Stamp and scrape

She'll just have to kiss us both

2009-08-15T16:56:00.003+01:00

The SoArtful challenge is to use June's image for some music. It seemed to me that these frogs were having a bit of a tussle, especially judging by the expression on the right one's face. So I imagined what they might be arguing over, and that would be who gets the princess.

Sorry the central panel isn't golden - my daughter pointed this out to me - but as there are 2 frogs, so there is a green ball!! I wanted it to look as if they were about to travel through it.

Debutante

2009-08-12T17:18:00.006+01:00

The Three Muses have 'hat' as their theme this week. Here's mine with a little addition. I've probably said this before, but I'm so glad I don't have to wear this kind of thing!

Sleeping Beauty

2009-08-10T18:59:00.003+01:00

This is the theme of the SoArtful challenge this week.

Jota

2009-08-05T18:08:00.002+01:00

The Three Muses challenge is called 'art in the round'. Several discreet circles in my work today - namely the tambourine, all the sequins on the outfit, and the background pattern. A jota is a Spanish Dance.

Athena

2009-08-04T13:59:00.002+01:00

As I wasn't entirely happy with my work yesterday I thought I'd have another go with the Artarazzi image. Here's version 2.

The rite of spring

2009-08-03T11:21:00.002+01:00

Here's my contribution to the artarazzi challenge #34. Not terribly imaginative, but it highlights the beauty of this regal bird.

La bailerina

2009-08-01T15:11:00.002+01:00

This piece has a flavour of my recent travels. I accompanied our Youth Orchestra to Catalonia in Spain, where we gave concerts in various venues around the Pyrenees. Such glorious scenery and weather! Now back to British drizzle!

The basket weave is the image given by June for this week's SoArtful challenge.

Blushing Geisha

2009-07-18T22:56:00.002+01:00

The Artarazzi challenge it to use the picture of the sake barrels. I named this picture after a cocktail which includes sake. I just hope the sake label isn't rude or anything!

Tears such as angels weep

2009-07-18T14:58:00.003+01:00

My title is a quote by John Milton. And the digital artwork my contribution to the 'angel tears' challenge on the SoArtful site.
I forgot to credit the brushes - both from deviantart: Tear brushes by Barbiedoll, and Splish Splash by Midnightstouch.

Anyone for tennis?

2009-07-17T16:08:00.002+01:00

The Art Creations image this week is of this pretty girl longing to play tennis with someone.

Salad Days

2009-07-16T06:24:00.002+01:00

The Three Muses have 'word salad' as their theme. I chose to home in on the word salad, but not it's traditional use. I think this expression was used by Shakespeare to denote youth or inexperience. A time before having to be grown-up.

Is anyone there?

2009-07-12T20:20:00.002+01:00

The Artarazzi challenge for this week is to use the photo of the mobile phone.

Lying in wait

2009-07-11T18:06:00.003+01:00

The SoArtful challenge is to use this background. I thought it looked like anemones or coral in full bloom.

Stepping out of the page

2009-07-10T14:01:00.002+01:00

The ACF challenge #34 is to use a given background. Here's my version of it.

Gazing at Earth

2009-07-10T10:58:00.003+01:00

The Three Muses theme for this week is 'surreal'. This is late because it took me such a long time to get it as I wanted. The background and shoe were OK, but then I needed something else. After exploring chess pieces, topiary and flowers, I finally found these mushrooms which evoked a 'eureka' cry outloud! It's the little things....lol

Credits:
Earth by Alakart
Mushrooms by clix
(www.sxc.hu/)

Texture 63 by ro-stock
Texture 14 by adaae-stock
Boot House 1 by HarleyBliss
Checkerboard by MadGurl-stock

Moon Brushes by Hawksmont
Catching Sparks Brushes by Elizavet
Pixie-fairy Brushes by redhead-stock
Dirty Brushes by KeRen
(all http://www.deviantart.com/)

Foliage brushes by Lady Victoire @ http://www.brusheezy.com/

White Flowers

2009-07-05T15:17:00.002+01:00

The SoArtful challenge is to use a background designed by June. I just selected the dragonflies. And then had a very enjoyable few minutes experimenting with gradients.

We used to do this together

2009-07-04T23:05:00.002+01:00

Here's my version of the Artarazzi image for this week.

Exiled

2009-07-03T19:05:00.002+01:00

Here's my version of the image given to us for Art Creations Friday #33. Another beautiful lady!

In Flight

2009-07-01T19:52:00.003+01:00

The Three Muses challenge is called 'Up, up and away'. I found a good tutorial (details below) and decided to work through it. I then created my own version of it.

Constancy

2009-07-01T07:17:00.003+01:00

Faye really stumped me in the artarazzi challenge with this sunflower image, so I delved into Photoshop a bit more and discovered how to make layer masks and change colour levels. You need sunglasses for this one!

"The sunflower is a favourite emblem of constancy"

Come back soon

2009-06-27T15:23:00.003+01:00

The So Artful challenge theme this week is gypsy.

Vintage Mademoiselle

2009-06-26T15:27:00.002+01:00

The ACF image this week is a beautiful French lady. I concentrated on giving her a vintage background, but nothing too complicated as the image is so beautiful in its own right.

Tiger, tiger

2009-06-26T13:06:00.005+01:00

The Three Muses challenge #3 is 'wild things'. To me there's something fascinating about white tigers. This one looks so intent.I tried to subdue the colours in the surroundings so that the tiger would be the focus.

Technician

2009-06-20T17:35:00.003+01:00

The Artarazzi challenge is to use the ladder image. I achieved this look with the aid of many brushes.

Balancing Act

2009-06-19T14:01:00.005+01:00

The Art Creations challenge 31 is to use this pink background. It seems a shame to cover up all the fabulous work someone has created, so I've kept this piece quite simple, and enjoyed the geometric shapes in it.

Elven Door

2009-06-17T16:42:00.004+01:00

The Three Muses challenge 2 is doors. Here I played with various brushes and overlaying of backgrounds to achieve a rich colour.
The words are written with the font used on the ring from Lord of the Rings, and use the Elven greeting from the book. I was tempted to put a litle Hobbit in front, but felt it unnecessary!

Attracted to the light

2009-06-15T20:56:00.003+01:00

The SoArtful challenge is to use a given background. I really liked the daisies on it, which is the only part of it you can see clearly.

Mischievous fairy

2009-06-14T18:56:00.003+01:00

The given Artarazzi image this week is of a girl, (bottom right on the walkthough), who I think has lots of 'attitude'. I've turned her into a fairy who's just out for trouble!

Guardian Angel

2009-06-12T14:39:00.005+01:00

The ACF challenge this week is to use a given background. It's wonderfully textural as you can see in the close up (unfortunately you can see my errors too!). The angel is from DaGobliN at www.sxc.hu/, not google as stated in the tutorial.

The faces of Da Vinci

2009-06-08T21:39:00.003+01:00

There's a new blog challenge on the block called the Three Muses which opens its doors this week with a challenge about Mona Lisa. All art forms are welcome. My version is a digital one based on Da Vinci's own artwork.

Each image or texture has been lowered in opacity and blended with the other layers. A fair amount of erasing helped to blend in the main images, and eliminate too much yellow.

Penmanship

2009-06-07T15:22:00.002+01:00

The Make a Moo or 2 challenge has the theme of alphabet. A good opportunity for me to this little used background stamp. It brings back memories of endlessly practising handwriting at school, and keeping the letters within the lines. You'd never believe I did this if you saw my scrawl now!

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Stamps: Paper Artsy School Days 3 and Mini 12; Invoke Arts Pens and Nibs

Inks: DI Weathered Wood and Faded Jeans; VersaFine Onyx Black

Extras: Water Spritzer; Prima Flower; Brad; Ribbon

I can't get across

2009-06-06T16:59:00.003+01:00

The Artarazzi image for this week is the one of the boy crying. Originally because he's broken his lamp, but here for a reason more significant.

Little Red Riding Hood

2009-06-05T20:09:00.003+01:00

The Art Creations image for this week is this little girl. I turned her into a fairy tale character.

Lyre Player

2009-05-31T19:25:00.002+01:00

The Make a Moo challenge is musical instruments - always a favourite of mine. Here's the lady who adorns the Peters edition sheet music covers.

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Stamps: DarkRoom Door Chorus; Stampington Antique Music

Inks: DI Scattered Straw, Aged Mahogany, Pink Lipstick, Black Soot and Antique Linen; Adirondack Cranberry; Archival Black

Extras: Perfect pearls 'Pearl'

Gargoyle couple

2009-05-30T15:02:00.002+01:00

The SoArtful theme for this week is tongue twisters. This is the one I chose, and I cannot say it fast. It's provided a lot of amusement among the offspring today!

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Stamps: ISC ATC Elements set 2

Inks: DI Weathered Wood, Old paper and Frayed Burlap; Archival Black

Extras: Cling Film; Images from the 'Past Times' web site; Computer Generated Text

We're all individual

2009-05-30T11:59:00.002+01:00

The Artarazzi challenge 25 is to use the given fingerprint image. Another chance for me to try out some new techniques in Photoshop.

Up to the surface

2009-05-29T21:59:00.002+01:00

The Art Creations challenge #28 is to use a given background. I've selected part of it.

Flowers are bursts of colour

2009-05-27T17:25:00.002+01:00

The ATC Wednesday theme for this week is flowers.

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Stamps: DarkRoom Door Full Bloom 2; Time to Stamp Oriental Splendor

Inks: DI Black Soot, Dried Marigold and Shabby Shutters; VersaFine Onyx Black

Extras: White brads

Learning the 3 Rs

2009-05-24T17:52:00.004+01:00

In case you're wondering what the 3 Rs are - they are reading, writing and arithmetic. A concept remembered perhaps by the older British readers amongst us.

This is my contribution to the Small World of Inchies and Twinchies, whose theme is, of course, school. Unfortunately I wasn't able to post this due to my computer crashing whenever I went to the site, but the challenge for the beginning is June is ABC, and this is relevant, so I'll double up. I used the spraying-over-threads technique for the background.
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Stamps: Paper Artsy Frames 4 and Mini 23; Stampington Paris 1900

Inks: Sticky Fingers Sprays Pinks and Bluebell; DI Back Soot; Adirondack Sail Boat Blue and Watermelon

Extras: Thread; Prima Flower; Q&Co mini Crystal Gem

Toccata and Fugue

2009-05-24T15:52:00.002+01:00

This week's image from Artarazzi really stumped me until my mind wandered in the service at church this morning, and I sat gazing at the organ pipes.

I've included a sort of work in progress tutorial, as I find these so helpful on other people's blogs.

Sparkling Dragonfly

2009-05-23T17:56:00.004+01:00

The Saturday Workshop challenge this week is 'sparkling'. The entire card is lightly sprayed with homemade glimmer mist, and I added crystal gems.
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Stamps: Paper Artsy mini; Time to Stamp ATC set 1

Inks: Ecoline Light green, Magenta and Red Violet; DI Black Soot; Adirondack Cranberry and Wild Plum; VersaFine Onyx Black; Inkessentials White Gel Pen; VersaMagic Key Lime

Extras: Paper Cellar Crystal gems; Swirls template; Sequin Waste; perfect pearls 'Pearl'

In the depths dwell the seahorses

2009-05-23T16:25:00.004+01:00

The SoArtful challenge this week is fish. Strictly speaking, a seahorse isn't a fish, but don't tell June!

The background uses yesterday's daily image from http://www.thesumofallcrafts.blogspot.com/. This particular one is now unavailable but you'll find equally stunning backgrounds new every day. I completely changed the hues to make it more suitable to the colours of the seahorse image.
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Seahorse from google
light Beam by redhead-stock at www.deviantart.com
Porcelain font and Recife2 brushes from http://www.misprintedtype.com/
Image from www.thesumofallcrafts.blogspot.com

Smile

2009-05-22T13:15:00.002+01:00

The Make a Moo or 2 theme is the word 'happy'. This lady just wasn't happy until she had some bling!

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Stamps: DarkRoom Door Friendship Flowers; Simple Expressions people 2

Inks: Adirondack Lemonade and peach bellini; StazOn Hydrangea Blue

Extras: Flower gem; PP unknown

Royal Beauty

2009-05-22T10:29:00.006+01:00

The Art Creations Friday challenge #27 is to use the image of this girl. Although the original background on the photo was beautiful in itself, it looked to me as if she should be sitting or leaning on something. I like the way the leaves from the bird image give the effect of wings.

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Girl image from acf
Bird and Music images from http://www.thevintagemoth.blogspot.com/
Light Beam Brushes from redhead-stock at www.deviantart.com
Recife Dirty2 Brushes from www.misprintedtype.com

Guardian Angel

2009-05-21T18:23:00.002+01:00

The ATC Wednesday challenge is simply angels. I love the thought of having a guardian angel, watching over me and protecting me. And praying on my behalf.

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Stamps: Hero Arts Fabulous Flourishes; Invoke Arts Shrine Frames

Inks: VersaFine Onyx Black; Adirondack Purple Twilight and Silver Dabber

Extras: Angel image from www.digitalcollagesheets.com; Background from http://itkupilli.blogspot.com/ ; German scrap; Dymo Labeller

Twilight crane

2009-05-20T19:56:00.002+01:00

This stamp layout has been in the back of my mind for a while now, so I'm pleased that I can use it for the Tag It On challenge, whose theme is Oriental, and China Blue. I'n not sure if you can see the detail, but I pressed the brads into versamark and then embossed them with sparkly EP.

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Stamps: Time to Stamp oriental Splendor

Inks: DI Broken China, Worn Lipstick, Spiced Marmalade and Black Soot; Adirondack Aqua; VersaFine Onyx Black; Versamark

Extras: Madeira Metallic Thread; Blue Brads; PM Eyelet; Fairydust EP; Sheer Ribbon

Daisy Fairy

2009-05-19T19:02:00.006+01:00

Here's another digital design using part of the image from challenge by artarazzi this week. Now that it's finished I can see many things wrong with it, but that's part of the learning curve. eg. I think the border brushes would have better in a darker brown, and the corner butterfly is too small.

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Daisy photo - Ryan Turtle at http://www.deviantart.com/

Script brush - Scully1471 at http://www.deviantart.com/

Butterfly - http://www.nancydooren.blogspot.com/

Border brush - recifedirty2 http://www.misprintedtype.com/

Fantasy Lights - dirt2 at http://www.deviantart.com/

Seated lady

2009-05-17T14:26:00.003+01:00

The Small World of Inchies and Twinchies have chair as their theme. This chair is barely visible - sorry about that!

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Stamps: Stampington Pressed Profile

Inks: DI Scattered Straw and black Soot; Adirondack Sandal, Lemonade, Ginger and Wild Plum

Extras: Image from Tuscan Rose CD 3; Prima Flowers; Brad

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day

2009-05-16T19:58:00.003+01:00

The Saturday Workout challenge is to use spin and splash. My face lit up when I saw this, as I really enjoy this technique. Once again I played with this in Adobe photoshop.

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Inks: Alcohol Inks Lettuce, Espresso and pearl Mixative

Extras: Glossy card; Image from Art creations; Flourishes from Finsternis-stock at www.deviantart.com

In Memorium

2009-05-16T17:22:00.004+01:00

The So Artful challenge is either to use a given image, or to base your work on cherubs. I'm still slogging away trying to get my head round adobe photoshop, so this is done in that programme. Thanks to those of you who've offered me help; beware - you might get lots of emails!
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Images from Internet (cherub and lilies), and Artarazzi (background)

Il bacio

2009-05-15T15:56:00.003+01:00

Make a Moo or 2 have kiss as their theme this week. A scrap left over from making cards earlier in the week was perfect for this image. This pair look so grown up! I bet they hated posing for the photo!
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Stamps: Stampington Butterfly Girl; Hero Arts Heartfelt Messages

Inks: Ecoline Magenta and Light Green; Adirondack Denim

Extras: Image from Takeabreak on flickr; Salt; Cuttle folder Swiss Dots; Sanding Block

I sent a letter to my love...

2009-05-15T13:07:00.004+01:00

I've been meaning to set aside some time to get the hang of adobe photoshop. After what seemed like several hours, this is what I achieved today. I have a lot to learn... Can anyone tell me how to make the background to text or stamped images invisible? These letters were typed on.

The background is the image given in this week's Art Creations challenge.
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Stamps: Paper Artsy

Inks: Adirondack Eggplant

Extras: ACF Background; Woman from Tuscan Rose CD 3

Blues Singer

2009-05-15T11:17:00.002+01:00

The Theme Thursday challenge is a card with a masculine theme. I wiped gesso over the cardstock with a babywipe, and then the dabbers on top of that when dry.

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Stamps: paper Artsy Letters 5 and Stagelights 3; Stampers Anonymous Background

Inks: Adirindack Dabbers Cool Peri, Cloudy Blue and Purple Twilight; Archival Black and Sepia; Adirondack Eggplant; DI Vintage Photo

Extras: Babywipe; Gesso; German Scrap; Ribbon; PM Eyelet; Copper Metallic RubOn

Yummy colours

2009-05-13T19:57:00.002+01:00

The Tag It On challenge #3 is called Rhubarb Crumble and Custard. What an imaginative title!!!!

I'm particularly fond of this pudding, and grow rhubarb in my garden. Strangely enough, it's the title my brother gives to his emails to me, as it's one of his favourites too!

Back to the plot (narrative, not garden :-)) the task is to use pink, yellow, and some texture. My texture comes from the swiss dots cuttlebug folder, which I rolled over with a rolling pin as I only own some folders and not the machine (yet!). I sanded over the texture and rubbed over with Scattered Straw.

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Stamps: Crafty Individuals 121

Inks: DI Scattered Straw and Aged mahogany; Archival Sepia

Extras: PP by Imaginisce; Cuttlebug folder Swiss Dots; PM Eyelet; Sheer Ribbon; Sanding Block

The joy of discovery

2009-05-10T19:45:00.003+01:00

The So Artful main challenge is fruit. Imagine my delight when I found this RubOn saying in my stash - such a great pun to use with a pear. I kept the card quite simple as it's for my BIL.

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Stamps: RSTapestry Leaves; Time to Stamp Leo's Plate

Inks: DI Mustard Seed, Shabby Shutters and Peeled paint; Adirondack Terracotta and Lettuce; Watercolour pencils; Archival Sepia

Extras: MM RubOns; Green card

Les poupees

2009-05-10T16:45:00.003+01:00

The Gothic arches challenge is little girls, and I've combined this with this pretty image given by So Artful challenge.
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Stamps: Stampington Paris 1900

Inks: Distress inks Spiced Marmalade, Dried Marigold, Fired Brick and Shabby Shutters; Archival Black

Extras: Background image from www.digitalcollagesheets.com; Children image from So Artful

Garland Fairy

2009-05-09T13:08:00.003+01:00

The Small world of Inchies and Twinchies have flourishes as their theme.

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Stamps: Stampington Loose Leaves; RSTapestry Flourishes

Inks: DI Wild Plum, Dusty Concord, Milled Lavender, Worn Lipstick; Adirondack Wild Plum

Extras: Image from www.digitalcollagesheets.com

Pink, for life

2009-05-08T12:40:00.003+01:00

The Theme Thursday challenge this week is music/dance. I used a pink colour scheme so that I could send this to Sammie to support her in raising money for Cancer Research.

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Stamps: DarkRoom Door Melody; AudDesign

Inks: Ecoline White, Magenta, Light Green and Red Violet; VersaFine Onyx Black

Extras: black card; Salt

A charming woman

2009-05-07T18:30:00.004+01:00

The ATC Wednesday theme for this week is womanhood. I wasn't sure how to convey this until I saw the following quote by Loretta Young:

"A charming woman doesn't follow the crowd. She is herself."

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Stamps: paper Artsy Mini; free stamp from Craft Stamper magazine

Inks: Archival Black; DI Weathered Wood, Vintage Photo, Dried Marigold and Antique Linen

Extras: PP by Imaginisce, Fancy Pants and Scenic Route; Paper Cellar Square Gems; Lace

Butterfly Song

2009-05-06T20:13:00.002+01:00

The Tag It On challenge #1 is called Fairies at the bottom of the garden. Here's mine in a musical mood.

Frankie suggested I used my previous post, but I had already started this. Do feel free to have a look though.

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Stamps: Darkroom Door Melody and Full Bloom 2; Stampington Butterfly Girl; Hero Arts Treasure the Moments

Inks: DI Shabby Shutters, Dried Marigold and Dusty Concord; Archival Black; Adirondack Rust; Black pen

Extras: PM Eyelet; Sheer Ribbon; Perfect Pearls Gold; Vintage Image from www.digitalcollagesheets.com

Spread your wings little fairy

2009-05-05T18:37:00.003+01:00

I loved this image as soon as I saw it, and thought it loooked as if this fairy had just emerged, like a butterfly from its cocoon. It came from http://www.digitalcollagesheets.com/.

This is my contribution to the Crazy Amigos theme of Come fly with me.

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Stamps: DarkRoom Door Little Dreams

Inks: Alcohol Inks Stream, Butterscotch, Pitch Black and Pearl Mixative; Archival Black

Extras: Vintage Image; Prima Flowers; Grey Brad; Paper Cellar Square gems; Glossy and Black card; Spin and Splash toy

US Tea Company

2009-05-04T18:40:00.005+01:00

The small world of inchies and twinchies have tea and coffee for their theme. The central panel from this piece is the twinchie. The background is a vintage advert from The Graphics Fairy.

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Stamps: Stampington Cup Collection and The Letter C; HeroArts Treasure the Moment

Inks: Adirondack Rust; Archival Black; Watercolour Pencils

Extras: Blender pen; Vintage image

The direction of your dreams

2009-05-04T15:44:00.002+01:00

I made this for the Graphicus May challenge, which is to use the colour blue and the theme of travel.

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Stamps: Elusive Images Boys on Bikes

Inks: Sticky Fingers Sprays in Bluebell and Delphinium; Adirondack Aqua; DI Refill Broken China; StazOn Ultramarine; DI Antique Linen; Adirondack Dabber Pool

Extras: Perfect Pearls 'Pearl'; Mini Grungeboard Arrow; Metallic RubOn in Copper; Suitcase Charm; Ribbon; BB Blue card; Blue Wire

Three Sisters

2009-05-03T16:27:00.001+01:00

The Gothic Arches theme this week is vintage women.

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Stamps: ISC About Me; DarkRoom Door Friendship Flowers; Paper Artsy Backgrounds 2

Inks: Versamark; Adirondack Cranberry and Mountain Rose; DI Tea Dye; Anna griffin Chocolate; Marvy Pen Mocha

Extras: Image from Tuscan Rose CD 3; Star gem; Clear EP

Fairyland Park

2009-05-02T17:25:00.002+01:00

The Saturday Workout is collage. I love collage stamps - they're so versatile, and you can feature small (or large) parts of them individually, or use them complete as I've done here.

I've used the free stamp from this month's Craft Stamper magazine on the background. To make the fairy wand I covered a cocktail stick with versamark and used one layer of white EP, and one layer of Fairydust EP. The butterfly was a free gift from a craft magazine many years ago. Lots of sparkly detail that you probably can't see!

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Stamps: Free stamp from Craft Stamper by Crafty Individuals; Darkroom Door Little Dreams

Inks: Adirondack Stream and Wild Plum; Versamark; VersaFine Onyx Black

Extras: 'Pearl' Perfect Pearls; Detail Opaque White, and Fairydust EP; Cocktail Stick; Butterfly embellishment; DCWV Blue card; Net bow

Time and tide waiteth for no man

2009-05-01T12:03:00.001+01:00

Time and tide is the theme of the new Tag It On challenge. This is my contribution.

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Stamps: Time to Stamp Beach Memoirs; freebie stamp of clock

Inks: Archival Sepia; DI Dried marigold, Scattered Straw, Faded Jeans and Broken China

Extras: PM Eyelet; Fibres; Computer generated text; Water Spritzer

Cacao Suchard

2009-04-26T16:10:00.003+01:00

I found this great image on flickr for the Gothic Arches theme of chocolate. I'm not sure what the 4 represents - something to look up!
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Stamps: Stampington Butterfly Girl and French Dictionary; Time to Stamp ATC set 1

Inks: DI Shabby Shutters, Pine Needles, Antique Linen, Aged mahogany and Tea Dye; Marvy Black Pen

Extras: Image from Rohtola on Flickr; Scissors to distress edges

Beaded Feather

2009-04-25T15:35:00.004+01:00

I really enjoyed making beads for the Saturday Workout challenge, although feel they would look better on a hanging or canvas than a card. Something to try another day. Also, looking at the card as a photo, the bird stamp would have been better in a darker colour. If you click on the photo you get a close up.

I made the beads by coiling long triangular coloured strips of paper around a cocktail stick. and then winding metallic thread around that. After covering with versamark, I dipped the bead into Amazing Glaze for a couple of layers.

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Stamps : Crafty Individuals 161 and 183

Inks: DI Scattered Straw, Broken China, Pine Needles, Antique Linen and Faded Jeans; VersaColor Lagoon Blue and Pacific; Versamark; Fluid Chalk Yellow Ochre

Extras: Feather; Madeira Metallic Green and Blue threads; Blue wire; Judikins Amazing Glaze; Cocktail Stick; Beads

Imagination is the eye of the soul

2009-04-24T11:18:00.003+01:00

I usually find the moo size daunting, but was inspired to participate in this week's theme of quote for the Make a Moo or 2 challenge. The black border is just background, not part of the Moo. The quote is by Joseph Joubert, a French essayist.

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Stamps: PaperBag Studios Addison; ISC About Me; Time to Stamp ATC set 2

Inks: Versamark; Archival Black; Watercolour pencils

Extras: Detail White EP; Black and white card

Simplicity

2009-04-24T09:48:00.003+01:00

I've missed the Tag You're It challenge since it closed down, but am very pleased to see that Frankie has set up a new site for tag lovers called Tag It On. This tag below is to wish her well, and uses the theme of blossom as a 'pre-opening' challenge.

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Stamps: Hero Arts Treasure the Moments; Elusive Images Good Deeds

Inks: Marvy Pens Jungle green and Victorian Rose; DI Tattered Rose

Extras: Waterbrush and Spritzer; PM Eyelets; Celebrations Ribbon

Mannequin

2009-04-22T20:52:00.003+01:00

The ATC Wednesday theme is lace. Rather than use real lace, I thought I'd use a lace stamp, which I batiked and overstamped. This was the best focus I could manage.
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Stamps: Timne to Stamp ATC set 2; Stampington French Dictionary

Inks: Versamark; VersaColor Bisque and Topaz; VersaFine Onyx Black

Extras: Sheer ribbon; Prima Flowers; Brads; Clear EP

Birds of a feather will gather together

2009-04-21T12:51:00.002+01:00

I made this card for the Crazy Amigos theme of proverbs or sayings. It's a variation on a card I made a year or so ago, but promptly lost! I prefer this version.

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Stamps: Hero Arts Old French Handwriting; Time to Stamp Birds of a Feather; Just Johanna Bird Right, and Bird Left

Inks: DI Aged mahogany, Antique Linen and Scattered Straw; Archival Black and Sepia

Extras: Prima Flowers; Brads

First jaunt

2009-04-19T16:18:00.002+01:00

The Sunday Stampers theme is cars. My daughter passed her driving test this week, so this card is for her.

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Stamps: Tim Holtz Enjoy the Journey, No journey is too great, and Flourish; Stampington Scripted Elements

Inks: Adirondack Eggplant; DI Dusty Concord; VersaFine Onyx Black; Brilliance Moonlight White

Extras: Word tag punch; MM ribbon; Black card

Paris Chic

2009-04-16T13:39:00.002+01:00

The Theme Thursday challenge for this week is glamour girls.

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Stamps: HA Fancy Hats; See D's Ancient Alphaber; Crafty Individuals Crackle 116; R&L Travel Paris DarkRoom Door Venetian Vol 1; Stampington Venezia Correspondence

Inks: DI Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, Aged mahogany and Brushed Corderoy; VersaFine Onyx Black

Extras: Black card; Vintage Button; Black lace

Art ticket

2009-04-15T18:08:00.003+01:00

The ATC Wednesday theme is modern. I wasn't quite sure how to interpret this theme, but looking at modern art in google pictures, I think this atc might fit the bill. The background is a photo of a rusty car bumper from adrisbow on flickr, but looks like a textural canvas.

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Stamps: Invoke Arts Travel Tickets; ISC ATC Elements 2; Time Holtz Staples; SU! Explore

Inks: Brilliance Mineral; Archival Black; Versamark Pen; DI Black Soot

Extras: Detail Gold EP; Copper Eyelets

Scatter seeds of kindness

2009-04-14T09:43:00.001+01:00

The Crazy Amigos challenge is nature. I started this card a while ago, and then lost direction with it. It was good to come back and finish it.

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Stamps: DarkRoom Door Friendship Flowers

Inks: DI Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade and Fired Brick; Archival Black; DI Refill Tea Dye and Broken China

Extras: Perfect pearls Gold; Prima Flowers; Gold Brads; Sheer Ribbon; Corner Punch

Pink blossom

2009-04-13T19:23:00.002+01:00

The Graphicus challenge for April is to use blossom, and the colours pink and green. I used pebeo pearl touch in the centre of the flowers, but as it dried it took on the pink from the flowers, which is much softer.

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Stamps: Elusive Images Good Deeds

Inks: Adirondack Oregano, Wild Plum and Pink Sherbert; DI Pink Lipstick; Marvy Pens Jungle Green and Victorian Rose; Di refill Milled Lavender

Extras: Pebeo Pearl Touch; Sheer Ribbon; Circle punch; Swirl stencil; DCWV cardstock; Sticky Fixers; Waterbrush

Testing nibs

2009-04-12T09:42:00.003+01:00

************************

Happy, Happy Easter

everyone.

He is risen indeed,

Allelujah!

*************************

I made this card for the So Artful challenge on hands.

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Stamps: Invoke Arts Pens and Nibs; ISC ATC set and All About Me; Time to Stamp ATC set 2

Inks: DI Dusty Concord, Faded Jeans, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain; Versa Fine Black

Extras: Domed Sticker; Gesso; Vintage text from book; Black Card; Water Spritzer

Sophistication

2009-04-11T17:41:00.003+01:00

The Saturday Workout technique for this week is Fossil Stone. The link to details of this technique is on the SaWo site. In real life the background on this atc is more green, and has a stippled effect.
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Stamps: Time to Stamp Leo's Plate; Tim Holtz I See Paris

Inks: VersaFine Onyx Black; Adirondack Willow, Oregano and Mountain Rose

Extras: Hairspray; PM Clear Domed Sticker; 2 Flower punches

Lacemaker

2009-04-09T20:17:00.003+01:00

The Theme Thursday challenge is sewing. Lots of vintage items from my MIL's sewing box that I inherited - the button, poppas (or snap fasteners) and the sewing pattern tissue paper background.
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Stamps: TTS Vintage Sewing; Paper Artsy School Days 1 and Buttons 4; Crafty Individuals Crackle 116

Inks: Archival Black; Adirondack Oregano, Sandal and Butterscotch

Extras: Vintage lace, button, tissue paper pattern and snaps

Heart tag

2009-04-08T19:03:00.004+01:00

The Crazy Amigo site has Tim Holtz as their theme for this week, so here is my tag using various products and techniques promoted by him.
For the background I placed drops of alcohol inks and blending solution on a craft mat, and smooshed a piece of glossy card over the top. Note to self - the silver mixative is difficult to stamp over!
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Stamps: Tim Holtz Take Flight

Inks: Alcohol Inks Stream, Stonewashed, Butterscotch and Silver Mixative; Archival Black; Versamark Pen; Distress Crackle paint Brushed Pewter

Extras: Washer; Silver Ribbon; Mini Grungeboard heart; Detail Silver EP

Dancing dresses

2009-04-08T12:02:00.003+01:00

This is my first contribution to the ATC Wednesday site. The theme is dress.
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Stamps: Time to Stamp Vintage Sewing

Inks: Adirondack Currant, Red Pepper, Meadow, Cranberry and Wild Plum

Extras: Pebeo Pearl Touch; Perfect pearls Gold; Prima Flowers; Sheer ribbon; Image from Tuscan Rose CD 3

Two elder brothers

2009-04-07T10:50:00.006+01:00

This atc is my first contribution to the So Artful challenge site. The theme is the colour turquoise and hats.
The title comes from the text, which is the opening page of Robinson Crusoe.
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Stamps: Paper Artsy mini 3

Inks: Adirondack Aqua, Sail Boat Blue and Stream; VersaFine Onyx Black

Extras: Gesso; Vintage text; Word ties - a freebie from a magazine; Dovecraft Brad; Mica; Black Paper

Seeds and buds

2009-04-07T10:50:00.002+01:00

The Created byHand theme is Spring. For this card I made 2 twinchies, and gessoed over the pp to dull it a bit.

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Stamps: DarkRoom Door Friendship flowers; HA Fantastic Flourishes

Inks: VersaFine Onyx Black; Impress Garnet; Green unknown; DI Black Soot

Extras: Black card; pp by Fancy Pants; Gesso; Paper Cellar Lace Tape

Inkurable orange

2009-04-06T12:11:00.002+01:00

This is a card I made for the Inkurable Stampers 1st birthday challenge to use their signature colours of orange, black and white. As I made a crazy patchwork background I'll also submit this for the Saturday Workout blog. After glueing the scrap pieces, I toned them down with gesso.

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Stamps: Paper Artsy Wings 2 and Backgrounds 2; Stampington Latin Parchment

Inks: DI Fired Brick, Mustard Seed and Spiced Marmalade; VersaFine Onyx Black; DI Refill Tea Dye; Versamark Pen

Extras: Gesso; Perfect Pearls Bronze; Precoloured scraps; PP by Provocraft and Scenic Route; Photo Anchors and brads; Paper Cellar Lace Tape; Gold EP

Artful Journey

2009-04-05T20:38:00.002+01:00

This is my contribution for the Lots to Do challenge to create something based around the word art. I like the words on the background stamp which are all relevant to the theme.

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Stamps: Invoke Arts Travel Tickets; Paper Artsy Pierrot 1; ISC All About Me

Inks: VersaFine Onyx Black; Adirondack Oregano, Butterscotch and Currant

Extras: Water Spritzer

Congratulations TYI

2009-04-05T16:01:00.003+01:00

After an enforced silence for 2 weeks because of a lack of internet service (don't ask!!) I'm now happily back at the computer, sharing my work and looking forward to seeing that of others.

The Tag You're It site is celebrating one year of challenges, so it's appropriate that happy birthday is their theme this week. The scanner never seems to be happy with the colour of my embellishments - they do match really! They will also match with some cardstock for me to make up into a card.

I'm pleased to use my winnings from one of the draws from TYI - just right for this project!

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Stamps: Green Pepper Press; Studio G

Inks: DI Mustard Seed, Black Soot, Spiced Marmalade and Fired Brick; VersaFine Onyx Black; DI Refill Tea Dye

Extras: Hand created paper from a friend; PM Buttons; Magic Mesh; Ribbon; Q&Co Brads

Living among the ruins

2009-03-21T14:41:00.001Z

The Art Creations Friday challenge #18 is to use this given background.

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Stamps: Stampington Facade; Paper Artsy Backgrounds 2

Inks: Adirondack Slate and Currant; DI Spiced Marmalade

Extras: Prima Flowers; Gutermann Beads; BB pink card; Vintage image from chicks57

Seek Adventure

2009-03-20T18:46:00.005Z

The Tag You're It challenge this week is easy as 1, 2, 3.....

1 ribbon, 2 buttons and 3 eyelets/brads.

I keep getting this ribbon out to use on projects, but reject it in favour of others. So I made a co-ordinating background, and enjoyed using long neglected embellishments. The oranges are the same shade as that in the ribbon irl!

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Stamps: Invoke Arts Travel Tickets; SU! Discover; Hero Arts Tiny Bloacks and Square background

Inks: VersaColor Old Rose, Baby Blue and Split Pea; VersaFine Onyx Black; Fluid Chalk Tangerine; DI Worn Lipstick and Spiced Marmalade

Extras: Prima Flowers; PM eyelet and buttons; Corner Punch; Ribbon; BB brads

I sing of poppies

2009-03-20T09:33:00.004Z

This is my contribution for the graphicus challenge which is twofold: yellow, and sing. I based the card around a poem by Mary A Barr:

I sing the Poppy! The frail snowy weed!

The Flower of Mercy! That within its heart

Doth keep "a drop serene" for human need,

A drowsy balm for every bitter smart,

For happy hours the Rose will idly blow;

The poppy hath a charm for pain and woe.

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Stamps: Elusive Images Butterfly Poppy collage

Inks: Adirondack Lemonade; DI Scattered Straw, Tea Dye and Mustard Seed; Archival Sepia; DI refill Antique Linen; Watercolour pencils

Extras: Perfect Pearls Gold; Brown Brads; PM Eyelet; Ribbon; WHSmith Alpha RubOns; Punch; BB Brown card; TreeGlimmer screens

Dolce

2009-03-14T15:15:00.002Z

This is my contribution for Art Creations Friday #17.

I'm so disappointed that the scanner has bleached the colour of the flowers - irl they match the green in her dress perfectly. Here they look so awful I was tempted to pull them off!

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Stamps: Paper Artsy Backgrounds 2, Travel 4 and Travel 2

Inks: Adirondack Slate, Pink Sherbert and Watermelon; Archival Black

Extras: Vintage Image; Ribbon, Lace; Prima Flowers; Antique Music; Gesso

Projects for Winterfest 09

2009-03-13T18:19:00.006Z

This notebook was made for the neglected tools challenges, but managed to incorporate 2 other challenges too: chipboard and houses .

The card below uses the spin and splash tool, (another neglected tool) and an image from http://outsider-artists.net/pages/freeimages.htm

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Stamps: Tanda Stamps Flourish set; ISC All About Me; Paper Artsy Love and Kisses 1

Inks: Alcohol Inks Pesto, Lettuce, Espresso and Pearl Mixative; Versamark; Adirondack Juniper, Lettuce, Purple Twilight and Pink Sherbert; DI Dusty Concord; DI refill Milled lavender; Archival Black

Extras: Vintage Image Prima Flower; Gold Brad; Gold EP; Distress EP Antique Linen; Chipboard Coasters; BIA; Spin and Splash; Ribbons; Perfect Pearls 'Pearl'

The seeds of today

2009-03-12T19:02:00.003Z

Another card using blue and green, this time because these colours are the challenge from Created Byhand. I submitted this for two challenges on 2Peas Winterfest 2009 too: to use text, and a 'short' card.
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Stamps: AudDesign 2B; DarkRoom Door Full Bloom Vol 2

Inks: Archival Black; Ecoline Pastel Blue, Light Green and Turquoise

Extras: Salt; Ribbon; PM Adhesive Stones

Mermaid Bath Salts

2009-03-08T17:41:00.002Z

The Gothic Arches theme this week is fantasy; I chose a mermaid. I cannot tell you about the background paper except to say that I added a few details onto one of a series of backgrounds that a friend of mine gave me as a present. She knows my favourite colours well! The image came from the internet.

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Stamps: Elusive Images Good Deeds

Inks: VersaColor Lagoon Blue and Pacific

Extras: Anchor Eyelet; Magic Mesh; Background Paper; Vintage image; Waxy Flax Icy Blue

Smelling the flowers

2009-03-07T16:59:00.002Z

The Art Creations friday challenge is a photo, which I've just used the image from and tinted.

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Stamps: Paper Artsy Man of Numbers 2; DarkRoom Door Full Bloom Vol 2

Inks: Ecoline Pastel Blue, Burnt Sienna, Chartreuse and Magenta; Adirondack Slate; DI Worn Lipstick; Watercolour pencils

Extras: Cling Film; Vintage Image; Tracing paper

Pearly butterfly

2009-03-06T10:52:00.001Z

Here's my contribution for the Tag You're It theme of wings. Using such a large brad has caused the butterfly to go slightly out of focus in the scanner, but it is 3D. I don't think you get the sheen from the Pearl Mixative either.

I coloured the Magic Mesh with the Alcohol Inks.

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Stamps: Paper Artsy Petals 6 and One Penny 2

Inks: Alcohol Inks Denim, Eggplant, Lettuce,Stonewashed, Pesto and Pearl Mixative; VersaFine Onyx Black; Adirondack Eggplant, Denim, Lettuce and Stonewashed

Extras: Prima Flower; PM Eyelet and Brad; Fibres; Magic Mesh

Bling Blooms

2009-02-28T16:55:00.003Z

I bought these crystal gems years ago in a sale, and saved them, as you do. Their time has come!

Now used for the Tag You're It Diamonds are a Girl's Best friend challenge.

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Stamps: Paper Artsy Backgrounds 2 and Petals 6

Inks: DI Dusty Concord, Worn Lipstick and Broken China; Archival Black; DI Refill Milled Lavender

Extras: Perfect pearls 'Pearl'; PM Adhesive Stones and Eyelet; Mark Richards Crystal Stickers; Prima Flowers; Fibres

Chamois Leather

2009-02-28T15:20:00.002Z

The Saturday Workout challenge is to make Faux leather with Masking Tape.

In the suggested method for this technique you cover paper with small strips of masking tape, colour the tape and then cover with clear embossing powder. I omitted the embossing powder as I felt the effect had been achieved with the shiny acrylic, and looked like chamois leather. The two 'art' words are quite clear irl. I dyed the ribbon to match.

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Stamps: Simple Expressions People 2; Time to Stamp Leo's Plate; Crafty Individuals 21

Inks: Kaleidacolor Bouquet; StazOn Midnight Blue; Adirondack Acrylic Butterscotch

Extras: Masking Tape; Prima Flowers; Purple Brad; White ribbon; Gesso

Oh to be 70 again!

2009-02-27T10:13:00.003Z

When I saw this image on Art Creations Friday I immediately converted her into black and white to see what she looked like - I think I prefer her like this. I then thought she needed an amusing caption.

All my grandmother's sisters were called by nicknames such as Ruby or Chick. In fact I don't know their real names - so I imagine this lady to be called 'Button'. Isn't it funny how what you wear can influence your art work - I realised I'm wearing a cardigan decorated with buttons!

The faux buttons are punched from dyed pelmet vilene.

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Stamps: Paper Artsy Buttons 4; Time to Stamp Vintage Sewing

Inks: DI Aged Mahogany, Scattered Straw and Tattered Rose; Black Pen

Extras: Pelmet Vilene; Dymo Labeller; Black paper

Ocean's edge

2009-02-26T18:37:00.001Z

The Theme Thursday topic is beach or nautical. This didn't come out quite as intended, and I'm not altogether happy with it, but I know someone who'll appreciate it.

The background was made with the rubbing after cleaning the brayer, which gives it the waves effect.

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Stamps: Time to Stamp Beach memoirs; Elusive Images ATC set

Inks: Kaleidacolor Caribbean Sea; VersaFine Onyx Black

Extras: pp by Dovecraft; Metallic Black thread; Black Brads and Paper