Life happens...

Hello

This is one of those weeks where life happens and craft doesn't! I have lots of birthdays for family and friends this time of year, but I'm afraid celebrating does interfere with crafting. Hence just a quick one today.

I started with Pentart light modelling paste through a Craftreat stencil. It's light, like it says, but also quite flexible when dry, which makes it great for cards that need posting and won't crack if they get bent.

Once dry I sprinkled it with Brusho, spritzed it, then spattered Distress Ink.

A little stencilling with one of the new Giogiocraft stencils in the corners added a bit more interest. I gradually built up highlights and shadow with alcohol markers and gel pens.

A few spatters finished it off and tied it all together. A handy masculine card for a beer lover.

Hope your week goes well. Thank you for stopping by xx

Dimension without layers

Hello

Today I'm sharing a card made on the fabulous 'Dimension without Layers' workshop with Isa. Obviously I won't share the process but you can still sign up and access the recording. As usual, you get pre workshop instructions, so that if you want you can do the preparation and craft along at the same time.

It looked like this part way through...

...nearly finished...

 ...and ended up like this. 

The project is completely flat, nothing stuck on. Great for avoiding extra postage! 

Thank you for stopping by. Have a lovely week xx

Feeling blue

Hello

A bonus challenge with Isa this month was to create a tag that is completely monochromatic, no black, no white. 

I started by gathering together various inks in blue. First I gave everything a pale blue wash with Brusho...no white remember!

The blue was paler on the elephant but still there...honestly.

Next I used my new hamsa amulet stencil from GiogioCraft with the grey-blue weathered wood Distress Ink. Then I forgot to take any more photos!

The stamps were from Creative Stamping magazine issue 93. The elephant was layered up using foam pads.

It was a really tricky project and not very satisfying. I'm still itching to give it some white splatters or highlights! It was, however, a good exercise in appreciating 'value' and contrast in projects if you want them to be cohesive and grab interest.

I'd be interested to know what you think. Your comments are always welcome.

Have a lovely week...full of colour and contrast! xxx

Year of the rabbit

Hello

A very quick post today to share my take on celebrating the lunar new year.

I used GiogioCraft and Pink Ink stencils, DecoArt paints and gel pen. I had to curve it to get the background gold flowers to show up as they are much more delicate in natural light.

Last weekend I was out in London's Soho where the lantern decorations were spectacular. So spectacular I walked into a bollard because I was gazing up!

 

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend xxx

Winter magic

Hello

Today I'm sharing another mixed media fantasy scene. I had every intention of capturing the process and took a first photo...

...but then forgot to take any more until the end! I started with the gate gel printed uisng a GiogioCraft stencil and a watercoloured background.

By the time I'd played around quite a bit it looked like this...

I wanted to try out some new Coliro pearlescent watercolours and a new rigger brush. I think more playing is needed!

Thank you for taking the time to visit. Hope you have a lovely week xxx

A little bird told me

Hello

Today I'm sharing another project using my new stash of Lavinia stamps. I started with stamping a scene and masking off the lamps and the hare with masking fluid.

I built up layers of watercolour and had every intention of capturing each stage, but you know what it's like when you're in the zone! Only one photo was taken. I created the moon by wrapping a paper towel around the bottom of a circular pot and pressed it into the wet paint to lift some out.

I finished off with a little over stamping in Archival ink and some highlights with Posca paint pens. I think the photo has washed out a bit of the contrast.

I enjoyed using watercolour for a change and think I might be practising a bit more!

Thank you for stopping by. I do appreciate your comments.

Cats' chorus

Hello

I'm sharing this cheerful card today as it makes me smile and is just what's need on this dull January day.

The stamp is from Katzelkraft and is designed by a Ukrainian artist, Liubka. She has a very distinctive style. I commissioned two prints from her, for my sister, as half the money was going to support the war effort.

Meet Casper...

And his sister Lola...

She's caught the subtle differences between them very well.

Thank you for stopping by. Have a lovely week xxx