I'm Home!

Good Morning All and may I wish you a very Happy New Year!

We're back from the cruise which was great fun but when we got back I went down with the "dreaded lurgy" hence, no posting last week.  Please forgive me, but I felt like death warmed up!

Anyway, let's get on with a nice quick and easy project for this week.  It's a little tag I made using the Couture Creations 3 in 1 sets.

Start by covering a tag with the Creative Expressions "Teresa Collins" paper.  Paint the sides and the back with Eco Green Black Acrylic Paint.

Use the doilies dies to cut shapes from the Teresa Collins Paper and build them up with 3d foam pads.

Cut out (by hand) some leaves and stems from the same paper pad.  Draw dashes onto them with a fine black pen.  Glue into place.

Glue the flowers on with Cosmic Shimmer Dries Clear Glue.
Add a Creative Expressions Cream Self Adhesive Pearl to the flower centres.  Attach a piece of Cream Seam Binding to hang the tag.

Nice and simple and a good way to ease back into crafting after a break!

Now onto the blog candy.....we've reached the 300 mark and using my random number generator (my OH!), he has selected the number 296 and that is Angela Hartley.  So Angela, please e-mail me and I'll get the candy in the post for you...many congratulations.

I'll be putting up a new candy in the next few days so please keep an eye open for it.

On the cruise we went to Jordan and I was finally able to see The Lost City of Petra.  It was stunning and I've put a couple of piccies on here.  Well worth a visit if you're ever anywhere near.

I'll be back tomorrow with a project for Creative Studios, hope you'll visit, but in the meantime, many thanks for stopping by today.

Layered Embossing

Good Morning All.  Well, by the time you read this we'll be travelling back from Southampton after going on the Fred Olsen cruise to Israel and Jordan.  It'll be quite a relief to get back and start on the Christmas preparations!

Today is my day for a project on the Creative Studios Design Team Blog and I thought I'd do something a little different.  I've used a Layered Embossing Technique which I love.  I've put the full step by step on the Creative Studios Blog.  To get there, click on Sam Poole on the right.

So, here's the card.

I've used the Steam Punk Flowers A5 Stamp Set designed by Sam and also one of her fab A6 Background Stamps.  Sam has a fantastic on-line shop and it's well worth a visit!

Well, many thanks for your visit and comments, they really are appreciated.  Normal service will be resumed next week (yes, I know it's Christmas Day but I'll still post something!).

Until next time....keep crafting!

Mica Powders

Good Morning All.
Isn't it strange how if we don't get good results the first time we use something, we assume we've done something wrong when that might not be the case!

Take my attempts at Mica Powders for instance.  I always seemed to end up with a "bloom" which just looked messy.  Of course, it had to be my fault as everyone else seemed to get fab results with them!

Well, I'm pleased to announce that I think I've finally "nailed it"!!

So without further ado, here is my Creative Expressions Design Team project for today.

Cut a piece of Dark Roast Coffee Cardstock to size and go over it with an anti-static pad.
Ink up the Snowdrop stamp with Perfect Medium Ink and stamp randomly onto the coffee card.
Dust over with Cosmic Shimmer Mica Powders in Gold Pearl and Green Pearl.
Matt and layer onto Foundations Milk Cardstock.

Die cut the Spellbinders Classic Frame in Coffee and Milk Cardstock.
Stamp the Snowdrop onto the centre of the Milk Frame with Perfect Medium and dust with the Mica Powders.  Stamp the sentiment over the top with Coffee Archival Ink and heat emboss with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder.  Glue into place with Cosmic Shimmer Dries Clear Glue.
Attach the outer frame with 3d foam pads.

Tie a double bow with Brown Crushed Satin Ribbon and add a Light Brown Dazzler to the centre.  Attach to the card with a glue dot.

To make the flowers:

Paint some watered down Mica Powders on a piece of the Milk Cardstock.  Dry then cut out flower shapes using the Heartfelt Creations Posy Patch Dies.  Place the flowers into the Vintage Plumes Embossing Folder and run through the Grand Calibur.
Make the flowers up.  Glue onto the card and add gems to the centres to finish.

So, what were my tips for the Mica Powders.  Always use an anti-static bag.  Secondly, the results do seem to vary with the quality of the card.  The Foundations Cardstock worked perfectly for me.

That's all from me for today.  I'll be home from the cruise tomorrow (I've been away since November 18th but I was determined to blog!). 

Many thanks for your visit and comments, they are much appreciated.  Until next time.....keep crafting!

Pretty in Blue

Good Morning All.  We'll be on our return leg of the cruise by today and I'm sort of looking forward to getting home and getting Christmas organised.

I think that after getting all the washing done, the next job will be putting the tree up.  See, I'm already making lists!  At least I managed to finish making all the Christmas cards before I came away.  That leads me on to sharing with you a card I've made for the Creative Studios Design Team Blog (the link is Sam Poole on the right).

It's a very simple card but I think it's quite effective.  If you'd like the step by step, please visit Sam.

Anyway, it's just a very quick post today.  I'll be home soon and hopefully we'll have reached 300 followers and the draw for the blog candy can take place!

Until next time, keep crafting!

Let's Go To the Pub!

Good Morning All.  It's nearly Christmas so it's the perfect time of the year to visit your local hostelry!  Even if you don't drink, I have a great reason for going and that's beer mats!!

Todays Design Team project for Creative Expressions features beer mats that I "liberated" from a pub.

Here goes!
Cover 3 beer mats with Creative Expression Teresa Collins patterned paper.  Distress the edges with Tea Dye Distress Ink. 
Paint the sides and backs with Eco Green Black Acrylic Paint.  Punch holes as shown.

Ink up a swirl from the Creative Expressions Mini Swirl stamp set with Black Archival Ink and use 2nd generation stamping on the beer mats.

Stamp the Christmas Rose and Snowdrop with Black Archival Ink onto Coconut White Cardstock and heat emboss with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder.
Paint the flowers with Spun Sugar and Tattered Rose Distress Inks and the leaves with Shabby Shutters and Peeled Paint.  Cut out and stick onto the beer mats with Cosmic Shimmer Dries Clear Glue.
Stamp the name of the flower under each one.
Stamp the sentiment and heat emboss as before.  Cut out and colour the card with the 2 shades of pink Distress Ink.
Matt and layer onto Foundations Black Cardstock.
Die cut the shapes from Spellbinder Fleur de Lis Accents dies and glue into place.

Colour some string to join the beer mats together and thread through the holes.
Stamp some 6 petal flowers from the Couture Creations 3 in 1 set onto Teresa Collins Paper.  Cut out and distress the edges with Tea Dye Distress Ink.
Make up into 3d flowers and glue into place to finish.

So, off you go to the pub!  I hope you've enjoyed this project.  There are so many tutorials on 3d flowers that I haven't included one here.  I know that Sue Wilson has a fantastic one on her "Particraft" blog (there's a link on the right).  Until next time, keep an eye on the Creative Expressions blog and don't forget Fun Friday on the Creative Expressions Facebook page (there are prizes!)
Many thanks for visiting and leaving comments.

Follow Your Dreams

Good Morning All.  Hope everyone is well and Christmas isn't causing too much stress!

I've definitely moved away from the Christmas theme with the card that I've designed for the Creative Studios Design Team Blog this week.

I've used the High, Low technique that the wonderful Sue Wilson showed me at Ally Pally back in September (that seems like a lifetime ago!).

I've put the full step by step instructions on the Creative Studios Design Team Blog.  To get there, look on the left for the link to Sam Poole.  I've also used her fabulous "Up, Up and Away" A5 stamp set.

Anyway, here's the finished card.  Hope you like it.

I'm away on my travels at the moment but still blogging so please come back and see me again.  I do appreciate your visits and also the comments.

I think we'll probably be up to 300 followers by the time I get back so I'll be able to do the draw for the Blog Candy.

Until next time, stay healthy and have a happy, crafty time!

Long Lost Friend!

Good Morning All!

Do you ever go through your craft stash and realise that you've got a product that was loved then pushed to one side?  I recently tidied up (a miracle I know!) and found my fusible fibres.  Well, I couldn't let an opportunity to use them again go by so, here they are in this weeks Creative Expressions Design Team piece.

Ink up the Christmas Rose from the Winter Flower Stamp Set with Black Archival Ink.
Place some Cosmic Shimmer Heat Bondable Angel Fibres in Enchanted Metallics over the top of the stamp.
Cover over with a piece of vellum (or baking parchment) and press down with an iron.  Don't be tempted to move the iron around too much, just lift it and press down again.  When the fibres have fused you'll be able to see the ink outline of the stamp.

Cut out the flower head.
Stamp the Christmas Rose again onto Coconut White cardstock with Black Archival Ink and heat emboss with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Powder.  Paint the leaves and stem with Cosmic Shimmer Watercolours in Holly Leaf and Autumn Twist. 

Die cut the Flower using Spellbinders Labels 28.  Glue the Bondable Film Flower into place with Cosmic Shimmer Dries Clear Glue.
Die cut a matt.
Using the Creative Expressions A4 Tapestry Folder, emboss a piece of Coconut White Cardstock.   Apply Patina Gilding Wax around the edges.

Matt and layer then glue the Flower element into place.
Tie a knot into a piece of tulle to make a "faux bow" then tie a double bow using the crushed satin ribbon.
Glue onto the card and add a Silver Dazzler to the centre of the bow to finish.

So get searching out all of your hidden treasures!  You'll be surprised what you find!
Many thanks for your visit and comments and until next time...keep crafting!

Time for Summer!

I'm getting a bit fed up with the cold! 

As it's my day for the Creative Studios Blog I thought that instead of more Christmas Projects, I'd do something completely different and go for a very summery card!

So here it is!

I've used the "Caught in Crystal" technique to make the flowers and have posted a full step by step on the Creative Studios Design Team Blog.

The link is on the right....just click on Sam Poole.

Hopefully, by the time you read this, I should be bobbing around on a cruise ship and heading somewhere warmer but I will still be posting so please visit.

Many thanks for stopping by and leaving comments, I do appreciate them.

Until next time.....keep crafting!

Crackle Paint Technique

Good Morning All.  It's Tuesday, so that means it's my day for the Creative Expressions Design Team project.

So without further ado, here goes.

Paint one of the small MDF plaques with Eco Green Moss Acrylic Paint.  Leave to just about dry.  Paint over the top with a layer of PVA glue.  Dry lightly (it should still be tacky) and paint a layer of Eco Green White Acrylic Paint over the top.  Dry thoroughly with a heat gun until the crackles appear.

Stamp the Christmas Rose with Black Archival Ink and heat emboss with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder.

Paint the leaves with Cosmic Shimmer Watercolours Set 6 (Luscious Greens).  I've used Antique Green and Golden Mint.
Paint the flowers with Cosmic Shimmer Watercolours Set 3 (Brights).  I've used Candy Floss and Rose Hue.  The flower centres have been painted with Yellow Sun and Scarlett Sunset.

Paint around the edges and the back of the frame with Eco Green Black Acrylic Paint.
Paint a Scalloped Studio 490 Art Part Border with White Acrylic Paint and the edges with Black Paint.
Stamp the sentiment with Black Archival Ink and heat emboss with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Powder.
Glue the border into position and it's finished!

I hope you've enjoyed today's project.  Many thanks for visiting and don't forget, for more ideas using this fab stamp set, visit the Creative Expressions Blog (link on the right) and see what the rest of the Design Team have been up to.

Until next time....

An Excuse to Visit the Pub!

Good Morning All and a very Happy Wednesday!

This is only a very quick post as I'm off on my travels.  Did you all enjoy the blog hop yesterday?  The Couture Creations 3 in 1 sets were great to play with.

Anyway, I'm doing a step by step on the Creative Studios Design Team blog today using a beer mat.

I hope you pop over there and have a look.

I'll still be blogging with new projects a couple of times a week while I'm away so do please come and visit!  And of course, I always enjoy all the comments you leave.

If we reach the magic 300 followers, I'll do the draw when I get back (on 18th December).

Until next week, have a happy, crafty time!

Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Creative Expressions Couture Creations Blog Hop.

In order to get here, you must have come from Kim Robertson's Blog.

If you have arrived from Kim Robertson's Blog you are in the right place.

This is the card I thought I'd share with you today using the Butterfly Notes Couture Creations 3 in 1 set.

Apply some Flake and Glitter Glue onto a piece of Cut 'n Dry Foam.  Dab onto the large collage stamp and stamp onto a piece of Foundations Black Cardstock.
Apply Summer Meadows Gilding Flakes over the top.
Cover with Creative Expressions Double Sided Adhesive Sheet.  Remove the backing and apply Cosmic Shimmer Diamond Sprinkles Glitter Jewels.

Onto a piece of Coconut White Cardstock, randomly stamp the Dandelion and Butterfly with Perfect Medium Ink.  Heat emboss with Cosmic Shimmer Bright Gold Embossing Powder.

Cut a strip of Coconut White Cardstock measuring 1cm wide, stamp the Music Notes with Perfect Medium Ink and heat emboss as before.
Go around the edge of the larger white card with Perfect Medium Ink and heat emboss with the CS Bright Gold Embossing Powder.

Matt and layer.  To finish, add a bow made from the Crushed Satin Ribbon and apply a Black Dazzler to the centre.

I really hope you like it and would like to thank Sue Wilson for passing on this technique.

Thank you for visiting my blog, please leave a comment to be in with a chance of winning a prize!
Once you have done that, you will need to click here to visit Neil Burley's Blog.
http://perfectly4med.co.uk/2013/11/19cc-ce-bloghop/

Thank you for taking part in our Blog Hop - good luck!

WOYWW

Another Wednesday, another WOYWW! Hope everyone is well and the Christmas Card preparation is in full swing!

Here's my desk this week.

I'm working on a Design Team project for Creative Expressions using some beer mats that I "liberated" from a pub a while ago!  There's an empty cup, lots of Distress Inks, the Winter Flowers stamp set and of course, my trusty paper trimmer.  In answer to a question a few weeks ago, there are 4 bone folders in the tub (I don't know why there's that many!).

I have been making Christmas cards and I've got a very quick and easy one on the Creative Studios Design Team Blog today (the link is Sam Poole on the right).  The full step by step is there but here's the finished thing.

And the final picture is.....the sweetest kitten in the world...fact!  It's Dr Gonzo!

He's laying on his favourite fleecy blanket and cuddling a knitted toy.  He loves having something to cuddle.  My daughter has just got Dr Gonzo a goldfish to watch swimming around and he's fascinated by it.  Well, the vet did say to try and stimulate him with interesting things!

I'm going away on my travels next week so although I won't be able to join in with WOYWW I'll still be blogging, hope you'll pop by for a visit.  We're down to the final 9 followers for the blog candy...if it happens while I'm away, I'll do the draw when I get back.

There's going to be a blog hop next week with all the Creative Expressions Design Team taking part and prizes on offer.  Have a look at the Creative Expressions website news (there's a link on the right) for details.  It's to celebrate the launch of a brand new product...watch C&C on about 15th/16th November.  There's lots of gorgeous samples that the team have made for the shows.

So, until next time, have a very happy week and many thanks for your visit.  I'll get round as many desks as I can before I go away. 

Loving the Winter Flowers!

Good Morning All, hope everyone is well and in fine fettle!

Today is my Creative Expressions Design Team blog day and I've used the gorgeous Winter Flowers A5 stamp set again.  I just can't stop playing with them!!

So here we go with a step by step.

Die cut a Spellbinders Labels8 from the Creative Expressions Double Sided Adhesive Sheets.  Remove one of the backing pieces and add 4 or 5 drops of Sunshine Yellow Alcohol Ink and the same amount of Sunset Orange.  Use the backing paper to smoosh the ink down onto the adhesive.

Apply Warm Sunrise Gilding Flakes over the top of the ink.

 

Turn it over and remove the other piece of backing paper.  Stamp the Snowdrop with Black Archival Ink directly onto the adhesive sheet.  Colour in the flowers with Alcohol Ink Pens.  Cover with Micro Beads.  Matt and layer onto a white

 

 

 

Labels 8 die cut.  Edge with gold pen.

 

Draw around the outside edge of the same die onto Creative Expressions Dark Roast Coffee Foundations Cardstock and cut out.  Matt and layer.

 

Dry emboss a piece of Coconut White Cardstock with the M-Bossabilities Dainty Dots Folder.  Cut a strip of white card for the side panel and emboss again.  Matt and layer onto the coffee card.

 

Using the same technique as before, make a strip of the double sided adhesive with Gilding Flakes and Micro Beads.

Matt and layer.

 

 

 

Mount the snowdrop panel onto the card with 3d foam pads.  Tie a bow with Rust Satin Ribbon.  Colour a Silver Dazzler and 2 Pearl Stick Pins with Alcohol Ink Pens and attach to the card. 

 

I've also added a little bit of a gold chain I had in my stash.

 







 

This is another one of those times I wish you could see it for real instead of a photo!  The shine on the card is fab!  I was surprised how well the Alcohol Inks worked and that the Gilding Flakes still stuck.

 

Well, that's all for today, back tomorrow with WOYWW and a Christmas Card for Creative Studios.

 

Don't forget the blog candy, just 9 more to go!  Do have a look at the Creative Expressions Website, there's a link to the Design Team Blogs on the right.

Many thanks for your visit and comments.

 

WOYWW

Well, here we are again, another Wednesday has rolled around and it's time to have a snoop at desks around the world!

I've taken a photo of another part of my desk.  It's where I keep the samples that are waiting to be blogged for the DT's.

You can make out my trusty Grand Calibur in the background and the purple bucket has the Creative Studios stamp sets.  The bag made from the zig zag paper is my DT piece for this week at Creative Studios.

And here's a close up of it!  I've put the full step by step instructions on the Creative Studios Design Team blog.  To get there, just click on Sam Poole on the right of the page and head for the blog section.  All the measurements are there as well.

Thank you to everyone who left comments last week about Dr Gonzo (the kitten!).  I'm trying to get a photo of him to put on here.  He's doing very well and had a night away from home with his other "grandparents" who spoiled him rotten!

Have you been over to the "Particraft" blog yet?  Sue Wilson has done some amazing video tutorials on there (about 30 minutes long).  Well worth a visit.  Also, try the Creative Expressions website, there are some great step by step projects on there.  Go to the news and workshop sections and you'll find them there.

Well, that's about it for today.  Many thanks for visiting and I promise to try and get round to as many desks as possible.  Last week was a bit of a disaster on that front!  Just another 12 followers needed for the blog candy draw!
Until next week, have a happy, crafty time!

Winter Flowers ...2nd Installment!

Good Morning All and a very Happy Tuesday!

I'm really enjoying using the Winter Flowers set of stamps from Creative Expressions and thought I'd show you a card today made with the Crocus stamp.  It's nice to think that Spring will be here eventually!

So here we go!

Stamp the Crocus onto Coconut White Cardstock with Black Archival Ink allowing enough room to die cut later.
Stamp the Crocus again onto a Post-it note with as much on the sticky strip as possible.  Cut out just inside the black line.

Using the cut out as a mask, cover over the stamped Crocus and stamp again to the left of it, then to the right.  Stamp slightly higher than the original one.
Paint the leaves with Shabby Shutters and Peeled Paint Distress Inks.  Paint the flowers using Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord and Chipped Sapphire Distress Inks.

Cover with Creative Expressions Double Sided Adhesive and die cut with Spellbinders Labels 28.  Take off the backing sheet and apply Micro Beads.
Draw around the outer edge of the die on Dark Roast Coffee Cardstock and cut out to make a matt slightly larger than the previous one.

Using the Creative Expressions A4 Basket Weave Embossing Folder, dry emboss a piece of Coconut White Cardstock.
Stamp the word "Crocus" onto a strip of card with Dusty Concord Distress Ink.  Lightly distress the edges with the same ink.  Matt and layer onto a piece of the Coffee Card.

Tie a triple bow with Purple Seam Binding, spritz it with water and scrumple up.  Dry with a heat gun. 
Mount the Crocus picture onto the card with 3d foam pads.
Attach the bow with a glue dot.

Stamp "With Love" onto Coconut white card using Dusty Concord Ink and die cut with Labels 28.  With the die still in place, distress with the same ink.  Draw around the outer edge of the die onto the Coffee card and cut out to make a matt.  Curve the tag and attach to the card using Cosmic Shimmer Dries Clear Glue and a 3d foam pad.
Add a Dazzler to the centre of the bow to finish.

I do wish that I had screen that allowed you to touch the picture so that you could get the full effect of the Micro Beads!

Well, that's all for today.  I'll be back again next Tuesday with another project using the Winter Flowers.  Until then, do pop over to the Creative Expressions blog so that you can see what the other members of the Design Team are up to!
Also, Just 12 more followers before I draw for the blog candy!  Until next time, have a happy crafty week!

WOYWW

Good Morning All and a very happy WOYWW.

To kick things off, here's a photo of my desk.

You'll be able to see a pot of Cosmic Shimmer Summer Meadow Gilding Flakes, some Flake and Glitter Glue, my scooshy and a large A6 Dot background stamp from Sam Poole at Creative Studios.  There's also the stamped and gilded card at the front.  I'm working on a project for the workshops at Martells in February next year! 
The next workshop is on Saturday and we won't be having any after November until next year and I know they'll want to know what we're going to do!

I've posted my DT piece on the Creative Studios blog this morning (for link, go to Sam on the right).  It's a Christmas card, thought I'd better get started!  All of the step by steps are on the CS blog.

Here's the finished card...non-traditional colours for a change!
Yesterday was my first "official" post as a DT member for Creative Expressions and you can see the card and step by step in yesterdays post.

Onto other matters.  Some of you may know about the kitten that my daughter rescued from a sealed cardboard box.  He seemed poorly on Saturday and so she rushed him to the emergency vet 20 miles away.  He told her that the kitten was going to die possibly in the next few days or months and that he could put Gonzo to sleep there and then.  It seems that the poor little chap has a congenital condition that will always afflict him.  Sam (my dd) wanted a second opinion from her own vet so took the kitten there on Monday (she was in tears thinking that he wouldn't be coming home with her).  Her own vet said that although Gonzo has a problem he could live a very happy life for years to come but would always need extra help.  It seems that an aorta to the brain didn't grow properly and so he is always going to be very slow and disabled.
The upshot is that he is fine but will always be like a tiny kitten in his ways and won't ever be able to go outside.  He can, however, play and enjoy his many cuddles.  One much happier daughter who is fully prepared to give him as much love and care as he needs.  I really think that she was meant to find him.  We're kitten sitting while she goes to work and as her partner works shifts, it means that the kitten always has someone there with him.
Someone told her she was being cruel keeping him alive as it would restrict her freedom!  It wasn't the vet who told her that there was no reason to put Gonzo to sleep.
We're so glad that she got a 2nd opinion and trusted her instincts.  Glad I got that off my chest but it'll be a long time before I forgive the 1st vet for putting her and her partner through so much stress.

Well, that's it for today.  Sorry it's gone on a bit!  The blog candy is still there. down to just 13 more now.  I might be a bit late getting around the desks this week as I have to go out today. 

Many thanks for your visits and comments. Until next time...

Winter Flowers

Good morning all and a very happy Tuesday.  Well, this is exciting!  My first "proper" post as a member of the Creative Expressions Design Team!

So without further ado, here is what I came up with using the new A5 stamp plate "Winter Flowers".

Stamp the Christmas Rose with black Archival Ink onto a piece of Coconut White card and heat emboss with Cosmic Shimmer Clear Embossing Powder.

Colour the flower with Cosmic Shimmer Drawing Inks.  I've used Meadow Lush and Lime Burst for the leaves and Cosmic Skin and Pearl Shine for the flower heads.  The centres have been painted with Rich Gold and Ancient Copper.

Die cut the picture using Spellbinders Labels 28.  Using the same die, draw around the outer edge of it onto Green cardstock and cut out with scissors.  This enables you to make a matt that is just the right size and also gives you more flexibility with the dies making them even better value for money!

Using the Dainty Dots M-Bossability Folder, emboss a piece of Coconut White Card.  When using the Grand Calibur, make sutreere you use the Raspberry plate without the tan mat.

Use 3d foam pads to attach the flower panel to the card.  To finish, tie a double bow and attach with a glue dot.  Add a silver Dazzler to the centre of the bow.  Use another glue dot to attach it after peeling off the 3d foam pad. 

Stamp the sentiment with black Archival Ink and heat emboss as before.  Cut it into a banner shape, matt and layer it onto green card.  Gently bend the banner and stick to the card with glue at the ends and foam pads where the banner rises.  Add a couple of Crystal Stick Pins to finish.

Well, that's the first of my DT pieces and I thoroughly enjoyed making it.  It's a nice quick and effective card to make.  The Drawing Inks are fantastic, lots of Mica to give shine and glimmer and also a very fine brush to paint with.  The other great thing, if you're a bit clumsy like me, is that they are non-spill!!

You may have noticed that I have some blog candy on offer.  To enter, all you have to do is sign up and follow.  When I reach 300, I'll do the draw.

Hope you'll be back soon.  Many thanks for visiting and please leave comments especially if there are any techniques you would like covered.  Until next time......

It's Wednesday!

Well my blogging chums, it's Wednesday which can only mean one thing.....WOYWW!

To kick things off, here is a piccie of my desk which really isn't very inspiring at all!

There's the usual pile of Distress Inks with some Cut 'n Dry, scissors, 3d foam pads, Cosmic Shimmer Mica Powders and a Creative Expressions Teresa Collins Paper Pad (which I am totally in love with!)  Other than that, just the usual mess of tools and bits of card from projects I'd finished but not tidied up.  The only other thing on the desk is an index card which is what I write all the step by step instructions on when I'm designing a project.  This one is top secret so no peeking!  All I can say is that it's to do with some brand new products that are being shown on C&C in November!!

Over at the Creative Studios blog it's my day for the DT project and I've come up with this one.

I've used 2 sets of Sam Poole's Vintage stamps...Inventors and Treasures, as well as an A6 background stamp.  I've put a full set of step by steps on the blog so if you're interested, head over to the link on the right that says Sam then go to the DT link at the top.  All of the products are available from Sam's on-line shop.

In other news, the dig is going really well, just upset that I'm not there now!!  There's been a lot of coverage in the National newspapers including a full page in the Times last week.  I'll keep you informed about any new finds but if you're interested in it, Amesbury Museum are on Facebook and have lots of photos.  It's also where they let you know about future digs and if volunteers are needed.

And finally!  The fabulous Sue Wilson has just launched a series of video tutorials on her blog (Particraft).  She started them yesterday and will have 3 a week.  Do go and have a look, she is totally amazing.

Thank you for vising and leaving such wonderful comments.  I'll be a bit late visiting this week as I'm off to Creative Expressions Towers today to meet the other DT members.  I'm so excited (even if it is a 3 hour drive to get there!!!)  Luckily, my wonderful OH has volunteered for driving duty!  Many thanks to those who have become blog followers...just another 14 and the draw will take place!

Until next time, have a very happy, crafty week!

Not Long Now!!!

Time to get started on those Christmas cards!  Today I thought I show a card I made using a fantastic technique that the wonderful Sue Wilson was demonstrating at Ally Pally last month.  I just hope that my lousy photography does it justice!

To start, cut a piece of Coconut White cardstock to size and cover with Creative Expressions Double Sided Adhesive Sheet.  Coat the Holly Wreath Mask with Perfect Medium Ink and place down on the double sided adhesive.  Apply Cosmic Shimmer Summer Meadow Gilding Flakes through the mask making sure that you get rid of any excess before removing the mask.  Remove mask and apply Creative Expressions Micro Beads.

Dry emboss another piece of the Coconut White card using the Basket Weave Creative Expressions A4 Folder.  Cut another piece of the card slightly larger and lay down double sided tape all the way around the edges.  Apply the Golding Flakes to the tape.

Lightly apply some Golden Light Gilding Wax over the embossed piece of card.
Stamp the sentiment with Perfect Medium and heat emboss with Cosmic Shimmer Bright Gold Powder.  Die cut using Spellbinders Fleur de Lis Motifs.  Die cut a 2nd Motif after applying a piece of the double sided sheet to a piece of card.  Remove the backing and apply the Gilding Flakes to it.

Stick onto the card with 3d foam pads after gluing the sentiment over the gold motif.  To finish, add a bow and a Red Dazzler.

I hope you like it and a big thank you so Sue for showing me how to do it!

Well, that's it for today.  I'm busy beavering away on some secret DT pieces!!!  We're nearly at the target for the blog candy so just another 15 to sign up to follow then I'll have the draw.  Until next time, have a happy, healthy, crafty week!