Promarkers and Copics - Sepia tones

After being inspired by the very talented Nikky Hall at Polkadoodles, and having received some new ProMarkers to add to my ever expanding collection, I thought I would have a go at achieving a Sepia effect using a limited number of pens (as demonstrated by Nikky on Create and Craft).  The focal image is a Greetings Farm stamp called Dahlia, a gift from Karen which has been used and used.  As usual I've used my Martha Stewart punches, Nestabilities and a bit of ribbon to accent.  The oak leaves and acorns are Sheena Douglass 'A Little Bit Sketchy - Autumn Leaves' stamps. I know it is summer, but the sepia tones were just crying out to be mixed with autumnal leaves. And you know I love a bit of nature...  And the Oak tree being my joint top favourite tree (with the Weeping Willow) I had to buy these stamps when I saw them.  Bit sad having top favourite trees isn't it, but that's just me! Maybe I've got a bit of Ent in me.

Here's a close up of the image - click on the image if you want to see it close up.

I used a combination of Copics and ProMarkers. Still got to put in more practise to get perfect shading and 'shiny hair' but starting to get there.   As I'm on orders to try to relax and de-stress a bit this week, I think some colouring might just be the ticket. Any excuse hey?!

An oldie but a goodie

Needed an emergency birthday card and was rooting in my card box and came across this scrumptious chocolate and marshmallow card I made a while ago. No idea why it never made the blog at the time so here it is! Most of it has been made with Craftwork Cards products.  I don't know what it is about brown and pink that really appeals to me but I come back to this colour combination time and again.  It reminds me of strawberry creams, which reminds me of my Gran as they were her favourite chocs. Gran always got the pick of the box and my Grandad got left with "the 'ard ones as he won't know the difference anyway"! Poor Grandad...


Been a bit of a rough week so no new projects have been completed so it was a good job I found this card. Hopefully something new next time. Hope you've all had a better week.

Boxes and crafting pals

I must say my new crafting tool obsession is The Boxer Board by Crafters Companion.

Feeling a bit guilty that I have also passed this obsession on to my sister and brother-in-law who spent Sunday evening making loads of boxes! It is soooo clever how it just makes perfectly fitting box bases and lids. I also love it for measuring cm and inch increments, and it is so handy for paper pleating. So many uses! Loving it. So what have I made? Well here are a couple of boxes that I rustled up in literally minutes.

First is a little box made with Ivory Centura Pearl Card.  I have embossed a scalloped design around the edges, and topped it with some little handmade flowers (thanks to Karen's instructions!) and ribbon. I'm imagining this will be a good box for a jewellery gift for someone (good job I can make jewellery as well!).

Here's a close up of the flowers.  I'm loving the subtle cream on cream look at the moment (with a tiny touch of lemon!).

The second box is a lot brighter - I wanted it to be a bit more folksy.

It's been made to house a set of notelets I've made as a birthday present for a friend. As I was taking the picture my cheeky marmalade cat came for a look see and sneaked into the picture.  He hates being left out!

I'm sure this board will be used for many, many projects in the future!

Isn't it a girl's prerogative to change her mind?

After posting the wedding card this week, I decided it wasn't appropriate for the couple who would be receiving it, so I made another one! The purple and silver one will definitely still be used however as I already have another 3 weddings lined up.  This one is definitely more in the shabby chic style, and my 'neat' friends would be horrified as hardly any of it is lined up, but I kind of like that for this style. I think it adds to the feel of it.  The card blank and candi are craftwork cards, the papers are K&Co, and the heart is a lovely little striped grungeboard shape that has been coloured in with promarkers - pear green and leaf green. I was surprised at how nicely the grungeboard took the colour.  I can't get enough of green at the moment.  

I heard a few 'oos' and 'what a lovely card' as it made its rounds about the office so I think I got it right this time!

Helping Daisy

For those of you who are animal lovers and would like a chance of winning some crafty goodies whilst doing a whole load of good for a little family and their furry friend, you might want to take a look here http://limegreenbogiegirl.blogspot.com/2011/05/huge-crafty-raffle-saving-daisy.html

A lifetime of happiness

As the 'resident crafty person' at work, I often get charged with making the joint cards for occasions. This is a wedding card I put together Monday evening at the craft group.  I love the sentiment 'Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together'.

Seaside cards to follow, Rochelle!  Promise...

Crafting by the sea

Sorry for the lack of posts.  I've been away enjoying some sea air and celebrating the Royal Wedding on the same island that the new Duke and Duchess are living - Anglesey.  We definitely approve of their choice!  We've often seen the Sea King helicopter flying over and every time we swear it is Prince William.  I also got to make quite a few cards, most of which my sister has taken in return for putting a little donation in the RNLI box, a charity very close to my family's hearts. I wanted to give them her but she insisted on the donation which is very kind. So no pictures just yet.  I'll hopefully get some more crafting time in soon, and remember to take some pics this time!