Wednesday 26 September 2007

Altered Pencil lines


This time I was influenced by Sketch 49

I really loved the geometric shapes on this layout. I loved the combination of sqaures and rectangles. It was very easy to translate this idea to my note book.

My journal began as a plain A5 inexpensive notebook.

I used a krylon marker to make the edges pop on the front of the book. I chose a metallic colour that would enhance my design.

I used Bockingford water colour paper to create the geometric shapes that form the background to my design. I cut each square piece 1" X 1" and for the rectangle shapes I cut 1" X 2".

After cutting the background papers to the correct size I took a large collage stamp and used it to create an overall image. I wanted the each piece of water colour paper to look like it had been cut from a larger sheet of paper with a large design. I used Black Stazon for this. I inked all over using pigment inks to inject each piece with colour and life. The pieces were then arranged and not glued until I was happy with the arrangement. I used wet glue for permanence.

I created a mat (2 1/2" x 4")using black card. I cut another piece of water colour paper which I smeared with ink in contrasting colours to those I had used for the backgound. I used mod podge and an image from a serviette that has been hanging around for ages to create the focus for this piece.

I used dimensional paint to create a flourish.

I embellished the design with a large bloom cut down to a manageable size.

The title is stamped using white brilliance ink.

Hope you like.

I thought these could be made for Christmas pressies. The whole thing cost very little and was very quick to make. It took about

Monday 24 September 2007

Grab me a bucket

I think I am going to hurl.

Okay so this is not my first pregnancy. I have told enough horror stories to unsuspecting (victims) first time mum's to know that labour is going to be a nightmare, but that is just about 7 and a bit months away so I have got time to get used to the idea and I figure at least you get something for all the pain so it is not all bad.

I have two sons. I have had two pregnancies. I have never ever felt sick. what is is that about?

Okay so theory dictates that if this pregancy is dramatically different from those where boys were my presents, then this one could be a girl. That is a highpoint, but I am feeling icky all the time and that is so much of a low point I cannot tell you.

Feeling sick all the time has quenched my creativity. I cannot do anything except eat and feel sick. Eating stops the sickness feelings that and drinking too, so I am spending all the day eating and drinking not playing.

I am constantly thinking of something to munch or slurp and those of you who have been pregnant will KNOW food is not always a friend. The FAD food is your friend for a week or so and then your enemy. Then you find a new fad food. The cycle continues thus; food friend, food enemy! I am constantly searching for something new to tease those taste buds with.

AAAAAAAAAAAARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGH Nausea.

So why haven't I been blogging? I cannot sit at the keyboard for long enough. I am only doing okay now because I am slurping Tropicana with orangey bits.

Monday 17 September 2007

Coke is it.


This ATC has been made for the Think Monday, think ATC challenge blog.

The picture is copied from a postcard that is on my fridge. I thought it was perfect for the theme. For once I had just the thing. I used ink pads to blend the purple colour for the background and cut and pasted the main image. This is the quickest ATC I've made in ages.

Thanks for looking.

Sunday 16 September 2007

Wednesday Stamper





Wow. I really loved this one. Thanks for the inspiration. Here's what I came up with.

Thursday 13 September 2007

Giveaway

I am so thrilled that I was invited to join altered pencil lines that I am giving away my first project. Please check out altered pencil lines for a closer look.

If you would like to have a chance to receive this piece of artwork please leave a post here with a link to your blog or an email address where I can contact you if you are the lucky winner. I will put all the names into a draw on Weds 19th September. I am happy to post to anywhere in the world so anyone can enter, but remember you must leave a comment to be in with a chance.

Tuesday 11 September 2007

Altered pencil lines teaser


I've been working hard today (well actually I call it play) on my first altered pencil lines assignment. Here's a sneaky peek for those of you who cannot wait. Mwhahaa :)

Sunday 9 September 2007

Feeling fabby


I've been holding back. I wasn't sure whether I should make the knowledge public or not, but I am overjoyed and about to burst.

I AM PREGANT!

I found out on Monday. I've been given May as the month of birth and the due date of the 13th. That will all change. The scan date is much more accurate.

I am ecstatic. I feel really privileged.

Wednesday 5 September 2007

Swapping out

For those invloved in swaps I am hosting please check relevant threads on UKS and STALK the postie. :)

Monday 3 September 2007

Minibooks




I finally got around to having a play with my bind it all. It is now a firm favourite. For these little delights I used coasters to make the front and back pages. The rest are bits and bobs I had lying around.

One of them is for Flo. She knows why another is for Jen. She knows why too.

Sunday 2 September 2007

Filey Find





I am lucky enough to have sensible inlaws who have retired to Filey. It is such a beautiful place. I really look forward to spending summers, breaks etc there with my family.

On the first day I found this plate in a second hand shop. It was late in the evening and the shop was closed. We were only staying for a few days so the schedule was very tight, but despite this I managed to get back to the shop the next morning and my gorgeous find was still there.

The plate cost £1. I cannot believe how cheap it was.

On the reverse it has an engraving Victoria's Jubilee. Though I am not a royalist I did gasp when I turned the plate over. I don't know anything about it, how old it is etc. It is just BEAUTIFUL. It jumped right out of the window to me and for that price it had to be mine. I think this plate will inspire me. I am hoping so. I love the texture the colours and the its history. Most of all it will always remind me of our first visit to John's parents in Filey.

Design Team? Me...

Yes please.

Yesterday I was invited to join Altered Pencil Lines Design Team. I am thrilled that Sarah suggested me and that my work is good enough. I am really excited about this so watch this space.

Whooopeee Doo for me.

Saturday 1 September 2007

More messing around with stampboard


Some creations made earlier today. Stampboard is my new bestest friend.

Just for Jen


Who I met and spoke with briefly yesterday. Hi there hun. You said you wanted to see pictures of me in Filey so here goes.

New stash (Manchester Central Fri 31st Sep)



Stash shopping at shows can become like a mad frenzy. You leave the house with a clear budget. 'And no I won't be spending more than X', I reassure myself as I enter the building and then I leave having spent double. The contents of my plastic bags, even when they are condensed into one bag do not look like they equal the financial commitment. But ask me if it was a positive experience. It was ace. Not only did I go with two great people, my dad and my best friend, I was inspired and what I bought should keep me going until... well at least next week.

WARNING
When shopping at a show remember there will always be a shopping disaster. So what was mine? I bought to die cut alphabets and got home to find my die cutting machine has given up the ghost (died). Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

I feel the need to spend more money already. Anyone know where I can get a Wizard really cheap?