A Splash of Colour

Craft Barn tomorrow

2012-02-10T07:25:00.000-08:00

Well I'm putting the finishing touches to my prep for the Craft Barn demos tomorrow. I've made up a display board with lots of samples (hope there's room for it and all my clobber - you know how messy I am!)
Here's some more of the stuff:

I've kept these fairly simple as regards twiddly stuff as I wanted to show the Oxford Impression stamps, but the images are great for adding gems and embellishments to. If you're in the area, come in and have a chat - I'd love to see you.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Marie Antoinette...

2012-02-05T07:24:00.000-08:00

In all her glory!
Here are three more samples I've made for the demo up at the Craft Barn next Saturday.
This one I've embossed the background for a fairly simple technique:

I just love the border stamp here - it's great for making up frames and I've stamped the small carriage twice to make it look like they're waiting in front of the house:

And here, well here it's just bright - what more can I say?

I'm using Oxford Impressions Marie Antoinette plate and Kaleidacolor inkpads, all available from the Craft Barn.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Spring...

2012-02-02T08:06:00.000-08:00

Now, you might wonder what on earth I'm talking about considering how cold it is (I've got 4 layers on!) but the Crafty Individuals challenge for February is going to be 'Spring' and here's what I've made so far:

This is a little slide mailer that I've painted and then stamped over. I've also used paint on the daisies to really bring them to life as before that it all looked a bit grungy! The yellow flower is a cut out image from one of the CI books.

The challenge will be coming up on their blog shortly but meanwhile I'm linking you to their site 'cos they've got lots of new goodies - stamps, dies, charms......

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Your carriage awaits...

2012-02-01T02:58:00.000-08:00

Here's one of the samples I've made for my demo at the Craft Barn on Saturday 11 February.
This is close up showing all the stamping:

And this is how I'm going to display it:

Haven't added any twiddly bits yet - might, might not!

It's using the Oxford Impressions Marie Antoinette stamps and Kaleidacolor inkpads. At first I thought this might be a funny mix (you know, Marie Antoinette makes you think of toile and chintzy stuff not rainbow inkpads!) but actually it's been great fun and appeals to my colourful side!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Oxford Impressions stamps at the Craft Barn!

2012-01-28T03:22:00.000-08:00

I'm very excited because Oxford Impressions stamps have arrived at the Craft Barn. These are full A4 plates of red rubber and are very good value at £19.99. There's a wide range of designs - something for everyone.

And...... I'm getting to demo them there in a couple of weeks - Saturday 11 February. I can't wait! I'm combining the Marie Antoinette plate with Kaleidacolor inkpads and glossy cardstock so the artwork's going to be bright, in your face vivid and gorgeously colourful! Just up my street.

So, if you can, come along to the Craft Barn between 10am and 4pm on that Saturday and see the selection of stamps available and what I'm doing with them.

Have just started the artwork, so here are some pics of various pieces in various stages:

You'll have to come along to see how they end up.

I'll be showing different ways of using the Kaleidacolor inkpads which leads into my class on Sunday 11 March where we're going to make a montage of 3 blocks with Crafty Individuals stamps and a swatch book of Kaleidacolor techniques.

I'll post some more samples when I've made them - better get back to work!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Craft Barn Class

2012-01-24T07:41:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to say a quick 'thank you' to the lovely ladies who came to my class at the Craft Barn on Sunday. I really enjoyed myself, so many thanks.
Of course I forgot my camera so haven't got any pics I'm afraid - have to tie a knot in something to remind myself next time!
My next class is on March 11 and involves KaleidaColor inkpads, so lots of lovely colour!

Thanks again!

Helen

Red, white and Blue....

2012-01-21T03:52:00.000-08:00

At last I've got around to making something with the lovely Union Jack set from Crafty Individuals!
I've teamed it up with some of the Portobello Road papers from Papermania, which seemed to fit perfectly:

Papermania have also got some printed ribbons to match, but I thought I'd make my own. The beads on the side are threaded onto staples (a bit fiddly!) and in the centre onto a silver hoop earring.
I've used Faded Jeans and Festive Berries Distress inkpads for stamping and colouring.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Craft Barn Class

2012-01-18T01:44:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that I've got an all day class coming up at the Craft Barn this Sunday.
You'll be making something for the wall, using Distress Stains, border and background stamping techniques, paint techniques and more. The stamps are Crafty Individuals and Crafty Secrets. Above all, it'll be FUN!
Here are some close-ups:

And here's the finished article:

There are still a couple of places left, so if you're interested contact the Craft Barn on 01342 836398

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Up, up and away....

2012-01-07T01:48:00.000-08:00

I had fun making this card using the new balloon stamp from Crafty Individuals.
I wasn't too sure what to use for the background papers so made my own just by stamping the image repeatedly onto white card in the three main colours, and then rubbed over with the same ink. I then distressed the edges and added twiddly bits!

Stamp used: CI-336.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Long time no post!

2012-01-03T04:46:00.000-08:00

A very Happy New Year to you all, though if it's anything like here, the weather is atrocious - wind, rain and dark clouds!
Never mind, I've been happily stamping and colouring with one of the new Crafty Individuals stamps that I've been meaning to use for ages:

I've combined CI-333 with Pink Paislee Botanical Gardens paper.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Anyone Home?

2011-12-20T02:54:00.000-08:00

I've got another Class at the Craft Barn coming up in January called 'Anyone Home...?' Here's what we'll be making:

It uses Crafty Secrets stamps and Crafty Individuals stamps and you can have it standing on the mantelpiece or hang it on the wall. Should be a fun class - it's on Sunday 22 January, all day.

Thanks for looking and thankyou for all the lovely comments you've left.

Have a very happy Christmas!

Helen

And another 'All Wrapped Up...'

2011-12-07T06:57:00.000-08:00

This time I've made an exploding box out of an old cardboard box.
It didn't quite turn out as planned as I couldn't decide what to put in the middle as it needs to have an all round view if you get my drift! I'd already decided on the fir trees and the little houses, but the very centre was tricky! In the end I made a little gold Christmas tree by fringing some gold painted card and sticking it to a tiny cone.
This is the box from the outside:

And then from the inside:

I've used the tree and house stamps from CI-257. Hop on over to the Crafty Individuals blog to find details of the challenge!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

December Challenge...

2011-11-30T13:30:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's that time again over on the Crafty Individuals blog. The challenge this month is 'All Wrapped Up...'
I've made a very quick wrapped tealight holder using the Christmas stamps CI-257, red ink and tissue paper.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Christmas card...

2011-11-28T07:01:00.000-08:00

I've made my Christmas cards for this year - a one layer design with lots of sparkle! I can't believe I've managed to stick to one layer!

The main image is Crafty Individuals CI-332 with Autumn Leaves flourishes and a tiny background text from Prima.
Just got to write and send them now!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Row Houses

2011-11-15T07:29:00.000-08:00

Here's a project I made inspired by the Whimsical Melange Artistic Outpost stamps. The house frames are designed to work with lots of their other stamp sets. I've filled in with the Birds of a Feather set.and the Ephemeral Backgrounds set.

All stamps from Happy Daze.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Winter Village

2011-11-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

This is my second sample for the Crafty Individuals Challenge this month:

I really enjoyed making this with all the little twiddly bits! All stamps are from Crafty Individuals: Buildings CI-257; Angel CI-282; Snowflakes CI-241.

As always, thanks for looking!

Helen

Winter Wonderland...

2011-11-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

The November Crafty Individuals Challenge is now on! The theme is 'Winter Wonderland' and this tag is my first offering:

I've used one of my favourite stamps to create a winter woodland scene.
Stamps used: Rabbit scene CI-202: Snowflakes CI-241.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Spooky Tidings...

2011-10-28T03:48:00.000-07:00

I forgot I hadn't posted this one!
Another Hallowe'en card made with Artistic Outpost Whimsical Melange and My Favourite Book stamps and Pink Paislee Phantom stamps. The house shapes in the Whimsical Melange set just have endless possibilities.

All stamps available from Happy Daze.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Craft Barn Vintage Heaven class...

2011-10-24T04:30:00.000-07:00

Well, this was yesterday up at the Craft Barn in Lingfield and I thoroughly enjoyed myself, so I hope everyone there enjoyed what I did!
Haven't really taught many classes before, so I just went along and did my thing!
The ladies were lovely and I was really pleased that they all did different variations of the basic project, choosing combinations of colours that they liked and mixing and matching the various stamps and embellishments etc.
Here are pics of the works in progress about halfway through (in no particular order):

:

I haven't put names to them as I know I'll get in a muddle!
We were using Crafty Individual stamps, Tando Creative chipboard and tissue paper with Distress inkpads and stains - all available from the Craft Barn.

Thanks for looking and thanks for making my first class such fun!

Helen

PS The Craft Barn's got some fab new charm embellishments - fantastic range and well priced.

Craft Barn Class

2011-10-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

I'm teaching a class at the Craft Barn on Sunday using Crafty Individuals stamps, a wooden house thermometer, tissue paper, Tando Chipboard and lots of inky, painty stuff! Here's a picture of the more masculine version (I've made two so you get a choice, but forgot to photograph the other one!) - sorry it's a bit skew-whiff:

Really looking forward to it.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Crafty Individuals - another winged thing...

2011-10-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

Here's another sample for the Crafty Individuals blog challenge!

It uses: Crafty Individuals Stamps: Birds and Music CI-309;Butterfly CI-231; Text 'Fly' CI-329; Scroll Corner CI-184
Tiny scrap of some of the new papers for background and butterflies.
The jewellery part is something I picked up somewhere - a clear plastic faceted pendant with the pearly bit. Held together with Ranger silver Memory Foil. Oh, and the wings were cheap earrings!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

A Little bit of Magic...

2011-10-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

Here's a card I've made for the Happy Daze DT using Artistic Outpost stamps and Pink Paislee Hocus Pocus papers:

I've turned the little girl into a witch by adding a witch's hat. The frame is stamped onto purple Hocus Pocus paper and edged in bronze paint that is heated to make it bubble. The scroll is stamped all round the edge of the card and coloured with pencils. The word 'BOO' is taken from the Book quote - I've just cut off the last letter!

Stamps used:
Little girl and frame: Artistic Outpost: My Favourite Book
Border Scroll: Artistic Outpost: Whimsical Melange

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Winged Things...

2011-09-30T04:11:00.000-07:00

It's going to be Challenge time again over on Crafty Individuals blog and this month's theme is "Winged Things..."
I've made a bottlecap bracelet using lots of different bird images:

All stamps from Crafty Individuals: Background Grungy Swirl CI-237, Ferns CI-207; Birds CI-184, CI-329; Text CI-209

Thanks for looking and get entering!

Helen

One Layer Card...

2011-09-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by Joanne Wardle's series on One Layer cards in Craft Stamper to have a go myself - I don't usually manage one layer cards simply because I never know when to stop, but they're actually quite addictive. The only drawback is that you have to keep your card very clean (no stray blobs or bits of ink) as you can't cut anything out to cover up the odd mistake which is what I usually do! This one did end up a bit smaller than originally planned as I cut off some of the top of the card where it went a bit wrong!

The bird is a Tim Holtz stamp and the grasses are Inkadinkado which I got from the Craft Barn (I'm teaching a class there in October but more on that later when I've sorted the projects out!)

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Wedding Bells...

2011-09-11T08:02:00.000-07:00

I was asked to make a wedding card the other day which presented a challenge as I've never really made many and so haven't got any specific 'wedding' stamps!
In the end I used an old fashioned bouquet stamp from B Line Designs combined with an oval frame and some of the berry sprigs from the new Prima Pixie Glen stamps (lovely delicate designs these). The colour scheme for the wedding is mauve and purple (well, that's all I could get out of my daughter!) so I went for a sort of vintage look, with a bit of pale yellow to lift it.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Just Hanging About...

2011-08-31T06:41:00.000-07:00

I had a lot of fun choosing the winners for the August Challenge, though it was really difficult as there were so many lovely entries.
There's now a new challenge going up on the Crafty Individuals blog for September called 'Hanging about...' and here's the first of my ideas:

It's a diorama card using CI-230 Bird Postcard, CI-209 Trees and CI-234 Branches and Birdcage. I've coloured the background with some Ecoline pastel coloured inks.

Thanks for looking!

Helen
PS If anyone can tell me why all the stuff in the right hand column has shot off down to the bottom of my posts and seems to want to stay there, I'd be very grateful!
Ignore this - I've sorted it - it was an error in one of the previous post's links.

Not at all what I expected...

2011-08-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get that - you start a project and it turns out completely differently to what you'd sort of planned? This was one of those - that's my explanation for a rather Hallowe'eny card in the middle of August!
It uses one of the new Crafty Individuals stamps, the crow one, which I saw and was immediately drawn to. So I stamped it and coloured it and then couldn't work out what to do next! (I think it was my very yellow moon that stumped me!)

Thanks for looking!

Helen

A couple more...

2011-08-14T02:53:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple more ideas for the Bright and Beautiful Challenge over on the Crafty Individuals blog.
This first one uses the Travel to Paris stamp (CI-260), Postmark background stamps (CI-307), spray inks and colour taken out with bleach:

This second one uses an old piece of oval stampbord and the Girls on the Beach stamp (CI-284)

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Butterfly bright...

2011-08-04T05:46:00.000-07:00

Here's another idea I had for the Crafty Individuals challenge 'Bright and Beautiful'
:

This is a card and uses the Steampunk Butterfly CI-296. Very versatile stamp this.

Thanks for looking and get entering!

Helen

Bright and Beautiful...

2011-07-31T04:06:00.000-07:00

There's a new challenge going up for August on Crafty Individuals blog called 'Bright and Beautiful'
Here's the first of my samples - I thought I'd better make more than one as this is the challenge that I've chosen - you know how I love bright colours!
Here's a close-up:

Here's straight on and then slightly sideways so you can see it's made with a 3x4 inch deep canvas:

I've used the corset set of stamps CI-306 and the buildings CI-271.

For the colours I've used Kaleidacolor inkpads: Bouquet for the background (brayered every which way but loose!) and Calypso for the mannequins.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Multo Bello...

2011-07-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a birthday card I made using a PaperArtsy stamp, 7Gypsies Venice stamps and bleach:

Thanks for looking!

Helen

The Great Gatsby...

2011-07-10T03:02:00.000-07:00

Here are another two cards I made using Gatsby plate from Artistic Stamper.
This first one uses the same face as in the previous post:

It's done on a Kaleidacolor background and ended up using colours of card I hadn't planned on!
This second one is again on a similar background and uses some handmade paper which, despite having loads of, I haven't used for ages!

So, both slightly unexpected outcomes!

All stamps available from Happy Daze.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Happy Birthday

2011-07-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick showing of the birthday card I made for my eldest daughter, Victoria.
Close up first:

and then it turned into this:

Stamps are Artistic Outpost Gatsby for the main image, available from Happy Daze.
The background stamps are Artemio Deco 10001074, available from That's Crafty

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Windows to your Soul...

2011-06-25T05:21:00.000-07:00

Here's a card I made using the lamppost scene from the Artistic Outpost Windows and Doors set. I've used glossy cardstock and dye inks to create the bright background. The flourishy bits on the side are from the Serenity set. I stamped and embossed in white and then coloured over the white embossing with StazOn inkpads:

All stamps available from Happy Daze.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

WOYWW 107

2011-06-22T02:29:00.000-07:00

Well, for this WOYWW, guess what's on my desk? Yes! A great BIG mess! Very productive though - I'm making a card for my daughter and have inky fingers to prove it!

Enjoy your Wednesday and thanks for looking!

Helen

London Tags

2011-06-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

Here's some more work using the Artistic Outpost London stamps from Happy Daze:

Lovely bright colours from Cosmic Shimmer sprays - that's what I like!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

London Town...

2011-06-16T03:11:00.001-07:00

Artistic Outpost have just released two new plates of stamps:
Loverly London (some of the phrases are very funny!):

and London Underground (particularly like this set - they're sort of grungy):

They're already up for sale over at Happy Daze and some artwork will be going up soon.
Here's a sneak peak of what I've been making:

If you want to see more go over to the Happy Daze site (just give Moira a chance to upload them!)

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Great Weekend

2011-06-10T02:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I had a great time at the Craft Barn Extravaganza - they always look after you so well - coffee kept appearing and sandwiches etc.There were some really interesting demoers (is that a word?) there - I managed to have a quick look round on the Sunday before it all started.

I met some lovely people, so if you came by, many thanks for making it such an enjoyable two days. I wittered away to my heart's content!!!

Forgot my camera so couldn't take general photos - just got a few more of the samples:

These three are double layer tags:

All tags and stamps are Crafty Individuals.

Sorry to all of you who didn't get a birdhouse template for the tags - I just didn't print off enough! So here is the scanned image for you which I think you should be able to print out!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

New Challenge on Crafty Individuals

2011-05-30T02:23:00.000-07:00

The May Challenge winners have been announced over on Crafty Individuals blog and it's nearly time for the June Challenge.
Here's my entry:

This is actually made from one of their badges - I've just converted it into a necklace by piercing holes top and bottom and inserting jump rimgs. I stamped over the top in StazOn and added the beads at the bottom to give it more weight.
Hop on over to the blog in a day or two to see the details of the Challenge.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

WOYWW

2011-05-25T01:14:00.000-07:00

Well I haven't shown you my mess for ages so, as it's WOYWW, I thought I'd share!
I'm very busy at the moment getting ready for the Craft Barn Extravaganza - I'm demoing the new Crafty Individuals pre-printed tags, although they're so beautiful in their own right, you could just sit there and stroke them and be quite happy!
Here's the first two pics of my actual art room (no, those pics in Craft Stamper didn't lie!):

And here's the dining room table - I've decided it's a bit like the Day of the Triffids in my house - leave a space and I'll grow into it and take it over!

If you're coming to the Craft Barn make sure you stop by and say hello.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

A little snip here and a little snip there...

2011-05-19T01:18:00.000-07:00

I've been working with the Crafty Individuals tags again ready for my demos at the Craft Barn Extravaganza Weekend which is coming up on June 4/5.
I wanted to create some stand alone cards and decided on these. By cutting into some of the designs and then folding, you can easily make a card out of one tag. Here are some I've cut ready but haven't decorated yet:

Then here's one I've cut and decorated. It lies flat to go in the envelope:

And then stands like this:

This also works for the horizontal tags:

All stamps and tags are by Crafty Individuals

Thanks for looking!

Helen

In flight...

2011-05-14T01:45:00.000-07:00

This is the new challenge coming up on the Happy Daze facebook site in a couple of days so I thought I'd post some work as a starter:

I've used the fabulous Butterfly Garden stamps from Pink Paislee available from Happy Daze.

So, why don't you have a go?

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Craft Stamper June

2011-05-07T06:03:00.000-07:00

Don't forget the June issue of Craft Stamper is now in the shops:

I've got a Masterclass on wax crayons in there (they were great fun, and very cheap!) using some lovely Paperartsy stamps. Here's a sneak peek:

And also the first 'Meet and Greet' article - that's because no-one else would go first! Mind you, after you've all seen the 'monumental mess' (Katy's words, not mine!) in my craft room - yes, we post pics - no-one'll have any inhibitions at all. You'll all feel very virtuous!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Another birdie...

2011-05-02T04:48:00.000-07:00

This is the other bird house I made, this time all from one Crafty Individuals pre-printed landscape tag:

I've stamped over the top in StazOn Stone Gray (not black for once!) using the new Crafty Individuals Bird and Music stamp CI-309. The little bird is one of the hummingbirds from CI-198.
Head on over to the Crafty Individuals blog to see the May Challenge!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Free as a Bird...

2011-05-01T05:54:00.000-07:00

It's time for a new Crafty Individuals Challenge which you can read about on their blog.
I've made two things that fit the bill. Here's the first one, made from one of the script printed tags and some brown card decorated with the flowers from the flower postcard stamp (CI-302). The little birds are from CI-247:

The tag's stamped and decorated first and then just rolled up. Of course, I had to add a few beads as well!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

PS I'll post the other project at a later date.

Oink, Oink...

2011-04-25T01:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a birthday card I made using the pig (I love pigs!) from the Artistic Outpost stamps 'Country Life':

These stamps are available from Happy Daze and if you hop on over to their blog they've got some great blog candy, as well as the most beautiful decorated box to drool over!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Millinery Matters...

2011-04-19T02:29:00.000-07:00

Here's another Crafty Individuals tag - a very quick one as I haven't stamped on the background at all. Mind you, that's the beauty of these pre-printed tags - you can do as much or as little as you like. The colours are all there in the tag - I've just matched them with Distress inkpads, and then added twiddly bits!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

In the garden somewhere...

2011-04-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

Here's another of the Crafty Individuals tags with before and after pictures.
I decided to pick out the daisies and butterflies in this one and added the quote from an old book.

I've used Distress inkpads as these colours seem to match directly with the colours on the tag.
Stamps used are all from Crafty Individuals: Daisies CI-262, Butterflies CI-301, Branches CI-234.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

PS I'm going to be demoing with these at the Craft Barn June Extravaganza - can't wait!

Crafty Individuals Simply Square Challenge

2011-04-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

Crafty Individuals are running their first Challenge and I've made two pieces that fit the bill. They both use 2x2inch pieces of Stampbord.
The first uses CI-302, the lovely flower postcard:

And the second uses those lovely French hens CI-289:

So get on over to their blog and join in the fun. There are goodies to be won!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Craft Stamper E-Zine

2011-04-01T02:11:00.000-07:00

The first ever Craft Stamper E-Zine is available now and I'm thrilled to be in it:

It’s available to download FREE of charge for a period of six months.
It contains 12 complete step-by-step projects.
The projects are selected from the top rated projects of 2010, as chosen by the readers (via the feedback section on the Giveaway and Trade It coupons).

So, hop on over to Craft Stamper and enjoy!

Thanks for looking and pass this on to all your blogging friends!

Helen

PS Don't forget May Craft Stamper is also out in the shops today, so it's a double whammy!

A Trip to Paris...?

2011-03-31T09:35:00.000-07:00

Well, on my tag anyway!
Here's another Crafty Individuals tag decorated with coordinating colours.
Before:

And after:

I love that I can use the colour palette that is already there. I'm going to have to try out contrasting colours on one of them and see what that looks like!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

WOYWW - am I in the right place?

2011-03-30T02:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, you are!
I just had to post a piccie of my desk today for WOYWW because for once it's quite tidy! Now I know you might not all agree with me looking at the jumble of tape etc at the back (and of course my guardian gargoyle!), but believe you me, if you've seen some of my previous posts you'll know that this is mega clean!
I've tidied it up 'cos I'm just starting on my next project for Craft Stamper, talking of which they're publishing the first ever Craft Stamper E-Zine on Friday which is totally free and available to download. It's got the 12 favourite projects from 2010 voted for by the readers. So go and have a look on Friday.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

PS Those are some of the gorgeous new tags from Crafty Individuals on the right there.

Crafty Individuals tags

2011-03-27T04:23:00.000-07:00

I've been having a little play with some of the new Crafty Individuals printed tags. These are so gorgeous, I'm quite happy just sitting looking at them, let alone working with them!
This first one started out life like this:

and ended up like this:

I've used coordinating colours and stamped in brown to give a soft effect. The stamps I've used are the houses from CI-274 and the text to stamp the flourishes CI-017 (very useful little stamp).

I'm off to try out another one now!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

I Wonder...

2011-03-13T04:56:00.001-07:00

Here's a card made with the new Artistic Outpost stamps Think and Wonder and Ephemera Backgounds (fantastic stamp plates):

The background paper is from Glitz Love Nest Collection and the metal work is Ten Seconds Studio. All supplies from Happy Daze.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

It's Spring!

2011-03-07T07:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I can dream!
Here I've made a frame and picture in vivid green and yellow to hurry Spring along!

The stamps are by Crafty Individuals: Birdcage and Butterflies CI-301, Hardware Elements CI-304, Script CI-017 and Swirly Background CI-237.
The canvas board frame (I've turned it around) and the chipboard leaves are from the 'Must Haves' section!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

A bit Heath Robinsony...

2011-03-02T01:07:00.001-08:00

Don't know why but this reminds me of the Heath Robinson illustrations - those wacky machines! It's probably that little umbrella shape at the top (might be a bell, not sure).
All made with some of the new Crafty Individuals stamps CI-305.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

PS Jean from Crafty Individuals has now got a blog

Think and Wonder...

2011-02-26T03:45:00.000-08:00

I've made a framed picture with some of the latest Artistic Outpost stamps, using paint and tissues (great fun!) Here's a sneak peek:

To see the whole thing, hop on over to Happy Daze. The stamps are here.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Spring to it...

2011-02-23T02:37:00.000-08:00

Here's a photo of my latest card with one of the new Crafty Individuals stamps CI-305, a lovely,quirky stamp:

I couldn't resist cutting the clock part into a spiral like a watch spring:

It's stamped onto Crafty Individuals paper and then layered onto Prima and Pink Paislee papers.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

WOYWW?

2011-02-23T02:13:00.000-08:00

It's WOYWW time again and here's another one of my work surfaces (don't all shout where?! LOL!).I've started adding shelves upwards just to create more storage space! Just to the right of this picture is my trusty guillotine which I use not only for cutting but also for taking photos on.

I'll post a pic of what I've been making later.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

PS If you look very closely you can see a photo of me as a witch taken at my daughter's Hallowe'en party several years ago. She stuck it up there 'cos we all thought it was so funny!

WOYWW? Crafty Individuals!

2011-02-16T01:35:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is just finished and photographed - a card with some of the new Crafty Individuals stamps, so I've taken a picture of it for WOYWW:

This uses the Flower Postcard CI-302 and the Hardware Elements CI-304 The corners are taken from the Butterfly Steampunk stamp CI-296

However I knew you'd be disappointed if I didn't show you the chaos left behind!

And that's just from making one card! I tend to get out loads of my CI stamps to see which ones I fancy combining!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Workdesk Wednesday WOYWW

2011-02-09T03:24:00.000-08:00

Just had to post a picture today for WOYWW as I've just got these new Artistic Outpost stamps through the post and I can't wait to cut them up and start some work. (Yes, this is the state of my desk at the start of a project!!! LOL!) There are 3 new sets, all available from Happy Daze.

Also on my table to the left are some Art Journey stamps - love this set, it's got some great edge stamps in it.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Ruffle Kerfuffle...

2011-02-07T06:37:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun making this card for my friend's birthday. It doesn't actually use much stamping (just a background flourish and a border) - the main part is made up from patterned paper, of which I have vast amounts!
I started with the stitched pleat and then added layers of lace, ribbon, wire and raffia on top, all offset with brown card:

Then I wired up the central dangly bit as a focal point:

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Jane again!

2011-01-28T03:44:00.001-08:00

Here are the other two projects I made with the Artistic Outpost Jane's Countryside stamps from Happy Daze. The first is a picture:

As you can see, I had a lot of fun teaming it up with the floral Pink Paislee Sweetness papers.

For the second project, I made a brooch:

For more details, hop over to Happy Daze.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Jane's embroidery

2011-01-23T07:16:00.000-08:00

If you saw my WOYWW entry with the Jane Austen stamps, this post shows one of the projects I made. Here's a close-up of Jane:

And here's the full view:

I was searching for something to use and found this old embroidery hoop which seemed very apt!

The stamps are Artistic Outpost Jane's Countryside and are available from Happy Daze. I've teamed them up with the Pink Paislee Sweetness papers (also from Happy Daze) which have those lovely floral corners that you can cut round and overlap. I thought I'd better add in some (very basic) embroidery as well!!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Route 66

2011-01-14T03:20:00.000-08:00

Here's a close up view of that block of wood thingy you could see on my desk on Wednesday:

It uses Artistic Outpost stamps Route 66 available from Happy Daze.
I've gone for primary colours - don't you just love that cactus stamp?!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

WOYWW

2011-01-12T01:38:00.000-08:00

It's that time again - WOYWW!

This week I've got the Artistic Outpost stamps out, available from Happy Daze. I love these stamps - they're just a little bit different. There's a set there with Jane Austen - I'm going to do some artwork with those. And then the motorbike thing (another block of wood!) is another set called Route 66 - great for men's stuff.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

The clay gargoyle was made for me by daughter when she was at middle school (she's now 15). It always makes me smile!

Butterfly tree...

2011-01-07T03:21:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, this is an offcut of wood - I think it was a sort of plaque thing cut in half - that I've decorated with paint, papers, stamps and die cuts.
The stamps are all Crafty Individuals, and I've used quite a few different ones and parts of images as well:

The little girl is from one of the new sets CI-292 She just seemed to be looking in the right direction! The leaves and flowers climbing up the tree are from CI-149 and CI-262.
If you look carefully you can just see part of the Steampunk Butterfly in the background and the birdcage.

The diecuts are also from Crafty Individuals, from the Collections range. I just loved this tree and birdhouse.
The gold paint I've used is Eco Green Pure Gold from The Craft Barn. It's a really lovely gold.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

More ducks...

2011-01-04T03:55:00.000-08:00

I've used that wonderful duck stamp again from Crafty Individuals but gone for a different look this time:

I've used Crafty Individuals papers as well and stamped the corners with part of the Steampunk Butterfly and some cogs and text from the Crafty Elements Ship set. The diecuts are done on the Silhouette:

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T02:54:00.001-08:00

Here's another card with Crafty Individuals Steampunk Butterfly:

I've teamed it up with 7Gypsies Victoria papers this time for a completely different look.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Ducks a paddling...

2010-12-31T06:06:00.000-08:00

Here's a card using the Crafty Individuals duck stamp CI-297:

I've used Derwent Coloursoft pencils to add colour and layered it up onto Glitz Designs paper (available from Happy Daze). Then I've stamped the corners and edges with parts of the Steampunk Butterfly stamp CI-295.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Vintage Butterfly...

2010-12-29T07:16:00.000-08:00

Here's a card I've made using the new Crafty Individuals Steampunk Butterfly collage, CI-296.
I really like this stamp as it's both natural and mechanical, in other words, quirky!

I've teamed it up with some of the cogs and text from CI-294 and also some of the clocks from CI-255

The vintage papers are from Webster's Pages and 7Gypsies Conservatory. I've used Adirondack Pesto, Eggplant and Broken China to watercolour the background and used coordinating pencils for the butterfly.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

I saw three ships...

2010-12-22T03:13:00.000-08:00

Well, one actually, in this piece that I've made with some of the new Crafty Individuals stamps. I've used these two sets:

Fantastic, aren't they?
I've made a resist background in the top left corner, a bit like the Parisian Anthology papers, and added some mosaic pieces to look like the sea in the lower half. I had great fun choosing all the beads and chain for the hanging part.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

WOYWW

2010-12-22T02:51:00.000-08:00

Can't believe it's just a couple of days 'til Christmas. Here's my workspace (what space?!!) for WOYWW.

I've been busy with the new stamps from Crafty Individuals - going to post more pics later on.

Thanks for looking!

Helen.

Dangly decoration!

2010-12-18T05:46:00.000-08:00

I wasn't planning on making a dangly decoration, it just happened!
This uses one of the new Crafty Individual sets combined with a couple of colours from the Happy Birthday Big 'n' Juicy inkpad.

I've made the decoration double sided and added beads to the middle.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Snowy Day...

2010-12-10T07:37:00.000-08:00

Here's another card I made with a non-Christmas Artistic Outpost stamp and lots of Glamour Dust:

This stamp's from The Outpost plate available from Happy Daze.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Greetings...

2010-12-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

Here's the finished card I made using a stamp from Artistic Outpost Home plate and Glitz Designs Love Nest papers:

This is not a Christmas plate, but by using wintry colours you can get a Christmassy feel.
Head on over to Happy Daze to see more.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

January Craft Stamper

2010-12-02T03:58:00.000-08:00

January Craft Stamper is in the shops tomorrow. It's a great issue, a budget special.
My article's all to do with stuff from the kitchen - unusual for me as I hate cooking!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

WOYWW

2010-12-01T05:16:00.001-08:00

I forgot it was Wednesday and so WOYWW - the days are flying past!
Here I'm working on a sample for Happy Daze with Artistic Outpost stamps and Glitz Design papers.The usual chaos reigns - just trying to decide how to finish it off:

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Happy Birthday...

2010-11-26T08:08:00.000-08:00

Here's a card I made for my niece Ceinor, who's up at Manchester Uni studying Textiles:

Quite a variety of stamps used: the girl is Zettiology, the text is Elusive Images and the stalky thing is Artemio.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

A Bird on a Vine...

2010-11-14T07:12:00.000-08:00

Here's a card I've made with one of the new Crafty Individuals stamps combined with one of the older bird ones. I love the flourish leaves and vines on both of these stamps:

I've used the leafy part of the bird stamp to create a border on the background paper.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

WOYWW...

2010-11-10T03:52:00.000-08:00

This is my desk when I'm in the middle of making a card and am not quite sure what I'm going to do!

Hop on over here to see other people's desks!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Cluck, cluck...

2010-11-06T05:20:00.000-07:00

This card uses one of the new stamps from Crafty Individuals (CI-289). I knew I was going to enjoy working with it as I love chicken stamps!:

I've stamped in Vintage Photo Distress ink and coloured with a light blue, then layered onto Seven Gypsies patterned paper and finished off with Inka Gold (love that stuff).

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Off to Neverland...

2010-11-01T06:20:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple of the cards I made with the Artistic Outpost Neverland stamps:

If you want to see more, hop over to the Happy Daze Design Team blog.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Happy Birthday...

2010-10-28T04:28:00.000-07:00

Here I've made a card for my daughter Katie. Lots of bright colours and a bit of a wacky stamp by Lost Coast designs. The corners are from some of the Viva Decor stamps (really good value) and the loopy border is a little one from Studio G that was tucked away in a drawer!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

It's Wednesday...

2010-10-20T02:20:00.000-07:00

And time for WOYWW.
I looked at this photo and even thought myself "How do I find anything on there?!!!"

Thanks for looking, even if it makes you go cross-eyed!

Helen

A few ATCs...

2010-10-14T05:29:00.000-07:00

A very quick post with some ATCs I made:

They use a variety of stamps and techniques and for some reason are all a little bit crooked!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Gothic arches and frame...

2010-10-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

Here's the last of the stuff I made for Artisan with the Paperartsy subs stamps (well, not quite, but I'm not showing you the other as I'm going to use them for an article!)
These Hot Picks stamps will be available for general purchase at some point, so keep your eyes open as I found them really fun to use.

They use Kaisercolour paints, Terra paste and Inka Gold, all from Paperartsy.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Artisan over...

2010-10-03T02:35:00.000-07:00

Back from Artisan and had a great time - bought way too much stuff inbetween demos. All those lovely things I just had to have!

I met some lovely people, so if you came to say hi, thank you!

I was my usual messy self - we had to turn the table cloth over on the second day as I'd managed to cover it with white embossing powder and a touch of Inka Gold (love that stuff - thought it added some interesting texture myself!!!)

Here are some pictures of a couple of the things I made with the Paperartsy stamps:

As well as the stamps, I've used Paperartsy dies, Kaisercolour paints, Distress inkpads and Inka Gold, all available from Paperartsy.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

WOYWW 29 September

2010-09-29T05:36:00.000-07:00

It's WOYWW again and this time you can see that I've made a Christmas card! Yes, a Christmas card!!! I don't usually get started so early, but just had to have a go with the new Crafty Individual stamps. I'm aiming for a minimalist, all one layer card, which is very challenging for me!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Artisan

2010-09-28T06:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm packing up my stuff, got my samples ready - just got to die cut a few more shapes with my Paperartsy dies and I'm ready to go.
Here are a couple more sneak peeks at what I'm going to be demoing at Artisan:

There are some great quote stamps on the second subs sheet.

Hope to see you there!

Helen

Artisan Countdown...

2010-09-24T10:56:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Artisan next Friday and Saturday and I've been busy getting samples and demos ready.
I'm helping Katy Fox demo the show subs gift, which are some rather lovely PaperArtsy stamps.
Here are a couple of sneak peeks:

Thanks for looking!

Helen

WOYWW 68

2010-09-22T01:32:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday again!
On my workdesk this week I've got some stuff I'm making for my demos up at Artisan on 1st and 2nd October.
These use the PaperArtsy stamps that are the show special subs gift for Craft Stamper- look back at Leandra's blog and you can catch a glimpse of them.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Crafty Extravaganza

2010-09-18T03:43:00.000-07:00

These are the last pictures of the Crafty Individuals samples I made. They're made up of seaside images:

and Christmas images:

If you head on over to Crafty Individuals, you'll see they've got some new stamps out!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

WOYWW 15 September

2010-09-15T02:56:00.000-07:00

Here we are again on WOYWW.
I'm spreading again this week as I've now moved over from the dining room table to the desk thing at the side which I was using to display the samples (or rather to work out how I was going to display the samples!) for the Extravaganza at the Craft Barn last weekend. Another surface to fill up with my creations! From all that mess of the last few weeks, I made these:

Those of you who managed to get to the Extravaganza will have seen at first hand how messy I am - I kept losing things and having to get people to find them. I met some lovely people in the process, mind you. Hi to everyone and thanks for making my first demoing session such fun!
And thanks to the Craft Barn team for the endless cups of coffee and refreshments.

All stamps by Crafty Individuals.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

WOYWW September 8th

2010-09-08T04:14:00.000-07:00

It's WOYWW again and mine should probably be WOYDRTW as I've spread! This week I've got a picture of my dining room table which I'm using to get everything ready for the big Craft Barn Extravaganza this weekend. I'm trying to sort out stuff into trays for demos, then have also got a trolley of basics and have also got all the samples I've made with the Crafty Individuals stamps. Not sure where I'm going to put it all! I always seem to have so much stuff!!!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

A Bright and Breezy Day...

2010-09-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

Here's another sample I've made for the Extravaganza next weekend. There are some other pieces that go with this, but you'll have to come to the Craft Barn to see them!

All stamps by Crafty Individuals.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Craft Stamper

2010-09-03T03:45:00.000-07:00

October Craft Stamper hits the shops today and it's a great issue!

Thanks for looking!

Helen

WOYWW September 1st

2010-09-01T02:38:00.000-07:00

A wonderful mess as usual - perhaps I ought to start an I Spy game - you could help me find all those things I've lost!!!
Click here to see other Wednesday work desks.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Oh I do like to be...

2010-08-31T10:12:00.000-07:00

Here's what I made for the Craft Barn Extravaganza with some of those tags I sprayed yesterday:

They're designed to work as a pair:

All stamps by Crafty Individuals.

Thanks for looking!

Helen

Craft Barn Extravaganza

2010-08-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

Well, this event is fast approaching - September 11 and 12 - and I'm getting quite excited. I'm demoing Crafty Individuals stamps along with various media.

I've made most of the samples that I'm going to be demoing, but thought I'd make some more tags to decorate this mannequin display thing I've got (pinched that idea from Lynn up at Graphicus - thanks Lynn!).

I'll be posting some of the stuff I've made over the next few days, but here's a picture of the tags I've sprayed with the Cosmic Shimmers. Those who follow WOYWW will know I spray on the floor of my art room - another useful surface. You'll also know how messy I am as you can see from my hands!

Thanks for looking!

Helen