A Vintage Year

Hello Everyone
This is another Crafty Individuals post. It was fortunate that when I received the new releases from Jean and Malcolm that I was able to create a few bits ‘n’ pieces to share with you over this period when no crafting is taking place.
CI-348,  is an Elements set.Last year when I was in Dunelm I spied some wooden plaques that were on sale. I should have taken a “Before” photo but you will know what I mean when I describe them as suitable for kitchen areas and depicting French, Art Nouveau style advertisements.
I used all the stamps from the set on this plaque.I didn’t want to completely obliterate the advertisement on the plaque so I only applied washes of Gesso and on top of that I dripped Rose walnut tint to represent the appearance of a spilt glass of Bordeaux.A pocket was made for the Menu by tearing a small wax pocket which I distressed adding a piece of torn ephemera and stamping the decorative stamp from the set onto the wax pocket.
The vintage Bingo counter is a bit of tongue in cheek fun as today is my birthday and I was born in 1968…oops, maybe a Lady shouldn’t reveal her age!The Menu (tag) can be removed from the pocket and a message could be written on the rear. Although this set comes to mind for anyone who appreciates fine wines I’d say it has broader uses. I like the French feel to this set even though I am not a drinker and it would be excellent if hosting a summer party or it could be lovely for a Father’s Day card/project.
Thank you for taking the time to continue to visit my Blog and please know that when I am able to do so I read the lovely comments you leave for me.
Wishes
Lynne
P.S. This is a little note I’ve added to this scheduled post to say Thank You for the lovely birthday wishes and also for the beautiful cards, artwork and gifts I have received. All of this has helped to make my day very special so thank you from the bottom of my heart. Lynne x

Memories From The Shore

Hello Everyone
Another scheduled post, this is a short one to share one of the cards that was published in Stampington & co Catch-Up 2012.
I had submitted this card to a Template Challenge at The Stampers’ Sampler but it wasn’t printed so it was a really lovely surprise to see it in the pages of Catch-Up.
Stamps:- Oxford Impressions’ By The Sea
I’d printed the template onto a transparency which allowed me to fill the “jar” with beach mementos:- stamped elements such as shells and tickets, real shells, mica flakes, teeny blue beads, etc. I created tabs which were then inserted into cuts made into the watercolour paper,  it  created a lovely curved dimension. The watercolour paper had a wash of walnut ink (dissolved crystals) before spraying on my homemade ink.  Dyed gauze was wrapped around the lid of the jar.
A shell stamped onto a cork tile.I have a few scheduled posts lined up and it at least keeps my Blog up-dated and then maybe it will not be too long before my normal blogging routine resumes.
Thank you for visiting and hope all is well in your lives.
Wishes
Lynne

A Sense of Nostalgia

Hello Everyone
Another scheduled post today featuring one of Crafty Individuals new releases, a stamp with a sense of nostalgia. You can see from the image that there is a beautiful clock alongside sheet music with little mice running around. At the time of scheduling this post, this new stamp CI-339 is available free with orders over £28 (before postage).
Crafty Individual Supplies
CI-188 (selected the image of the child)
CI-339
Die cut frame.
I selected one of their older stamps to use alongside CI-339
adding a die-cut frame and rub-on sentiment and of course buttons and lace. Before I sign off for this post I have to say Thank You for the kind and caring messages. Life is a bit difficult at the moment with family taking priority over crafting and blogging. Knowing friends are keeping me in their thoughts has meant so much.
Have a lovely (and creative) weekend.
Wishes
Lynne

Watch Me As I Flutterby

Hello Everyone
I am trying to schedule as many posts to keep a flow of DT art made either weeks or months ago. For me, having a Blog has not only ever been about what I post  but also about visiting other Blogs, especially belonging to art friends however the way life is at the moment I am unable to do so, just know that when I can I will certainly be catching up on your art.
For this post I’d like to share a tag I made using Crafty Individuals CI-347, yes it is that beautiful butterfly stamp again and you will definitely be seeing quite a bit of this stamp in the future as I have other scheduled posts using this stamp.
CI Supplies
CI-347 (Butterfly stamp)
CI- 194       (Sheet Music stamp)
CI-307(Elements set – used carte postale)I wanted a sturdy base so used a large chipboard tag before painting, stamping with the sheet music stamp and then layering dyed  lace and scrim  and the stamped fabric.  The beautiful piece of driftwood is one of the pieces which my lovely friend Dorthe sent to me some weeks ago, I made this tag  as a wee Thank You to Dorthe.Sometimes it is the smallest stamps that are my favourite, carte postale is one of those indispensible stamps to have to hand for little details. This is white tissue paper stained with tea/coffee which I like to have to hand for adding here and there to artwork.Whether I am active in Blogland or not, your visits mean so much and appreciated so thank you.
Wishes to you
Lynne

The Inventor

Hello Everyone
Today it is time for a new theme at Fashionable Stamping Challenge. We are looking for Steampunk artwork this fortnight. We welcome all styles of art whether it be arty or cute or somewhere in-between but please remember that we are passionate about stamping at FSC so we are looking for some stamping on your art and no digi’s please.
I am incorporating another DT by using Oxford Impressions’ London Telegraph stamps. Now this isn’t the first time I’ve used this set and I did warn you at the beginning that I had made a selection of London Telegraph art. This piece is re-cycled altered art as I am sure you can recognise what I used as a base for my Steampunk tower!
I had fun attaching different bits ‘n’ pieces, hanging from the edge of the tower, a rusted chipboard key, elements stamped onto shrink plastic.
Sometimes we can become slightly obsessed when working on a project. This was one of those times when I wanted the large cogs and gears to be able to rotate. Now don’t ask me why as I have better things to do with my time than sit and spin gears!!!
I also used stamps from  Steampunk Elements. That lovely decorative, almost architectural element is from this particular set.  Two lightbulbs were coated with Sepia Glossy Accents and then cracked before I placed them back to back and inserted into the die cut cog (I have Alison to thank for her kindness for sending me die-cut shapes).

If you are a Steampunk fan then you can purchase Oxford Impressions’ Steampunk sets (and more) in the U.K. from The Craft Barn and for Continental Europe you can purchase from Art Journey and of course you can purchase direct from Suzanne’s Oxford Impressions’ on-line store.
Have fun with this challenge theme whether you create a masculine or feminine piece of Steampunk. All rules of entry (of which there are so few) are available at the FSC Blog (link at top of post) and you will also be able to view the stunning array of art from my DT sisters.
Thank you for visiting.
Wishes
Lynne

Gifts Of Friendship From An Island

Hello Everyone
Another scheduled post from me I’m afraid but I wanted to share some beautiful gifts I received from my lovely friend Dorthe (Den Lille Lade).
I am  incredibly lucky to have so many art friends who share their immense talent in the form of their art but who also generously share arty items with me. As many of you will know, Dorthe lives on an Island off Denmark. She likes to spend time collecting bits ‘n’ pieces on the beach and  had asked if I would like some driftwood, well I was delighted at the thought of having some to play with .  Now Dorthe never merely packages items in an envelope, everything is presented directly from her heart.
When the Postman handed over a box and I saw the postmark I was filled with excitement!
This is how the driftwood was presented, in a pouch with a piece of collaged art gracing the front. and look what was attached to the bag ….isn’t she such fun and 100% adorable and doesn’t she make you smile!Can you believe there was more? If you know Dorthe then that will not surprise you in the least.
Another beautiful pouch with images of birds on fabric and look at that gorgeous flower.Of course I knew it had to contain something so special and I wasn’t disappointed when I saw this incredible fabric, mixed media collage. The collage hangs from a piece of driftwood and the actual collage is so Dorthe, image of a bird, buttons, wonderful textiles, she always manages to add a touch of elegance to her nature inspired artwork. It is stunning and my photograph doesn’t do the piece of art justice.
There is more to share in the form of an art tagwith a sweet child taking centre stage. It is so tactile this tag.
With more gifts in the form of vintage ledger paper,  sheet music, tickets and cabinet cardswith a surprise element as when I turned around the cabinet card this was on the other side. I am sure you can begin to imagine just how special Dorthe made me feel with not only the art gifts but also the gifts from her heart in the form of her amazing art.
Friendship should never be about what you receive from friends but what is special is the actual act of generosity. When a friend goes out of their way to send you surprises in the mail that they know will make you feel loved and it is the fun of them sharing their arty treasures knowing the pleasure their friend will have in using them in their art. So not only do I have more beautiful artwork surrounding me but also the prospect of having unusual art treasures to play with. Dorthe thank you for everything and I hope you know just how delighted I am and also, thank you for your friendship.
Dorthe is a very special woman and if it were not for Blogging we never would have connected and I can say that for many of my art friends.  I am so lucky to have such friendships in my life.
I hope all of you are well and managing to find as much time as possible to create, although is there ever enough time! I appreciate your visits so much and please know that when I eventually catch-up with reading comments I will take the time to read each one.
On Sunday there will be a new challenge theme announced at Fashionable Stamping Challenge.  I have my post drafted  so it would be lovely if you are able to visit on Sunday to read the new challenge theme and see my DT sample.
Wishes & Thanks
Lynne

Spread Your Wings

Hello Everyone
This is a scheduled post where I thought I would share another project using Crafty Individuals CI-347. I have a feeling this stamp will not only be one of my favourites but also many of you will love to ink this stamp. So far I’ve only shared the wall hanging Fly Towards Bliss but in the near future will share some cards, etc but today it is a tote bag.
The actual cotton tote is the same as I’ve used in the past. If you are like me, read that as not competent with a grown-up sewing machine (!) then these bags are perfect as they are ripe for altering. 
I tore a panel of pretty fabric whereby I then layered vintage lace which I had dyed in a bath of tea and coffee. Buttons, lace and scrap fabric tied into a bow embellish the stamped image.Lace edges the top and bottom of the bag with a scrap piece added as decoration. As I said, you will definitely see this stamp cropping up on future projects along with other new Crafty Individuals stamp releases.
Just because I am scheduling posts doesn’t mean that I do not appreciate your visits and comments, catching-up with the lovely words left for me to read means an awful lot so thank you.
Take care and if I haven’t visited you then I hope to do so soon.
Wishes
Lynne

Parlez-vous francais?

Hello Everyone
This is one of those posts where I am re-winding the clock, back to December.
I was amazed to see that in the December issue of Take Ten four cards I had submitted were presented in a Feature Article format.
I had purchased Anna Corba French Dictionary Definition stamp set  (a snip on E-bay!) as I have her other French inspired sets and they are so lovely, this set I thought would be good for simple collage style cards. After making one I couldn’t stop and Take Ten popped into my head so I submitted to their Feeling Themeless category.
Included in their editorial “The stamps inspired her to use natural elements, like kraft paper, feathers and flowers, reminiscent of the French countryside. Buttons and lace complement the cards, putting the finishing touches on this theme that is simply inspiring.”
Reading words such as those it is difficult for me to equate it with the cards I submitted however I was just thrilled the cards caught their eye and they liked them enough to publish them.The extra words such as carte postale are from Anna Corba  French Phrases. The final card Thank you for taking the time to visit today especially as I have not been spending the time Blog hopping. I hope you understand and know that I will catch-up as soon as I can do so.
Wishes
Lynne

Shabby Delights

Hello Everyone
Did you know that June  Dezinaworld has been busy creating a new 25 piece kit and not only that,  the news that the Dollar Store has returned. Whenever it is possible, June keeps her Dezinaworld Blog up-dated with new image sheets/kits and of course there is the Olde Curiosity Shoppe where all the images are free for you to use in your art.
I wish I could tell you I have new Dezinaworld art to share with you but all I have is a discovery I made as I was deleting images from my laptop. I believe I made these cards when I first discovered Dezinaworld, possibly 2 years ago.
These were quick cards I made for friends, notecards, using the Spring Ladies image sheet.They appear very minimal compared to what I do now! The final card. On a personal note I am sorry I have been absent, not managing to visit your Blogs or up-date my own Blog. Personal matters have caused me to be away from the computer for much of the time but I hope this afternoon to organise posts so I can schedule them as I have lots of old artwork to share and some new pieces using Crafty Individuals newest released stamps.
As always, thank you so much for visiting. It is so encouraging when I am able to come on-line and read your wonderful comments.
Wishes
Lynne

From This Day Forward

Hello Everyone
When Helene (2amscrapper) invited me to be part of her Unruly Paper Arts column, asking that I share one piece of artwork that incorporated lace, I was so honoured.
With the  month of May  entitled “Wedding Wonders” at UPA I had to make use of The Stampsmith’s Wedding Bells which I had just received from Estelle. I am only showing a sneaky peek but if you click the Unruly Paper Arts link (above) you will see what I created along with details on the lace I used for this piece and some other information on lace.You will also be able to view the beautiful heritage art that Helene herself created and also the breathtaking art of Lynn Stevens and Nancy Maxwell James. If you love to use lace in your art then you will find this column of particular interest.
Thank you for visiting especially as I have been unable to Blog hop for  a few days, I certainly hope to catch-up with all of you very soon.
Wishes
Lynne