Life's a Hoot!

Good morning and Happy St Patrick's Day,

I finally have one of my samples to show you today (yes, just one for now) and this one is for the Alphabet Challenge where we start back at the beginning of the alphabet today - so for the letter 'A' I chose the theme

'ANYTHING WITH WINGS'

Here's what I made using a couple of the brand new mixed media dies from Crafter's Companion which were launched during our recent birthday week with Hochanda.

The main mixed media die set used for the little owl is called 'Twit Twoo' and I cut him from black matt cardstock, then embossed all the pieces and treat them to a little gilding wax - I just love him!

I used a piece of design paper from my Tim Holtz paper pad that seemed to fit nicely with my theme, then added a die-cut border and a length of ribbon to create a perch for him to sit on. 

The whole piece is embellished with some die-cut leaves in felt and leather, using the 'Maple Leaves' mixed media die from the same launch, and I added a couple of felt flowers too. 

The 'Life's a Hoot' sentiment was created on my pc to finish off.

Hope you can join us with your own creations - there are so many ways to incorporate wings into your projects, I can't wait to see them all.

Hugz, Jan xx

Lucky 7

Hello everyone,

I'm back to work today after my week off - it seemed to pass by very quickly! It was a tough one in some ways, but also a chance to remember Mum too.

I also had a fabulous evening on Saturday watching Mr Olly Murs at our local arena - he was fantastic, a very enjoyable night.

So, I have my next DT project today for the new challenge at Cardz 4 Guyz, and this week it was my turn to choose the theme. We would love to see your projects showcasing

'NUMBERS'

This could be for any occasion, but here's what I made with a new Tim Holtz stencil ...

I decided on a tag this time - starting with a piece of white card. I used a couple of distress inks in Peacock Feathers and Mustard Seed to give some colour to the background, then used the Peacock Feathers through the Tim Holtz 'Numbers' stencil to give some dimension.

I coloured a smaller piece with the same colours then used a crackle stamp all the way around the edges of the tag and the focal piece. I added a die-cut number '7' in black cardstock and stamped the work 'Lucky' as this has always seemed to be a lucky number for me personally.

A few die-cut cogs to finish off, along with a couple of black adhesive pearls and a piece of black satin ribbon. Then the whole thing is mounted on a layer of black to frame it.

Hope you can join us.

Hugz, Jan xx

Clean and Simple for Men

Hi there,

I have a lot to catch up on today - it's been a manic couple of weeks since I last posted!  The last time I spoke to you I had just picked up my new car and it is a dream to drive - I have just about settled into it now after a couple of weeks.

It's been very busy week at work with three classes to teach and I have also completed another demonstration for Crafter's Companion - this time at my own store! I was just a little nervous to say the least - lots of pressure to perform well in your own place of employment, but all went smoothly and we all had a very enjoyable day. I was demonstrating some of the new mixed media dies we have launched this week and I will post some of my samples soon, I promise. My next one is in just under three weeks, back in Beverley again - it's great to be able to work further afield.

I am on holiday this week, so I have a little more time - but I can't believe a year has passed since I lost mum last year! We are going to the remembrance gardens tomorrow and then out for a meal to remember her, instead of moping around the house feeling down (she wouldn't have wanted that).

So, onwards and forwards as they say - I have my next DT project for the new challenge at Cardz 4 Guyz and this week Helen has chosen a nice easy theme

'CLEAN & SIMPLE'

Here's what I made in about 15 minutes flat ...

It consists of a couple of layers, a bit of stamped text, a couple of die-cut stars and a stamped sentiment. Simples!

Hope you can join us.
Hugz, Jan xx