Arty Indulgence

"Bird in a Gilded Cage"

2012-02-02T14:41:00.000+10:00

I received this from friend Linda, whom I regularly swap ATCs with.

While not strictly one of those, it's nevertheless a little work of art!

The flowers feel like suede, the centres are like tiny pearly bottle tops and obviously the lady within the cage is the bird.

Steampunk... maybe not!

2012-01-20T19:14:00.000+10:00

A friend is running a Steampunk ATC swap, so to get started for the year, I thought I would join up.
Mmmm.... had 3 goes and became frustrated that I could not seem to get it together.
Here are the two I did manage to complete...

Some inspiration for you!

2012-01-04T11:32:00.000+10:00

I'm always amazed at the enthusiasm of this Aussie lass!
She's so generous with her time and knowledge and I'm sure she won't mind my sharing her blog with you direct, so to speak.
http://www.sparkletart.com/
When you feel a bit stale or looking for a new direction, here's where to go!
Kate has some wonderful resources and even if not used by you, it's a great place to just look and say "Wow"

Enjoy the site and please leave a comment when you visit her blog :)

That time of year!

2011-12-15T19:16:00.000+10:00

I must say I have enjoyed my 'rest' from arty endeavours, but am looking forward to January, when I can once again be creative.

I was pleased to hear that some of the cards I made during the year were sold and the proceeds went towards an under-priviledged child swimming with dolphins.

http://www.bayplay.com.au/dolphin-swims.html

Our 'new' Australian Cattle dog Missy, was spayed on Monday and there have been a few wakeful nights by us, as she recovers from surgery.
She's a delight to have as a family member and we are looking forward to a long life together :)

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for dropping in and wish one and all a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2012.

What I'm knitting..

2011-11-14T11:39:00.002+10:00

These are little beanies for premature babies at the local Mater Mother's Hospital.
They only take about an hour to make and very little wool.
A friend crochets hers and about once a month a bundle are sent off to the hospital.
I've lost count of how many I've made, but am pleased to be doing something useful in the wider community.
PS - since I stopped knitting, my hands are fine! Point proven :)

I AM being crafty!

2011-11-11T11:55:00.000+10:00

It's just that my hand is giving me grief, and I can only think it's from the knitting I do at night in front of TV.
My Christmas cards are all made and waiting to be placed in envelopes.

Last year I was blessed with the gift of an embossing folder I really, really wanted, but was not able to buy here.
A sweet friend sent me one, from the UK, so i made a start there and then in mid December last year.
Consequently, I can sit back and be smug...lol
In saying that though, I did make a heap before I had surgery, so I have a variety.

Today I'm off to a crafty afternoon with a group of friends and to catch up with another from the UK who is visiting and see what's new in the card-making world in her neck of the woods.

New family member!

2011-11-05T14:27:00.001+10:00

Oh dear, we finally succumbed and adopted an Australian Cattle Dog, which was found on the road side where our daughter walks her dog.
Read about the breed here...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Cattle_Dog

After a week of waiting for phone calls/visits from any former owner (details left with the area Council, RSPCA and local Vet) we brought her home with us last Saturday.

She's about 18 months old, very affectionate and understands basic commands.
We had her to the local Vet for check-up and vaccinations on Monday and of course bought all the accoutrements for a dog, as you do!

MISSY - short for Misua, a type of Chinese noodle

We are all adapting very well and she's been for walks on the beach and chases the birds, which we are trying to discourage.
After all, they do come from Siberia and earn a rest...lol

Yes, Blue is a bit wary of her, but she knows that he is off limits - quick learner :)

PS daughter's dog is called Noodle, so they were tentatively looking for a name similar, in case they decided to keep her

Nature time!

2011-10-18T17:31:00.002+10:00

While still on my arty 'holiday', I've been whale spotting from the ocean side of the island.
They come into Moreton Bay heading south again after their annual migration to northern waters to breed.
This is Woorim beach, looking towards Moreton Is, under the clouds

*Moreton Island the second largest sand Island in the world, offering crystal clear water and picturesque sandy beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, as well as fascinating marine life and freshwater lakes. * tourist info
The water between Moreton Island and Bribie Island is a shallow passage, and the whales seem to sense this and so do an about turn, but stop to play and show off before heading right at the Cape to continue their trip south to the Antarctic.

So far we have seen mothers and calves, in quite near to the shark nets (which help to protect swimmers) and lone males perhaps, just slowly moving along.
Dolphins are never far away, as are schools of bait fish and the birds they attract.

Unfortunately, they are all too far away for my compact camera to see, but with the aid of binoculars, the whales are indeed a sight to behold.
Along the western side of Moreton Island is a busy shipping lane, heading for the Port of Brisbane

In past years we've been on whale watch cruises and never really seen any of the spectacular activities you see on the TV.

Here's a link to the cruise we went on some years back and do check out the photos and film clips!
http://www.brisbanewhalewatching.com.au/

Copics.....

2011-10-04T11:12:00.000+10:00

Well, mmmmm...

In a couple of weeks I will be attending a stamping day, and know of a very competent lady who will be there to give me a hands on demo!

Needless to say, I have not persevered since the initial play, but with instruction and perhaps maybe, few more shades in between, I'll be able to make use of these.
I think I need to actually see the pens, rather than choose from a website, to get the right blends.

Productive, at last -- teeny tag booklets

2011-10-04T11:03:00.000+10:00

Well, it's 6 weeks today since surgery, so I celebrated by creating these teeny adorable tag books.

Friend Ingrid showed me one some time back, so of course I had to buy the Sizzix dies ( a set of 4 which are actually tags/labels) and then wait until I could handle the machine!

The white square is a die from Nellie Snellen, stamped over with a gem attached.
The ribbon is threaded through 2 small punched holes and knotted, while the pages are cut slightly smaller than the cover and lightly scored so theyfold with the cover.

They are approx 2 inches by 1 1/2 in size

On the way to a play day!

2011-09-19T19:50:00.001+10:00

Oh, it's just 4 weeks since surgery and although my hands are still tender, I can do lots!
I have to confess, I did have a little play with the Copic pens, but was a bit disappointed with the result.
I think the colours may be too far apart, so to speak, but it's always hard to judge from a website.

Yes, there are tutorials out there,so I might bide my time and have a look see later on.
Considering I only have 2 reds, 2 blues, 2 greens, a yellow and purple, I don't expect to do magical things!
If all else fails, I can always make very brightly coloured cards...lol!

Up date

2011-08-29T14:29:00.000+10:00

Surgery went well and I'm able to use my 2 forefingers very adeptly!
There is still pain and I suspect for some time yet, but I do have the 5 stitches in each hand removed on Thursday-yippee!

Although I am no colourist, I have a selection of Copic markers waiting on my desk, for my enjoyment later on.
I saw these demonstrated at a recent craft show and at the time asked my best friend whether or not I should buy them.
A resounding "NOT, if you can't colour" but it looked so easy, I thought I should at least try!

I'll be sure to let you know if I master them or not :)

A few weeks off...

2011-08-20T15:20:00.000+10:00

I have been busy making cards and pearlescent ink background papers.

However, on Tuesday 23rd August, I have day surgery on both my wrists for carpal tunnel and expect to be handicapped [pardon the pun!] for at least 2 weeks.

In the meantime, I have a good selection of books to read and stamping magazines to re-accquaint myself with!

See you soon!

Using old postage stamps

2011-08-04T15:10:00.000+10:00

Ooooh, I can't believe it's been nearly a month since I posted last, however I have been a bit arty, having made a bunch of cards for a friend.

One of the ladies at my local craft group asked how could she use old postage stamps [which it seems she has many!
Australia has had some lovely pictorial ones over the years and I've used them often,on cards, and even covered tins with them and so dragged out a few to play with.
Unfortunately one of the birds is not quite the same size as the rest, but that makes it 'special' lol

Down time

2011-07-07T19:37:00.001+10:00

Seems to be around this time each year I have little or no inclination to be crafty.
However, I did dig out my Christmas cards which I started back in January [thanks Carol :)] and have done a little more to them.
Eventually I will just be able to sit and construct them in one hit.

A friend at the craft group I attend on Tuesdays, received a letter from the Mater Mother's Hospital, thanking her and "your friend" for knitting/crocheting beanies for the babies born there... 10,000 in one year!
Maybe I read that wrong; that's an awful lot of babies!
But apparently they all have a hat and even the premature babies have Cabbage Patch doll sized little beanies.
I enjoy knitting them and they only take an hour or so and very little wool.

I'm also constructing another page of my Sea Change scrapbook, but it's a slow process, as in winter we tend to be a little less active.
Recently our neighbours did a 3 week tour of Canada and Alaska and through extenuating circumstances, we were privileged to walk their three Siberian Huskies, over that time.
They are well known and much admired in our area and a one hour walk usually ended up being a good 30 mins longer, by the time we stopped and talked to friends, waited while children wanted to pat them and all the dogs concerned exchanged sniffs with others!

Now they are back, but we continue to walk, for the sheer delight of walking and the joy of being with the dogs and their "Mum".

Collage frame

2011-06-29T15:02:00.001+10:00

I cannot believe it's nearly the end of June already!

It's been a drab old day with passing showers, so what better time to get creative!
Initially I started out to make a concertina book, but whilst rummaging through a box of stuff, came across this chipboard frame.

I think it had previously held pieces of house parts, but I saw it's potential and set to work.
There are some stamped images, paper, a chipboard bird, rub ons, a plastic button, and a pebble-type heart, which is losing its sticky.

Add to that, lots of bling and charms etc. It's hard to know when enough is enough.
Lots of fun to make and totally useless...lol!
It has a cardboard prop on the back, so it stands up.

Results, results!

2011-06-04T15:35:00.000+10:00

What a difference a day makes!
Yesterday I went to a friend's house, where another friend from the UK has been showing several of us, to make cards, using various tools and techniques we may not have seen before.
Using leaf and verse stamps, we made tags too.
The cut shapes were a set of thin plastic stencils, the name of which escapes me....

Firstly we used Creative Expressions Masks- flowers and leaves
http://www.joannasheen.com/craft-supplies/creative-expressions-masks/

and a freebie flower stamp from -
http://www.craftstamper.com/

Of those who attended, no 2 items were the same, of course!
Needless to say, I didn't have all the supplies I needed to finish anything in the 2 hours, so spent time this morning making these up.

Must fly, I have 3 huskies [dogs] to walk!
Will post tomorrow :)

Totally off topic!

2011-06-03T19:24:00.001+10:00

I hope you all feed my virtual fish when you visit!

Yesterday I replaced 2 platys and 2 mollys in our tank.
Add to that, the 6 babies my guppy Mum spawned...lol

Excuses, excuses!

2011-06-01T20:35:00.000+10:00

I apologise for the lack of input, but with an influx of visitors, issues with my hands and just sheer lack of interest, I have done little these past months.
However, I did make a few basic cards today.

On June 13th, I'm attending a Papercraft & Scrapbooking Show
http://scrapbookexpo.com.au/ and hope to get some inspiration, if not new bits & pieces to play with and catch up with old friends.

Watch this space!

Late birthday cards

2011-04-25T14:44:00.000+10:00

From my 2 English roses, if a little late...lol
Sandra does such lovely work that I can only admire and wish...

Carol's art just blows me away and her dedication to detail and innovation leaves me stuck for words and that's not often..lol
Here's her blog to see what I mean
http://alcoholinky.blogspot.com/
Please enjoy these cards as I will continue to do and of course the previously posted ones too :)
I am indeed fortunate to have such talented ladies as my friends.

Newsprint butterfly hanging

2011-04-25T14:27:00.000+10:00

A friend had a library book, which showed these cuties, so I thought I'd do my take on them.
I punched butterflies from an old music book, lightly dusted them with chalk and attached them to a fine piece of jewelry nylon.
Once dangling, I spread the wings a little to give the impression of fluttering.
At the moment it's just a piece of skewer they are on, temporarily covered with a strand of wool [until I can find a better way to secure the nylon without it showing]

Silk flower dragonflies

2011-04-25T14:21:00.000+10:00

I've been away for a few days and come home with lots of things to try!
These dragonflies are made from large silk flowers, cut in half and one piece cut again.

The bodies are threaded beads on wire, whatever you choose to make
The pieces were difficult to hold and glue, so I cut a small piece of card and glued the "wings" to that.
It also makes it easier to mount on a card or to hang from wire etc.

My black specimen has glitter glue added to try and hi-light the black.
The others were basic and I left them behind for my friend Rhonda to fiddle with as she pleases.
The multi-coloured dragonfly is actually made of a paper flower and the wings stay upright much better than the silk, which being soft, just flop!

Tins in a tin!

2011-04-25T14:16:00.000+10:00

I've had this for some time and not known what to do with them.
The picture is taken minus the clear glass lids, to stop light reflection.
Fun and fiddly to do, but now I have to find somewhere to display it!

Easy paper handbag

2011-04-25T14:12:00.000+10:00

Friend Ingrid is always full of new ideas and this is my version!
Hers had a brad to hold it closed, but with one or two openings, it soon became a chore, so I've just used a clip. The original bag had a small flat chocolate in each 'pocket', which could be lightly glued to the inside to stop it falling out the sides.
It's a novel way to thank someone or just as a treat.

Indulgence, by me!

2011-04-18T10:12:00.001+10:00

I recently had a birthday and received some lovely cards and would like to share 3 with you.
The Oriental card from Bonnie B, a talented lady and long time e-friend through OrientalStampArt.
The cream embossed/flowers by long time good friend, Ingrid, who shares many of her ideas with me!
and the multi coloured flowers by Carole, also an e-friend and versatile lady!
Check her blog too and you will see what I mean!
http://dragonfly47.blogspot.com/
This technique has me stumped...it's lightly textured card, dabs of colour and edged with black & silver pen.
Not like anything I've seen before.
Thank you ladies!

All new look!

2011-04-08T17:30:00.000+10:00

They say a change is as good as a holiday!
Speaking of which, I will be away for a week and looking forward to the cooler climate in the state of Victoria.
Hope you like the changes :)

Decorated/altered tin

2011-04-06T16:28:00.000+10:00

It's funny how things just evolve!
I have had all shapes and sizes tins put away for years and never really known what to do with them.
In the past, I painted them with Lumieres or Jo Sonja paints, but have seen a friend do it with papers, so I decided to try it too.
Not always the easiest way to cover anything small and rounded, so instead of beading/braid around the top, I just dabbed good old brown ink, to cover the badly cut bits..lol
The tin pretty much speaks for itself and the insert is a piece of that hard plastic which comes wrapped around gum or small 'things'

Inside, representing - flower, for garden clock & innards for time well spent pelican and swivel for birds and fishing shell for beach life dragonfly and bee for insects in the garden

Alcohol Inks and glass slides

2011-03-25T19:30:00.000+10:00

Hmmm... not the result I was looking for, however, here's what turned out.
It's copper tape edging on copper metallic paper and pale green card, with yellow-y leaf.

I found that the Archival ink was best on the alcohol, but they it DID rub off on the reverse side.
I tried to make an ATC but the glass was too bulky and I couldn't find a suitable background paper to match.
In the April issue of http://www.craftstamper.com/ there is a spread on techniques using alcohol inks.
Maybe I need a bit more practice!

Nature's Art

2011-03-25T19:16:00.002+10:00

I'm always thankful for the beautiful beaches we have just a few minutes drive from home and yesterday after a frustrating morning trying to be arty, we packed a lunch and headed for the beach.
The days are unseasonably warm and there were swimmers, walkers with or without dogs and sun bakers along the beach, as well as a great selection of shells.
Because the island is a National Park, nothing is supposed to be removed [questionable] so I take photos instead.
The variety in colour and shape of the shells is evident by this collage, of sorts.

Tiny canvases - done!

2011-03-20T13:20:00.001+10:00

Well, I was sent some grunge paper to try by dear friend Mary.
After tearing my hair out, I actually managed to punch a flower and cut by hand, two leaves!
However, the centre of the flower is punched Bazzill.
It was not at all what I expected and I was disappointed to say the least :(
Anyway, it was a good way to use up one of the 2 x 2" canvases.
The word was stamped on mauve tissue paper [with glittery bits through it] and the background is cat's eye pigment inks dabbed here and there.
Here's a link to try http://wn.com/Tim_Holtz_demonstrates_his_Grungepaper_Rose

My second canvas made me happier!
I painted H2Os on half the surface and glued paper to the other side.
The fan is gold embossed and foam mounted, with a tiny tassel attached to the handle and bling to finish off.

Busy days

2011-03-17T19:22:00.000+10:00

I don't seem to have any time to myself lately and my list of "To Do" things is growing.
However, I did make a special point of getting on with my scrap book pages this afternoon and have completed 3 more, plus the cover.
They are chipboard letters with Dimentional Magic on top and 3 tiny shells glued on.

My list includes using:
grunge paper
microscope slides
a new Oriental stamp
altered post card
small tins to decorate
and 2 tiny canvases

I'm sure I will get there eventually!
One day at a time!

ATCs from a talented friend

2011-03-06T10:38:00.001+10:00

Every so often you meet someone who has an effect on your life/art and Melissa is no exception!
I first met her at a Paperific Fair in Brisbane, where she and a friend had driven some 10-12 hours to attend the day.
We swapped ATCs and have kept in touch since, albeit not too frequently, given her location and employment.
She's recently been through a life changing event,so I decided to start send her an ATC a month, just as a way to keep in touch, with no obligation to return.

Right from the beginning of our swapping, I was astounded at the thought and detail Melissa puts into her cards, where I tend to just use whatever is handy and don't really plan them, as such.
I was gobsmacked yesterday to receive one of her beautiful Oriental cards, which she excels at and asked if I might share it with the world :)

Here are but a few of the creations I've received over the past 6 years and I'm sure you'll agree they are special.
The detail is amazing and of course never shows in pictures, especially textures.
Melissa also gives each card a very creative title!
Enjoy her art and Melissa, if you read this, thank you for being my inspiration!

Another family page layout

2011-02-18T20:44:00.000+10:00

Probably the last of this kind, although I plan to do more, using the photos I've taken of the beauty in and around the area I live in.

This spread was easy, as the squares were just calling to be used!
Unfortunately I forgot to take the picture before it was framed and the glass was a bit hard to avoid.
Note to self: photograph first next time..lol

"Bay Windows" collage

2011-02-16T20:58:00.000+10:00

Here's another project I completed today.
It's a set of chipboard pieces from Kaiser Craft again, covered with their papers and embellished with whatever I had on hand!
Unfortunately the light got onto the Dear old lady, so she is shining brightly in the heavens :)

Terrific Torsos!

2011-02-11T14:04:00.001+10:00

I've always wanted a terrific torso and now I have 9!

These pieces of chipboard are from http://www.collectionselements.com/store/
I've covered them with paper scraps and added embellishments and bling etc.
They are glued at the back to bamboo skewers and stand in blocks cut for me by DH.
I've used two photos as they show a little more detail than one.

My first scrap book page layout!

2011-02-05T15:52:00.003+10:00

Well, who would have thought it!
I took a photo of my late Mum and Dad [early1980's] to the group I meet with and the store owner Vanessa, chose the papers for me and said 'have fun!'... and I did!

The cut out flowers are foam mounted on the paper and the lace edging not very well trimmed, to show off the blue background a little more.
The flowers on the actual photo are to cover a couple of blemishes that could not be removed and a few of them have glittery gems in the centres.

Coincidences are all over this page.
They were both keen gardeners
My Dad's favourite colour was blue
Mum's dress was the same shades as the apricot flowers.

I also added a small picture of my late brother and me, as a child when he was in the Navy.

Edit: I framed and hung this today, adding the apricot corners to take away the starkness of the background.

Girly box!

2011-02-04T13:09:00.001+10:00

Never one to pass up an opportunity to try something new, I put aside this plastic box which had previously held cotton buds.
It measures 4.5 x 3.5 x 2 inches
Some paper I had been hoarding for too long, a few gems and some trimming.... presto!
The hat, boots and purse were cut out and foam mounted on the reverse of the patterned paper, then mounted on black card.
Punched flowers from a different project added a little extra bling!

Playing with paper and chipboard

2011-01-30T14:52:00.000+10:00

What a great way to spend a couple of days!
This set of houses is from
http://www.collectionselements.com/store/

They were fun to make and decorate, but I erred on 'the less is best' option because I really did not know what to put on them!
The picture on the right, is to show the inside - a stamped Zettiology image mounted on black paper.
There was a spare piece of board, so I used it as a door and the brad through a gold swivel to hold it on.
Not so happy about the rust coloured house as the punched leaf was originally bronze metallic paper and I went over it with a black Sharpie, rather than un-stick it and add something in its place.

Altered jigsaw

2011-01-22T19:28:00.000+10:00

This is a plywood set I've had for some time and didn't know what to do with!
First, start with some paper and see where that takes you..lol
The stickers were appropriate and the embellishments were fun to do, so my eldest daughter scores this piece of artwork.

In hind sight [a marvelous thing] I would not have used such flowery paper and I did purposely mis-match the pattern. The 'pink' ink edging looks more red...oh well, I'll know next time!

It's on a mauve-sort-of background card and set into a plastic frame, minus the glass, so looks more like a 3-d item.
The photo does not really do it justice *sigh*
I live and learn :)

Altered notebook

2011-01-19T10:13:00.000+10:00

Friend at craft group yesterday handed round nice sized little notebooks that were surplus to requirements, so here's what I did with mine.
I love the paper and cut two leaves leaves from that, mounting them with foam on the front.
The tie is a girl's hair band, with just enough stretch to reach round, with a split ring and leaf charm to finish off.
A fun project and done in a jiffy!

Decorated tags, just for fun!

2011-01-15T16:36:00.000+10:00

I picked these up ages ago in a $ store and have recently decided I needed to get the stash of alterable items down.
It was fun to use up lots of itty bitties I have accumulated and explore, more with papers rather than stamps.

Another totally useless item that I seem to be collecting these days!

Snugglepot & Cuddlepie!

2011-01-08T17:49:00.000+10:00

I know you are dying to find out what these are!
http://browseinside.harpercollins.com.au/index.aspx?isbn13=9780732284282 A friend has a stamp of these 2 characters and left it for me to have a play with.
Because it is a fairly small stamp, it was easy to use and I have yet to try it on an ATC.
Soooo cute!

Two birds

2011-01-07T19:12:00.000+10:00

These cardboard birds were given to me last year some time and I never knew what to do with them, however seeing what can be done with papers....
Each bird has a reverse paper pattern and wing, embellished with either tiny gems or punched flowers with centres.
It was a fun thing to do, but totally useless and will collect dust, along with other bits of art I have hanging in my craft room..lol!

Folder of sorts, or screen?

2011-01-07T19:06:00.000+10:00

I have no idea where I acquired this piece of card from, but its a 3 fold.
I chose some papers yesterday especially to cover this.
Once again I used Kaiser brand papers.
The reverse side is covered in the same paper as the bottom strip.
I really like these shades together and there is plenty of choice of patterns!

Flowery bag

2011-01-06T16:12:00.001+10:00

Well, I went off to a 'class' this morning and although I didn't do much, this is the end result.
It's a little paper mache bag with string handles, painted and decorated.
I really must get away from flowers and bugs!

That said, I have bought some exciting (to me) new papers from Kaiser http://www.kaisercraft.net/

and will make a start on some of the tins I have stashed away.
It continues to rain, so I have plenty to keep me occupied!

Stitched bag and fancy boot

2010-12-18T14:28:00.000+10:00

These are the last I'll probably do.
The bag has stick on gems and the boot has seed beads.
Although they are fun and fiddly, they have no use whatsoever!

I have rejoined OrientalStampArt after a lengthy break and am looking forward to a change of direction.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OrientalStampArt

An on going technical problem..

2010-12-03T08:22:00.002+10:00

If you see lots of visits from Brisbane, it's not a legion of fans, but moi!
I have a problem with Firefox and Blogger and am trying several ways to eliminate it (it requires logging on each time I move from one page to another)
If anyone has a suggestion or has the same problem, I'd love to hear!

Dec 4th
Edit- I think I've found the solution and hopefully it will keep working!

Christmas gift card holder

2010-12-02T20:34:00.000+10:00

Friend Ingrid was kind enough to make these for me with her punches? and I've used it for a gift card holder.
The stamp is part of a much loved and used PSX (1999) gold embossed and coloured with H2Os.
I added Dimensional Magic to the berries.
The star trims are punched from a scissor-like hand punch, using Kaisercraft "Pear Tree" paper

Some lovely artwork here

2010-11-19T21:19:00.001+10:00

While surfing for more of these stencils, I came across this site.
Back in 2007 Helle made a handbag and won a prize from Marianne Design.

I looked at later projects on her blog and was inspired!
See for yourself
http://hellescards.blogspot.com/

Ta da - stitched card!

2010-11-19T11:23:00.001+10:00

Well, after a few days of frustration, here it is!
I love the concept and that you can add as little or as much embellishment you like.
Because I'm new at this, I used simple stitches and think it looks ok :)
I know there are other patterns available, so may try another and hone my cutting skills too!

Nothing new...

2010-11-12T19:34:00.000+10:00

I don't have anything to share, this being a down time of the year.
I have made a few Christmas cards, but they don't really stand out.

However, I did have a play earlier this week and made mini ATCs.
Unfortunately there are only two others here in Aus, who will swap with me, so the cards are few and far between.
To have break from paper arts, I've been knitting coat hanger covers...lol .. and even had a go at crocheting tops on kitchen hand towels.
Not my preferred handcraft, but at least it's something a little different.

At craft group there is a Double Do which embosses an image and there's a template to prick holes through, then I 'sew' simple stitches to make it an attractive piece.... watch this space!
Once the bag is cut round, it can be mounted on card.

"Less is best" cards

2010-10-21T17:11:00.000+10:00

Back to the Craftstamper for these cards also.
The samples were done in white with shades of orange, which I don't have, so ever resourceful, I adapt!
Mask off a shape and sponge with 2 colours, then stamp the image with black ink.
They were quick and simple and quite striking I think!
And yes, I love using black!

Bling meets Nature!

2010-10-21T17:05:00.000+10:00

Once again I turned to the Craftstamper magazine (see last post) and have given this booklet a different slant.
I already had the book and cover, so just dressed them up, using Dylon powdered paper, all the bling I could find and away I went!
The card is a soft green shade and I've used a lighter green ink to sponge the edges
Although it doesn't show, the thistle and dragonfly have silver dots upon them.
The book is tied with thin brown jute and the cover closes with a dab of Velcro.

A Fanciful Leaf!

2010-10-20T16:13:00.001+10:00

I was so lucky to have a friend send me a spare Craftstamper magazine http://www.craftstamper.co.uk and I loved the leaf book in the current issue.
Mine is not as colourful as the example and I only made one leaf, but I had fun!
There are so many scraps of paper in boxes around me, I'm sure I can make dozens of these leaves!

Thanks a heap, Mary!

Beautiful Christmas cards

2010-10-20T16:07:00.001+10:00

Ah, the season is fast approaching and members of my craft group are busily sewing cards.
There are some fabulous pieces of work there, but this one made by Annette H really took my fancy.
Using one of the new Cuttlebug folders, she's stitched this cute little tree as well and embellished with gems.

The cream card is slightly glossy, with graduated colour, gold greeting and thread and looks so much better than the image my phone took!
The white and silver is just as attractive!
Thanks for sharing, Annette :)

Back home from Borneo

2010-10-07T19:48:00.000+10:00

Well, we had a great 8 days, taking in the local wildlife, culture and scenery.

This postcard shows the the reason for the trip, but unfortunately as it was fruit season, the rehabilitated orangs at Sepilok had no need of handouts, so we only saw two; a female with baby and a young male.
However, we did visit the Labuk Bay sanctuary for proboscis monkeys, which were much more abundant and entertaining!

It's nice to be home, but my creativity is still lacking, so don't expect too much in the coming months :(

Lack of creativity... again!

2010-09-18T19:45:00.000+10:00

For the past 2 weeks or more, I've been laid low with flu, an inner ear infection & deafness, which has left me less than interested in anything arty.
However, I'm about to go on holiday with my 2 daughters to Malaysia for 8 days and hope to come back refreshed and creative!
http://www.sabahtourism.com/sabah-malaysian-borneo/en/home/

"Other" art form

2010-08-11T17:03:00.002+10:00

My lack of creativity in the paper department may have something to do with these!

I began power carving using a Dremel extension cable about 18 months ago and have really just dabbled, doing whatever took my fancy.
These are various pieces I've completed this year.

Three are based on New Zealand Maori fish hooks and a stylised whale tail.

The finish on each is either wax, a fine oil or combination of both.
Timbers I use are mostly local, although the brown hook is PNG Redwood and the one to its right is mahogany.
The hook on the green material is camphor laurel and the tail is pine.

Silly Blue!

2010-08-07T13:52:00.005+10:00

How daft can a bird be!
While I was playing with my canvas, Blue as usual, was into mischief.
I had left a hair tie on the shelf and somehow he got it round his neck and did not like that one bit!
It restricted his flying somewhat and he ended up on the floor.
I knew I could not physically remove it, or I'd get bitten - he won't be handled :(

Eventually he shook and fluffed himself so vigorously, that the tie fell off.
Happy bird and relieved 'Mum'!

Decorated canvas

2010-08-07T13:14:00.005+10:00

For most of this week, I've been playing with a piece of 18 x 18 inch canvas I bought ages ago and never knew what to do with it!

With some suggestions from friend Rhonda and a great deal of courage, I splattered paint and began!

There is not a lot of stamping [just flowers] as I was trying to use touchy-feely things.

Mostly beads, buttons and glittery bits.

It was fun to do, but I probably would not willingly do another!

Beautiful art to share

2010-08-03T18:55:00.007+10:00

Every now and then I receive beautiful art from an OrientalStampArt friend, Sandra G and today was one of those days!
She kindly sent me her Penny Black Brush Stoke card and as always it took my breath away!

Please enjoy her art as much as I do :o)
Here's the link http://trixiegirl5192.myphotoalbum.com/

And here's her Penny Black card of black and gold.

More birthday books

2010-07-15T14:20:00.003+10:00

Oooh, I can't believe it's been a month since I posted!
Not that I have been idle, just making ATCs and a couple more birthday books.

The Oriental one has ribbon ties, as the pages were too wide for swivels.
I think it's time I moved on..lol!

More Inchies, thanks Irene

2010-06-17T20:23:00.004+10:00

A crafty group friend who has BOOP http://www.epler.com/BoopWhat%27sBoopDiseaseInformation.htm made these inchies after a fun day at my house.
She loves 'little' and animals, as is evident!

Remember mini ATCs?

2010-06-10T14:21:00.005+10:00

Craft group ladies were looking at my folder of all the numerous swaps I had been in and those mini ATCs sent to me way back in 2004-06.

It's been great to look back and after making so many inchies, I was happy to move up to the minis again!

It was cold and windy today, so here are a few to refresh your memories!
These are 1.5 x 2.5 inches little works of art, well....!

Lol, I do seem to like girlie images!
Most of them are small and work well with ATCs too.

Easy birthday book

2010-06-10T14:02:00.004+10:00

Goodness, I can't believe it's been over a month since I posted anything!
Life certainly gets in the way sometimes :)

Last week I had some craft group ladies here to play and one of them showed me little book similar to this one, which I have elaborated on.
Thanks Marg McM

You will need 6 pieces of card 10cm x 8cm [or whatever size and colour you want] but I was governed by the calendar sheets, which I forgot to copy first, so had to scan and save, which doesn't make a good image.

Also cut 2 more pieces for the covers, using a contrasting colour.
Another smaller piece to layer with and add whatever you like to the top.
I used gold letters and a punched vellum & paper flower.

Glue the calendar months onto the pages, making sure you reverse them, or they will be upside down :)

I used a small punch for the holes and brass fisherman's swivels, because I didn't have any nice rings.

Creative card from Carol!

2010-05-07T08:06:00.004+10:00

Each year my birthday is remembered by Carol Q and this year was no exception!
Where she gets her ideas from, I will never know!

If you've visited her blog http://alcoholinky.blogspot.com/ you will notice she most often uses a garden background for artwork photos, so I thought I'd try it too.

I hope you can see the detail on the star and swirls, but you won't see the the pearlesence on the background card.

An ATC easel card

2010-05-06T15:06:00.003+10:00

At last, I feel like doing something!

I was told about this some time back, but have only just played around.

It's just a smaller version of an easel card, but to ATC measurements.

No enthusiasm...

2010-05-03T19:07:00.002+10:00

I'm somewhat lacking any initiative at the moment and when I started to make an ATC easel card, just could not get it all together.
Don't you have days like that!

Besides, the weather is glorious and sitting inside is not a good thing!
Yesterday we walked for 90 minutes along this beach and revelled in the day!
I certainly don't feel guilty ;o)

Stunning cards!

2010-04-13T16:49:00.002+10:00

Just sharing some of the lovely cards I received for my birthday.

It seems to be a birds and flowers theme, both of which I love!

Each so different and all from talented friends.

Thank you ladies :o)

Sea Life ATC holder

2010-04-04T14:44:00.004+10:00

While having an ATC attack some time back, I made this for fun.

The folder was adapted to take just 4 ATCs, rather than 8 in the one I was shown at craft group.

I thought it was quite fitting as we live by the sea!

Geisha Box

2010-04-04T14:27:00.004+10:00

I picked up a couple of these from the $ store and had originally intended to give it to a friend, however it did not turn out as planned, so I'll keep it.

It is a firm paper mache and not quite oval and I have no means of cutting the ovals for the top, so resorted to a Fiskar's Shape template for the size and scissors and eyechrometer for accuracy!

Not a good combination!

I had thought to add more beads as centres to all the blossom on the box itself, but realised how many there were and it was overkill!

I used black poster paint, printed paper,Liquitex Gloss & Varnish medium to cover the box.

The image is stamped on gloss card, with punched flowers and seed beads to decorate.

A quick tin

2010-03-30T10:01:00.002+10:00

I pinched this from a friend and intend to return it in an 'altered' state!

Nothing fancy just a stamped images with gems/flower added.

I left the original pink/beige of the tin rather than try to paint it.

BRIGHT Emerson ladies!

2010-03-25T11:21:00.002+10:00

These are in a way, a tribute to an Australian company [ in the late 90s on ] Dream Mode, sadly long gone.

They were renown for funky images & bright colours and I loved them!

My Emerson ladies were kindly loaned to me by friend Mary and I've tried to do them justice.

In a rush of blood to the head, I bought the bright sheets of card and then wondered what on earth can I do with them!

The images are stamped on lavender/aqua spotted paper, but the camera doesn't show that very well.

The orange/green gals are also stamped on paper which has a lime/aqua daisy pattern, repeated on the green card with a stamp and pink punched flowers added to the centres.

I'm enjoying playing around with the easel style, which seems to be very popular at the moment

Alphabet ATC challenge

2010-03-23T19:08:00.002+10:00

These were done last year as a challenge in a group I belong to.

It was fun to drag out odd stamps and try to match them to the letters.

I think the only stamp-less card was U, the one of me!

As they were for my own use and fun, it was great to be as silly or off the wall as I liked, instead of considering what another recipient might like or not!

There was no frame large enough for these, so I resorted to a sheet of card fashioned into a sandwich board arrangement and have hung the back straps over the wardrobe door in my craft room.

Probably not the best way to display them, but better than being in a folder or book, where they would not see the light of day.

Framed Inchies

2010-03-22T18:12:00.006+10:00

After a lot of messing about, I've finally got 88 inchies behind glass.

Initially I thought I had enough, but when laid out, found I was 31 short, so had to make more!
I know they are not quite evenly spaced, but it was fun trying..lol!

For the time being, I won't be making any more, but working on a way to display my ATC Alphabet.

Tin full of Inchies!

2010-03-04T19:01:00.007+10:00

What to do when you have too many Inchies?

Decorate a tin!

Although they are close together and don't leave much space for anything else, I did add some multi-coloured Beedz to the lid edges and some of that flowery fluff to the base.

The inside lid has faces, the bottom, flowers.

I had considered adding more to the top of the lid, but decided it was busy enough!

I really don't know of another suitable way to display them.

Fun with Dylon powder

2010-02-25T19:38:00.007+10:00

This is a brand of fabric dye in powder form, sprinkled on wet watercolour paper.

You really do need lots of newspaper, rubber gloves and a large work area!

I was fortunate enough to have a friend [Linda A] send me some of her shades to play with, as well as my own.

I discovered that you need plenty of water, to make the powder spread and to use only a small amount of powder, as too much spoils the effect!

Once cut into interesting pieces, it's amazing what can be done.

Here's a couple of ATCs I whipped up with some of the paper [see above]

Easel fold card

2010-02-20T11:44:00.006+10:00

Here's another easy fold card.

It's a little smaller than the usual 6x4"

Not a lot of stamping on this one and I just loved the paper, which I only had scraps of.

The greeting part is raised, so as to make a ledge for the top to stand against.

(Not a good photo, but I'm sure you get the idea!)

Folded card

2010-02-17T16:26:00.005+10:00

I can't believe it's been nearly a month since I last had anything to share!
It's not that I haven't been active, just slow...

At craft yesterday we were shown by the very capable and clever Sandra B, 4 folded cards, which I've always avoided previously.
Patience is a virtue, on both sides..lol

I particularly liked this one, as it has in inner, where a gift card can be attached.
I do not have a pattern or diagram for you, but it is easy to work out if you are clever with folds.

Over the next few days I'll make up the others and share too.

Cards for men

2010-01-22T13:02:00.003+10:00

As I only have 3 men in my life, I don't often make these, preferring to make envelopes, pockets, bags etc with gift cards inserted!

At craft group last week we were encouraged to use stamps suitable for a male card.

I didn't realise I had so few, but will try to find some more and blow off the dust!

The shirt card was shown to me by one of the ladies, who bought one, to copy, but I've adapted mine.

Black inchie box

2010-01-05T10:06:00.003+10:00

Here's another one, ready to fold.

You can see how simple they are to make and fold together!

(Yes, the flower/face one is upside down :o) )

Kookaburras in our yard!

2010-01-04T20:21:00.004+10:00

It's amazing the trust completely wild birds have when they want food!

We've had a few kookaburras hang around early morning and late afternoon and have been offering them ground meat as tit bits.

See here for more information http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/bird/37

As well as meat, they do catch caterpillars and beetles off the plants, so are helpful in the garden.

For fans of Blue!

2010-01-04T14:38:00.009+10:00

Blue is my 9 year old cockatiel who has the run of our house and is my constant companion and at times, art critic!

He is very curious and quick to learn.

Yes, he eats most things, including - meat, prawns, peanuts, bread, spaghetti, baked beans in tomato sauce, green grapes, peas, corn and salt crystals.

He whistles tunes, but unless I keep him at it he tends to forget and gets them muddled .. bit of a laugh!

He also talks and has a good vocabulary, although there appear to be some sounds he's not able to master.

Inside the cage is just for eating and talking to his mirror, preferring to sleep on the perch on the outside of the cage.

In my craft room he knows which side of my desk he's allowed on and is content to chew paper/card or eyeball plastic containers of beads, brads etc.

On occasion he's picked some out and sent them flying!

Usually though, he's content to sit on my shoulder and preen or doze until I'm ready to move.

He's a great companion and certainly has a personality!

Unfortunately, I've never been able to handle him, although he will step onto my outstretched flat hand to be moved from me to cage or into his cage from outside it.

An Inchie box/cube

2010-01-04T14:05:00.006+10:00

I came upon this through friend Carol who pointed me here http://www.craftstamper.com/

Look under Free Stuff -Templates and then for Inchie Cube, 3rd from bottom of page and click on the PDF file.

It was fun to stick already made inchies onto the cut-out, but hard to photograph them!

It's just a tiny box that you could use punched pieces, beads, photos, whatever, instead of inchies.

Retro stamps ATCs

2009-12-29T16:03:00.004+10:00

Some time back I was given a set of retro style ums and made ATCs with 4 of the letters.

They are all a different shape/size and what I thought would be so simple, actually turned out to be more of a challenge!

I've recently joined a small Aussie ATC group which will present more challenges also, in the form of original [handmade] backgrounds and more thought provoking themes.

I'm looking forward to a change this coming year and really need to stretch my artistic talents !

It's that time of year...

2009-12-14T14:09:00.003+10:00

..when I am least creative and with the hot weather of late, I am even less so!

I have joined a group of ATC enthusiasts and hope to be more challenged and creative next year.

To all my followers and those who just pop in, Season's Greetings to you and I hope you will continue to look at my blog.

Thanks for your interest and comments in 2009 :)

Folded Christmas wreath

2009-11-24T13:42:00.002+10:00

One of the craft ladies brought these instructions for us to try this morning.

I used double sided paper and will probably stick something glittery on the green squares, as it's a bid dull!

Wrapping paper works well too, but we were told to glue the pieces in as they tend to slide out.

I thought one would look nice on a card, or put an eyelet in the top and hang with a cord.

Quick and easy and doesn't take a lot of paper!

Do give it a try!

Pure fun!

2009-11-13T06:55:00.003+10:00

I've had this sitting in my "To Do" box for months and was at a loose end yesterday, soooo...

It was covered in gesso, dabbed with lavender ink, a swirl stamped with the same in ink, then decorated with beads, silver stickers and tied with silver ribbon.

The purple paper flower I bought here http://www.dinkydoodads.com.au/shop/ and comes in packs of 2 colours and sizes.

Another batch of inchies

2009-11-11T16:32:00.002+10:00

My fingers are sore from holding the tweezers and my eyes bleary after this latest lot!

I think these will last for a loooong time ..lol

My collection of Inchies

2009-11-06T14:20:00.002+10:00

Here are a few of the Inchies I've made over the past year.

Great fun and even better therapy for whatever ails you!

Kaeren's Inchies

2009-11-05T19:23:00.002+10:00

As you know, I love Inchies and Kaeren and I have been exchanging them since we joined a swap some time back.

She has graciously allowed me to share them here.

They are such tiny works of art and secretly, I enjoy not having to use stamps sometimes!

It's a wonderful way to use up scraps of anything and be creative as well.

Enjoy...

Another two Christmas tree cards

2009-10-15T16:56:00.003+10:00

Here are another couple of quick folded trees.

I've glued the tips down and used mounting foam for the stars.

Quick and easy!

Unfortunately, the Cuttlebug spotted background doesn't like double sided tape and won't sit flat properly.

Altered sewing theme tin

2009-10-15T16:47:00.003+10:00

The local dollar store had these tins of 250 safety pins for $5.00

I have a friend who does a real variety of sewing/crafts and is so generous to me with her time and patience, I thought I'd put this together for her.

It's hard to know where to draw the line as far as embellishments go, but I stuck to the 'keep it simple' rule!

Bits of all sorts used, along with stamps and those marvelous little ATC Collection books.

A novel Christmas tree

2009-10-07T13:26:00.003+10:00

One of the ladies at my Tuesday craft group brought in the instructions on how to fold this tree and showed us several cards she had already made.

It's made using just 4 squares of thin paper, which sits flatter, although I used the inside of bill envelopes and glued the points down so I could attach the jewels.

Cut pieces 1.5 inch square, 2 inches sq, 2.5 inches sq and 3 inches sq

You can make the tree as tall or squat as you like, just depends where you glue the tip.

Not something I would be making a lot of, but fun to do!

World Stamping Day - 3rd October 2009

2009-10-05T07:58:00.002+10:00

On the weekend, a group of friends and former club members of mine got together for this occasion.

It was a hot and windy day, but we all made the most of the time and were suitably challenged, inspired and creative.

On arrival we found little treats at our table space; one of these was a chocolate flower made with a punch.

We also had a beautiful paper table napkin to make use of.

The day's challenge was to choose a paint chip or 3 and create something using it.

As I was making ATCs for the day, I found the small pieces ideal and had no problems.

It's great to share and laugh, create and debate and just be amongst friends!

Oh dear!

2009-09-26T22:53:00.002+10:00

They say a change is as good as a holiday -- DH is on holiday and I've had a change!

But ... I forgot to back everything up first, so bear with me while I start again!

Handbag Card

2009-09-23T15:05:00.004+10:00

While the weather is unpleasant, I've made this quick and easy little bag card.

You can use all kinds of combinations of colour,texture, embellishments here

My #2 camera has forgotten what colour mauve & lime green are!

I was sent this link from a friend in the UK and have taken templates from it

http://www.the-paper-craft-tutor.co.uk

You will find all sorts of free useful projects there :o)

If you work out how to fold the Mini Shopping bag, please let me know!

I'm stumped and there are no instructions.. maybe I'm just fold-challenged!

Adverse weather in Sydney & Paradise!

2009-09-23T14:56:00.008+10:00

Today Sydney has been coated in tons of red dust from the outback!

If you are familiar with the Harbour Bridge, here's a different aspect!

We are affected here too, with our beautiful blue water & bridge disappearing into the haze of dust blown up from south, with very strong winds, from earlier this morning.

It's still very warm and there is an eerie orange glow outside, although the sun is just a silver ball.

The power of Nature!

Stickers and marbled paper

2009-09-20T16:54:00.002+10:00

I so enjoyed playing with the little bluebirds used in the previous post, I also used leaf stickers and some of the other marbled papers.

So far I've only made the one card, but more are pending!

In the past I haven't been a real fan of stickers, but there are so many lovely shapes and patterns out there and I'm finding ways to incorporate them with my stamps.

The idea of using these two, came from the new scrapbook shop nearby, so it is not my own!