Patience

Over at Paperbag Studios, Roben-Marie is hosting a 'Stamper Appreciation Promotion' for the month of April. If you love Paperbag Studios stamps half as much as I do then I suggest you check it out here. There's some lovely give-aways!


I've called this piece, 'Patience'... a while back I wrote a post about my reluctance to work with paint... I was a bit scared of the stuff... it's messy, it doesn't always land on your paper, fabric or canvas quite the way I'd like it to AND you have to wait for it to dry!


But I've been inspired by so many mixed media artists, and my trip to the art retreat in Melbourne has helped me to persevere and experiment and now I love the gooey, runny, messy stuff :D Well mostly I do, although last night while I was trying to put this together it was a struggle not to throw it all in the bin! I left it over night - remembering one of the great beauties of paint... you can paint over it if you don't like it. It's all about layers.... Layer, upon layer, upon layer!

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP

My April Design Pack from THE STAMPING QUEEN has arrived and I’m on holidays, so there’s plenty of time to play! Stampington’s Clearly Impressed, ‘They Could Be Magic’ unmounted stamp set contains three quirky characters designed by Marylinn Kelly. I can see I’m going to have a fun time working with these guys this month. Let me introduce you to, ‘Shop ‘Til You Drop’ cat.


This clever cat’s bag was originally a ‘trick or treat’ bag, but I’m not into Halloween at all, so the bag has had a little transformation. When creating the bag, I lightly stamped that section of the stamp onto a scrap of patterned paper, trimmed it to size, darkened the edges of the bag with black ink and sprayed it with red velvet glimmer mist to help disguise the wording. Then I added a sequin and beads for a touch of bling.


The background was created on an old playing card. I’ve added strips of patterned papers, inked up some sequin waste with rocket red brilliance ink and painted on some china blue distress crackled paint by Tim Holtz. The yellow fabric brad adds the finishing touch!


I really enjoyed colouring this character. Out came the Tombow pens... followed by a lead pencil. I’ve added swirls, dots and dashes onto the cat with lead pencil for added interest and depth. The piece was layered onto folded lemon card and the citrus colours and circular patterns found on the cat’s body, were repeated on the cover and inside of the wallet. If you’re going to shop ‘til you drop you’re going to need a funky wallet to take with you don’t you think?


TSQ Products: 'They Could Be Magic' Clearly Impressed stamp set by Stampington, red velvet glimmer mist and yellow fabric brad

My Stash: Yellow card (Bazzill), playing card, Tombow pens, lead pencil, assorted patterned papers, fabric, gesso, china blue distress crackle paint by Tim Holtz

About Time

Well ‘time’ is on my mind today... it’s about time I... (and an extensive list of things yet to be accomplished should follow, but I won’t bore you with the details.) Instead I’ll share the last of my robotic pieces created from some of the lovely products in March’s design team pack from THE STAMPING QUEEN. I’ve become quite attached to these sweet robots found on the Robot Montage by Dark Room Door.


Once again I stamped Pensive Phillip (Queen’s Dresser Drawers) onto some white card using rocket red brilliance ink. From there I’ve created a small collage using dressmaking tissue, a robot trimmed to size, large clock face and a circle plaque (with brass brads). NB: I affixed all the paper pieces together using white gesso.


Figure 184 (Paperbag Studios) has been stamped onto left side of light teal paper (Basic Grey). The Robot collage has been added to other assorted papers, along with ribbon and fabric. Once again all has been affixed with white gesso. For some finishing touches, I added four German Scrap wheels with gesso and when they were dry I added sequins and beads to the centre of each wheel. A scrap of fabric was stitched in place at the top and a t bar pin added under the clock.


The Stamping Queen products: Robot Montage by Dark Room Door, Pensive Phillip stamp (Queen’s Dresser Drawer), Figure 184 stamp (Paperbag Studios), German Scrap Wheels, Clock face (large), Circle Plaque (brass) and Brads (brass)

My Stash: Assorted papers, white card, sequins, dressmaking tissue, white gesso, seed beads, t bar pin, fabric and ribbon

Well I’m off to see what’s on the top of the ‘To Do’ list and then... I’ll hide out in my bedroom and read my book! No one will ever know!

FABULOUS!!! SMASHING!!!

End of Day Light Saving and an extra hour in the day today = extra creative time! Here’s my third robot piece using Dark Room Door's Robot Montage for this month’s design team challenge at THE STAMPING QUEEN.


I had a fabulous time this morning playing with the Tim Holtz ‘Timeworks’ masks that came with my DT pack for March! I masked a piece of white card with the cogs and wheels and generously sprayed with Juniper glimmer mist. When dry, I highlighted some white masked areas with old gold coloured crayon and then lightly sprayed with Patina and Red Velvet glimmer mist.


The stripy paper got a spritz of Red Velvet glimmer mist to help it blend with the masked background. Some simple machine stitching added a little extra texture and the metal accents help tie the robotic theme together.


The Stamping Queen products: Robot Montage by Dark Room Door, Timeworks masks by Tim Holtz, Glimmer Mist (Juniper, Patina and Red Velvet), square and round brads (brass) and photo turn (antique copper)

My Stash: Papers, white card, crayon, fabric, velvet ribbon

'Stella'

Check out 'Stella'! She looks like she's all set to grace the red carpet for a Hollywood awards night. Don't you think she looks great in her hot pink number? I'm really enjoying this months challenge from THE STAMPING QUEEN and having a lot of fun creating pieces using the Robot Montage by Dark Room Door. I put some hot pink metalic paper through the Cuttlebug and lightly sanded some parts of it back to reveal a silvery glimmer. I'm loving the texture of the 'spots & dots' embossing folder! The word 'awesome' has had a coat of vintage pink glimmer mist and the punched stars have added spark with silver rhinestones. The alphabet collage and hole punched stamps were great for stamping some simple backgrounds/borders.


The Stamping Queen products: Robot Montage by Dark Room Door, Alphabet Collage stamp by Crafty Individuals, Hole Punched by Paperbag Studios, Vintage Pink Glimmer Mist and Silver Rhinestones by Kaiser


My Stash: Pink metalic paper, silver shim, cream card, Cuttlebug and 'Spots & Dots' embossing folder, star punch, fabric and sandpaper

Genius

I'm back!!! Did you miss me??? In case you have no idea where I've been I'll fill you in briefly. I was absolutely blessed to be able to attend the recent Creative Soul Retreat in Melbourne (just over a week ago). It was sooooo inspiring!!!! I flew back to Perth on Wednesday and stayed on until Sunday, so that I could visit Dad in hospital (he's had his second knee replacement on Tuesday) and catch up with a few friends. Dad is doing well, but won't be home for a little while yet.

I'll be posting more about the retreat asap, but in the meantime I have my first ROBOT piece for this months design work at The Stamping Queen. I'm running a little behind schedule, having been away, so it's catch up time. Speaking of The Stamping Queen, Barb and I were able to meet up for the first time while I was in Melbourne. 'Hi, Barb!' Hope we can hang out together longer next time.

'Genius'

I put this tag together this morning, before going to work...



Out came the Glimmer Mist again :) This time I've used Juniper and Red Velvet - lightly sprayed on some plaid paper and the stamped image. Then everything is layered and stitched together. I think this robot is a cool dude, love his hair style!

TSQ Products: Dark Room Door Robot Montage Set, Glimmer Mist, Magic Mount, German Scrap - wheels, photo hanger 2 (antique brass) and Pensive Phillip stamp by Queen's Dresser Drawers.



My Stash: Chipboard, assorted scrapbooking papers, word, fabric, trim, fibre and Rocket Red Brilliance ink.

Stay tuned for some more robotics in the next day or so!

Double Trouble

Here's the final piece I've created using the patina Glimmer Mist I received in The Stamping Queen Design Team pack for February. I can see my collection of Glimmer Mist colours is going to rapidly increase - it's such a versatile product to work with. I'm loving Glimmer Mist!

'Double Trouble'

I made a stencil with the Alphabet Collage stamp (Crafty Individuals) and a scrap of card, then used it to create the background for this piece. I used a combination of ink and Glimmer Mist with the stencil to add a subtle variation.


I lightly sprayed some white card with Glimmer Mist before stamping 'Double Trouble' onto it and added some pale green ink to both of the boys to create depth.


The white Collections word had a spritz of Glimmer Mist too!


TSQ Products: Stamps Double Trouble (Queen's Dresser Drawers) and Alphabet Collage (Crafty Individuals); Glimmer Mist (patina), Word (Collections), Bit of Bling Brad, Magic Mount
My Stash: Fabric, white and lime card, paper (Basic Grey), fibre

Village People

Okay, so I freely admit to being a complete and total fan of the Village People in my younger days. I often get the students in my class dancing along to YMCA and they SMILE and have as much FUN as I do (fun and fitness all at the same time) :)

I've created the beginnings of a small village with this month's design team pack from The Stamping Queen.


I have a large collection of little bits (paper, fabric, you name it really) sitting on my table ready to grab for just the right thing. These tiny houses by Collections are just perfect for using up some of those little bits.


I've sprayed the tulle, words and some of the papers with Glimmer mist this time round.

TSQ Products: Glimmer Mist - patina, words and chipboard houses (Collections); Stamps: Double Trouble (Queen's Dresser Drawers) and Letter Collage (Crafty Individuals)


My Stash: Assorted papers, tulle, fabric, velvet ribbon, button and pearls

I'm glad to say I had a lot of fun with these houses, which is a good thing as I have over forty little houses to make for a swap I'm involved in when I go to the Creative Soul Art Retreat next month. Guess what I'm doing this long weekend ;)

TSQ - Love of Family

Here's some more glimmery fun! I'm loving the Glimmer Mist that was a part of this month's design team pack at The Stamping Queen!


I sprayed the blue paper after stamping it with the letters plate by Crafty Individuals, leaving it will a lovely sheen. I removed the 'X' with a craft knife, sprayed some patina Glimmer Mist on a scrap of manila card and attached it behind the panel. I again stamped the letters plate, this time on a floral paper and cut out the L, O, V and E from this and layered it onto the blue panel.


On a pale green panel I stamped the boys from 'Double Trouble' by Queens Dresser Drawer. I also stamped it onto a scrap piece, cut around the boys and used it as a mask to cover them while spraying the remaining panel with Glimmer Mist. I'm really loving the glimmery sheen of this product and it's so easy to use!



TSQ Products: Patina Glimmer Mist, Word (Collections), Photo Hanger 3 Antique Brass; Stamps - Double Trouble (Queen's Dresser Drawers) and Letters Plate (Crafty Individuals)

My Stash: Assorted papers and fabric

TSQ: All A-Glimmer

Glimmer Mist is the sparkling theme for The Stamping Queen this month. I had the most marvellous time experimenting with my 'patina' Glimmer Mist over the weekend! Nothing in reach was safe from this lovely product!

'Unique'

The angel wings, word and some of the papers on the art doll have all received a spritz of patina leaving them with a subtle glimmery sheen.


It's very hard to see the glimmer in the photo's, so I guess you'll have to come around and visit me to get a better look!


TSQ products: Patina Glimmer Mist, German Scrap Angel Wings and Stars, Word (Collections) and Rectangle chipboard from Tiny Houses (Collections).
Stamps - Double Trouble (Queens Dresser Drawer) and Letters Plate (Crafty Individuals)


My Stash: Assorted papers, buttons, gemstones and snippets of fabric

MAMOT - Buildings and Wednesday Stamper - Lace

Peace

Here's my contribution to Wednesday Stamper and Make A Moo Or Two's challenges this week. The theme at WS is 'Lace' and at MAMOT it's 'Buildings'. I was finding it a little hard to find a stamp with a building small enough to fit on a Moo... but this one is perfect! It may be a little hard to make out, but there is a church stained glass window in the background. The stamp is by Inkadinado. I've also used some patterned paper scraps, including some vintage sheet music. Image is ARTchix Studio, word is Collections, along with a sweet pink button and a slither of lace (left over from a wedding card I made yesterday).

Messing Around With Gesso..

I balk at paint... I think I'm worried about making a mistake and not being able to 'undo' it. It's about time I got over it and used this fabulous medium, don't you think?

I had an inspiring afternoon at Julie's yesterday and came straight home, pulled out the gesso and went for it. Yes, they're not exactly masterpieces and actually I don't think they're quite finished yet, but it's a start. I think they still need stitching.


The stamp is from Stampington and images are by Collections. I've also used sequin waste, lots of scraps that were all in reach and sandpaper. These were really quick to make, but the best bit was all the fun I had (despite the mess).



What do you balk at? I say 'get over it and have a go'! You never know, you may have fun, too!

Little School Boy and More...

Here's the latest cards I've made whilst playing with my gorgeous supplies from The Stamping Queen. I really love the 'Little School Boy' image - it won't be long 'til there's some new little school boys (and girls) walking into my classroom. I'm loving the 'Girl With a Purse stamp too! Okay, hope you enjoy! Have a great day!

'XYZ'


TSQ products: Little School Boy Queens Dresser Drawers, ATC pad - Winged Things, Old Tin Numerals Collections and Elegance rub-ons Kaiser

My stash: Vintage sheet music and papers by Basic Grey




'Bloom'


TSQ products: Stamps - Girl With Heart Purse Stampotique, Journal Impressions Paperbag Studios. Bit 'O' Bling brad and Lush pearls Kaiser.

My stash: Papers by October Afternoon, Daisy D's and Basic Grey, and a scrap fabric


'Courage to Succeed'

TSQ products: Stamps - ABC Dean and Spiral Boundby Paperbag Studios, and Man of Numbers Plate 6 Paperartsy. Rub-ons Elegance, Imagine and Inspiration Kaiser.

My stash: Vintage text and atlas, postage stamps, luggage tag, buttons and scrap of fabric.






'With Heart'
'
TSQ products: Girl With a Purse Stampotique and Hideaway rub-ons Kaiser.

My stash: Papers by Basic Grey, scrap of fabric, buttons (one heart shaped), black gemstone.

Creative Flow - The Stamping Queen

Happy New Year!

It's wonderful to be on holidays, but up till a few days ago I hadn't had the time to create anything other than some Christmas gifts - the creative flow has definitely been in holiday mode. I received some gorgeous products in my Design Team pack from The Stamping Queen a few weeks ago and I've been itching to do some more design work and I finally have some completed pieces to show you.

'Fragile'

TSQ Products: Stamps - Queens Dresser Drawers Little School Boy , Paperbag Studios Journal Impressions, and Paper Artsy Ephemera Plate 1. Antique brass photo hanger, Kaiser brad and measuring tape.

My Stash: Basic Grey papers,Lime fabric, black thread, buttons, game piece and black gemstones.



'By Design'

TSQ Products: Paper Artsy At Home Plate 3 and ATC pad Sewing

My Stash: Vintage dressmaking pattern instructions, Basic Grey papers, button, game pieces, tag reinforcement (Collections), twine, cream cotton and ribbon.




'Beauty'

TSQ Products: Designs Galore image Vintage Beauty, Paper Artsy Ephemera Plate 1, ATC pad Winged Things, Collections Bluebirds Chipboard,

My Stash: Vintage paper, lace, pink trim, assorted buttons, small pink pearls, gesso, lumiere paint.


I painted the chipboard bluebird with gesso, then stamped it with a 'coupon' stamp from the Ephemera plate by Paper Artsy, and lightly covered it with pearl lumiere paint.



Now back to the 12 Days of Christmas.... hmmmm only up to Day 4 so far... yes, I do intend to share with you all the other wonderful pieces I received, so stayed tuned!