Paddling in the shallows

I have been wanting to contribute to a site called Technique Thursday for a while now, so here is my 1st offering.

The theme is gleen from the past; using a technique inspired by an article in a magazine, book or file. Mine is brayering, inspired an article by Barbara Santerelli in Craft Stamper.

I brayered on glossy card, and then again on scrap paper having spread the brayer with stamp cleaner. This serves 2 purposes : 1) you get a watercolour effect on the paper which is great to use, and 2) you get a clean brayer (lol). I used the same inkpad for the shells, the netting on the blue border, and sponging on the green outer border. I water spritzed the glossy card before stamping.


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Stamps : Time to Stamp Beach Memoirs set; HA Little Shells

Inks : Kaleidacolor Caribbean Sea; StazOn black

Extras : white net; blue and green brads; blue card

Lovers

The TMTA theme for this week is lovers.

I sponged the DI on some cartridge paper, sprayed with water, and then again with the pearlescent ink - a shame that the scanner doesn't pick this up, as it sets off the glitter on the ribbon.
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Stamps : Paper Artsy mini 11; HA music of my heart set; Technique Tuesday She loves me..

Inks : ColorBox Frost White and Maroon; Marvy pen Crimson Lake; DI Worn Lipstick; Sticky Fingers Firework Burnt Red

Extras : prima flower; crystal gem; glitter heart ribbon; red card

Monogram

No time for card making today, as we've been celebrating a full immersion baptism of the daughter of a close friend. Guess who forgot to take the tissues to church!

So, here's another old card that you'll find in the DCM gallery. Made for my daughter back in March, but she insisted I put it on here.


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Stamps : Stampington posy

Inks : Kaleidacolor Caribbean Sea; ecoline inks; versamark; computer generated A

Extras : black EP; H2Os; 3D sticky fixers; black paper

Hebe, goddess of youth

I thought I would try out a new technique again:

Wet some paper, and paint on H2Os using 2 or 3 colours. Crinkle up some cling film, spread out again, and place on the wet paint. Leave to dry. Then remove.

I have seen it done on watercolour paper, but I only had cartridge paper, and liked the effect.

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Stamps : Non Sequitur Greco-Roman collage set; Lakeland Ltd Ornate set

Inks : H2Os in Olive Vine, Copper Penny and Mustard Green; Archival black; ColorBox white

Extras : cling film; green and salmon card

Checks

Those of you who read my blog regularly will know that it pleases me to use items I've had for a while. Well in this case, I was experimenting with Posh Impression inks and made this check pattern among others, which I put away somewhere...about 7 years ago!

Now found, and used for the DCM theme of checks. Another piece was unusable as was, so I sponged over it using the same inks (also not used since - I'm surprised they didn't dry up!).

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Stamps : Time to Stamp vintage sewing set

Inks : Posh Impressions inks cranberry and terracotta; Archival black; AI wild plum

Extras : chipboard buckle; pink sheer ribbon; prima flowers; Queen & Co brad; glossy card; cranberry paper

Black and White

The Creative !deas theme is black and white.

I tried 10 times to get the card straight on the scanner, but came to the conclusion that either the buttons made it wonky, or the ruler was wonky. Definitely the former!!

I love this paper - it looks as if I've spent hours doing machine embroidery!

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Stamps : Time to Stamp vintage sewing

Inks : Archival black

Extras : Maya Road ribbon; buttons from my box; black paper; white thread; corner punch; Chatterbox Inc Stitched Ivy PP

We've got your number

The Midweek challenge from DCM was to use numbers on your work. As my eldest daughter approaches her final year at school, I'm going to need to make lots of 18th birthday cards. Here is the first - you will no doubt see many more!

A bold adventure in colour for me - out of the comfort zone really, but I know that the girl this is intended for will love the combination. The DI inks are sponged on with cotton wool, and then sprinkled with water.

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Stamps : Elusive Images butterfly set; HA Fanciful Flowers; numbers from free stamp from magazine; Monet quote unknown

Inks : DI spiced marmalade, fired brick; Archival black; Marvy black pen

Holiday

This is my 2nd attempt at an ATC - to fit in with the TMTA theme of Holiday. Italy is where I'd like to spend a holiday - perhaps next year...

I didn't have a stamp of the Colisseum, so I printed an edited image onto tracing paper.

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Stamps : Non Sequitur Greco-Roman collage set; Crafty Individuals borders 147

Inks : computer generated image; VersaMagic Sea Breeze, Turquoise Gem and Pixie Dust; DI black soot; VersaColor peony

Extras : gesso; tracing paper; vellum glue; Impex crystal stickers

Deck of Me, week 12

Emily's prompt for this week was I believe....

I made this card back in April, hence it being a bit out of date.

The text reads :

I believe in Jesus. Today, Good Friday, I was reflecting on purple and red cloths draped around a cross in church. When they were removed I felt quite distraught - akin to the disciples at His death, I imagine.

The text around the edge says : Hands that flung stars into space to cruel nails surrendered. These are part of the lyrics from a song called The Servant King by Graham Kendrick.

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Stamps : AudDesign

Inks : DI fired brick, dusty concord, walnut stain; Pilot black pen

Extras : PP by Dovecraft

On the Beach

The Wednesday Stamper challenge was an open one, so I thought I would make the most of the sun this morning and make this card in cheerful colours. In an entry below I said that yellow was a rare colour for me to use. I once said that about orange, and then used it lots too!

I'm very fond of the watercolour technique; probably because of the uniqueness of each piece, and the variation in colours you get - here with just 2 inkpads.

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Stamps : Time to Stamp beach memoirs

Inks : Adirondack sunshine yellow, sailboat blue; Archival black

Extras : gesso

I've been tagged!

This has been awarded to me by Leni - thanks. We're supposed to pass this on to 5 people that we know, but those I would nominate have already received them!

A Stitch in Time

The DCM challenge for this week is to include a pocket on your work. I was thrilled that my new stamps arrived yesterday, and that they suited this theme. The image is machined onto the card.

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Stamps : Time to Stamp beach memoirs, and vintage sewing

Inks : VersaMagic Sea Breeze; VersaColor Bamboo and Cocoa; Fluid Chalk Charcoal

Extras : Crate Papers - netting and buttons; elusive images tags; threads by Stef Francis and Oliver Twists; sewing machine and blue thread

Elephus Maximus

This is my first attempt at an ATC, which I though I would contribute to Think Monday - think ATC . The theme is Asia.

Elephus Maximus is the name given to the Indian elephant, noted for its small ears. The batiked paisley background was inspired by a lady's sari I saw in town today. It cheered me up in the rain.

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Stamps : Elusive Images elephant set; Judikins Travels in India cube

Inks : H2Os in Pasion, Gold Dust and Midori Melon; Radiant Pearls abalone grey; StazOn black; versamark; computer generated text

Extras : BB green card; clear EP; Paper Cellar crystal gems; green mulberry paper;

Tickling the Ivories

I've made another card for Isa's I challenge. I had fun sewing all the beads on, and accessorising. The scanner hasn't caught the gold of the beads, though.

I bought some plastic tags at my local art shop. I don't know who manufactures them as they were loose in a basket, but they come in various shapes. I found that Brilliance, StazOn and fluid chalk inks remained permanent on them if you heat set them. The plastic warps a bit in the process but returns to shape when cool. It was hard to punch the hole though.

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Stamps : Stampington piano keys

Inks : DI antique linen, milled lavender; Fluid chalk warm violet; Archival black

Extras : gold paper; DCWV purple card; mixed gold seed and purple bugle beads; plastic tag; metal piano charm; MM and Doodlebug RubOns; threads by Stef Francis; copy of music by Chopin

Faking it

In the midweek DCM challenge we have to use anything 'faux'. I have used the faux batik method for the background and the flower, the button is a piece of chipboard, the ribbons are stamped.
Just a quick card today as it's the last week of term, and musically very busy. Not me, but my children! However, I'll be playing for a wedding on Sunday.


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Stamps : AudDesign flowers; HA ribbons and Dainty Thank you

Inks : Ecoline ultramarine violet and red violet; Archival black; Artnik royal blue; Versacolor Raspberry; versamark; Adirondack Dabber purple twilight

Extras : Clear EP; chipboard button; pink waxy flax; white paper; DCWC pink and blue card; 3D sticky fixers

Deck of Me, week 11

Emily's prompt for this week was my initial...

This verse from Philippians 4.2 was written on a drinks mat given to me as a wedding present. Recently friends told me that my obvious Fruit of the Spirit is joy. I am learning to be joyful in all situations.

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Stamps : Lakeland Ornate set; AudDesign

Inks : computer generated text; ecoline inks; Adirondack stream

I for Imagine

For Isa's latest challenge on the letter 'I', you could use option a) some real stitching, and b) something transparent.

I tried a new technique of sponging with cling film on this card, both on the main tag, and pink on the background. It was a blue ink pad, but even irl it looks lilac. For once the scanner has done me proud! The flowers are sewn on.

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Stamps : Crafty Individuals 101; HA Old French Writing

Inks : VersaColor Smoke Blue; Artnik Royal Blue; Fluid Chalk Charcoal; VersaMagic Pixie Dust

Extras : lilac brads; pink embroidery thread; mica; CWC pearlescent grey paper; cling film; Dovecraft pink brad; tag

Miss Maisie

This photo can be found on Esther's blog : http://starcreations.blogspot.com/2007/07/miss-maisie-competition.html. Do go and have a look at other people's creations using it.

After all that yellow on the previous 3 entries I've returned to a more soothing colour scheme. I really enjoyed this - thanks Est. I still have to buy some vellum; meanwhile I've printed the image on tracing paper. Looks ok!

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Stamps : Crafty Individuals 021; Lakeland Ltd Ornate set

Inks : Marvy pens jungle green, pale yellow (no.69) , oyster grey

Extras : silver eyelet; sheer ribbon; CWC pearlescent grey paper; DCWV green card; tracing paper; vellum glue

Lavender Girls

The DCM challenge was to include items of haberdashery - an easy one for me!

So I decided not to go for the obvious, but to use some dyed pelmet vilene scraps and punch holes out to create faux buttons. These lie much flatter on the card. I also dyed the lace with the yellow to age it.

The lavender image comes from a vintage bottle sticker I bought at my local antique book market. ---

Stamps : Crafty Individuals 084

Inks : DI Dusty Concord; Adirondack Eggplant & Sunshine Yellow; Archival black

Extras : pelmet vilene; vintage sticker; lace; DCWV yellow card

Ela

This is a photo from Leni's site. She's having a little holiday draw on Monday.

Here's the link if you want to look : http://crealeni.blogspot.com/2007/07/ferien-verlosung-vacation-draw.html

I'm really pleased to use this harlequin paper, as I've had it for ages, and never known how to use it. It seemed to match the photo really well. Yellow is a colour I rarely use. The word says adorable.

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Stamps : HA ribbons; AudDesign tiny flowers

Inks : VersaColor Split Pea, and Lapis Lazuli

Extras : PP by Vanessa Arbuthnot and Scenic Route; free 3D stickers from Scrapbook Inspirations mag; PM flower brads; white paper

Swinging Sixties

The 60s was the theme for the DCM Midweek challenge. I have based my card on a dress design, though I'm not sure who it was by. The flower power style paper seemed to match. I tried to think of a witty greeting using the word model, but failed. Some of my pupils entered the fun, and suggested this one instead.

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Inks : DI - black soot, computer generated text

Extras : images of Twiggy from the internet; black, red & yellow paper; flower paper from Provocraft; PM flower brads

Ribbon Collector

I've made this card for the Creative !deas challenge to use brown and blue. The buttons, (copy of) thread card, and ribbon are all vintage items from my MIL's box. I'm so glad I didn't throw everything away all those years ago.


Here's the story :
Miranda's youngest sister was born on Easter day. She was promptly nicknamed Chick - in fact nobody really remembers her real name. She was respected for her ability to alter clothes at lightening speed. In the days of handstitching this was a valued accomplishment indeed. If you ever needed a scrap of ribbon to match a dress, Chick would delve into her sewing chest to search through her collection.
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Inks : DI antique linen, walnut stain; VersaMagic Magnolia Bud

Extras : vellum glue; image from Rein's site; PP by Vanessa Arbuthnot; DCWV brown and blue card; Vintage items from own collection; prima flower; tiny button from PaperMania.

Deck of Me, week 10

Week 10's dare was note to self.
I must write to Ali Cripps in Canada, whom I've not contacted for over a year. She is special to me because she prayed me into faith at music college. It's her birthday this week.

I'm rather pleased with the background on this card - a happy accident. I had been brayering for another project, and used stamp cleaner on the brayer, which I rolled on some paper. The colours became quite watered down and blended together really well. I would normally throw this away, but loved the effect.
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Stamps : Clarity Just a note; Stampington original Brahms; Paper Artsy letters plate 5; AudDesign

Inks : Kaleidacolor desert heat; Marvy pen crimson lake

Buttons

This is my card for the Wednesday Stamper challenge on the theme of buttons. There is something missing on this I feel - any suggestions?

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Stamps : Crafty Individuals 013; Stampington collage cube and loose leaves

Inks : Marvy pens brilliant yellow, jungle green, lime; StazOn olive green

Extras : buttons from Doodlebug, PaperMania and my own collection; prima flower; BB green and orange card

Heavenly Host

Another card for Isa's H challenge. We could add option a) at least 4 patterned papers, and b) some metal. There was a list of H words we couldn't use as well.

I started with 2 BG sublime papers and built the colours up from there. It was only when I stepped back to look at it that I realised how Christmassy it is!

In half term Steve and I went to see a Burne-Jones exhibition at Birmingham art gallery. This angel reminds me of his work, which I love. He always paints long necks, and faces on an angle, with a prominent chin (the model being his wife).

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Stamps : Stampington Latin Parchment, Angelic Host

Inks : Fluid Chalk maroon; DI shabby shutters; Archival black; computer generated text

Extras : copper harp; copper brads; green sheer ribbon; Basic Grey sublime papers; Imaginisce Turkish Delight, and Rococo Loco

Text!

The DCM theme this weekend is to include text in your work. I've made this as a silver wedding anniversary card for some friends - the grey is silver!!
Again you cannot see, because of the scan, but the frame has been diamond glazed, and is therefore raised and shiny (and a little cracked because I tried to work with it before it was fully set!).
I used sponging and watercolouring techniques using purple and blue from the Bouquet set of colours

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Stamps : Crafty Individuals 101 imagine, 021 words; HA dragonflies; Santa Rosa heart; Stampington sm. Brahms original

Inks : Kaleidacolor bouquet; Archival black; Marvy pen pale violet; ColorBox eggplant

Extras : Diamond glaze,silver paper, BB eggplant card, prima flowers, Queen & Co brads

H for Hope

This is the 3rd of my ladies of virtue, made for Isa's alphabet challenge.



I then assembled them all together to make one card. Because the image below is a photo, not scanned, the colours have gone much brighter. The above is truer to the original.

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For materials see G for Grace. I have also added Versacolor raspberry ink.

Cartoon Crazy

The DCM midweek challenge is :

We'd like you to have a go at making a cartoon inspired card! You could use the colours and patterns (eg Minnie Mouse's dress would mean a black, white and red spotty card; Winnie the Pooh red and um, honey coloured) or symbolic (eg using an anchor inspired by Popeye)

My card is based on the cover of a Tom and Jerry video - the increasing green circles, and the U rating. The bunny is my take on Bugs Bunny. Took a while to get this as I wanted - there are many painted rejects in the bin!!

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Stamps : HA alphabet, Old French Writing; Stampington Roller Bunny

Inks : Adirondack red pepper; Archival black; DI peeled paint

Extras : PP by K&Co, Fancy Pants, & Scenic Route; blender pen

G for gems

Here's another card for Isa's alphabet challenge. The colours are much brighter irl, but I think I prefer them on here. The background is sprayed, and the pink colour-washed with the same inks. The stems are hand doodled.

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Stamps : AudDesign corner and flower; HA alphabet

Inks : DI dusty concord; Sticky fingers pink, lilac & blackberry; white gel pen

Extras : ribbon, domed stickers, crystal gems

Deck of Me, week 9

This challenge from Em was entitled inspiration found.... The text reads :

As a child I loved to colour in using rainbow colour sequences, and was inspired by the things listed to try different colour combinations. I don't think I've grown up yet!

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Stamp : AudDesign

Inks : various H20s

Extras : black EP, MM RubOns, black pen

Beady Eyed

The DCM challenge was timely for me, in that I wanted to make a girly card for my niece's birthday. We just had to use beads or sequins. Great to use a few of the thousand or so sequins from my packets - they'll probably last me for ever! I think you can just about see the glitter on the background paper.

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Stamps : HA friendly greetings

Inks : DI dusty concord

Extras : tuttifrutti pp, purple ribbonand purple card flower all from Craftworkcards; Queen & Co sequins and tiny brads; Paper Cellar sequins; purple card; Ultrafine glitter; glue pen