The Little Things

Hopefully you managed to catch the launch of these brand new 3D Embossing Folders on Hochanda from Crafters Companion. It's impossible for me to let you know just how amazing the detail is, it's one of those things that has to be seen to be believed. Here is a very simple card I made for the launch , they really speak for themselves, so any card or project you make will have wonderful depth and dimension. All you have to decide is how you want to show it off.

For this card, you will need a piece of Mirri card, cut to 6 1/2 x 4 1/2'' to allow an overlap for attaching later. It was embossed with the Regency Swirl 3D Folder. Then it was coloured with a selection of Adirondack Alcohol inks, I used Pool, Sunshine, Yellow, Sail Boat Blue, Denim and Stonewashed. They were applied using  a felt pad and applicator, rotating the tool as much as possible.

Taking an A4 sheet of Centura Pearl Ivory card, I scored it in half to create a Tent Fold base card. The I cut out a window/display frame using the wonderful die from Sue Wilson. 

Having stamped the sentiment from the coordinating stamps I cut a matt from some extra Mirri card that I had coloured using the same inks. I then added some colour to my sentiment using Antique Linen Distress Ink, making it deeper around the edges and layered both onto Centura Pearl Ivory Cardstock.

I cut a selection of leaves, some from Leonie's Mixed Media collection into the Mirri Card I had previously coloured. I also coloured some Mirri with Raspberry Alcohol ink and from this I cut some of Leonie's Mixed Media flowers. I then embossed the leaves using a Leaf Vein Texture Embossing Folder from Crafters Companion.

To finish the card I attached the Mirri Card behind my window with 3D Glue Gel. Then I added the sentiment, I lastly shaped the flowers and arranged them using the glue gel.

I am so happy you took the time to visit today, I hope you enjoyed the step by step and the card I have shared today. Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx

Time - Showing us what Matters

Hello, I've got something a little different to share with you this morning. Yesterday Kim from Paperbabe Stamps brought her Male Mixed Media, stamps and stencils to Hochanda. I bought them a little while ago, they really are fantastic. I never been able to draw a successful face so these have really been amazing to use and have allowed me to try something new. If you didn't see the shows, they will be available on 'Rewind' via the Hochanda website.

For this I used the 'Side Swept Bangs' template, the instructions are super easy to follow. I used Stick n Spray from Crafters Companion on the back of mine to hold it in place. Next I positioned the facial features, using the coordinating stamps. For the eye's I used Blueprint Sketch Distress ink.

Once completed, I used a 0.3 & 0.5 black Copic Multiliner pen to darken the lines before rubbing out all of the pencil markings.

I started building up the skin tone with my alcohol markers, blending to add shape to the face.

I continued to blend, darkening around the sides of the face and hairline. Below the shoulders, I faded to the lightest shade.

I took a warm golden base for the hair, my chosen hair colour was dark brown but I like to start with a lighter base, after adding the darker colours the tones does show to give a more realistic look.

Next I took my 2nd beige colour to start the blending. Working with the hairs natural movement, blending from the root and from the tips, leaving a bridge in the mid-lengths. 

I continued with a deep warm brown applying in the same way.

Lastly, I took my darkest brown to add even more depth and tone before blending with the warm brown I had used previously.

Then using copier paper, I made a mask to cover the whole image.

The colours I used for this background were Blueprint Sketch, Dusty Concorde and Chipped Sapphire. I wanted to blend areas while still keeping some white without it starting to look patchy.

I made a stencil from the clock die from the 'Time Traveller' collection by Sheena. I also used another from Clarity, stippling through with Blueprint Sketch and Chipped Sapphire.

With Memento Black ink, I stamped a sentiment stamp from Bee Crafty, using the 'Time' part on the left had side and the rest in the top right hand corner. I next took the Hourglass stamp from Sheena's Time Traveller collection and stamped using Blueprint Sketch Distress ink.

I finally removed the copier paper mask.

Many thanks for taking a look today, I do hope you have enjoyed this step by step and the finished piece. If you would like to do something similar, I would highly recommend the stencils and stamps from Paperbabe, they have really helped me to do something that I have always wanted to do. Hope you will join me again soon, Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

Clay Wallhanging

Here is another fun way of using the amazing 3D Embossing Folders from Crafters Companion. When I first used these folders I really was blown away at the detail, depth and dimension they gave. So much so that I was intrigued as to what else I could do with them, so here is one thing I came up with, using the Country Garden Folder.

I rolled out my air dry clay to approximately 6 mm (a little thicker than I required). To make sure it was even, I used chipboard either side as a measure. I placed the embossing folder over the clay and rolled again. Then using a pastry cutter, I cut the area I wanted.

Once thoroughly dry I added the colour, here I started with Cosmic Shimmer Shimmer Mists, I used Midnight Blue and Purple Violet.

I wanted a random blend of colour so I dabbed the colour in areas and then added the second colour slightly overlapping. Once dry there was no hard line.

To add a protective coat I used a couple of coats of Spray n Shine from Crafters Companion.

To finish I added a ribbon tag at the back for hanging, then I entirely covered the back with felt to protect the wall.

This could be made in any colour you choose. Also they could be made in a range of clays depending on what you would like to use it for. I have tried it with stoneware clay, so it makes a great coaster or even a hanging for the garden. The possibilities are really endless. Thank you for visiting today, I hope you liek what I have shared and hope to see you again soon. Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

Faux Parchment

I loved making this card, as soon as I saw the folder, I thought of Parchment and Lace. It's a superb design and the detail is so perfect throughout. I still can't believe what a stunning result these new 3D embossing folders from Crafters Companion give, here I have used Ornate Lace. You really have to see it in real life to appreciate their beauty.

Sadly I have lost the photos, I wanted to share with you to accompany my step by step so I will just have to explain as simply as possible. Please do get in touch if you want to ask anything about it.

Step 1: Take  a sheet of Sheena Stamping Card, larger than the folder, Ink the folder with Archival Cornflower Blue ink and run through the machine, this forms the inside of the design.

Step 2: Repeat step 1, making sure you have between 1/2 and 1'' extra card on each side. This will enable you to score, attach and secure to the backside of the inner card.

Step 3: Carefully trim around the main design, you might find it easier to rough cut through the lattice area to separate both sides first.

Step 4: Line up each side of the design, with the design inside the card, then score and secure at the back. When dry add a panel at the back to cover the workings.

Step 5: Stamp the 'Love', die cut and then edge with a Silver Pebeo 4Artist Marker.

Step 6: Cut out Sara's Butterfly from the Butterfly Lullaby Signature Collection.

Thank you for stopping by today to see what I have been sharing, Hope to see you again soon. I do hope you like the finished card. Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx

Water Garden

Here I have used the amazing new 3D Embossing Folders from Crafters Companion to create a card to suit any occasion. I've added bright bursts of colour with Brusho that suit the design.

I used watercolour card and a Tonic Die to create a deckled edge square measuring 4 1/4'', then embossed it using the  Country Garden 3D Embossing Folder. Then I selectively added the Brusho, suing Scarlet, Gamboge, Sea Green and Leaf Green before spritzing with water. The embossing is so deep that none of the detail was lost. I sealed my piece with a couple of layers of Spray n Shine.

To create the skylike background, I took a piece of Sheen Stamping card measuring 5 3/4'' square. I embossed with a Textures folder from Crafters Companion. I blended colour onto this using Blueprint Sketch, then Chipped Sapphire Distress Inks to darken the edges.

I stamped my sentiment and cut out using the same frame die, this time moving it after the first cut to get the smaller size that I wanted.. I then added the same colour Distress Inks as used for the background.

Using Centura Pearl White, with a hint of Silver, I made a 6'' Square base card. All of the edges of the layers were edged with silver using a Pebeo Silver 4 Artist Marker pen. I layered up, finally adding the sentiment with Collall 3D Glue Gel.

Thank you so much for your continued support and for the lovely messages here and on Facebook, I really do appreciate hearing from you, knowing that you are enjoying what I share. Hope to see you again soon. Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx

Rose Twists

Here is a lovely gilded wall hanging with a twist. It's been made with the wonderfully detailed 3D Embossing folders, launched on Hochanda by Crafters Companion. If you would like to see the shows for even more inspiration take a look at the  Rewind Facility on the Hochanda website.

To begin with I embossed the 'English Rose' onto Matt Black Cardstock and cut out the centre cartouche.

Next, I took a couple of leaves and painted them with Pebeo black Gesso.

The leaves were then wired onto copper, using the same copper wire I created some copper twists by winding it around a pencil.

I then attached the roses onto the wired leaves, then painted all of the copper with black gesso.

I trimmed the embossed card to the edge of the design, then cut another piece of black card and cut to the same size, for the backing.

For the backing, I took a piece of scrunched up tissue paper, secured it to my card and painted with black gesso. This was to show through the aperture so there is no need to cover the whole area.

Next I took my embellishments and using the Pebeo Gilding wax, added highlights, Here I have used Empire and Renaissance golds. I then added a little red Iridescent Watercolour paint by Cosmic Shimmer.

The excess tissue was torn from the background once dry. I highlighted the creases with Silver and Empire gold Gilding wax to bring out the texture.

I applied the Empire and Renaissance gold gilding waxes to the embossed design.

To finish the piece, I secured ribbon to the inside of the backing sheet, then applied 2 layers of 3 mm foam tape for depth. Before attaching the front I added a generous amount of Collall 3D Glue Gel to the lower half, making sure it wouldn't be seen through the window. Then I arranged the roses and other embellishments, inserting the wires into the glue gel I had applied previously.

I do hope you have enjoyed the step by step and the finished piece I have made. I hope to see you again very soon. Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

Faux Parchment Preview

Morning, Leanne is launching the wonderful 3D embossing folders tomorrow night on Hochanda at 8pm. Please dont miss the show as I dont want anyone to miss out on these, they are amazing, the detail and depth is out of this world and has to be seen to be believed. Here's a card I made for the show, step by step to follow from Thursday.

Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx