KRAFTY PIECES

book and box...

2012-01-28T14:59:00.001Z

Every year I make a book to keep a record of the challenges I take part in and also the dt pieces I have to do, helps me stay organised, to some description!!! - last years book is so special it has my hero's autograph in it, Tim Holtz is the most patient person I know, he always smiled and signed something for everyone in that room as well as having his picture done with us all - can't believe that that class was nearly a year ago!! time flies hey!

anyway, here's this years book:-

Its very similar to the one for last year...the base is stamped from a creative expressions set of stamps by Sam Poole, the covers were covered with Graphics 45 papers and different elements from the same pack also added, bling and a resin flower, beaded head pins all finish it off....wonder if I'll be able to get someone to sign it this year??

I've also been decorating some of the wooden boxes I've amassed - this one is used to store my Ten Seconds Studio metal tools...

did you guess that that was the contents?? lolxx The grungeboard blocks are usually inked after this stage but I liked the look of the "au natural" on the black....

TFL xx

better late than never...

2012-01-23T21:44:00.000Z

There is a new sketch over at Kathy's sketch file - a bit late posting this month due to kathy having major renovations on her house!!

This is the sketch for this month:-

And this is what I did with it....the image is a stamp which has been coloured in using water colour pencils and was a birthday card for a dear friend....

This birthday card in pink is for my brothers wife who just loves pink!!

If you get a chance pop on over to kathy's sketch file and have a look at the sketch and also at previous sketches - hope to see you there!

TFL xx

Tando 2012

2012-01-14T08:00:00.002Z

Apart from my challenge piece this is my first DT piece for Tando for 2012 - Di has been busy designing some fab new designs and here I've used the large clock face this also comes with the hands...

The clock face was coloured using distress inks and then stamped over using versafine ink and a large text stamp - this was then given a coating of crackle glaze...once dry the cracks were hi-lighted by giving the clock face a further covering of distress ink. The clock hands were enamelled using the stampendous vantage enamelling powder....just love that stuff!! The clock face is mounted onto a square canvas board which was coloured using dylusions paints, tim holtz stamps hi lighted with a white pen and using lighter coloured paints to give some texture to the piece. The birds (?) are a paperartsy stamp and were coloured in using colouring pencils and then triple embossed using clear powder, the tape they are standing on is from the same paperartsy plate, stamped onto white card and then coloured using distress inks....

Do keep a look on the tando blog the dt create some stunning pieces which are sure to inspire you.

TFL xx

totally shameful

2012-01-13T21:33:00.002Z

when you see this you're going to agree with me!

how on earth can anyone work under those conditions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (do you think I need to clear up my craft room!! roflxx)

By the way I have been creating....these

these are houses for a swap over on the Bubbly Funk forum. Each house was cut from packaging board and then painted with various dylusions paints, they were then sprayed with dylusions inks and then various paint thrown at them...the butterflies were all stamped onto grungepaper and coloured with di's before a bling body was added - the saying, a hero arts stamp, was then stamped onto text paper and off set...all edges finished off with a doodle and some ink gold!!

See there was enough space to create!! rofl

Hope that Friday 13th has been much kinder to you all than it has been to me!!

TFL xx

Sunday 8th January

2012-01-08T10:18:00.001Z

How can a short week seem so incredibly long? that was the question we were all asking each other at the crop yesterday! This week will fly pass tho'!! lol

For Christmas, Di gave me a desk tidy to alter and this is what I've done with it:-

The base was painted with paperartsy fresco paints and then stamped over......Tim Holtz tissue tape and then salvage stickers from the crowded attic pack attached. The old fashioned typewritter is a stamp.... vintage pen nibs and a light bulb charm finished off the front...

The side view.....

The other side view....

Once I've finished my craft room sort out this will sit on my desk for my pens etc...

Hope the New Year has started off well for you all

TFL xx

January 2nd 2012!

2012-01-02T12:43:00.002Z

Happy New Year to you all, may 2012 bring you all much love, happiness and success!

I did do a long New Year's post littered with pictures from throughout 2011 but, Mr Blogger had other ideas and wiped off all my photos and then bits of text then wouldn't let me do anything! So,I'll do a shortened version with no piccies - its so easy to focus on the negatives of each passing year, Josh being so poorly, Steve starting off the year ill, Dad being ill, the loss of my very dear Nan.....but, looking back 2011 did have some good points too....February off to see my hero, Tim Holtz - I was the first one to talk to him that morning, he got out of the car with Mario and another man (can't remember his name but someone big in Ranger!!! rofl) anyway, he wasn't the point of interest!! I said good morning to my hero and my legs buckled like some besotted school girl!! roflx anyway, that class, a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, was just fantastic!! Josh had his op, ok, more evasive than we hoped, but, he's got his life back!! he's at uni fending for himself! and that was three weeks after his op and previously spending every waking moment in bed in extreme pain...so, I'm going to focus on the good points of 2011 and hope that 2012 will bring highs as well as lows!!

As its the start of a new month, Tando Creative have a new challenge....this month the theme is:-

ICE WHITE

here is my piece:-

Boy was it hard to just use white....(ok, I cheated and a little bit of blue sneaked in!! lol). The base is a Tando Printers tray which was painted white....I always adhere my "cut out layers" first and then paint them, this time I wanted to hang a bead capsule from one of them, so I adhered a jump ring (after painting it) in between the layers as I stuck them together, once everything was painted I adhered them together. the legs and frame were given a coat of rock candy distress stickles just to add a bit of sparkle and texture. The swirl at the bottom is tando, painted white with crackle then white again, wasn't sure how this would turn out but it did crack really nicely, a tim rosette made from copy paper and hi-lighted with a gel pen was added along with a rolled flower.....the heart is a tando piece, painted white with a clay word added (white clay) and a small gem, the butterfiles were stamped onto grungepaper and then painted with white distress stain - and then the cheat, a slight, very slight, edging with blue!! lolx charms and painted emphemera finish it all off.....must say that this is one of my fav pieces so far...

Do pop on over to the challenge blog.....Kaz has a gorgeous mirror, which will soon be up as an on-line class displayed....if you get a chance join in the challenge, you don't have to use Tando products in your piece, but, if you do you'll get two chances to win some fab tando products of your choice.

TFL xx

sneaking in...

2011-12-29T20:47:00.000Z

with a last minute post...where has this year gone? although, saying that we have had more than our share of ups and downs again this year...but, our Josh is doing really well, that op has definately given him his life back and he's loving Uni life..so thats one positive thing!!

The Bramford girls crop challenge for January was decorate a hanger, provided by Tracey - we all drew names out of a box to see who to make the hanger for... here's mine...

The tage was painted with blue fresco paint then a coat of crackle glaze followed by white fresco paint...and then left to crackle! The background was then stamped using TH stamps in black and di's - the grungepaper die cut was coloured using stains and a stained piece of ribbon added along with a pearl charm.... flowers and a saying finishes off the piece. Just hope that the recipiant likes it!!

TFL xx

Tando Challenge Blog...

2011-12-08T06:00:00.001Z

Over on the Tando Challenge blog this months theme is "Winter Festivals"

Here is my entry:-

the cover was painted with acryllic paint and then hi-lighted using inka gold. The background paper was made by stamping a Tim Holtz stamp onto white card and then running it thro' the equivilant emblossing folder the entire piece was then distressed with di. This technique was video'd on Tim Holtz's blog and its finished effect is truely stunning!! My finished piece was matted onto red cardstock and then adhered to the front cover. Tando santa and sleigh were painted black and added along with a couple of sizzix trees which had been hi-lighted using picket fence stickles..

this is the inside....

All papers inside are from a christmas pad, bo bunny I think! apart from the blue piece in the bottom right hand corner which is from Tim Holtz. The sleigh, snowflakes, baubles, christmas trees, holly, star are all tando pieces which have been heat embossed, coloured, inked, stickled and hi-lighted....

Pop on over to the challenge blog and see what the other DT members have created, and, don't forget there is a fab prize up for grabs for one lucky entrant. You don't have to use Tando products, but, if you do you're entered into the draw twice!

TFL xx

disappointing

2011-11-29T19:46:00.001Z

Why is it that photographs never really show the depth of colour or the way the piece actually looks in rl?

Take this:-

IRL its really pretty - its got loads of texture and colour and the text stands out really well, and the picket fence stickles looks really white! yet, no matter how I photograph it, in the light, out of the light, still looks slightly naff!! I think that my news years resolution will be to have camera lessons!! roflxx

Each month at the crop one of us (6 take part) challenges the others to create using the given objects....November was Nancy with this arrow.....theme bling or rockets....and then for December, Janina gave us some wooden hanging things!! lolx

Next door has all their christmas decos up so Christmas must be coming..............

TFL xx

more colour!

2011-11-22T19:24:00.000Z

This is the sketch over at Kathy's Waffle Sketch file for November.....

and this is another piece I've made using it...

I used those dylusions inks on background paper and then stamped over, the girl is Jasmine by Stampotique, I used a mask and coloured the background with di's and then stamped using di's and Claudine Hellmuth foam stamps - such fun! the tag is one of T!m's.

Do pop on over to kathy's Waffle Sketch file she has loads of different sketches available to give some fab inspiration...

TFL xx

a bit of colour....

2011-11-20T15:03:00.001Z

I don't usually have so much colour in my pieces, but, since discovering those FAB Dylusions ink sprays everything has taken on a brighter and bolder feel to it...

Here is a tag I created for one reason and couldn't bear to part with it...but, on Saturday ended up giving it to Ness, from Papermaze, it will be going up on the newly decorated walls after the fire!! I could bear to part with it for that!! lol

The background was created using the ink sprays then stamped with black versafine ink using Tim Holtz stamps. The dress form is cut from gungepaper and coloured using distress stains, hi-lights were then added using a white pen. Ribbon was coloured using the same distress stains and trinkets hung from a ring. The flowers were coloured with distress stains. The flower was created from copy paper which had been inked using the dylusions ink sprays with some perfect pearl gold misted over the top and then formed together. Bling and pearls finish it off....

I'm going to enter this for Happy Daze challenge - explosion of colour

TFL xx

Blue and Brown at Tando Challenges

2011-11-15T19:21:00.000Z

This month over on the Tando Challenge blog the theme is "Blue and Brown"

here is my piece:-

The Tando journalling block was painted with brown acryllic then I used paperartsy fresco crackle paint and the powder blue paint in that range. The flowers are part of line of the Tando flower row 130mm which I cut up into individuals blooms and coloured using distress inks....hi-lighted with glossy accents and added a bit of bling....the Tando bookplate (I just love these!) was once again painted with distress inks, the bird is a stamp and the Tando dragonfly (another of my fav's) was again coloured with DI's.....a few beads threaded onto a headpin finished it all off.

Don't forget there are some scrummy prizes up for grabs if you enter the monthly challenges....and the best thing is you get to choose which ones you'd like! So do pop on over to the blog and have a go.

Don't forget that Di has also very generously donated a prize to anyone that provides a piccie of their frame from the online classes.....so, if you did have a go, do leave a comment and piccie and we can see what you've created...

TFL xx

week 4

2011-11-12T07:00:00.000Z

It doesn't seem that four weeks ago I started the on-line classes over at Tando Creative On-line, and it doesn't seem possible that four weeks ago we took our son off to Uni, 3 weeks after having major surgery!

Anyway, today is the last class in the on-line frame making class

This was what we have been making:-

using a whole host of techniques and making our own embellishments.

Di has offered up a prize for one lucky participant so I'm hoping that there are a few people who have followed the class and are pleased with their frame.

Don't forget that Tando Creative also have an on-line challenge blog, this month the theme is blue and brown and one lucky winner will be able to choose their own prize from a whole host of Tando goodies. So do pop on over and have a go...

TFL xx

Kathy's Waffle sketch file

2011-11-08T07:30:00.000Z

Its time for another sketch over at Kathy's waffle sketch file and this month its:-

and I've made a canvas board using it:-

The base was painted using paperartsy fresco paint and then using a tando stencil viva decor's terra paste was pushed tho' once set the base board was high-lighted using inka gold. Ovals were cut using nesties and the tin man and scarecrow images came from a sheet of Graphics 45 paper. The ribbon at the side was coloured using distress stains.

Do pop on over to Kathy's Waffle Sketch file, there are always some fab designs using the above sketch, and all previous sketches are still accessable for you to use too.

TFL xx

catch up

2011-11-04T20:23:00.000Z

Where on earth has this year gone? it seems to be flying pass so very quickly.

We took our son off to Bristol Uni two weeks ago and its strange that after all the time he's been so very ill he's now fending for himself and studying hard towards his degree and a much brighter future. We still don't know whats in store for him yet but he's got his life back!

Being late again I've missed telling you about the new challenge over at Tando Creative - this month the challenge is to create a piece in blue and brown - up for grabs for one lucky winner is four pieces of Tando product of their choice - you don't have to use any Tando products to enter, but, if you do you go into the draw twice.

Also, being as its another month there is a fab new sketch over at Kathy's Waffle Sketch file - so do pop on over and have a look.

The OH is currently participating in a competition and his team have now got thro' to the Semi Finals so I've had to get the ol' cricut out cutting out letters and symbols so guess where all my crafting time has gone this week!! lol

TFL xx

31st October 2011 - hallowe'en...

2011-10-31T08:00:00.003Z

Happy Hallowe'en.....the day of spoofs, spills, spooks and ghoulies....and things that go bump in the night!! lolxx

I suspect we'll get loads of trick or treaters around here as usual - I don't mind the little 'uns who are all dressed up and out for the fun of it, its the older ones who always seem unappreciative of what they're given and want more!

I've recently had a couple of printers trays in my DT pack for Tando creative and have used one to create:-

A spooky hallowe'en tray....the base was painted with acryllic paint and then a rough smearing of inka gold was added to the background, the tray was then assembled. I find I get a better coverage and neater finish if I paint then assemble. The edges were covered with T!m Holtz hobgoblin tissue tape and then distress inks smeared over the top and edged with inka gold. The tando bat at the top was coloured using distress inks and pens used to hi-light, the smaller tando bat was treated the same way, but, given a coat of glossy accents.
The spider and spiders web were cut out on the cricut, bottles, chairs, handmade skulls kindly donated by Janet were given the distress ink finish, the cameo is made of clay and then painted...and those spiders...well you'd never guess where they came from!! lol

Have a good and safe hallowe'en

xx

I'm taking Gingers advice and entering this piece for the Happy Daze Hallowe'en blog entry....

TFL xx

Tando online class

2011-10-29T06:40:00.002+01:00

Its Saturday again..................pop on over to the Tando creative on-line classes blog for the next installment to make this:-

This week we are decorating the legs and also making the background paper....do pop along and have a look and let me know what you think..

Also, just a reminder that I'm teaching how to make this clock on the 12th November at Crafts and Candlelight.

The base is a tando frame as are the numbers, the paint effect is created using paperartsy freshco paint - the clock does work!! There are still some spaces available, if you would like to come please drop me a line.

Don't forget you've still got time to enter the Spooky challenge over on the Tando Challenge blog - fab prizes up for grabs and a new challenge launching on Tuesday.....

Have a great weekend

TFL xx

its Saturday....................

2011-10-22T08:00:00.000+01:00

and over at Tando its a "me" day!! lol

Firstly do pop on over to the online class blog where you will find the first stage to make this:-

Pop on over to the blog where you will find a comprehensive list of supplies needed to make the frame and also the first class, entitled "Frame". The course will last for four weeks and each week will be published on a Saturday.

Also, over on the Tando Challenge blog its my "hallowe'en project" week and I made this:-

This is the front of my project, which opens out to:-

Which opens out to:-

The chipboard shapes were painted with dylusions orange paint and then distressed with black ink. The mould is made of clay and painted black and orange the "Boo" wording comes from Sir Tim...The centre skull is by Tando and has been coloured using chalks. The final section has stamped spiders and the hand and jailed pumpkins are by graphics 45...each section has been hi-lighted using a white gel pen and inka gold. The bats are all Tando Creative and have been painted with black paint.....the hinges are grungeboard hinges which were painted with black acryllic paint and distressed using scissors and inka gold.

Do pop on over to the Tando Challenge blog - each month there is a draw and one lucky participant will win four items of their choice from the Tando Range....you don't have to use Tando products to take part but if you do you'll be entered twice - how fab is that??

TFL xx

17.10.11

2011-10-17T19:37:00.000+01:00

Everyday! thats what keeps me sane!! This piece was a wooden "word" which was painted every colour under the sun until I was happy with the result which was eventually created using dylusions paints...the stamps are my hero S!r T!m's and these were hi-lighted with white pen...the edges were given the inka gold treatment! and the whole thing spritzed with ranger's perfect pearls mist in gold.

On Saturday another on-line class goes live for Tando Creative and I'm hosting this time....here are a couple of sneak peeks to tempt you to join in.

The on line classes are running for four weeks and I really hope that you can take part I'd love to see what you come up! See you there on Saturday.

Also, don't forget the Tando Challenge blog - the theme this month is "Hallowe'en" as always there is a fab prize up for grabs, your choice of 4 Tando products...how fab is that...wish I could enter! You don't have to use Tando products to enter, but, if you do you get entered twice.

TFL xx

at long last!

2011-10-11T20:23:00.000+01:00

some crafting............yeah!!

Its Tuesday so day for another posting on Kathy's Sketch file...

Here is my October entry:-

I'm a bit behind with everything at the moment so used the opportunity to make a friends birthday card using Kathy's great sketch. The rosette is one of S!r T1m's die cuts and the image is Jasmin by Joanne Capper-Sandon for stampotique which was coloured in using water colour pencils and then masked for the script stamp. Pattered paper with extra stamping and edged with inka gold, using cut and dry!!, and a few pins finished it off!

Do pop on over to Kathy's sketch file - each month there is a new sketch for you to try and all the old sketches are still accessible if you fancy having a go at those too.

I would just like to say a big "Thank You" to my dear friends who have been a rock to me over the last year plus! especially over the last few weeks...I really appreciate it all xx

TFL xx

update

2011-10-08T09:56:00.000+01:00

So, where have I been?

My son was diagnosed with Crohns back in March and over the last two years has spent long periods of time in hospital. The last few months he has been very ill and the end result was that he had his colon removed last week. He now has a stoma bag fitted. He came home this week and is doing very well both physically and mentally and is hoping to go off to Uni really soon. He is exceptionally underweight and we are now in the process of finding out what suits and what doesn't!!

My daughter also celebrated her 21st yesterday. Hopefully she had a good day and enjoyed her present!! although, our family meal was ruined by the restuarant which was a real shame,but, hey these things happen!!

So, with it being the 8th October, I've not told you about the wonderful theme over at Tando this month, which being October, had to be Hallowe'en.....make anything you like on the theme and if you use Tando product's you're entered into the draw for the goodies twice. The prize is really worth winning as you get to choose your own selection of tando goodies - how fab is that! pop on over and take a look.

Also, I've also missed telling you about Kathy's waffle sketch file and the fab new sketch over there.....so pop on over and give it a go.

I've photographed my pieces for each of these but just not had the chance to download them, I will do soon,

TFL xx

Tick tock...

2011-09-07T07:00:00.000+01:00

....here we have a .....

clock...................lol

The base is a Tando frame - which has had paint and stamping and crackle and all sorts thrown at it.....the edges were given the inka gold treatement - the numbers are also tando....fab stuff that Tando creative...

I'm hoping to do a class making this clock, so if you're interested please email me...further details will be published later...

Do pop over to the Tando Creative blog and see how the DT use the fantastic products designed by Di...also, have you seen the new Tando Challenge blog? It a monthly themed challenge and the lucky winner gets to choose a selection of Tando goodies - you don't have to use Tando to enter, but, if you do you'll be entered into the draw twice!! take a look and join in the fun....

TFL xx

Giveaway over at

2011-09-06T20:27:00.001+01:00

Lin Browns blog...a fab set of pan pastels - how totally fab is that....if you've never visited her blog where have you been do you know what you're missing? get over there now and have a look!! lol

TFL xx

6th September 2011

2011-09-06T07:00:00.001+01:00

The first Tuesday in the month sees a new challenge over at Kathy's Sketch File....

This month the sketch is:-

I've choosen to do a twinchie for my first piece this month:-

The base is by Tando and was painted with dylusions acryllic paint before being sprayed with dylusions ink sprays.....the edge was then painted with inka gold and then highlighted with white. The white circles were added using paint. The T!m Holtz stamp was stamped onto text paper and the blacked out words hi-lighted using glossy accents, this was then mat and layered......bling and chain finished off the piece.

Do pop on over to Kathy's sketch file for some fab sketches to use for all your crafting....they look great on layouts, cards and bits wot I do!! lolxx

TFL xx

PS - I just want to thank all my wondeful friends for their support and emails - unfortunately Josh was advised against going to Uni last week as he's too poorly to go and is now having his op next week so then hopefully he'll be able to lead a near normal life....xx

1st September 2011

2011-09-01T06:00:00.002+01:00

wow where'd August go? soon the kids will all be going back to school and normality resumes.

My youngest goes off to Uni on Saturday - boy, will the house be quiet then - he's only going for a few weeks then he'll be home for surgery and then back for the New Year and hopefully a more near normal life for him!

Over at Tando creative Challenge blog we have a new theme....."RUSTIC"

Here's my rustic banner....the base is the Tando Home Sweet Home set. All of the chipboard, bar the writing, was treated to the paperarsty fresco paint crackle treatment - the edges were then hi-lighted with viva decor inka gold. The writing was painted with black acryllic paint....bling was added to each home heart to finish it off. I then threaded twine thro' to make it into a hanging which is now in my craft room!

If you get a chance do pop on over to the Challenge blog. The themes change monthly and there is a wonderful prize for the winner - you get to choose Tando goodies, how fab is that? You don't have to use Tando products to enter, but, if you do you're entered into the draw twice. Don't forget to look at the products available as Tando now do a great range of masks and the new printers trays are just FAB!

TFL Xx

Crop Swap

2011-08-21T15:43:00.001+01:00

I try to attend a couple of crops each month and at the Bramford crop a group of us (Janet, Karen, Tracey, Janina, Nancy and I) challenge each other to think outside the box and alter "found treasures". I've been setting the recent challenges and we've altered jigsaw puzzles, dominos, pieces of wood!! lol - this time Karen gave us all large bottle caps, Janina gave us all a beer mat and Janet gave us all little boxes - you can see the "naked" pieces on Janets blog..

Here is what I did with them....

First up the bottle cap:-

I flattened the bottle cap in my cuttlebug and then painted it with bronze inka gold - I then punched a hole at the top with my cropadile.....The base is an image from Graphics 45 and this was then coated with Glossy accents...I then added some beads and watch pieces around the outside and then another coat of GA (in the picture it has shown up as really cloudy but its crystal clear and shiny!)....I then added some charms and beads and a T!m Holtz chain thing! lol

The beer mat:-

The background is distress stains which I splatted with water and then stamped a variety of T!m Holtz stamps in black these were then hi-lighted with a white pen ...I also used the stains on some white cardstock which was then used to make the rosette (TH mini rosette die) and stamped the saying onto another piece which was then edged with inka gold and then matted onto darker cardstock. The edges were also edged with inka gold. A bit of beaded trim and bling finished it off...

and finally......the box...

The base of the box was painted with Paperartsy fresco paint and then the crackle and then another layer of paint...this was then stamped over in brown....the butterfly is made out of shrink plastic and coloured using distress stains a bit of recycled trim makes up the body....the flower is made using a technique from Lin Brown....basically its painted metal and then moulded...all details are on her blog....

All of these pieces are now parcelled up ready for the swap at the next crop - wonder what I'll get back?

I would just like to say a big THANK YOU for all your lovely emails, comments and cards with regard to the sad loss of my dear Nanna. The funeral is on Wednesday which will be one of the hardest days of my life!

TFL xx

19.11.1919 - 17.08.2011 R.I.P NAN

2011-08-17T21:24:00.000+01:00

Tonight I lost my Nan.

After a spell in hospital she softly slipped away from us leaving massive holes in her daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchilds lives....

RIP NAN XX

comment verification

2011-08-15T20:06:00.000+01:00

I'm really sorry but over the last few days I've had over 200 spam comments left and so I've had to turn on the comment verification.

I do appreciate everyone that takes the time out to visit my blog and leave a comment and really hope that you will continue to do so...

xx

Steampunk men and Tando

2011-08-15T08:00:00.001+01:00

Morning....

I just adore the Tando chippie block pieces...be it journalling blocks or the blank sheets...this piece was made using a piece which is approx 4.5" square with a wavy edge.....

The base was painted with dylusions acryllic paint and once dry a Tando Stencil placed over the top, have you tried the stencils? they are fab! they are really thick plastic and so are easily held in place and give fantastic results with paste and paint alike...the one used here was the cogs.....and I painted acryllic paint over the top - once dry I hi-lighted the edges with a white pen. The T!m Holtz men and hand were stamped onto grungepaper which had been coloured using distress stains... the edge of the block was hi-lighted using a gold krylon pen.

Then I made this with it...

The brown backing paper is co-ordinations black magic paper....which was run thro' the bug with an embossing file...the banner is by T!m Holtz and the metal cogs act as a stay.....

Do pop on over to the Tando Challenge blog - this months theme is "Go Wild" and there is a fab prize up for grabs - you don't have to use any Tando products, but, if you do you're entered into the draw twice! There is also another two DT pieces on show today....we'd love to see your interpretation on the theme...xx

TFL

08.08.11 - Tando Challenge

2011-08-08T07:00:00.000+01:00

Morning.

Remember last Monday the Tando Challenge blog went live....have you seen the fab examples by Zoe, Karen and Kaz yet?

Today its the turn of my Tando Partner in inky deliciousness Joanne and I to showcase our pieces...

Now the theme for August is "go wild" and you know me, always thinking outside the box...so I've come up with this...

So, ok I can see you're all asking yourself "what on earth was she thinking!" well, "Take a walk on the wild side" ...lol The base is a canvas board which I painted with dylusions paints and then using a thin paint brush I added highlights in black, white circles were stamped and then the entire board was spritzed with a colour wash. The Tando boot was painted with black acryllic paint and then using the tando cog stencil I applied a thick layer of paint, rocking it slightly to give it a raised edge - once dry I applied inka terra to the top, heel and toe and sliced thro' using a spatula...this was then heated until it bubbled. Once dry I applied inka gold using a piece of cut and dry foam - where the paint was raised it has caught the product giving it hi-lights...the boot was then laced using bakers twine and a few beaded pins added to give a bit of bling...Lettering done with rub-ons and dymo tape....

If you get a chance do play along with us at Tando - this month all you have to create a new piece based on the theme "Go Wild" - it doesn't have to include any Tando products, but, if you do you'll be entered into the draw twice. The prize is fab - you get to choose 4 tando products from a fantastic selection - how fab is that....pop on over to the blog and have a go...

TFL xx

Kathy's Sketch file...New sketch..

2011-08-02T08:00:00.003+01:00

Morning,

Over at Kathy's Sketch File the new August Sketch goes live today...

Here it is:-

and here is my take on it:-

The base is a sweet tin which was painted with fresco acryllic paint the cog, made by tando creative was painted with fresco paint and the crackle glaze...the cogs are stamped on with versafine and is a paperartsy stamp...the banner is by my hero S!r T!m and was coloured using distress stains....the cogs at the side are mover and shaper cog dies which were cut out of shrink plastic, the snaps are by Junkitz...a few metal embellies finish it off...

Do pop on over to kathys sketch blog....she has some fab sketches and perhaps you can join in with the sketch challenge this month...

TFL xx

ps Just wanted to say a Big Thank You to everyone for their Birthday wishes yesterday - I had a lovely day xx

1st August 2011

2011-08-01T07:00:00.002+01:00

Hello fellow bloggers.....

1st August hey, the eighth month and isn't time flying - we actually saw some sun yesterday for a change wow that was a nice way to re-charge the batteries...

Today is a big day for Tando Creative - its the launch of the new challenge blog....it will be a monthly themed challenge with the dt posting up different pieces each Monday. You don't have to use Tando Chippie each time and there is a fab prize up for grabs...so, pop on over to the challenge blog and hopefully you'll join us.

Its not my turn to show my piece this week, but, somehow it doesn't seem right to do a post without showing something so here is a card I made for a friends recent birthday...

TFL xx

26.07.11

2011-07-26T07:30:00.000+01:00

Where does time go? one minute we're getting over Christmas and the next its nearly the end of July....does it come with getting older that time flies? One minute its Monday and I'm thinking ohhhh another week at work in front of me after a rather short weekend and the next its Friday!

Anyway, enough of my excuses hey!

Here is a card I've created for one of my students, who celebrates the same birthday as me, although, I must say, and not being rude here!! that she's alot older than me!!!!!! roflxx

The card has been created using July's sketch from Kathys waffle sketch file...The background was created by spraying on different coloured inks and then cosmo cricket paper added which had been cut with a punch...the co-ordinations cardstock was cut and then run tho' the bug with an embossing file, the centre piece was a cut off from karen during one of the crops....the little rosette is by my Hero S!r T!m...xx

TFL xx

Kathys Sketch File

2011-07-14T19:22:00.000+01:00

I had an email over the weekend from Kathy, from Kathys Sketch File, asking me if I would like to join her DT....Kathy creates the bestest sketches for use in layouts, cards or anything you like...so I said "YES"! so, here is my first piece for her...

The base is a Tando Creative chipboard piece which was painted with dylusions paints....the black outer line is also from the dylusions range and this was painted freehand around the edges...a white hi-light was also added....The frame is another one of those gorgeous Tando frames which was painted with acryllic paint and edged with inka gold using cut and dry foam....the flower was cut from kraft glassine and coloured with distress stains...the centre piece is a bead...the leaves are a martha stewart punch, edged with black pen and painted with glossy accents to add dimension...

Do pop on over to kathys sketch blog and perhaps you'll fancy having a go with some of her great sketches...xx

12.07.11

2011-07-12T21:08:00.000+01:00

Well it appears that Mr Mojo might have just returned home, about time too!! I've been really struggling to find any get and up and go, especially where my crafting is concerned, since I returned from holiday, but, at last I think I'm back to "normal" whatever that may be!

Each month I set our table at the Bramford crop little challenges to test them and see what they come up with - since I've been away last time I went I set them two...one was a little wooden domino and the other was to alter a jigsaw piece that I could put together and hang on my wall alongside one we did similar about 2 years ago...

So, here are my pieces:-

The base is a piece from a childrens jigsaw I bought in a local charity shop. The base was painted with viva decor crocco paint in turquoise and when dry I edged it with viva decor inka gold. The hand was moulded out of clay and then painted with acryllic paint and aged using the inka gold. The watch face was tinted using distress stains, an image from my fav graphics 45 paper and a crown finished off the piece.

Domino:-

The base was coloured using bronze inka gold, then viva decor terra placed on the edge and stamped, this was then heated to make it bubble, once cool inka gold was smeared over the top (grief I sound like an viva decor addict here!!) Beads were adhered to the corner and a piece of graphics 45 paper added and watch parts added for texture. A Tim Holtz clasp altered it to a fob piece...

TFL xx

How long???

2011-07-03T14:52:00.002+01:00

I didn't realise just how long it had been since my last post.....the reason for the brief interlude was that OH and myself went on holiday - left the kids to their own devices, not found out anything untoward, yet! and jetted off to the sun. We did absolutely nothing for a week, other than eat, drink, sunbathe, walk around the bay and sleep! came back fully refreshed and the ol' brain still hasn't got upto speed yet!! lol

Anyway, I have made some pieces....some cards and the such - but, the photography of them wasn't the best - so you'll just have to trust me on that one....

I have made these for the BF swap tho'

I run the Twinchie swap each month and last month decided to do a receipe - blue and white, piece of lace, image, piece of pattern paper and 3 pieces of bling.... Hope the ladies like my effort.

Over at Tando Creative there has been some excting news....Di has decided to do some online classes and Zoe is kicking off the programme - her frist class starts this Friday and here is the link - there is a taster piccie on site so do pop on over and take a look.

TFL xx

Try it on a Tuesday - altered art "dream"

2011-06-05T21:46:00.001+01:00

Its ages since I did a piece for a challenge blog! but, today whilst browsing thro' blogs and linking from one to another I came across "Try it on a Tuesday" who, this week are sponsored by "The Craft Barn" and the brief was "Altered art - themed "dream" - I have lots of favourite stamps - and this is one of them - I've had it for ages and you might well have seen it before:-

My tag was coloured using distress stains and then overstamped with text in brown ink - the D "dream" stamp was stamped using black versafine - I then spritzed the tag with perfect pearls in gold - now doing this on versafine isn't a good idea!!!! the colour ran a little but not too bad! the stamp was then hi-lighted using white pen. The butterfly is made from art institute film with fibres inbetween the two sheets so that they melted...(can't remember the name of the film and have thrown away the packets!). The little tag is one of my hero Tim Holtz with a "dream" saying. The ribbon was coloured using the same distress stains as the background, and the maya road ribbon at the bottom was coloured using distress stains in wild honey and walnut stain.....

TFL xx

Tando Creative - bookplate

2011-06-04T08:00:00.001+01:00

I just love the bookplates from Tando Creative. They come in two different sizes and in previous projects I've used the smaller ones, but, this time I've used a large one to create this:-

The base of this book was from some Tando chipboard which was covered with paper, which in turn had tissue tape added before being painted with watered down acryllic paint. A Tim Holtz harlequin stamp was then stamped with black ink. I used the townscape die to cut the border out of patterned paper, this was then painted with watered down acryllic before blacking out the windows and doors. The large Tando Bookplate was coloured using distress ink and then overstamped with a text stamp, this was then coated with Ranger Crackle Glaze and left over night to set - the cracks were then hi-lighted using distress ink. Inner pages and covers were then bound together using the bind it all and ribbon coloured with distress stains and beaded pins were added to the spine.

Years ago I created a book to store all the addresses of my crafty friends so that I could send them birthday and christmas cards - that poor little book has now seen better days so this one is to replace it hence the title "friends love to craft".

TFL xx

Sewing configurations box

2011-05-29T17:16:00.000+01:00

take two - just for me!!

So, the previous box was for a class that was held at Papermaze - but, this one I did just for me....

This time I've added reels as feet and covered them with tissue tape, and the dress form was given the distress treatment as seen on Hel's blog....

I have also taken another piccie of my piece for this weeks Tando creative post as the previous one was so dark!

Not quite sure whats going on with blogger again!! this post has just taken me ages to do and I couldn't download any pictures in firefox again so having to upload on internet explorer!!! computers hey!! lol

TFL x

Tando Creative - inka gold

2011-05-25T07:30:00.001+01:00

Where have the last few weeks gone? Joanne and I are now ending our current technique journey - really hope that you've enjoyed the trip!!

So, for the last of our pieces we're using inka gold and rub n buff...

Here is my inka gold piece:-

The base is a journalling block ( do you get the impression I like these??) The block was run thro' the bug using an embossing folder then graphite inka gold applied using a piece of cut and dry foam. Orange i/g was then swiped over the top and the edges then redefined using the graphite. The frame in the centre is a "karen" frame, the hearts were removed and covered with lava red i/g and then glossy accents applied, the centre piece had a piece of graphics 45 paper adhered and a fragment added to add definition to the head. The main frame was covered with lava green i/g and graphite swiped over the top. The gorgeous little tando dragonfly was covered with orange i/g and then lava green added to the edges with metal heads being adhered to emphasise the body and head....

I first came across inka gold during a weekend residential craft course - we were taught how to apply it and having fallen in love with the versatility of it, the vibrancy and how creamy it was I bought several colours (as you can tell from the above text) and ordered several more on my return home. For some reason, all of my pots have gone mouldy - they had been stored in a dark drawer away from any heat source, but, still, they are all covered with green spores. Now every time I use it I have to remove the top layer across the entire pot...now, for the cost of these pots I don't feel that its very good value for money at all!!!! To be honest, only cut and dry goes into the pot and this is thrown away immediately after use. I have tried to get replacements, but, several months on, no luck!!!

Do pop on over to the Tando blog and see what Joanne has created this week. Do visit the Tando blog regularly as the dt and other featured bloggers do create some gorgeous pieces.

TFL xx

Tando Wednesday

2011-05-18T08:00:00.002+01:00

Ever had one of those weeks when nothing has gone right? everything just seems to be an upward battle these last few days....this week's piece for Tando was supposed to be utee and beeswax and I was going to do a beeswax piece - had it all planned in my head....placed the beeswax pellets into the melt pan, switched it on, and made a coffee and then realised it had got far tooooooo hot!!! more beeswax ordered!! and when it comes I'll do the piece and watch what I'm doing!! lol

So, needless to say my pieces this week are utee!!

The first piece is on a journalling block, covered with two layers of clear utee and then coloured powders added to the top, when heated they all melt into a really rich colour - I've used a brown, blue and a rich raspberry (all cosmic shimmer) then I stamped into the image and when cool added inka gold.

this second piece I had planned for the beeswax! it uses another journalling block which was coloured using distress stains and then tissue paper adhered.....the edges were then covered with molten utee...when cool buttons and a tando cog was added.....

Joanne has created a totally gorgeous hanging this week you'll all love it...

Next week is our last week of techniques do hope you'll join us for that...

Have a good week

TFL xx

Tando Wednesday

2011-05-11T08:00:00.000+01:00

so, Joanne and I are continuing to explore different techniques using the Tando white and grey boards - this Wednesday we are using paint.....

I have used four wavy twinchies and painted them with acryllic paint before spritzing on paint and ink sprays and letting them run down the board. This stamp, one of the first I ever bought, was then stamped ontop of the four twinchies and then coloured in using water colour paints and wax soluble pencils. The edges were then sanded and coloured using distress inks and then a bit of gold dauber over the top.... then....

I was mounted onto my board from last week.....watch this space for the next addition...

All of my pieces just lately are so dark and I really wanted to show how the white board reflects the colours of the paints...this piece was made using dylusions paint and ink spray...

see how vibrant the colour is....problem is what to do with it?? lolxx

Do pop on over to the Tando blog and see what Joanne has created - also have a browse thro' the blog and see what the other talented dt have created.

TFL

btw, Thank You to all that have enquired after Josh - unfortunately, Josh is no better and is still in hospital - they are awaiting delivery of a drug to try, so fingers crossed he'll soon be back home with us....xx

Distress Stains

2011-05-08T16:11:00.000+01:00

I have fallen for these products, big time, they have replaced my distress ink pads and they are never far from my side. But, I have a tin for my inks, but, what about my stains....so, this is what I came up with.........

The wooden box was one of a set from a local cheap shop. It was coloured with fresco white paint coloured with a spritz of Tim's colour wash...then pieces of lost and found stack, lace, flowers, graphics 45, ideology, charms, grungeblocks, optic glass, beads....all thrown at it!!!

this is the front of the box:-

TFL xx

Tando Wednesday

2011-05-04T08:00:00.001+01:00

Hello!
I wasn't sure if I'd get this post prepared in time - Josh has been taken ill and was re-admitted to hospital yesterday - hopefully by the time this post is published he'll be doing well and responding to drugs...

so, today is technique day again over at Tando and Joanne and I are exploring the results of the viva decor terra and ferro range of pastes on the grey and white board Tando Range.

The ferro paste is coarse and grainy and comes in metallic colours...the terra is a much creamier consistancy and comes in a more earthern colour pallette.

For my first piece this week I have used the ferro and terra paste on the greyboard - this is an 8x8 sheet of greyboard and over the next few weeks will be adding to the project so...watch this space as they say...

One part of the board was coated with the ferro paste and the remaining clear board with the terra paste. I then used the edge of the spatula to draw lines into the paste and a bottle top to make rings in another part. I then applied heat - the terra went dull but the ferro bubbled up, the most surprising thing was that the paste bubbled up within the rings giving it a raised circular appearence - fab! The entire piece was then painted with black acryllic paint and heat dried again, then perfect pearls were added and spritzed....heated again to dry.

For my second piece this week, I took a white board atc.......

this time the base was terra paste which was then stamped into and then heat dried before painting with black acryllic paint...perfect pearls were then added and spritzed and dried...to finish off the raised sections were coloured using inka gold in green lava....

Now what to do with it......

A bit of this and that and a saying and its done....anyone want a swap??

Do pop on over to the Tando blog and see what the mega talented Joanne has come up with...

TFL xx

its finished.....

2011-05-02T16:29:00.001+01:00

The box I started on my wonderful Tim Holtz class has been finished...I've been putting it off for a while...not wanting the day to end....but, it all got the better of me yesterday when I decided that it would look much nicer finished off and on display...so, I painted, fixed, glued and played for hours...then stuck it all in place...

Here are some more piccies...

TFL

xx

Tando Technique Wednesday

2011-04-27T08:00:00.000+01:00

yet another Wednesday, where does time go? although I must admit I could get use to these short weeks at work!!

This week my DT buddy Joanne and I decided to try heat embossing on the Tando. We've used other forms of embossing but never the one method we all try first! so, here are my efforts...

Using the Tando arch I stamped with a clear embossing pad and embossed with clear powder. I then coloured over the image with distress inks and then wiped off with a towel. The grungepaper butterfly, beaded pin, tissue tape and small steampunk cut outs finish off the piece.

Then I did this...

wavy edged twinchie coloured with distress stains and then stamped and embossed with gold powder...but, what to do with it...

Perhaps this?

Pop on over to the Tando blog and see what Joanne has created.

Do call into the DT blog regularly as there are always some gorgoeus creations up to inspire you...

TFL xx

more atc's............and.................

2011-04-25T14:15:00.001+01:00

so, this months theme with Anne is...

Sewing...

I really enjoyed doing these ATC's.... they were all coloured using distress stains and then parts of an old tissue pattern adhered over the top...each one then had some stamping ontop of that using the creative expressions sewing stamps...lovely stamps those.....then maya road chipboard, buttons and ribbon added....

and...what do you think my boy is doing???

lol what is he like - must say he doesn't often lay like this!!

TFL xx

ATC's and Happy Daze

2011-04-24T14:43:00.002+01:00

Happy Easter to you all....hasn't the weather been just gorgeous? so unlike our Bank Holidays....

Happy Daze are offering some blog candy so pop on over to their blog for a chance to win...

Every month my crafty friend Anne and I do an atc swap - this has been going on for a fair few years now and I don't think we've every repeated a theme!! So, I thought I'd share last months theme with you...

Last month Anne chose mushrooms...

here are my mushrooms!! lol and I must say that I can't draw!!!

TFL xx

Tando Technique Wednesday

2011-04-20T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hello!

My fellow DT'er, Joanne, and I are still on our technique journey, passing loads of stash on the way!! lol This week we are "dry embossing" the Tando Chippie.

Here is my piece:-

The base is a Tando ATC - and boy what fab atc bases they are too... this was run thro' the cuttlebug with the d'vine swirls embossing folder. It is quite scary putting chipboard thro' the bug as the plates tend to bend and creak a bit!! well mine do - but, its a fab result so close your eyes and keep going!! lolxx Once embossed I then swirled tumbled glass di onto a mat and picking up the ink with my blending tool transferred the colour to the atc.....once I'd achieved the required results, I then ran the vintage photo pad over the top of the embossed swirls, this was then finished off with a coat of inka gold and the edges hi-lighted with the vintage photo distress ink.

The Tando domino in the centre was stamped with a paperartsy stamp and then embossed using the diamonds in the rough folder and coloured in the same way, only faded jeans di was used to hi-light the diamonds.

The dragonfly is also a Tando piece and this was coloured using the neocolour 2's and rock candy, pearls and a bead added!

Do try embossing the chipboard it gives a fantastic look and finish.

Pop on over to the tando blog and see what Joanne has come up with - gorgeous!!

TFL xx

A little update

2011-04-16T16:00:00.000+01:00

remember this:-

well, now that details have been confirmed I can now let you know that I will be teaching this configurations box at Papermaze on 14th May from 10am - 4pm. You will need your usual crop tools, including your trimmer, and if you have a score board, or equivalent, please bring that along too. Some places have already been snapped up, but, there are still some available so please contact Vanessa at Papermaze to book.

The box is also going to be available in kit form, please contact Vanessa for details.

TFL xx

Tando Wednesday

2011-04-13T08:00:00.000+01:00

and this week we are "MASKING" - there are different forms of masking - you can stamp your image onto your main piece, be it an atc, twinchie, inchie, arch, card etc, and then make yourself a mask by stamping the same image out onto a post-it note and then use that to cover your original stamped image, you can then stamp around and over to create extra depth to your piece.

There are also lots of masks out on the crafty market too, Tim Holtz has some fab mask's available, and also blank sheets so that you can die cut your own....or stamp... your own...

This is my piece for this week:-

I have stamped the girl image onto a wavy arch and then created my own mask and covered them over. Using a pale blue distress ink I've then coloured the arch before laying a Tim Holtz mask over and then adding a darker blue ink...I've then added a further mask with a deeper blue.....I then stamped a text stamp with brown ink over the arch. The girl mask was then lifted and the girls coloured in using distress inks....

A domino was coloured using the blue distress ink, mask added and a deeper blue over the top - then a stamped phrase was added.

Pop on over to the Tando blog and see what Joanne has created....

TFL xx

Sunday Stampers

2011-04-11T19:16:00.000+01:00

Its been ages since I last entered anything as a challenge blog entry - I think the last one might have been the last SCD piece and I must admit to really missing SCD.

Anyway, one of the challenge blogs I visit, but, embarrassingly never taken part in, is Sunday Stampers...so, this week I decided it was time to get off that fence and have a go....

so, here's my blue entry:-

This card is HEAVILY inspired by The Duke of Distress, S!r T!m's tag...I just loved it....anyway, Ty's vet, Uncle Bill, is leaving on Friday - still trying to come to terms with that one - if it wasn't for him....when Ty was really poorly he kept saying that coz Ty looked like he was "smiling" at him he wasn't giving in...we have so much to Thank him for! anyway, we wanted to say Thank You for everything he'd done and inside is a letter from Ty!! lol (I know don't say it!)

Stamps are from the steampunk T!m plate, paper is T!m's paper as are the clocks which were cut out and then clock pieces added - the cogs are from paperartsy and the tag a nesties tag....

TFL

xx

My sewing box...

2011-04-10T15:52:00.000+01:00

Grief don't faint two posts within a week!! lolxx

Look what I've been upto...

Its a small configurations box which has been given the "sewing touch" lol - each section has different little bits in it and on the outside is a diecut from the Duke of Distress, S!r T!m!.....

Can you see my little sewing machine? its a metal one and is totally gorgeous...the coat hanger is hanging from the top section.....

The wooden cotton reel has been wrapped with ribbons and has pins in the top and a tower of buttons with it....the next piccie has a little set of scissors (which are chipboard), with a real thimble and tape measure and needle threader....

Some people might be aware that this box MIGHT be a certain something.... more details to follow, hopefully next Saturday!!! lol

TFL xx

Tando Creative - Colouring

2011-04-06T08:00:00.001+01:00

Joanne, my DT partner in crime over at Tando, and I have been working on a series of techniques using the FABBY Tando chipboard. Each Wednesday for the next few weeks we will be posting a different technique and using that in our own way.

To start us off this week we've chosen colouring - there are so many different mediums on the crafting market at the moment, each one great in its own right, but, we don't all like the same thing or finish do we...so, this week I've chosen to use watercolouring pencils and neocolor 11 water soluble wax crayons and Joanne has created a gorgeous wall hanging using copics (pop on over to the Tando Blog and see this beautiful piece).

I just adore the Tando journalling blocks so for each of my pieces I've chosen these as the background.

This first block has been coloured using the neocolors - these were fab to use and when watered down glided across the white board, the water and colour didn't soak in at all and the results were so striking....the stamped image, the crafter, is by stampotique as is the swirl pattered at the bottom.

Then I created this piece

The backplate is another journalling block from the set and I stamped on a crafty individuals stamp before colouring in....points were highlighted using glossy accents.

Do pop on over to the Tando blog....as well as seeing our post today there is lots of inspiration to be found.

TFL xx

how long????????

2011-03-27T14:42:00.000+01:00

I can't believe I've been mia for a month!!! I've been about, but, real life often gets in the way doesn't it....

I've made some atc's and tags for my swap with Anne and Mandy - here are the heart atc's...

loads of paint, metal and stamping - the other theme was steampunk, but the picture I took didn't come out too well! This month the theme for the tags is "Italy" boy am I struggling with that one - done the background, but, now stumped for ideas....

I've also made these...............

Altered Cheeseboxes - the centre point for each one is a gorgeous new small bookplate from Tando Creative...these ones have been painted with acryllic paint and then painted with crackle glaze by Ranger then brads added for decoration....These boxes are also going to be the next class at Crafts and Candlelight....all details to be finalised this week, please contact Diane to book your place and please indicate if you'd like the hand or button option!! lol

I do have some more posts scheduled for this week - don't faint of shock....

TFL xx

so.....

2011-02-27T10:09:00.000Z

So, I've just had a few days off work.....did I do anything special?????????????YES!!!!!!!

I went and saw my HERO S!r T!m, the man of distress! and it was a total dream - the day went far too quickly for my liking! and his class even more so....

You know me, not a scrapper, but, this photo is definately going to be on my wall in one form or another. He also signed my book (see post below but one!) so that will be one of my most treasured possessions.

Bless him, with so many signatures and pictures bet he's glad to be back in the good ol' US!

Anyway, the class was to make a large configurations box which had some totally gorgeous pieces - mine still needs some work as I don't like to rush into these things they need thinking about.

During the run up to the class the Artsycrafts ladies decided it would be great to give T!m a gift, so we all made an inchie (well, those that wanted too - the remainder made message sheets) and all the inchies were made into a book for him - which was presented at the end of the last class - apparently he was really touched.

This is my inchie - one of 7 that I made and to be honest none of them were good enough! but, no matter how hard I tried it just wasn't right!

The photo was taken in a rush on Wednesday just as I was leaving!

I also wrote a little message on the back for him - well, you can't get alot onto an 1" square with my handwriting!! lol

At the end of a long, but, very special day, I met up with Laura and Sioux for a coffee - it was really great to meet them after knowing them for a while....

Here we are in the lobby of the hotel. Laura and Sioux wondering what was in store for them the next day and I knowing what a fantastic day they were going to have!!

Well, its back to earth again. It was a fantastic experience one that I will treasure. I know that Leandra and Lin, their families and supporters, aka cheryl, julie/sweetpea, Jo, Karen and the Marks, put an awful lot of work into making sure that the day went really well and I can't Thank them enough for that - just hope that they will feel upto organising another one one day!!

TFL xx

altered matchbox

2011-02-06T15:15:00.000Z

Here is a matchbox!!

The box has been covered with Tim Holtz papers and then stamped on with sepia ink, the top and bottom were also stamped with white acryllic paint and a ribbon wrapped around. The stamped image is a domino stamp and was mounted onto brown cardstock. The beads and pearls were threaded onto a headpin and attached to the main image...

then...... when opened:-

closer:-

Inside the box is again Tim's stamped papers.....the hand was moulded out of air dry clay and painted using a gold dauber, this was then scratched and wiped off to age it....a length of wire was threaded with beads and a small charm added this was then wrapped around the hand. A stamped piece of paper was then made into a fragment charm. Three beads and a little quote saying "unspoken words" were added. I can assure you it does say "Unspoken word" the hand is covering up the "un" lol..................

TFL xx

A Little book

2011-02-01T07:00:00.001Z

I recently bought a new set of stamps called Journal elements by Sam Poole - and boy are they gorgeous....I had the idea to make this:-

Every year I make a little book to place the details of all the challenges and swap I take part in...its a great thing to look back on every year as well as keeping me on track!! I stamped the covers out of cardboard and then covered with steampunk paper by Graphics 45 - I used other elements of the paperpack to make the fragment and backing section. The gorgeous heart cog is by Tando Creative and is part of the Heart Cogs mix - this pack comes in large and small elements and this is one of the small pieces - this was painted with gold acryllic and then coated with crackle glaze, once dry the cracks were hi-lighted by using black soot distress ink. Bling, lace, pearls and charms were all added to give it a steampunky feel!! I made the bead hangings using lampwork beads and headpins.

This is the back..

and this is one section inside

I used the same stamp and cut out inside the line to make the inner pages a little smaller. Each page was then coloured using different mediums and then doodles were added around the edges before being bound together in the bind-it-all.

I am hoping to run a class making a book similar to this...just have to check dates etc with Diane first, if anyone is interested in coming along to the class please let me know.

TFL xx

ps I'm entering this for the Artistic stamper April "Layers" comp....do visit their dt blog and see the fantastic entries.

Tando on the wings piece

2011-01-31T07:00:00.000Z

Di, over at Tando, has designed some great Valentine pieces for your projects...The winged heart on this piece has come from the Valentine Symbols pack which is great value as there are so many different elements included....

The idea for this has come from this months craft stamper..... the chipboard heart was painted with barn door distress ink and the wings painted with gold dauber. When dry, the wings where stamped with black ink and a text stamp and then coated with with crackle glaze. The heart and wings were edged with black soot distress ink and the little letters were then added.. The hinges were coloured using inka cold, a tim holtz stamped tag and pins finished off the front.....

Now, for the inside...

The red paper is by MME, and the red and black text 7 gypsies. The little box, with the acetate front, is all ready for some goodies to be added. I'm also going to add a tag to the inside pocket.

TFL xx

orange and turquoise

2011-01-30T11:04:00.001Z

Over on the Stampotique challenge blog the theme is Turquoise and Orange and this time you must use a stampotique stamp...

Here is a card I've made for a very dear crafting friend, the image is "Jasmin"

The backing paper is by Basic grey and the flowers are prima with turquoise studss...the blue stones are also from Prima...Jasmin was coloured using water colour pencils and the a mask created and a music stamp stamped over the top.

Hope everyone has a great Sunday xx

atc's

2011-01-29T16:42:00.001Z

Been having a play and joining in a few more swaps....

This atc is part of a set I made for a swap over at Bubbly Funk.....

The theme for the swap was "Grungeboard". The base is grungeboard which was embossed using the cuttlebug and then coloured with a swipe of distress ink - the flower and butterfly are made out of grungepaper! Hope the recipiants like them!

This second ATC is for a swap to be held at the Bramford Crop...The theme for this one was "Love"

so in keeping for February, hey? The base is mountboard which was subjected to the ferro treatment and coated with paints and inka gold. The wings, crown and heart are grungeboard embellishments, the heart had terra stamped into it then hi-lighted. The wings were painted with gold acryllic then stamped and then coated with rock candy!

Question for my blog visitors - as you might, or might not know, I have a sizeable collection of viva decor inka gold! can you imagine my horror when I opened one of these pots a while ago to find it covered with mould! I never put them away wet and leave the lids off whilst using them. They are stored in a dry and dark place away from any heat source - has anyone else experienced this? or is it just me??

TFL xx

try it on a Tuesday...

2011-01-17T19:57:00.000Z

I'm getting into the swing of these challenge blogs and here I am scrapping in by the skin of my teeth on "try it on a Tuesday" where the challenge is to create a tag for a man...

so, here's Dad's tag:-

my usual fav's of distress inks and my hero Timmy stamps were used to create this....

TFL xx

Having a play...

2011-01-16T16:38:00.001Z

Whilst having a trawl through the challenge blogs I thought its about time I started to participate more....I have several stampotique stamps and decided to have a go at their latest challenge which was to use "masking" in your finished piece...

so,

I have created this:-

The card base was created using chalk inks through a stencil, the cardstock is by cosmo cricket and basic grey. The image is Jasmin which was stamped onto cardstock and then cut out using a nestie - I then made a mask using a post-it note and stamped a text stamp over the top. Jasmin was then coloured in using watercolouring pencils.

TFL xx

Tando piece

2011-01-11T08:00:00.000Z

Di, over at Tando has designed some lovely new pieces for the new season, one of them being this frame.... circular in shape, it has a scalloped front piece, blank back panel and the frame slotted legs.

Here's my decorated frame:-

The frame legs were embossed using the cuttlebug and then a distress ink pad swiped over, they were then sprayed with glimmer mist and then stamped with sepia ink - the edges were then dabbed with gold dauber.

The base of the frame was painted with a variety of dylusions acryllic paints and then stamped with a variety of stamps in black ink. The image was cut from a sheet of graphics 45 steampunk paper - this was adhered to the base lifting up the arm and sections of the wings to bring both the front of the frame and the base together. The front was painted with the same paints and stamped with sepia ink. Once adhered to the base, carefully attaching the lifted parts, the edges were then hi-lighted using orange inka gold. The butterflies were cut from the remains of the steampunk sheet and their bodies beaded. Clock faces and flowers on the body have been hi-lighted using glossy accents.

Pop on over to the Tando Creative Blog and see what other new pieces are now available.

TFL xx

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-12-31T08:00:00.000Z

to you all and wishing you all good health and happiness in 2011!

As many of you are aware 2010 hasn't been the best of years for our household! with sickness, accidents and general misfortune playing a big part of it. I've been racking my brains to think of some lovely times and have found a few - in May attending the Artsycrafts weekend with Ang - that was a fab weekend and learnt so much and got to play with so many different things that event started my big adventure with viva decor products!! also, on Monday a dear friend got married - someone who has really been an inspiration to me and whose sense of always feeling grateful for small mercies really brings me back down to earth!! Also, spending days cropping (well I don't crop do I!) with my friends, having a laugh, sharing a woe or two, enjoying their company - a real pleasure. I have been lucky to teach at papermaze and crafts and candlelight - I really enjoy emparting my knowledge, however limited, and seeing others "just go for it" and expand their confidence to try new things.

So, amongst the rubbish some nice things to focus on.

Unfortunately, there is some sad news to impart as we leave 2010 and start on 2011 - I have decided to close down SCD. I would like to Thank the dt - past and present, Guest designers and everyone who played along - especially those that joined us at day 1 and still participate today. I would also like to thank all those that sponsored us for our 1st birthday - there was some gorgeous candy generously donated - a BIG Thank You for that. Also, to those that participated in the swaps - I was very lucky to see all of the swaps entered and there were some gorgeous ones - so, Thank You very much for those. Your continued support really made a difference - so Thank You to each and everyone of you.

No crafting pieces today - but, good wishes to you all for a Very Happy New Year and wish you and all your families a healthy and happy 2011...xx

A week to go...

2010-12-17T08:00:00.000Z

til Christmas Eve - are you all excited???

I'm still not ready, but, I'm sure that everyone will understand!!! lol

This week sees the last of the SCD challenges/themes in its present format. We are going to be taking a break now until the New Year when we return the challenges/themes are going to be set fortnightly, so that will hopefully give more people the chance to take part and also give people time to dedicate to their pieces too! We are also going to be welcoming some new DT members...so....something to look forward to in the New Year!

So, this week, it was my turn to choose the theme for the last tag and I've chosen:-

"Happy Christmas"

Well, what else?

Here's my tag:-

a T!m sized tag which was run thro the bug with an embossing folder, this was then covered with di's...the noel was stamped and embossed with clear ink and then distress inks swiped over. the trees are an old sizzix die, knew they'd come in useful again!! cut out of grungepaper and distressed with picket fence stickles added....pears and bling and another set of beaded pins with tree charm finish it all off!!

I do hope that you pop on over to the scd blog and see what the others have created and perhaps be inspired to join us...

TFL xx

FAB blog candy

2010-12-14T21:10:00.000Z

take a look at this fab lot - its being offered as blog candy by the generous Lin Brown - pop on over to her blog for a chance of winning...

its Friday!!!!!

2010-12-10T08:00:00.000Z

Well this week didn't pan out as expected.....OH couldn't have his op as he's too poorly, fingers crossed he'll be able to have it next week. We're a week closer to Christmas and for the first time in many a year, lost count, I've had to go and buy Christmas cards....I'm late doing everything and Christmas shopping, food and presents, hasn't even crossed my mind!! if things don't go to plan on Tuesday chances are OH will be in hospital on Christmas day so it might just be baked beans on toast for lunch!! so just as well I haven't bought anything in!! roflxx

anyway, its tag day again over at SCD and this week its Laura's turn to choose the theme and she's chosen:-

Christmas Characters...

anyone that knows me know that I just worship Tim Holtz and so here's my one and only contribution to his 12 day of tags this year:-

ok, so I had to improvise on some bits...the "facet" was off my daughters handbag charm that she chucked away and it glistened at me from the bin...its been on my desk since the summer waiting for a special moment! it didn't quite go to plan but its very pretty, the photograph hasn't picked it up very well. I didn't have any of T!m's pearls either, so I got some head pins and beaded on little white and turquoise beads and some clear beads and made my own!! obviously didn't have the roll of pearls or bling so that was a bit of pearl ribbon and some lines of bling....I did, however, have his paper, pin and "wish" ticket!! roflxx the little snowflakes in the corner are from Tando creative....

so, thats my take on this weeks SCD piece - do pop on over to the blog and see what the others have created - there are some gorgeous pieces there...

Have a good weekend xx

Friday 3rd December 2010

2010-12-03T08:00:00.002Z

Morning!another Friday and the end of another dire week which saw my Husband admitted to hospital! at least he's closer to home! which is helpful, especially in this awful weather we're having.

I was clearing my desk ready to take a picture of my SCD piece when I realised that I'd totally missed my Vanilla Sugar date....so, here is my vanilla sugar piece

The triangles are maya road little triangles which were covered with basic grey paper and then adhered to another triangle - a bit of inka gold in red and a charm finished it all off!.

So, SCD day and the start of another month...this month, so that you can still play and get some of those last minute Christmas bits done, the Challenge for the month is:-

late again....

2010-11-27T15:44:00.000Z

and no proper excuse this week either....had the idea to do this....

with this inside

for this weeks SCD theme of SNOW which was chosen by Dawn...but, it took much longer than expected and also the photographing of it didn't go too well either, the camera seems to only want to focus on one side perhaps its something to do with the glass?

Anyway, its a Christmas SNOW Theme mail slider....painted with various metallic acryllic paints with rub ons and cricut cut snowflakes which were coated with glimmer mists (yep, coated!) and then robins nests inserted into the middle. A snowman image was stamped and coloured with glitter added and then attached to the glass slider. The front of the slider has a Tim image and bling....

Pop on over to SCD and see what the others have come up with - there are definately some gorgeous pieces there to oggle at!

TFL xx

Friday 19th November 2010

2010-11-19T08:00:00.000Z

Grief another week just flown past and someone told me the other day its 40 days to Christmas (well thats going to be less now isn't it!!) and guess what, still no cards started here - one year I will learn and get started early! BF do a 25 challenge each month and a theme is set so that Christmas cards can be made all year around - I think I managed to complete one!! not going to get me very far is it??? lolx

So, this week - another eventful one in this household - and just for a change another family member was admitted to hospital - I'm sure they are going to nick-name a ward after us after the amount of time we've spent there this year!!

So, as its Friday, its SCD day....its my turn to choose the theme this week and I've chosen

"Numbers"

This month you can make whatever you like as long as it ties in with the theme...so, this week (as I've made all the cards now) I've made an ATC...

I like to use chipboard or very thick cardstock for my atc's and this one is no exception - the chipboard was white based and so I added the distress inks directly to the top - stamped in black ink various number stamps and added a fragment over one of them to hi-light.....

Would anyone like to do a trade with me on this one?

As its a free month the DT have come up with some gorgeous pieces...do pop along to the scd blog and take a look we'd love it if you joined in too....

Have a good week.

TFL xx

Scrapping moi?

2010-11-16T20:43:00.001Z

Ok so we all know I don't scrap - have tried it, its the size - its far too big!!!!!!!!!!!! how do you fill those big spaces? anyway, when Di from Tando sent me some gorgeous music pieces I knew what I had to do...

tadada.............. ok so not perfect....white bazzil with a scribble around the edges. The "music", notes and stave were al coated with viva decor glossy pen. The guitars, which, funnily enough are the same shapes as Josh's accoustic and electric guitars and so coloured accordingly...were coloured using distress ink then coated with stickles rock candy - bad move! coz, the only way to stick the wires down, which act as strings, was with glossy accents, but, the glossy accents wouldn't stick onto the stickles, boy were my fingers a mess! anyway, perserverance is my name! and it stuck, eventually. The ridge and circle are off my OH's new jumper!! lol (not literally you understand as I'm still breathing, but, were spares attached to the tag...well, we have to use whats at hand don't we!! lolxx) The picture was taken Christmas day 2007 before Josh became ill...and his Christmas Present that day??????????????? don't think you'll need more than one guess hey?

TFL xx

12th November 2010

2010-11-12T17:31:00.000Z

I'd like to Thank some very special people this week, and you know who you are, some very special friends who have been in touch with me all week and being so very supportive and one "blast from the past" which was very nice to hear from after all this time. I really appreciate all your support, care and kind words ....my brother is doing really well and is now at home - its going to be a long journey for him to be physically and mentally well again, but, with the support of us all he'll get there.

With it being Friday its SCD day....and this week the lovely Gez has chosen the theme of "Wings" ....I'm still trying to catch up on those cards...think some of my friends will be really upset with a bought one!!! lolxx

so, this is my wings effort:-

I'm not sure where the backing paper comes from.....the stamp is from Cherry Pie and I just love her, she's so easy to colour and get great definition and depth....bit of bling finished it all off!!

Have a good weekend whatever you're up to...

TFL xx

and...

2010-11-06T16:37:00.001Z

we go thro' life, ambling along and WHALLOP something comes along to shake us to the core, makes us sit up and take stock of what its all about.

On Wednesday my dear brother was involved in a serious car accident. He's been seriously ill in hospital, and for all the NHS faults they've looked after him really well. They managed to stabilise him and he had his op Friday, so, hopefully, we'll now start the long and painful road to recovery, in whatever form that may leave/take us.

It really does make you realise how petty small squabbles are, how irrelevant some things are to our well being - I must say its really made me think about a few things in my life!!

So, I missed SCD day, but, here it is, better late than never hey?

As its a new month its also a new challenge - and as so many people liked the free rein last month, and as we're on the run up to christmas we decided to leave it as that, but, this time the challenge will be the theme for a piece...so, this week its Laura's turn to choose and she's chosen the theme "HOUSES"

Here's my house:-

The base is a blank wooden key box which was painted, had inka gold, paint, tissue tape, ferro, mica powders, you name it all thrown at it. The inside was lined with graphics 45 steampunk paper, the the embellishments on the roof are tando cogs, tim holtz idea-ology pieces and some lovely little charms which I added images too.....

Do pop on over and have a look at the other gorgeous pieces the dt have made - and hopefully you'll be able to join us this week.

just wanted to share...

2010-11-02T21:42:00.001Z

look at these adorable babies...

aren't they just gorgeous - these are two of my foster "babies", we had these two, Jake and Indie, the first weekend and then Sampson and Lexa the second, unfortunately, Ty our Wei is a wuss and the second weekend he spent most of sunday cowering upstairs!! lol Unfortunately, 7 of these little mites were taken into the care of the kennels where my DD is currently working. Their poor owner lost his home and they had to go.....two of them now have loving homes but 5 are still looking for some love in their lives...if anyone can offer a good and loving home please get in touch.

On a crafty note....here is a canvas that will be my next class at Crafts and Candlelight on the 24th Nov 2010. As far as I know there are 4 spaces left...please contact the shop if you're interested.

All the chipboard used is by Tando Creative - they have some gorgeous Christmas pieces available visit their blog for a list of stockists.

TFL xx

Friday 29th October 2010

2010-10-30T11:46:00.000+01:00

ohh Hallowe'en on Sunday then - bet those pesky trick or treaters will be knocking on the door - better make sure this sugar free house (as we're all on diets, apart from my son!!) has some goodies to stop the nasty tricks!! amazing how quickly this "Trick or Treating" has got so popular in this country!

Over at SCD this month we've been having a free for all and its been great to see all the many different creations - cards, bookmarks, twinchies, atc's this week is our last colour theme and it's Sioux turn to choose and she's chosen:-

"Blue and Claret""

This is my piece:-

I've loads of birthdays in November and so with a free rein this month its been great to be able to make some of the cards I need - so, another card!! The image is by Joanne Capper-Sandon and has been coloured using water colour pencils and hi-lighted with white pen. Prima flowers, stickles, and leaves punched with a Martha Stewart punch finish it all off.

I must apologise to people I didn't get round to this week - I'm having a few problems with my pc, believe some spy ware might be "clogging" up my net! hopefully I'll be back and able to look at you all next week!

Have a Happy Hallowe'en bloggers

TFL xx

ps that nasty piece of spyware I mentioned when I typed my post earlier in the week took hold on Thursday! fortunately my OH managed to sort it out and so now I'm back up and running - thing is, now its sorted I can upload my images from firefox!!! pc's hey? - so, I'm late in posting this week's SCD piece - sorry!

Friday again?

2010-10-22T08:22:00.000+01:00

I seem to be rushing along on a train - all days are blurring into one and I honestly don't know where time is going....all of a sudden nights are drawing in, its flippin cold, frost on the car in the morning, and one person, who shall remain nameless, is counting down to Christmas?????????

So, with Friday, the eve of another weekend and also another colour theme over at SCD. This week's theme has been chosen by Ang, who has recently gone back to Uni which is why we haven't seen her for a while. Her choice is:-

Green and Yellow

and here is my offering:-

I'm catching up with Birthday cards - so here is another card......the base was from an old kit, the stamp is by Sugarpea, the flowers are prima, swirl by maya road and the pins out of my stash.

Looking forward to seeing what creations our players come up with this week.

TFL xx

Friday 15th October 2010

2010-10-15T08:00:00.000+01:00

What another Friday? really don't know where these weeks are going....before we know it its going to be Christmas...and will I be ready? very much doubt it!! lolxx

I have a bit of a gripe this week - with these new changes to blogger I can't upload any pictures thro' my usual "firefox" thing!! I now have to go onto internet explorer and then I don't have any problems at all! why is that? OH reckons that firefox needed updating - which I did - does it work? NO! I've tried and tried and to be honest get slightly fustrated with it all - so now via internet explorer is my post!! lol

Of course, as its Friday, its SCD day!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and this week its Dawn's turn to choose the colour theme - don't forget its free for all with regard to what you make, it just has to fit in with the colours chosen....

so, Dawn has chosen:- Orange and Black

Here is my piece:-

the base is a journalling block from Tando Creative - this was painted with trad tan acryllic paint and then using a mask I stippled the orange Dylusions paint. The black curly corner is another piece from tando creative and this time it has been painted using viva decor gloss paint....the image is from graphics 45 and the cog another piece of Tando Creative chippie - the saying is from a stamp set by my hero Sir Tim xx

Pop on over to the SCD blog and see what the other dt'ers have come up with, there are some gorgeous pieces there, and hopefully some of you will join in....

Have a good weekend.

TFL xx

Friday 9th October 2010

2010-10-08T08:10:00.000+01:00

Well, Friday again.....another birthday in the house yesterday, Sian this time, 20! where'd that time go? can't stop thinking back all those years ago! frightening really!

Anyway, with Friday comes SCD day! and this week its my turn to choose the colour combo - don't forget its free rein month and you can make whatever you'd like - guess what - I'm catching up on birthday cards!! roflxx

So, this week I've chosen "Purple and Green"

ok so not your usual colour combo from me, but, whilst playing around a couple of weeks ago I discovered this colour combo and really liked it, so have a go and see if you like it too...

Here's my piece (guess who's card it was!! roflxx)

The base was text which was coloured using DI's, the image is a stampotique one from the Joanne Capper-Sandon range and was stamped and coloured in using water colour pencils then cut out with a nestie and then next size up used as a mat - grungepaper butterflies with beaded bodies, flowers and pins finished it off!!

Also,

Here is a picture of another frame - these frames from Tando are FAB give them a go, and they come in loads of different sizes:-

This one is for my class at Crafts and Candlelight.....the class is being held on 20th and 27th October - we need two sessions to get all the elements made.....please ring Dianne to book a place.

Don't forget to pop along to the SCD blog and see what the others have come up with.

TFL xx

First Friday of the Month

2010-10-01T08:00:00.001+01:00

Which means that its another SCD new challenge and a new theme....this month we're trying something different!! lol we are going to be setting colour challenges and you can make anything you like, so tags, inchies, twinchies, arches, layouts, cards....whatever takes your fancy.

This week its Gez's turn to choose and she has chosen:--

Autumn Colours - so, oranges, red, gold, browns....you know the sort of thing..

So, here's my offering...

As usual, the base is the normal white card stock, which was coloured using DI's then stamped with a crackle stamp in brown ink - black scrolls were stamped in the corners and then the edges "roughed" using scissors and then a swipe of brown ink. The image was stamped and then coloured in using DI's and hi-lights added with glossy accents before being cut out with a nestie. prima flower, bling and some pins finish it all off!!

Do pop on over to the SCD blog and see what the others have created there are some gorgeous pieces there - really hope you'll join us.

Also,

As its the first of the month, boy, October already - its Vanilla Sugar day....and this month its to make/decorate a canvas....here's my piece:-

The base was painted black and then using a Tim Holtz mask I used inka gold to add texture to the base. The image is from Graphics 45 steampunk pad, the cogs are from Tando Creative and have been painted and then brushed with transparent viva decor crocco paint...some watch faces, metal dragonfly and metal corners were added to the piece. The edges have been trimmed with Tim Holtz tissue tape. Do pop on over to Vanilla Sugar and see what the others have created.

Have a good weekend and TFL xx

Friday 24th September 2010

2010-09-24T08:00:00.000+01:00

Well the days are rushing into weeks and before we know it Christmas will be here!! I really don't know where this year has gone, so many changes....

This week has been quite eventful with trips to the hospital and work and this and that!!

On Wednesday night I took a class of 11 ladies at Crafts And Candlelight (got it right this time Diane!! lol) hopefully the ladies had a fab night and took away some lovely boxes....

This week is the last week of Arches over at SCD - and Laura has chosen the theme this week which is:-

"Birds"

Here is my Arch:-

The usual white card to start off with coloured with di's and then stamped with various stamps....a bit of doodling and hi-lights from a glimmer pen....

I really hope that some of you will pop along to the SCD blog and join us...don't forget with next week being the first Friday of the month it will be a new theme!!!

To those going to Ally Pally have a fab time! I'm not going this year - I have a date to prepare for in Feb!! lol

TFL xx

Friday 17th September 2010

2010-09-17T08:00:00.002+01:00

WOW what a week! it was Steves Birthday and our Wedding Anniversary so we both took a couple of days off work!! which was lovely!

This week also saw the sale of Tim Holtz tickets for his workshop in Newport Pagnell in February 2011 - well, couldn't let that pass by without trying to be part of it could I? my hero teaching on these shores!! well, I managed to butter up Steve and Christmas came early with my ticket - so, we'll be off to learn amazing things with the creator of all things distressed!!

So, its Friday again, and its another SCD day....hopefully a few more SCD'ers will join us this week and make some arches - this week its Sioux's first theme choice and she's chosen:-

"Stars"

so here is my arch:-

the photograph is seriously lacking as there wasn't alot of light about - will try and take a better one this weekend.

The base is the usual white card which has been coloured using DI's the background was a star stamp with other star stamps used in the corners, all stamped with di's - the main stars are grungeboard shapes coloured with di's and coated with rangers' Matt accents and then hi-lighted with white pen!

Do pop on over to the SCD blog and see the what the others have come up with - and hopefully some of you will join us this week.

Also, this week, I'm teaching a class at "Crafts By Candlelight" on Bramford Road in Ipswich - the class is on Wednesday starting at 6.30pm - we will be making a sectional pizza box measuring 4" x 4" - and then creating background papers using di's and collage stamping and hi-lighting and our own embellishments to finish it all off. If you're interested please contact Diane at Crafts by Candlelight....

Have a good weekend.

TFL xx

Friday 10th September 2010

2010-09-09T20:37:00.004+01:00

Another Friday, on the brink of another weekend and oh boy am I looking forward to that!! lolxx

Over at SCD this week we are continuing with the ARCHES theme, these can be any size and shape so lots of variation available there! Its Ang's turn to choose the theme this week and she has chosen The 1950's...

Here's my effort:-

1950's hey...um kitch or elegant?? or what is there in the stamp drawer ( I only have one you know!! Suzy I can hear youuuuuuu!!!!! rofl) anyway I decided to go for elegant and used this stamp from Stamps Happen - I then cut out a mask and inked using DI's over and then stamped a Cherry Pie crackle stamp over in distress ink......the little border at the bottom is from a set of prima stamps....the mask was then removed and the image coloured in using water colour pencils....a bit of stickles added a bit of bling and finshed off the piece - not sure how 1950's this is, but, its my arch!! lol

Pop on over to the SCD blog and see what the rest of the DT have come up with - there's some gorgeous pieces there - I really hope some of you will join us this week...xx

Hope you're all having a good week - have a great weekend

TFL xx

Friday 3rd September 2010

2010-09-03T08:46:00.002+01:00

Another month gone - another week gone - and the end of my holiday! reflecting back on the two weeks what have I done? Josh had to have another "proceedure" last week which took up 3 days, Dad's birthday, we've been out a few days...all in all not a bad holiday could just do with another week if I'm honest as I'm not ready to go back yet!

Josh has gone back to school today! he is so used to being the youngest in the year with his birthday being in June, but, today he'll be the oldest - he's very fortunate to have been given a second chance at this year and I'm really hoping he'll make the most of it!

This week over at SCD its a new challenge and of course a new theme!

The challenge for September is to make Arches - these can be any size and shape that you like, but, obviously, fitting in with our theme of the week....This week's theme, Lace, has been chosen by Dawn, and its her first and first write up as DT so I hope she'll get plenty of takers this week...

So, here is my Lace Arch

The white card base was stamped using a lace stamp with versamark ink - I then dusted chalks over the image - the versamark acts as resist. The centre piece was a piece of stampbord which had been coloured with DI's and the lace stamp, this time with black ink, stamped over and hi-lighted by scratching. Prima flowers spritzed with glimmer mist, lace and pearls, and a bit of beaded trim were added before inking the outer edges.

Don't forget last months torso's swap - I have received some lovely sets and there is still time to send your's along for swapping. Email me for my addy and join in the swap!

Don't forget to pop on over to the SCD blog and see the other Lace Arches - and it would be great to see your pieces too.

Have a great weekend

TFL xx

Monday 30th August 2010

2010-08-30T08:00:00.001+01:00

Tando Creative have recently designed a great selection of journalling blocks. These would be a great addition to any scrapbook page or card, but, following the latest trends and a'la Sir Tim and Wendy Veechi styles I've used mine like this:-

the base was painted with acryllic paint and once dry stamped with a studio 490 plaid stamp, this was then stamped with "bubbles" glimmer mist - this glimmer mist is gorgeous! the grungepaper butterfly also has a spritz. A rub on was added to the side. The grungepaper flower was made using loads of different colours - a whim!! and a bit of rock candy distress stickles added. A fragement was coloured using AI's and then a stamped image and a rub on added. The edges were hi-lighted with inka gold....the addition of a few pins finished it all off!!

TFL xx

Friday 27th August 2010

2010-08-25T18:04:00.004+01:00

so, ok, who stole the summer? its really miserable - rain every day since St Swithins, must have done our 40 days by now and the rumour of snow next month - well!!! how flippin typical thats all I can say!

The end of the month signifys the end of another challenge over at SCD. The torso shape has proved popular this month, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the swaps....

This week is my turn to choose the theme and I've chosen:-

"....of the sea"

and here is my offering:-

white card cut to shape and coloured using DI's - the base was then stamped with a Cherry Pie rubber stamp, bubbles, these were then hi-lighted with the trusty white pen. The mermaid image is off the net. Both the image and base were coated with rock candy distress stickles to add a bit of sparkle. The edges were doodled and then inka gold applied. The text was created on the pc.

If anyone would like to join in the swap, email me thro' my contact button and I'll send you my address...really looking forward to seeing SCD'ers art in real life!!

Have a lovely weekend.

xx

Friday 20th August 2010

2010-08-18T20:02:00.004+01:00

Over at SCD this week the very talented Gez has chosen our torso theme and she's chosen:-

Red and Black

so, I made this:-

but, then I found this image and made this:-

not quite sure which one I prefer, but, the second one has gone up over at SCD as my post...

Hope that you're enjoying the torso shaped atc's and don't forget the swap at the end of the month! just email me and I'll forward you the details so that you can take part....

TFL xx

Cards

2010-08-18T19:03:00.002+01:00

Does anyone like us have one month of the year where its endless birthdays? only half way thro' the month but still lots left!! with this in mind I decided I'd take part in challenges to try and work my way thro' them all, but, you know what I'm like!! didn't get very far...actually still at the starting post lol

So, here is my brothers card:-

the background is basic grey, the image is by art journey, the stamped butterfly's is a studio 490 stamp.... a metal corner with a Tim pin and tag finish it off.

and as part of my Tando kit I received this tree - initially I thought about using it as a "family tree" and hanging off little frames with pictures in, but, then I thought it would look good like this:-

Part of a secret garden - the card incorporates the tando tree which was painted and then hi-lighted with inka gold, stamps are by Paperartsy apart from the butterfly which is a studio 490 stamp - the flower in the corner is made from tissue paper coloured with di's and sprayed with various glimmer mists!!

TFL xx

13th August 2010

2010-08-13T08:00:00.002+01:00

Friday 13th August to be precise! now, my car has gone in for its 1st MOT I did try and not make it today, but, time ran out and Steve needs it when he goes away Monday! fingers crossed!!

Over at SCD we are continuing with our torso ATC challenge and its Laura's turn to chose the theme and she's chosen:-

Memories

Here is my Torso ATC:-

the shape was cut from white card which was then coloured using distress inks, ribbon and lace edge were places at an angle over an image from Crafty Individuals....a flower with a painted and hi-lighted chipboard heart and some pins and pearls were added in the corner...."Memories" was stamped using a cheap ol' set of alphabet stamps which have proven to be worth their weight in gold!

Pop on over to the scd blog and see what the others have come up with - some gorgeous pieces are on show.

Don't forget we're running a swap this month and we'd love everyone to join in...just email me for details.

Have a great weekend and TFL

xx

10th August 2010

2010-08-10T20:43:00.003+01:00

and its not Friday!!!!!!!!!!!! roflxx

I've been creating a few pieces for Tando Creative recently, and as they've all now been posted onto the blog thought I'd share:-

The first post was of my "trio of frames" which is posted a bit further down - its fab to see that some crafters from the class have posted their frames which are FAB! well done girls!

The second post was of this:-

and

using the large and small bauble set from the Christmas range from Tando - the planner is to help me get organised this christmas - inside are sections for christmas card designs, lists, lists and more lists...you know how it is...

and the card at the bottom was created using last years christmas papers!

and my fav piece:-

the base is one of the new journalling blocks from Tando - all the embellishments (apart from the pins of course!!) have been made, mainly out of grungepaper! edged using that fab inka gold product - and a lovely white pen that actually seems to work - when I've got my hands on a few more I'll let you know where it came from!!!!!!!!!!! roflxx

Hope you're all having a fab week - see you Friday!

TFL xx

6th August 2010

2010-08-06T08:00:00.000+01:00

and yet another Friday - whilst talking to a colleague this week we were commenting on how quickly the summer has passed us by....it rained here St Swithans day and boy, living up to its name, we've had rain, in one form or another, every day!! fed up of it now...Sun please??

Its a fun filled week with exciting news to share over at SCD this week and hopefully this month's challenge will encourage you to take part in our challenges.

Our first bit of news is that the mega talented ARTYJEN has joined us on the DT - if you don't know Artyjen, go and visit her fab blog..... and drool!! lolxx

Sioux (Artyjen) has also designed some FAB buttons for us - so please grab one and post on your blog....they are really swish - and a BIG Thank you to her for doing that xx

So, whats this month about then? The challenge this month is Torsos - ATC sized....a template has been provided over at SCD, but, there are other templates out there, but, please adapt them for 2.5" x 3.5" (the size of an atc).... this weeks theme is bling...

Here's mine:-

The torso was cut from white cardstock, coloured with di's and then masked and recoloured - the flowers were stamped with a text stamp - the edges were then inked. Bling was added and a white pen used to hi-light areas.

This month we are running an ATC swap - make your atc's and send them to me at the end of the month, I will return them on a 1/1 basis..... email me thro' my contact button on my blog and I will let you have my address - only ATC's sent with a sae will be swapped. You don't have to take part every week to participate in the swap...any further questions just ping me an email...

Pop on over to the SCD blog and see the other FAB torsos'...

Have a great weekend

TFL xx

Sunday 1st August 2010

2010-08-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

Its the 1st August today - 8 months into the year and another year older for me!! Thank You to those of you who remembered it was my Birthday and for the cards that you sent... I really appreciate the effort and care put into my cards xx

Today is a new challenge over at Vanilla Sugar and this month its to create/alter a Frame..

So, here is my altered frame:-

so, this might look a bit familiar - its the third one I've done...lolxx the base is a 6x6 frame from Tando Creative - I've used circular/oval fragments along with a couple of rectangular ones, and in the corner the ferro has been covered with inka gold and topped off with a grungepaper flower. The middle has been created with distress inks and grungepaper embellishments made with studio 490 stamps and a stamped quote finish it off.

As I said its one of three frames I've made and here they are together...

think I'd better do something else with them now don't you!

Do pop on over to the Vanilla Sugar blog and see what the others have come up with.

TFL xx

29th July 2010

2010-07-29T21:51:00.002+01:00

SCD day today - and over on the challenge blog we are still doing tags - and the theme this week is a colour theme - Orange, Blue and Brown...

Here is my final tag:-

I have had the shape template for ages and have forgotten where it came from - the butterflys and flowers have been cut out of grungepaper and coloured using DI's - the main body of the tag was coloured using DI's and then over stamped with several stamps....

Next week over at SCD there will be a new challenge, a new theme a great new swap and a GREAT new DT member joining us!! how fabbie is that?

Pop on over to the SCD blog and see what the others have created!! FAB!

Have a good weekend xx

FRIDAY 23RD JULY 2010

2010-07-23T08:00:00.003+01:00

Tis Friday, again!! lol and time for another SCD theme....the challenge this month is TAGS and the theme has been chosen by moi this week and its:-

CIRCLES

Here is my effort...

The usual white card coloured with DI's, stamped with a paperartsy stamp and then cut on the nesties....bits and bobs added, as you do!! lolxx finish it all off!

Really hope that some of you will pop on over to the SCD blog and try our circle tag theme this week - why not pop on over to SCD anyway and see the other DT tags and also the lovely Joannes great GDT tag.

We have some FAB things lined up for August one of them being a FANTASTIC new DT member and also another swap...so do keep popping onto the blog and seeing what we've all been planning and hopefully you'll join in the fun.

For those attending my Frame Class on Saturday, please don't forget your blending tools (if you have them), non stick mat, cutting mats and basic crop tools and of course the important bit, lunch!! roflxx

TFL xx

Kathys Sketch Blog

2010-07-18T16:17:00.005+01:00

A forum buddy, Kathy, runs a sketch blog and here is my attempt at her latest sketch....

Some friends of ours move house tomorrow and so I decided to use the sketch for the card - all papers are by papermania - the Persimmon collection - the house is an Anna Griffin stamp...

If you fancy trying something different why not pop on over to Kathy's blog and have a go at one of the many gorgeous sketches on offer...

TFL xx

July 16th 2010

2010-07-16T08:00:00.000+01:00

Wheres the summer gone? one minute its lovely and warm the next its back into the trousers and long sleeve tops!! only in England hey?

What a week this household has seen! Poor ol' Ty our wei managed to break one of his molars so another visit to the vets and another claim on the insurance - when the vet took a look he said that he'd also cracked the one beside it, so poor ol' boy has had 2 teeth removed - as you can expect, he's feeling rather sorry for himself!!

Last week Dad was rushed into hospital too - so that was trips every other night up the ol' A14 to visit - fortunately he was allowed home yesterday - and I've had to have an MRI so all in all a very eventful week!!

Its Friday again, so its SCD day...we are continuing with our tag challenge and the theme has been chosen this week by the lovely Gez and its....

Fantasy

here is my fantasy tag:-

just plain ol' stamping, colouring in, highlighting and a bit of distress stickles...fibres added to finish it all off.

Pop on over to the SCD site and see the other FANTASTIC Fantasy tags...

TFL XX

9th July 2010

2010-07-09T08:00:00.000+01:00

and its a Friday so that can only mean one thing, its SCD day!

We are still continuing with our tag challenge and the theme this week has been selected by Laura...who has chosen:-

"Are you sitting comfortably?"

Well!! what can I say? always pushing us to our limits and making us think outside the box, pop on over to the SCD blog and see what Laura has to say about her thoughts behind the theme and perhaps it won't put you off!! lolx

Heres my effort:-

The background was created with distress inks and then stamped with three different background stamps, the sitting image is by Art Journey, and the little flowers are studio 490 stamps...the swirl has been painted with inka gold...and the edges were hi-lighted with it too!!

We have a special announcement over at SCD this week - so pop along and read the news!

TFL

xx

Class details

2010-07-06T20:33:00.004+01:00

For the last few months I've been teaching some technique classes at Papermaze. All of these technique classes are going to reach the finale on Saturday 24th July when we will be putting all of the new and some old technqiues to practise and create a frame similar to the above.

The class will involve painting, dry brushing, using texture paste, stamping, embossing and making our own fragment embellishments using alcohol inks and various other techniques. Apart from the frame and ribbon - everything is hand created.

Although the class is primarily for those that have taken the monthly classes, other crafters are also welcome. All materials are provided, but, please bring with you your usual tools, ie scissors, craft mat, cutting board, etc. If you have any favourite pieces that you would like to incorporate into the frame you can also bring those along too. Even if you haven't attended the workshops, I will be on hand, and there are full instructions to follow - so it really is available to everyone.

The class runs from 10am to 4pm and costs £25. All materials are provided along with light refreshments - please bring a packed lunch with you. To book click here.

TFL xx

ps the frame is one from the gorgeous Tando Creative range - see some other inspriational pieces here.

2nd July 2010

2010-07-02T08:00:00.000+01:00

SCD day today - and as its the first of a new month its a new challenge along with a new theme.

This month we are re-visiting tags....any shape, any size, just as long as they fit in with the theme of the week.

This week its Ang's turn to choose the theme and she's chosen:-

Hearts

here is my tag:-

The base, as usual white card, which has been painted, terra and perfect pearls along with a bit of stamping all thrown at it. The centre is a metal heart....and the embellishments have been made out of grungepaper.

Do pop on over to the SCD blog and see what the others have created - we also have a FAB GT joining us this week, so pop along and hopefully you'll join us this week..

TFL xx

1st July 2010

2010-07-01T17:33:00.005+01:00

Its time for a new project over at Vanilla Sugar - this month we're looking at altered jars/tins/boxes...

Here is my altered box:-

The base is a small wooden box that I picked up in our local QD store - it was a nest of three boxes - so cheap!! I painted the base with acryllic and then dry brushed it. The lock was also painted then had inka gold added to age it.

The top has a metal "piece" on it and some grungepaper embellishments, little metal corners finished it all off.

Around the top of the lid and along the bottom of the box was added Tim Holtz tissue paper tape.

Pop on over to the Vanilla Sugar blog and see the other gorgeous box creations.

TFL xx