Carry On Crafting

Caught in Crystal

2012-01-12T10:00:00.002Z

Hi everyone and a warm welcome to my new followers!

I've been promising to do a post on the Caught in Crystal technique for ages now, so here it is.

So, the ingredients you'll need are:

* 3 different alcohol inks - I've used Ginger, Lettuce and Cranberry
* A4 sheet of heatproof acetate
* Glossy accents - you could also use Crystal Laquer or Crystal Effects
* Perfect Pearls or similar - I've used Sunflower Sparkle and Mandarin
* A4 sheet of white tissue paper
* Kitchen roll
* Brush for the perfect pearls
* Craft sheet

Using the glossy accents, draw a random pattern all over the acetate, leaving about 1/2" around the edges. The effect you are going for is similar to stained glass, so leave varying sizes of clear space between your scribbles.

Starting with one of your alcohol inks, place a few drops randomly between the glossy accent scribbles.

Add your second alcohol ink.

And finally your third alcohol ink. Make sure all of your spaces are now filled with colour.

Next, using the paintbrush pick up your first colour of perfect pearls and drop randomly over the sheet.

Then add your second perfect pearls colour.

Scrunch up the tissue paper.

Open it up and place on the acetate, over the inks and perfect pearls.

Take the kitchen roll and dab the tissue paper down onto the acetate, making sure the whole area has been covered.

Close up of the reverse.

Close ups of the right (shiny) side.

Leave your piece to dry overnight, then trim the excess tissue paper and use as you wish on your projects.

Here is my finished project ...

I stamped the image of the toadstools onto the cream card, then stamped again onto the right side of my caught in crystal sheet using black Stazon. I then cut out the tops of the toadstools and the leaves, and glued them on top of the stamped image, then coloured the rest of the image using Promarkers. The result is a lovely, stained glass effect, with the added lustre of the perfect pearls which really show through the acetate.

You can have a play around and see which colour combinations work for you, the colours can be bright, seasonal or muted, the choice is yours. I ended up making a further 6 sheets, as once you have everything out it's easier just to keep going!

Here are the other sheets ...

I hope you have a go with this technique, it is very addictive so be warned! Let me know what you have made, won't you?

This is my first 'technique' post, so I would welcome any suggestions, tips etc. so that I can improve and learn. Also, let me know if there is a particular technique you would like to see here in the future. Thanks for stopping by, I really appreciate it!

Until next time, take care and Carry On Crafting!

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Liebster Blog Award

2012-01-07T16:48:00.000Z

I am thrilled to have been awarded the Liebster Blog award just before Christmas by Lindsay at CraftyMonster81.

The idea of the Liebster Blog Award is to spread the love from one small blog (under 200 followers) to other small blogs. This helps to spread knowledge and readership.

"Liebster" in German means "dearest", so as part of the Liebster award tradition, I am going to pass this award to 5 blogs that I value, and that have both inspired and motivated me.

To accept the award, you must:

1) Link back to the person who gave it and thank them for thinking of you.
2) Post the award to your blog.
3) Give the award to 5 bloggers (with less than 200 followers) that you appreciate and value.
4) Leave a comment on the blogs of the five people you have chosen to let them know.

So, firstly I would like to thank Lindsay for giving me the award, it really means a lot to me! Please pop over to see Lindsay's fabulous creations here: craftymonster81.blogspot.com

And here are the 5 blogs that I have chosen for the award:

Carol at Domestic Goddess Crafts. Carol has been a really good online friend to me. We met on Twitter, and now often have a lovely blether on Facebook! I'm hoping that 2012 is the year that we finally get to meet in person. Carol is always first there with a listening ear, and is a really kind friend.

Dede at Inkwell Studios. All I can say is if you've not been over to Dede's blog, pay her a visit RIGHT NOW! Dede's outstanding work blows me away, and she has recently been recognised for her fabulous and original artwork by no less than Tim Holtz for her interpretation of his 12 tags of Christmas 2011! Dede, you are one amazing artist.

Paula at Paula's Corner. Paula is a fellow Glitter Geeks DT member. Her creations are really beautiful and very inspiring, so go and take a look at her wonderful blog!

Daisy at Little Crazy Daisy Designs. Another fellow Glitter Geeks DT member, Daisy is like a breath of fresh air, and she is also incredibly talented. I think we could all draw some inspiration from her bubbly personality which continues to shine through even when she is not feeling great as she suffers with ME. Daisy also has the cutest little dog, Miss Scarlett :).

Rosalie at Tearoses Musings. This lady is beautiful and kind, and highly thought of among our Twitter family. Her blog posts are always brilliantly written. They will make you laugh, move you to tears, and resonate with your own life!

Until next time, take care and Carry On Crafting!

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Let it snow ...

2011-12-09T11:57:00.000Z

Hi there, and a very warm welcome to my new followers!

Just a quick post to let you know that the challenge over at Glitter Geeks this week is "Let it snow", and the prize is a wonderful Double Sprinkles of Craft CD from one of our fabulous sponsors, Polkadoodles.

I'm sure that you will have made a Christmas card that will fit the bill for the challenge, so why not pop over and join us?

This is my DT card for the challenge using items from Polka Doodles Christmas Boutique.

Until next time, take care and Carry On Crafting!

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Guest blog challenge and DT creations

2011-11-14T13:59:00.000Z

Hi there, hope you are all keeping well and managing to stave off the cold and flu bugs that are around at the moment?

As you may know, I'm on the DT for Glitter Geeks, and we have been asked to guest on the Bugaboo Stamps blog, so I thought I would share with you the card I made for their Pocket Challenge. Pop over to their blog, and have a go yourself!

I've covered the base with papers from the Couture collection from s.e.i. I've then die cut a 'pocket' from the new Stampin' Up! two tags die, which is great for popping in a hidden message, or money if you're feeling generous! The butterflies are also from Stampin' Up! using an embosslit die called Beautiful Wings. A little piece of ribbon and a couple of gems have been added for the finishing touch!

Also, here are my latest cards for the Glitter Geeks DT. We have a weekly challenge each Friday, with some fab sponsors and prizes, so why not join us?

Humorous ...

Snuggle Up ...

Ghost & Ghouls, Spiders & Spooks ...

Recipe ...

Two of something ...

Flower Power ...

Shabby Chic ...

Little Monster ...

In the garden ...

Relax ...

Around the World ...

Sketch challenge ...

Until next time, take care and Carry On Crafting!

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In NEC Heaven

2011-11-06T15:56:00.000Z

Hello there, and a very warm welcome to my new followers!

This year, my lovely crafty pal Shelle and I decided to go to one of the hottest gigs in the crafter's calendar, the Hobbycrafts show at the NEC. We met up with some lovely ladies from Twitter too, and they were just as nice in real life! We're already making plans to go again next year and maybe all stay in the same hotel. Birmingham, you have been warned!!

Anyhow, I thought I would share some pics of my purchases with you, so here goes ...

And now to play :))!

Until next time, take care and Carry On Crafting!

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Blog candy reminder!

2011-10-15T13:54:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone, hope you're having a great weekend.

Just a reminder to pop over to my Stampin' Up! blog and check out my blog candy giveaway! The blog link is here: Bees Knees Crafty Creations.

Until next time, take care and Carry On Crafting!

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A brand new start

2011-10-11T18:30:00.002+01:00

Well, there has been a big change in my life since I last blogged. To cut a long story short, there was a restructure at work, and I opted to take voluntary redundancy and concentrate instead on being a full time Stampin' Up! demonstrator. It was quite a hard decision on one hand, as I have been working in Human Resources for 30 years, and it's what I know. However, I really feel that this is an opportunity to do something that I love, and to share this with others via demonstrations and workshops throughout Dumfries & Galloway. I will also be helping my husband Sandy, to care for my Mum who has Alzheimer's.

To celebrate my new venture, I will be giving away some fabulous blog candy, over on my Stampin' Up! blog, Bees Knees Crafty Creations very soon. All you need to do is become a follower of that blog, and leave me a comment between Saturday, 15th October and Friday, 21st October. It's that easy! While you're visiting my SU blog, please check out the brand new Idea Book and Catalogue, and if you want to order any craft supplies, then please let me know.

I also wanted to create a proper craft area at home (any excuse, lol), and so over the past three weeks I have been busy designing the layout then organising everything into place. The storage is Expedit from Ikea, with Bygel rails and containers for my markers, paintbrushes etc., and S hooks for some of my ever-growing collection of stamps and Spellbinders :). I'm really pleased with the result, and glad to be able to get back to crafting now!

Until next time, take care and Carry On Crafting!

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Long time, no blog!

2011-08-14T18:19:00.000+01:00

Well, let me start by apologising for not blogging for a long time. To be honest, I hadn't realised just quite how long it had been! I have no idea where the time has gone recently, but I am hopefully back on track now and will blog more often - I promise!

So, where to start. I think I will begin with a collage of photos from our trip to Manchester's MEN to see Glee Live ...

We had such a great time, however you might know that there is a story to tell! We met two young ladies that were also going to the show, and were all told to head the same way out of the train station to find our hotels. The girls were staying at a Travelodge, and the first one we came across was being rebuilt by the look of it - you should have seen the look on their faces! Eventually, we went our separate ways, but kept bumping into each other as no-one we asked seemed to know where our hotels were! Our feet were absolutely throbbing and we ended up hailing a taxi. We were about 1/2 a minute away from the hotel - wouldn't you know it! After a lovely meal and a bit of a relax, we set off for the show. As soon as the Glee cast came on the stage, everyone in the arena stood up, and we didn't sit down again for the rest of the evening! It was electric, and really good fun. The highlight of the evening was Kurt's rendition of Beyonce's Single Ladies (centre pic) - brilliant!!

Next up, I wanted to share with you some of the DT cards that I have been making over the last few weeks for our Glitter Geeks weekly challenge. A new challenge is set each Friday morning, and everyone is very welcome to join in. We have some fabulous sponsors for our prizes, so it is well worth having a go. Come on, what are you waiting for?!! All of my DT cards are going to my fellow DT member Josie for her to sell for various charities. Please pop along to her blog if you have any spare cards that you could donate, too.

Finally, we went glamping in Luss, Loch Lomond, for our mini summer holiday. The first time with our Border Collie, Oscar. We were lucky enough to be right on the water's edge, and had probably the best few days of the year, weather wise. Oscar had a fantastic time splashing about in the Loch and trying to catch minnows. Good times! Here are a couple of my favourite photos ...

Until next time, take care and Carry On Crafting!

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New beginnings, celebrations, and a worthwhile cause

2011-05-24T11:30:00.001+01:00

Hi folks, and a very warm welcome to my new followers!

I've been busy over the last few days creating cards for several different occasions, including a Wedding Anniversary (Lee & Shelley), a new baby girl (Chris & Lori), a Wedding (Mic & Laura) and a birthday (Liz - my lifelong friend).

For Lee & Shelley's card, I have used items from Craftwork Cards, a Spellbinders die, and House Mouse 'Smelling the Rose' stamp coloured with Promarkers.

For Chris & Lori's new daughter, I used SJ's Little Musing's Lailah stamp coloured with Promarkers, and die cut using Spellbinders, with paper from My Mind's Eye La Paperie, and decorated with a handmade flower, Tim Holtz 'Hope' Adage Ticket, and basic pearls from Stampin' Up!.

For Mic & Laura's Wedding card I've used 'On Your Special Day' from the Frou Frou Girls Collection by Kanban, a greeting from Craftwork Cards, and seam binding from Wild Orchid Crafts.

And lastly, for Liz's birthday card, the bird stamp is from Crafty Individuals and stamped with Crumb Cake ink from Stampin' Up! I've also used a Four Frames stamp, Decorative Label Punch, Crumb Cake and Cajun Craze cardstock all from Stampin' Up!, and daisy lace trim from Ribbonbox, handmade mulberry paper roses from Wild Orchid Crafts, and paper from Prima's Reflections collection.

I've also completed a card in preparation for the blog challenge that I have set for the Glittergeeks, but you'll have to wait to see that one! I am very proud to have been asked to join the design team and we have some very exciting challenges coming up, so I hope you will join in the fun! You can find the Glittergeeks blog here.

On a final note, I wanted to draw your attention to this important petition that I recently signed: " Campaign For Fairer Medical Assessments & Understanding of Lupus Sufferers and Associated Connective Tissue Disorder". If you would like to sign too, please follow the link here. I really think this is an important cause, and I'd like to encourage you to add your signature, too. It's free and takes just a few seconds of your time. Thank you.

Hope you all have a fantastic week!

Until next time, take care and Carry On Crafting!

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My First Blog Award!

2011-05-17T10:30:00.007+01:00

Whoo hoo, I've been awarded my first Blog Award!! How cool is that?

The very talented Stephanie-Emma has awarded it to me - check out her fantastic blog here. Thank you Stephanie-Emma!

So, I now need to mention the person who gave me the award (see above), tell you 7 things about myself, give the award to 7 other bloggers, and let them know they have the award.

Here goes ...

1. I really fancy having a go at rally driving.

2. I've always wanted to be a truck driver.

3. I love, and I mean LOVE Rod Stewart. I've been a fan since I was 10. My hubby knows that if I ever got the chance I would leave him for Rod. Now, you and I know that's never going to happen, but a girl can dream, right? Anyway, I don't think Penny would be very happy, would she?! And in any case, I'm not blonde. When I gained my Postgraduate Diploma in HR Management at the grand old age of 40 (I was a late starter), Sandy took me to Glastonbury, and Rod the God was playing on the Sunday night! We stood for six and a half hours right at the front of the Pyramid Stage with our Scottish flags blowing proudly atop of 10 foot high tent poles. We watched Isaac Hayes (RIP - what a legend), then Roger Waters (another legend). Then just before Rod was due on, I had a panic attack! I think it was the excitement, plus the massive crowd behind us. Never had one before, and I don't want one again, thanks. All I could think of was asking one of the bouncers to lift me up and over the barrier! Sandy told me to pull myself together, saying, 'I've not stood here for all this time for you not to see Rod Stewart, now get a grip'! I then had a huge argument with someone who dared to stand in front of me! She was about six foot and I tore her off a strip, I can tell you. Something loosely along the lines of, 'I've been waiting for this moment all my life so kindly remove yourself from my view'. She later came back and apologised and we had a laugh about it! And we were on the telly!! A very special night and one I'll remember all my life. Rod was on top form as usual, and the guys were kept entertained by the scantily-clad backing singers ;). I've seen him twice since, and he's such a great showman. Love you Rodders, *mwah*!

Hope I've not bored you to death yet!

4. My favourite song of all time is Maggie May. Obviously.

5. I once abseiled 168 feet down the Eagle Tower in Cheltenham for the brilliant Starlight Children's Foundation. I have the photos to prove it.

6. I'm going with my two daughters to see Glee in Manchester in June and we cannot wait! Mr Schue, look out!

7. I have made some wonderfully funny, creative, kind and caring friends through Blogger and Twitter. Thank you all for your friendship :).

I give this blogger award to the following amazing people:

1) Sarah: http://thehandmadecardblog.wordpress.com/. Sarah also crafts most nights in her workshop at the top of her garden and can be found on Ustream (3dogsand2kids).

2) Sunshine Cazz: http://www.obws.webs.com

3) Kirsty: http://limegreenbogiegirl.blogspot.com

4) Hazel: http://didosdesigns.blogspot.com/

5) Lyn: http://lynstone-illustrator.blogspot.com/

6) Kim: http://craftymakes.blogspot.com/

7) Dee: http://fauxpainter-anartistsramblings.blogspot.com/

Have a great week and enjoy browsing the blogs above :).

Until next time, take care and Carry On Crafting!

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A very productive weekend

2011-05-16T10:30:00.001+01:00

Hello everyone,

Happy Monday to you all and I hope you have had a lovely weekend!

Who watched Eurovision then? Unfortunately I had a bit of an accident! We took Beth, our youngest, to her boyfriend's house and on the way home we were listening along on Radio 2 and Jedward came on just as we were pulling up into the drive. Well, in my haste to get upstairs (we have an upside down house) to watch it on TV, I tripped up the stairs, on the bit that goes around the corner, and went headlong into the wall!! I don't think my hubby will ever let me forget it ... I blame Jedward of course! No lasting damage, I'm glad to report, only a skinned knuckle, a sore head, sore ribs and a big dent to my pride :). Hubby says as long as the wall's alright then that's OK - what a cheek!

Well, I don't know whether it was the bang to the head, but I have been very productive this weekend and wanted to share with you my crafty makes, so here they are ...

First up, a Christening card for my eldest daughter's friend's daughter (that was a bit of a mouthful!!). This was made using a lovely stamp from Lili of the Valley.

Next, a sample from the box of the cards that I'm getting ready to send to Sunshine Cazz for Operation Blue Witch Squadron. For those of you who don't know, Cazz collects hand-made cards to send off to RAF personnel serving abroad. Please have a look at her blog and see if you can help this very worthwhile cause at http://obws.webs.com/. The products used on these cards come from Stampin' Up!; Craftwork Cards; and House Mouse.

And lastly for today, a little covered notebook, using one of my new stamps from Waltzing Mouse Stamps. I am in love with these stamps so expect to see more of them!!

Until next time, take care and Carry On Crafting!

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My Dad

2011-04-26T16:29:00.001+01:00

Hello everyone!

I hope you have all had the chance to get out and enjoy this lovely sunshine we've been having?

Well, I don't have anything crafty to share with you today, but instead I'm dedicating this post to my wonderful Dad who celebrates his 93rd birthday today.

Dad is one of the most inspirational people I have had the pleasure of knowing in my life. He is kind and generous, and such an interesting character. He is one of those people that has you captivated by his breadth of knowledge, and he is still very keen to learn new things. Dad can speak loads of different languages, including Swahili!

When he was taken to hospital last year, I rang to ask how he was. His reply? Oh, I'm OK, I think I overdid it at the 'gig'!!! I should explain that Dad is still an active member of Bandemonium, a World Music orchestra. Give him any musical instrument and he'll master it within minutes.

I remember my childhood with great fondness. As Dad was a teacher, my brother Paul and I were lucky enough to spend several weeks a year with him and my Stepmum Brenda and Stepbrother Mick, in Cambridgeshire. We would go for long walks on the Fens and he would know all the names of the birds, animals, plants and trees along the way. It was Dad who fuelled my passion for crafting, and we spent many an hour drawing, and making pottery and corn dollies. Dad used to make straw marquetry pictures and travelled all over giving talks on the subject to local groups. He's even drafted a book on the subject! He and Brenda also taught Scottish dancing, and he also spent some time as a Morris dancer :).

This is only a very small glimpse into his life and I could write a book about all of his achievements. So, instead I will just say, Dad - you're the greatest! I love you lots and will see you very soon. xxxxxxxxx times 10 plus 3.

Until next time, take care and Carry On Crafting!

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What a beautiful day ...

2011-04-10T20:25:00.000+01:00

I don't know about you, but I am loving this beautiful sunshine! As I am a natural redhead with fair skin, I am enjoying it from a distance, i.e. I am in the house. Yesterday, Sandy and I started on the garden. We achieved quite a lot in a fairly short space of time, but we are both suffering today from aches and pains - good grief, I think we are getting old, haha! We decided to invest in a Karcher last summer, and it really has been a godsend. The trouble is that we get carried away and end up cleaning everything in sight!

So, whilst I have been inside, I decided to complete an easel card using Clarity's Scotland stamps. I have edged the stag with a gold leaf pen, which I thought complemented the detail gold embossing powder used for the Scotland Framer stamp. There is definitely a knack to using these stamps to their best advantage, but I hope you like my first attempt!

Well, time for me to go and create some more. I hope you have a fabulous week whatever you are up to, and hope to see you again soon ;).

Until next time, take care and Carry On Crafting!

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Happy Mother's Day

2011-04-03T13:53:00.003+01:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the lovely Mums out there! I hope you are all having a fantastic day and are being spoilt rotten. My two girlies are still in bed while I write, and it's the afternoon now, so I guess we'll be having a Mother's Day tea instead :).

I've just spent the last two hours watching the incredibly talented Barbara Gray on Create & Craft, and being inspired as always with her demonstrations, and also by the stunning samples from the Clarity Stamp DT including Emma Williams, Dee Paramour, Elaine, Paul Church, and Diane Whitehouse. I am going to attempt one myself later today, using the Scotland stamps, so wish me luck!

This is the card I made for my Mum, using a new stamp from SJ's Little Musings. It's from the Little Musing Angels collection and she's called Dina - isn't she cute?! You can buy them here. I've painted the dress with Perfect Pearls and the rest of the colouring has been done with Derwent Coloursoft pencils and Sansador. For the highlights on the wings and halo I've used Sakura Gelly Roll. The heart has been 'glossed' with Glossy Accents and I've added some gorgeous mulberry paper roses from Wild Orchid Crafts. I've also sprayed some seam binding with Cosmic Shimmer Mist as a finishing touch.

Until next time, take care and Carry On Crafting!

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Welcome to my 'other' blog!

2011-04-02T17:03:00.003+01:00

Hello and welcome to Carry on Crafting!

I love to craft and also love Carry On films, hence the obvious choice for my blog name! I make personalised greetings cards and wedding stationery, and other crafty things.

I am also an independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator in the Dumfries & Galloway/Cumbria area, and have another blog called Bees Knees Crafty Creations which is specifically for Stampin' Up! products and news. Please pop over and visit me by clicking here.

I am married to Sandy and we have two beautiful daughters, Kate and Beth. Kate is currently studying at Glasgow Uni and is coming to the end of her second year. Beth is in fifth year at school and is looking to leave soon and go to College. Not sure what she will study yet, but she always seems to come out smelling of roses! I am incredibly proud of both of them and love them to bits (and Sandy too, of course!).

My dear Mum also lives with us. Unfortunately she is in the early stages of Alzheimer's and dementia so life can be pretty traumatic at times. Sandy is her principal carer while I work full time as a Human Resources Advisor for a logistics company, 3 days in Carlisle and 2 days in Bellshill, Glasgow.

Last, but by no means least, we have a very lively border collie called Oscar, who is four.

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave a comment!

By the way, the stamp used above is by House Mouse 'Chocolate Heart' and coloured in with Promarkers and Tim Holtz Distress ink pads.

Happy Birthday and a TV appearance!

2011-03-13T22:48:00.001Z

Today has been a day for birthdays - my lovely (elder!) brother Paul, and my dearest friend Tina, who is as mad as a box of frogs!!

It is also the birthday of a truly inspirational, highly talented, and lovely lady called Barbara Gray, of Clarity Stamps. So, I thought I would make Barbara a birthday card using one of her beautiful stamps. Last weekend, I attended the Hobbycrafts Show at the SECC in Glasgow, where Barbara was in full swing demonstrating in her inimitable style. Barbara's stand is always the busiest at all of the craft shows and her down to earth, humorous style is very engaging.

I was lucky enough to be able to hand her my card personally. Well, imagine my delight when Barbara said that my card would appear on her next TV show!! DVD recorder at the ready, my card appeared for its' moment of fame, along with many more wonderful creations from Barbara's ever increasing fan base. There were also some stunning samples from the professionals, including Emma Williams, Dee Paramour and Paul Church. So, here is said card which was made using Stampin' Up! butterfly punch, cardstock, ribbons, and Designer Series paper; Clarity stamps; Tim Holtz embossing folder; Spellbinders Labels Five Die; metal; and Ranger Alcohol Inks.

Wishing Paul, Tina and Barbara a very Happy Birthday!