Vintage Post card

Welcome Back 

In today’s post, I’d like to share some pictures of a postcard that I created for my friend Glitter Monkey. 

Vintage Postcard

Here is the back of the card 

Vintage Postcard - Back

Stamps used; Tim Holtz, Crafty Individuals, Penny Black and Making Memories (Magnetic Alphabet; Rummage) 

Inks Used; Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Versafine in Onyx Black 

This was great fun to make, I’m really enjoying my new inks and stamps. 

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon 

Billie

Read Full Post »

My First Fabric Covered Book

Welcome Back 

In today’s post, I’m sharing a picture of my very first fabric covered book. 

My First Fabric Covered Book

Back in early May a good friend Crafty Nanna took pity on my lack of sewing skills and came round to get me started with sewing. She also very kindly left me a huge pile of fabric to play with. The fabric I covered the book with has a lovely suede finish. Very tactile, and would make great books for men. I covered the book board with a light layered of PVA and applied the fabric. The turn in’s on the corners were tricky, as if I applied too much glue it seeped through and marked the surface. 

Here is the book, once it has been decorated 

Fabric Covered book, embellished with ATC

I created an ATC using Tim Holtz Distress Inks and Versa Fine in Onyx Black 

Stamps: Crafty Individuals; 204, Elusive Images; UA6GW0194; Words of Inspiration, Hero Arts; H2365 Old French Writting. 

Binding Style: The book is bound in my favorite Coptic Stitch using brown linen thread. The book is just over A7 in size, perfect for popping into your pocket. 

This piece fits in with this month’s theme of ‘F’ for The Virtual Crafting Challenge, ‘F’ for Fabric  

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon 

Billie

Read Full Post »

ATC: Floral, SMF April 2010

Welcome Back 

In today’s post,  my latest Artist Trading Card. Created for last month’s Stamping Mad Forum challenge. 

Floral ATC

Stamps: Elusive Images 

Colour: Adirondack Dabbers, Adirondack inks. 

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon 

Billie

Read Full Post »

Tim Holtz’ Shabby Chic

Welcome Back  

Earlier in the year I bought a copy of Tim Holtz book, A Compendium of Curiosities. Here are a few pieces that I created using his Shabby Chic technique.  

Shabby Chic v1

 

Two colour Shabby Chic experiment

 

Stamps Used; Elusive Images 

Colour; Ranger Adirondack Acrylic Dabbers  

DO check out Tim Holtz book for lots of superb techniques, its guaranteed to make your Ranger wish list grow and your inspiration sky rocket.  

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon  

Billie

Read Full Post »

Tim Holtz Distress Inks

Welcome Back 

For ages now I’ve been looking at Tim Holtz Distress inks and saying, ‘I love my Adirondack inks, and can do all the distress techniques with them. I do not need to buy distress inks’… Problem was, the inks kept calling me. I kept seeing projects featuring them and then the final straw was when I saw them online for a very special price. 

Tim Holtz; Distress Inks

 

Oyster Stamps  have a special offer on Tim Holtz Distress inks, at the moment. They are just £3.00 each! Gotta rush though, it’s while stocks last. Well I had to didn’t I. It was meant to be  

If you were on the fence about the inks, and want to give them a try, this is the perfect time to try them out. Head over to Oyster Stamps and order some while they are at this very special price. 

Best wishes and thanks for  reading, see you soon 

Billie

Read Full Post »

Tutorial: How to Make Your Own White Core Card

Welcome Back

In today’s post I will share a few ways in which you can create your own white core cardstock. White core card, is great when you want to create torn edges, of a different colour to the main cardstock. It is also ideal for sanding back after the card has been embossed, again for the contrasting colour of the core. It is not always easy, or affordable to get hold of white core card, so here are some ideas for how to create your own on a budget.

You Will Need

• White cardstock
• Dye based ink
• Ink Applicator. I’ll use Cut n Dry foam from Ranger
• Craft Sheet
• Mini Mister (optional)

Method

• Take a small piece of white cardstock
• Place the card on your craft sheet
• Use the Cut n Dry foam to apply ink to your card. For a textured effect, mist the card with a little water.
• Heat set to dry.

Options

• You can also stamp a pattern on to your card, after you have coloured it.
• If you want a different coloured core to your card, start with the cardstock of the desired core colour and colour that.
• To colour larger sheets of card, use Colour Wash ink or Re-inkers diluted with water in a Mister bottle.

Links

Here are a couple of videos that I have posted a while ago, that give you an idea of the ways you could colour your card, whatever the size.

You might want to gather a selection of this kind of card, there will be a video tutorial later this month, that will show you ideas and projects using white core card.

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon

Billie

Read Full Post »

Tutorial: Acrylic Dabbers – Rust Technique 1

Welcome Back

Earlier this week, I introduced you to Acrylic Dabbers. In today’s post I will share one of my favorite techniques for using them.

Rust Technique 1

My 6x 4 Challenge piece for Layers, May 2009

The rust technique was used on the die cut frame on this piece last year. Follow the tutorial below to create this technique for your own projects.

You Will Need

• Acrylic Dabbers in Terracotta, Espresso and Silver
• Die cut shape in black cardstock
• Craft sheet
• Scrap of sponge or Kitchen paper
• Mini mister (optional but useful)

Method

To See how to creat the effect, please watch the film below.

Options

This technique works best if your base card is dark. It is also best done on itricate die cuts that simulate wroght iron work. Go for designs that are fine and intricate rather than larger areas. Less is more with this technique.

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon

Billie

Read Full Post »