Background inspired by Anneke de Clerck

Anneke created a lovely Christmas wooden panel which you can see here.

I decided to create a journal page using the similar techniques and colours for the background as Anneke used so I wont go into step by step instructions.  But here are the steps in pictures instead......

I chose this particular project as inspiration as it takes me out of my comfort zone colour wise - overall I'm quite pleased with the end result.

Instead of a Christmas tree for the main image I stamped some JOFY flowers onto to scraps of patterned paper and fussy cut then out.  I stamped the stems directly onto the page in olive ink and glued on my flowers with a few little leaves.

thank you for looking xx

PaperArtsy 3UP

Tonight was my first post for a PaperArtsy 3UP week - for "cracking" posts by Deborah, Margaret and myself please see here

 

Here's my finished project xx

CC3C Challenge 16 Layering Stencil Embossing Technique

I meant to try and enter as many challenges as I could - think this is my second, times flies with all the other everyday things that need fitting in.

This month's challenge is based around page 50 of volume III of A Compendium of Curiosities - layering stencil embossing. This months fab prizes are a selection of goodies from Tim & Mario and also The Funkie Junkie Boutique, see here.

I've taken a large tag shape and painted the background in dark purple, I decided to follow that colour for my whole scheme. Next I created a panel using the layering stencil technique with my newest mask "measured". This is also stamped in grey using the same stamp I've used on the dress form.

Next followed a mannequin die cut which I also painted and then embossed with some gorgeous sparkly powder in a swirly pattern to give the idea of a dress. To add a touch more sparkle I've also added some silver wings.

A touch of lace and a flower finish the tag.

Card Inspired by Emma Godfrey Canvas

Emma created a beautiful canvas for PaperArtsy, which you can see here.

I needed to make a card for my Auntie so used similar colours and stamps as Emma used - I will try my hand a canvas when I've a bit more time.  I sponged a background using Stone and Nougat Fresco paint and cut out a shaped background panel when dry.  I also painted a couple of scraps in Spanish Mulberry and Sherbet.  I then stamped and embossed in gold - the flowers onto the pink and cut them out and the stems directly onto the background.  A few gems and some ribbon and here's the finished card.

Thank you for looking. 

Flower picture inspired by Ellen Vargo

What with holidays, work and lack of mojo I've been a really lax blogger for too long now.  There's been stacks on inspiration over at PaperArtsy so I can't use that as an excuse.  I think the monthly challenge timescale has lulled me into thinking I've ages to complete something and then I've still run out of time !

Anyway here's my first (hopefully) project for this month, inspired by the bright and cheerful journal page from Ellen Vargo - see here for Ellens post

I started with a piece of corrugated cardboard that I stripped the edges from.  This was painted and crackled (been missing this lol).  I then used one of Ellen's mini stamps and embossed the background using Cosmic Shimmer in Vintage Luna White - purchased for Christmas cards which have yet to materialise.

I then painted a spare piece of card in Orchid and stamped another mini stamp four times to form a flower shape. A few leaves and a button middle for finishing touches.

Thank you for looking  Sarah x

Creative Blog Hop

I was asked to take part in this blog hop by the lovely and talented Deborah Wainwright, check out the amazing faces she's working on at the moment see here.  This has been started off as a way to get to know fellow crafters.  This is more of a challenge for me than having to create a new piece of art, as you know my posts are often "short & sweet".

So here goes.......

My name is Sarah Baldwin and I'm 46 years old.  I have been married to my wonderful hubby, Tony, for 23 years.  I was looking through some old photos yesterday of our first few holidays together and can't believe where that time has gone.  We have live in Thrapston, Northants with our 2 teenage children. By day I work for a holiday company as a Financial Planning and Forecast Analyst (accountant!) - Thursday is my 25th anniversary with them. 

I think I've crafted in some shape or form since I learnt to knit aged about 5.  From there I progressed to sewing using my nan's hand powered machine - I had the best dressed Barbies in the area lol!  From there came embroidery, crocheting, x-stitch, candle making, dress making, jewellery making, fimo and many more.

I'm one of these people who sees something and has to have a go to see if I can do it. It's the same now with different card making/altered art techniques.  This is how I've become such a PaperArtsy addict, I saw Leandra demoing paint techniques and was so impressed I was thought I've got to try that myself.  The one thing I wish I could do though is draw, thank goodness for stamps.

Finding the PA blog lead to setting up my own a couple of years ago, something I never thought I'd do in a million years.  The support and fantastic comments from other bloggers has really given me confidence in my work and the push to experiment outside my comfort zone. (not using blue and green all the time and embracing "faces").  Seeing projects I like but don't have the exact stash for often turns out to be a good thing as I have to think around the idea and try alternatives.

 A couple of my favourite pieces

At the moment I've a couple of things painted ready for some inspiration to hit on what to do next. I've not had much time to play recently with holidays etc. 

thanks for stopping by - if anyone would like to take up the baton and post next Monday that would be fantastic - xx

Guest Post for PaperArtsy

Been so excited waiting for today when my project is featured on the PaperArtsy blog  - very hard not to spill the beans when I met a number of fellow PaperArtsy followers at Stevenage at couple of weeks ago.   Can't believe Penny Nuttall also used a mini rolling pin this week - must be something in the air. Thank you everyone for the opportunity xx

see full post here