Westpoint Tomorrow

The first show of the year is nearly here, the stand is very nearly ready , Kay and I are now at the hotel. Roll on tomorrow, can't wait to meet up with our fellow stand holders, only saw a few today.
We are on Stand 64 , end of one of the rows near the poppy pictures, close to the workshops.

Tonight's cards are from from Katy Sue , Shaggy Dog Tails, which was a sell out on Create and Craft very recently. Noreen has them on her stand at the Westpoint show, so if you missed out when they were on now's your chance to get your hands on the CD.
This card was made with a mixture of stamps plus CD, I coloured him with Copics, still my favourite alcohol pens at the moment.

It looks like all CD to make this card but the paw prints are actually a stamp.

Going to be busy few days , not only because I'm at the show but I have two more projects to try and work on in the evenings. Both projects will be on Create and Craft next week.

All I can say is it was like Christmas again last night as I opened the boxes.

Right time to try and do some work so....

Happy Crafting everyone.

Sheena's Sunflower and Ivy.

Sheena's folders are selling fast, so thanks to all the Create and Craft customers for buying and loving them as much as the Inkoid team did.
This is quite a quick card , the folder made it so. I only did one lot of embossing for this card, being an A4 folder there was plenty of embossed card to do both layers. Each layer was matted on white cardand the aperture  was created using a couple of Spellbinders dies. The sunflower came from one of the stamp sets but you could use the sunflower folder and cut one of them out. I painted the sunflower with H2Os, the shimmer unfortunately you cannot see on this photo.
Short and sweet today, back to work I go.
Happy Crafting.

Floral card made with Sheena's embossing folder.

Morning fellow crafters, well what an adventure I had last night. It was above and beyond an Inkoid call of duty. The plan was to meet Sheena at Ideal, go for dinner, back to the studio to set up for the morning show, then drop Sheena at the flat and drive home.

Well....... The problems started with dinner, Sheena ordered a meal which was a vegetarian meal and found meat in it, completely spoiled the taste. Didn't have time for another meal to be cooked so poor Sheena only had a few mouthfuls and some of my chips......

Next we had to wait for another shows products to be cleared before we could set up, so we didn't leave the studio until 9.30pm.

Then to top the evening off, Sheena couldn't get into the flat, luckily I had stopped to help her in with her luggage. So we had to get in via the garage entrance ,that was fun, not.

There's one thing you can say about this industry, it's always interesting you never know what is going to happen next.

Right, back to today's card, yes all the flowers were made from the embossing folder. I know it was a lot of cutting out but once I started I couldn't stop. It didn't really take too long ..... Honestly. The leaves  on the card came from the ivy folder.

The background was just embossed using the same folder. 

After the late night last night I would like an easy morning but no, more samples to make for Friday's exclusive show on Create and craft.

So for now Happy Crafting everybody.

Sneak Peek Day Four

Something bright and shimmery on this dull wet day, made with another of Sheena's new embossing folders, Sunflowers.
For the main topper on the card I embossed a piece of craft metal, then pounced over the top with alcohol ink. Once dry which did not take long, I lightly sanded to reveal the embossing. I did the same again for the leaves, which came from one of the other folders.
A quick very striking card, the technique could be repeated with several of the other new folders.
Time to get up and ready, I have many samples to make which I now believe will be revealed on Friday.
Happy Crafting.

Day 3 Sneak Peak

Love this folder, it's foliage always useful. I used my favourite technique with embossing folders, to ink the folder with Perfect Medium on the thin detail raised side. Then put through a die cutting machine , add embossing powder to the now debossed side and heat. I then inked over the top with Barn Door and Peeled Paint Distress ink.

The leaves were from a set of Sheena's stamps which actually match very well, do you think somebody had planned that..........

The wording also came from another of Sheena's stamp sets.

Early start today , waiting for delivery drivers, you're never quite sure when they are going to turn up.

Going to Colemans later, need some Hobby House roses and might just say Hi to Kay who is doing a workshop down there. Hope they have got there kettle on, I know somebody will be wanting 

  a cup of coffee. Lol

Happy Crafting.

Sheena Sneak Peek Day 2

Something a bit different for me here,a card made with  another of Sheena's brand new embossing folders. I wonder where she got the idea for this folder..........
I did have fun cutting the lenses out but they were large enough to get the scissors in, I'm not a fan of using the craft knife.
The glasses I felt need a bit of bling so I added some crystal gems to the indented pattern on the frame edge.
Busy times ahead , just received my next collection if Tattered Lace dies, Wow, wait 'till you see them . Something else is arriving tomorrow , again to be seen on TV in the very near future.
I am also on count down for the Westpoint show at the end of the month, I will be with Kay on the Hougie stand. Looking forward to catching up with the other stand holders, it's been a long time since the NEC.
Happy Crafting.

Sheena Sneak Peek Day One

Firstly I have to say thanks for all the lovely comments on my blog, it's nice to know what fellow crafters think to my cards.
Today we have the first sneak peek from Sheena's Monday show on Create and Craft, I think the first show is at 8 am, an early start for Sheena.
This was my Daughters favourite from the selection I've made, could be because it's purple and gold.
You may have guessed from the other Inkoid samples that embossing folders appear quite often, could that be the 4 day deal by any chance........
This card involved using pourables, gilding wax and some of Sheena stamps previously seen , and of course 2 new embossing folders.
Waiting for my samples to be collected, so might as well get on with the ironing and some of the other housework, will go and play when he has been.
Happy Crafting.

Garden Bench & Herb pots D-Lites

I've used three die sets here, the garden bench an two of the ornate nestabilities. The paper was from Fabscraps , great that it was double sided, so easy to build the layers.

For this card I used some more of the D-Lites, the window with shutters , the lavender and sage flower pots.

The background was created with an embossing folder from Creative Expressions called Brick Wall.

A technique I like to use here  , the embossing folder is inked with Perfect Medium then put through your die cutting machine. Embossing powder added to the now debossed side , then heated. For this design  it doesn't matter that there is extra embossed powder , no wall is perfect unless it's just been painted.

I used Pumice Stone and Brushed Corduroy Distress ink over the top, just lightly though.

The herbs I coloured with Copics, and added some shading with Distress inks to the flower pots, these I attached with Pinflair glue to give more dimension.

Ok back to work, so for now Happy Crafting.

Another Spellbinders plus Shaggy Dog Tails

Today's card has used 5 of the new dies from Spellbinders which have just been on Create and Craft recently. I'm lucky that I have the chance to play with a lot of the dies but you do find most of their dies mix and match very easily.

For this card I used one of the A2 bracket borders to cut both ends of the frame, then just cut two pieces using the same bracket plus one of the decorative ones. Attaching these below the frame.

The flowers were made using labels 34 , adding a brad to the centre , spraying with water and scrunching up.

Noreen was on this morning with a new CD and stamps, she is on agin at 3pm , that's if there is any stock left.......

This card has a mixture of each, the paw prints and wording being from the stamp sets.

He so loves his teddy........

I think this CD would be good for any dog lover or if you just like cute cards.

Right I'm off to make more cards for Sheena's shows on Monday.

If you want a hint of what is on there check out her blog....

Happy Crafting.

Butterfly Circle Easel Card

A couple of circle easel cards here, both made with some of the new Spellbinders dies. The main card is made with one of the ornamental dies and the butterfly is one of the new D-Lites.

For the top one I used papers from. Teresa Collins Pad, the bottom Lili of the Valley, Country Lady.

They were very easy to make, but very effect, just think of all the different colour ways.

Noreen from Katy Sue is on Create and Craft tomorrow at 10 am and 3pm. Showcasing a new CD and stamps called Shaggy Dog Tails. Very cute and very is to make cards from. I don't really do CD crafting as many of you know but I did have fun making these. I'm glad  to say there are stamps as well, mixing these with printed backing papers of the CD made life easy.

I really loved the alphabet on the CD it  comes in pink and blue, I had to make this card........didn't I.

Happy Crafting for now.

Enhancing Elements Labels 34

Two cards today with a black and white theme, on the first card  I've die-cut the shapes in both colours . Cut them in half then placed opposite colours together when making up the card. So you could do this card twice in fact, with the pieces left over.

Here is the first card's partner, using he left over background pieces. I just cut the same pieces in both black and white and layered them up.

I love the black and white, it's a classic combination.

                                                        Happy Crafting

Stained Glass D-Lite Part 2

Following a comment made by my lovely follower Kitty, I thought I'd show you my alternative for the Stained Glass D-lite. Kitty said it reminded her of a fire place, I thought of a carriage clock but you could also use as a Mirror frame or a cupboard with a decorative top.
I used an embossing folder from Creative Expressions for the background, inking the folder with Perfect Medium, embossing the card then adding gold embossing powder. After heating cover the card with Brushed corduroy Distress Ink. The two other die-cuts I applied the gold gilding wax from Crafters Companion. The clock face is one from Tim Holtz's Idea-ology range.

Roughly the same idea with this one, just a different layout. The die I cut in black card then added the gilding wax and sanded back slightly.
Granddaughter afternoon today but I will still fit in a bit of crafting because she has a nap in the afternoon . My husband is booking time of work today for our holidays  but where to go , will be in the UK, any ideas ?
Happy Crafting

Stained Glass D-lite

Two more cards today made with one of the new D-Lites, the stained glass.

Fot this first one I got out my alcohol inks and applied them to acetate.  Sticking it to the window die cut, and once layering on the white card base the real effect of the alcohol inks shows through.
I also used the corner flourish 2, the build on the core labels 34 and A2 bracket borders 2.

With this one I went back to when I first started crafting full time, glittering on acetate. Choose your colours of glitter first, stick a bit of acetate to the die cut then apply the glue a colour section at a time. Start with the darker colours first, then it all can be done in one go and left to dry, overnight would be better. As the glue dries clear ( Cosmic  Shimmer ) the colour of the glitter will shine through.

I also used one of the card creator dies and A2 bracket border 2 for the background.
Watching  Nancy Watt at the moment on Create and Craft, I don't know how she has managed to do the show as she only arrived home at 8pm last night from the states. At least she only has this show...............I think, there is also some Sugar Rush shows today.
Can't wait to have a catch up with Nancy and Stephanie to see what the Americans thought of the dies. Several of my crafting friends also went including Kay Rutter, hope she remembered my catalogue ! Lol.
Happy Crafting

Feather Magic from Spellbinders

Here's another two here and there samples, one went to the states the other is on with Jo Channon. Both use similar techniques to make them up but the toppers are different.
I started with a piece of white card to which I blended Distress ink colours, then sprayed it with the irridescent spray from Crafters Companion. Once dry die cut the feathers and build up th fan.

Not a peacock but a tropical bird.

The dies were cut from a card prepared the same way as before. The bird I cut with the blank shape then embossed with the filigree one.

The feathers were built up to give him a large fancy tail.

The embossed backgrounds were made using A4 folders from Creative Expressions for the top one and Crafters Companion for the bottom.

As we crafters don't waste anything, the ribbon strips were made from the card left over from die cutting.

Just watching Jo Channon  on Create and Craft, I'm please to say the American samples have appeared.

Happy Crafting

Pink or purple butterfly tree ?

Which do you prefer pink or purple ? I made this card twice because one was going to the states the other for Jo Channon for her shows this side of the water. As it happen none of the cards Jo and I made for CHA was seen on air, I think a box went missing but we will see for the  later shows.

I can never make an exact card twice, so that's why I did different colours and not so many butterflies on the pink one.

The glittery part was made using double sided adhesive sheet, stick one side on to white card. The sheet removed was then die-cut to be the tree resist. After removing the other side of the adhesive sheet , place on the tree carefully using the removed sheet to help press it down . Using the sheet again , tear a piece of  the bottom, this will make the ground area. Place the sheet back on over the tree, so just the bottom area is unmasked, glitter this. Take off the sheet and glitter the rest, background now done carefully remove the tree mask and then glitter this.

 You could use this same technique with mica powders or gilding flakes.

The butterflies I actually glittered a sheet first then die-cut.

More D-Lites samples tomorrow  and I have other companies in the album just waiting for the go ahead to post.

So it's Happy Crafting for today.

New D-Lites from Spellbinders.

Well all the samples I've made are now at Ideal World for Jo Channon's shows  tomorrow, the first live hour of the day 8am.
It was fun playing with the new Spellbinders dies........so many........where to start.
More D-Lites , Gold Elements, boarders and labels, it was very easy to use multiple dies from the show to make a card.
The first group of cards had to be in before the crew left for the states the second I delivered tonight, this gave me more time to play. Why is it you can always come up with so mny more ideas when your times up ?
Didn't have the Embosabilities this time so my cards are just with the dies this time.

The papers on this card are from Lili of the Valley, just love their papers, think I've said that before........so easy to mix and match. Just like the dies from Spellbinders.

One tip with this card  the design is not strong enough to stand on it's own for very long, so I backed it onto acetate for support.

I'll add more of the samples tomorrow, so for now Happy Crafting.

Tatty Towers

Morning, are we ready for California Crafting ?
I know I'll be watching while crafting today, still have more samples for Jo Channon's Spellbinders shows to make. Her shows begin Monday  at  8am. There are lots of brand new dies so it's keeping us very busy indeed. Jo and I have already made samples which are now in the states.
I spotted on Facebook last night some more of my samples which are now over there, they are with a new company for me..........
Katy Sue
I've been lucky to be given their new moulds, not for cake making but for card making. These moulds are great for paper clay and Utee more my cup of tea. It meant I had to unwrap my new melt pot, once started I couldn't stop, so I sent Noreen some extra moulded pieces  left over from my card making session.

I'm so glad Noreen put this on Facebook as I forgot to take photos of the samples before posting.

To make the frame here I added gilding flakes to the mould and then poured in the melted clear Utee which had been sitting a while and had changed to an amber colour. It doesn't take long to set but don't be tempted to touch it to quickly as it can burn and it will spoil it.

With reference to the title, have you seen Tatty Towers , the on line magazine from Tattered Lace. All you have to do is register with the Tattered Lace club then download it.

There is a piece on the team at Tatty Towers and on yours truly.......

The magazine also includes how to get the most out of your dies, cutting guides, a complete catalogue to download and much more.

Check out the shows on TV today, as I also had fun playing with the new Sugar Rush kit. Most of my crafting friends know this is not my usual style of crafting. But I did have fun, the kit seemed to go on forever and that was with Stephanie and me attacking it.

The toppers were lovely with laser cut lace,  foiling  and with roses to decoupage or use separately. The cardstock  was heavy enough to make base cards and I also need to add there is two additional kits, containing vellum and inserts. Also there is a project book if you get stuck for ideas but I don't think that will happen.

Enjoy the shows and Happy Crafting.

New Tattered Lace Rose

Just a quick post today with a photo thanks to Stephanie, didn't have much time to take photos of the cards I made with the new Blockbuster .
Nancy ,Stephanie and I each did a sample with this die, we all used different techniques. To see their's watch on Saturday , the live broadcast from CHA on Create and Craft.
There are a couple of ways to get this effect, I used a spray mount and then added the flakes dusting off with a soft brush. But you could use some double-sided adhesive sheet, add the flakes dust off the excess then die cut.
The border another of the new dies was cut from some bronze pearlescent paper.
Right I did say this was going to be short and sweet, more samples to make today and I got a visit found my Granddaughter today.
Happy Crafting

CHA preparations

I'm back, sorry for the break.
Just to let you know I wasn't just enjoying the Christmas and New Year holidays I was working away for a large part of it.
This time of year a lot of companies are getting ready for the large craft show in America CHA. This meant I had a lot of samples to maker for the companies I work with including a new one. More about that later.........
Christmas was real family affair with my In-Laws coming round and a morning visit from my Granddaughter, this being her first Christmas. We saved all the presents for when she came to see us, Mia sat on the carpet surrounding by presents, she opened the first and that was it, mummy had to open the rest..........

Back to work on Boxing Day, helpfully my husband cooks a good roast dinner, so I didn't have to worry about feeding people.

First deadline loomed at the beginning of this year, that was for a new design team. Completed and sent I was off to the next lot of projects. I'm pleased to say I have been asked to do Spellbinders again for Create and Craft, can't see Robots again so far...........

Early in the new year I had a phonecall from Stephanie , Tattered Lace to help prep for CHA. The  samples to be made were not just for the Create and Craft broadcasts but also for their stand at the show.

All I could think about was I was going to see the puppies Betty and George.

All I can say is they love paper.........

As I'm showing photos here, here's one a member of Stephanie's staff took.

Stephanie, Nancy and some of the team are now on they're way to States, don't worry the puppies are in very good hands.
Time for a card I think, this is one using a brand new die from a Tattered Lace.
Sorry it does included another one as well,spot where ?

More samples tomorrow with a bit of luck,right back to play...... I mean work.