Bookmarks for special ladies.

Hello all. It's dark and wet here in the NW of the UK today. However I would like to say hi guys, not been here in a while, but I do have something to share this time. ;0) These took ages, but I have a new calling in the church I belong to. I won't go into details. However, it's up to me so see that all the women in the church get visited every month. So as I am new, I made every sister in a partnership to do what we call 'Visiting Teaching' one of these book marks as a gift and hopefully as a wee reminder to them as well. ;0)

The vintage women are all from various sources, I thought they would be a lovely reminder of the women in our care. You know I love vintage and shabby and I thought I would try to combine the two styles here. We call our visits 'Visiting Teaching' hence the single letters that spell this out. I ended up making about 34 as there are 17 partnerships that go to visit all the women of our church. I hope you like these. Love Dawn xx

Shabby Chic Framed Art

Hello, crafters and friends. I have decided that come what may I am going to have a shabby chic front room (as my pocket will allow) it's going to take time and money so it will be a slow process. However I can start by making some art for the walls can't I? This is a box frame that started off life in a charity shop brown with some dried flowers in it (wish I had taken a photo.) Any way I stripped it sanded it and painted it. It's since been sat there looking at me. I didn't know what I was going to do with it, and then I had an idea and so here it is and I hope you like it.

I have to say a BIG thank you to the The Graphic Fairy I have used a few images from her blog (so many freebies you have to go and see) here you can see receipts, perfume bottle labels, post cards etc all from the lovely fairy. I have printed them off and aged the papers so they look old with DIs. The lady images I am not so sure where they come from, the one in the corner says ACF not sure who that is, the other has nothing on that photo to let me know. If you know do let me know and I can give credit because they are really pretty and very useful.

The beautiful DP is from Making Memories the 'Je t'doreor' collection oh so lovely, I used this so many time as back ground to photos I was taking of tags etc I finally had to use it (so glad I did) 

There are some yummy things of Tim's in there too (new things lush ;0) The broken doll I can't remember what there called but DON'T throw away the packaging I made some wax versions as well so I have a supply with out keep buying them (how cool?) not as much detail as the original (original in the frame) but not a bad substitute ;0) Well this is my post I hope you like it, let me know what you think I always value your opinions. Love Dawn xx

Sew much fun

Hello every one how are you today, well I hope. I am having my beloved grandson over for the week end and he takes up all my time so as well as hoping to help the family of my friend Pat (who died Thurs) I have a bundle of energy in James to deal with. Nothing like having children around when you want to feel sorry for yourself :0) they remind you of all the joys in life. Well another little tag using the many (too many) things  bought last week end. I will be feeling the pinch for a while oops! ;0) I am going to add this to a challenge over at Frankies Tag it on Frankie is going for haute couutre  hope you like it Frankie. do pop along she has some lovely challenges and I really should join in more often. All she asks is that for every challenge you use a real stamp.

Here's your close up, the dress form from the die cut 'sewing room'. I had to have this and it's so versatile, don't worry I will show you how lol look at previous post for one example and I am going to (when I get the chance) to use the torso on it's own for some thing as well. I hope you like this, let me know if it fits in to any challenges I may have missed ;0) Love Dawn

A wax canvass?

I should be in Harrogate enjoying my self buying stash and wandering around the love town while you are reading this, so I thought I would leave you with something so you wouldn't miss me too much ;0) I think it's official my Mojo has returned making the coasters awoke the artist in me and this is what you get while playing with WAX ;0) It's my first time creating a piece mainly of wax this way, and what fun. I wasn't sure about it, any how you be the judge what do you think?

Obviously this is old material pattern paper (charity shops are marvellous things) and the part of the cover. It just got me thinking about me and my sister, as there is a seven year age gap. The image can say so much and this is why I had to include it. I love how the wax works with text and I will be doing this again soon ;0) with more text. I could really do with a quilters iron lol but at £35+ it will have to wait. don't you find every thing always needs new tools. This is why crafter (me any way) are always penniless ha ha. I hope you like, and welcome to my new followers, Ricardo, Tee, Chelsea, and Martica. It's always fun to share with new people. Love Dawn xx

And as a thank you to those who continue to visit and comment, And because I am away for the week end, (which has put me in a fabby mood) I have also added a couple more of my scanned vintage adverts for you. Love Dawn xx

Altered Coasters

Hiya, how are things with you? good I hope. I am off for the weekend to Harrogate there is a craft fair there and I haven't been to one of these big shows before, the weather is looking good and I am taking DH and we're going to make a weekend of it, how cool ;0). He is very supportive of my hobby as it helps me so much and he never moans about how much stash I have (bless him). So this will be another scheduled post! I have been messing with coasters again and I really like what's happened. There is actually a challenge for steam punk on a sight I have never hear of so I will enter this to Creavil it's a German challenge sight.

This is a go at steam punk but not overboard, if you know what I mean. I got some great free steam punk back grounds from Sqidoo I had never heard of it my self, worth having a nosey through though. I printed the freebie off then used some matt medium on top of the already painted (and dry) coaster, then put the print face down wet the back with water and rubbed the paper with my fingers until all the paper had gone and only the image remained (easy and therapeutic) Then I put some petroleum jelly (50p @ Wilkinsons for a huge 200g tub) in places where I wanted the image to show through, then added a coat of brown paint all over the coaster and over the PJ to. (allow to dry) Then rub off the paint with a dry paper towel where the PJ was and volia! then I just added some images (Dezinaworld) and a clock with glossy accents added, as well as a new TH stamp with EP to raise it and there you go one simple looking coaster! ha ha.

As there is a lot of drying time I made two. Love how this one turned out as well. Not as much on this one but this image is so cool it's from an old film magazine. Below are some scanned freebies for you, they have some great adverts in them, they will have the feminist in you screaming, they just make me smile I love them lots. 

You should be able to click on these and save as. They are really large to so you can use them for journals or even reduce the size for an ATC. Bye for now have a great week end, love Dawn xx

Vintage card, tag & a challenge

You know when you make something and your just so happy with it? This is what happened for me making this B'day card. I haven't made a card for a while and I wanted some thing special, as it's my mum's 60th (she doesn't look it though, I hope I have her young looking genes ha ha) in March and I wanted to be prepared and I am happy with the first attempt. I love this style. The perfume bottle is from the graphic fairy It's a fantastic site. Can't remember where the woman image came from (if any one knows let me know I can give them credit) Click to enlarge, the paper is a cracking price 30p from Art from the heart it's called 'sweetie' they have lots at this price. I added some stamped images of my own with TH distress ink, spun sugar to.

Here's a close up of the perfume bottle. I shrunk it so I could make a accent with it. It's coloured and then some Glossy accents to give it a glass feel don't think you can see it to well on this photo though.

I made this quick tag for a challenge with Tag Tuesday I haven't played in ages and it was nice to go back. The theme this week is 'Post Card' the options are endless for this, but I settled for this. Have a fabby week end. Love Dawn xx

Compendium of Curiosities #31

Hello, You don't often see me on a Saturday, however, I really wanted to join a couple of challenges one is with a new group I have joined it's called Bella Creations There are many groups within BC you can join but I just had to join the group called Ooh La La And the image used here is the one we were asked to use So I have printed it on to sticky canvass. I am also entering Linda's Rusty Enamel challenge from Tim Holtz CC book Page 49 this week.

Here is a close up of the image and you can quite clearly see the enamel work too! There was some little pieces of sticky canvass left. Although not big enough for an image I used it for the Paris stamp so add as an embellishment. Well nice to be here on a Saturday for a change. see you soon. Love Dawn xx

Compendium of Curiosities Challenge #29

Hello hello. Is it cold here in the NW of the UK? Yes it is! oh such a chilly today my hands were turning blue and I had leather gloves on, saying that the skies are blue and clear so I don't mind as much =) Although parts of America woke up to 10 feet of snow yesterday. So Shouldn't complain I guess. There is always some one worse off than your self isn't there?

I have been making a card for a swap I am doing (the swap isn't the card though) it's some thing else and I  have sent it on it's merry way. Having a wonderful day so far, Been up very early and also been to the Chorley/Preston Temple. Oh how I love the peace and tranquillity found there.

This card is also for Linda's challenge CCC# 29 found on page 50 so do look to your Tim book and have a go. I kinda like the effect of this, maybe I would use card stock next time as the emboss wasn't very deep on grunge and so I found the sanding part difficult (or was that just me?). But I really do like the effect. I have been trying to leave comments but not been able to for two days, what's all that about? Well I managed to leave one last night and again this morning so I assume blogger is working again. So I will pop by and make a few comments come Monday as I have just got home with my darling little grandson James so we shall be playing out this weekend (please no rain) and I'll hopefully be back Monday to play some more. Have a wonderful week end what ever you decide to do be safe and have fun. Love Dawn xx

GSC visiting Artist. Nov 3

Where is November going? is time just racing away or is it just me? I hope you have all had a fun week end or if your like me just happy to get a bit done so you can get to the crafting table ha ha. My mojo kinda of disappeared I couldn't think of anything to do for the GSCs project 'Stitching' Any way I was doing the ol' charity clear out and there was some things I just couldn't give away! Well a denim skirt, silk top and a crochet cardigan, well I can use the material in so many ways can't I? Don't worry I still had a sack of clothes and a bag of shoes/boots to give away. I really should stop eating my own baking so often  ;0) I have gone up a dress size and can NOT be bothered dieting (why worry) so great excuse to give away some stuff and buy new things too he he. So liberating.

I have sewn lots of yummy buttons on here some vintage some not so old, some scraps of material a denim pocket (see all coming in handy already). I used a canvass 5x5 I painted metallic gold then a wee bit of pink. Sorry you can't really see the gold detail on the photos (try clicking on them to enlarge)

I have had these butterfly's in my stash forever, and they are just perfect to go along with this don't you think? I won't insult your intelligence telling you how I made this I think it's pretty self explanatory. Why not pop round to Gingersnap Creations  and have a nosy at the other super designers and see what they have been up to. Love Dawn xx

SCD Tags & Circles

How much fun was last week? I saw some great entries. Now over at SCD  each month we have a theme like 'inchies' or 'moo cards' last month we did 'skinnies' but for all of July we are doing 'TAGS' then each week a member of the DT picks a theme and Gez chose 'Fantasy' last week, and wow did it set your imagination  on fire! I saw so many fantastic tags. I hope you can join in this week as Carol has chosen the theme of 'Circles' Now I know you can go daft with this one from dotty paper or something with actual Circles like wheels the only limit is your imagination. 

Here's my close up. This is a stamp by Elizabeth Bell. I love this as it can be used for lots of kinds of sentiments. I do like versatility lol. I used some stuff on this I can tell you lol Loving the cute girly theme I seem to be going through lol. Will have to alter some things soon. I have been getting loads of stuff to alter, but that's another story lol. I stamped and coloured the image with copics and then I cut her out using the good ol' nesties. Then aged with some TH distress inks. The back ground paper is scraps so don't know which brand it is (sorry) some spotty chip board and some plain chip  and more scap DP added with some sparkles. A felt flower and a TH Ticket  and that's about it! There aren't many rules with the SCD challenges but do go over and check them out along with the DT examples they are all super craft savy lol Thank you for all the lovely comments and hello to the new followers so nice of you to join the crafty journey. Love Dawn xx

Items Used:- Stamp, Elizabeth Bell by Bells  whistles. Brad and photo clip, Spotty die cut corner & Felt flower Making Memories. Chip board Swirl, Papermania. Silk rose & Gems stash. Jumbo eyelet SU.

WOJ GDT Tag

Hi, hope you have all had a wonderful week end. It was SO wet here but today it's muggy and warm again lol. I saw a post over at Katherina's blog they are making requests for FT and Guest Designers. So i thought I would apply for a GDT position. There are always 100s of applications but I would love two Months with WOJ. I have always loved their stamps and it's nice to use one for this tag. So wish me luck (although I won't hold my breath) lol as there is always very tight competition for these places. So I will also enter this for GSC Marker challenge, as they would like us to use markers in some way and I have used copics to colur my image.

I do have quite a few WOJ stamps but as the theme is 'Summer' I went for some oldies although the brides on swings would look super too! I wanted to make a tag and  think this fits lovely with a Summer theme.

Here is my close up. Isn't she gorgeous? I have coloured her with copic markers and given it a vintage feel by using DI round the edges of the tag and the Nesti scallop die cut. She rests on this die cut with sticky cushions to help lift her up. I have added this charm. I have added some vintage trim and some flowers to the corner of the tag. The blue flower is a chip board piece sanded and coloured with ink then dipped in glass glitter. I hope you like this tag. I really enjoyed going all girly and feminine ;0) Love Dawn xx

Items Used:- Stamps WOJ. Design Papers (DPs) My Minds Eye. Charm, stash. Colored with Copics. Tim Holts Distress inks (DI) Jumbo eyelet Stampin Up (SU) Flowers, Hobby Craft & Orchard crafts. Glass Glitter Altered Element. Vintage trim stash.

Steam Punk!

Hello, how are you enjoying the week end? Sunny again I love it, can you believe though they are applying for an emergency water shortage, I mean floods in Dec, and how many feet of snow in Jan. Feb. and we will shortly have a hose pipe ban as the water is below 40% in the UK, really shouldn't they have more storage? okey doke whinge over but I am sure many in the UK get very fed up of these enforced water supplies when A. we are an Island and B. we get charged so much for the water we use and they get big fat bonuses of millions and we can't turn the tap on! Spain and other hot countries seem to manage we have a few dry weeks and I said whinge over didn't I sorry on to the art!

I am loving playing with the steam punk bit's 'n' bob's I have. This is an ATC with a lovely little technique  from Tim Holtz book of Curiosity's over at Linda's each Monday we are going to play with a technique of Tim's for I think it's 35 weeks  this is week 2 Fragment Basics and on page 62. you can click on the banner in my side bar to join in the fun or on here. I am also going to enter this for Hel's Sunday Stamper challenge, this week she would like to see metal. (Eyelet, watch faces and corners) I would like to tell you how this was done (I'll leave out the Tim bit as we have agreed. Although I am sure we all have the book right?) any way I used some DI with the TH spongy thing (love this tool I have four now) you may recognise the image on the fragment? It's off the wrapping for the Artsy stamps ha ha I have used alcohol inks to colour it in and then you know the rest I am sure.

Next is some Steam Punk jewellery (can you see the lace they are on? this was a beautiful gift from another friend called Lynn I know a few Lynn's Hope you got the thank you card xx) I have used some plain metal pendants and some yummy images (reduced SO small) I have coloured the metal with alcohol inks.  Then added somal watch parts layer of UV gel then more bits and then more gel it gives a better layered look. The top one is a vintage magnet for the fridge ( I keep being told I really must get an esty shop, do you think people would buy my stuff? I'm not so sure lol) and the other is a pendant but I don't know if I will use it as such yet, I may put it on to another piece.

You can see better here some watch parts and some glass beads finish them off I have also used my UV gel to give them that glass clear like finish as well. I am also going to enter these in to Small world of inchies who are asking for steam punk and Hels SS can I post twice? Any way what do you think of steam punk? I quite like it I have to make up a story for the jewellery pieces yet as steam punk is all about industrial revolution, Victorian and fantasy story's to make the pieces more interesting (like the antique road show if you know what I mean). So these are my goodies. I hope you like them, why not give steam punk ago, it really isn't that scary honest. Love Dawn xx

Items Used:- Stamps Artistic Stamper & Paper Artsy. Tim Holtz Distress Inks (DI)s & Alcohol inks Ranger. Pendants, metal corners, beads and watch parts, Altered Element. Watch faces stash.

Shabby Chic

Well after making one card yesterday I got in the mood and made this. I love the shabby chic style too. What's a girl to do when she like so many different things? Well simple, buy more stash ha ha.  Any who I thought I would play with The Shabby Tea Room well couldn't have a more fitting card could I? lol they are wanting 'Heart' this week! and while I am at it, I thought I would play with Tuesday Taggers they would like 'Texture' and I feel I have managed this criteria as well They are also being sponsored by Tanda Stamps and I popped by to have a look and gosh they have some grat stamps too (fingers crossed). And why not play with Sir Stampalot for a 2nd time this month, and they want 'Punches' in the month of June (not literal fisty cuffs I hasten to add lol).

Want a better look? here's a close up! I covered some plain chip board with CS and DP and then inked them up and added some gems & pearls don't you just adore the ribbon? Oh heaven for Esty buys, but it cost more in postage than it did for the ribbon! so a real luxury but it was very worth it I hope you think so too!

Mmmm so how did I make it? well it took a while but I think it was worth it. I love the feel of this card (no idea who it's for though ha ha ) these days I tend only to make a card when I need one as I have 100s (I do not exaggerate) and I still haven't got round to doing a craft fair yet! And I would just hate to give them away at £1 each as you don't seem to get alot these days for this kind of stuff and I would rather keep them. Any way I cot some CS then added some DPs then some more CS stamped it with a lovely script stamp (delish) The I got the sewing machine out and added the vintage lace. Then i got the cuttle Bug out and made a frame and dry embossed it. phew! I told you it took a while to make lol

Well I then stuck it all together and took some photos in the most beautiful sunshine, it's so sunny I hope you can see the cards detail ok. I hope your having  safe fun in the sun, and you enjoyed my card, don't forget to pop around to the DTs they do work hard to give inspiration in these challenges don't they? and if you can leave a comment and I can hopefully get round to your blog too! Love Dawn xx

Items Used:- Stamp, Stampin Up (SU) french script. Design Papers (DPs) Mellisa Frances & Crafty Individuals. Card stock SU Ribbon http://www.etsy.com/shop/MemrieMare if you would like to have a looksey. Cuttlebug EF & Die cut, Nesties. Punch, Marther Stewart.