The perfect mannequin....

Here's two cards I made using the mannequin from the Crafty Individuals tag stamps CI-432.
This first one uses a Brushos clingfilm background which is overstamped in black with the Paisley Script background CI-435:

 This second one again uses Brushos, this time through a stencil, which is overstamped with the Inky Script background CI-436:

I can't tell you how often I've reached for those two backgrounds lately, along with the Baroque Splatter Script one, CI-430.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Drum roll..... PaperArtsy new stamp launch!

Lin Brown's fabulous new stamps are launching on the PaperArtsy Blog this week and already in stock at your favourite retailers just ready to fly off the shelves!

Item 1: Cheerful Card using ELB22

The first project is made using glossy card which I've coloured with Distress inkpads to match the Fresco paint colours (Picked Raspberry, Twisted Citron, Peacock Feathers). I then stamped the text all over the background in the same inks and then over-stamped the leaves and flowers with Fresco paints (Candy Floss, Hey Pesto, Caribbean Sea, Snowflake:

                                

I liked the contrast in texture between the smooth glossy card and the rough matte paint. The large teasels and harebell and the  white flowers were all stamped over the top. When dry, I've sketched round them in a black pen and added white highlights and some white text.

Item 2: Birdcage  using ELB21

Here I've stencilled the Crafters Workshop Template 'Circles in Lines' onto a panel of white card, first in Caribbean Sea and then, turning the stencil the other way, with Limelight. This gives a really eye catching background.Then I stamped all the images over the top in white paint and embossed them in white. To put colour back in I used a cocktail stick dipped into the paint - this is a bit fiddly and time consuming, but it does give a lovely scratchy effect.To finish I outlined with a black pen.

Item 3: Birdcage  using ELB21

For this project I decided to work on fabric. I've used calico backed with an iron on interfacing to give it a bit more body. The background branches are stamped in StazOn and then painted and little flowers are also added in. The three main images are on separate pieces of material, cut out and then stitched on. Here I've used the sewing machine like a black pen, stitching sketchy lines to give a doodly effect. Leave threads and frayed bits hanging to add interest. I put the whole thing onto felt and I've teased out the edges with a needle.

 Many thanks go to Lin for letting me have a play with her new stamps - they're such wonderful, inspiring designs and so easy to work with.

Helen

Watercolour effects....

I've got a class at The Craft Barn next Sunday using watercolour markers with stencils and Tim Holtz Runway stamps to create some lovely cards.
Here's a sneak peek:

Learn how to add foiling and colour your ribbon - should be fun, so if you fancy coming along, follow this link.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Dream on....

Here's a pic of the card I made for my daughter's birthday:

This uses one of the latest Finnabair stamps. I loved picking out what to stick on her hair!

Thanks for looking!

Helen