50 ...and fabulous!!

It's another wintery day here up in Scotland. I am meant to be writing up instructions for a magazine commission but decided to have a break and finish a card for a work colleague who is about to turn 50. She is quite girly and loves pink. On these occasions I often turn to an old Hero Arts set of stamps with a selection of shoes. What woman doesn't like shoes!!

The background was made using a Tim Holtz plaid stencil and pinky tones of Distress inks. The numbers were die cut from white card stock that I attached some double side sticky film to before hand. Once cut all you need to do is peel off the backing and cover with a fine glitter. Remember to rub it in well to get even coverage and to stop it falling off. I just computer generated the sentiment and cut it out to finish the card!!

Oh well back to work tomorrow!!

Siobhan 

Time Flies

I can't believe it's been over two years since I last posted anything on my blog!! I had a long spell where I wasn't crafting at all. Since going back to work in the NHS I lost touch with what was going on in the crafting world. I think most of my attempts at making something ended up in the bin and I began to feel that I had lost any creativity I may have once had. 

Then I got asked to contribute to a stamping magazine and that forced me to sit at my desk and try and come up with some ideas. There is nothing like a deadline to help keep you focused!! And so gradually I began to enjoy crafting again. And now that I am about 3 years away from retirement I am looking forward to having more time to do all the things I love!!

The thing I enjoyed most when I had my shop was teaching techniques in workshops. I met some great people and made some good friends.  A group of us still meet regularly for a craft swap and a catch-up. 

I now buy most of my stash on-line or go to Cupar in Fife to McOyster Crafts. The owner Adrian has kindly agreed to let me do a few classes for him in March. So I thought I would put a little plug on my blog in the hope it might help fill a place or two. 

I am starting off with a class called "Distressed Background Techniques". I love Distress inks and now that the Distress Oxide inks have arrived I love them too!! This class will explore a few ways to create backgrounds for stamping on. 

 Wrinkle free distress with stamps from Visible Image

Blended Distress with stencils and water

The last 3 all use stamps to create the background and the focal image.

The second class is called "Cards for Men". I am sticking to distress inks with more techniques for making backgrounds and a travel theme. 

If these classes work out I hope to carry on and do more classes now and then. These first two classes will be on the last two Saturdays in March for anyone who might be interested. I always try to support my local shop. I remember only too well what it is like trying to compete in such a big market place.