Using a Brayer

What fun!  A simple and effective way to add colour to your embossed cards.  I have read of some people inking their embossing folders before they put them through the machine, however I have found this a much easier way.

Emboss your card, as normal and then ink up your brayer on your stamp pad .... and just roll it over the embossed surface

When you colour them, like this, there is little need for any further embellishments.  These were all originally embossed on white card stock and the colour is from the inks.  I am going to try one in the new Kaleidacolor Ink Pad to see the results.  This is a multi-coloured pad, so should be interesting.

This next card is one I made for a friend, lovely and fresh with the flowers, paper doily and border accent.

I am starting to get a stock of cards now, although I must admit not all of them have verses in the centre yet.  Must do that, so that they are ready for giving at any time.

Judy

Little Owls

These little owls have been made in preparation for the next Red Carpet Market Day which is scheduled for Saturday 18th April, in the middle of school holidays.

They are only about 3" tall and can be placed in any random area.  Filled with teddy bear pellets they are very malleable.  The eyes were all sewn on by hand, and let me tell you, trying to cut out tiny circles in felt is rather difficult.  I know there must be a machine available, but I do not have one (yet)

A little close-up of three of the owls

Oh, so cute

Judy

Sue's card

Here is the card that I made for my sister Sue's birthday.

I really liked the colours and the simplicity of the card with using just a few elements. 

I started out with a Kraft card base, lined that with chocolate card stock.  To this I added a aged printed piece of vintage music.  The vintage lace was a lovely find at the local op shop.  The flowers are in two parts, the back section is hand gathered tea stained lace, which when I first tried on the card was too stark, so I added a hessian / burlap centre, much better.  The Happy Birthday stamp (freebie with a Card magazine) was stamped onto fawn coloured card stock with the Momento Toffee Crunch ink pad.  A small chocolate brown chiffon ribbon completes the card.

I had a one little flower left over, so I added it to the gift wrapping on her present.  As you can see, I kept it all in theme.

Looking at the next photo, I could have done more with the outside of the envelope for the card ...  I must admit, all I did was add a little strip of music washi tape across the corner.  

I am now working on some little owls for a market, so will show you the results when finished. 

Judy

Stamping Techniques

I have not had a lot of time to "play" lately, but when I do, I have been playing with different stamping techniques for my cards.  Now I am going to show you the good, bad and ugly, but it is all a learning curve, and I must admit a lot of fun.

Painters Tape
The first one uses painters tape to get the background, just place your strip of painters tape on the stamp pad, rub lightly and then place on your card stock.  Easy but effective

Washi Tape
The next one was OK, I tried to weave the washi tape for a different effect, which is good, although I will need to ensure the lines are straight in future.  More ink was needed on the stamp to ensure a good crisp image.

Perfect Pearls Powder
This one, I used a VersaMagic ink in Eggplant and then brushed Pewter Perfect Pearls over, it does not really show up in the photo, but it gave the leaves a lovely shimmery shine

Reflection

Using just the stamps I had on hand, I tried the technique of stamping on acetate to create a water reflection.  I like how this turned out, and I would like to try it again with a better stamp.

Sanded Embossing

After embossing the card, I lightly sanded the raised surface.  This gives the card a totally different look, nice and weathered!

The last card does not come under the stamping technique umbrella, however it is just another quick and simple card I have made.

Using just a round heart die, with a stamped image, crisp and clean

I have one more card to show you, but will have to post it later tonight.  I have made this one for my sister Sue's birthday, and I will be seeing her tonight to deliver it.  Sue is my card making teacher, so the pressure was on .... but I liked how it turned out, so that is good

Have you had any time for craft, I wish I had more

Until later this evening

Judy

Finally Ready

The button boards are dusted, the buttons chosen, I am ready!

I have a trade table at the Murrumbidgee Country Quilters Quilt Exhibition at Griffith this weekend. It is always a dilemma trying to decide which items to take, however I am fortunate to live close enough that I can come home each evening, and restock if necessary.

Tomorrow is "setup" day, so a big day planned.  The quilters will be hanging their quilts and I will be trying to stay out of the way, while I set up my own display.

Details of the exhibition are as follows, taken from Griffith City Council's Events Calendar

Murrumbidgee Country Quilters Exhibition

The popular Bi-annual quilt exhibition hosted by the Murrumbidgee Country Quilters will showcase the talents of local fabric artists. Light refreshments including morning and afternoon tea will be available, along with patchwork products made by the members of the group. Local patchwork and craft suppliers will also be trading during the exhibition. The magnificent quilt raffle will be drawn on the day. Proceeds of the event will go to Post School Options.

Venue:    St Mary's Hall, Edon St, Yoogali via Griffith
Date:      Saturday 7th March & Sunday 8th March 2015
Tine:       9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Cost:       $5.00 entry
Contact:  Karen 6962 6960  or Annette  6962 5308

Hope to see you there
Judy

Another member of the family

Our family has increased with the arrival of my Great Nephew Finn Lucas Lonergan

He is the first child for my niece Kate and her husband Matt, and also the first grandchild for my sister Sue and her husband Wayne.  So a lot of firsts.  I may be biased, but he looks so cute, I hope it will not be too long before I see him in person.  

Another photo, his first sleep in his own bed ..

Still no craft, but exciting news on the online store.  I am now stocking new product ranges for cardmakers, scrapbookers and stampers.  Pop across and look at all the new products here.

Have fun

Judy