Do It Yourself

Hello Everyone
Time once again for my weekly DT project for That’s Crafty.
Fun was had as I played with something that was new for me, something I had been wanting to try for some time now. Let me share with you what I had fun withThis is a Speedball Stamp Carving Kit.
What did I create with this kit? Well you need to take a peek at the That’s Crafty Blog.
Enjoy your Sunday and many thanks for visiting.
Wishes
Lynne

Her Friend From Paris

Hello Everyone
This post is a continuation from the previous post where I shared two tags made with Oxford Impressions’ Lily Elsie stamp plate.Stamp sets & Links
Oxford Impressions
That’s Crafty
Both Lily Elsie and With Love set can be purchased from the above.

The Friend stamp is from the With Love set – such a useful plate of stamps to have.
This is the second tag, well actually it is the fourth, if we count the two in the previous post,  I’ve made with the Lily Elsie set. All the backgrounds consist of paint, found text and a handful of stamped images. Thank you for your visit to this post.
It will probably be Sunday when I next return, that will be with my That’s Crafty DT post.
Have a lovely weekend.
Wishes
Lynne

You Are Beautiful

Hello Everyone
When I learnt that Suzanne at Oxford Impressions had produced a set of stamps with Lily Elsie as the theme, well I am not too proud to tell you that I was so excited.  I adore images of Lily Elsie and I have a passion for photo real stamps, a perfect combination.  Unfortunately the stamps lay unopened for many a week as they arrived at the height of my illness. Maybe,  in a way, when I did come to inking the stamps, the pleasure was all the more so for having had to wait so long before playing with them.  I hope I never lose that wonderful excitement of new stamps.  I am sure many of you relate!
The Lily Elsie set comprises three photo real stamps and a sentiment stamp.  It can be purchased direct from Oxford Impressions HERE and for anyone in the U.K. who would like to buy this set it can be purchased from That’s Crafty HERE.
I should probably apologise in advance for the fact that the stamps will be cropping up again and again! You will also see this style of background popping up here and there mainly because it is one I always enjoy doing and the muted palette lends its style to the Lily Elsie stamps.
For this post I will start at the beginning, easing myself gently into crafting again, I made some tags.  I used Crafty Individuals Shabby Tags as the base, I cannot do without those tags in my supplies.You are beautiful is the sentiment included with the set.
I find it so relaxing to make backgrounds.  I build up and then pull back the colour and in-between the paint layers I add layers of stamping and fragments of found text, etc.  I also painted Crunchy Tissue Paper,  stamped on it and added it here and there. With this I like that the stamping blends together and creates a lovely distressed appearance. In spots I used an old emery board to distress further, you can see this in the photo below.
I scattered a bundle of stamps in front of me to use on the backgrounds but in the main they come from the With Love set, again you can purchase direct from Oxford Impressions or in the U.K. from That’s Crafty.
One of the other Lily Elsie stamps.  Again I used stamps from the With Love set and Femme is from Beloved (no longer available).
Fragments of lace, but of course!  You should be able to see the layers in the background – stamps such as Paris and Carte Postale to name two.After stamping the image (Archival ink onto glossy cardstock) I distressed it,  gently with an old emery board (I am very low tech with my tools lol).  The text which I layered the image upon, vintage French book text, had a wash of paint.This post is becoming photo heavy so I shall leave it there and share the other tags, in another post, very soon.
As always, thank you for your visit.
Wishes
Lynne

New Oxford Impressions Stamps @ That’s Crafty

Hello
A quick post to share the news that some of the latest Oxford Impressions stamps are available at That’s Crafty (on-line store link).
You will find Jane’s Garden, a gorgeous plate of stamps. I will be sharing artwork soon using this plate. Also the stunning Lily Elsie plate.  It is the first time Suzanne at Oxford Impressions has presented stamps in this format.  There are three photo real stamps and also sentiments included in this set.  Any time now I will be sharing the first of my Oxford Impressions DT art where I’ve used this stamp plate because I am now back amongst my supplies! A much gentler pace but so good to be back stamping again.  One final note, if you are fans of Alice,  Laura is stocking Wonderland and also Illustrated Alice.
Please, do not blame me if you blow the budget LOL.
Wishes
Lynne

Her Generous Heart

Hello Everyone
Thank you for your wonderful comments for my DT project for That’s Crafty.
My first post for this week is to share the glorious art belonging to my lovely friend Maria (Made By Maz)
It was a surprise package I received from her and I wish I had photographed it before I delved into it. She had beautifully wrapped the gifts with the fabric you see  and then each item was individually wrapped in muslin. It was a treat for the eyes. Inside, this beautiful metal heart hanging depicting Juliet which is one of The Stampsmith’s stamps. Maria creates stunning projects using  Stampsmith stamps.It is such an elegant piece with such lovely embossing.
That alone is a very special gift but Maria did not stop there.
If you have not visited Maria’s Blog before then let me tell you that recently she started to work with Ice Resin. The results have been amazing and to say I have been impressed is an understatement. So when I unwrapped another parcel to reveal this bag charm I was speechless. The Resin is as smooth as glass and I just love all the charms she attached. I had to include a detail photograph of the heart.Both creations made me feel very special but believe it or not, there was to be more.
All of those amazing bezels for me to play with! I will have the time of my life using them. Yes, Maria definitely has a most generous heart, I am incredibly lucky to have such a generous and thoughtful friend in my life. Maria, thank you doesn’t seem to be quite enough but you do know how I appreciate all you gifted to me and I know how lucky I am to have your beautiful art to view around me.
Please, why not take time to visit Maria’s wonderful Blog.
Wishes
Lynne

The Secrets Of The Sea

Hello Everyone
It is Sunday which means for me a That’s Crafty DT project.
This week sees me using a brand new set of stamps and have fun with Gelatos for the first time.  I hope the result, which you can see at the That’s Crafty Blog, shows just how much fun I had with this DT project. Along with the new stamps and Gelatos I also used Rusting Powder and my Melt Pot was fired up to melt beeswax.  There is so much going on that I was unsure which section to focus on for the sneaky peek.
If you would like to view the DT project then you can do so by visiting HERE where I’ve also included a supply list and instructions.
Thank you for your visit.
Wishes
Lynne

Something New

Hello
Yes, two posts in one day.
My dear friend Penny is always creative when it comes to birthday gifts,  gifts which are personal, that is what is most touching.  The first year we exchanged birthday gifts Penny sent to me an altered book cover collage.  If you never did see that post then this is the link.  For last year’s birthday Penny actually created a hand carved stamp depicting the name of my Blog.  Again, when I opened that parcel I was overcome with her thoughtfulness.  The link to that particular post, the carved stamp is HERE.
Last year, during one of our chats,  we got to discussing art journalling, something which Penny had taken up with enthusiasm.  Penny was aware it was an area I hadn’t dipped my big toe into but I did say to her that I was open to dabbling.  It might not immediately be obvious that it would suit the subtle colour palette which I favour but paints have always been my favourite way to create backgrounds (I was known at one time to only shop at a well known DIY store to buy my favourite paints).  Penny obviously remembered our “chat” because look at the incredible gift she created for me.A handbound Journal created from watercolour paper.   My face was surely a picture when I opened the gift to see this.
Penny created a beautiful front cover and yes, that it her own calligraphy.
She also took the love and care to decorate the back of the journal.Why “A Penny For Your Thoughts”, well that is the name of Penny’s Blog, here is the link A Penny For Your Thoughts.
My main concern, it is too special for me to spoil by using it! I did voice this concern to Penny! I do joke as I intend to try my hand at journalling once my attention is freed up from other creative matters which are a priority at the moment and then I can sit back and know I have a stunning journal to create in.
What I need to mention to Penny …. I wonder if she knows she has created a binding contract that when I have completed the last page of this Journal I will of course be looking for a replacement lol.
I should add that Penny’s name might be familiar to anyone who reads Craft Stamper.  Although I have not seen any of her articles I just know that Penny will be an incredible source of inspiration for their readers, she certainly inspires me and I am lucky to have her friendship.
Wishes
Lynne

More Artful Birthday Treats

Hello Everyone
Thank you for your recent visits, comments and also to say Hello to my new Followers.
This post is one where once gain I share some beautiful art from beautiful friends.
Alison (craftytrog’s inky adventures) sent me this stunning card – there is so much I love about this card:- that amazing background and the image of the bathing belle and the addition of those wonderful buttons. A very special card. Take a look for yourselves. Alison also gifted me with this wonderfully arty bag charm (the lace was wrapped around the packaging – Alison knows about my love of lace!).  The spool states that The Eyes See Everything.
Thank You Alison, you know already how much I love my card and gift.I’ve included the link to Alison’s Blog if you haven’t visited before. Please do visit as you will be in for an arty treat.
Now let me share this most glamorous vintage inspired card which I received from Rita and Annie. If those names are new to you let me explain that Rita and Annie are mother and daughter.  What a creative duo they are.
This card is large:- 8″x8″.  Rita has included lots of details of lace and die-cut edges and a beautiful pin and wonderful texture on the background.  When I laid eyes on this card one word came to mind …. decadent. The links for their blogs are as follows:-
Rita
Annie
Both of those cards need to be seen up close, my photographs haven’t done them justice in capturing backgrounds and detailing.
It would be lovely if you took a little bit of time out to visit all three creative women.
I have another post drafted and might well schedule for later this evening but in the meantime I will Thank You for your visit and wish you a creative weekend.
Wishes
Lynne

The Car Salesman

Hello Everyone
A card with a masculine theme for this post.  I made this card as a submission to Stampington & co so I was thrilled to see it published in 400 More Ideas (formerly Catch-Up).  Being published is great fun (and always what I call a “pinch me” moment) and that fun is doubled when you share such happy creative moments with friends.  My lovely friend Darlene is published in this annual publication (Dar’s blog can be found HERE) and my lovely blogging friend, Marjie, whose blog is HERE.  It is an honour to be published alongside my talented friends.
The main stamp used is Crafty Individuals CI-325.
CI-325 was repeatedly stamped to form the background, it is actually a wonderful stamp for backgrounds.
Stamping further elements such as the ledger stamp and postal cancellation whichI brought together with found paper and corrugated cardboard which I had applied walnut ink to (I use dissolved walnut crystals) and distressed.
This is an image from one of the Crafty Individual image books which was layered behind one of their frames which I’d painted with copper acrylic and distressed. A fragment of mica was added.Returning to the main stamp I stamped it once more and cut out the car to add as an embellishment. Crafty Individuals recently released some wonderful new stamps and also a note to say there is a Crafty Individuals challenge underway, so if you are a fan of Crafty Individuals there’s lots to interest you at the moment.
Thank you for taking the time to visit this post.
Wishes
Lynne

Birthday Surprises Continue

Hello Everyone
My first post for this new week sees me sharing some more beautiful birthday gifts which I received from two lovely friends, Ira and Martina.
Firstly I will share the goodies I received from dear Ira. If you know Ira then you know that she creates beautifully romantic creations.  Isn’t this boot divine? I would happily wear this!  Gorgeous details such as the tulle at the top and a flurry of flowers.Ira also sent me a package of goodies such as Prima flowers (I did say to Ira that I will be keeping them for a special project as they are so beautiful), butterflies and also a bundle of wonderful stickers for me to use in my projects. Now wait until you see the very special gift Ira created for me. This will appeal to any of the Romantics amongst you …..
a gorgeous cuff.  A flamboyant flower, pearl buttons for fastenings and beautiful wooden buttons all adorn this cuff.
Ira’s gifts are so special and they made me feel special having a friend create such lovely gifts for me.  Thank you my friend.
If you have not come across Ira’s creations before then please take the time to visit her Blog. It is always brimming with pretty projects, with a hint of old style romance to them. You may visit her HERE.
Then wonderful Martina. I call Martina Queen of Steampunk as it is what I readily associate her with, although she can create to any style.
Isn’t he so dapper?  Fabulous colour palette and the texture on the background of the tag is amazing and then we have that gorgeous tassel for a hint of decadence.
A package of goodies for me to play with including a tin with a cluster of flowers tucked inside and also decorative pegs – I have a new DT stamp set that those pegs will be perfect for. If all that were not enough Martina also created this for me ….
a dressmaking themed frame.  Martina embellished both behind and on top of the glass which is so clever.  I never would have thought to use a frame in this way.  The background is fabulously inky.
Martina, as with Ira, is a name well known in the world of Blogging but if you haven’t visited Martina for a long time or you are new to  blogging then you will not be disappointed if you visit her incredible Blog. You will find Martina HERE.
I am lucky enough to say that I still have more beautiful gifts/cards to share from my birthday and will try and post them all during this week.
Have a wonderful week and many thanks for your visit.
Wishes
Lynne