Spooky Halloween Tassel

Good afternoon. I just had to share a Halloween make today. I hope that you like this creepy tassel that I made as a sample for Gina’s recent tassel making shows on Hochanda TV.

Materials:

• Polystyrene egg
• Orange mesh ribbon (approx. 1 inch wide)
• Commercial embellished cord – orange felt flowers, pearls, beads, sequins, pumpkin shaped metal bells attached to orange raffia cord (from my stash)
• Double knit wool (gold/ochre)
• Black ribbon and commercial black cord scraps
• Black die cut sentiment ‘Boo’ (Tattered Lace Die)
• Bats and spiders cut on my Silhouette Cameo machine from black card (Silhouette Store: ‘Spider Web Lantern’ from Jennifer Rush and ‘Bats Flying’)
• Gold and black flower shaped sequins
• Strong cotton thread for tying (I used warping cotton but a button thread would work too)
• Clear drying fabric glue or PVA
• Sewing needle & thread, extra-long sewing needle (e.g. Shashiko or doll needle)

Recommended Tools and Tassel Tutorials:

Gina B Silkworks has a fab selection of tools and publications which will help you to make a range of tassel embellishments: from soft tassels suitable for clothing, to more complex tassels for soft furnishings. Here are a few items that I can recommend for tassel making.

• Total Trimmings Table Deluxe – I used it to wrap the threads for the very long tassel skirt. A considered purchase but so versatile for many Passementerie techniques including making warps for tassels & weaving, cording, button making, lace making, holding thread spools, making bows etc.
• Tassel Tool Kit – great for making a range of tassel skirts, wired trims and chenille
• Total Trimmings Book 3 with Mini Tassel Boards – great for beginners with a host of lovely step by step projects for simple and more complex tassels
• Making Tassels Vol 1 (DVD) – Showing a range of soft tassel techniques
• Making Tassels Vol 2 (Double DVD set) – Showing a range of advanced tassel techniques

How it was done:

1. I first covered the egg by wrapping with the mesh ribbon. It was easiest to wrap in a top to bottom direction (i.e. turning the egg on a vertical axis as wrapping around). Secured with a couple of stitches and fabric glue.
2. I next made the long wool tassel skirt and tied with strong thread. I used the extra long needle to secure it onto the egg. I passed the needle up through the egg to anchor, and out of the top to make a hanging loop. The join was covered with black cord to neaten.
3. The neck of the tassel was then bound with strong cotton. I secured lengths of the embellished raffia cord into the binding. This was then covered with a black ribbon wrap and tied bow.
4. Next I glued on the spooky embellishments and sequins. I attached the bats and spiders onto the cords by gluing 2 cut shapes together sandwiching the cord between the card shapes.

Happy Halloween x.

Gina Barrett is back on Hochanda TV tomorrow with more buttons

Gina Barrett is back on Hochanda TV tomorrow at 10am (Freeview Channel 85 or watch live via their website www.hochanda.com) bringing more of her marvellous button kits, book and DVDs.

Here is a sneaky peek of my button display. I used Tonic Kaleidoscope Box dies to create the box and adapted the sides to drop down and display the buttons. I used a variety of Gina’s instructions for the buttons (Macclefield & Leek Button Journal Kit, Button Workshop Manual and Making Buttons DVDs). There are brilliant Hochanda Freedom member prices on the show!

The mannequin die is from La Blanche.

I used a variety of papers to decorate (Crafters Companion).

I used plenty of glitter glue to enhance the flowers (got to have some sparkle – tee hee) and PVA pearls for texture.

The sentiment die was quite appropriate (Tonic Kaleidoscope Box set).

When the lid is removed 5 of the 8 sides drop down to display my selection of thread wrapped buttons. I used a honeycomb die (Tattered Lace) and various button dies (mixed source from my die stash). Lettering was cut using a font die set from Tim Holtz.

The mini flower dies are from the Susan’s Garden Hydrangea set (Elizabeth Craft Designs).

Death’s Head is the name of the historical wrapped button – name used here (England) and the USA in the 18^th Century.

Death’s Head buttons using a variety of threads.

More Death’s Head buttons using a variety of threads and different shapes of button mould.

The buttons on the right are my variants of Gina’s Union Jack Button (Button Workshop Manual). The far left shows an over wrapped fabric covered button (Open Square with Soutache Braid). The pink and blue buttons are my interpretation of a 17^th Century button that I saw on Pinterest (Death’s Head base overwrapped with cord and bound with silky thread).

 

More of Gina’s yummy buttons (Peace and Maze).

 

Various square wrap buttons (Silver, Decorative and Gimp Squares).

Square wraps and Leek Square.

Spiral and Wide Wraps.

I have had so much fun learning how to create all these but have barely scratched the surface of the huge variety that Gina covers in her books and DVD’s. It is also wonderful to contribute towards keeping knowledge of these techniques alive. Especially as many of these Passementerie techniques are now in danger of being lost completely.

Happy crafting,

Anne xxx.

Growing Blossoms

Good morning. Today I am sharing a couple of my samples for the recent shows on Hochanda with the Blossom and Grow and Scrumptious Succulents stamp sets.

This one was created with a 6 X 6 inch Kraft card blank. First the flowers were stamped onto scrap copy paper and cut out to create a mask. A little Zig 2 Way glue was dotted on the back to provide a temporary tac. Alternatively you could use the special masking tissue.

The images were stamped directly onto the card blank using Versamark and embossed with detail white powder. The foreground florals were stamped first, covered with masks before stamping the background foliage.

A little texture was added using a little ‘pricking wheel’ and a ruler. Just something I have in my tools, like a mini pastry crimping texture wheel. Opaque white pen was then used to add faux stitching and dots. Light colouring was brushed over with watercolour pens, using a clear sparkle pen to dilute the colour.

The flower was stamped again onto white stamping card using Versafine (Onyx Black) and coloured with watercolour and sparkle pens. The image was trimmed out and mounted with 3D foam. Finished with PVA pearls.

My second is a wreath created with one of the small flower heads. A 6.5 X 5.5 inch textured card blank was randomly stamped using the Square Bubbles stamp and Versafine (Majestic Blue). I used various dies to cut mats and layers and to build out decorative sides to the card blank (using white and blue card). Dies: Pin Dot Decorative Circles (Tattered Lace) and Florence (Crafters Companion Die’Sire).

I used the Inkadinkadoo Stamping Gear to stamp the wreath using Versafine (Majestic Blue). This can be done manually by dividing the circle into 8 segments (mark lightly with a pencil). Tip: Stamp the first image and turn the card before stamping the next, keeping the stamp orientation the same as you go. It’s easiest to stamp the 4 quadrants first then go around again and fill in between. Practice on some copy paper.

The flowers were coloured with watercolour pens and clear sparkle pen to dilute out colour and give shading. 3D foam was used to add depth and dimension to layers.

All about feathers, cards created with stamps from Chocolate Baroque

Good morning. Today I am sharing a few cards created with the ‘I Shall Be Your Wings’ stamp set from Chocolate Baroque.

My first is a colourful bunch of feathers in a shabby chic style.

I first stamped the feathers onto copy paper and cut them out to create masks. A few dots of Zig 2-way glue were applied to the back to hold the masks in place. This glue gives a temporary tac if left to fully dry before sticking down. Alternatively this could be done using the special Masking Tissue which comes with a tacky back. These masks can then be kept and re-used multiple times.

The feathers were stamped with multi-coloured dye based ink, layering images with masks and working from foreground to background. The sentiment was stamped with Versafine (Vintage Sepia). A drop shadow was added around the feathers using pale watercolour pen ink applied with a brush (to add more 3D depth).

Kraft card and the stamped panel were trimmed to fit an A5 card blank. The craft card was distressed using the edge of scissors, the stamped panel edged with alcohol marker to frame. A little Stickles (Crystal) was added for sparkle.

My second is a 6X6 inch card embellished with 3D shaped cut out feathers.

Faux stitching was added around the edge of the card, and small dots drawn, using a fine tipped opaque white pen.

The feathers were stamped onto a slightly paler version of Kraft card using Versamark and sparkly aqua embossing powder (WOW Calypso). These were then cut out and lightly shaped with a ball tool before gluing to the card front with 3D glue gel. Finished with a ribbon bow.

My third is another 6 X 6 inch card using a lovely background paper from Crafty Individuals (Shades of Summer). This particular pad is usually available on the Chocolate Baroque website (but depends on stock).

The paper was glued to a card blank and faux stitching added around the edge using a fine tipped pen. The sentiment was stamped with Versafine (Vintage Sepia). A little watercolour pen was painted over the image to help at more ‘weight’ to the base.

The feathers were stamped onto Kraft card using Versamark and sparkly aqua embossing powder (WOW Calypso), cut out and lightly shaped before sticking over a die cut birdy (Tattered Lace die) using 3D glue gel. Eye and leg details were added with fine tipped pen. A little clear sparkle pen was brushed over the bird for extra shimmer.

Monumental Wedding Card

Good morning. This summer I have several friends that are getting married. I wanted to come up with a special card which could be personalised and adapted to suit each couple. I made this one in a romantic wedding style adding some stamping using Mackintosh Beauty stamps from Chocolate Baroque.

The theme for this weeks Simon Says Stamp Blog (Wed) is Anniversary/Wedding – so I have entered this one.

How it was made:

I used one of the Monumental dies from Tattered Lace (Wedding) to create the shaped card blank. This is a massive die which uses a lot of card (28.2cm X 14.5cm). To make it robust I used 1 A4 sheet of Centura Pearl (300gsm) plus plain card lining (220 gms) for the front and 2 sheets of plain card (approx. 220 gsm) plus a thick patterned paper sheet to line and build the back.

From the leftover card I used Tattered Lace dies to cut the sentiment, heart (Pin Dot Hearts), mini hearts (Diamond Fold set), leafy sprigs (Fleurs die) and bunting pennants.

Lettering for personalisation was printed onto copy paper using a laser printer and foiled using Toner Sublimation foil and a Mink foiling machine (could be done with a laminator). The letters were then cut out and glued to the little pennant flags.

The front of the card and pennants were lightly sponged with Distress Ink (Old Paper) and randomly stamped using mulitcoloured (purples/pinks) Archival Brilliance Ink (Brilliance ink dries ok on the shiny pearl card). The pennants were hung from a fine satin ribbon.

The floral heart and a couple of small flower heads were stamped onto a spare scrap of pearl card and cut out. Light colouring was added using a damp brush and Distress Inks (Old Paper, Tattered Rose) and glued to the card using 3D glue gel for added depth.

Finished with a little clear glitter glue added to the flower centres. I really cannot resist a bit of sparkle.

 

I also had to make an envelope as the finished card does not fit any standard envelope sizes. The width of the card is almost full length of A4 so to leave enough space at the sides, and to create gluing tabs, I ended up needing 2 A3 sheets to create an envelope. I decided to use a couple of sheets of thinner white card and used my large score board to make a simple envelope. I used 1 sheet to create the front and flap plus tabs for gluing, and 1 sheet to create the back panel. To make it pretty I used an 8 X 8 inch lacy embossing folder (Doily – Tattered Lace) to add some texture and make the envelope look a little more special. I only embossed the central area on this one but the folder could be slid along to emboss right to the edges if desired.

Earth Laughs in Flowers Card

A birthday card that I made for a friend that loves pink and flowers.

The theme for this week’s Simon Says Stamp Challenge (Mon) is ‘Flower Power’ – so I have entered this one.

Materials:

• Big Bold Backgrounds – Belle Flower, Harlequin Rose and Rose Stem Script stamps (Chocolate Baroque); Flowering Dogwood Branches and Flowering Dogwood stamp sets(Heartfelt Creations)
• 6 X 6 inch card blank, white stamping card
• Versamark Inkpad, Versafine (Vintage Sepia)
• Embossing powders: Pale green with mica (Lindy’ Stamp Gang) and bright pink with glitter (WOW)
• Watercolour pens and water based sparkle pens (Spectrum Noir – yellow, greens and pinks)
• Fine tipped glitter pen (pink) and alcohol markers (deep pink and pale grey)
• Glossy Accents and Stickles glitter glue (Crystal)
• Large floral shaped die or template (I used Essential Flowers from Tattered Lace), Flowering Dogwood Branches and Flowering Dogwood Dies (Heartfelt Creations)

How it was done:

1. I stamped the background with Versamark ink and heat embossed with green powder.
2. The sentiment and border were stamped with Versamark and heat embossed with the pink powder.
3. I used a large floral die as a template to draw around using a fine tipped glitter pen. The background image was coloured with watercolour and glitter pens, using a damp brush to blend out colours.
4. Grey alcohol marker was used to add a little shading under the sentiment plate to make it appear more 3D.
5. Pink alcohol pen was used to edge the card blank and background panel before gluing down.
6. Next I stamped the flowers and leaves with Versafine Ink. These were cut out with dies and coloured with watercolour pens. I used balls tools and a spongy mat to shape and add dimension to the embellishments.
7. I finished by applying Glossy Accents over the sentiment plate plus extra sparkle with clear glitter glue.

Nature Wreath card created with Chocolate Baroque Stamps

Good evening. I created this one using Essence of Nature and Rose Tree stamp sets from Chocolate Baroque.

The theme on this weeks Simon Says Stamp Challenge (Wed) is ‘Sparkle and Shine’ – so I have entered this one.

Materials:

• Essence of Nature and The Rose Tree stamp sets
• 8 X 8 inch card blank, white stamping card, black shimmer paper (recycled Claritystamp stencil packaging), ready made silver mirror card die cut frames
• Inkpads: Memento (London Fog), Versamark, Versafine (Onyx Black)
• Embossing powder (silver glitter)
• Glitter glue (silver)
• Scalloped circle die (Tattered Lace)

How it was made:

1. The floral spray was stamped with Memento directly onto the card blank, avoiding the area of the central circle. The leafy fern and sentiment were stamped onto the scalloped circle with Versafine. Frames and mat were glued to the card front.
2. The leaves were stamped with Versamark onto black paper, embossed with silver powder and cut out. They were lightly shaped with a ball tool and glued in place with 3D glue gel for dimension.
3. Finished with glitter glue for added sparkle.

Tranquil Meditation and a Happy Place

Good morning. Today I am sharing some of my recent show samples using Tranquility, Wisteria Lane and Artistic Affirmations stamp sets from Chocolate Baroque.

I created 3 different scene cards, one using vibrant happy colours, one in blue & white monochrome and my third was an attempt at Parchment. I hope that you like them.

The theme for this weeks Simon Says Stamp Challenge (Mon) is ‘a trio of something’ – so I thought that these would fit perfectly.

Happy Place

I love colour so I created this ‘Happy Place’ using a bright cheery colourway.

Materials:

• Tranquility, Wisteria Lane and Artistic Affirmations stamp sets
• 8 X 8 inch card blank, white stamping card, scrap copy paper
• Inkpads: Versamark, Versafine (Vintage Sepia), Distress Ink (Wild Honey, Dusty Concord)
• Pigment powders (Lindy’s Stamp Gang – Urban Amethyst, Poppin Pink, Luminous Lemon)
• Embossing powder (purple and pink mix)
• Watercolour, sparkle and glitter pens (Spectrum Noir and Sakura – yellow, green, purple, pink, orange, brown, clear sparkle) and coloured pencils
• Fine tipped marker (waterproof brown, opaque white) and alcohol marker (dark purple)
• Zig 2 way glue
• Cosmic Shimmer PVA pearls (Vintage Pink), Stickles Glitter Glue (Star Dust) and Glossy Accents

How it was done:

1. The lanterns were stamped onto copy paper and cut out to create masks. I dotted a little zig glue on the back and left to dry. This glue then gives a temporary tac to hold the masks in place while stamping.
2. The scene was stamped with Versafine, stamping the foreground images first then covering with masks while stamping the images set behind. The scene was extended by drawing with the fine tipped pen (i.e. water swirls).
3. The foliage across the top was stamped with Versamark and pigment powders were applied with a soft brush. Further foliage was stamped with Wild Honey Distress Ink. The sentiment was stamped with Versamark and heat embossed with powder.
4. The image was coloured with watercolour pens, dissolved pigments, sparkle overlay and glitter pens. Highlights were added with white pen and additional shading added with pencils.
5. The image was edged with alcohol marker and by blending with Dusty Concord Distress Ink.
6. Extra sparkle was added with glitter glue and Glossy Accents. PVA pearls were applied to the border.

Tranquility

I have been trying to have a go at Parchment craft as I love the delicate result. I thought that it would make a lovely tranquil version. No picot cutting as I am hopeless, so I cheated with a die. I tried to hide the glue but still ended up with a blob of showing through the parchment – eek! I was fairly pleased with the results but have a lot to learn and more practice needed yet.

Materials:

• Tranquility stamp set
• 6 X 6 inch scalloped card blank, parchment, gold satin board
• 6 X 6 inch decorative stencil
• Pergamano tools (embossing mat, embossing tools, mapping pen, Sticky Ink and Perga Glue)
• Inkpads: StazOn (Opaque White), Distress Ink (Tattered Rose)
• Scalloped circle dies (Pin Dot Scalloped Circle – Tattered Lace)
• PVA pearls (tangerine), extra fine glitter and sequins
• Used tumble dryer sheet

How it was done:

1. The gold card and parchment were cut out using dies. The background was created using Distress Ink through the stencil (using a blending brush).
2. The image was stamped onto the front of the parchment using white StazOn. I then embossed the outlines on the back of the parchment using a fine embossing tool, tracing the stamped image. To help aid the embossing tool to glide on the parchment I rubbed over the surface using the tumble drier sheet first.
3. Larger embossing tools were then used to add shading. Although it is generally called ‘shading’ it is actually ‘highlighting’ as embossing stretches the parchment and makes it whiter. You need to work gently and slowly, leaving the parchment to rest between layers of further whitening. I did tear her cloak (eeeeek) but managed to disguise it with a little Perga Glue which was later covered with glitter.
4. Sparkly highlights were then added to the front using a mapping pen (dip pen), sticky ink and extra fine glitter.

Meditation

I love creating monochromatic blue & white cards. Perfect for a tranquil meditation.

Materials:

• Tranquility and Wisteria Lane stamp sets
• 15cm square card blank, blue card for die cut panel, white stamping card
• Versafine Inkpad (Majestic Blue)
• Water based sparkle pens (Spectrum Noir – blue and clear)
• Alcohol marker (dark blue)
• PVA peals
• Decorative square and arched panel dies (Tonic)

How it was done:

1. The images were stamped with Versafine ink and were coloured with sparkle pens and a damp brush to create shading. Decorative stamped elements were positioned to frame the central image.
2. The panels were cut using dies and edged with blue marker to frame. 3D foam was used to mount the central image and give it more depth.
3. Finished with PVA pearls.

Valentine Soulmate Card

Good morning – well it is that time of year to show a little extra lovey dovey’ness and romance. I made this one with Words of Love, Harlequin Rose and Teardrop stamps from Chocolate Baroque, along with some heart shaped dies.

The theme for this week’s Simon Says Stamp (Mon) Challenge is ‘Love is in the air’ – so I have entered this one.

How it was done:

1. The words and border were stamped with Versafine ink onto hammered card. Faux stitching was added with the fine tipped pen. The panel was mounted onto blue card and glued to the card front and ribbons added using red liner tape (extra strong double sided tape). Alcohol ink pen was used to edge the card blank to frame.
2. The mandala was stamped onto white card with Versamark and heat embossed with Mica Boss powder. The embossed image remains sticky allowing you to apply gilding flakes, transfer foils or mica powders etc. I used mixed coloured gilding flakes. I then cut out one large and smaller hearts using dies.
3. A decorative heart was cut from blue card to mat and layer the larger heart. This was glued to the card with foam pads for added dimension. Finished with PVA pearls.

Materials:

• Words of Love , Harlequin Rose and Teardrop Baroque Ornament stamps (Chocolate Baroque)
• A5 cream card blank, cream hammered card, blue card, white stamping card
• Alcohol marker and fine tipped pen (blue)
• PVA pearls (gold)
• Mica Boss heat embossing powder
• Gilding flakes (mixed silver, gold, copper)
• Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pens (red, burgundy)
• Inkpads: Versamark and Versafine Majestic Blue)
• Organza (gold) and textured velvet (blue) ribbons
• Heart shaped dies (Tattered Lace)

90th Birthday Card for a Friend

 

I had to make this card in a big rush for a friend when I realised that I needed it by the next day to deliver for her 90^th birthday! Eeek. It can take me hours to make a special card.

Searching through my UFO pile (‘unfinished objects’) I discovered that I had a background card base and panel already stamped. These had been sitting in my stash for over a year waiting to be finished into a project. Now was the time to complete it.

It’s ‘Send a Card to a Friend’ over on the Simon Says Stamp Blog this week – so I entered this one.

How it was done:

The card blank had been stamped directly using Distress Inks.

A little Distress Ink was blended around the edges of the card blank and patterned paper.

The birds had been stamped and heat embossed in gold powder. I coloured them with glitter and gel pens, mounted the paper onto green card and glued to the card front with foam pads for dimension.

The die cuts had also been sitting in my stash. I shaped them lightly with a ball tool and glued to the card front.

I finished the card with peel off stickers (great when you are in a super hurry) and added glitter glue for extra sparkle. Et voila card done. Phew!

Materials:

Floral Notes and A Little Bird Told Me stamp sets (Chocolate Baroque)

8 X 8 inch card blank, 6 X 6 decorative paper (Crafty Individuals Shades of Summer) and green card for mounting

Inkpads: Versamark, Distress Inks (Victorian Velvet, Tea Dye)

Glitter and gel pens (Sakura and Pentel)

WOW Embossing Powder (Gold Rich)

Glitter glue (Stickles Diamond and gold)

Die cut foliage (Sizzix Tim Holtz), electronic cut fern (Tattered Lace ScanNCut), punched flowers (Tonic Petal Pairs)

Peel off stickers (gold)