Woodware - Cats and Dogs

I have often wondered where the saying "It's raining cats and dogs" comes from. Well there are plenty cats and a dog over at Woodware this week. I am really a dog person, having two myself. But when it comes down to doggy stamps I don't have many at all. So I have gone with this lovely cat stamp by Stampendous. Our DT member Pam has already used it this week in her lovely card!!
My offering is far simpler. I have made some book plates and a matching envelope. This very studious cat is just perfect for these.

 I made 6 of each colour and cut them out using a rectangular die to keep them all exactly the same size. I am trying to source some nice thick paper that is already gummed on the back. But for the moment I just used Lick'n'stick on the back so the recipient can stick them into a book.

 The little envelope was adapted from a template I use for a longer coin envelope. I cut it out of some scrapbook paper.

The fastener was simply a large brad positioned so the envelope flap can tuck under it to hold it in place.

 The same image was used on the front of the envelope.

 

Then just pop in the book plates along with a book shop gift card and you have a nice little gift.

Have a good weekend everyone. I am catching up with a friend on Saturday then it's into the garden hopefully to get some planting done. 

Siobhan xx 

Woodware - Sorry you are blue!

This week are theme for Woodware is "Sorry you are blue" . I think this week my catchphrase has been "Sorry I am tired!!" . I am back from a one week trip to Vancouver for a work related conference. Now I really enjoyed it, both the conference and getting to see my son who is currently out there. But every one of the four flights was delayed. We sat on the tarmac on the flight for Vancouver for over 4 hours while they fixed a temperature gauge. The flight back was also delayed over 4 hours as the PA system wasn't working!! So I was kind of shattered before I got there, then it was pretty full on for the week. So to cut a long story short this week has been about catching up with sleep and trying not to fall asleep at work!! 
Vancouver and Victoria are both beautiful cities and I hope to go back one day when I have more time to explore!! 
So a quick card today using the gorgeous little Stampendous "Lone bird". I used a brush less water technique with TomBow brush markers. After all the years I have been stamping this is still very much one of my favourite techniques.

As we are meant to be feeling blue I used blues on his belly. This is the nearest I will ever get to doing a watercolour picture!!
I then layered up the card on a couple of shades of blue Bazzill card stock. I punched out a few flowers out of the light blue background layer before sticking to the darker blue layer. 

The sentiment was done on the computer and then cut out with an oval die or punch.Thank goodness it is Saturday tomorrow. I am so looking forward to not having to get up early for work. Have a good weekend!!
Siobhan x

Woodware - Sketch 24

It's a really quick card from me this week as I am away from home. So this had to be done and dusted before I left. But sometimes the cards you make in minutes are just as effective as ones you spend ages on!
It's Sketch 24 at Woodware this week. I don't know where Dorothy gets all these sketch ideas from, but at least it takes the worry about layout away from you. 
Here is the sketch :

I have used one of my favourite techniques which is water stamping. I blended some blues and greens (dye inks) onto white card stock. Starting with quite a dark background gives you the best contrast. The stamp I used is an all time favourite by Stampendous called "Agapanthus cluster". I have had it for years and still love it.

I inked the stamp with Versamark first. This helps retain more water on the stamp. Spritz generously with water and stamp. When you lift off you are left with this beautiful negative image. I also find if I press really firmly and hold for a few seconds, the paper starts to break down a bit and you get a texture to it as well. 

 The background panel uses the same stamp but using Cotton White Staz-on on vellum. I love that effect too.

 So apologies for being a bit lazy this week using techniques I have used many times before!! I hope to be a bit more creative next time. 
Have a great weekend. I don't think I will see much of Sunday as I will most likely be jet lagged!!
Siobhan x

Woodware - Father's Day Creations

93 3RD JUNE - FATHER'S DAY CREATIONS

Hosted by Feebs
It's Father's Day on the 16th of June and  I'd like to see anything you've created for or have been inspired to make by the father figure in your life. It could be anything from a card, a scrapbook page, a knitted scarf or a piece of altered art. It does not have to be specifically for Father's Day ( I don't want you spoiling a surprise for anyone) but let us know the inspiration behind your work.

We are pleased to again be playing along with the CraftyCard Makers this week, the challenge will be open on their blog for two weeks. If you would like to play along with us please check the Crafty Card Maker rules then use the link on the Crafty Card Makers Blog to add your card or if you are not a blogger yet you can e-mail your card to Dorothy as usual Dorothy@woodware.co.uk  and she will post it and add it to the Crafty Card Makers Blog.

As you can see we are teaming up with the "Crafty Card Makers" this week. I am heading to Vancouver later this week for a Nuclear Medicine conference for work. Sounds pretty boring doesn't it until you realise it's in Vancouver. Usually we occasionally get to go to Brighton or Birmingham. But this year I was one of the lucky three to be picked to go to Vancouver. Also my son is there at the moment on his travelling/working trip and it is nearly a year since I saw him. I am hoping to spend a bit of time with him too!!

Hence the need to try and be organised for Father's Day before I go!! My father loves trees and I just had to use (again) one of my favourite stamps of the moment .....Stampendous Poem Tree. I am sure Dorothy groaned when I sent the images to her and thought "not again!!"

Here is my card.

 The leaves for the background came from an old clear Stampendous set of leaves and embossed with gold powder.

In Ireland where my father lives you sometimes get amazing sunsets. The sun goes down behind the trees like a big ball of fire. So I am hoping this will remind my Dad of that.

I also decided to cover a note book to go with his card which I will take over in July when I go over to visit him.

Same stamp but just a bit distressed. The corner embellishment and the book plate I embossed with Aged Gold embossing powder. I also filled in the book plate with glossy accents and left to dry over night.

So that's it from me this week. My next post will be when I am away, provided I get a move on and make and schedule it!! Think I am going to be busy this week.
For more inspiration for Father's Day, be sure to check the Woodware blog daily this week.
Hope you continue to enjoy the better weather.
Siobhan x