Wings of Hope

'Wings of Hope'

I've been having a lovely time working with these gorgeous Designs Galore images found in my May DT pack from THE STAMPING QUEEN.


The chipboard pieces 'Wings & Hearts' are by Collections. The heart was covered with a deep blush coloured paper and then coated with a layer of Distress crackle paint (old paper). Each wing was painted with a layer of warm white paint with a small torn piece of vintage paper affixed in the wet paint. A layer of Distress crackle paint (black soot) was then added to each wing.


Here's a different way to use 'Flourish' by Paperbag Studios. I used charcoal ink to soften the colour and yes, it was tricky trimming around the image, but well worth the effort.

The Stamping Queen supplies: Designs Galore VB015, 'Flourish' by Paperbag Studios, 'Hope will give you wings' by Catslife Press, 'Wings & Hearts' chipboard by Collections, Pearls (latte), Vintage Wallpaper and Vintage Paper by Collections

My Stash: Black card, tulle, flowers

I'd like to dedicate this piece to a very brave woman, Rachel, who in the midst of great suffering has reminded me of the importance of faith, hope and love. I'm grateful that I've had the priviledge to hear her life story, which I'm sure has challenged many to take seriously the hope that is found in Christ alone. To God be the glory.

Aspire

Here’s another beautiful image by Designs Galore available at THE STAMPING QUEEN.

As we grow-up, many of us aspire to be just like our mum. Do you find yourself saying or doing something just like her? I know I do!


I’ve stamped the top half of the image ‘Dearest’ by Paperbag Studios with black soot Distress embossing powder and used it to help frame the Designs Galore image.


A yellow fabric brad, ‘Star Scallop’(also by Paperbag Studios) and flower have been layered together and placed in the centre of the arch.


'Flourish' by Paperbag Studios has been stamped repeatedly over a mottled yellow paper to add depth for the background paper.

THE STAMPING QUEEN products: Designs Galore, Paperbag Studios stamps (Flourish, Star Scallop and Dearest ), yellow fabric brad and Collections (wallpaper and word)

My Stash: Black card, assorted papers, Distress embossing powder (black soot), fabric, ribbon and flower

EXCITING NEWS!!!!!

I'm really excited to announce that I have been asked to become a Member of the Creative Team for Paperbag Studios! Yippee!!!!

I felt completely honoured when Roben-Marie Smith asked me to join her amazingly talented team of artists.

And have I ever mentioned to you how much I LOVE PAPERBAG STUDIOS stamps? If you've never been to visit PBS's website click here and you're sure to find inspiration!

Queen of Creativity

As I was putting this piece together for THE STAMPING QUEEN all kinds of memories about my mother came flooding back. As I've mentioned before, she was quite a creative lady. She seemed to be able to complete anything she set her mind (and hands) too! She loved to sew, embroider, knit, decorate cakes and many other interesting things. Everything was always completed so beautifully. Now that's something to aspire to!

One of my favourite memories is when mum came rushing into the lounge room one day a bit shaken up - she'd been tinkering with a kettle or toaster that wasn't working and had nearly 'blown herself up'! Anyway, I think my mum was a 'Queen of Creativity' and I can't help but wish I could see what she might do with a bit of paper and a rubber stamp or two.


The gorgeous image is another Designs Galore beauty and the Crown is by Paperbag Studios. It's sitting on some Magic Mount and I've added some lovely Kaiser pearls to it. I used two more Paperbag Studio stamps (The Gate and The Roof) to create a palace for this Queen of Creativity.


The words have been cut from a Collections paper and stitched on with layers of fabric, tulle and paper.


I gently sanded some German scrap and added more Kaiser pearls.


The Stamping Queen supplies: Paperbag Studios stamps - Crown, The Gate and The Roof, Designs Galore VB016, Collections papers - Vintage Wallpaper and Vintage Paper, Kaiser pearls, slate Glimmer Mist and Magic Mount

My Stash: Black card, red and beige paper, German scrap and lace

Beauty

This month's Design Team pack from The Stamping Queen arrived yesterday. The theme for the month of May is 'Mothers' and included in the pack are some gorgeous Designs Galore images.

'Beauty'

I've included a Designs Galore image, Vintage Beauty 002, for this card.


The lace was originally white and has been dyed with Slate Glimmer Mist.


I placed some fabric, tulle and ribbon between the Collections vintage paper and transparency and stitched the layers together. More ribbon, tulle and lace were then added on top of the transparency at the lower section of image.

The Stamping Queen supplies: Vintage Beauty 002 by Designs Galore, Vintage Transparency by Collections, Vintage Paper by Collections and Slate Glimmer Mist

My Stash: Cream card, lace, ribbon, tulle, charcoal thread and flower

In The Mailbag...

Look at what's arrived in my mailbox lately!


This beautiful art quilt was a very unexpected surprise from my lovely friend Debbi. It's now hanging in my 'studio' aka kitchen, taking pride of place above my work table. I love it!


This lovely journal was made by Jacky for April's, Art of the Month swap. The cover is really gorgeous! I love all the different elements used to create this collage, especially the birds. Woven down the spine is a stunning fabric - just love that idea! Thanks so much Jacky! I'll be sure to be inspired with creative ideas each time I use it.

and...

Happy Mothers Day to those of you that are blessed with children and grandchildren. You have the most rewarding (and hardest) job in the world!

I'll be taking some time today to reflect upon the blessing that my mother, Nanna and Granny have been to me. They may no longer be here physically, but they still have a huge influence on my life. They were all very creative women, with their special areas of expertise... each patiently took time to share their knowledge and skills with me. I think their creativity has rubbed off on me just a little! Miss you all sooooo much.

And the WINNER is....

I've really enjoyed reading about your dream destinations... many of them are mine too! Canada, especially Prince Edward Island, is right up there for me. I'd definitely love a trip to Adelaide to hang out with Barb, Sephi and Gillian, in fact I've been planning a trip to Adelaide with a friend - meet us there girls??!! Deb, I'll be your roomie anywhere, anytime :D

I wrote each name on a pink tag, put them in my little watering can, shook is around and pulled out a tag :)

Anyway, without further ado, the winner of the 'April in Paris' plate by Oxford Impressions is...



TRISH P

Congratulations Trish!!!!! I'll be in contact with you soon :)

Once again, I'd love to thank Suzanne from Oxford Impressions for allowing me to keep the plate and have this giveaway. It was soooo much fun to do. Check out her website her range of stamps are amazing!