About Me

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Hi, I'm Pam and thank you for visiting my blog. I have been making cards for over 10 years and am an independent demonstrator for Creative Expressions. I am lucky enough to teach on cruise ships and also get the chance to demo at The Big Stamping and Scrapbooking Show at Alexander Palace. I run workshops for a local craft shop and if anyone would like details of the them please e-mail me at stephen.smith870@ntlworld.com I love to scrapbook but my all time favourite thing is to get messy with ink!

Thursday 12 June 2014

Creative Expressions Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Creative Expressions June 2014 Blog Hop!
Hopefully you got here from Kezzy's blog, but if you didn't, here's the start at the Creative Expressions News Blog http://blog.creative-expressions.uk.com/2014/06/creative-expressions-june-2014-blog-hop.html      

The four new large Frame Stamps from Creative Expressions have been designed with co-ordinating mini frames inside, which can be used separately or as a whole and also swapped with the other frame designs in the range.

There are also an additional four mini frame designs, plus sentiment sets which have been designed to fit inside the various frames.

One randomly selected person commenting on this blog post before the closing date will won a fabulous prize of some of the new stamp designs.

Anyway, onto a project using these fab new stamps and it's back to the beer mats for me!

Cover 3 beer mats with patterned paper. Paint around the edges with Black Soot Distress Paint.


Stamp and heat emboss 2 of the large square frame stamps and 1 small one onto Coconut White Card.
Paint the leaves with Shabby Shutters and Peeled Paint Distress Inks.  Paint the flowers with Dusty Concord and Broken China Inks.  The butterflies are painted with Dried Marigold as are the centres of the flowers.


Cut out the 2 larger frames leaving a small white border.  Glue onto the beer mats.
Stamp and heat emboss the "Thank You" sentiment in the centre of the small square.
Matt and layer onto black card.  Glue onto the last beer mat.

Punch holes and thread string through to hang.


Die cut butterflies from Les Papillons 2 Spellbinder Dies using the same patterned papers as before.  Shape the wings and glue into place.  Add 3mm white pearls to the bodies of the butterflies.
Die cut flowers and leaves using Spellbinders Finishing Touches Faux Quilled Blooms.  Glue into place and add 8mm pearls to the flower centres.


And there's the finished project!

Just to add, here is a photo of the prize!



Thank you for visiting my blog, please leave a comment below in order to be in with a chance of winning a prize!
To help you along the way, here is a list for the blog hop:-

1. Julia Watts
http://inkyfingerzone.blogspot.com/2014/06/creative-expressions-blog-hop.html
2. Kim Robertson
http://inkykimcraft.blogspot.com/2014/06/creative-expressions-june-2014-blog-hop.html
3.Tracey Laughton   http://creativetracey.blogspot.com/2014/06/creative-expressions-june-2014-blog-hop.html

4. Donna Ratcliff
http://donnaslittlecraftycorner.blogspot.com/2014/06/creative-expression-blog-hop.html

5. Neil Burley
http://perfectly4med.co.uk/2014/06/12/ce-june-2014-blog-hop/
6. Tracy Heaton
http://ahintofmagnolia.blogspot.com/2014/06/blog-hop-time.html
7. Kerry Hickton
http://kezzyscraftyjourney.blogspot.com/2014/06/creative-expressions-june-2014-blog-hop.html

8. Pam Smith (http://smiffyscards.blogspot.com)  You are here!

Start page, prize details and how to take part: (Creative Expressions News Blog). http://
The blog hop started on Thursday 12th June and ends Tuesday 17th June at 5pm

Thank you for taking part in our blog hop - good luck!

97 comments:

Ros Hodgkin said...

Hello glue tamer, I just love what you have done with beer mats, it is a brill idea, and will keep my eyes open for some, however I digress
I really like the wall/door hanger and the mats are the perfect size to hold the stamped paper and turn them from a piece of paper that has a been stamped to a display piece.
X Ros Hodgkins

Sylvie said...

Absolutely gorgeous!! Hugs Sylvie xxx

Emily said...

Love,love the colors you use. Blue happens to be my favorite color. Thanks for sharing.

Maria said...

Lovely work and nice colours!
Maria

ginny c said...

You would never think these started of as beer mats Lovely colours I think I will have to get all these stamps ?
Ginny x

Micky French said...

what a brilliant idea, they look stunning, I will have to give this a go
Hugs Michelle xxxx

smag53 said...

Well Pam,you may be the last on the blog but it was worth the wait.what a great idea and so simple to do.It shows us that we can use these stamps for many ,many things.Thank you for sharing.x

rachel said...

brilliant and so very clever - love it xx

hollyberry said...

Didn't expect the result when started reading.What a great project and a great and unexpected use of beer mats.

redfox said...

Hi, wonder why i've never visited your blog before? That will have to be rectified! Love what you've done with beer mats of all things! Very clever and I love the end result. Sarah

Unknown said...

Hello
I haven't been to your blog before this it absolutely gorgeous
Hugs
Carol x

nattyboots said...

Loving your Title

And also loving the end product, beautiful just beautiful

darcydaydream said...

I love beer mat projects. I think my local are wondering where they all go!!.

Lovely lovely project. Thanks for sharing.....xx

BarbaraS said...

Love beer mats, whoever would have thought. Hmm, must get my hands on some!

bluelesley said...

Really love what you have done with the beer mats,going to have to be on the hunt for them now. New game for the grand kids...how many beer mats can you find...lol.. Anyway, love what you have done and nice to see the stamps uses in a different way.

jean.phillips1 said...

Love what you have created with a few beer mats! I really am falling in love with those stamps, think they will be on my must have list! xxx

craftycarol said...

I love this idea for the beer mats,It always pays to look around other peoples blogs for insporation. I love all this inky thing its fun.
Love Carol x

gwen70 said...

Would never believe these started as beer mats, just beautiful, brilliant idea

Pat L said...

Love what you have done with the beer mats, the stamps are super
Best wishes, Pat

Pat S Witney said...

Love the beer mat project. This really is gorgeous and I would never have thought of using beer mats for a project. Thanks for the chance of winning a prize.

Unknown said...

Yet again another different use for the stamps.Love the wall hanging.

Unknown said...

Fantastic idea and beautiful project. Thank you

nzillingworth said...

I LOVE UP CYCLING. I USE COKE CANS, TOILET ROLLS, CORN FLAKE BOXES, ANYTHING.
WHO WOULD KNOW THEY ARE BEER MATS.
BRILL JOB

Rosa (Scrap con R) said...

This is a perfect present for someone special. Love the idea. Thanks.

Beryl said...

What a great idea for beer mats.

JJ said...

Hi Pam,

This is fabulous, what a good way to use Beer mats, would never have thought of that lol!

Love & Hugs

Jacquie J xxx
http://jewelscardcraft.blogspot.co.uk/

karenlotty said...

OMG Beer mats! What a clever idea Guess what I'll be looking for when I'm next at the pub Being new at this game what did you use to "puncture" the mats so cleanly?

Myra said...

Hi ,
Firstly can I say I love the title of your Blog! It made me smile! What a beautiful project and actually quite inexpensive and fairly simple. Thank you for sharing such a brilliant idea.
Love Myra

Clare said...

What a great use for beer mats! Well done you!

The Taming of the Glue said...

I've used a Crop-a-Dile to punch the holes but a single hole punch would work.

Many thanks for all the lovely comments.

Pat said...

I love this project, who would have thought beer mats could look so good. x

Jackie T said...

Hi Pam this is a brilliant project who could believe that beer mats could look so gorgeous. Have a great day. Hugs Jackie

kborus said...

This is a fabulous project - I so love the finished piece. Thank you for inspiring me to try something like it!

Janet Wilson said...

Fantastic hanging, would never know they started out as beer mats

carol edwards said...

Hi Pam what a great hanging, love the beer mats idea and the decorations you have done. It looks great and I love your blog name x

Unknown said...

Another great project. It's amazing how different the stamps look when painted in different colours x

Wheely Bad said...

Hi Pam,

Fantastic, from beer mat to elegant piece of home decor! The colours are stunning,

Am bookmarking your blog and all the blogs on the hop for a look in depth later :-)

Crafty hugs,

T x

Nana on the Hill said...

What a good idea! Love the results.

Rose in Chester said...

Absolutely beautiful AGAIN. The stamps are so versatile, I'm astounded by all the different ways they can be used.
Stunning project.
Hus, Rose

catherine said...

Fabulous work Pam and so very creative. great blog hop
x catherine

nannapat said...

Fabulous wall hanger Pam. I love the colours you have used and who would have thought it started life as 3 beer mats? Pat x

June Horrocks said...

Beer mats brilliant idea love it and the finished product is beautiful. Thank you for sharing love June xx

Unknown said...

Brilliant idea, love your project

Unknown said...

Brilliant idea, love your project

janet said...

Oh what a good idea -perfect for Christmas gifts too. Thanksfor the great idea.
Janet in Kent

Janice K said...

What a great way of recycling! Very pretty.x

Unknown said...

Wow, these are different and unusual and I love the colours..

Unknown said...

Oh WOW. Simply stunning!
Adding to my bookmark list for more inspiration - thank you.
Sheila x

Loopygigglebuns said...

What a fabulous idea, I have seen similar hangings in shops for a fair price. I really need to try this out x

Unknown said...

fabulous, so clever in design and colours

Unknown said...

OMG. What can i say??? This project is simply awesome. I love everything from the design to the colour xxx

Anne O said...

Hello. This is a truly stunning project! Wow! They've saved the best until last lol! Inspiring! Thank you. Best wishes, Anne O

jane216 said...

Great idea love the colour

foxyg said...

Another brilliant idea. Must give this a try.

BridgetCG said...

Hi Pam, brilliant idea. Love the colour combo you have used. I think I will give this a go for a birthday gift for my mum in law. Wonder if the pubs will notice their beer mats disappearing. Bx

Nananne said...

Love the use of the frame stamps to make a wall hanging, this looks super! Must make a trip to the pub ( good excuse! )

Mo said...

Hi Pam - Well I have just reached the end of the blog hop. What wonderful ideas and inspiration. I would never have thought of beer mats, but what a lovely project. I shall certainly have to try the wall hanging. Thanks. Luv M

Marion Bull said...

Wow, what a brilliant project. Just love it! Thank you
Marion B xx

lucretia said...

Wow! What an amazing plaque. Thanks for the chance to win a gorgeous prize.

Mrs B said...

Hi Pam. What a beautiful wall hanging : ) I would never have guessed that they were beer mats, what a great idea! the stamps are so pretty, and versatile. Take care.

Housewife59 said...

Just gorgeous! I gotta get some beermats : )

Lesley x

Unknown said...

What a lovely piece of home decor. Love the colours.
Elaine x

Julies Crafty Creations said...

Wow! What a great idea, would never have believed they started off as beer mats, love the stamps and the colours you have used and also the use of Sues lovely dies
Thanks for the inspiration
Hugs Julie x

Maxine Jones said...

NEED those Spellbinders dies....
But beermats - who knew?! They look fabulous and that is something I am definitely going to do!! Thank you - they look fabulous hanging in a little set of 3 - I can imagine a little mirror or something reflective behind the butterflies too! Maxine xx

Unknown said...

Oh I say that is an awesome idea..... absolutely lovely for a unique gift or for home decor ...... you are just so talented this is gorgeous.

Sheila - Ginger said...

Hi Pam
Your wall hanging is just beautiful and I love the colours,
Great project and thanks for the inspiration.

Love Sheila x

Unknown said...

Hi Pam,
Thanks for sharing your wonderful project using the new stamps, I saw you demoing at Ally Pally and thank goodness for this blog hop, so I can now follow your work. Great inspiration. Fern x

Unknown said...

Those stams are gorgeous. I love what you have done with the beer mats, I had never thought of making a wall hanging. Beautiful project.

Kate x

Unknown said...

A great use of bear mats, beautiful colours too.
Maria.x

Unknown said...

What a fabulous idea! Love the colors you used also. I think I want to try one with a photo in the middle mat. Thanks for the inspiration!

Nicky said...

What a great project! Thank you for sharing.

Happy Nana said...

Very artistic.

Barbara said...

Great ideas, lovely projects, the beer mats are inspirational, very clever!!!

Jan said...

Hi,
First time I have been on your blog, love what you have done with the beer mats. Fab. Thanks. Jan x

Anonymous said...

what beautiful projects, this has inspired me to get creative.

Crafty Humphreys said...

Great hanging! Love the idea of using beer mats, lol. Suz xx

TDQ Karen said...

Great idea, love the beer mat base thanks for sharing x

Unknown said...

What a super idea, makes for a great project best wishes Jackie D

Nannieflash said...

A beautiful hanging I love the colour choice and the design of it, it must have taken you awhile to create but its worth it as its stunning. And a gorgeous present for a friend. hugs Shirleyxxxxxx

Glenharon said...

Good afternoon Pam,
Having gone though all the blog hop now i love the different and varying ideas that run through all the different team members minds when creating. What a brilliant use of old coasters that have seen better days and for a really nice gift for someone,
Love and crafty hugs
Norah (Glenochil)

Ingrid said...

I love this project! What a great idea!!

Lynne said...

love these ideas for beer mats. I have lots and now have inspiration to get started. Thank you.

Ita said...

Hi I just love the ways that you have used the stamps,great idea using the beer Mats.
Love the hanger ,it would also make a great gift.
Thanks for the inspiration .
Ita.

Sharon Smith said...

What a great way of up cycling beer mats! Gorgeous project piece xxx

samantha wade said...

it always amazes me what people come up with, love your beer mats, l always love your projects, the colours and attention to detail are so perfect,xx

Clai01 said...

Hi Pam
you're my final port of call on the blog hop and thanks for some super inspiration here on up-cycling things, you would never guess they were once beer mats. looks gorgeous as the colours really set it off.
Blue is one of my favourite colours.
Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

First blog hop I have done - and won't be the last that's for sure. To end with such a great project made it all worthwhile - thank you for showing your lovely work. x

Jessica Strider said...

Awesome project! I love that you added butterflies to the centres of your gorgeous frames. I also love the flowers you added to the centre panel.

Unknown said...

thanks pam for such a good day Saturday it wash lush hope to see you soon

Unknown said...

Another great design Pam using something no-one else would think of. You have the most amazing ideas

Gail xx

steffi said...

Love what you've done with the beer mats - I did some altered ones recently for a swap and really enjoyed working with them - your hanging is great though and the frame stamps are just right for them :o)

Granny Char's World said...

What a brilliant idea for home decor! For gifts! for fun crafting! thank you so very very much for this how-to!

Mistys Mum said...

What a brilliant upcycle / recycle of beer mats.
I need to make these for Christmas presents. Thank you for the inspiration.
x

CraftyJo said...

I have some freebie coasters (sent out in charity begging letters) which would be perfect for this - I knew I'd been saving them for *something*. Thanks so much for the great ideas.

Theresa said...

what an ingenious way of using beer mats. stunning xx

Sue from Wiltshire said...

That is stunning, and a lovely idea for gifts. Brill.

Kevonacrafts said...

Wow what an effect from some beer mats. I'll remember to bring them home in future instead of shredding them:)) Love the colours .