Extraordinary - SDC30

'Extraordinary' by Sue Smith

I have this fixation, at present, to recycle used envelopes in art work and so, when I saw that the Stampotique Designers Challenge 30 is Recycle, I knew just where I'd start... it's a little hard to see, but the envelope is torn open at the lower left corner and the piece that's missing is now in the top right corner.  I've also stamped on recycled photocopied paper, used a section of a Cadbury's chocolate cover (the elipse with the button and the elipse under the word 'extraordinary'), as well as staining some of the paper with coffee used in a previous project (I actually don't drink coffee!).  The button is an op-shop find, the word from an old book and the polka dot paper left over from a cardmaking project.

Lots of recycling as well as a chance to develop a little more confidence with watercolour paint... all in all I had a lot of fun doing this piece and especially loved using these wonderful Stampotique images :)

For You

For You (Moo)

Yesterday I had to tidy up before I got started on some ATC's for a swap I'm participating in this month.  These bits were still lying around after The Play Date Cafe Challenge #80, so I put together this little moo using up the scraps... it took me much longer than I thought it would, but I just couldn't throw these tiny bits away!

I was also thrilled to see that I made The Fab 4 at The Play Date Cafe with my Treasure Bag :)  As seen in the post below.



Treasure - TPDCC80

'Treasure' by Sue Smith

The Play Date Cafe Challenge #80 is inspired by the photo below... red, orange and white...

I've recycled a white paper bag to create a gift bag.  It could be filled with a voucher or a small treasure or two!  Stamped images are by Tim Holtz and Stampington.

TMTA - Washi Tape

'Beautiful' by Sue Smith

'Washi Tape' is the current challenge over at Think Monday Think ATC this week.  I happily possess a little collection of washi tape and really enjoy working with it.  I've used some Tim Holtz washi paper in this ATC, but it's pretty well camouflaged by ink and stamps.  The easiest piece to see is just under the butterfly.  All stamped images are also by Tim Holtz.

I nearly gave up on this ATC... the background got very muddy last night and I didn't think I'd be able to rescue it... but sometimes it pays to walk away and try again the next day. 

Romancing the Paper: Tutor Rachel Emilie Jackson

Cover

Way back in January, I mentioned to you how excited I was to be participating in a Crescendoh Creative Lab being tutored by Rachel Emilie Jackson called...

'Romancing the Paper'

I started off well, completing each class for the first few weeks and then school recommenced and I just didn't manage to get back to it with all my own lesson planning and organising to do.  When the recent school holidays started, I knew I wanted to get back to the classes I hadn't completed and finally make my pamphlet book.

Here it is... all finished!

Pages 2 & 3

Pages 4 & 5

Pages 6 & 7

I have learned so many new techniques in this class and would highly recommend it to anyone that admires Rachel's beautiful romantic style.

Alsteel Green

'Alsteel Green' ATC

Here's an ATC I put together last week for a one-for-one swap.  It was my choice of theme and I'm still so hooked on 'Steampunk' that I couldn't go past it and also wanted to put those gorgeous Oxford Impressions Steampunk Works stamp set to work once again.

Country Roses - TMTA

'English Rose' by Sue Smith

Yardley English Rose - I have a fond, yet faded childhood memory, of purchasing this perfume for my mother (or with my mother?) in a lovely department store, that is sadly no longer to be found on the main street where I live.  I do believe it was David Jones, but as I say it's a faded memory.

In my mind's eye, I still see this bottle sitting in pride of place on her dressing table and it's perfume was thrilling to me!  I'd sneak into my parents bedroom from time to time to have a whiff of this wonderful scent :)  And I still remember the delight when Mum wore it!

 I remember her coming into my Year Five classroom one day, dressed to the nines, and the boy sitting next to me commenting to me about her perfume!  My mother loved perfume and she had quite a collection. As I grew older I delighted in being allowed to share from her collection! 

Oh, how wonderful memories can be so simply triggered - the challenge at Think Monday Think ATC is 'Parfum-Fragrance' this week and from their challenge this little memory has come to light!  All stamped images are from Oxford Impressions 'Fairest Flower' rubber stamp plate and the lace edging is another op-shop find from these holidays :)

It's nearly Mothers Day in my part of the world... sometimes a sad and difficult time for me.  As my mother and grandmothers have passed from this world, all I can think about is how much I miss them.  They each have an influence on who I am and how I live and I'm thankful for the treasured memories I have of each one.
 
I hope for you that this Mothers Day will be a celebration and time of treasuring and remembering.  As for me, I shall dry my tears, splash on some perfume and seek out some other comforting memories of these amazing women.



Secret Place - Inspiration Emporium

'Secret Place' - ATC by Sue Smith

Yes, another new challenge site that I discovered today, thanks to Shelley Hickox.  Thanks Shelley!

Inspiration Emporium's first challenge requires you to use any shaped fragment you wish.  I was really pleased because I actually had some Tim Holtz fragments on hand!  Having never opened the packet before, I knew this would be just the motivation I needed to use one, as well as inking up this new set of Tim Holtz stamps for the first time.  The red buttons we a op-shop find in the holidays too!

Live - TPDCC79

'Live'

I've been checking out The Play Date Cafe for quite some time - it's full of inspiration!  Their current challenge is 'Red Lime Grey' as seen in the photograph below!

What a colour combination!!!  I think the texture of the velvet on the cushions also attracted me to this challenge.  Anyway as I sat to consider where to start I knew I wanted to use this set of Tim Holtz stamps which had not seen ink 'til today.  I was having a bit of a tidy up and came across a lime green tea bag cover that also had a tiny touch of red :)  The hardest things to find were the grey tonings, as I always think it's a bit too much like cement and I steer away from using it!  One of my friends adores grey, she raves about it and it's so I've been warming to the idea of having a play with it.  This challenge has enabled me to give grey a chance and you know what, I do actually like it!

Inkurable Stampers - Stitch In Time

'Stitch In Time' by Sue Smith

This is the first time I've participated in an Inkurable Stampers challenge.  It's their 3rd birthday and so the theme for April was '3'.  Within that theme you had to create a piece that incorporated three colours, three stamps and the number 3!

My three colours:  purple, sand and black

My three stamps:  Dress form, textile and spool (all Tim Holtz)

Number 3:  Was highlighted from dressmaking tissue used in the background.

Happy Birthday Inkurable Stampers!

Home

Home - there's no place like it!

The theme for the postcard swap group I'm in this month is 'bird'.

There's lots of layering in the background... Bingo card, vintage text, gesso, dressmaking tissue...

Stamped images are by Oxford Impression, label is ARTchix Studio, egg paper by 7 Gypsies, letters by Collections

and

a feather gathered discretely at a bird park - not I didn't pluck it from the Guinea fowl, I promise! I found it on the ground and scooped it up with glee when no one was looking :) 

Future Shock

'Future Shock' for Shelley

Finally, finally I've managed to make this Steampunk postcard that was supposed to be completed in March for a swap group I'm involved with this year!  All stamped images are by Oxford Impressions, some collage images are from ARTchix Studio and the remainder from an old book from which I rip out some pages ages ago and not 'til today realised how perfectly well they would work with this theme!

Now to get onto April's postcard!  You never know I may even manage to get this one in the mail on time!!!

Frolicked

'Frolicked' by Sue Smith

A postcard for Jenny - will be in the post on Tuesday :)
February's theme for our postcard swap group was 'Marine'.

Most stamped images are by Oxford Impressions (The Deep, Dress Forms and Corsetry, Marie Antoinette) as well as some Character Constructions arms!

Discover!

'Discover' for Jan

This year I'm participating in a postcard swap with a small group of Australian women.  The theme for January was 'Travel'... I have only just completed January's postcard and must get to on the next one soon!  Anyway, the ladies have all made gorgeous postcards and I know this is going to be a wonderful swap to be involved with!

All my stamped images are from Oxford Impressions rubber stamp plate 'Maiden Voyage'. 

Every Inchie Monday - Caring

'Special'

I was thinking about a dear friend of mine whilst making this inchie.  She is such an encouragement to me and to many others... so caring, so thoughtful, so wise!  She's going through a battle at the moment and I pray that those who love her, will show her how special she is by caring for her, just as she faithfully cares for them.

This ARTchix image is just a perfect way to convey the theme over at Every Inchie Monday this week - Caring.   

Tag Tuesday - A Bit of Fabric



'Hydrangea Princess'

A Bit of Fabric is the theme at Tag Tuesday this week - how fantastic!  You might already know that I love, love, love fabric.  I've been sorting things out in the 'studio' this past week (not that you would be able to tell after spending the day there today).  Anyway a tidy-up often reveals hidden treasures and I came across this fabric tag that been attached to a jacket I bought 5 odd years ago!  See it truly pays to never throw out anything because  you never know when it may come in handy!!!

I've just started participating in the online course 'Romancing The Paper' being taught be the very talented Rachel Emilie Jackson over at Crescendoh.  This week we have been learning about drying and preserving flowers.  It's been so much fun and I just had to include a hydrangea flower in my tag today, freshly pressed this week!

All these wonderful stamped images are from Oxford Impressions Fairy Sweets plate.

Every Inchie Monday - Powerful

'Music & Poetry'

I was sharing with one of my friends yesterday about how powerful music can be... it can bring you to great emotional heights, give comfort - lifting you from misery, bring tears to your eyes and speak to your heart like nothing else.  I know when I listen to music my mother loved is moves me beyond measure. Poetry can have the same effect for other people, but for me, music is very powerful.  I thank God for those those gifted musicians and singers that are willing to share with us their talents, blessing us richly with the gift of music.

The theme over at Every Inchie Monday this week is 'Powerful'!

The violinist image is from ARTchix Studio.

Meet Joy!

'Joy'

She's a tangible piece of inspiration to 'Dream Big' which just happens to be the theme over at Wednesday Stamper this week.  This piece is quite symbolic - I'm dreaming big at the start of a new year.  Behind this banner I've stashed away a little envelope filled with a list of things that bring joy to my life... a gentle reminder that I'm surrounded with a life filled with many a thing to be joyful about.

There's a touch of influence from Kelly Rae Roberts and Rachel Emilie Jackson  - two great artists to draw inspiration from.

And some gorgeous Stampotique rubber too!  Which brings me to another challenge over at the Stampotique challenge blog the current theme is 'Punches and Die Cuts'.  You need to include at least one die cut shape and one punched shape.  I've used the tag die cut from Tim Holtz Alterations die cuts and the music note punch by Carl. 

Tag Tuesday - Mosaic

'Admit One'

Can you tell I've still got the Stampotique bee stamps designed by Jo Capper-Sandon sitting on my desk?  I just love them and it's been fun playing with them this week!

Mosaic is the theme over at Tag Tuesday, come on and join in the mosaic fun!  It's a great way to use up some of those little tiny scraps that you can't bear to throw out.

Every Inchie Monday - Eclectic

'No 1' Inchie

Here's a new challenge for a new year!

Every Inchie Monday... and the key word this week is 'Eclectic'

My inchie was created from some of the eclectic bits 'n bobs sitting on my art table.  

The bee is rubber designed by Jo Capper-Sandon for Stampotique