Paper Things

30 Days of get your art on Day

2011-07-03T19:54:00.002+01:00

Today I worked on the covers of a composition book.

30 Days of get your art on Day 1

2011-07-03T19:40:00.003+01:00

I am playing along with Traci, click the button in the side bar and here's what I did for day 1. The background has been done for a while. Today I added the image and the journalling.

Day 5

2011-05-02T19:53:00.001+01:00

Still going strong. Day 5 was ingrids class all out mandalas and dreamboards. The Journaling for this page is hidden under a couple of flaps

Day 4

2011-04-30T09:50:00.002+01:00

Today was about writing styles, something I was really keen and eager to try. Thank you to Silky Hart for her Paint Writing tutorial

Day 3

2011-04-30T09:38:00.006+01:00

3 days on the trot, a record for me lol. So far so good.

These are some of the project completed for Alma Stoller'sChilds Play Workshop. If you havent joined 21 Secrets yet, what are you waiting for.

The plan for this class is to create background papers or collage fodder using found object and recycled magazines.

I Created backgrounds with gel medium and gesso over recycled magazine pages

I made and used some stamps

These are the pages using gesso to stencil and create a resist

Day 2

2011-04-30T09:35:00.002+01:00

The next class that I completed on my Journey was Improvisation Station by Natasha Reilly, who is so totally inspirational

Day 1

2011-04-30T09:32:00.002+01:00

I have signed up for the 21 secrets Art Journal Classes to help me on my way to Art Journal Every Day.

The First class I did was Urban Layer Cake, the super talented Instructor for this Class was Tammy Garcia

Day 2

2011-04-02T15:09:00.002+01:00

30 Days of lists

2011-04-02T15:03:00.003+01:00

I have decided to take part in the 30 days of Lists challenge. There is a button in my side bar if you would like to play along. A very nice lady in the US sent me a composition book, thank you so much, the only problem is now I have one in the flesh as it were, I want more, i love these books.

Anyway I altered the front cover and will be using this book for my 30 days of lists pages and when the 30 days are up I want to continue with the lists. I have always been a compulisive list writer from christmas lists, holiday packing lists, you name it I list it, ecept shopping lists, for some reason I never take list with me when I go grocery shopping.

2011-02-27T10:14:00.008Z

Yesterday I had a plan to start journalling by doing an inspiration journal of ideas and techniques. I spent many happy hours browsing blogs and online journalling resources and my plan changed as the day went on. I found loads of ideas and techniques I wanted to try so late on in the afternoon I popped of into town to get some supplies. Yes I know I have loads already but I really needed some more paints and some storaage for my journalling supplies. When I got home I reorganised my craft space to make it more workable. See pic of my new craft area.

So by now its like 11.30 pm and I have researched, shopped and organised but still not put paint to paper. Am I stalling, no I don't think. My head was buzzing with Ideas and plans. I had a look at the journals I had bought and (this is the new plan) decided on the themes for my Journals. Yes Jounals with an "S". I have 5, so much for starting slowly with just and ideas Journal. I think this is actually a good plan because as I am taking part in "Art Journal Every Day" (see link to the right) I thought if I had a few Journals on the go I wouldnt be stuck for something to do IYKWIM.

So I got upthis morning full of enthusiasm and raring to go. Hers my desk with a work in
progress to prove it.

And I finally made my first page in a Journal. My previous attempts have all been on loose bits of paper - just in case they were awful - i didnt want to "ruin" one of my lovely books. After reading so many blogs yeasterday I realised that I couldnt ruin a journal page even if I wanted to. I also realised it didnt matter if I am not an artist or mega talented. I wanted to Art Journal. I think this is the hobby I have been searching for its almost as good as therapy.

So here is my page -its called "JUST DO IT" the little birds are were designed and shared by Bernice on UK Scrappers. I hope you like it - but with my new found confidence...its OK if you don't.

2011-02-26T10:38:00.001Z

Sorry I have been AWOL for so long, but those of you who know me will know why and forgive me.

So I have a plan to heal myself, and that is to start an Art Journal. I have been dithering about this for so long but today I discovered a fabulous link to Art Journal Everyday. (Theres a link at the very top of my blog page in the right hand column - Check it out)

I am posting my intention here to help me focus and hopefully keep me on track.

I have thought about doing an Art Journal for so long but put it off for 2 reasons, i think I am not talented enough and my life is pretty dull, what would I write about every day. I finally came up with a plan that will hopefully solve both of the issues. My Journal is going be all about Crafty inspiration and ideas I can collect along the way and will hopefully build over the weeks into a really useful resource.

Things with wings

2010-08-14T16:45:00.001+01:00

Lots of wings on this piece which I am entering in the Simon Says Stamps and Show Weekly challenge. I love the quote at the bottom although its not so clear in the picture. " Not all who wander are lost".

The Studio Challenge - August

2010-08-13T16:50:00.001+01:00

For thosof you who don't know, I do enjoy a glass of vino very occasionally, my BFF know this and bought me this lovely selection for Christmas. What was my first thought - "Just the right size bottle for me" well no actually is was like what can I do with the box. So its been hanging around the kitchen since Christmas, until this week when The August Studio challenge came up. To alter something for storage. So I did.

CCC#9

2010-08-13T16:44:00.002+01:00

My piece for this weeks CCC challenge from the Lovely Linda atStudio L3. The element we had to include doesnt show up so well in the photo but looks lovely IRL

Lucky Girl

2010-08-09T18:02:00.001+01:00

So take a guess at who it the most excited person in the world right now. I have been so lucky to win the CCC#7 prize of a shopping spree from Simon Says Yippee. Back soon, just couldn't wait to share this news

CCC#8

2010-08-08T11:06:00.001+01:00

I am loving these chalenges from Linda at Studio L3, I think I am going to go back and do the first 3 or 4 that I missed and redo the others in 4 x 4 chunky pages to put together as a wall hanging or maybe a book I'm not sure which yet. Anyway heres my take on this weeks challenge. Last again me thinks.

Something Old, Something New.

2010-08-01T16:58:00.004+01:00

So here I am blogging again.

Can you tell I'm off work on my Annual leave.

I have so much time to craft and could not wait to get stuck into the the something old, something new challenge. This is the very first time I have tried to make a canvas or anything really other than tags for the challenges I take part in, I had a whole lot of fun with this but why is it that whatever is in my head never quite makes it onto the project- ah well I must be due a point or 2 for effort huh? and maybe another one for completing the challenge on the day it was issued?

Old- the canvas is actually the back board from an old picture frame, and the new is just about everything else LOL. Thanks for looking.

CCC7

2010-07-31T16:07:00.002+01:00

Well look at me blogging twice on the same day. This is the tag I made for the Studio L3 Compendium of curiosities challenge week 7. The rule is to make something from the given page of "The book"

Sunday Stamper live/life

2010-07-31T09:40:00.001+01:00

So here I am with a few days off work, giving me time to catch up with this weeks challenges from your fabulous blogs. This one is for Hels' Sunday Stampers challenge where the theme this week is Love/Life. I had a play with alcohol inks to create the background.

2010-07-24T17:26:00.003+01:00

I made this tag for this weeks Studio L3 challenge. Each week is a new challenge using techniques in Timmy's compendium of curiosities. Hope you like it.

2010-07-19T17:27:00.004+01:00

Here's my entry for this weeks Sunday Stamper Challenge. I used a Maya Road chipboard binder that has been on my things to do list for a few years now. Inside there are several blank chipboard pages that Im hoping will be just right for Efemeras fortnightly technique challenge over on UK Stampers. Check it if you havent already at UKStamper.co.uk

Cyber Crop Projects

2010-05-03T16:00:00.005+01:00

I have been crafting quite a lot over recent weekends. Here are some of the finished projects

I did during the April UKS Cyber Crop

WOYWW

2010-04-28T11:26:00.003+01:00

OK so its not technically my desk. I figured that by now you are probably fed up of seeing my desk with nothing on it. As it doubles up as the dining table I clear it off after each project (sorry if I am offending anyone here). So I thought I would show you the area where I dump everything to clear the aforementioned table, just so you dont think I have some sort of obssesive/compulsive disorder.

Create 10 class 10

2010-04-27T18:35:00.002+01:00

So here it is. The final create 10 class by Crafty Template. An intricate little mini book with loads of pages yet so simple too.

Create 10 class 5

2010-04-23T16:23:00.003+01:00

Another one complete. My favourite so far I love to find new ways to add journalling to my pages.

WOYWW

2010-04-23T06:40:00.002+01:00

I know its Friday, but the picture was taken on Wednesday. Now your gonna start thinking I am obsessive or something soon but Todays Daily fun challenge for the UKS cyber crop was to tidy your desk, so no, it doesnt look this way very often.

Create 10 class 4

2010-04-22T18:27:00.002+01:00

Bringing up the rear again LOL. I'm only about 5 days behind but determined to catch up.

Sunday 2 pm

2010-04-18T14:40:00.002+01:00

Use a stamped image.

Saturday 8 pm

2010-04-18T10:53:00.002+01:00

Use 2 6x4 photographs

Saturday 4 pm

2010-04-18T09:51:00.002+01:00

OK so I have got out of order a bit here, but this challenge was to use the scraps left over from previous challenges and - believe it not - I had been tidying up after each LO was finished so I had to go and search out the scraps from my scrap drawer.

Saturday 10pm

2010-04-18T08:05:00.005+01:00

Easy challenge to round up the day. To choose my favourite 5 LOs so here they are. all different, but all LOs that I am quite pleased with.

Saturday 6pm

2010-04-17T18:34:00.003+01:00

The challenge. To use handwriting on a LO. Easy one for me this as I usually do. Its not that I think my handwriting is so great - I just like the personal touch it adds to my pages.

Saturday 2 pm

2010-04-17T17:27:00.004+01:00

Back to the online crop then, yes I know I am falling behind - I missed the Saturday 10am and midday challenges but I will definately catch up - maybe.

Interuptions

2010-04-17T15:25:00.003+01:00

So I just had to interupt my CC posts to share some really EXCITING news with you. Well I think it is exciting anyway. I have been invited to become an administrator on the CraftQueens Fouru,. See the banner at the top of the page. So you know I am a bit of a forum addict and I can't wait to get started in my new role.

Saturday 8am

2010-04-17T14:53:00.002+01:00

This challenge was to use four blocks of different patterened papers.

The journalling on this page is the focus rather than the photos

Friday 10pm challenge

2010-04-17T11:13:00.003+01:00

Use bunting.

So have you spotted the theme running through the layouts yet LOL. I am sure my good friend Winnie could tell you.

Friday 8pm challenge

2010-04-17T10:13:00.003+01:00

This challenge was to use the sketch provided and a wood grain effect if possible.

Here's my LO

and a close up of the woodgrain in case you can't see it it the main picture.

Friday 6pm challenge

2010-04-17T08:58:00.005+01:00

Please forgive me but I will be popping in and out all day today and tomorrow to blog the pictures of the projects I complete for Shilmelles online crop.

So here's the first one. Friday 6pm challenge and the theme, yep you guessed, cupcakes.

I made a mini book of photographs of the cake shop windows in St Kilda, Melbourne. I think if I am going to keep up I need to be much less ambitious with the other challenges. Hope you like my pictures.

Create 10 class 3

2010-04-16T12:35:00.002+01:00

I am so loving these create 10 classes. Here's my day 3 project. I even got to play with my new Tim Holtz dies.

Create 10 class 2

2010-04-15T16:32:00.003+01:00

So I am still keeping up and here is my class 2 LO. Not sure that dry brushing is ever going to be my thing but I did give it a go.

I made a bookmark for the extra challenge which was to use some techniques from class1 and class 2. I had another go at the dry brushing to create a background. I used the distressed and cut paper technique from class 2 and the ribbon roses technique from class 1.

2010-04-14T19:28:00.000+01:00

Well look at me blogging twice on the same day hehe!!!

Here my submission for this weeks Sunday Stamper challenge. The challenge is to use "silver". I ran a piece of silver mirri card through the big shot with the cuttlebug paisley embossing folder and picked up the detail with black staz on. The flowers are stamped on to grunge paper covered in text papers, sorry I don't know where the stamps are from.

Create 10 class 1

2010-04-14T18:23:00.000+01:00

I am taking part in the Create 10 project. A project everyday for 10 days. So far I am keeping up well LOL.

Here's my first LO complete with my ribbon and tissue paper roses - don't look too close.The instructions did say to pleat the ribbon evenly but as you can see I didn't quite mange that.

I apologise for the poor photgraphy, my camera doesn't like the colour lilac for some reason. Shame really as its my favourite colour.

2010-04-11T13:44:00.000+01:00

Well Its almost Cyber crop time again on UK Scrappers and to keep us busy while we prepare the leader of Team Thimbles set us a weekend challenge - to make or alter a box to keep all out treasures in. Heres mine, I am quite pleased with how it turned out.

Jigsaw pieces

2010-03-28T13:32:00.001+01:00

So I've been getting good and messy this weekend. Totally and unashamedly inspired by LindaE's fabulous beer mats and in the absence of any beer mats. I want a decoration for my, soon to be wallpapered in white, bedroom wall. I thought of using the 12 x 12 jiggy done by lots of UK Scrappers ladies as part of a swap, and though it is truly gorgeous it is not quite what I wanted.

So out came my spare blank jiggy and along with Linda's inpiration I made this. I inked the piece all over using Fired Brick Distress ink pad, stamped with a cradfty individuals text stamp, coloured the metal butterfly with alocohol inks and used rock candy crackle paint (not very sucessfully) over the text stamping.

And then spurred on by this weeks Sunday Stamper challenge along came this.

WOYWW

2010-03-24T08:34:00.000Z

I have just started joining in with WOYWW, I thought my first picture at least should have a tidy desk. The bits and pieces are for my first entry for the "my Freedom" class created by Shimelle I have got my craft room all neat and organised just how I want it at last. Hopefully it will stay this way.

2010-03-20T17:55:00.000Z

It has been far too long since I last blogged I know. But I felt that I really had to share these bookmarks I made for a swap UKScrappers. I promised myself when I spent a fortune last month on Timmy goodies that I would use them.

So I have. I hope you like them.

2009-08-14T09:30:00.001+01:00

These are the fairy doors I made for a swap on UKS. I had so much fun with these. I have just got back into stamping and wanted to try out the new stamps, the flowers on the front of the door. The doors are made from note book backs. I used strips of card painted with crackle paint for the door panels. The background effect on the inside is alcohol inks. I also used the inks to colour the brads and hinges to match the colour scheme. The fairy is a copyright free image found by googling, coloured first with watercolour pencils, then painted with perfect pearls on her dress, and stickles on her wings. I hope you like them. Thanks for looking.

2009-08-09T11:58:00.000+01:00

These are the Tags I have done so far for the weekly challenge on UK Stampers. I am still playing catch up as I joined at around week 14.

2009-05-26T18:19:00.000+01:00

Another swap. This time for deco pages. The theme is vintage ladies and children. I had to do a DLO and use a stamped image. Stamps are about the only thing I can think of that I only have a few of, so i just used a flourish in the corners of the pages.

2009-05-26T18:15:00.000+01:00

A couple more pages done for the newbie CJ. That 4 out of 9 complete. I am so looking forward to mine coming home.

2009-05-26T18:01:00.000+01:00

This is the front cover of the book I made for the mini bok swap on the crafty swappers forum (Have a look the link is on the left) each page has some type of interactivity (is that a word) like pocket pages or tag pages. i hope my swappee likes it.

2009-05-26T17:22:00.000+01:00

My first ever fat book page swap. I loved making these and have finished way before the deadline. (Some would say I should get out more)

My first ever fat book pages using MM jounaling pad and scrummy flocked stickers I just couldn't resist on my last shopping trip.

Childrens songs was the theme chosen by material girl as she and her son have lots of fun singing together. The song is 1,2,3,4,5 once I caught a fish alive. It is quite interactive this one as the fish are help in with the clip and be removed to count with if they wish.

Transport theme for Jennyin. This is the one I found most difficult and I am not really happy with how it has turned out. Might have to go and do another one.

Cosmic theme chunky page for Jo. The background is stickles blended with my fingertips (Very Messy) with beaded embellishments and pearlised paint for added uummph.

Any excuse to use my BIA. Although this is the first time I have tried anything this small. Totally inspired by Voodoo Vixen I must add (Thanks Annette). Tuppences theme is faries if you hadn't noticed.

These are the pieces I did for myself, as you can probably tell my theme is butterflies. The background is sleleton leaf stickers, they are so fine they look like Patterned paper, I really need to find some more of these. I dreww the butterfly on acetate and coloured it in with peel off pens then used a similar colour glitter glue for the sparkle. I scored the body to bend up the wing to add some dimension.

Then I did the purple theme. As purple is my favourite colour I really enjoyed doing this one. I made the background paper with a few diffferent coloured ink pads and just blended then together. I used glossy accents on the shapes to give then some shine and in the frame I poured in some seed beads and set them with dimension magic.

The last one I did was for Sixophone, the theme was my house, my mess, now as its always a mess I didnt know where to start. Anyway I decided on my craft desk as the topic as this is always a mess and if you listen closely you will hear me shouting, now where have my scissors gone. I used a wood effect patterned paper for the desk top. The paint tube is a real tube of paint, almost empty so it would lie quite flat.

2009-05-18T18:42:00.000+01:00

I have just discovered the most amazing forum for swapping crafty project, follow the link on the left to crafty swappers, you'll love it.

Purple Inchies

2009-05-18T18:41:00.000+01:00

My first time hosting a swap on UK scrappers. These are all the inchies made by the swappers and myself.

My First BIA project

2009-05-18T18:39:00.000+01:00

Well I finally got around to making something with my BIA. Not very adventurous but I am quite pleased with the result. http://www.zutter/ .com

Newbie Circle Journal

2009-04-19T13:49:00.000+01:00

Pages so far for the Newbie Cj I am taking part in with Ladies on UKS

Complete Jisaw

2009-04-19T13:45:00.000+01:00

Wow I have finished all the pieces for the Jisaw. I am so pleased with the end result. I now can't wait for mine to come home.

40 match box drawers complete

2009-03-27T14:54:00.000Z

Here are my finished matchbox drawers. I finally managed to get then out to attach the handles and I am quite please with the results

These picture are for the CJ I am in at the moment. Biskit, I hope you like them. Page 2 has a little minibook inside with my weekly food menu. There is a different take away on each page, one for eah day of the week except Sunday. I not telling what is on Sunday though as I want it to be a surprise for the CJ owner whan it gets home around October.

40 match box drawers

2009-03-26T15:55:00.000Z

Well here in another set of matchbox drawers , work in progress as you can see. I have learnt the hard way that I should have put handles on the drawers before glueing it all together. I am now trying to open the drawers with tweezers without pulling the fronts of.

2009-03-25T16:58:00.001Z

My first set inchies for the UK Scrappers inchies swap came home.

These are the ones I made.

and these are the ones I recieved back

I am really getting into the swaps on UKS now and I am feeling so inspired, dead chuffed that my mojo has returned.

These are the piece I have done so far for the Arty Farty Jigsaw swap

and the altered matchboxes