Picnic Anyone?

I think most boys (both young and old) like to go on picnics, especially if there's a great place to explore. Spitting watermelon pips is good fun too! Here's my next 'For The Boys' piece for THE STAMPING QUEEN.


'Company Man' by Queen's Dresser Drawers has been stamped twice on Basic Grey papers. The 'man' and 'Company Picnic' sections were cut from lighter coloured paper and affixed to the green stamped paper. A small section of Old Papers (Collections) National Fair programme has been inked and added to the left hand side of work.


The 'Company Man' has been collaged with Collections word and vintage butterfly, along with fabric scrap and buttons.


A German scrap flower has been 'tarnished' with Brilliance Lightning Black ink and layered with button, paper leaf and fabric strip.

The Reward

Well I'm having fun with THE STAMPING QUEEN'S latest theme 'For The Boys' and here's another card using a Gentlemen's Photobooth image by Dark Room Door.


Lots of great TSQ products have been used on this piece. Behind this handsome fella is a stamped black frame - a section of 'Seventy-Two' (Paperbag Studios) on Collections 'Vintage Paper'. German scrap stars, a small section of measuring tape, 'Tag 105' circle (Paperbag Studios), black felt flower (Collections) and square brad were used to frame the focal image. Most of the background papers are from Collections 'Vintage Wallpaper' and 'Tag 105' and 'Figure 184' have been stamped using rustic coloured inks to add more depth and grunginess to the background. The quote 'The Reward' is by Paperbag Studios.

Freedom

My Design Team pack from THE STAMPING QUEEN arrived today and I've set straight to work on the theme 'For The Boys'.!


The photo image is from Dark Room Door's Photo Booth Gentlemen - loads of great male images (some pretty good looking blokes too, I might add!)


I've layered some branches and leaves rub ons by Kaiser behind the photo, along with Basic Grey and Collections papers.


The 'Military Truck' (Art Declassified) was stamped in sepia - it came in the cutest little cd holder and already mounted on a static cling foam, so it's really convenient to use. '995' (PBS) has been stamped around the edges of the card using black ink helping to grunge it up a bit.

TSQ Products: Military Truck (Art Declassified), 995 (Paperbag Studios), Elegance rub ons (Kaiser), Photo Booth Gentlemen (Dark Room Door), Old Papers and Word Melange (Collections), brass photo hanger and small brad

Theme Thursday's challenge with week is to use 'STRIPES'. Stripes can be a great addition to male.

Dreams of Youth

Add caption

Can you tell I'm on holidays? I've been having a lovely time the past few days playing with my stamps and doing a little surfing on the net! I found another challenge blog that caught my eye and thought I'd make a piece for Tag Tuesday this week. The challenge was to create a tag using only stamps and ink - no printed background papers or embellishments allowed! I did wonder how I'd go, knowing how much I love using those types of products. And this week's Wednesday Stamper theme is 'Dreams', so I guess this piece fits the bill for both challenges!

Anyway, I pulled out the very gorgeous Paperbag Studios plate 'Stitched and Tied' and put ink to many of these stamps for the first time! The focal image is 'Grace', the words are from 'Keep True' which are also both PBS stamps.

Keep true to the dreams of your youth... time to reflect and think about what they were.. I remember always wanting to sing - and I do, pretty much on a daily basis with my students and at church. How about you??? Will you share a youthful dream or two with me - one which still plays a role in your life today?

Night Flight

Over at Think Monday Think ATC the challenge for the week is 'FLY'. Here's my take on the theme and again it's combined with the theme 'WIRE' for an ATC swap group. Can you see the way I've wired some beads together to form the body of the butterfly? I've used a number of lovely stamp images from Stampington's Clearly Impressed collection called Stamp Sampler and they are available from THE STAMPING QUEEN.

Sweet Dreams

I came across another challenge blog this week - Saturdays Workout. Their current theme is 'Circle It'. Here's an ATC I've been working on today - it fits not only SaWo's theme, but also the theme of 'sequins' - again for an ATC swap group I'm involved in... I've had a bit of catching up to do and I'm nearly there! I've made so many ATC's in the past couple of days and it's a great feeling to know that I'm nearly all up-to-date - well with ATC's at least!

As you can see I've been playing with those gorgeous new Paperbag Studios images again. I just love them :)

Home Sweet Home

The theme over at Paperbag Studios, for the July Stampers Challenge, is 'Home Sweet Home'. Go here to find the details and if you enter the challenge you might win a $10 coupon to go towards the purchase of some PBS stamps!

'64'

Roben-Marie has posted some gorgeous samples by some of the PBS Creative Team and I found them so inspirational I had to make one for myself!

This piece represents one of my first childhood homes - filled with many warm and wonderful memories. This is where I learned to count and read and write. Where I spent endless hours playing in our sandpit and swinging to my hearts content underneath the weeping willow tree. Here I learned about God and love and warmth and joy and family. Some of my earliest memories bloomed in my soul here - many exist in reference to colour, texture and the joy of creating. I can remember coverting my neighbours Christmas present one year - she received a new packet of textas that must have contained at least 36 different colours (a far cry from the traditional 12 that I probably received)... I especially wanted to take the aqua one home!

All stamped images used are from the PBS plate 'Addison'. I look forward to seeing how others are inspired by this wonderful theme, 'Home Sweet Home'.

MMM - Beads

This week's theme over at Mixed Media Monday is 'Beads' - which is also a theme for one of my ATC swap groups. So once again, I've combined the two challenges together to make an ATC using some beautiful images from the Oxford Impressions Marie Antoinette plate.


It's a little difficult to see, but I have used a silver metallic pen to highlight sections of the flourishes, crown and dress.



It's very wet and overcast here today. A perfect day to stay indoors and create!

Wednesday Stamper - Colourful

Yay, I've finally found the time to work on a Wednesday Stamper challenge - it's been ages since I've participated. This week's theme is 'Colourful'.


When I saw the theme I immediately thought I'd use a vintage Colour Bingo gameboard as the background. I found the game at an op-shop recently and love the colour tones. A small ATC swap group I belong to is working on the theme 'Game Pieces' this month, so it was great to be able to incorporate both themes together.

The rubber stamp images are all Non Sequitur.

Cherish

Here's my final piece for THE STAMPING QUEEN'S June samples (yes I know it's July... oops!). I've used one of my favouite Designs Galore images for this piece.


Behind the arch (Collections) is a section of 'Vintage' transparency and 'Vintage Paper' (both by Collections). The chipboard arch has been put through the Cuttlebug using the textile embossing folder (my absolute favourite folder!) and then coloured with ink. A section of rub-on (Kaiser Craft) has been affixed to the Designs Galore image.


Just below the arch I've added a couple of layers of Shabby Chic Vintage Paper (Collections) - distressing the edges with a scissor blade and a touch of ink. To finish it off, I've added a small section of a rub-on scroll design to the papers and added a small flower. The word (Collections) was gently distressed with sandpaper.

The Stamping Queen supplies: Chipboard arch, Vintage Paper, Shabby Chic Paper, Vintage Transparency and word (all by Collections), Vintage lady image (Designs Galore), Rub-ons (Kaiser)

Paperbag Studios - NEW STAMPS!!!

I'm really excited to announce the release of some new rubber art stamps over at Paperbag Studios. The designs are really gorgeous and are available either mounted or unmounted.


Here's some samples I've made using the images from the 'Little Feet' rubber stamp sheet.

'Naturally Sweet'

Lots of layering and texture here (fabrics, paper, card, fibres and trims). I've even done a little hand beading! If you look carefully at the little round embellishment you might be able to make out the stamped flower image on it. It was originally a plain white button!


'Seeing Within'

I love this quote! The flower frame has been machine stitched and coloured with different inks.

'Sweet Friend'

Machine stitched leaves for these lovely patchwork flowers and finished of with the sweetest little buttons!

'Log Cabin'

A recent purchase of some lovely new fibres gave inspiration to this piece, along with my love of patchwork.

'Love You'

The old worn velvety brown button was a special find on my trip to Melbourne. Cross stitch and beading add a subtle effect to the stamped image. The lovely red fridge adding warmth and softness.

'Baby Daughter'

I played with gesso and paint to create some of the background.

Discovery

Here's another piece I've created using the gorgeous 'Alice in Wonderland' stamp images by Tuscan Rose that are part of my The Stamping Queen stash. I've once again used 'Trees on Film' (Paperbag Studios) to create frames - it's such a versatile stamp and looks great in turquoise.


I've cut some of the rub-ons (Kaiser) into smaller sections to fit the piece. There's another bit 'o' bling brad sitting in the middle of a flower sequin. It's barely visible but under the top Alice image 'Chere' script (Paperbag Studios) has been stamped and Brilliance Moonlight White has been swiped on it to tone it down.


Glimmer mist (Garden Fairy) and turquoise ink has been added to the Collections word. There's lots of layering with small scraps of papers and card.

Adventure

Continuing with the theme of journeys and adventures, I've made a luggage tag for my soon to be travelling friend using more of my lovely stash from The Stamping Queen.

I've used a different Alice image (Tuscan Rose) as the focal point. The turquoise frame is a section from 'Trees On Film' (Paperbag Studios). Once again I layered assorted papers for the background and added a layer of Garden Fairy Glimmer Mist. The stamped image, frame and rub-ons (Kaiser) were then added to the tag when the background was dry.


Touches of rhinestone bling!


The word (Collections) was once again sprayed with Garden Fairy Glimmer Mist and edged in turquoise ink. I recommend adding a few layers of Modge Podge to the piece to help strengthen and protect it as it journeys around the world!

Journey

"I'm late, I'm late for a very important date." White Rabbit

I'm not sure where June has disappear to? It's been full of some exciting adventures for me... how about you? Anyway, my postings for THE STAMPING QUEEN this month are all happening right near the end of the month, I'm running late and feeling a little frantic like the White Rabbit from 'Alice in Wonderland'! I've got some scrumptious goodies to work with and have finally found time to sit down and play with them :)


I've put this ATC together for a dear friend of mine who is soon off on a travelling adventure to the other side of the world. Hope you have the most amazing time AJ!

'Alice' (Tuscan Rose) has been stamped on a scrap of cream paper which was then lightly sprayed with Patina Glimmer Mist. I've over stamped the image with '15c' (Paperbag Studios) using turquoise ink and added a rub-on and rhinestone(Kaiser) as well as velvet ribbon.


Layers of paper have been used the create the background along with rub-ons and rhinestones (Kaiser) and a healthy spray of Garden Fairy Glimmer Mist. A gorgeous 'bit of bling' brad has been centred onto a sequin flower as well as a Collections word (sprayed with Garden Fairly Glimmer Mist and edged with turquoise ink).


Hope you're having an 'adventurous' weekend! I'm off to play with some more TSQ supplies :)

Tea House and More!

'Tea House'

One of The Stampers' Sampler's June/July '09 challenges was 'Fushia Frenzy' - creating with the vibrant colour - fushia! I created a house shaped banner using layers of fabric, vintage sheet music and some whimsical images by Character Constructions. I really love the floral fabric used in the middle section of the banner and it only cost me 10 cents - what a bargain!

And then I had a huge surprise to find a two page article called 'Matching Packaging' featuring some work I created based around a brown paper bag.

See the sweet, innocent image by ARTchix Studio! I think he's gorgeous :)

As you can see, my photos were literally taken just before I packed them up to mail them to Stampington. Actually, truth be told, I'd possibly already packed them and had to undo it all to get a pic! It's always a mad rush at the end for me :)


Thanks Fiona - Matching Packaging wouldn't have happened without you!

Sephi has a gorgeous card in the 'Polka Dots on Parade' section and Jo has a stunner in 'Fushia Frenzy' too. Congratulations girls!!!

Sew Somerset Summer '09

I received the latest issue of Sew Somerset Summer '09 in the mail this past week. It's packed with gorgeous projects and is highly inspiring! I have four pieces in the gallery section. Here's photos of three of the pieces, taken in a mad hurry months ago, just before I got them in the post! I can't find a photo of the fourth... it's an ATC entitled 'Pilgrim'.


'Field Notes'
This is a notebook cover incorporating many of the images from Oxford Impressions plate 'Field Notes'.


These lovely buttons and trims were rescued from a friends rubbish bin. She just happened to mention to me that she'd had a big clean out of her sewing room. When I investigated what exactly had been thrown out, I was aghast, and insisted that when she got home she remove it all from her big wheelie bin and bring it to me. She couldn't understand how anyone would be interested in using old buttons - especially the ones that were nearly 100 years old!!! I'm now the blessed custodian of bags full of vintage sewing treasures!


So here's a big thank you to Kath, who was willing to dive into her wheelie bin - all for the sake of art!

My blogging friend Audrey also has a fabulous article, 'Door Belles', in this issue of Sew Somerset. She's created three gorgeous mixed media pieces centred around lovely door images.

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