Hoppy Easter Said The Bunny To The Chick

With Christmas a distant memory and Valentine’s Day behind us all thoughts for crafters turn towards Spring and Easter. If you are planning on creating some Spring/Easter themed cards, gifts, etc then you might want to have a look at the very pretty Easter Bunny Collection, a recent release from Oxford Impressions.
The first of my DT projects using this set is a hanging treat pouch. If you were following my Blog during my Christmas preparations then you will have guessed at what I re-purposed to create this little pouch, didn’t I tell you at the time that this idea worked beyond Christmas!You would struggle to tuck a chocolate egg inside but this idea would be perfect if sending a gift card/money or a smaller chocolate treat.
I used four stamps from the Easter Bunny set, the lovely text stamp used for the background (stamped over Basic Grey paper), one of the cute bunnies, a wee chick and Happy Easter. As I said, this is my first project with this set and will have more to share with you soon. I also have London Telegraph art to share as well. London Telegraph is also available from The Craft Barn (U.K.) although I did notice that they are out of stock at the moment, testament to what a fabulous set of stamps this is that Suzanne has designed.
Thank you for taking the time to visit and Hello and Welcome to the new subscribers to my Blog, lovely to have you join me here. 
Wishes
Lynne

School Days (FSC#16 Make It For A Child)

Make It For A Child is the challenge set at Fashionable Stamping Challenge for the next fortnight. We ask that you create a project, it could be a card, a gift, a tag, anything you wish but please include stamping on your artwork as at FSC we are passionate about stamping and please, no digi stamps allowed. That is really our own rule but to check out all details for entering your artwork pop on over to the FSC blog where you can also see the prize for this particular challenge.
When I was doing some grocery shopping my eye travelled to a blackboard. Now at that point I had no idea what I would need a blackboard for but for the princely sum of 99p I wasn’t going to walk on by. Of course that is the funny way that things can work out because I then discovered that Make It For A Child would be an upcoming challenge theme.  Even better, I had the perfect stamp set to work with,  Oxford Impressions’ School Days.  The stamps have a wonderful vintage feel to them which is fitting for a blackboard. I wonder, do blackboards exist in schools now or do they only use whiteboards?
I vividly remember my leather satchel from the early years of Primary School.Can you believe that a stamp created this weathered, distress appearance. This stamp is also included in the set.Details of two school books attached with a chipboard paperclip. My DT sisters have created a wonderful collection of Make It For A Child  all on display at the FSC Blog. So why not have some fun with this challenge.
Wishes
Lynne

The Bird Lady Sings Her Song

I should say that the two cards I am sharing today are from the vault as they were made earlier this year and I’d actually forgotten about them.
I wanted to have a play with CI-331 once again as it is such a beautiful stamp but  this time working to a slightly more pared down style than previously. The cards could be classed as variation on a theme with the same paper used and elements being repeated such as the sheet music and flowers. I also incorporated CI-329, one of the Crafty Individuals’ Elements sets, using two of the little birds from that set.For both cards I was aiming for a faded appearance keeping the colour palette soft and muted.
Fly also comes from CI-329.The CI challenge, Spring, is still open for entry so why not share your Spring inspired artwork with us. Please remember to include at least one Crafty Individual product on your artwork.
Thank you for visiting.
Wishes
Lynne

Oxford Impressions – News For U.K. Stampers

If you are a U.K. stamper and a fan of Oxford Impressions’ stamps then the good news is they are now available at The Craft Barn. Their stock includes some of Suzanne’s newest releases such as London Telegraph and Vintage Circus.
Happy Shopping!
Lynne

So Chic (Published!)

Last December it was thrill after thrill to see work published in various Stampington & co publications but December was so frantic I was unable to share this news with you.  Finally I am starting to get a wee bit more organised. Today I am sharing a stamped tote that was published in the Dec/Jan issue of The Stampers’ Sampler.
The tote wasn’t submitted for a challenge, I sent it on a whim in the hope that it would catch their eye so as you can imagine, I was over the moon to see it printed as a Feature, “So-Chic Stamping”.  I have to say thank you to the Editor and her team for the photography and also her lovely write-up about the tote.If you Follow my Blog you will no doubt recognise the stamps as they are often used by me, they are from Oxford Impressions’ Dressforms & Corsetry plate.
I will have more Oxford Impressions’ artwork to share soon, some of it is DT work.
Thank you for taking the time to visit and I hope to be able to catch-up with your Blogs soon.
Wishes
Lynne

The Kindness of One

I would like to share the prettiest of packages I received from my lovely friend Dorthe.  Not only does Dorthe create special gifts, she also presents them so beautifully.Inside the package this pretty collaged tag.As I am a Bookworm I am using this tag as a bookmark, the prettiest bookmark I’ve ever used and I’ve used many a bookmark in my time. Sweet details of my initial, lace and a button.
If Dorthe’s name is new to you then please visit her Blog, you will definitely want to stay awhile.
Dorthe, thank you for this lovely gift. Such kindness re-affirms my view that this world of Blogs is brimming with kind and caring people such as yourself.
I will return later with some new artwork, until then
Wishes
Lynne

Flowers and Wishes

It has been a few days since I last posted anything so to start this new week I have a short post to share a card I made with The Stampsmith’s Serena #2.
Serena#2 I only received towards the end of last year and used the first time on this card for a friend’s birthday.  I am sure I will use this stamp as often as I use Serena #1 which I owned prior to being on The Stampsmith’s DT.  As a cardmaker who sends handmade cards to family and friends who are non-cardmakers I am conscious of the fact that not everyone cares for the vintage style. What appeals to me about the Serenas, they are perfect for such occasions.With thoughts of approaching Spring I adorned the card with a pressed flower and wanting to achieve a dreamy look I kept to a soft colour palette of cream and lilacs.
If you are looking to take part in a challenge then we have one over at The Stampsmith’s Challenge (TSC Love & Lace ). All details for entry are available at the challenge blog along with details of the Prize Draw.
Have a wonderful week.
Wishes
Lynne

A Journey To London To Visit The King

I was unsure which post to select today but my decision was made for me after a visit to Jean’s Blog where on Monday she  posted these two cards.
If you are a fan of Crafty Individuals stamps then you will probably be aware by now of their new stamp releases. One such stamp is CI-343, a stamp depicting London landmarks in a collage style.When I set about making the two cards I have to say I gathered lots of CI stamps so I created a supply list for both cards.
Supplies – “A Journey To London To Visit The King”
Image from People & Places book
Die-cut frame
CI- 343 (used to create pattern on the die-cut frame)
CI – 334 (flag, postage stamp added to flag and emblem)
CI – 017 (Text stamp)
CI – 239 (Two tickets)
Travel, Explore,  Discover (free stamp with order)
The images that CI have in either book form or A4 glossy sheets are lovely to have in your stash. They are constructed in such detail. For instance this particular chap with his bicycle, the image also has tickets and calligraphy regarding journey so by studying the images it helps in the stamp selection to further tell the story.
I see him as a lad from the North of England who has never travelled outwith his hometown. An innocent in London with his bicycle and taking in all the sights there are to behold he sets about visiting all the landmarks and as he does so he keeps a collection of ticket stubs. Back at his bedsit he writes page after page of his adventures detailing all the sights and sounds of London. Oh how his Ma and Pa await the arrival of those letters and tucked inside, always a ticket stub. His Ma eagerly shares the letters with friends and neighbours and his Pa, well he waits until his wife retires to bed and sits by the fire reading and re-reading the letters. You see, his pride is no less but as a man he believes he cannot show his emotions. He sits by the fire with his pipe in one hand and the letter in the other and as he smiles a tear runs down his cheek with pride knowing his youngest is now a man, setting out to find his way in life.A few details on this card such as the flag with the addition of a stamped postage stamp. CI-334 doesn’t have to be used in a patriotic manner it can be used to create stamped collage elements (the photograph above shows the true colour).The frame looked too flat so I set to work stamping CI-343 to create pattern.
Supplies : “Keep Calm, Keep Your Crown On”
CI – 343 (London Scene – only partially used on card)
CI- 334 (Keep Calm, Postage Stamp, Crown and Emblem)
CI – 116 (Crackle)
CI – 214 (Letter)
Die-cut frame
Image from People and Places Book.
For both cards the base was made with watercolour paper stained with walnut ink solution before adding my homemade spray ink and once dry stamping onto the panel.
Don’t you think the  crown adds a quirky element. This is one of the reasons I love stamping (there are actually too many reasons to list here) the versatility of a stamp. Studying CI-343 I noticed the skyline didn’t suit the Victorian gentleman but by cutting around the image  I was left with exactly what suited the era. At present over at the Crafty Individuals on-line store they have a special offer for all orders. Then, over at Jean’s Crafty Individuals’ Blog the Spring challenge is now underway. As always there will be 5 winners selected with each winner receiving a prize of a Crafty Individuals stamp of their own choice.
Wishes
Lynne

Dezinaworld News

On June at Dezinaworld’s behalf I wanted to write a few words about her recent announcement.
June has continued with Dezinaworld even though she cares for her ill parents, it is remarkable all that June does, without a single complaint. However due to June’s own poor health she has had to take the step of putting Dezinaworld on hold.
This of course has meant that June has disbanded her Dezinaworld DT. I’ve had the most fabulous time working with Dezinaworld images, such a pleasure to know that I get to work with wonderful images time after time. As you can imagine, I will miss being part of June’s team, she is so encouraging, supportive and appreciative and has become a friend.
It is essential that June has this time away from Dezinaworld although she does hope to return at some point. I am sure any of you who are fans of Dezinaworld images will be there for June on her return and ready to support her once again.
Wishes
Lynne

Sharing Some Love (Mini Candy)

Thank You to all of you who took part in my mini Valentine candy.The winner is
May
Sorry there wasn’t more love to share around.
Wishes
Lynne