've completed the card. It has taken an absolute age to come up with the design. I seem to be having a few days lacking in inspiration. Do you have days like that? Anyway, I think I'm finally on track and it's looking good so far. Off to bed now for a relatively early night---Perhaps thats my problem, lack of sleep!
Thanks for looking and I appreciate any comments, good or bad!

Love Lynne. XXX

Happy Day

2009-02-17T15:36:00.000-08:00

Invitations all finished, I now feel like relaxing and chilling out. How better to do that than spending time with my dear little grand children. Far from relaxing, but great fun! We even managed to get out in the garden!

I have a couple of orders to complete before the end of the week, but somehow seem to be having a mental block. So I decided to do some watercolouring of some of my stamped images. Chose this beautiful Elizabeth Bell stamp from Sugar Nellie. She's called "Flowers", and I coloured her with Distress inks. Added a few gems and a daisy button. The happy day stamp is from Stampendous-one of my favourite word stamps!

This next image is one of the stamps from this months Dimension Fourth Project Club. I think she is very elegant and thought I'd colour her for use on a future card.

Thank you for stopping by.
Love Lynne. XXX

Wedding Invitations

2009-02-13T16:32:00.000-08:00

I've finally completed the first 50 invitations!!!! The evening ones are almost done-just need the toppers added and the words inside. I am pleased with them, the photo's don't really do them justice. They were very time consuming and I can't say I would fancy doing this same design again!
I have made a pocket for the RSVP card, and Tony is going to put a letter in there with a route map and gift list.

Thank you for looking and I would love to hear what you think of them.

It's very late and I've got another busy day tomorrow, so I'm off to bed!!! Will update you all about the Craft Club over the weekend.

Love Lynne

Just got an award!!

2009-02-09T13:40:00.000-08:00

Thank you Irene
for passing on these awards. They are greatly appreciated. Irenes blog is well worth a visit so please try to pop there when you get a chance.
The 'Measure Up' award decrees:- 'Say one nice thing to the man in your life'

Paul- I do love you and I know you have to put up with me forever in my craft room. I want you to know how much I appreciate that! XXX

List at least 6 ways you measure your success in your life. Wow this is difficult!!
1. Wonderful marriage 2. Wonderful sons two of which are in wonderful relationships 3. Wonderful Grand children4. my success as a card maker!!! and crafter!!! 5. My Happiness 6. My Tap Dancing!!! Oh dear, that was hard and it's all a bit corny, but never mind!

I would like to pass these on to:
Lynsay

Maria

Becki and Alan

HERE

These are all worth a visit if you get a chance.
Love Lynne. XXX

Fibres and Films

2009-02-09T13:13:00.000-08:00

Just got home from taking Bobby to his first night at a special needs dance class run by Mencap. He had a great time. Has always loved music and dancing and been attending a Sunday group for about 8 years. This new one is for older people and I'm sure it'll be a permanent date on our calendar!

The next craft club is tomorrow evening and we are looking at fusible fibres and films. My favourite is the corset which I posted a picture of a couple of days ago. Here are a few other examples. I've made lots of toppers but in these cards I've tried to demonstrate how all you really need is the embelishment and very little else to make a beautiful card.In all cases I've used the film and fibres together as I like the effect better than using them on their own.

Thank you for visiting and looking at projects.
Love Lynne. XXX

2009-02-07T14:51:00.000-08:00

Just returned from the O2 Arena where Mum and I saw the Strictly come dancing Live Tour. It was great. Rachel won although I think they probably all take a turn at taking the trophy!

Never been to the O2 before and I must say I wouldn't be rushing back. It was soooo busy, we couldn't even find anywhere to grab a coffee before the show. Starbucks had a queue a mile long and so did every other restuarant we saw. Hence we were starving and really thirsty by the time we got home.

If ever you get to go to the O2 , a word of advice: Unless you have a head for heights, try to get tickets for level 1,2 or 3. We were on level 4 and it was a bit hairy!!!!

Thank you to all my new blog visitors. It's really exciting to read your comments. I will add links to your blogs so I can visit you regularly.

Off to catch up on my beauty sleep now so catch up tomorrow!

Love
__________________
Lynne. XXX

Strictly Come Dancing

2009-02-06T15:44:00.000-08:00

Not a lot of time for crafting today. Had to run my oldest Son to the dentist when I finished work, then I tried to do a bit towards Tuesday's Craft Club. Didn't get very far. It's been one of those days full of interuptions!
Even worse - Friday is food shopping day! My 2nd most hated job (after ironing!)
Then cooking dinner and a couple of glasses of wine---my Friday treat! Now I feel totally exhausted and ready for bed.

Mum and me are off to the O2 arena to see Strictly Come Dancing tomorrow. Christmas pressy from Hubby. Really looking forward to it but bit concerned there's still lots to do for tuesday. Also still putting finihing touches to the Wedding invitations and got 3 orders to complete!

HELP!!!

Love Lynne. XXX

2009-02-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

What a busy week! Saturday was spent with the grand children so not a lot of time for crafting! Although we did have a play with some stamps and shrink plastic, and they each made a necklace. Sunday I went to Stamperama in Stevenage. It was far busier than last time and even though I promised myself I wouldn't overspend.......!! Well we all know we just can't say no!

Bought some lovely stamps from Clarity Samps I love watching Barbara Gray demonstrate. She has some fantastic ideas and her stamps are brilliant quality.
This card was made using the Corset stamp along with the Feminine script stamp. The corset was done with cosmic Shimmer Fibres and Film. The stamp was inked with Archival black, then a layer of Aurora film followed by some blue fibres, then another layer of film then heated with the iron. This was repeated 3 times and layered. The top layer has been laced with some silver thread. Then the corset was mounted on card which had been stamped with th Feminine Script Stamp.

Just want to thank Maria for sending me this lovely stamped image along with the blog candy I was lucky enough to win. ( By the way, I have used the stamp I won, but haven't completed the card yet!) I promptly visited Funkykits
and purchased a few!!! Sugar Nellie stamp, this being one of them. Isn't she beautiful? I've mounted it on a selection of Cuttlebug embossed pieces.

Lastly I have just finished an order for a 16th birthday card. I have used this stamp a lot. You can find it atDimension Fourth

along with the Number stamps.

Next Craft Club is this Tuesday and we are looking at Bondable Fibres and Films (As used in the Corset Card). You can produce some wonderful toppers, or even jewellry, with these. So watch this space.

Love Lynne

More Photo's!!!

2009-01-28T15:26:00.001-08:00

Still working hard!!!

We made Treasure boxes:

And Exploding Boxes

We also had a go at an origami box:

There were so many lovely creations, some still to be completed, hopefully at the next meeting if not at home.
See all you Craft2gether ladies in 2 weeks.
Lynne. X

Photos of our Craft Club

2009-01-28T15:18:00.000-08:00

Busy crafting!!!

Craft Club

2009-01-27T15:45:00.000-08:00

Just got home after another busy Craft Club. Still got lots of upacking to do so havn't had time to download any pictures yet. Will do tomorrow! We made exploding boxes and treasure boxes. Also most had a go at the origami box which Maria had on her blog the other day. Thanks Maria.

We only have to wait 2 weeks until the next one, so anyone who didn't get their boxes completed, can bring them along next time to finish. We will be looking at Cosmic Shimmer Fibres and Films, so hopefully everyone can have a try then maybe make a topper for one of the boxes!

Hope you all enjoyed yourselves and will hopefully come again.

Love Lynne. X

Quick cards

2009-01-24T15:03:00.000-08:00

Both these stamps are fromDimension fourth
. I stamped out a few images a while back so all that was needed was a bit of watercolouring, which was done with Distress inks, and some matting and layering.

Bobby has been to his Youth Club tonight and they laid on a party for his birthday. He'll be 19 on Thusday. Can't believe how the time has flown. It only seems like yesterday when he was born!!! It was also his friends 19th birthday. This is the card I made for him to give her:

Just off to finish the treasure boxes I'm making for the Craft Club demo on Tuesday.

Lynne. X

2009-01-21T14:44:00.000-08:00

I am in the process of compiling a Craf2gether Newsletter. I will be posting it to those of you who have hosted a Particraft party, and will give a copy to the Craft Club ladies next Tuesday. I thought it would be nice to pass on up to date information and news about Particraft, and my Craft Club. Anyone who would be interested in recieving a copy, please e-mail your address and I'll pop one in the post as soon as they are printed.
The next issue will be March 14th, and I'm planning to arrange a monthly challenge. So keep checking in to find out all about it!

Love Lynne. X

Wedding invitations

2009-01-20T08:06:00.000-08:00

After lots of deliberation and lots of samples, Tony and Sammy finally agreed on the design. They had to be black and orange with no silver on them! The bridesmaid dresses are black with an orange sash. Very unussual, but I'm sure they will look stunning.

This is how the cards will look when finished. I'm ready now to start assembling them!

100 black and 100 orange dicut hearts. 100 scalloped dicut squares!!!

100 wallet inserts to hold the reply cards!!!

100 scalloped and embossed white cards with scalloped and embossed black inserts!!!

I'm so pleased I've finally reached this stage! As soon as they are finished I will let you know. At the moment I am concentrating on making some samples for next weeks craft club. Treasure boxes and Exploding boxes. will post some pictures when I can.
Love Lynne. X

Busy weekend

2009-01-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

Spent most of Saturday finishing some card orders then met Mum to help her choose a new suite! Tony was playing football at home this week- which just happens to be in the playing fields next to us. Peter came round to see us, then he went with Paul and Bobby to watch the match. Good job I had the excuse of going out with Mum!!! Yes as you've guessed, I'm not that keen on football. How comes I ended up with 3 boys!? I always supported Tony and Peter when they were young though, but I've had my share of it now!
Sunday Bobby started back at his dance class. It's a group for Special needs and he loves it. Then home to cook dinner, and more work on Tony and Sammy's wedding invitations. I can do that in front of the TV, while watching Dancing on Ice!!!
Work tomorrow so off to bed now!

Sorry!!!

2009-01-17T15:13:00.000-08:00

Sorry for being such a bad blogger since Christmas!Hope you all had a great time. Seems ages away now doesn't it? Back to normal, as my son Bobby says! Busy at work with too little time for crafting, which is why I havn't had time to keep up to date with my Blog! Got a lot to catch up on so here goes.
My January Craft Club meeting had to unfortunately move from Tuesday 13th to Tuesday 27th January, 7-10pm. This was due to the hall being closed for maintainance. Plans stay the same ie: Treasure boxes and Exploding boxes. Spaces are limited so contact me to reserve your place. (The Febuary meeting is Tuesday 10th 7-10pm)
I've been busy making my Son's wedding invitations. Got 100 to make and they havn't chosen the easiest design. It has been a bit of a chore but i've enjoyed it and I'm on the final bit now. I'll post some photo's when they're completed. They want to send them out end of February for a May wedding so still got a bit of time!

Just finished a card for my friends Son. A 21st birthday card with a Doctor Who theme. Oh Dear!!! Still, here it is finihed and I'm quite pleased with it.

Also thought I'd post a picture of my Mum's Christmas card. Bit late but it did look pretty and she wanted to know why I hadn't put it on my Blog. So here you are Mum-Just for you!

I'll try real hard to do more regular posts. I should have made that my New Years Resolution, but then again who sticks to them!!

Happy new year to you all. Lets hope it's a good one!

2009-01-05T15:52:00.000-08:00

Maria has another brilliant blog candy. Pop over there before January 23rd for your chance to win.

Maria's blog

Maria's December Blog Candy

2008-12-17T15:04:00.000-08:00

Not to be missed! Visit her blog now for the chance to win.

Maria's blog

Finaly finished!!!

2008-12-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

Just completed the last of my card orders. All thats left to do now is my Mum's Christmas card!

This Grandad card has been made using stamps from Dimension Fourth. The Dad card is for the same gentleman and the photo on the front is of him as a boy. The Grandad card has a photo of the gradchildren inside and both cards have beautiful poems on the inserts written by one of the grandchildren.

I can relax a bit now and concentrate on getting ready for Christmas. Decorations going up at weekend, and a bit of pressy wrapping. Still got a few more to buy, but almost there.

Hope you all have a nice Christmas, and wish you a very Happy New Year.

Lynne. XXX

Christmas sample cards

2008-12-09T14:36:00.000-08:00

I have been busy with orders. Still got one to complete. Here are a couple I've already finished:

Here are a few of the samples I made for the Craft Club, Using various techniques for everyone to have a go at.

Craft Club

2008-12-08T16:26:00.000-08:00

I ran my second Craft Club meeting last Saturday and really enjoyed it. Everyone seemed to have a good time and all went home having learnt something new and with some really nice cards. We treated ourselves to Mulled wine and mince pies and the hall looked really nice with a beautiful tree- all very festive!

Craft Club

2008-12-01T15:32:00.000-08:00

Sorry to say I have been really bad at keeping my Blog up to date. I've got so much to show you but just havn't had time to sit at the computor. Something to do with the time of year I think!!!

As well as all the normal Christmasy things to do, I have had quite a few orders for cards. I'm still working my way through them and as soon as I have time I will post some photo's.

I just want to remind you that the next Craft Club meeting is this Saturday (6th), 2-5pm.( Messing Village Hall) Give me a ring if you would like to come along. Tel: 07921 707798

Countdown to Craft Club

2008-11-05T14:32:00.000-08:00

Only 3 days to go before the big day. I have decided on two projects which are simple but effective. They can be decorated in any way you choose, to obtain a variety of effects. I will demonstrate the basic folding techniques, then you can have a play with the various tools and materials.

We will make the greem snowflake card together then you can experiment!!!

You can then choose to make either of these gift bags. Your organza bag can be filled with chocolates and popped in the gift bag! I think these make brilliant gifts for the Christmas table. Personalise them with your guests names, Maybe put in a paper hat and gift. How special would that be?!

Then, if you have time you can die cut some toppers to make some more simple cards.

So if you don't want to miss out on the fun, you really must come along this Saturday, 2-4pm, Messing Village Hall. Ring me for details: 07921 707798

Memories Scrapbook

2008-11-04T15:07:00.000-08:00

It was my dear friends 50th birthday last month and we went to Champneys Health Farm in Tring, Hertfordshire. Great time was had by all. We made sure we took a stock of Chocolates and G&T's-Well we couldn't be expected to be that healthy!!!

I made Darrell this Memories scrapbook. I was really pleased with the result although this picture doesn't do it justice.

We were allowed wine with our evening meal!!!

This Card was one I made for Darrell from our work mates.

The Mask stamp is from Demension fourth and the Swirls from Particraft

Bad Blogger!!!

2008-11-04T14:54:00.000-08:00

Sorry I havn't been keeping up to date but I have been so busy with orders and getting ready for my new Craft Club which starts this Saturday. If you live near Colchester, Essex, why not come and join us at Messing Village Hall, Near Tiptree. Contact me on my mobile for more details: 07921 707798

Here are some of my cards I've been making:

Maria's Blog Candy

2008-11-02T15:14:00.000-08:00

As ussual, Maria has come up with another great Blog Candy. You really must check it out. Leave her a message to be in with a chance to win.
Maria's Blog

Lol. Lynne. XXX