2nd post My Craft Room (kitchen)

Hi Ya. I thought I would show a few photos of my new craft room (still a work in progress) but there is the WOYWWAnd this is my first showing, it's messer than usual, but I have a few things on the go. I useually only do one thing at a time. However, I am doing an ATC swap with the theme 'Cinema' and it's also my middle son's 18th soon and he wanted a card that fits along the same lines. And of course you can see the other two flowers I have started for the GSC Art exchange  if any one is interested, there is still time (deadline 1st May) I also have some bit's on there from the previous ATCs I did (see previous post). Oh and a delivery of all my new TH DI I had six of the new ones now I have ALL 12.

Here youcan see one of the two sets of draws (cupbard) I will alter (with the willing help of yummy hubby) there is a card I am sending off to little sis for her birthday. The shelf is just pine with wroght iron underneth all altered to look a wee bit shabby, also my printer, (which thankfully is now happily chatting to my computer) In the centre is a metal advert for birds custard (repoduction) I want to put this up some where (not sure where yet!).

You can kind of just see the other set of draws, another altered shelf with some work hanging from it, my sewing machine, music, yummy baskets, the books you can see are all for altering some fantastic Shakespear with some beautiful etchings in for a £1 each she had the whole set (12 I think) I just got three also dictionarys and French written books, all second hand costing pennies.

The dinner table, now full time craft table. I was getting really fed up of clearing it all up twice a day! but we still eat on there a few times a week (the sacrifices the family has made for my craft bless them) It's not the best place for light, but then this is a house where the light is awful every where.

I still couldn't get everything in the cupbards so this little plasic set of draws had to stay. imagin before the cupbards I has about 6 of these all over the kitchen with different depth draws now, mostly hidden away in the cupbards. I am hoping for a shabby chic kind of look to my craft room when it's eventually finished. I wish I had taken some before photos however, there is still a long way to go so I hope you enjoyed this little tour of my ex kitchen/dining room, now full time Craft Room. Love Dawn xx

ATC (Aladin)

Morning, (or it will be as this post is sheduled he he) I wanted to say thank you for all for your lovely comments yesterday about Hunny, she is not big headed at all about all the lovely complements you gave her (I think that's because she already knows she is beautiful lol) I think that is one of the lovely things about blog land we all get to know each other and our pets lol because we all think so much of outr animal companions. Any way, I was playing yesterday like you do. With a lovely template given freely by Chris now, not only has she given a way this template she is also giving away a one off stamp set that she herself designed, well all crafters love to share (the ones I know any way lol) so do pop along to find out more.

I decided to use the small template and make a series of ATCs (which I would love to trade three of) this being the first. The template is the frame you can see Genie hiding behind, I got the back grounds as well as the disney aladin pics for all the ATCs from google, aren't they yummy?I have cut out the windows on all the template (very fidiley with this size) and there is some EP on there in gold look at the top to see the doors closed and you can see I have embossed these too! I have also embossed 'genie' at the bottom (just out of shot on this photo).

This is the seccond that's up for trade. You can see the whole gang through the wondow on this one. I have GM the window (template). if you look at the top you can see the doors closed and I have put some pearls for window handels. The back grounds are off google and are genuine morocan tiles. I thought these went with the theme really well!

This one is similar because of the back ground, however I have GM the template and left the whole picture on so it looks like you are looking out of the Palace and seeing them flying by on the carpet through all of the windows and some  lovely gems for handles (see top photo) and 'Aladin' embossed in gold as 'Genie' is.

I have decided out of the four to keep this one. Again some GM on the back ground then stamped, then Google image added. I coloure the template with copics. Behind the small windows I put some alcohol ink on some accitate (so they look like stained glass) bit of a waste as no light goes through them so didn't so it with the others. But you can see them quite clearly IRL. Finally I have highlighted with a gold pen. Let me know if you would like to trade any of the first three ATCs for something you have (I need to speak to Chriss Rollins about this she has a trade blog for ATCs) but I am a bit usless when it comes to computers.

I always keep one of my ATCs that I make, I stick to a theme and make them all different. I know some make them all the same which I suppose is good when your swapping. However, I personally, never want to make two of the same thing, not if I can help it, the thing I love about crafting/Art is that it's completely individual One Of A Kind (OOAK) so if you have a card or ATC from me, you can be sure there isn't another one like it anywhere in the world (unless some naughty sausage has copied your stuff!), Least said about that the better. Any who, I do hope you pop over to the lovely Chris She has done some lovely examples (nothing like mine) when the template came off the printer it screamed 'Aladin' to me but pop along and go see how versitile this little template can be, It's free! Love Dawn xx

Items Used:- Template Chris. Back gorunds, Google. Stamps, Studio G and Anna Griffin. Copic markers. Glimmer Mist, Tattered angels. Emboss Powders, Heat it up. Gems, various. Alcohol inks, Ranger. Gold marker , stash.

Hunny; mixed with some sun!

No crafty post today I am working very hard to bring something to you tomorrow, now if I can just get off the computer long enough, (do you find you spend too much time on the computer?) Any way I know that this little moggy has a few admires out there bith feline and human so I thought I would share a few photos I took of her today while she was out playing in our garden.

This is my HUNNY

Isn't she beautiful? I am bias of course but she is a wonderful cat with such a loving charater (and not just when she want's feeding) ;0) you cat owners know what I meen so I hope you like her little display of happiness, as the sun is shining. I will hopfully post some craftyiness tommorow Love Dawn xx

Items Used: Some Sun, by the Lord. Beautiful grass, by my hubby. And the yummy, Hunny cat!

GSC exchange

Morning to you all hope you all well this Monday. I am really enjoying the exchange over at GSC. I posted my first exchange yesterday with a domino seems to have been very popular, lets hope this is just as popular. Here she is the queen herself 'Marie Antoinette' I have used a technique found in Craft Stamper, told you I was going to use lots of tecniques lol. If you would like more info about the exchange please click Here thanx.

You can see better here I think. I used some DI and stamped them on a heat mat (I use a cheap one from a £ shop) then add some water and stamp, the first time I had too much water (for what I wanted) lol so, you will have to give it ago until your happy with the image. I do like the wishy washy effect it gives,  although this is a very detailed stamp. I have also used other stamps and put versamark then a coloured ink on, then applied clear EP & heated.

I was playing with some ribbon today, I have used some in the background (gross grain) to give some texture and also embossed over it. I also made a little rosette inspired by Marie's costume (clothes) they often had this kind of things on sleeves etc so i thought I would have a go at making one, quite cute, what do you think? 

I have also completed another today and took my photos outside. How Sunny?  More of the OI stamps But I think I will enter these for a challenge or two as they fit in nicely. By the Cute & Girly (BTC&Gch)  their theme is 'Fairy Tales' and so this fits nicely. Sunday Stamper is all 'Siver 'this week. I wonder if Sir Stampalot (SSA)will count this in? their theme is 'Fantasy' I think AIW fits but maybe more fairys & dragons any way I will enter hope you like it.

Think you can see the silver better on this photo. As with all the other GSC exchange flowers I have used the same DP I have had them ages and I think they have fitted really well for this.I painted  it with gesso and stuck to my pizza box flower (you need to use everything I am trying to save the environment too =) left it over night to dry then got the EP out they do give it a lovely shine. coloured the images with copics. I also added a beautiful ribbon to hang this up with I thought it would make a nice door hanger for a little girls room. Although I have it hanging on my shelves it's really lovely with the other three, so only one more to make and I may have one for my self too, so that's five in all. I will show something different if I get to posting tommorow looks like you may have had enough of my flower creations lol

I am having lots of crafty fun and loving the new blogs I have found through you all leaving comments. I have also found an ATC swap buddy, if any one else would like to swap 3x ATC once a month for 6 month (must have real stamping on) let me know. Love Dawn xx

Items Used:- DP Laura Ashley. Ribbon, Anitas & SU. Inks, Tim Holtz DI & SU. CuttleBug EF. Gold Pen stash. Stamps Oxford Impressions. Jumbo eyelets, SU. Emboss powder, Heat it up! Images coloured with Copic markers.

Getting messy

Morning to you on this Beautiful Sunday in the UK, not as warm as yesterday but yummy sunny and that's ok in my book. I managed to get out and enjoy the sun yesterday, I hope your enjoying the weather where you are. Look at my flower, it's for the Art Exchange with Ginger Snap Creations (GSC) you make four to swap, and you get four back! click for more info. This is my first exchange and I have to say it was hard to get started as inspiration left me a little. Having looked, I thought it had to be about growth ,but looking again it's only the template I have to use and the rest is open so this is my little beautie I am thrilled with how it's turned out. You know how I like to get messy right?

I have been wanting to use a domino for a while, do you get like that? have so many ideas you want to try out and then hardly get round to it =) well I thought I would use this exchange as an opportunity to try out some of these ideas I have been wanting to try. You use the domino to highligh a part of the stamped image. I used some alcohol inks (same colour as the paints I have used) and then with some stazon inked the stamp and printed part of it on the domino, heat set it and now it's there for good lol.

What do you think of the glitter? well actually it's crushed glass! I am in love, I have been trying to get some since Dec. but all very expensive and only in Oz US and I could find a british supplyer until last week over at the Altered Element they have a selection of this yummy german glass glitter. Have to say this is one of my most fave on line shops at the moment, such great stuff! I won't bore you with how I created it but if you do want to know just ask!

Oh and I thought I would show you the card I was working on yesterday (see previous post for details) I told you these stamps were virsitile, just love this plate of Marie stamps so lush, and I haven't even got on to Marie her self yet! still can't get over how many stamps, 26 for £21.50 And going to do some of the Alice ones for a few challenges soon.

I love the brads by LLB (details at bottom IU) I have ordered some stamps of his too I always loved his flare & stlye on the TV deco programs lol such a character ;0) Well that's it from me today. I hope you like my creations, do leave a comment. Love Dawn xx

Items Used:- Deco-Ice, altered element. DP Laura Ashley. Paints & alcohol inks Adirondack. EP powder, Heat it up! Stamps, Oxford Impressions. Card Stock & Vellum SU. Flowers, MM, stash. Brad, Lawrance Lleweln-Bowen.

More Sunshine & ATCs

I managed to get some of my New Oxford Impression Stamps (see yesterdays post for where to buy) Sorted yesterday gosh you do get your moneys worth took me ages to sort and with some amazing jigsaw skills I got most of the pieces from the Alice & Marie plates on to one sheet of foam backing (still need more) I was playing with Alcohol and vellum yesterday didn't think I would get a post done today as a wee bit busy I have been enjoying the Sun this morning but I am not at my best for getting around today.

Thought I would show you some close ups I love this plate of stamps they are very yummy and also very versitile so many pieces I also have a card on the go in the same kind of style. So, all I have done is put drops of alcohol ink on one of the felt tools of Tims then turned over so it's softer and inked the image on the front and added a little excessory. (you can also see the sun shine in my photos =)

I wonder if any one would like to be my ATC swap buddy? I would like a regular friend to swap ATCs with, you must like stamping thats the only thing I require (and that's farely easy isn't it) if you would like to swap leave a comment where your from (any where UK Europe USA etc) and a link to some examples of your work you can see more of mine if you just look at the links at the bottom and click on ATC all mine should come up for you to have a nosey at. That's something to think about any way :0)

This is my fave I think, I love the colours. But this corset is so yummy

For this one I mushed all the inks together still very nice but I think I prefer the spotty ones. Although I will be using this chair so much I have lots of ways I want to use this stamp! Well I hope you like them. Any DT positions open? I haven't seen any for a while and I am looking for a position if you spot any or know of any coming up please let me know. Love Dawn xx

Items Used:- Alcohol inks, Ranger. Vellum SU. Cardstock stash. Flowers, Prima. gems & pears stash.

Tag & Card

Afternoon Blog Land. We have sun today, it actually feels like a beautiful Spring day I am inspired to work. (although I am also inspired to go out) mmmm what to do? I have a wonderful delivery from LB Crafts I orderd some stamps from Oxford Impressions I love there stamps but they are quite hard to get hold of in the UK as not many stock them, now LB do stock them (but they are not on their online shop) Thats why I have put both links up (they should both pay me commision, I am not connected in any way to either company lol) so if you like some OI stamps have a look get the name then call up LB and order over the phone if they are in stock they are super quick! if not they will call you when they are. So I have two super new OI plates Marie Antoinette & and Alice plate now they are so much bigger than I was expecting so It will take me a while to cut up and mount them (only have enough mount for one plate, disaster!) flippin heck So sorry for waffling, on to my tag!

The tag is called 'The Works' (I'll explain later) it's for Tuesday Taggers with anything as long as it's a tag! and Tag It On (TIO)  With the Title 'In the City'.Over at Something Completely Different (SCD) this weeks letter is B and I have used lots of 'Blue' on this tag. And finally Timbroscrapmania This is a new challenge blog on their 2nd week and this week the theme is 'Distressing'.

I really enjoyed making this tag. I can't tell you how pleased I am with the results too! I have used my own template for the tag and then some cream cardstock. I used the wonderful THs DIs and got to work. Then I cut up a Christmas stamp so I could use the buildings alone (that was hard to do my poor stamp!) stamped then I got some of the TH sprockets & Gears covered them in versamark then black stazon ink stamped & heated. This is to signify the working city and that sometimes you yourself feel like a machine work sleep work sleep. I wanted to put another sentiment on at one point 'Work to live not live to work' but went against that in the end. I kept thinking of the song by Queen from the album 'The Works' Title of the tag.

In the top left hand corner is a small (moon) clock that work is ruled by time now and even if your not in the city you are on call with mobiles and e-mail and time is of the essence, hence also the clocks on the right hand side. I suppose I wanted to say with this tag don't become a machine remember what's important in the REAL world don't get caught up in the have to have the big house the flash car etc or all you will do is work and have lots of material things but your children will grow and resent you you won't know them, they won't know you! they may well have the extra lessons ballet, karate, or what ever else but a simple picknic and a wonderful few hours with you is what they really want. I could waffle for ages about the wonderful picknics we had at our local park the kids still remember them.

On to the card, The Play Date Cafe I missed the dead line for the PDC yesterday and I really did love the colours and thought my Match Box would be a bit different for their challenge lol but I was LATE well not this week I have the colours in this card. Totally Gorjuss theme is texture lots of this with the Distress glitter and embossing. Ginger Snaps Creations (GSC) is focusing on Growth this month and this week it's 'The good Earth' I had lots of fun looking at photos of the Earth on google but went with a tree in the end no trees no Earth!The Wednesday Stamper (TWS) Are also focusing on 'Trees' this week.  And although it's a simple card I quite like the end result.

Here is a close up of the tree on the card. I started with Cream card stock used some Stampin' Up inks in various colours, Used a sponge to get the distress look, stamped my tree and then used Disterss stickles. It's a simple card you could use for many occasions I am thinking Birthday, Thank You etc I do hope you like todays offerings I am going to be busy creating so may be gone a day or two I will still be popping to your blogs though looking at your fabby work. I have some more new followers you are most welcome and I have also started following a few more blogs so have a look and see if you can find a blog you haven't tried before you may find some gems, well I certainly think so. Love Dawn xx

Items Used:- Stamps, Paper Artsy, Crafty Indiviuals. Card stock, SU. Inks SU, stazon, white gelly roll pen & Tim Holts DI Ranger. SU eyelet & Ribbon. Making Memories mini Alphabets.

My first Match box (spring)

Hello blog land. The sun is out here hope it's nice for you where ever you are. This is my very 1st Match Box I bought four. I have been waiting forever for mine but I don't use them that much (the odd candle) I'll tell you more about my MB in a wee while first let's use it for some challenges he he. Alter it Monthly (AIM) is a new challenge blog and this is the first one.  The title says it all. Every month there will be something to alter, this month it's a 'Match box' Allsorts  is no DPs, none on this any where! I am also using this for the Play Date Cafe (PDC) as always a lovely colour challenge. All DTs are wonderful please pop over for full details of requirements.

To make this MB I got three alcohol inks two blues and a pearl I used the blues first and some blending solution then when dry applied the pearl, gives it a lovely shimmer. I have covered the top of the matchbox with acitate and stamped with stazon. inside the MB is some material and a daffodil.

I think the DT for matchbox alteration have done a far better job than myself but I just wanted to have a little play and see what I could dome up with in a morning. I hope you like this altered art and I hope you have a go your self, please leave a comment, I would love to see what you have been up to I have many very talented followers. I also follow many talented people why not pop a long a blog you haven't been to before, it's something I like to do when I go to a blog if they have a list I love to try a new blog or too you will be amazed what you can find. Have a great day. Love Dawn xx

Items Used:- Match box from fruit pixie Alcohol inks Ranger. Daffodil, Stash. Material, Ikea. Butterfly, stash.

Ladies In Love

Hello every one, I hope you had a wonderful break. Michael and I were in Chester for the day yesterday and boy did I get some goodies. But for now lets concentrate on these ATCs ATC swap 'till you drop It's vintage for the month of April I had to join in, I have called these ATCs 'Ladies in Love' so many posabilities but this is what I went for in the end. I do hope you like them, as always 4 are for swaps and I get to keep one. I am still waiting for last months Fairy garden inspired ones to arrive yet, something to look forward to in the post. I thought I would enter a challenge with these too. The Sunday stamper this week it 'Lace' one of these ATCs has lace on. and at SSIC The theme is love or something that symbolises love.

Here is a bit of a closer look at the top row. These were made by having an old book tearing some pages out , then using tape to stick and tear off the writing, then attaching to ATC card stock  inked, then some DP also torn and attached. They all have the same stamp on which is 'Amour' definition. Some are  inked a more tonal  colour with the paper but you can see them IRL. I also printed off the images from various places although I don't know who. When you down load there is nothing on the title to let you know where there from. However, the middle one here is from Craft Stamper as their name is on the image. The others will be from the freebie sites I recommend on my side bar.

Here are the top two closer. Every time I use the DI from Tim I love them more and more they are truly wonderful colours, especially for this kind of vintage although I do use them for everything lol. The images are truly stunning and I thank the person/persons that take the time to give these beautiful things for all us artist to use. Thank you to you, and to my visitors who are such a wonderful support to me. Love Dawn xx

Items Used:-  Stamps, Prima & ? (amour stamp) DP, Basic Grey, K&Co and other various (stash scraps) Inks, Ranger Tim Holtz. Lace, Orchard crafts, Button and gem stash. Images craft stamper, Vintagestampers freebies & various others.

Framed Trinchies

Happy Easter every one. do you remember these frames I got from the charity shop? Here well they have been well and truly altered! and I thought I would put some of my work in them.

I Painted the frames with some yummy Laura Ashley paint called 'Creamware' isn't it yum? then I added some metalic rubons to highlight the lovely patteren on the frame. On this one I used a gold and a hit of a green rub on.

And on this one I used copper and a red rub on too, I really like them and I can image just how useful this stuff will be for other creations as it's very versitile and can be used with lots of things. I have some more trinchies to make for the other two frames. 

I have altered my kitchen in to my craft room lol I had to do something I had plastic draws all over so I bought the solid wood furniture I was telling you about from more fantastic charity shops (still waiting for the weather so i can alter them, I can't wait to show you them)  and I got some shelves and altered them too! I put my ribbons up and I wanted to put some of my work up to, so  it felt I was in a craft room, (even thought the kitchen is attached to it ;0) not the best sineario but it's the best I can do under the circumstances. Still have to clear up ever tea time and I often get distracted with the washing machine etc but its better than nothing. I do hope you have a wonderful Easter, and thanx for taking the time to visit, don't be shy leave a comment to I love them as they meen I get to vist you too! Love Dawn xx.

Items Used: Metalic Rubons, Craf-T products. colour kit 1. Frames Charity Shop, Paint, Laura Ashley. 

Details for trinchies on previous posts. Use search button on left, for trinchies and this will bring up all trinchies. Or you can click on the lable on the bottom of this post and all trinchies will come up you can then look at detailed list of items used for each one thanx again xx

Shabby Note Book

Hello my wonderful crafty on line companions, I hope you are having a wonderful Easter. I managed to get some play time over the last couple of days. This project was wonderful fun and will help me store my new ideas. I often wake up or can't sleep due to things spinning around in my head so I thought I would make a note book well alter a cheep Asda note book ;0). I did see a challenge some where for fabric but can't find it now doh! any way I will enter this for SCD Which is something  with a 'W' White in this case. Alphabet challenge is 'White' this week as well. The Sunday stampers their theme is 'Lace' and Simon Says is 'distressing'. must see if I can find the fabric one again lol

I started with a cheap note book from Asda, then some DP I watered some WHITE gesso down then painted the DP giving a nice distressed/shabby look. I also used the same method with some paper flowers and left them to dry over night. I liked the transfer TT so much on GSC (see previous post or GSC TT Links) I thought I would have another go with an image I am not sure where from? sorry let me know if you know and I will give credit to them. I got my machine out again for the second time this week lol and stiched the transfer to some linen tatted the edges up again and used very wabbly stiching (on purpose lol).

I popped some lace on from my stash and added some roses in a nice cluster. I also stubtly stamped over the gesso in various places butterflys & swirls (there must be some more challenges I can add this to;0) I really do hope you get chance to think about this week end what it really means to have the atonement of Jesus Christ in our lives. Be safe, love Dawn xx

Items Used:- DP K&Co Stamps SU. Flowers various. Lace, linen Stash. Tim Holtz Idea-ology ornate plate.

Days gone by (Spring)

Morning, another day closer to the heat of the SUMMER!!!! (I hope it's chucking it down here!) But for now a tag for Spring! This will cover a few challenges today. Tag It On the theme is an 'alternitive Spring' Ginger Snap Creations is to 'Take on a tutorial' Tag Tuesday is 'Stuck on collage' and Tuesday Taggers is 'Bugs' Oh and TT prize this week is with The Craft Barn Which last time I won! and have now recieved my goodies so fingers crossed you never know.

I did this tag with all these challenges in mind. TIO Alternitive Spring this is such a sweet image and not yr general daffs and eggs etc so I hope this will be OK GSC I have used a couple of tutorials. One from Tim Holtz Book 'Compendium of Curiosities this is first putting down colour Stamping/embossing over it using clear EP then adding more colour then taking off the CEP with the heat from iron. I then used one of GSC TT Image transfers here I have seen it some where before but I had forgotten all about it and it was really easy to follow great effect! You can see the 'Bug' for TT it's a dragon fly used s couple of  times in the back ground and the roses are sticky ones I have called my Tag/Collage 'Days Gone By (Spring)' as it's got that innocence of childhood, long since gone for me lol. I do hope you like my effort for today I did enjoy makng it why not try one or two  techniques that you haven't tried before on yr next project? I really enjoyed this and will be having a go at some more soon. Enjoy the rest of your day, Love Dawn xx

Oh I just want to thank kath as I had new neighbours move in a couple of days ago and I was with out a card, popping on Kath's blog as I often do I saw a great card HERE and I lifted it (of course I would never copy a persons work exactly) so mine is a wee bit different not sure it's a good as Kaths but it really got me out of a tight spot. I made it completely from scraps (again) and I hope the new neighbours like it, as soon as it was done I popped it through the letter box, thanx again Kath xxx

Oh if you are looking for the winner of the Blogaversary candy click HERE for the lucky winner!!

Items Used:-Stamps, Paper Artsy & Craft Stamper. Image Katzelcraft (Available at the Craft Barn). Inks, Distress Inks Tim Holtz Ranger. Flowers Hobby Craft. Tag Tim Holtz. Fibers, Stash. DP K&Co.