Better Late than Never!!

OMG!! what a week, needless to say it has left me a day late to post my DT piece for this weeks challenge over at Crafts4eternity. Our challenge this week needs no thought as we are having an "ANYTHING GOES" week. So there are no excuses not to pop over and join in with your latest makes, one randomly chosen entry will win 3 digi images from the Crafts4eternity store.

My piece this week is a catalogue of mistakes (happy ones I think) as I eventually got around to spoiling some crisp clean pages in my Dylusions journal, I have had this now for nearly year and just couldn't find whatever I needed in me to start it. I think I was worried about getting it right, but hey! what is right?? So I went for it.................. It didn't start out at all how it finished but I suppose that's all part of the journey. My inspiration for the pages was hearing the song "Everybody's Gotta Love Sometime" on theradio driving home from work.

I think I have used a little bit of everything I own and most of it I can't remember lol. Some main items were Texture paste through Heidi Swapp hearts stencil and then those were coloured with pan pastels, distress paints, paperartsy fresco paints, white gesso, torn dictionary paper which I paint with watered down paint which I then stamped "Friend" by Stampotique (love him). I have given him a matching heart.

 More painted dictionary paper was put through my printer which I printed out the lyrics of the song, I did this in draft mode so it came out really light and then went over the test with a fine black sharpie pen so it looked more handwritten. For a bit more interest/texture I have added some ripped washi tape. I have even chanced my own handwriting and written the lyrics is white gel pen on the opposite page.

I would also like to enter this into stampotique designers challenge the theme for this week is use washi tape, I know I haven't used loads but it's on there.
also
simon says stamp where they have an anything goes challenge
Thanks for visiting I really appreciate you stopping by.
love
Amanda X

Cute Kids at Crafts4eternity

This week over at Crafts4eternity our challenge for the week is "Cute Kids" we are looking for you to make any sort of project that features kids. I picked up a bargain stamp from Ebay some months ago now but haven't actually got around to using it so as it fits in with our theme this week felt it was time I inked it up. The stamp is Sweet one Collage from Cornish Heritage Farm.

 I have stamped the image 3 times using archival ink black,potting shed & coffee and cut the first 2 images down to create 1 image I then matted it onto kraft card. For the sentiment I have ripped wording from 7gypsies Lillie tags and crumpled with the inclusion, using Tims label letters, of the word and to make it make sense. The background has just had a light brushing with a dry paint brush of antique linen distress paint to breakdown the white.
So if you fancy making a child themed project this week come and show us and play a long at Crafts4eternity this week. Our kind sponsor for this weeks challenge is Crafty Sentiments Desgins who are offering 1 randomly chosen winner their choice of 3 digital stamps.
Hope to see you over there
thanks for popping by and visiting
Amanda X

Stampotique Challenge - Happy Birthday

I am getting back into the flow again after having 2 weeks off on holiday and I am pleased to announce that my craftroom looks like a bombsite which is good as it means I have got in it to at least create the mess, happy days!! This week over at Stampotique Designers Challenge  the theme this week is "Happy Birthday" so without further ado my entry into that challenge

Quite a simple make from me and using Janet Kleins "Little Friends" stamp. I have put party hats on them all spelling out the word fun. Colour is just Dylusion ink dribbled across with the splashes mopped up with the 2 small tags including the tag strings so the colours match. Main sentiment stamp is from Kaisercraft and I have stamped Happy Birthday on the 2 small tags using a small alphabet stamp. All has then been matted onto blackcardstock to finish it off.
Thanks for visiting and hopefully see you back soon
Love
Amanda X

stampotique DT Call (extra photo's added)

Hi everyone
I'm back from a well earned bit of R&R and ready to get back to all the inkyness that we all love. I couldn't help but notice that the marvellous people that run the Stampotique blog are looking for some new DT members HERE. As a huge fan, as some of my previous posts will confirm, of their stamps I jumped at the chance to submit an entry piece to join what I am sure will be some stiff competition, but I suppose you have to be in it to win it. My DT entry also fits in with the current challenge Try a new technique.

I have started with an 8x8 canvas that I covered in tissue paper using multi medium to crinkle and glue into place this gives the canvas fabulous texture NEW TECHNIQUE No. 1. Then I painted over with a coat of gesso. Once that was dry I just played around with acrylic paints and stencils and old lids and gelatos till I was happy with the results. I then cut several run throughs of mountboard using Tim Holtz word play die, each letter is 2 stuck together for added depth. I then gave each letter the same paint effects before sticking onto the canvas (labour of love), The canvas "Living The Dream"is a little tongue in cheek!!

 

With so much texture how to add my image?? NEW TECHNIQUE No.2 I stamped the image "Relaxin" onto tissue paper with black archival, nothing new there, but I then painted on the reverse with acrylics which I haven't previously done.

 

 I also stamped Ryns Trickling water set in the same way to add to the canvas. I also carried the design onto the sides of the canvas.

 

So there it is, my DT Team entry. I have to include with my entry a little about my "Style" which I have always described as eclectic but I suppose I have a stronger leaning towards colourful painty, inkly, grungy creates which I enjoy making the most. My reason for wanting to join this team is I just love their stamps they offer so many creative opportunities, and to be part of such an inspiring design team would be amazing as I have admired and been inspired by many of the team over recent years.

so here goes.............and if I am not lucky enough on this occasion I have loved making this canvas.

See you all soon

Love

Amanda X

PS I thought I would just add some of my previous Stampotique makes just to show how much I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee these stamps

thanks for looking if you got this far lol

Unwinding...................

Hi everyone, hope you have all had a lovely bank holiday weekend, mine has been spent working, oh the joys of retail!!! After a busy weekend I am now home with my aching feet up, bliss.

I have managed to keep up to date with blogland through my iphone and it looks like many of you have enjoyed a crafty weekend, (jealousy has kicked in). I might get to potter a bit in my craftroom tonight but more likely I'll fall asleep infront of the TV lol.

Just thought I would post a quick card I made last week as I wanted to play with my new Marilyn Monroe stamp from Deep Red Stamps.

The background was simply 3 distress ink pads peacock,raspberry & lemonade directly dabbed randomly onto card and then sprayed with water so they merged together slightly.

The card was then cut up for the background and the remainder stamped 3 times with the Marilyn stamp, mat and layered onto black cardstock. The sentiment is from Indigoblu stamp set "Brideshead" then a few diamond gems to finish it off.

This is probably my last post before I jet off  for a bit of R&R in the South of France, can't wait. So I will see you all in a couple of weeks.

Love

Amanda X

Enjoy the Ride!

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are all looking forward to the Bank Holiday this weekend in the UK, sadly I am working 

and the weather is meant to be lovely,  just my luck.......

With only a week to go until I am away for my well earned holiday in the South of France my time has been a bit in short supply this week, but as it is Friday I have found the time to make my DT piece for this weeks challenge at

Crafts4eternity

where out theme this week is 

"TIME TO GO" and the challenge is to make something with a Travel Theme.

Why is it that when you don't have much time things don't work out as you intend them to? I am not sure about my piece this week but have to go with it as I haven't time to make anything else, so here goes

Background is some gesso painted map page ripped up and stuck to white card, then smeared with distress paints using a baby wipe edged with matching distress ink. Motorbike and compass are stamps from Deep Red stamp company. Arrow has been stamped onto map paper and left white and a touch of 7Gypsies pointing finger washi tape. I have used several Tim Holtz remnant rubs and my dymo gun. This has all been matt and layered onto 7gypsies 8x8 from the journey paper pad (love this paper).

 If you are thinking of making something that fits our theme this week why not pop over and show it to us HERE .

 Hopefully see you there and you hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Love

Amanda X 

2nd Guest Designer Post for Ryn

Hi, hope you all have had a lovely weekend.

Just a quick post to say that I have had my 2nd guest designer piece published by Ryn of 

"Designs By Ryn"

Ryn designs and manufactures her own unique range of rubber stamps which are deeply etched and beautiful to stamp with.  For this, my 2nd guest designer post I have used the wonderful "Candra" moth stamp.

Here is a sneak peak of what I created, which is in stark contrast to my first guest designer make.

To view in full just click HERE. 

Ryn's blog features some fantastic work from her design team who all, in their own unique way, demonstrate what fabulous works of art her stamps can create. They all offer wonderful inspiration using many different mediums across a range of styles of interpretation.

Well worth a look.

See you all soon 

and thanks for visiting

Love

Amanda X

I do like to be beside the seaside..........

Hi and a big welcome to you all, thanks for visiting today. 

Fridays seem to come round far too quickly at the moment and as it is Friday again it means another new challenge over at Crafts4eternity. Our theme for this coming week is 

"SUMMER SUN"

which means you can join us with any summer themed project that you make.

I have made a vintage style card using Kraft card and distress inks as watercolours78.

all stamped images from Crafty Individuals CI-278 plate and sun is Indigoblu's "Square peg in a round hole" stamped with 3 distress inks.

Kraft card has been embossed using Tim Holtz Alterations Postcard folder, I have had to piece it up but I have covered the join using some cheesecloth dyed with distress stain.

The final touch was a few shells collected from the beach a couple of weeks ago.

So why not join in with us with your bit of Summer Sun.

This challenge is sponsored by Crafts4eternity and one randomly chosen winner will have a choice of 3 digital images.

Hope to see you play along with us this week.

I would also like to enter this into the following challenges:-

Our Creative Corner - Words,Words,Words - mine being the lyrics to this summer song
Anything Goes Challenge  - By The Sea
Make My Monday - Add some dimension  (cheesecloth and shells)
Frilly and funkie - By the Seaside
Country View Challenges - Quotations & Sayings (2nd entry)
Crafty Individuals - August open challenge
thanks for visiting and an extra special thank you to all of you that leave me your comments, they are truly appreciated.

Love
Amanda X

A Corrosive Friday!!

It's time for another weekly challenge over at Crafts4eternity and our theme this week is

"CORROSION" which is a colour swatch challenge

I have used acrylic paints that match the colours of the swatch and played with my gelli plate and stencils to create the smaller background piece. The main stencil is journaling left hand by Stencil Girl and a variety of other stencils. The larger background I have created using the piece of paper that I cleaned my brayer off on and just added a bit more stenciling to fill in the blank bits.

Text is Tim Holtz remnant rubs and finally my stamped image is from Deep Red rubber - Doc Martins.

This is the colour swatch which has inspired this card, and hopefully inspire you to come and play along with us this week.

Our sponsor this week is Floppy Latte who are offering one randomly chosen winner a $6 gift certificate to spend in their online store.

So go on, pop over and get "Corrosive" with us.

see you all soon

love

Amanda X

Windmills of my mind.......

Hi everyone, and an extra hi to my newest followers, hope you enjoy my crafty journey.

I have had a weekend that has just been a social whirl,and it has been lovely catching up with friends that I haven't seen in a while. I have not had that much time to get in my crafty space but what little time I have had I have used to use up some distress inked crafty scraps.

I have a bit of a thing about circles so got out a couple of circle punches and punched out from some scraps. I then starting getting these song lyrics running through my mind.

"Like the circles that you find in the windmills of your mind"

so I thought that would be a great statement on my card so printed from my PC.

other stamps include from designs by Ryn - Raindrops & Sea Bubbles

also Quantum by Deep Red Stamps. 

The stamped woman's face is from Viva las Vegastamps and her eyes and lips have been coloured with distress ink and then highlighted with Glossy accents I love how it has made her eyes look . 

I am entering this into this months challenge over at Country View Crafts  where August's  challenge is "Quotations & Sayings"

Thanks for visiting and see you soon

Love 

Amanda

 

Here Comes The Bride

Here Comes The Bride

This weeks challenge over at Crafts4eternity

We would love to see your cards that celebrate a wedding or anniversary.

The card I have made is to celebrate a Ruby Wedding Anniversary. The stamped image is "Poppy Heart" from Indigoblu. I have used the stamp to also create the background by first stamping with versamark and then applying the Pan Pastel which then makes the stamped image stand out as it picks up more of the pan pastel.

Sentiment stamp is from LOTV and embellished with a little ruby bling and Martha Stewart butterfly punch.

Quite a simple card for me!!

Our sponsor for this challenge is "StampingAll Day" 

and one randomly chosen entry will be able to choose 3 downloads from them.

So why not come and join us?

Thanks for visiting and see you soon

love

Amanda X

Featured as a Guest Designer!

Hi everyone hope your week has started well. I have to say mine has!! 

I have been featured as a Guest Designer on the wonderful "Designs by Ryn" Blog HERE

If you haven't discovered Ryn's stamps before please go and have a look as they are a brilliant collection and you will find many new favourites, click HERE to visit her online shop.

Ryn is based in Canada and will post world wide.

 Ryn has included a couple of my previously posted cards but I have also completed 2 new projects

Here are a couple of sneak peeks of those new projects

please visit Ryns Blog HERE to see these 2 projects and the fantastic work that her design team produce using her fantastic stamps.

Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely day

love

Amanda X