Dee's Dabblings

Brooch / Pin

2012-01-16T17:17:00.006Z

I have had these kilt pins in my box of bits for a while now - so thought I would give one a go. The locket was on a cheap necklace, picked up in a sale. Inside it was just a piece of flowery material, so I removed that and filled the inside with cogs and watch parts, sealed with glossy accents. Then when it was dry, I added a few extra on the top for a more 3d effect - which can be seen better in the flesh, so to speak, and closed the lid. The pen nib is one of a stash I managed to pick up on ebay. The charms are from my charm pot. I think I am quite pleased with it. I have another couple of lockets to use up .....hhhmmm wonder what I can use inside those ones...thinking cap time.

Steampunk-ish birdcage

2012-01-04T14:33:00.004Z

So finally got some time to craft and had left this twiddleybitz birdcage blank on my desk ready for just such an occasion! As my most favorite theme of the moment is steampunk - i have been inspired by that and mixed it with sort of shabby chic lol

And here is the end result, white acrylic paint and distress inks have given it it's colour and then i used some distressed paper on the roof. There is a little mirror charm hanging inside behind the bird, which has very tiny watch cogs etc on him to make his wing and his eye.

Happy Christmas

2011-12-21T11:41:00.003Z

Hi everyone, I know it has been a long while since I have done anything remotely crafty, but having been on rest due to having a tooth out I decided to make myself a chritstmas decoration to help pass the time. So I had half a slide mailer - I have no idea what I used the cover for - but thought it lent itself well for what I wanted to do. So I started by covering it with two different papers and distressing it a little with some ink.Then i gathered together a lot of bits and pieces - started with my favorite watch pieces of course lol set in glossy accents and worked around that - I wanted it to be slightly christmassy but not too much. So the Believe metal tag by Tim Holtz was exactly what i was looking for. Added some beaded fringing along the bottom, a metal hanger on the top with some ribbon - and there we go! my little decoration.

2011-08-20T21:19:00.002+01:00

I decided to put some of my stuff out on display on a set of shelves the other day - and i was shocked at how little of my stuff i have actually kept lol - the shelves look very empty !!

So i decided that i had to do something to fill them up. So out came my box of things to alter. On the top was this blank miniature key cabinet that came from the altered element last year. So as that was on the top, it seemed as good an item as any to start with. So for the last few days i have been covered in paint and ink and glue and glitter - perfect! lol

So here it is - painted, covered and filled. No theme as such - i just rummaged thru my boxes and picked out what i fancied - i am actually pleased with it and am happy for it to be on display. The glossy accents on the front is not quite dry yet - which is why it is not clear - but by tomorrow morning it will be fine.

Hello!

2011-07-24T21:51:00.003+01:00

Gosh doesn't life get hectic sometimes - not fair - takes away all my crafting time lol

Well just thought i would share some boot sale bargains with you. Went to one for the first time in ages today and am well chuffed. The divided tray and chest of drawers cost me 50p each and the big box file of old photos, letters, certificates, cards etc cost me £10. I ummmed and arrgghhed over it for ages - ended up knocking 50% off the price! hehe right better do something with it all now lol !

I have done something!!!

2011-04-18T14:57:00.004+01:00

So, don't all cheer at once lol. I have finally got round to doing some crafting. Think it was being driven to my relaxing space by the school holidays that might have done it. So i managed to turn this tray - into this shadow box. I have not decided if i like the end result yet. But i have managed to use up some of the bits I have stored up over the past few months. The keys off of the vintage typewriter i bought and one of the bottles from the bootsale box. Some of the charms I have collected. Some vintage buttons and thimbles and an old watch glass.

I know .........

2011-02-22T20:54:00.002Z

Ok, i know , it has been an age since i have been on here and updated. But that is because ......urm .....because ...... well just because lol I have not had the time or the inspiration of late to do anything remotely crafty ....

Well i have now tidied my desk - and found a little stash of supplies i bought before the Altered Element closed down - still in their box - so who knows ....this may kick start my mojo again ..

Will hopefully have something to post on here soon ........ but dont expect too much lol

xxx

hey i am still here

2011-01-20T16:03:00.001Z

just to say that i am still here!!!!

just not done any crafting for a long time

hope to find my mojo and get back to it soon

xx

WOYWW

2010-11-24T08:05:00.003Z

Hi all WOYWWers. It has been a while, we have all been struck with various illness, aches and pains but hopefully we are well on our way to recovery.

So here is my desk....it was tidy on Sunday, cos I spent at least 2 hours tidying it! But as you can see I have been busy. I think there is currently about 3 projects around on there somewhere.
In the middle is a load of jewellrey, a friend came up to me in the school playground yesterday with a large bag of broken jewellry for me to recycle - aren't we lucky to have friends who understand our need for junk!!

On the right are some christmas cards I am in the middle of making. And at the back there is a project I am doing for a friends birthday, using a bird cage.

Think thats about it, hopefully manage to visit most of you later when I get back from work. Have a good day everyone.

WOYWW

2010-10-06T07:30:00.003+01:00

Happy Wednesday....have to work all day today....I know most people work all day all the time, but I'm used to being a full-time mum and only working part time - so out of my normal routine, thought I would post early so as still to be Happy!!!

Today on my desk I have a card ready and waiting to be put together for a friend. Also there is the mess - although for me that is actually a very tidy mess!! - that is left after making my halloween projects that I posted about in the posts below.
Can't stop, have to make myself look awake and go to work, happy blog hopping!

Halloween shadow box

2010-10-04T18:49:00.003+01:00

Was playing today and made this halloween themed box. The container was a clear plastic box, bought as an atc storage box. I have painted it with black acrylic paint and then rubbed some inka gold in copper all over it.

The background is a tree embossed on metal. There are paper leaves stuck inside. The moon is moulded clay and stuck on with a piece of dowling to make it 3d. Hanging from that is an owl charm. The grave stone was a wooden domino, which i have painted and cut at an angle. The gargoyle is another game piece from the Scooby Doo game. This was plain grey plastic but with the help of my trusty acrylic paint and more inka gold and metallic rub-ons, I have turned it into a statue.

Coloured some fabric and stuck it in the bottom, along with a hand moulded in clay. On the front cover I stamped a fence and stuck on a bit more fabric.

Art Raffle

2010-10-04T18:38:00.002+01:00

The Art Raffle has moved home again and can now be found here. This month's theme is Hubble, bubble, toil and trouble. Please pop along and join in...the more who take part, the bigger the prize pot!

Anyhow here is my entry for this month. I have recycled an old wooden frame, which I have painted with black acrylic and inka gold. The gargoyle is a game piece from a Scooby Doo haunted mansion game. The moon and leaves are molded in clay and have hung some beads and a charm on the bottom.

Wow - I have a desk!!

2010-10-01T09:39:00.004+01:00

I spent the day yesterday - yes the whole day - clearing my desk and having a bit of a shuffle. As it is so rare for my desk to be so clear I thought I would record the moment forever!!

Welcome to my work space. The chest of drawers on the left are in the process of being re-covered/painted. Originally I painted them about 9 years ago for my eldest son's room and have now reclaimed them, so the underwater theme is being changed to more my taste.

On the wall is my ribbon holder that my lovely husband built for me. The top of it is some guttering which holds all the full rolls and the rest clip on a bar along the bottom. Under that is a glass dish which belonged to my Nan and in that I put all my vintage lace, lace doileys etc along with my "special" dressmaking scissors (the pair that no-one is allowed to use for anything on pain of death!).

The shelf on the right hand side is where I put all my pressies and work that other people have done - apart from one or two of my own pieces. The wall has some of my encaustic paintings and some of my other hangers etc on it.

Take a good look at how clear and clean it is because in about 10 mins it will look like a tip!!

Ally Pally & Bootsale Bargains

2010-09-27T07:36:00.003+01:00

So still no crafting done! Beginning to get serious withdrawl symptons now but have had a busy weekend.
On Saturday I went to Ally Pally with the intention of not spending much money........that wasn't quite what happened though! I met with good friends under the palm tree at 12 noon and caught up on news then headed back in. Found a few items that I just had to have (hehe) and watched some demo's by some of my favorite inspiring stores/people. There was Dyan from Art from the Heart , The Artistic Stamper and Lin from LB Crafts. Now have some new ideas to try.

Then on Sunday we went bargain hunting at a local car boot sale. I did quite well. Managed to pick up a selection of miniature bottles for just 50p. Then found a stall selling old books at 5 for a £1. Ideal for taking apart to use the pages and for altering. Then I found my most fav bargain of the day....a vintage typewriter for only £2! This is now half dismantled .....and all over my kitchen worktop! Have ideas rolling round my head already but they are gonna have to stay there for a while as have busy working week ahead of me.......oh well.

2010-09-16T11:55:00.002+01:00

Not alot of crafty activity happening around here at the moment :0( Am starting to get back into the school / work routine so will hopefully be able to set aside some crafting time before too long.

Just thought I would share some goodies with you. As I was walking along past the shops this morning, I noticed that Claires Accesories had a sale on.....so had to pop in and have a rummage...and came out with a lovely selection of items, most of which were only £1 or £2...bargain! Have put them to one side and will have great fun taking them all apart later.

Beer Mat Hanger

2010-08-20T14:24:00.003+01:00

This hanger is made from a beer mat and a couple of jigsaw pieces. Started with a coat of black acrylic on the beer mat and then put a couple of layers of clear utee. Then added random sprinkles of differenct colours of Suze Weinberg Brightz UTEE powders to give a mottled effect. While still warm I used a Studio by Sculpey texture mat as a stamp to add some texture. I stamped the shield and fluer de lys onto metal and then embossed them and cut them out before sticking them onto the mat.

Painted both jigsaw pieces with metallic acrylic paint. The first piece I stamped with a flower stamp and then coloured with viva precious metal paints. The second jigsaw piece was triple emobssed with green utee and then stamped using the same texture plate as before. When dry it was give a coat of viva inka gold to make the pattern stand out. Three charms were added to the bottom. Recycled some old jewellrey for the beads to use on the wire at the top and between the jigsaw pieces.

Altred Slide Mailer

2010-08-20T14:13:00.002+01:00

Had a play with a slide mailer this week, it was good to get some time to craft. The front cover of the sllide mailer has a thick coat of viva ferro paint into which I stamped a clock image. Then used a Tim Holtz bookplate and filled with lots of watchy bits. Had some mini grungeboard shapes for the hinges and lock. The inside left has been collaged with vintage dress patterns, onto one pice I stamped the ladies image. The tape measure and saying were stamped onto plain fabric and then coloured with distress inks. Stamped a glass slide with the cog pattern and coloured it with viva precious metal colour, then sealed it in place with more watch parts using glossy accents. On the other side I have used buttons, piece of ribbon and a vintage thimble, which I cut in half. The back cover has embossed metal. Then stamped the cogs on a different colour and embossed and cut them out and then stuck on. Added a vintage key to the front as a charm.

crafting time

2010-08-06T08:56:00.002+01:00

So managed almost a whole day to myself to make a mess! This months art raffle theme is red, yellow, orange. So have made a small hanger. I started with the background which is utee melted with orange, red and yellow embossing powders. I made some flowers out of ribbon and sewed buttons into the middle. The chipboard owl was inked with brilliance orange ink and then embossed in orange embossing powder, while still warm stamped the pattern into the embossing powder. The beak and eyes were filled with beads and glossy accents. The heart at the bottom is made of metal, so coloured with alcohol inks and then stuck gems on it. Made the hanger bit from wire and beads.

Pressie for Nicks

2010-07-14T17:41:00.003+01:00

Here is the pressie I made for Nicks birthday - I know she has received it ( a bit late but that just seems to be the norm at the moment!) so can now put up some piccies. It is a hanger made out of more beer mats - well I do have a rather large number of them to use up. I was originally going to make a book, but they are very difficult to display so went with this idea instead.

The top mat has been covered in several layers of brights utee. Starting with a layer of clear utee and then just sprinkling on different colours in a
random fashion. I then stamped an image on the top. The little carm hanging underneath is made of watch parts set in glossy accents.

The second one is a background of acrylic paints, swirled together and then heated with the heat gun to add texture - and speed up the drying process as I am inpatient. I then stamped some Paperartsy stamps onto some metal, embossed it and then cut them out and stuck them on. Added a small heart charm underneath.

For the last one, I started with some viva terra paint to get some texture, then painted over the top with some acrylic. Added some Viva ferra paint on part of it and rubbed some of the viva inka over the top. Attached a book plate and filled it with bits and sealed them in with glossy accents. Added some metal discs hanging from the bottom. Stringed it all together with some re-cycled old jewellry.

Necklaces... a bit different

2010-06-11T20:56:00.002+01:00

I have finished another 2 of my projects, two necklaces but both a bit different. The first one (left) is made from a Tim Holtz book plate. I have put a backing on it and covered that in some paper. I have put a key in the centre and then "to" and "my" spelled out. Again have also added some watch parts - cause they are my fav item at the mo!. This was then all sealed with Glossy Accents, must remember to put that on my list tomorrow. I have recycled some other old jewelry to make the chain and the dangly gems on the bottom and the heart came from my box of bits.

The second one is made from a metal disc. Painted with Viva Precious Metal paint and then used the word inspire and a few of my favorite things, again using the last of my Glossy Accents to seal them all in place.

Messy time!

2010-06-11T12:45:00.004+01:00

I can not believe it has been so long...but this week I have had a couple of days to get all my messy stuff out of the boxes and try to finish a couple of items that have been sitting there half fininshed.

The first is a necklace. The main part is a metal book plate. I bought a tin of them from Stampin up. I have put a back on it and then filled it with watch parts which I have then sealed in Glossy Accents. I used alcohol ink to colour the metal. I have then just added some watch parts and a small inspire bead for some dangly bits.

The next is a braclet. I saw these in Tim Holtz's book and loved them, so about a year and a half ago I bought some from America and they have just been sitting in the box ever since. Well I picked up Tim's book again yesterday for some inspiration and had no real excuse not to use one.

I am not sure why there is a blob of blue colour on one of the pieces - I had no blue around at the time but never mind!

I used different papers and some of the disressables to fill each piece. The first has my initial and the the next three say flying without wings. The next one has some watch pieces ( I love using these at the moment) and the last is a photo of a baby - not me though!

The last piece is a hangy thing !? Will probably hang it off my bag. It is a metal disc which I covered in metal and added colour with alcohol ink. I used some grungeboard in the centre which I coloured with distress ink and then found a few of my bits and bobs and just stuck them on at random - sorry I mean placed just so!! Then added some beads.

Have a few more pieces which are still drying so will put them on when finished.

Am hoping to meet up with Nicks and Sparkles tomorrow at the Craft Barn - that is if Sparkle's can make it, she has a bad back at the moment so sending you some hugs to speed your recovery. I so hope they can make it as I am looking forward to seeing them so much!

Another beer mat book

2010-04-27T17:12:00.004+01:00

Have made another beer mat book! I really enjoy doing these as I don't get bored with only one technique - I get to have a go at them all!

The front page is acrylic paint and viva ferro with highlights of precious metal paint in turquoise, with a Tim Holtz plate attached. This has a key inside which is encased in glossy accents.

At the suggestion of a friend I have included some blank pages and tags in order to write down notes etc so that it can be used as a journal.

The time page background is a thick layer of metallic acrylic paints swirled together and then left to dry - takes a while! -and is decorated with old watch parts. There are a couple of pages of my favourite metal embossing. The skeleton is stamped on the metal and then embossed and cut out and stuck onto the spider web, which was done in the cuttlebug. The bird on a branch is actually chipboard shapes and then covered in the metal.

The page with the Douglas Adams quote has the one and only piece that was the result of a day playing with my melt pot - it is embossed metal and then had utee poured on it and shaped with a cookie cutter.

Matching Purse

2010-04-07T18:51:00.003+01:00

I had some squares spare at the end of making my grungepaper bag, so while I was still in the mood and before I "put them somewhere safe" never to be seen again! I decided to make a matching purse. Like the bag - not sure how long it can be used without falling apart - but I am pleased with it.

Elliot's Birthday

2010-04-07T18:42:00.002+01:00

It was Elliot's 5th birthday last week and I thought I would post my favourite picture that we took. It was his "best present" that he opened that morning - a very simple car lorry - it was lovely to see.

We also had to make an Easter bonnet for his school parade. We had to make the chicks from scratch as nothing we had seen was up to his standard! It can clearly be said that Elliot is going to inherit my ability to make a mess! you have never seen so much hot glue over everything! I am so proud of him!!

My new bag

2010-03-22T19:51:00.003Z

I have finally finished a project that I started in Oct last year. It is a grunge paper handbag and it is based on an article in Craft Stamper last October. It really has taken me this long to finish it!

It does not hold up to close scrutiny and I am not sure how much use it will put up with - but for my first attempt I am pretty chuffed with it!

playing with hot irons!

2010-02-21T08:59:00.004Z

Had a request the other day, a friend wanted a wax picture. It has been a while since I have had the waxes out, so am a bit out of practice.

But yesterday, when I was meant to be doing the H*******K, I decided to do the ironing instead!!

Pictures are not great - can never decide whether to use the flash or not but hopefully there is something amoungst these that he will want.

Art Raffle - Feb

2010-02-19T11:56:00.003Z

Even though it is half term and my head is a little delicate this morning, I have completed my entry for this months art raffle. The theme was valentines but no pink or red was allowed.

This is an altered beer mat. Covered in embossed metal and aged with acrylic paint. The heart is painted with black acrylic and then stamped and heat embossed with Debbi Moore's silver metal magic.

Added some beaded ribbon to the bottom and a hanging chain on the top.

The winner is.....

2010-02-15T12:09:00.003Z

Hi all

Well the magic carpet ride has now come to an end. It has been so much fun visiting everyone's blogs.

I have used the random number generator to pick my winner and it is...

NUMBER 148

s hyler said...
I would love to be included in your wonderful drawing.Sandra
12 February 2010 02:17

I am off to find the winner and let them know. I will give them a few days to make contact and if no contact can be made then I will draw again.

One World One Heart

2010-02-01T13:29:00.006Z

******OWOH DRAW NOW CLOSED ******

Ok, I know I am lagging behind a bit - but better late than never!

I have only just stumbled upon this fantastic event, One World One Heart, a way of getting to know new friends. It runs until 15th February so please click here or on the logo in the side bar for more information.

I will get round to showing what I have made for my giveaway in a mo, but if you would like to be in with a chance to win it, just leave a comment below - I will use a random number generator to pick the winner at 12.00 GMT on February 15th.

I will post world wide, all I ask is that you leave a way to be contacted, either a link back or e-mail address.

I thought long and hard about what I should offer, should it be a stash of goodies or something I have made............anyway I opted for something that I have made..and here it is!

As I love altered art I have made an altered beer mat book. Each page has a different element of everything I enjoy - a sampler of my arty world! There are textured paints, a bit of vintage and distressing, embossed and stamped metal and a bit of utee as well.

So if you would still like to win it - now that you know what it is!! - just leave a comment below. Oh and thanks for stopping by my blog. x

Altered game pieces

2010-01-22T19:01:00.003Z

Have woken up with a cold today, so am feeling rather sorry for myself. Over on DC the current altered art swap is for game pieces. I was not feeling too inspired, had the pieces sitting on my desk for weeks. When my sewing machine packed up the other day, I had to put my other project on hold so turned back these.

I am aiming to try for 3 but so far only 2 have passed muster!

The first piece is from Tantrix. I found these in a charity shop ages ago and bought them because I like the shape. The front is covered in grungepaper which has been coloured with distress ink and then stamped. Have used a chipboard watch face with some german scrap wing and a spinner. The back is embossed metal, which has been aged with black acrylic paint.

The second one is a scrabble piece. Embossed metal on the back with a key set in glossy accents and micro beads on the back and a little hanging charm. The third one I am working on is a poker chip - but I am already on my fourth attempt - so I can see that one not being finished!

snow and crafting!

2010-01-13T11:43:00.004Z

Well, the kids have yet another day off school because of the snow. I understand the reasons they are closed - I just wish they would make the decision before 8.30 in the morning - most people were already on their way!

As much as I love it - I hope it all melts quickly so we can get back to normal routine. Although it has given me some time to steal to try and get back into crafting.

Have made my entry for this months art raffle - the theme was the beach. I have not been able to join in for a while so have started with a slide mailer.

Managed to use my new pot of crocco paint - it is the gorgeous turquoise colour. Used a vintage image of a bathing beauty and covered it in glossy accents and added micro beads, added a couple of other images and some charms. The plaque on the front is made using a metal book plate from stampin up, coloured with precious metal paints, then filled with glossy accents, a small charm and more micro beads.

Merry Christmas everyone

2009-12-23T18:12:00.004Z

Have not been able to craft much of late, am really missing it but life is just too busy. Hopefully in the new year I can find some time.

Just wanted to wish all my crafting buddies a very merry christmas, missing you all.

**** M E R R Y * C H R I S T M A S ****

xxxxxxxxx

First swap in a while

2009-11-05T11:08:00.003Z

Sian is hosting a friendly plastic swap over on DC. I have not made many atc's lately but try to keep my hand in! So decided to join.

I have used moulds for my friendly plastic - only because I like to make sure I use everything I buy and these were still waiting! The backgrounds are acrylilc paint and ferro paint - layed on thick for texture. I put some micro beads in the moulds before I put in the fp and then gave them a coat of glossy accents when they came out, just to be sure they had stuck.

I have several projects lined up, so am hoping to catch up on some messy crafting in the next few weeks before the xmas rush.

Where does the time go?

2009-11-05T11:03:00.002Z

Oh my, can not believe it has been so long since I updated. Life just takes over sometimes.

Not had much time for crafting recently but thought I would catch up on some news etc.

On the 7th October we had a get together of some DC pals, a day of chat, tea, crafting and more chat! I had a brilliant day and it was so nice to meet up with friends again.

I am looking forward to next year!

Great Weekend

2009-09-28T09:06:00.005+01:00

Had a great weekend, took my first ever trip to Ally Pally. I had such a great time. Met up with great friends - some for the first time. I loved every minute of it, well apart from the drive home! We got caught in a bit of traffic and ended up at a standstill on top of the Dartford Bridge, which when you are not keen on heights is not pleasant!

Was a very lucky girl and received the most brilliant birthday pressie from Nicks, click over here and see the piccie on her awesome blog - I absolutely love it. Chris has said he will make it it's own special shelf.

Spent way too much money, but got some great stuff that is sitting patiently on my desk. Have a couple of orders to do then I can go play!

Altered Beer Mats

2009-09-15T13:39:00.003+01:00

With both the boys at school, I now have some free time to catch up on some projects.

Over on DC, the current altered art swap is for an altered beer mat book. At least one of the pages had to have a background made by you, not just paper. For the front page I covered have with black acrylic paint and half with ferro paint, then used the heat gun to bubble the acrylic. Then used a gorgeous precious metal paint, which I bought at the weekend at a show in worthing from my favourite shop of all time - Lb Crafts.

The book plate is part of Tim Holtz's range.

The second page is just a painted background with stamped metal, which has a bottle top in the centre, which was flattened and then filled with watch parts and glossy accents.

The third page is stamped into utee and mica powders. The fourth page is old sewing pattern and old book pages and the fifth is a thick layer of mixed acrylic paints, swirled with a cocktail stick.

There are a further 2 pages which I have not put on, the sixth is done with paper leaves and the last is covered in embossed metal and flowers, they are in my DC Gallery.

First day at school

2009-09-07T10:54:00.003+01:00

Well, it is here at last! Elliot's first day at school. All went without a hitch, except trying to get a decent photo! Why is it that they always have to pull a face.

Harrison is in year 6 now and looks very grown up.

May have a bit more time for crafting now.

And Chris has said he will take me to Ally Pally, so now very excited!

Finally achieved something crafty!

2009-08-25T16:56:00.003+01:00

Chris took the boys on a trip to London today, so have had the whole day to myself.

Managed to make this wall hanging and the canvas below. Started by covering the card in papers and then stamping the clock image on.

I had some fabric that I had coloured some time ago and not used, so stamped the lady onto this and then masked it and stamped the text onto the background.

Used the sewing machine to sew this onto the card, along with the lace and the little saying in the corner. Used some paper flowers, which I stamped over with more text and finished it off with some wire for the hanger.

Altered canvas

2009-08-25T16:51:00.002+01:00

This was a blank canvas I have had sitting around for ages. I bought some beeswax the other week and thought I would give it a go.

The canvas was originally brown, so covered it with gesso using bubble wrap to add some texture and then some distress ink.

Sprayed on some glimmer mist using some mesh and then stamped a pattern all over the background. Used the Paperartsy castle stamps onto tissue paper and used the wax to stick them on. Had the sewing machine out so sewed on some material and ribbon and lace along one edge. Cut out some paper flowers and stamped over the top of them along with a couple of fabric flowers.

Finally stamped the shield onto metal, embossed it and added highlights with alcohol ink.

School Holidays

2009-08-12T10:48:00.003+01:00

Well, school holidays again, so crafting down to a minimum!

Also does not help that we are painting the kitchen, so all my crafty bits are packed away upstairs - it is torture!

Have managed to rustle up a slide mailer for the art raffle though. A very simple one this time as have had to make do with very limited supplies. Decided to cut the back panel out to let the light through, like a window. Probably would have worked better with a clear glass, but when opened my packet of memory glass - the wrong type was in the wrong box! should have been plain but was frosted - have no idea where I bought them from though so am stuck with them!

Happy Birthday Nicks

2009-07-12T12:56:00.004+01:00

For Nicks birthday I made her some name blocks. I bought one of those old block puzzles from a charity shop a while ago and was itching to have a play, so Nicks birthday gave me the ideal opportunity!

I know they have arrived safe and sound so can now pop on some piccies.

Bottle top charms

2009-06-19T10:32:00.004+01:00

There is a swap over on DC altered art section at the moment for altered bottle tops. This has taken me a while to get into - and I am still not sure if I like what I have made.

Chose three themes - time ( well I have to use up all the bits from the 50 or so watches I bought!), oriental and a bee button.

I used embossing powder around the edges and on the backs to cover the brand name. The holes were made simply with a pokey tool.

After choosing what I was going to put inside, I used glossy accents to stick them all in and then just filled them up so the items were encased. Although it took a while to completely dry, I quite like the effect.

Gosh, been a while!

2009-06-09T15:59:00.007+01:00

It seems so long since I posted. Have been around but very busy and no time to play, do not like to post if I have nothing to show!

Today Elliot was going to a friends after playschool which meant I had all day to spend doing my favorite thing - making a HUGE mess!!

Have been altering my frame for the challenge over on DC.
I picked this frame up at a bootsale a few months ago and it has sat waiting patiently to be altered! Have used metal to cover it with. The metal was embossed and coloured with alcohol inks and acrylic paint and then distressed it a bit more before sticking it on the frame.

The little puzzle tiles are made by sticking letters on a piece of gray board and the covering in metal. Can you see a theme running through here! am loving metal at the moment. I needed somewhere to display all the charms I received in the jigsaw charm swap so have left the picture holes empty, without putting the frame backs on, so that it displays them better.

Have also decided that as it is my big 40th birthday this year, I am going to have a whole week of parties! So have been arranging meals out with friends, drinks out, take aways in and a big garden party at the end of the week to finish it all off!! .......better start saving......

Matchbox

2009-04-28T16:39:00.005+01:00

This is a matchbox I altered for Trudy as a thank you. Decided to go with a vintage sewing theme, as I wanted to use one of the vintage thimbles I found!

Covered the box with some K&Co paper, some vintage pattern, a piece of lace and some buttons. Inside I lined the box with more paper and vintage pattern. Found some of my Nan's vintage buttons, some twill tape and the thimble.

Raffle prize

2009-04-17T20:15:00.003+01:00

Angy B is organising a meet in wolverhampton next weekend. Unfortunately I can not make it but thought I would send her a prize for the raffle. Will post it tomorrow, hope it will be ok.

It is a hanger similar to the one further down the page. Have again put the metal through my cuttlebug and sanded and aged the colour. Used vintage book pages to cover the board backing and added some wire and beads down the edges. Finally hung some beads from the bottom and added the wire hanger.

slide mailers

2009-04-17T19:54:00.004+01:00

Trudy over on DC is hosting a slide mailer swap. These are the two I have done to send.

The "time" is grungeboard letters stuck on and then metal embossed over the top, sanded and coloured with alcohol inks. The inside is stamped and an image used with watch pieces scattered on the top.

The blue one is inked and then some embossed metal stuck on the front. Have used doo-dads and lace and some fragments with vintage images.

Altered cutlery challenge

2009-04-16T14:00:00.004+01:00

Have finally found some time to alter my cutlery for the challenge over on the altered art forum at DC. After trawling the charity shops to no avail, finally found some goodies at a boot sale.

Started by colouring with alcohol inks and then bending the prongs. Decided to use the prongs as feet so it was self standing.

Used some friendly plastic to make the face and some feet, and added some wire for hair. Tested my patience making the wire skirt! It did not want to do what I wanted it to! Used some altered jigsaw pieces, and some dolls house cutlery to add details.

And added some wings of metal.

Holiday's nearly over

2009-04-16T13:56:00.002+01:00

Well we are coming to the end of the Easter break. The first week we all came down with yet another cold and bug. So we have been mostly relaxing and recovering this second week.

We have a new addition to our family - Daisy the rabbit. We got her for Harrison's birthday. She is so cute and very friendly.

Bargain

2009-03-25T08:05:00.003Z

Have managed to bag myself a bargain! A mini tool that drills, sands, polishes, engraves, cuts etc in a lovely alterable metal case, all for £6. Well chuffed with myself!

3 stamps

2009-03-25T07:55:00.003Z

Over on DC Gail is hosting a swap where all you can use on the atc is 3 stamps and 3 inks. These are what I came up with. The last one can't be entered as it has shrink plastic on it. The first one is using brilliance inks, the second one uses archival inks and the third is using Tim Holtz distress inks.

Phew!

2009-03-05T11:36:00.000Z

She loves it!

40th birthday present

2009-03-04T20:16:00.003Z

There is a whole bunch of us in my group of friends celebrating our 40th birthday's this year. Thinking up gift ideas for these "landmark" numbers is always a bit tricky.

I thought that as money is tight I would use some of my crafting stash. I always worry about making gifts for my non-crafting buddies - not sure what they make of it all really. BUT today I have made a wall hanger for my friend Sarah.
I thought I would use some metal, so ran a piece through my cuttlebug. Then sanded off the top layer of colour and used alcohol inks to add a different colour and also distress it.

Wanted to hang some bits on the bottom, so mounted the metal onto some mountboard, which I covered with some old book pages and distressed with some ink.

The hanging tiles on the bottom are pieces of mountboard onto which I stuck some grungeboard numbers. Then covered these with some alluminium and embossed them. Used alcohol ink to colour it. Added some hanging beads in her favorite colour, some wire down the edges - it just needed something - and used one of my new metal hangers. (was naughty and bought these from usa!)

So - do you think she will like it? Will let you know tomorrow!

jigsaw charms

2009-02-28T18:02:00.003Z

Over on DC, Trudy( not sure if she has a blog?) is organising a swap using jigsaw pieces. They are to be altered into charms. I finally managed to go into town today and bought a jigsaw so have been playing this afternoon - inbetween all the "Mum can you " and" Mum where is"!!

Have used a variety of techniques - including stamping and embossing, using glossy accents to stick bits on and also making dangly bits!

Altered Tin..

2009-02-18T14:20:00.008Z

Over on DC we finally have an Altered Art forum - yay!

So Nicks has set a challenge - alter a tin. Well after searching in the boxes in the garage, I found a few tins.

I have never done a tin before. Decided to do the small red one and attacked it with some steel wool to take off the paint - Chris would not let me near the blow torch - have no idea why! So it has been painted, coloured, painted some more and things stuck on and it has ended up like this. The lid does not quite fit anymore - ooops! I enjoyed making the little book to go inside as much as doing the tin.

Well..

2009-02-12T19:45:00.004Z

If anyone finds my inspiration lurking at the back of their cupboard, could you please return it to me! lol

Decided to have a go at making something for the art raffle today (link on the right somewhere), as I missed January's. The theme is Trees. So I have made a hanging thingy - not sure what to call it!

Used memory glass and memory frame. First distessed the images with a scratchy tool and some distress ink. Then popped it in the frame. Made some shrink plastic charms and used one of these. Added some tiny beads and a leaf embossed in metal.

Also had a play with a slide mailer. First painted it with some metalic acrylic. Stamped a tree onto some tissue paper and stuck it on the front with some glossy accents. Added an embossed leaf. Used some paper on the inside and stamped a fern image randomly over it. Used a Crafty Individuals image on the slide side and then covered it with glossy accents.

Mini houses

2009-01-14T13:00:00.003Z

With Elliot now back at playschool, can get some routine back into our lives!

Yesterday I looked at the ironing - then proceeded to get out all my inks, stamps and paints etc.

Over on DC, CarolV is hosting an atc swap - mini houses. So made a few yesterday. Could not decide what to use - so used everything! The first one is a collage, the second one is painted with black acrylic paint and then stamped with one of my new skeleton stamps and embossed with white powder. The roof is some metal sheet, which was embossed and painted , then added a metal heart. The third one was painted with crackle paint. The verse was stamped onto card and stuck on and then the whole thing was covered in utee, with some cosmic shimmer thrown in! The last one was again painted black, with a metal roof and then stamped and embossed.

Happy New Year

2009-01-03T15:49:00.002Z

Hope everyone has had a great Christmas - ours was a little muted this year - all of us were suffering with illness, although this did not stop Harrison staying awake on Christmas Eve until 3.30am - yes, 3.30am!!

Hopefully we are now on the mend. Have had an almost perfect day today. Chris has taken the boys for a walk and I have had my craft stuff out again, YooHoo!. So peace, chocolate and mess have been my companions today.

I was given a nice large blank canvas for christmas, so my task today was to use it and finally mount up my houses which were made for me in the I dare you challenge Nicks set on DC last year. From l-r they are by CarolV, Nicks, Sian and Katherine T.

Am a little out of practise, need a bit longer for my inspiration to return I feel but the canvas is now hanging on the wall of the lounge, above my computer desk.

Presents

2008-12-10T10:53:00.003Z

Yay, found 5 mins this morning to myself! so have just rustled up some very simple earrings for teachers presents. I do not make alot of jewelry, I find it very fiddly but as I have not had much time for crafting lately, this was very enjoyable. I know it was not messy but it was a good enough stand in for the moment!

Still around!

2008-12-09T22:07:00.004Z

Sorry I have not posted for ages. Things have been quite hectic here in the run up to christmas.

Have been helping alot with Elliot's playschool, Harrison is really busy at school, illness seems to go round and round each one of us, one of us always seems to be full of cold! and I just have had no spare time for crafting. Elliot finishes playschool on Friday, so really must get some wrapping done.

Will be back soon, my fingers are itching to start getting messy again!

In the meantime, here are some pictures of my tool kit wrap. This started out as the black folder that the whisper pens come in. I have painted it with acrylics and stuck bits on and now it is used for me to carry all my tools about.

Circles...

2008-11-18T11:24:00.002Z

The theme for November at the UK art raffle is circles. I thought that I would alter a cd. It is the first one I have attempted and it was a bit of a challenge for me.

Firstly I coloured it with alcohol inks and then stamped a clock face on with Stazon. Printed a vintage image and cut that into a circle and stuck it on. Then covered the whole thing with utee, which I stamped into, just cause I had the stamp to hand!

Finished it off with dangly circles and some embellishments.

Finished necklace

2008-11-07T16:04:00.002Z

Have now finished off my pendant I made at YCJ. I have added some beads on the bottom, decided on neutral colours so that I can wear it with nearly everything!

Just waiting for my bank account to recover and then I am going to have another go.

Gothic arch

2008-11-03T18:51:00.002Z

Over on Gothic Arches this week, the theme is vintage children. I have managed to find some time this week to play and here is my arch. I have used some lovely scrapbook paper I bought some years ago for the background. Then have added the pictures and some lace and flowers.

Brooches

2008-11-03T18:45:00.002Z

This is an altered wooden box, which I have painted with acryllics and added some copper tape to. Inside is a brooch made from a domino. I used an image and then went over it with glossy accents.

This is going to be a raffle prize, hope whoever wins it likes it!

pound shop bargain

2008-11-01T13:27:00.004Z

I am not usually lucky in the bargain department but as i was browsing round the poundshop in town, I saw this tape. It is aluminium, self adhesive tape, used for exhaust repairs etc. It is brilliant! I picked up 2 rolls just in case and am glad I did!

Have also been playing with some atc's. This one ia acrylic paint background, put on thickly and then heated with a heat gun until it bubbles. Have then gone over it with metallic rub ons. The jigsaw piece was covered with tissue paper and then sprayed with cosmic shimmers. Then added some dangly bits.

I found a tin of domino's in a supermarket the other day so am working on a couple of brooches for raffle prizes, when finished - and if they are good enough! - I will upload the piccies.

Wow, great weekend

2008-10-28T09:40:00.005Z

I spent my weekend in Suffolk, and attended the Your Creative Journey workshops. I had the most fantastic time, if you are thinking about going then do, you will definately not regret it.

I went to Nicks class to make a clock and then Heidi's to make a silver pendant using Silver clay - it is amazing stuff! Here is my clock. I had decided to use a colour that is totally different from what I would normally use - which is browns,greens etc. So I used Blue. I also went for the less is more approach, as normally I would cram bits on all over the place!

I managed to get two pendants out of my piece of silver clay. The shell was done in a mould and the other pendant was just freeform. The larger one I am going to add some dangly bits and beads when I eventually decide on a colour.

My first hosted swap

2008-10-23T22:04:00.004+01:00

I am hosting my first hosted swap on the crats 4 U forum. It is for atc's that have a hand made background and they have to have something altered on them as the embellishment.

Here are my two. The first one is my fav utee background with embossing powder, with an altered key. The second is tissue paper with metallic rub ons and a bottle top and a watch dial.

Not many takers at the moment, but am hoping some more will join.

Mmm......

2008-10-23T21:48:00.007+01:00

Have been making a mess today. Sian is hosting another challenging swap over on DC. The three m's swap - metal, mesh and messy!

What you can not see in the photo is all the lovely little starbursts of mica and embossing powders all over the worktop, washing machine and dishwasher where I forgot to actually use ink to stick them with before turning on the heatgun!! and yes...it was very messy! LOL
I have not decided if these are going to be my final offerings or if I am going to play somemore.

This one (left)has a background of cosmic shimmer embossing powder and mica gold pigments in utee. Then the mesh is metal which has wire threaded through it and a dangly heart charm.

The one on the right has a background of tissue paper, stuck with glossy accents - this dries a whole lot faster than pva - which then had some mica powder put on and then some metallic rub ons. The mesh is from my tangerine bag - a lovely brown colour instead of garish orange! The metal is a watch dial, with a spinner in the middle that spins.

This is mica powders into utee and then sequin waste is pressed into it while still warm. The fan is some metal sheet and have hung a star charm wrapped in wire from the bottom.

Been a while..

2008-10-21T16:39:00.003+01:00

Where has the month gone? It is flying by. This is my UK art raffle prize for this month. The theme was dark. I have shown it as Halloween - what else could it have been?!

I made a house out of chipboard and painted it with crackle paint. Cut out the windows and made frames out of chipboard which where then inked and given a coat of utee with dark embossing powders. Found some vintage images online and added one behind the window and death in the front. Added a moulded friendly plastic face at the top. There is a little rhyme on the gold bits. The skeleton on the back is another image but I used glossy accents on his bones - rather pleased with the effect!

This weekend I am going to Suffolk. I am going to the Your Creative Journey workshop, run by Nicks and Heidi. I am really looking forward to it. Had a lovely surprise phone call from Nicks the other day, answering yet more of my queries! It was so nice to speak to her and now am excited about meeting everyone. So am off to pack - yes I know we are only away for one night but it is still a night away and with children you never have too many changes of clothes!

Had a lovely trip today while Elliot was at playschool. It is the first time I have ventured "out" while he is there, just incase they rang! But today I went with a couple of my friends to Denbies. A beautiful local vineyard. They make lovely wine, have a fantastic gift shop and the cakes........yyyuuuummmyyy! All homemade and large portions! Needless to say it would have been rude not to have a slice and a cup of tea! Came home with a bottle of my favorite.

mica powders

2008-10-08T21:23:00.004+01:00

Sooo.....I was intrugued when Sheila on DC posted that she was hosting a mica pigment swap. Not having been that bothered by them in the past. Anyway, I went to look at them and they magically appeared in my basket and arrived through my letter box today! (I know I am meant to be christmas shopping for other people, but hey!LOL)

Mannequins

2008-10-04T21:50:00.003+01:00

These are my atc's for a swap on DC, the theme is mannequins. I was stumped when I first saw this, so decided not to enter, but after seeing other peoples and some pleading from the host on the forum!!LOL I gave it a shot.

The first one is using one of my utee backgrounds I made some time ago. The mannequin is mountboard and then decorated the same way, with utee and embossing powder. I then wrapped some chain and wire around it.

The black corset is hand made from velvet ribbon, lace and red ribbon. The mannequin is made of chipboard covered with fabric. The third one is made the same way, with dressmaking buttons. The background for these two are distress inks.

Birthday present

2008-09-28T18:35:00.002+01:00

It was one of my non-crafting friends birthday yesterday, so I made her a necklace in the Tim Holtz style. Not sure if she liked it or not! but I was pleased with the result.

Tim Holtz Treasure!

2008-09-24T13:04:00.005+01:00

I am beside myself with excitement!!!LOL My signed Tim Holtz books have arrived from USA.

Can not see much work being done for the rest of the day!

Traffic Lights

2008-09-19T16:35:00.004+01:00

Sian is hosting a swap on DC titled traffic lights. Three atc's one red, one amber and one green. On each atc there had to be some wire, some metal and some plastic. I hope i have got the right idea!

I had trouble with the amber - so it is more like a yellow/orange combo!

For the red and amber ones i used the backgrounds I created the other week. I have used red friendly plastic wihich i used in a mold for the lock, and have wrapped red wire around a vintage key. The amber one is a friendly plastic moulded face which I then coloured with permanent marker. The gold wire I threaded around the edge and add a Tim Holtz game Spinner for the metal. The Green background is a colour wash background, I die-cut a square hole in the centre and then threaded green wire through the moulded friendly plastic face to suspend it in the middle. Added some glitter and silver metal tape around the edge, which I coloured with permanent marker. Then added a metal tile to the top.

Time...

2008-09-14T21:19:00.002+01:00

This weeks theme on Gothic Arches is time. Here is my arch. I painted the background with crackle paint and edged with sepia ink. Stamped the ladies head and then the clock. Sprayed with glimmer mist (which is hard to capture on photo's). Added a button and some letter tiles.

Been playing..

2008-09-14T19:55:00.004+01:00

I have been playing with all my new goodies today.....and here are the results. I have altered a slide mailer - for a friend who does not know what they are and a small box.

I used crackle paint and then stamped the image. Then sprayed with glimmer mist. The inside is painted with acrylic paint. The metal sheet was run through my cuttlebug and the coloured with alcohol ink. I used thick acetate to make the slides, which I edged with metal tape.

The box was painted with metalic acrylics, with embossed metal sheet around the middle. Grunge board hinges and a small charm for the lock. I coloured some silver metal sheet with alcohol ink, then stamped an image on with stazon and then went over the outlines with a ball tool to emboss it.

South Stamp Show

2008-09-14T08:31:00.002+01:00

Yesterday I had a day out, left Chris with the kids and went to the South Stamp Show in Worthing. Had a brilliant day. I bought lots of goodies: Some glimmer mists - I have wanted to try these for ages, so used some of my birthday money to treat myself. Also bought some stamps, wire, chipboards, grungeboard, tiles, alphabets, accent powders, a cuttlebug folder and a magazine.

Have taken everything out of it's packet ready to use!

My favorite stand had to be LB Crafts , I could have just boxed the entire stand and taken it home, full of goodies and the people were very nice too - this is where I spent most of my money!

Off to play now, if I get a chance later, I will show you my results.

2008-09-10T09:04:00.003+01:00

Here is my effort for this months UK Art Raffle. The theme is take flight. I decided to alter a slide mailer, as I have only ever done one before (Nicks was the unfortunate recipient!)

I used Tim Holtz crackle paint for the base colour, which I then rubbed over with metallic acrylics.

The front cover I stamped with "wish to fly" and then utee'd. then added some of my favourite german scrap wings. The inside I stamped and embossed some scrolls and then added a brass heart. The slide has a transparency with moths (yuck!) and butterflies trapped inside and edged with aluminium tape.

The back cover I have added a paperartsy stamped image. The dangly bit is an old ear-ring and then wrapped some fibres around the spine.

I hope that it is good enough!

Dans ma maison il y a .....un ecolier

2008-09-08T20:24:00.002+01:00

Her is my effort for the dans ma maison challenge this week, a school child. Simple collage with a stamped image using Paperartsy stamp. A friendly plastic mould of a lock, a vintage key and a metal tag.

Gothic arch

2008-09-08T18:10:00.003+01:00

This weeks Gothic Arch challenge is pretty in pink. Here is my effort! The background is painting in pink pearl paint and then stamped and embossed in sparkly pink embossing powder. I used a Paperartsy stamp for the lady and then inked some old lace. Stuck it all on and tied some ribbon through the holes. I am quite pleased with the result.

Making a mess

2008-09-08T14:26:00.007+01:00

Spent an afternoon yesterday with my favorite passtime of making a mess in the kitchen!

While the boys were swimming, I had utee and embossing powder everywhere! Here are my results, some great (even if I do say so myself !LOL) backgrounds. Just need to work out what to put on them!

Have also been working on some atc's for Sian's See through swap on Do-crafts. I have about four more I am working on so that I can chose which ones to send. Each one had to have a bit of it that was see through. Needless to say these are very hard to picture! trying to show the panels so excuse my pictures! lol

The flower is stamped onto memory glass, which was coloured in alcohol inks, and then embossed. It is laid into the atc and secured with copper tape. The clock is printed acetate transparencies which I purchased from Crafty Individuals and sandwiched between two pieces of card. The third one is fantasy film, into which I have trapped a feather. Then moulded some friendly plastic dolphins and plant and voila!

Working on some atc's

2008-09-07T14:48:00.004+01:00

I am waiting for Chris to take the boys swimming and then I am going to attack my list of atc's to make! I have a long list of swaps I would like to join so am going to work through them one by one.

I will load piccies when finished, in the meantime here is the brak I made for Cazlan. It is her birthday today so Happy Birthday Carole. It is not too clear on the photo but the white area is actually memory glass and is transparent.

Missing the noise!!

2008-09-04T14:11:00.002+01:00

I did not think I would find myself saying that ! LOL

Harrison is away from home at the moment. He has gone on a weeks residential with the school. He went on Monday and I pick him up tomorrow afternoon (Fri). He is spending the week going on walks, pond dipping, river wading, building shelters in the woods and generally having a really great time!

Elliot has been missing him the most but today I got a postcard from him and now I am looking forward to tomorrow. The peace and quiet has been nice though.

So back to school and playgroup next week for us, I really should check Harrison's uniform this weekend - oh dear, better late than never.

Not much crafting done this week, with H away, Elliot has needed more time from me. We went to the circus the other day, it was great and he loved it.

Have several atc swaps to make but they will have to wait until next week when the routine is back to normal.

How hard can it be??

2008-08-23T18:14:00.002+01:00

Have been asked to make an anniversary card, but it needs to have a black cat on it somewhere - can I find one? Bet you can guess the answer is a big fat no!!

Tomorrow I will just have to go to Hobbycraft and see if there is one there, I do hope not too much other stuff jumps in my basket, although i do need to see if they have some gesso.

Today I have started my first altered book. Well......let's just say that it is a work in progress and definately not good enough to be photographed yet!lol

Have a birthday bbq set for Monday, so am now off to tidy up, ready for my family to mess it up again so I have to do it all again tomorrow - ho hum!

Dans ma maison il y a ...une etoile

2008-08-21T12:15:00.003+01:00

This is my first ever blog challenge! I decided to try something different so joined in on Dans ma maison weekly challenge. This week it is a star. I first painted a mountboard house with pearl paints, then stamped and embossed some stars onto it. I did not like that!! so covered them up with some torn paper with inked edges! LOL Printed an image in a star and mounted it onto board and then utee'd it. The roof is copper foil which I stamped and then embossed. Stuck lots of bits on and voila!

Picture for a friend

2008-08-19T20:24:00.003+01:00

This is a 6x4 encaustic picture I made for the friend I visited today. I painted some mount board in pearl paint and mounted them in a frame. I hope she liked it!lol

Goodies

2008-08-19T20:17:00.002+01:00

My eagerly awaited parcel arrived this morning.

I ordered some new silicon moulds but I had to order them from Canada. As Iwas going out today to a friends, I had to wait until late this afternoon to have a play!

I bought one to make cherubs, with faces,hands,feet and wings. One is masks and faces. There is a mini one which does two back plates. My favorite is one on which you can mould keys and locks, it is brilliant.

Brown colour swap

2008-08-13T20:56:00.003+01:00

Here are my three atc for the brown colour swap on Docrafts. The first one is distress ink on shiny card, then a scroll which I have glittered, with memory glass tile, coloured with alcohol inks, stamped and embossed. The second one is a painted and stamped background, with an aperture cut out. Alcohol inked slide mount, with a transparency, and some chipboard corners, painted. The third one I am not too pleased with the way it turned out - it looked different in my mind! lol It is a painted background, then stamped. The chipboard shapes were painted and inked and then a key charm was added.

I'm a stressed mum! LOL

2008-08-13T20:48:00.002+01:00

Will my boys ever get through a day this holiday without shouting, arguing or annoying each other!

I tried to hide upstairs today, I managed 3 minutes before they found me - they then thought I was playing hide and seek!

Had a small bit of light relief when postie arrived though - my little package from the fruit picie arrived - ah crafting goodies! Also had a bargain on ebay the other day - a huge bunch of vintage keys - fantastic. Am looking out for broken watches now!lol

Made some braks today, am not going to upload them though!

Here are a couple of my encaustic piccies from the other day.

Messy time!

2008-08-07T15:35:00.005+01:00

Well, have managed today to do a bit of crafting. Decided to get the waxes out as it has been a while. The first few were a bit ropey, need to get back into the swing of it - maybe the boys annoying each other in the background did not help!lol

Anyway, decided that instead of wasting them, I would combine them with some friendly plastic faces and german scrap wings to disguise the yucky bits! Think that they turned out quite well in the end.

Harrison has football practise tonight, so should get an hour to myself for some peace and quiet.

Busy week

2008-08-05T09:28:00.004+01:00

Well we are one week down!lol

Last week was very busy. On Monday we had our electric meter changed. Tuesday we went to Marwell Zoo, Wednesday was a day at the beach, glorious! Thursday was spent a Fishers Farm Park, which is a local farm which is just one huge playground and Friday we went to Chessington World of Adventure.

I am hoping that the boys are so tired they will sleep for the next three weeks!

Surprisingly no crafty piccies to upload today, but am hoping to get all the stash out and make a huge mess over the next couple of days - watch this space!

Am off to wrestle my headache now, not helped by the fact that it is raining outside so the boys have to entertain themselves inside today!

School Holidays

2008-07-22T12:33:00.003+01:00

I can not believe it has been over a week since I last blogged!?

Well the school holidays are upon us from Thursday. I am having one final craft day with my friends tomorrow on the last day of term. I am helping them with stamping! That should be a laugh, bet we end up with embossing powder everywhere!

Not much crafting has been done this last week, have made some more christmas atc's and cards but no piccies yet. Have just made a couple of cards for a relative who has just had a baby girl.

Harrison has just started football practise as part of a local team, so every Thursday he has an hours training and will have matches on Saturday's later in the year.

Off for a cuppa now! ttfn

Where did my weekend go??!!

2008-07-14T11:08:00.002+01:00

If anyone finds it, please can I have it back!!LOL

Well, Harrison was at home on Friday with Elliot, as they both came out in a second lot of spots, he is at home again today, although none of them have blistered, just disappeared? how odd. He is going back to school tomorrow as they only have to be off for 5 days now.

We went strawberry picking on Sunday, it was brilliant, the sun was shining, and the field was empty, I think everyone else was still in bed!lol We picked raspberries too and bought some fresh jersey cream in the farm shop - delicious.

May have to do some ironing today, as the sun is out I am catching up on my washing!

Oh dear.........spots!lol

2008-07-10T19:04:00.005+01:00

We have been visited by the chicken pox fairy over night!LOL So Elliot will have to miss playschool tomorrow and Harrison may be at home too.

Elliot sat and played with his train track for ages today, so instead of ironing I made some more christmas cards.

The snowman poem is from the Mad About Cards website, they also do a brilliant reindeer food card. The Penguin on the end is still a work in progress, have not finished him yet - have to finish the decoupage and put some glitter on it!

Harrison got his end of year report today, he has done really well. It was open evening earlier, so we went and looked at all his work and met his new teacher and found his new classroom.

Well, suppose I had better go and put all my craft bits away, they are currently all over the kitchen!

Anniversary..

2008-07-08T21:30:00.002+01:00

Today is our wedding anniversary - 19 years. I was very shocked this morning to realise that Chris had actually remembered, he bought me a lovely card and some beautiful flowers. He normally forgets and it has been known in the past for me to buy my own card!LOL

Had a quiet day, making the most of them before the school holidays start on the 23rd.

Award!

2008-07-06T09:11:00.003+01:00

Thank you to Sian for nominating me for a blog award! I am so chuffed.

The rules for receiving this award are:
1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the people you've nominated.

So....7 other blogs....not sure I know 7 other blogs! but here goes:

I only have 5 so far - Connie, Jaybe, Dawne, Kathleen, Sunday, am still getting to know my way around, so will add another 2 when I have discovered them! The other favorites on my list all get a mention too, most of them seem to have the award!LOL

Christmas Time !!

2008-07-03T21:27:00.004+01:00

Have had a lovely relaxing craft day today, making christmas cards! Managed to make 2, what with Elliot needing attention, tea to drink, lunch to cook and eat and gossip to catch up on I think that I did pretty well!!lol

Used some clip art and decoupaged it then added glitter.

Two less to worry about!

Also managed to post a birthday card to Australia - should have been there yesterday, never mind!

Posted a RAK of to Nicks yesterday, as a thank you for the I Dare you Swap.

I used my new favorite crackle paint for the base coat. Then stamped and embossed using some gorgeous embossing powder by Sparkel and Sprinkle. The roof is fantasy film, inked with alcohol inks. A friendly plastic face on german scrap wings.

The window frame is a slide mount, inked and then utee'd with some added embossing powder. I cut the window out of the house and then used a transparency, in the photo I have put paper behind it so that the image can be seen.

Finally added a key charm on a chain.

I can not believe that it is nearly Friday again already. Where does the time go?!

My own challenge...

2008-06-29T21:19:00.004+01:00

I thought that I should do the challenge I set the rest of my group in Nicks' I dare you swap.

So here it is. The choice of colour was either pink/purple, orange/yellow or pastels. I decided to go for the pink/purple option as that was the most items I had in that colour!

Sorry about the blurry piccie. I started by painting the background in twinkling h2o's and then stamped and embosed it using pink and purple powder. I used a transparency from crafty individuals in a slide mount which was painted and embossed in the same way and cut the window out so that it is see through. Then raided my ribbon and button boxes. Finished with some inked lace and a large butterfly. I am actually quite chuffed with the result.

All challenges received...

2008-06-28T10:37:00.005+01:00

Thankfully everyone has now received their challenges. Hope that they are all pleased with them. There are pictures of Nicks slide mailer and Sian's house further down the page.

For Katherine, I had to make something vintage, so I made an altered domino book. For Carol i had to make an atc holder in vintage theme. All my challenges turned out to be firsts!lol Never done any of them before!

I covered the domino's in vintage paper, then utee'd over the top and finished the edges with some copper foil tape. Then I used some vintage scrapbook paper by K&Co and made the 'pages'. Finished of with some embelishments and some ribbon to tie it all together.

For Carols atc holder, I used some of the same scrap book paper. I had to find some ideas online as I had never made or seen an atc holder before!

I Had some vintage lace in my Nan's sewing box, so used this to decorate the outside with a pearl ribbon slider and a charm. On the inside I used some clipart to make a collage and some stickers. Also popped in some atc's that I had in my box.

I really enjoyed this swap, thanks Nicks for organising it and I am pleased that they have all arrived safely at their destinations.

Iris folding...

2008-06-27T13:06:00.003+01:00

Well, had a very enjoyable morning yesterday learning iris folding. It was a case of jumping in with both feet! but I am very pleased with the results. May even do some of my christmas cards using this technique this year.

The top card was one from my friends kit, pre-cut aperture and her papers. The blue flower below is one done with a pattern I found on circleofcrafters.com, cut out my own apperture and used some of my scrap papers for. I added some extra butterflies.

Hopefully Katherine, Sian and Carol should be receiving their challenges before long. Will pop piccies on soon.

Off now to prepare for Harrison having his friend over for tea after school - although no cleaning or tidying will be done until after he has gone home - it is not worth wasting the effort!!LOL

Dee's Dabblings

Brooch / Pin

Steampunk-ish birdcage

Happy Christmas

Hello!

I have done something!!!

I know .........

hey i am still here

WOYWW

WOYWW

Halloween shadow box

Art Raffle

Wow - I have a desk!!

Ally Pally & Bootsale Bargains

Beer Mat Hanger

Altred Slide Mailer

crafting time

Pressie for Nicks

Tags

Necklaces... a bit different

Messy time!

Another beer mat book

Matching Purse

Elliot's Birthday

My new bag

playing with hot irons!

Art Raffle - Feb

The winner is.....

One World One Heart

Altered game pieces

snow and crafting!

Merry Christmas everyone

First swap in a while

Where does the time go?

Great Weekend

Altered Beer Mats

First day at school

Finally achieved something crafty!

Altered canvas

School Holidays

Happy Birthday Nicks

Bottle top charms

Gosh, been a while!

Matchbox

Raffle prize

slide mailers

Altered cutlery challenge

Holiday's nearly over

Bargain

3 stamps

Phew!

40th birthday present

jigsaw charms

Altered Tin..

Well..

Mini houses

Happy New Year

Presents

Still around!

Circles...

Finished necklace

Gothic arch

Brooches

pound shop bargain

Wow, great weekend

My first hosted swap

Mmm......

Been a while..

mica powders

Mannequins

Birthday present

Tim Holtz Treasure!

Traffic Lights

Time...

Been playing..

South Stamp Show

Dans ma maison il y a .....un ecolier

Gothic arch

Making a mess

Working on some atc's