Folded Book - Owl

Good morning. Are you having a good bank holiday weekend? Hubby's been away so I've been having a fun time in my craft room making my Claritystamp samples. It's going well so far and I have two cards made. I'm having the day off today as Hubby is home but I'll be back in there on Tuesday to make another.

I've been admiring other people's folded books and thought it would be fun to have a go. When I saw this cute owl pattern by LoveBookFolding on Etsy I thought it would be perfect for my friend Connie as she has lots of owl knick-knacks scattered about her home.

I've seen several different ways of doing this but I really liked the way LoveBookFolding do it. The instructions are really clear and it gives a nice neat finish.

It comes with some beautiful printable elements that you can decorate your book with. I used my Claritystamp Woodpress Letters to add Connie's name and dated it with a date stamp.

I printed the owls on to white card and coloured the hearts in a red ProMarker that co-ordinated with the ribbon (bought in Dunelm).

This design does need the ribbon as this is what it looked like before I added them!

I used my sewing machine to stitch the ends together and covered up with join with an owl and an image that I stamped.

I finished it off with my "Handmade by" stamp.

I chose to leave my spare pages in the book, as I think it's nice to see them, but you can remove them and decorate inside too if you wish.

Connie said she loved it - I hope she's not just being polite!

Lynne
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Sewing Machine Cover

Hello everyone. Hubby eventually got home two hours after his chips were ready, so they were stone cold but with a spot of mayo on they weren't too bad. Luckily I'd made them with fresh unpeeled potatoes - I don't think cold frozen chips would have been as edible.

As I mentioned in my last post, this is what I've really been wanting to make........

..........a pretty cover for my sewing machine.

As it came with this really naff plastic thing.

I found this great video on YouTube by TheCraftyGemini and based it on that.

I used the plastic cover to help work out the size of it and the shape of the end sections. Then made a pattern out of some card.

The fabric is from the Sew Simple range by Makower. It really brightens up my craft room.

The handle and double button idea come from Debbie Shore's Half Yard Heaven book. I added the same fusible fleece to this that I used for the cover as it gives it a bit of body.

I also added a white polycotton lining.

I couldn't resist adding a yo-yo to finish it off. This time it's made with my new Jumbo Clover Yo-yo maker. I did ask Hubby if he'd like some yo-yos on his uniform but he didn't seem too keen!

I'm so chuffed with it - it's so much prettier than that horrible plastic thing and I made it myself! I think my Janome will be very snuggly under it. It won't be on for long though. I just found out that this year's Summer Ball is going to have a 1920's theme and I've ordered a pattern to make a flapper dress. Let's hope that goes as smoothly!

Before I go, do you remember the idea I had when writing my last post about my boring sign?

Well, I did that this morning. It's possibly a bit busy but much prettier. I just hope those birds don't poo on the laundry!

I hope you have good Bank Holiday weekend. My next post will be another first - I finally have my folded book finished.

Lynne

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Peg Bag

Hi everyone. I'm afraid I haven't got any cards to blog at the moment, so I thought I'd share one of my sewing projects.....

.....a peg bag. Apologies to anyone who's already seen it on FB but I wanted to put it on here too.

I've been watching all of the sewing shows on Create and Craft recently and was dying to have a go at one of Debbie Shore's bags.

When I saw this gorgeous fabric from the Washday range by Makower I thought - peg bag! Its not a traditional shape but it holds loads of pegs and was a great project to practise a few techniques on - I didn't have to worry about it fitting and it didn't matter if it wasn't perfect (the pegs won't complain!).

I originally intended to use the peg fabric for the body of the bag but when I put the fabrics together I thought it looked better with the darker, iron fabric there. I used my own measurements but basically followed Debbie Shore's Reversible Bag video on YouTube (it's also in her Half Yard Home book). I did add some fusible fleece to the outer part of my bag and the handles as this was one of the things I wanted to try. My bag didn't need to be reversible so I just used a plain cream cotton for the bottom section of the inside. The rest of it is made with two fat quarters, one in each pattern.

A yo-yo finishes it off. I've recently bought some Clover yo-yo makers and they make this job so much easier. I do love a gadget!

It now hangs in my utility room looking pretty. I think I might have to get some more fabric to put behind my vinyl laundry sign (made with my Cameo). It's over 40cm wide so my decorative papers weren't big enough. Actually, the bird fabric that I shared on here recently would look pretty. I wonder if I will have enough left over when I've made the bias tape that I need to finish the top?

I was really pleased with my bag turned out and making it gave me the confidence to tackle my next project -  a cover for my sewing machine. I'll be back with that next time. Meanwhile I'm back in card making mode as I have Clarity samples to make. Exciting!

I hope Hubby gets home soon. I cooked chips in my Actifry an hour and a half ago and I don't think they'll be that edible now. Luckily they were to accompany quiche and salad so that's still OK. Cold chips anyone?

Lynne
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Jo's Bubbles

Good morning. I hope you're having a fun weekend. We took a trip to Ikea yesterday to get some bits and bobs for my craft room. I also bought a few metres of their Bomull unbleached cotton fabric, it's only £2 a metre and will be perfect for experimenting with.

I finished my sewing machine cover on Friday and I'm so pleased with how it turned out. I'll probably blog it later in the week as this is my last sample from this month's Claritystamp show.

It uses another product designed by one of my talented teamies - this time it's a stencil and was designed by Jo Rice. It's a great idea and such a useful stencil.

The Flower Power stencil complements it so well; I used them both on this card. The background is all done with one of the pink Distress Inks (I think it was Tattered Rose or Victorian Velvet) and the rest is done with Jet Black Archival ink.

The black mat was cut on my Silhouette Cameo.

I'm off to my craft room now to do some sewing. As Hubby's at home he can help me sort out the back of my top. It's really annoying as I did have a dress form from when I sewed before but after spending many years in the loft it got thrown out, along with a load of other stuff that I also regret, when we moved into a particularly tiny quarter (the downstairs was packed so full of boxes that we had to take them outside to unpack them!!!!!!). I'm also going to make some pretty pattern weights.

I hope you enjoy your day.

Stamps and Stencils Used

Jo's Bubbles

Flower Power

Remountable Wedding Line Sentiments

Wedding Wee Folk 5

Wedding Wee Folk 6

Lynne

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Mandy's Shepherd's Purse

It's coffee time! I've been a really busy girl today so I feel I've earned this coffee/blogging break. Next month's Clarity stamps will soon be here so I've been trying to get all my other jobs out of the way. Hubby confirmed what I suspected about my top - it wasn't a good fit and needed a lot of altering (I think I must be an odd shape!) so I've binned it for now. However I've discovered Colette patterns and they are drafted for my proportions and I even tally up with one of their sizes! I've spent the morning making up a toile for their Sorbetto shell top and it is already looking good. The back may still be a little baggy but it looks so much better than the other one. I'll get my assistant to check it out properly later. I may yet end up with something I can wear!

I've also sewn the buttons on my sewing machine cover so I should get that finished tomorrow. I just hope I don't mess it up as it's looking really good so far.

Anyway, back to card making....

Today's card features the Shepherd's Purse stamp designed by my teamie, Amanda Branston. It's a beautiful stamp and I thought it would make a lovely foreground with a very simple scene behind it. This involved quite a bit of masking!

First I had to mask off some of the flowers and leaves so that they appeared in front when I stamped the others...

...then I masked off the flowers and the sun so that I could create the scene around them. I didn't worry about the leaves as it didn't matter if they got green on them from the grass - I would be colouring them green later anyway.

I stamped the couple, who I like to think are Mandy and Mark, in place, so I knew where to put the hills......

...then added them and the sky.

It probably would have been quicker and easier to use my Pebeo Drawing Gum but I didn't want to risk it all going horribly wrong. One day I will get around to experimenting with it.......until then it's fiddly Post-its.

To finish it off the flowers are coloured in with Spectrum Noir pencils and I cropped it down a bit before I mounted it. I chose some bright yellow card for the mat to add to the sunny feel of it. I think Mandy and Mark are having a lovely time on that bench.

Before I go, do you like my new Happy Jackson glasses case?

I couldn't resist it, although in my case it should say "Just add glasses and coffee!"

See you soon.

Stamps Used

Shepherd's Purse Set

Wee Folk 1

Lynne

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Julie's Bouquet

Hi there. I thought I'd write a quick post before I start cooking. I've just made up a toile for my top and let's just say it needs a few adjustments. I'll get Hubby's opinion when he comes in as the back is the most dodgy part and he will be able to see easier than me. Things that don't have to fit are so much easier!

Today's card is the first of my three samples made with items designed by my talented teamies.

It's a beautiful bouquet stamp designed by Julie Owens. Julie is so talented and I love her stamp.

I recently found an embossing folder that I've never used (I think it came with my Ebosser) and thought it would make a nice background for this stamp. I chose two sheets of card from my Tim Holtz Kraft-Core Nostalgic Collection pad then embossed and sanded the pink sheet. I used the reverse to stamp the bouquet on and coloured it in with Spectrum Noir pencils, chosing colours that complement the card.

To finish it off I distressed the edges of the card and stamped "Thank you" onto some ribbon using Versacraft ink.

Must go as the kitchen is calling me - it's meatballs and pasta tonight. I think I'll throw in some garlic bread too...........

Stamps Used

Silk Ribbons Bouquet

Thank You is from the Wedding Stationery Set

Lynne

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Wedding Card

Good morning. I hope you're well; I've had a horrible cold for the last few days. I'm starting to feel  better again though so it will be nice to get on with my sewing projects - I'm in the middle of my sewing machine cover (although I've come to a bit a halt as I need some orange buttons before I can carry on) and have bought the fabric for a couple of tops. Exciting!

This is the last of my three wedding samples. I thought I'd make a traditional Clarity scene for the Wedding Wee Folk.

The shape comes from the Arch stencil which I inked through, starting off with the church and building the scene around it.

The car, bells and sentiment are heat embossed in gold detail powder. Some heart shaped gems finish it off.

Stamps and Stencil Used

Framer Shapes - Arch

Wedding Line Sentiments

Wedding Stationery Set

Wedding Wee Folk 5

Wedding Wee Folk 6

Church

I hope you have a great day. Hopefully by the end of the month I will be blogging..........

.....this as a finished cover.......

......and at least one of these as a top!

Lynne

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Wedding Bunting

Hello everyone. I'm blogging the second of my three wedding samples today..........

..........bunting.

It uses the same shades of Bazzill card that I mentioned in my previous post, combined with some Centura Pearl card.

Centura Pearl heat embosses really well so I used that to stamp on using Versamark Ink and Gold Detail embossing powder.

The bunting is actually an Easter design by Jennifer Wambach that I bought from the Silhouette Store. I just added the cut out heart down the bottom and replaced the Easter lettering with the stamped images.

To finish it off I threaded it onto some lace.

Stamps Used

Wedding Line Sentiments

Wedding Wee Folk 5

Wedding Wee Folk 6

I hope you have a good weekend.

Lynne

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Save The Date Card

Good evening. I hope you had a good Bank Holiday weekend. The weather wasn't great here so I was able to get some sewing done. I made my first bag and I'm really chuffed with how it turned out. My next project is a cover for my sewing machine as it came with a horrible plastic one. Then I want to have a go at making a top. Ultimately I want to be able to make myself evening dresses for the Mess but first I have to get the hang of fitting! A simple shell top seems a good place to start......... I hope!

Anyway, back to cards. This month's Claritystamp show had a bit of a wedding theme, quite appropriate as several of the team are engaged. It's been a 26 years since I've had to think about wedding stationery though so I hope my ideas aren't too out of date!

As the "Save the Date" cards come first I thought I'd start with this sample.

The grid is a Sarah Hurley design bought from the Silhouette Store and cut on my Cameo. I sized it to fit the Claritystamp numbers and letters.  The heart with the wedding date on it is stuck on with Pinflair glue gel to give it some dimension.

I used peach card for all my wedding samples. It's by Bazzill and the shades are Adobe, Casa and Arizona.

The stamping is done in Jet Black Archival ink and the gold details (the rings, couple and bells) are heat embossed.

We didn't exactly have time to send out save the date cards for our wedding. Hubby was stationed in Germany so we decided to get married, as you do. This was in February and we had a traditional white wedding in July, thanks to very generous parents and grandparents. Sara and Ian are obviously much more organised................and patient!

Stamps Used

Wedding Wee Folk 5

Wedding Wee Folk 6

Wedding Stationery

Wedding Line Sentiments

Wordpress Letters

Numbers

Lynne

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May's Claritystamp Samples

Good afternoon. Is it typical Bank Holiday weather where you are? It's pouring down here! Hubby braved the elements to take Maya out and I had a lovely morning watching Barbara. It was an extra special show today as there were new products by my clever teamies - Julie's Bouquet stamp, Mandy's Shepherd's Purse stamp and Jo's Bubbles stencil. I was a bit nervous making those samples as I didn't want to let them down.

I really hope they like what I've done. I certainly enjoyed working with their designs. They're all so talented and it was great to see a sell-out show.

As always, I'll be back throughout the month to blog them all individually.

See you again soon,

Lynne
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Trees, Chromo Card and Alcohol Inks

Hi everyone. Sorry it's been a week since my last post but I've been getting used to my new glasses. They still feel a bit strange but hopefully I will get used to them before I have my next lot of Clarity samples to do. My eyes are definitely feeling less strained.

Today's card is the last of of my German samples from this month. It uses Alcohol Inks on Chromo card.

The outside frame is created with the Cracked Box Frame stencil. I first ran it through my Embosser to emboss it, then I masked off the central panel so that I could ink it. The colours I used are Caramel, Latte, Ginger and Gold.

I also covered some more Chromo card with the inks and stamped the trees on with Jet Black Archival Ink.

They were cut out and glued to the central section. The gold bits look so pretty when the light hits them.

I didn't like the white between the cracked sections so I brushed over some Distress Ink. I also used it to add a moon and sky.

I hope you all have a great Bank Holiday weekend; I'm off to watch the Tour de Yorkshire on TV now. Don't forget that Barbara Gray is on Create and Craft on Sunday (9 - 11am) with some very special goodies from my very talented teamies. Exciting!

Stamps and Stencils Used

Cracked Box Frame

Remountable Tree Rows

Lynne

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