A little relaxation

I have started another little in between alteration.
It is nice to be working on a project, but if you need a no pressure time filler to just go to when you have a bit of time to play but not enough time to work the main project.
  



                This is mine.


 

 My sister gave me a Dream catcher, but it was green. I wasn't too sure about the colour, so I decided to change it. A little bit of Staz-On and the transformation begins. Once the suede is dry I will re colour all of the feather tips.The finished alteration will be done for our next crafty gathering.

A part of me wants to change it totally but another part of me says not to..... Lets see next week.
















      

WOYWW 246

Before I go onto my desk can I just take a moment to say "SORRY" to the ladies who left comments on my last WOYWW post. Things changed for me almost overnight and I was unable to reply so please forgive me, it is not what I would normally do.
I am really happy to be re joining WOYWW 246 I think it has to be the best ever idea to share your crafting journey, and thank you to  Julia Dunnit at Stamping ground for creating such a happy creative place for us all to play.

Now to my desk..

My desk today has quite a lot of cross over goodies. I have been busy for the past week or so altering things. My new project is going to be using some of what I have already used but with a few additions, wax distressing and grunge paper being 2 of the additions.
My son is 30 in March and I want to make him a keepsake boxed album. It will be all hand made even the vintage pen nibs will be hand made. I am so looking forward to this project.
My 3 previous posts show what I have been up to this last week . no links but  feel free to look.

After almost no crafting over the last year to throwing myself into it full on. I  must say I am loving every moment of it.
I know this is only a short post but I am sure you will all understand, as you like me, will have many desks to visit. The next few hours are going to be so much fun for me looking at all of your lovely desks. I am going to do my best to visit you all............

Sewing Tin

One finished sewing tin. 

 I embossed a sheet of sticky back metal, In error I did it the wrong way round and ended up with a de-bossed sheet.

Rather than starting again I used the sticky side.

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          Covering it with Artist Spackle, and scraping it off, leaving a very small amount on.

Once dry I turned it over and covered the back filling any de-bossed parts. From previous experience this is a must.  It prevents the embossed image getting pressed back to being flat through general handling.

I then covered the tin with the A/Spackle, levelling the top because it had the Quic kuts logo embossed onto it making it uneven.

I left the sides, back and front very uneven, giving a rough texture. When it was dry I painted all four sides black. Once the paint dried I roughly painted over them using an Adirondack silver dauber. This highlighting the texture.

Although I ended up using the sticky side of the metal, the A/Spackle gave a matt surface to paint onto.
Using a black Adirondack dauber I roughly painted the surface, wiping away the excess before it had time to dry. This gives the old weathered look. Allowing everything to dry is what took the most time. I glued the metal cover onto the tin, again having to let it dry before adding the grosgrain ribbon around the cover to stop any sharp bits catching fingers later. I rubbed over the ribbon with the silver dauber, again to high light the texture. I attached some cogs, in keeping with the embossed image.

And Hey Presto

My new old tin.

I am entering this into the  

       Artful Times Blog Challenge 

follow the Link    http://artfultimes.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/challenge-49-boxing-clever.html

 

 

 

Altered alarm clock

I thought I would make a start on my long list of to do projects.
So this is one ticked off my list.

 

 

I used foil car repair tape, I put it through the Big Shot in an embossing folder. ( Not sure of the name but it is the metal effect folder from The Tim Holtz alterations range.) I used Ranger Silver Mixatives to tone down the foil. Then lightly brushed over the foil with Staz-on.

I cut various cog dies to imitate the clock workings in both black and silver.

Thankfully the clock face fit perfectly in the Creative Expressions time embossing folder so I turned the original one over and embossed it. Using a mix of Distress ink (black) and silver Mixative I coloured the face. Adding the cogs to decorate it.

Putting it all back together proved to be the hard part as my once working clock is no more. It may take me a little longer to find out what I have done to stop it working.

Saying that for now I don't mind it just for decoration. If I set the hands at 9.00 it will never be too early or to late to craft...  A win win for me.....

 

Sewing tin started

I have just started my sewing tin. I have a glut of old tins, not really knowing for what or why I have hoarded them. So while I am in craft mode I thought I would see where this one took me. It was my old Quic kutz rocker block tin. Not any more, It is now going to be the storage tin for my craft needles and threads.
I will post the finished tin in day or two, but for now you can get the idea of what it will be like.

I will add my work list when I finish the tin.

Hello blog

 

 

 

 

 I have been through a very tough time the past few years. I doubted I would be able to find the inspiration to blog again, but here I am back on the road to a better place, I have missed crafting so much but couldn't focus on it.
So no more excuses I need to craft as my way of expressing my inner self again. I know it will be like starting all over again, but in time I know it will be back on track.
I have still been following The Craft Stamper mag each month, and was so taken with one of the alteration projects. I have done one myself.
As much as we crafters like to share ideas I do try not to copy. This time I had to use some of the ideas but tried to make it my own rather than a copy. I hope you like it as much as I do.

Tags

I have started to play again, and realise just how much I have missed crafting.
No planed project just play time... 

I have used the Tim Holtz tag bookplate die various embossing folders and distress inks.

 On the cogs tag I have used an odd piece of dulled silver card stock, after embossing it I sanded it then rubbed it with black ink, I also used googly eyes painted with silver alcohol ink, giving the look of rivets. I need to finish them but have no washers left. I will have to see what I can find. I am not even sure what I will do with them yet, but that's what I like about play time. One day I will need something different and will already have it to hand.

Stress free crafting...I love it.

 

I have a real love for Steampunk, and bought some really cool stamps and thing to play with.

I think these folders are going to work really well with what I have in mind.

Playing nice

I have just received my latest addition of stamps and am so happy.. I bought 4 sets of Andy Skinner stamps for £15 This lady is selling them for just £3.75 each. Maybe worth a look if you like his stamps. I would be quick as at this price she may well sell out fast..
They are listed as Artstamps clear rubber stamps on this sellers  Ebay Shop with free P&P
I have bought from her before and would recommend her as a safe place to buy from.








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Back in the land of craft...

As a couple of my friends know I have had  health problems and many emotional problems.
The past 2 years have probably been the worst 2 years of my life.After a move to Scotland earlier in year, i feel well enough to start again.
My wonderful sister and her just as wonderful hubby opened their home to me and my cat. My sister played a huge part in my getting settled again and even helped me get a job. Only a part time job for now, but as i get stronger i can take on more hours.
 I doubt i will ever be able to repay them for the kindness they have shown. Words seem so small after such a huge kindness.
They know i love them very much and will always be grateful.

I have been working hard to rebuild my craft area and am almost ready to craft again. I have made a couple of last min cards, and tomorrow i am making 5 bedroom door signs for family members. Maybe that will keep me out of trouble. Then again maybe not.

I would like to apologise for the lack of response to all of the comments left on my last post,WOYWW but things happened very quickly and i had little/no time to respond. I will rejoin the groups as soon as i can, and am looking forward to it.


I now live in a beautiful little fishing village. I wake to the sound of the sea every morning and the views are breathtaking........As often as i can i walk the 3 mile round trip along the sea front to the local shops and back..Who could want for more.
 My cat Polly is so at home she has already taken the best seat in the house., and she is not giving it up for anyone.
So new start and a new life ...................lets get ready to craft again.

WOYWW 193 To name a few

                      .

A month or so  ago i was invited to look into this wonderful place. You too should come and play.
If you follow the link it will take you a place called.....Stamping Ground WOYWW 193 hosted by Julia Dunitt. Have you seen the 2 ladies in the Aunt Bessie ads? Well none of that here, no need for mac's with turned up collars no need for dark glasses and disguises. You can snoop as much as you like without the worries of being caught out. You see we are all doing it and it's so much fun sharing thought and ideas.

Recently i was Inspired to play with paint's byHelen. Last week I was Inspired by,The Male Crafter Mark's Doodles are just so amazing. When you get a moment go and have a look. There ability to create such an amazing piece of art. I have been lucky to meet 2 amazing people Firstly Anne She really is the kindest person, with a Patience of a saint. without her help this blog would not be. She has encouraged me have a go, and inspired me to try new things. Then i met Carol She too has inspired me to try new things. Both have become friends, and are very special people.As with Helen and Mark you should take time to look at what they create, they are awesome. Thank you both from the bottom of my heart....xx
As many of you have commented on my nice tidy desk, I thought it was time for a change..........Deep breath......

 

 

I had to show this mess because it has to be seen. Ann came to play for a few days and this is the result.

Way too many things to mention separately, but i have included some pis of the finished results..

Ann made this tissue box cover.

 

Then we just played a lot






Tags

      

 Wax paintings

 
 Wax painting

 

 Distressing and melting. A fun time was had by all. So many more pics to show but i will post them on a new page.                   Inspired by you is a book of people who have inspired Ann and i to try new things. I will add a show and tell link later this week.x