Chantilly Rose

Engagement Banner

2014-11-03T12:07:00.003+00:00

Hello!

And here, modelled by my lovely and very obliging assistant, a banner created as a present for a newly engaged couple. Lots of inking, stamping, and snipping involved on this one, but it turned out well in the end! The whole thing was finished off with just enough WOC flower embellishments to pretty it up without being too much.

Until next time,

Katie

'Create' canvas

2014-11-03T11:40:00.003+00:00

This little canvas was more of an experiment: I started off by collaging a lot of random patterned papers onto the canvas, and then layered up with gesso, colour, and then stencilled over the whole thing using a scraper and ultra thick gesso. I then collaged on my 3D elements, after gessoing over them a bit to tone them down,

A few trinket boxes....

2014-11-03T11:30:00.000+00:00

Hello,

On closer inspection in my photo folders on my laptop I realised that I hadn't blogged ANY of these trinket boxes!

All of these were made from scratch using very heavy board, framers tape, a variety of patterned papers and usually embellishments from WOC and Prima.

Hope you like!

Katie

More Canvas Experimentation

2014-02-19T09:32:00.001+00:00

Hello there!

Today I've got another canvas to share. It started life as a Windsor and Newton canvas board that had been relinquished to the cellar, and some random scraps of paper from my scrap drawer.

To start off, I covered the whole thing in a layer of Gesso. I then pasted random pieces of patterned paper all over the board, and filled the gaps with some old book pages. To soften the edges down I then dry brushed some Gesso over the joins and edges.

Then, using ultra thick Gesso (and it is REALLY thick), and a stencil, I stencilled a textured damask design in white over the entire canvas.

The heart design was constructed using lots of different designs of washi tape which I attached to a cardboard heart, and then adhered to the board. I also dry brushed this with Gesso, and used my Silky water soluble crayons to add a black shadow around the heart and edge of the board, blended in with my finger.

All that was left then was to adhere some embellishments, lace, and chipboard flourish (from Scrapfellows, who make THE best chipboard shapes) in the corner. I first coloured the flourish using Spectrum Noir markers and then adhered it to the board.

Well, that's it!

I am also entering this into the 'Mixed Media Place' Courage Challenge - it takes a lot of courage to try new things!

I hope you like.

Katie xx

Spotlight On: Crafter's Companion's 'Makey Bakey Mice'

2014-02-17T10:13:00.000+00:00

Good Morning

Today's post is based on the awesome 'Makey Bakey Mice' range from Crafter's Companion. You can buy the stamps HERE.

In my continued mission to do something a bit 'different', in these cards I have tried to make the focus all about the images. The images are fantastic so they really don't need much to look good - and I've really concentrated on simplifying the entire process, to let the image speak for itself and give a much fresher, cleaner look.

If I could figure out how to thread my sewing machine I may have stitched some of these layers together. Who am I kidding, I would also need to work out how to USE the thing, let alone just thread it. Ok,.... so maybe I am just dreaming....

On this one I've paper pieced the flowers to give more interest to the image...

All the images are coloured with Spectrum Noir alcohol ink markers.

Anyway that's it for today, now it's time for some porridge...

Katie xx

Spotlight On : Oxford Impressions 'Bonbon' - CHOCOLATE!

2014-02-14T09:38:00.000+00:00

Hello,

Another 'spotlight' post today: this time from the Oxford Impressions 'Bonbon' collection. My mother will testify to the fact that I have owned this set for a VERY long time and never used them, so the time had definitely come.

First up some more CAS cards, all images are coloured with Spectrum Noirs which you can purchase HERE.

This one was more of a joke ... sending a 'love' card to chocolate would be the type of thing that I would do......

Check it out... it's the angel... OF CHOCOLATE...

Here I've mixed it up a bit and had a play with my Luminarte Radiant Rain sprays. They give a lovely shimmer to the background. I've also added some Glossy Accents to the heart.

This next one was made up of the scraps and leftover stamped images left on my desk... I think the heart makes a very cute balloon! But don't go drifting away there, Mr Chocolate Angel, I need you in my life....

And finally another one where I used some red Glimmer Mist for the background, and LOTS of Glossy Accents on the heart. They really POP out of the background.

I think my next 'Spotlight' is going to feature some very cute little mice.... watch this space!

Katie

Spotlight On: Hero Arts 'Sew Artsy'

2014-02-13T10:43:00.002+00:00

As part of my mission to get more use out of the products that I already own (instead of doing the standard Katie thing and just buying more..), I decided to take one stamp set out at a time, and have a good old play.

First up, a series of cards using the 'Sew Artsy' line, from Hero Arts. I'm trying to go for a more 'clean' look... let's face it, too much matting and layering and too many flowers is SO last year..... ;-)

I love this set!

Katie

'Home Sweet Home' Canvas

2014-02-13T10:14:00.002+00:00

Good Morning all,

I've been doing quite a lot of experimenting behind the scenes recently, and have finally found the opportunity to get some work photographed, which I will try and upload over the next few days.

First up a canvas, using papers from WRMK, stamps from the Artistic Stamper, chipboard shapes from Scrapfellows and lots of other different mixed media. The colours are a bit bright for me, but hey, you can't always work with pink!

More to come later!

Katie xoxo

Zatchels - A Review

2013-09-17T14:55:00.000+01:00

Hello all!

Well, I know this is normally a 'craft' blog, but as far as I am concerned, all crafters love beautiful things... And this post is definitely about beautiful things!

Unless you have been living under a very sad, dark rock, you will have probably noticed the satchel phenomenon spreading across the UK. There are three main brands in the running, as far as I'm concerned: Zatchels, The Cambridge Satchel Company, and the Leather Satchel Company.

I bought two satchels from Zatchels during their Birthday Sale. Firstly, I was very disappointed in the general public during the sale, as the amount of grief that Zatchels received via social networks was unreal. They offered an amazing discount, and had an unprecedented demand, so the fact that people were complaining so bitterly was ridiculous. They were doing their best and replying to everybody as soon as they could! I personally sat and patiently waited for my delivery, and I was happy to wait!

Anyway, this is now about 4 months ago. I wanted to give the satchels a really proper roadtest before I reviewed them, to see how they held up.

As I am now living in mainland Europe, I have taken the satchels on a Europe tour to spread the love (and broaden their horizons, of course). These beauties have toured the UK, Germany, Austria and Italy.

So: about the bags. I ordered the 11.5" satchel from the Pastel Collection in pink, and the 14.5" satchel from the Harmony Collection, in cream and chestnut. They are both absolutely fabulous!

In this post I am going to concentrate on my little pink baby. In this size I can fit a large purse, some very large sunglasses, my phone, a lip gloss, and at a push, my Kindle. The workmanship is faultless, and I personally prefer having the contrast stitching on the flap as well as on the body of the satchel (which is unlike other brands). The leather is good quality and hard wearing.

After 4 months, there is minimal wear, apart from slight cracking of the leather on the buckles, which is completely normal, and in my opinion, quite desirable! This bag has also spent a lot of time in very bright sunlight, and there is no alteration of colour in the leather. To be honest, it still looks new!

Here she is enjoying the evening sun at Barga, Province de Lucca, Tuscany, Italy....

And here she is at Mainau, the 'flower island' on Lake Constance....

And here is a sneak peek of my other satchel, taken at San Gimignano, Italy....

So my final conclusion is: best bags ever, just buy them!!!!

Katie xx

International Swap

2013-08-30T13:22:00.001+01:00

Good afternoon,

I have finally managed to hack my way back into my blogger account, after a lot of frustration and wanting to throw my laptop out of the window (and, as we are on the third floor, this would not have had a happy ending).

I decided (or, was coerced), into participating in an International Swap this month, and this is what I have just posted out to my swap partner.

I decided to make a set of three in co-ordinating designer paper from My Mind's Eye, and used stamps from Hero Arts and My Mind's Eye to put the cards together.

My style is definitely heading more towards the clean and simple, as I am fed up of trying to ram cards in envelopes with embellishments that just don't fit!

Bye for now,

Katie

Paperplay Challenges - 'Thanks A Bunch'

2012-11-01T08:00:00.000+00:00

Hello all,

I have scheduled this post so I hope it posts successfully and on time!

Our theme this week on Paperplay is 'Thanks a Bunch' - this was about as close as I could get with my stash for this! I have used some really old Papermania papers (Rose Garden I think), and part of my extensive collection of washi tape, along with an old LOTV stamp and a random sentiment that I stole from my Mum. The image is coloured with Spectrum Noirs - don't ask me what colours as I have no idea and layered them over and over until I was happy with the shade of pink on her skirt!

That's all from me!

Katie

PaperPlay Challenges - 'Shine On'

2012-10-04T09:00:00.000+01:00

Hello all

Rumour has it that I am starting to do a bit of DT work once more, I figured it was about time! I decided to start off with my good friends at PaperPlay Challenges again, and this is my first project since being back with them.

The challenge for this week is 'Shine On' - should be an easy one for all you glitter and Glossy Accents fans! I decided to interpret it a bit more literally and went for a ridiculously bright sunshine themed mini album. The papers are again the We R Memory Keepers '72 and Sunny' collection. The inside pages are also embellished but it was too difficult to photograph! I thought I would never find a use for bright orange lace when I bought it, but it looks like I finally found one!

Make sure you come and play along with us!

Katie xxx

Butterfly Trinket Box...

2012-10-02T20:51:00.000+01:00

Hello

I absolutely love making these little trinket boxes - I learnt the technique at a class that was held at work. The inner box is made using one piece of 12x12 paper and an origami folding technique. For the outer box, I smiled sweetly at a member of our framing department, and got them to cut down some of their scrap hardboard to the right size. I joined them all together with framing tape, which gives the lid it's flexibility, but is strong at the same time.

I finally cut into my DCWV Marisposa stack - it's hard to take the scissors to it, but what's the point in owning all this stuff if it's too 'nice' to use? I finished it off with some WOC flowers.

I'm also entering this one into the Wild Orchid Crafts challenge - Anything goes.

Katie xxx

'Love Me' ....

2012-10-01T20:54:00.000+01:00

Good Evening

Had a great time this evening making this box frame. It's a cheap shadow box frame from Ikea, but it's absolutely ideal because you can put massive deep embellishments inside!

I used the 'Love Me' collection from My Mind's Eye - love it! I also finally broke into my packet of Kraft core Coredinations... oh man. It's too good to use on a card, it has to be used on permenant home decor items only! More Wild Orchid flowers as per usual.

I am also entering this into this weeks Wild Orchid Crafts challenge - 'Anything Goes'.

Brave Girls...

2012-09-30T21:16:00.001+01:00

Evening

A couple of years ago now (back when I was DTing for Simon Says Stamp), I bought (well, ordered) a massive Unity stamp set - the Brave Girls Club one, and never really used it. I was having a play with some of Sheena's older stamps, painting directly onto the rubber with Twinkling H2Os and stamping onto old book pages, and I thought that the Brave Girls stamps just worked perfectly with the background. I possibly used the wrong ink - the Memento didn't work that well over the painted areas, but I went over it with a black pen afterwards to sharpen it up. I think that Archival might have worked better.

Right -bedtime for me. Work tomorrow (groan)

Katie xx

The Heart Obsession Continues

2012-09-30T13:30:00.003+01:00

Everyone knows that I am a little obsessed with hanging hearts - I buy them, admire them, make them. Now that I'm also looking after the general craft side of purchasing at work, I also make sure that we stock lots of them! This is a wooden heart that I picked up at work, which I've altered with a bit of help from my hot glue gun, and a LOT of Wild Orchid Flowers. My stash is running dangerously low, I need to go and place another order swiftly!

Hope you like

Katie xxx

One more little Toread

2012-09-29T22:47:00.000+01:00

Hello

Just one more little Toread sample to share - he's another little cutie! I think he would also look cool with some crazily coloured hair, but for now I've modelled him on my boyfriend's colouring (it's how I imagine he looked as a child, ha ha ha).

The papers are really old ones from my stash - Papermania Hempstead but they are really lovely, and really go well with the woodland kind of feel that these guys bring.

The image is coloured with Spectrum Noir pens as per usual.

I hope you have all ordered yours?!

Katie xxx

Toreads release - tomorrow!

2012-09-27T18:43:00.000+01:00

Hello all,

You'd have to have been living under a rock to not know about the Toreads release due out tomorrow.. They are so cute it's actually verging on ridiculous.

For this card I've coloured my image with Spectrum Noir pens (the only pen to be seen using these days), and simply layered it up with some yellow CoreD'inations cardstock, and some paper from the We R Memory Keepers '72 and Sunny' collection. I love this little guy! He would be great for a new arrival, or just to send to someone special :)

You'll be able to get them from tomorrow, either from the TV shows on Create and Craft,or from the Crafter's Companion website.

Have a good day!

Katie

New Swalk and Humphrey Samples

2012-06-24T19:31:00.000+01:00

Good Evening all

As I have a demonstration at Luton next week I thought I had better throw together some samples to take with me. Not bad for an afternoons work! All the images have been coloured using the Spectrum Noir colouring system, stamped onto Neenah cardstock with Memento ink. I've used a mixture of papers inclunding Prima Madeleine, The Scrap Cake, DCWV and Crafty Individuals. All the background cardstock is by CoreD'inations, either the Tim Holtz, Gemstones or Vintage collection.

I loved these papers so much that I really didn't want to cover them up or cut them down - so I made some 8x8 card blanks using Centura Pearl cardstock stolen from my Mum... I also used organza ribbon so that the papers could still be seen under the ribbon.

A mini notebook...

I also threw together a quick trinket box...

Right, that's it! I'll be back later in the week with some Luminarte samples...

Katie xxx

A Mini Album

2012-06-11T19:48:00.000+01:00

.................Hello

Yes, it's been a while.... however after lots of nagging from a certain Irish person I have finally decided to post on my blog..!! It's been that long that I had forgotten my Blogger password and the format has completely changed. I have to be honest, I'm struggling! So hopefully it will look OK when I publish it :)

Firstly, here is a super quick wedding card I made to go along with the mini album that will follow. I put so many hours into the album that I kind of ran out of steam for the card! So it's an extra speedy stamped card. I used the new stamps that I bought in Alexandra Palace in London earlier this year - the butterfly set from Craftwork Cards. I stamped it using various colours of Memento (I'd love to go and check the colours for you, but to be honest life is just too short), and then matted it onto Gemstone Coredinations cardstock, and added some flat back pearls to the bodies of the butterflies (another idea stolen from the said Irish person that has been bullying me into blogging again!) I stamped a quick sentiment using a set from Hero Arts - Everyday Sayings.

Now onto the Mini Album. This took FOREVER. I made it as a wedding present for one of my closest college friends. I facebook stalked her, stole lots of photos and ordered them to be printed, which was actually surprisingly more difficult than you would expect, as I wanted to put all of their trips into chronological order, however she didn't upload them in chronological order, and she also didn't necessarily upload them at the time that they were taken! So I did my best and tried to get clues from the dates of the comments, etc.. It was a headache. I'm not a stalker, honest! Haha.

Anyway, as they had been to some quite exotic places, I used a paper collection that I have been hoarding for quite a while - Que Sera Sera by K & Co. The colours are deep and rich, which was also a challenge for me as I am used to using pale, shabby hues. I inked up everything using Walnut Stain Distress Ink and embellished with Prima flowers, Wild Orchid flowers, lace, pearls, pins, some postage stamps and some clips from the Follow Your Heart Collection from My Mind's Eye. I also made some roses using the paper collection and a die from Marianne Designs. I cut the lettering and swirls using my Big Shot and embellished using Glossy Accents.

I love this picture because we now all know that he had a ring in his pocket :)

Well, that's it! I shall try to be a better blogger from now on, but I'm not promising anything :)

Katie xxxxxxxxxxx

Christmas Paint Fusion release!

2011-08-14T17:53:00.005+01:00

Ok, so these posts were supposed to be staggered as sneak peeks throughout this week, however all I have done this week is work and sleep so it didn't happen! You already all know by now that our Sheena has released six new stamps to the Paint Fusion range for Christmas, and here are the samples that I knocked up for the new DVD and shows. So here is the whole lot in one go....

First up we have a circular box using the new Wreath and Garland set, done with a yellow crackle and embellished with a Tim Holtz christmas ticket.

Next up we have a heart shaped box with pink crackle, using the Christmas Rose set...

Then we have the Pine Cone set....

Pine tree plaque.... embellished with die cut letters using a Tim Holtz die

Ceramic fusion! I used an old tile from my Dad's garage and porcelain paints, which you cook in the oven to make dishwasher safe etc. The Ivy set is my favourite one I reckon, and can be used all year round..

Another box using the same Ivy set...

Next up we have the Holly set, my other favourite of this release

Finally a couple more playarounds with the stamps and the ceramic paints, I made a tealight holder out of an old jam jar and a set of four coasters

Hope you enjoy!

Katie xx

Spectrum Noir and Swalk Launch - Sneak Peek 2

2011-07-28T09:13:00.003+01:00

Morning!

Day two of my drip feeding you information and general blurb about this weekend's launch :)

Colours used:

Hat: 99, 104, 142

Hair: 102, 142, 132

Skin: 142, 133, 132, 196

Water: 178, 0

Dungarees: 100, 104

Shirt and Fishing Rod: WG5, WG1

Puppy: WG1, WG0.5, 99 ,171, 37

I generally don't make boys cards, as for me, if it doesn't contain flowers and glitter then it's not finished.. but hey ho ... to me this looks WAY too plain and simple but good for a man I suppose! Maybe I should have added buttons... but it's too late now .. it's already sent off for the launch!

My Thursday list is very long so I had better get going!

xxxx

Introducing the 'Speccies' .... and a sneak peek of this weekends launch :)

2011-07-27T19:34:00.004+01:00

Good evening all

I know that technically my blog has been a little quiet recently - it doesn't however mean that I haven't been doing anything! I've been working on top secret releases non stop in various forms, that I can reveal to you bit by bit over the next month or so :)

Anyway, unless you've been on another planet you will have realised that this week saw the launch of the amazing new Spectrum Noirs - that have already been affectionately named the 'Speccies'....

My DT pack arrived in the post last week and I have to say, I am converted! I have always been a traditional watercolour painting girl, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone and attempt to work with alcohol markers. It took me a while to realise that it wasn't going to look like a watercolour, but once I had got my head around that, I was away!

Firstly here are a few of my first attempts using the pens .. please bear in mind that I have only ever used Copics once, so I am far from an expert or experienced - but they blend like a dream and make it really easy! If I can do it (and shock horror colour without the use of a brush), then anyone can :) I'll be posting up a more detailed review later in the week.

Also being launched this weekend are new releases from Humphrey and Swalk ... here is your first sneak peek! The papers are from the original Humphrey CD.

Speccie colours are as follows:

Lottie - CG 3, CG 1, CG 0.5

Dress - 33, 45, 38, 35, 48

Chocolate Box - 98, 92, 5, 48

Outline - BG 1

Anyway back to work :)

Katie xxx

Congratulations Richard and Bryony!

2011-07-25T11:34:00.002+01:00

On Saturday evening we had the pleasure of celebrating the engagement of my friends, Richard and Bryony! He has put a suitably pretty ring on her finger in a suitably pretty setting, so I am allowing him to marry her :P

This is their engagement card - made using embossed and sanded layers of Black Magic Core d'inations cardstock, Liquid Pearls, organza and satin ribbon, flowers and pearl headed pins from Wild Orchid Crafts, and a sentiment from Raindrop Echo Designs. The photo isn't great but I snapped it as I ran out of the door in my high heels on the way to the party! There is also a little key charm behind the heart but it is hiding in this photo :)

I'll be back later reviewing the new Spectrum Noirs!

Katie xxx

Project Bathroom - Katie is back!!!

2011-07-14T16:45:00.007+01:00

So, the infamous bathroom project is now complete!

It wasn't without hiccups and vomiting brothers, but after lots of work it is finally finished!!

First off here are some of the grotty 'Before' pictures - lots of exposed pipes, dodgy pipework, years and years of limescale, holes in the wall, and some strange interior design choices from the previous tenant (who was a guy, obviously).....
Mid project I did nearly have a heart attack - I had completed two of the three coats and went to bed, and when I woke up, I went downstairs to this, shock horror, what is that hideous thing doing, on top of my shelf, in my beautiful bathroom???!!??!!?!?!? What had I possibly done to deserve this?!!

Arrrrrrrgh!! Needless to say this monstrosity was pulled down and disposed of within seconds, and replaced with something more appropriate! MALES! You cannot even class that as a shower curtain fit for human use!

Now onto the finished photos .................................:)

Crystal light pull, of course.....

Obviously I also needed to buy some plush new super fluffy white towels.....

The bathroom cabinet isn't mine to remove, so I decided to remove the hideous blue panel and turn it into a display area... worked pretty well!

The back of the door is now re-glossed and my lovely towel rail has been replaced - just don't grab the towel too enthusiastically or it will fall off **cough** ...........

The second window is also looking infinitely better with a lick of white gloss paint.....

I'm not crazy about the mirror thing that is in this bathroom, so I prettied it up by painting a few blossoms around the corners, and added a wicker heart thingie that I got in TKMaxx, which matches in great with all the white ceramic accessories........

Check out how white that grout is!!! Literally hours of scrubbing with bleach has made it sparkle like new :)

Love love love my home

K xxxxx