Ceinwyn's corner

Keeping busy on a rainy weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:57:00 +0000

This weekend was not really conducive to a summery feel : gusts of wind, below season temperatures and even worse ... rain, sometimes showers but ever so often a regular downpour. So, it was definitely not the weekend I would spend sitting on the terrace reading one of the many books piled up in my "to be read" stack and I needed to look for some other occupation.

As I already spent the last weekend cleaning up and reorganising things at home, I didn't want to go down that road again. Even Domestic Princessness has its limits, at least at my place :o). And therefore I chose to drop by the beadshop, grab some more supplies and spend my time fiddling with beads and wires instead of letting the weather dampen my spirits.

And this was the result : a couple of pendants and earrings and a polka dot necklace. The pendants and earrings are rather similar to what I made before but for the necklace I opted for a new and different approach, using ribbons and a metal chain. I never used fabric in jewellery before but it is something I will need to experience with, because I think it has a lot of potential.

I also bought some liberty fabric biais in view of another necklace but the band of fabric is too small to close it by using the sewing machine, so I'll have to sew it by hand, which is something I am not really looking forward to. Sewing has never really been my thing. But I'll give it a try and post about it once it's done.

Tangled hearts

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:17:00 +0000

Like every year before him, 2011 has come with a list of good intentions and two entries on this list are (1) participate in more swaps/tags/etc. and (2) do more creative stuff. And look at this : 2 birds with one stone with this Tangle Hearts swap on swapbot :o)

Seasonal obligation, the first ATC zentangle swap of the year has a heart's theme and should ideally reach my partners by Valentine's Day. Considering the less than punctual postal services however, I have my doubts on their timely arrival, but well ... we can always hope, can't we? I certainly had fun making those and I hope my partners will appreciate them too.

First creative weekend of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 16:55:00 +0000

I went shopping for some jewellery supplies on Saturday and as always when I get new "stuff", I can't wait to start working with it. So I started fiddling with the beads and cords as soon as I passed the front door :o)

I ended up making this necklace twice however. When I finished it the first time, I realised I had used the oval swarovski backwards and even though I doubt that anyone would have noticed, I felt like it was staring me in the face. So I cut off the glued parts, undid everything and started over. Until I was happy with the way it looked.

The picture doesn't do it justice, but with the bleak winter light we're having at the moment, it's the best I could do.

I also made a second necklace which appears way heavier and ended up somewhat rosary looking. I liked the texture of the wooden beads and had bought these on impulse a while back ... but didn't really know what to do with them, just because they are dark and heavy and so unlike my style. In the end I like how this necklace turned out ... on a jumper in winter, I'm sure it will look great.

New challenge : carving stamps

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 21:48:00 +0000

After seeing the wonderful stamps made by my friend Miss Thundercat, I wanted to give the whole stamp carving thing a try.
After all, I bought a stamp carving kit from Traci Bunker's Etsy shop last year, complete with cutters, carving blocks and tutorial, but never got round to actually use them.

This happy go lucky character is the third stamp I made. The previous two can be found on my flickr but I'm not happy with them. On the other hand, I would have been a natural talent if I has succeeded on first try, which obviously I am not :o)

Carving stamps is really addictive and once I buy some new carving material I see myself making other stamps. I'll keep you posted.

The Amazing Race ATC series

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:19:00 +0000

These ATCs were made for swaps on swap-bot over a time span of several months.

I missed the first instalment of the series and therefor didn't make any ATC for Africa, which seems to be the starting point of this programme. Seems to, because as I have never seen the Amazing Race programme, and the "race around the globe" format we have on TV, Peking Express, works in a completely different way.

Country Alphabet ATC series

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 17:24:00 +0000

These ATCs were made for a Country Alpabet ATC series on swap-bot. When the first host couldn't follow through on the series after the first two instalments, I took it over from her. It was my first experience as a host of a public swap and frankly I don't know if I would do it again. Even if we were very few in the swap, I was worried about possible flakers or other things that could go wrong. In the end it all worked out though, without a problem.

Now that all the instalments have been received, rated and archived, I thought it was high time I posted an overview of the ones I sent out (for detailed view check out my flickr ATC folder. From the letter P onwards, I made digital ATCs which I embellished with raised elements and 3D glossy or matte finish for texture. The pictures on this mosaic are the digital files though, because the pictures I took of the finished ATCs all had a nasty glare on them (due to the ATCS being printed on glossy paper).

Heart Zentangle ATCs

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:33:00 +0000

My good intention of the moment : trying to ypdate the crafty blog on a regular basis. I don't know how long I will be able to hold on, but I'm trying :o)

Zentangles have been a favourite of mine for quite some time (as you can tell from this old post) so when a Zentangle swap appeared on Swapbot , I couldn't pass up on it.

The theme of the swap was "Heart" and after having done mostly animal zentangles, trying out a different form proved itself challenging. It funny how we get stuck unnoticed in certain patterns whether those be in themes or designs.

Anyway, this cloud of hearts was sent to my partner ElsD in New Zealand. And she seemed to like it, because I got a ♥ too :o)

Below are two extra Zentangle ATCs I made but didn't send out. they are therefore still available for trade. If interested, drop me a line in the comments. :o)

I Taw a Puddy Cat ATC

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:30:00 +0000

I made this ATC for the Cat ATC swap on swapbot. After having done mostly digital ATCs these last few months, it was refreshing to take out all the inkpads again :o)

The background is a mixture of different inks, sprayed afterwards with a pearl glimmer mist. The cat was drawn with a fineliner and coloured in with a sharpie type pen.

Sent to my partner powderpuffmom on March 1, 2010.

Spreading Etsy Love - Look there's a give-away !

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:28:00 +0000

As my friends will tell you, I am quite the shopaholic, even better ... I am an Etsy addict. Completely hooked on the good stuff and very proud of it too. Ever since I discovered the joys of buying handmade, I can't get enough of it : I keep buying for myself, for friends, for my parents, Birthdays, Christmas, Easter, National Garlic Day (yes, that is a real holiday) ... you name it. There's always a perfect occasion to spread Etsy love :o) Speaking of which, I should make my Etsy shop work as well. Listing things might be a good beginning for that one. Hmm ... another entry on the "the do" list, which is getting longer every day.

Anyway, this little post is to draw everybody's attention to a giveway that the talented Flora is having on her blog to celebrate spring's long awaited arrival.

Entering the give-away is as simply as spreading the word by way of blog, Facebook, Twitter or any other social networking. So don't hold back, and particpate. Although maybe you shouldn't be too many to participate, because I'd still like a fair chance of getting my hands on that lovely print of hers :o) Just kidding of course. But really, do have a look at Happy Doodle Land, and start spreading the love.

Terug van weggeweest

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:13:00 +0000

This blog was remained desperately inactive for the past year, although I have been doing creative stuff and have been keeping busy (my flickr can testify to that :o))

I'm going to upload some of the things I have been doing shortly, so stay tuned.

Design & Illustrations

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:59:00 +0000

The internet is a formidable source of art and everytime I come across the works of a talented but unknown artist, I am grateful for whoever decided that have a global internet was a way to go. So many artists would otherwise never have heard of ...

And as they say in Dutch "Waar het hart van vol is, loopt de mond van over" (which roughly translated means that the mouth is overflowing with whatever is flooding the heart), I thought I'd share some of my recent discoveries with you.

First of all, I discovered a great Belgian artist Sybile and immediately fell in love with her paintings. It's therefore no surprise that I couldn't resist buying some of her ACEOs, as you see on the picture.

Another artist with exquisite drawings, is MissTigri. I am carefully eyeing up the items she has in store and I'd love to have one of painting reproductions framed at home. For budgetary reason, a wallpaper has to do it for the moment. I choose Melancolie (see left) to look at every day but all her paintings are available as wallpapers, downloadable on this page.

And of course, Gorjuss's gorgeous new website, could not be omitted in this list. She just redid her whole website, be sure to check it out.

And last but not least, I discovered Celsojunior, a Brazilian graphic artist in a completely different style than the ones listed above, but with great illustrations. I ordered a skin for my ipod yesterday from Skinizi with his "Sixth Sense" Illustration (see to the left) on it and I will definitely post a pic of it on my flickr once (and if !) I have successfully customized my ipod. :o)

As I keep disovering new artists every day, I'll sure keep you posted on my discoveries !

Long time no see ...

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:42:00 +0000

I remember distinctly promising to keep this blog up to date ... call it a New tear Resolution of mine. But like most resolutions, this one went unheeded and before I realised, winter has already traded its place with spring, we're the end of March and I havedn't returned to blogger since mid-December.

Time for a change ! I'll try to drop by more often. Promise :o)

Art by Christy

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:22:00 +0000

I just wanted to share that until Sunday, Christy is giving away a digital collage sheet to anyone who mails or comments on her latest blog post Day 15/29 Days of giving. There are some amazing sheets available, go check it out !

Sending some goodness around the world

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:58:00 +0000

As I wasn't committed in a lot of swaps this December, I decided to take on the role of one of Santa's elves and send some happiness around the world in the shape of wishes from the swapbot Wishlist Group.

Most of the packages consisted of hot chocolate (must be inspired by the cold winter season), Season's Greetings cards and the odd tea or souvenir. I hope the recipients will receive them before the end of the year, although I have to say I have been amazed at the speed of postal deliveries these last week : a greeting card sent on Friday arrived Monday in the US ... can't get any quicker, can it?

Maybe the postal services got a helping hand from Santa's little helper (picture below)?

Winter Wonders Brussels

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 07:12:00 +0000

From Nov. 28 till Dec. 28 2008, Brussels is one of Wintry Lights and Entertainment. Have a look at the official website to learn what's cooking in Europe's capital during the Holiday Season.

As I went shopping near Grand Place for Choc-o-lait chocolate sticks to send out for the wishlist group on Sunday (see other post), I was awestruck by the beauty of the light show on the Grand Place. My pictures came out a bit blurry though and don't really do it justice. But if you happen to be near Brussels, it's worth dropping by (finding a parking space is a nerve wrecking experience though, better come by public transport :o) )

I got eurofied

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:40:00 +0000

Through a giveaway contest on the Swap-bot Blog, I discovered what seemed to be a great website to get to know new etsy stores. Unfortunately I didn't win the giveaway but I did pay Geteurofied a visit and ordered the holiday sampler which arrived yesterday (contents on the left).

Besides samples, a lot of stores added discount codes too ... a great idea in these times of financial crisis! The list of the participants lets you click through to the individual etsy stores. And now I'm off to scout for new favourites :o)

Pin-Up Girl ATCs

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:10:00 +0000

I should start working on the ATCs for the Open Theme swap but as always I am a bit at a loss when it's an open theme. While I wait for the muse to find me, these are the ATCs I made for the Pin Up Girl ATC swap on swapbot. I hope my partners will find them to their liking. I always find those vintage drawings sexier and sassier than modern day pictures ... maybe I was born in the wrong era?

Thinking of Africa

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:53:00 +0000

I wanted a brown necklace to go with my beige shirt and now that I have discovered the joy of making me own, I didn't feel like buying one ready made. So after browsing through the bead shop on Friday (amazing how one looses track of time in that shop ... must be the twilight zone !), I came home with a bag of brownish beads and this is the result.

The kitties' first Xmas card

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:13:00 +0000

RECEIVED : L&L's first Xmas card
Mise en ligne par ceinwyn13

The Holiday Season is nearing and everyone receives wishes ... even my kitties :o) Lynn and Lotje received their very first Christmas card yesterday, in an envie adressed to them and accompanied by a little note written by the humble servant of Pal, Harvey and Brady, three magnificent Main Coone blokes from the US.

As part of the same swap, I will be sending out Christmas cards from Dyadis, an organisation that trains and places dogs to help physically disabled persons regain more autonomy and freedom of movement. That way I'm contributed to this important project and as the card features (obviously) dogs in a Xmas setting, I tried making a Season's Greetings card with my two little monsters on it to send along. Everything will be send out tomorrow, L&L still have to paw the cards :o)

Go make something : swap & printables

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:22:00 +0000

Thanks to a picture posted on Moni's Flickr I learned that the Go Make Something website (a great source for creative inspiration by the way) was holding an Open Theme ATC swap, so I decided to take a chance and see if I could make it on her list. I hope I will because I love making ATCs :o)

On browsing though the website at the same occasion, I discovered that Lisa Vollrath was also holding The Original Printables Holiday Countdown on her website: every day of the Advent a printable sheet of images is up for grabs. Check it out!

The creativity of a rainy weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:45:00 +0000

Purple Haze Necklace

This weekend was cold and rainy, like the last ones and probably the next ones too. I finally managed to go to the carwash because the car was black from the salt and the slate we had. Every time I wanted to go over the past weeks, it was pouring or snowing and I like to enjoy the 10 EUR wash for at least a few hourse :o) This time I did make it back to the garage before it started drizzling again and my car was at least clean until Sunday.

This grey weather has one positive consequence though : as there is nothing appealing outside, I have all the time I need to get some creative juices flowing :o)

This is the first full length necklace I made in my favourite colour ... purple ! I wore it to work today and if I may say so myself, it looks absolutely fab on a white shirt.

I also made some earrings (again) and I am considering opening an etsy shop to sell some of them. I just have to read through all the rules and regulations to see how to make it work. Serious thinking and reading ahead.

Zentangles ... again !

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:45:00 +0000

Another Zentangle swap on swap-bot and I cannot resist the temptation to sign up ... These are the results of a few evenings of doodling. I like them but at the same time, I have the feeling that I am being repetitive. I know that's what zentangles are all about "repetitive patterns" but still ...

These six ATCs are on their way to ATC Artists in the US (Crochetjunkie & Pjay). I hope they will like them.

I already received three ATCs from flyraeven. You can see her work just to the left.

A long delayed update

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:16:00 +0000

I have never been excellent at journal keeping so it's no surprise that I have been a bit lazy when it comes to blogging too ... but then again, there's always a valid reason for not updating : too busy preparing my vacation, then being on vacation and afterwards too busy catching up with everything once home again. And it's like letter writing, the longer you postpone it, the harder it is to get back into it.

As the end of the year is nearing, I'm starting to draw up my annual "good intentions" list and keeping this blog up to date is one of the entries. Nevertheless, I didn't deemed it necessary to wait until January to get going again, so here I am :o)

Anway, I have been making earrings this last week, since I found those polaris beads in the bead shop last weekend. Oh, I just love them ! Must be that frosted aspect, and the shiny swarovski crystals no doubts . I haven't decided yet what I will wear for New Year's Eve, but I'd love to have a matching set of earrings/necklace/bracelet so I should start thinking about it. Maybe something in the line of the burgundy earrings ... we'll see.

Jewelry making

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:08:00 +0000

Like most women, I like things that are pretty and sparkly, so it comes to no surprise that I love jewelry. Moreover as I am not allergic to any "cheap" material (just allergic to gold, go figure :o) ), I can easily wear colourful fantasy earrings, necklaces and the like.

I had been looking at beads and crystals before but I didn't know how to start. So, I bought myself a book, the basic materials and set to work.

For the last two nights, I have been assembling basic necklaces, earrings and brooches (see the pictobrowser below) and I am quite pleased with the final results. I gave the small blue necklace away to a colleague because I miscalculated the lenth of the cable and it ended up being a real choker for me :o). The people I showed my makings to seemed to like what I made, but maybe they were just being polite.

Anyway, I also bought a few new books yesterday to make some jewelry using swarovski delicas and there are amazing pieces explained in it. I'd like to start marking those, but I think I'd better work my way up gradually : you cannot drive a F1 car, if you cannot properly ride a bike, right?

Nature's colours

noreply@blogger.com (Ingrid) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:48:00 +0000

The summer months are passing by slowly but surely and for some odd reason these last months have had nothing summer-like except for the name. Apparently the weather gods have heard the skin cancer prevention messages and being aware of the harmful effect of too much sunexposure, decided to help us preserving our health by making sure we aren't seeing any sunshine. Thunderstorms, rain, and even floodings in certain areas, ... even for Belgium this is highly usual.

So before autumn hits our country, I thought I'd better take some pictures of the blooming flowers in our garden to catch a glimpse of the summer spirit, before it disappears again. ;o) Once autums sets in I'll try to take some pictures as well of the chestnut and fig trees in the garden. I counted the slowly growing bulbs and we should have around 20 figs this year.

While I was taking pictures of the different flowers, I noticed that the lavender was (as usual) covered with bumble bees. I don't like insects at all (just thinking about bugs makes my skin crawl - I even stopped on a service area along the highway once to ask a sturdy looking guy to remove the spider that I had seen crawling behind the sun screen of the car :o) ), but bees and especially bumble bees are the exception to the rule. Is it because I associate them with Winnie the pooh or the Maya animation of my childhood? I don't know, but I find them very likeable with their fluffy hair :o) Moreover bubble bees are very peaceful and don't react agressively (like wasps do) when you try to take pics of them, and, they are a bit slower than the butterflies making them easier to catch on film, or rather memory card. :o)

I also took some pictures of Lynn this weekend and I am so pleased with one of them that I decided to post it here. I just love my kitties to pieces.