It's blooming gift sets

I think the In Bloom stamp set from Papertrey Ink is just gorgeous. I got this idea for producing cards using this design and multiple colours for gift sets from Nichole Heady's blog.

The sentiments were done using Hero Arts clear design basic alphabet and everyday sayings.

Tim's tags

Tim Holz. Need I say more? The master of ink & distressed grunge is back with another 12 tags of Christmas, and if you haven't been taking a look then you really should. Although I suppose I should warn you, if you don't own any Ranger or Tim Holz products you could end up with a VERY serious wish list.

I have been trying to play along, and have done five tags so far. This is my favourite.



And I should mention, that in addition to providing priceless inspiration, Tim is also giving away a ton of prizes.

Papering the tree

We have somehow ended up without access to our usual box of family ornaments, so I am facing delivery of our cut Christmas tree in two days with nothing except fairy lights and some candy canes. The solution? Some DIY ornaments and quick!

These are some made from origami paper- they use a simple modular fold and construction called Japanese brocade. To hang them I have used a long needle to get embroidery thread through the middle of the ball and a small button at the bottom. So how many do you think I need to decorate a 1.5m tree? Three down, about 17 to go!

Mash up

I admit to watching Glee recently and the teacher is always talking about 'mash ups' which involves blending bits of various songs together.

So here is some Christmas mash up: design inspired by Nichole Heady, Papertrey Ink background stamps, Hero Arts image stamps and My Sentiments Exactly sentiment. It's all about harmony after all....

Another take on the same basic sketch below.

Look Ma, I finally finished!

The scarf I have been knitting for my friend Liz, is finally finished. I used 4ply 100% wool from the Nundle Woollen Mill (a bundle of Nundle!) and a chevron pattern from a Jo Sharp knitting book.

I hope it keeps Liz's neck warm and cosy when she moves to New Zealand. Happy VERY belated birthday Liz :)

Inkurable twinchie

My entry for the November challenge at Inkurable Stampers (twinchie theme this month). It was very fun working in miniature. I used grungepaper for the window frame because it is thin enough to cut through easily with a craft knife, but more flexible and durable than normal cardstock and paper, and takes vintage photo distress ink beautifully too.

Here it is incorporated into a project- a Christmas decoration box.
Paper BasicGrey, stamps Paperartsy.

One stamp, four ways

I sat down this week with a new small set of Hero Arts stamps- Sparkle Clear Merry Christmas. These are the first four cards I have made with it.

This is the one I like the best I think:


The tree images, star and sentiment are all from this one mini set. I have posted tips and information about the techniques I used in this post at Scrapz.biz, where you can also purchase the set for yourself!

But in the meantime, here are a couple more tips from this card:

Use a fine brush and plain water to 'draw' a line along some patterned paper. Then tear it carefully and it will naturally follow the wet line. Much easier to control the tearing!

Make a DIY embossing buddy by sewing up a hankerchief into a pocket. Fill it with cornflour and sew up the last side. Swipe it over your cardstock and flick off excess before stamping and embossing. No more stray bits of embossing powder around the image.