Creative Crafter UK

7000 Visitors

2009-11-05T19:33:00.002Z

7000 Visitors - wahoo! {Do a little dance!} Thanks everyone! Hope you've enjoyed reading?
Here's to the next 7000!

Dazzling Jewellery

2009-11-04T15:52:00.000Z

I attended another craft fair today and I'm so pleased with how well my jewellery sold - the necklace, earring and bracelet sets went well and earrings were also popular. I had so many lovely comments from people. Many seemed to be buying as Christmas gifts. This set pictured above has always been one of my favourites with the inner-glow beads and Swarovski Crystals.

I took a few jewellery commissions today as well...so must get back to work and make them now.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T09:21:00.002Z

Have a happy halloween today - whether you're 'trick or treating', flying on your broomstick to a spooky party, haunting with the kids or making pumpkin pie have a 'wicked' day!

{I'm off to find my broomstick, witches hat and witches costume - cackle, cackle!}

Witches Hat Trio Card

2009-10-27T12:40:00.000Z

Use the free Halloween witches hat printable (downloadable from here) to create this card.It is recommended to print onto good quality photo paper from best results, with your printer at best settings.

You Will Need:
Halloween Witches Hat printable Download
Halloween Spooky A4 Printable (optional - from my Folksy Store)
Long White card and envelope
Assorted cardstock - Green textured, Lilac linen effect and smooth black.
Black Gel Pen
Lilac adhesive gem stones
Decorative Edge Scissors
Corner rounding punch
Scissors
Double Sided Tape
Sticky Fixers
Computer and Printer

Instructions:
1. Cut out three witches hats in a rectangle and round the corners. Mat onto black card, then green, cut with decorative edge scissors.
2. Cut a slightly larger oblong of lilac card and outline with a dashed black line drawn in pen.
3. (Optional) Attach two lengths of border down each side of the card cut from the Spooky Halloween A4 Printable.
4. Outline the card with a dashed black doodle line. Attach layers at an agle to the card and add lilac gem stones three in a row decreasing in size at the top right and bottom left of the card.
5. Cut three more witches hats to align with those on the card and attach these on top with sticky fixers for a 3D effect.

If you download this design I would welcome your feedback and comments in return. Thank you.

Get Well Soon Card

2009-10-25T11:09:00.001Z

There are so many people around me coming down with the flu (even swine flu) and one friend who is seriously ill in hospital with an 'unknown' illness. I therefore urgently needed a card and I quickly created for him (a retired policeman) who I would like to wish a speedy recovery.

The image has been printed from www.thecoloringspot.com, coloured with pencils and layered to create this 3D card. I made a 'sling' from spare card and cut off the characters arm to position in the sling. I drew 'black eye' markings and a plaster onto the policeman, as well as a tie. He has been combined with patterned background paper, Doodlebug lettering, ribbon and lots of adhesive black pearl stones.

Crafting and QVC!

2009-10-21T12:56:00.003+01:00

Yesterday was Craft Day on the shopping channel QVC. I had many of my projects feature on there advertising some wonderful products. They must have gone down well as the products were selling fast and in some cases complete sell outs! It's always lovely to see the results of all your hard work culminating in a live broadcast on national TV!

It happens very rarely, but yesterday also saw creative block take hold and it was so difficult to shift. I keep telling myself "you can craft, just get on with it" but nothing was working. It's no excuse...but inspiration for the products I was trying to use had just diminished. Nevertheless we got there in the end and the project will be live online in no time. Have you ever suffered creative block - what did you do to resolve this? My usual response would be to put the project down and come back with fresh eyes later, however when deadlines are pressing and the project is a last minute request it's not always possible. Any remedies? Please comment below.

Happy Halloween Bottle Caps Card

2009-10-20T11:29:00.001+01:00

Use the Halloween bottle caps printables (from my Folksy store) to create this card.It is recommended to print onto good quality photo paper from best results, with your printer at best settings.

You Will Need:
Halloween bottle caps printables (from my Folksy store)
Lilac square card and envelope
White cardstock sticker lettering
Assorted cardstock - Green textured, Lilac linen effect and smooth black.
Black Gel Pen
Three clean metal bottle caps (ideally green)
Lilac adhesive gem stones
Decorative Edge Scissors
Scissors
Double Sided Tape
Sticky Fixers
Computer and Printer

Instructions:

1. Cut out three elements from the Halloween Bottle Caps design and stick to the top of three bottle caps.
2. Cut a narrow strip of green textured card using decorative edge scissors. Stick to lilac card, then black card to create a stripy border. Draw a dashed black line across the edges of the lilac piece.
3. Stick the layer to the card (close to the bottom). Round the corners of the card and draw a dot/ dashed line around the card in black pen.
4. Attach the bottle caps with three layers of sticky fixers underneath. Add lilac gems each side and three in a row to the top right of the card.
5. Add white cardstock stickers above the border layers to spell "Happy Halloween."

Hocus Pocus Cauldron Halloween Card

2009-10-18T13:23:00.001+01:00

I was very pleased with the way this design turned out!

Use the Spooky Halloween printables (from my Folksy store) to create this card. It is recommended to print onto good quality photo paper from best results, with your printer at best settings.

You Will Need:
Spooky Halloween printables (from my Folksy store)
Black A6 Scalloped edge card and envelope
Green cardstock sticker lettering
White Gel Pen
Scissors
Double Sided Tape
Sticky Fixers
Computer and Printer

Instructions:
1. Outline the scalloped card edges using white gel pen and create a doodle dot/ dashed line.
2. Attach two Halloween border strips horizontally across the card at the top and bottom.
3. Cut out the Cauldron focal design, leaving a white border all round the edges and attach to the centre of the card with sticky fixers.
4. Apply green lettering stickers above and below the design to spell "Hocus Pocus".

Trick or Treat Card

2009-10-17T18:14:00.001+01:00

Use the Spooky Halloween printables (from my Folksy store) to create this card.It is recommened to print onto good quality photo paper from best results, with your printer at best settings.

You Will Need:
Spooky Halloween printables (from my Folksy store)
Black Cardstock
Square Green card and envelope
White Foam Lettering
White Gel Pen
Black Fine Pen
Gold Adhesive stones
Corner Rounding Punch
Scissors
Double Sided Tape
Sticky Fixers
Computer and Printer

Instructions:

1. Round the corners of the card and outline with a dashed/ circle line drawn in black pen.
2. Attach the Halloween border strip down the opening edge. Cut out two large stars and attach with sticky fixers to the top of the border. Add a gold gem to the centre of each.
3. Cut a smaller square from black card (larger than the witches hat design). Round the corners and outline in white gel pen. Attach to card at an angle with sticky fixers.
4. Cut out the witches hat design, leaving a white border and attach to the black layer with sticky fixers.
5. Add another star design to the bottom left corner. Add sparkle with a gem stone in the centre. Add gem stones to the stars surrounding the hat.
6. Apply white foam lettering around the circle to spell "Trick or Treat".

Birthday Bonanza

2009-10-17T11:28:00.003+01:00

Well, it's just about all my friends birthday's this month! Here's another of my good friend's Esther's card - a simple, graphical design that should appeal. I used sparkly gem stones combined with felt banner style ribbon and a pretty birthday cake topper on a patterned card.

I hope she likes it! Happy birthday Esther!

The format of this card can be followed to create your own easy to make card. Use a flourishing pattern to the left side, ribbon across the bottom. A topper where the ribbon and design meets in the bottom left corner. A smaller embellishment to the other end of the ribbon and your wording above the ribbon to the right. Add gem stones in a row top right to add sparkle!
See sketch below.

Thank You Card

2009-10-16T19:30:00.003+01:00

Thank you to everyone who sent me warm birthday wishes this year - I had a lovely birthday thanks and received some wonderful gifts from friends and family. I will especially enjoy my new gadget - my ipod! I also received a gorgeous butterfly trinket, beautiful evening bag, jewellery box and jewellery among other things.

Here's a card for you all, to say 'Thanks'. It's been created using Doodlebug papers, glittery lettering, dotty ribbon and floral assortment. You can never go wrong with a girlie embellishment like these (if it's not for a tough guy, of course!)

Ghostly Card

2009-10-15T14:04:00.001+01:00

Use the Spooky Halloween printables (from my Folksy store) to create this card.It is recommened to print onto good quality photo paper for best results, with your printer at best settings.

You Will Need:
Spooky Halloween printables (from my Folksy store)
Black Cardstock
White card and envelope
White Cardstock Sticker Lettering
White Gel Pen
Lilac Adhesive stones
Scissors
Double Sided Tape
Sticky Fixers
Computer and Printer

Instructions:
1. Cut a piece of black card slightly smaller than your card blank and stick to the centre. Outline with a dashed line in white gel pen.
2. Cut a Halloween border strip from the design and stick down the left side of the card. Attach three lilac gem stones in a column.
3. Cut out three ghost from the sheet and attach with sticky fixers to the background. Cut out and attach a witches hat to the largest ghost.
4. Apply white cardstock sticker lettering spelling "Boo!" either side of the central ghost.

Halloween Hauntings

2009-10-14T13:56:00.000+01:00

With Halloween almost upon us, I've been working on some spooky Halloween creations. These cards (pictured) were designed (by me) using my own Halloween printable papers (available for a limited time in my Folksy shop). They feature the Spooky Halloween A4 printable design. I've added cardstock sticker text and gem stones as extra embellishments.

Keep checking back here for instructions on making these cards in the coming days.

In the meantime visit my Folksy store to see the design(s).

Fete - Craft'zine Issue 4

2009-10-13T16:26:00.000+01:00

My work has featured again in Momtaz's wonderful Craft'zine Fete. The Autumn issue (Number 3) can be viewed by clicking on the link below.

My romantic wedding anniversary card features on page 18 of the current issue.

http://issuu.com/fete/docs/issue3

O'Christmas Trees

2009-10-11T13:04:00.001+01:00

Create this easy Christmas card using my O'Christmas Tree printable design available from my Folksy Store.
These are ideal if you have a number of cards to make for the festive season as they're quick and easy to make.

You Will Need:
O'Christmas Tree Printables PDF
Computer and Printer
Sturdy white card or photo paper to print the designs on
Sheer Burgundy Red Narrow Ribbon
Gold Glittery border stickers or Glitter Glue
A6 Red Card and Envelope
Spare green cardstock
Glue Dots
Sticky Fixers
Glue Stick
Scissors
Guillotine

Instructions:
For best results print the designs onto good quality photo paper with your printer set at best settings.
1. Cut the tree border from the design and glue across the bottom of the card leaving a narrow edge of red card showing below.
2. Use gold glitter glue or attach lengths of glittery gold sticker above and below the designs to hide the join where the paper meets the card.
3. Attach a length of sheer ribbon horizontally across the top of the card.
4. Cut out the oval Christmas sentiment and mat onto green card, cut around and attach with sticky fixers to the ribbon.
5. Tie two neat sheer ribbon bows and attach with glue dots either side of the sentiment to finish.

Christmas Printables

2009-10-10T12:27:00.001+01:00

My new O'Christmas Tree paper designs were fun to use (see my cards above) created using my own designs. I especially liked the way the largest duo tree card turned out!
Instructions on how to make these cards will follow.

My O'Christmas Tree printables can be seen in my Folksy store.

Crafting For Christmas (again!)

2009-10-09T19:32:00.005+01:00

I've been busy crafting for Christmas again today - this time using my own unique paper design available soon!

Can you believe it's just 77 days until Christmas? Have you started making your own greetings cards for friends and family yet? If not, my paper will be available as a downloadable PDF in one of my shops shortly. I hope to get it live this weekend.

In the meantime - it's almost my birthday (yey...can't wait!) Not sure they'll have enough candles for my cake this year! Wishing for some crafty treats, gadgets galore and hopefully a few nice surprises!

World Card Making Day

2009-10-03T13:25:00.004+01:00

Did you know World Card Making day is officially today? Head on over to www.worldcardmakingday.com for further details.

This is an annual event held each year on the first weekend in October, since 2006. It's for card makers, papercrafters, retailers and manufacturers to celebrate card making as a hobby, a fund raising opportunity for charity, for crafters to connect with each other, inspire and create as one.

Join in the fun today and share with us your creations! Feel free to leave a comment below as to where we can see them! Here's mine (above.)

Detective Creative Crafter...on the Case!

2009-10-02T17:32:00.005+01:00

Working on a commission today and been trying to track some products. I had a mammouth searching session and feel like a detective trying to locate some items. Perhaps I could diversify and become the young Miss Marple! After going round in circles I got results - case solved!

To all my fellow card makers - are you ready for World Card Making Day tomorrow?
I'll post more details then!

Happy Friday!

Which Wallpaper?

2009-09-30T18:00:00.001+01:00

I'm in the indecisive stages of trying to decide which wallpaper is best for a makeover in the bedroom. Currently I have walls painted in a lovely icy blue and I'm thinking of introducing another colour such as white, cream or latte to go with it. Ideally I'm looking for either large floral designs or geometric patterns, perhaps flourishes that look great on wallpaper to create a feature wall.

Here are a few ideas I have seen so far from Homebase DIY store. However, whilst they are lovely I am thinking I have not quite found the design that I'm seeking. I like the blue and latte design (top left) and the freshness of the white and blue design (bottom left) but would like the images less floral or larger.

Have you seen any wallpapers that would suit my needs? Please send me any links. Thank you.

Questions Answered

2009-09-26T10:09:00.004+01:00

Working on my answers for my regular column in a national crafting magazine. I answer readers dilemmas and crafting queries - that's always fun to do. I'm pleased I am able to help fellow crafters in this way and can point them in the right direction for products they require or an explaination of techniques.

A number of my projects will be appearing on the QVC shopping channel again this week, so I'm looking forward to seeing how they televise.

Plus a commission to mail off to another crafting publication. I always find it a bit scary when I've spent hours creating artwork and then it's packaged up and in the hands of the postman. It's always a worry until I know the commission has arrived.

All Wrapped Up!

2009-09-23T14:23:00.005+01:00

It's been a while since I blogged - apologies again! Summer has been busy with a holiday to Southport, visiting Liverpool and Blackpool, with it's wonderful tower, illuminations and stunning circus. Saw the Beatles museum and infamous Cavern club and had a lovely time,taking countless photos with my trusty Olympus.

A number of projects and client commissions have kept me busy for crafting publications, I think I have much of Christmas 'all wrapped up' and ready to print. With additional commissions dropping by for Halloween - I love the spooky theme, so much fun!

I've also been writing theatre reviews (for over 12 years now) and had a few shows to cover recently, including an entertaining production by showman Martyn Lucas and national tour of fabulous musical 'Singing In The Rain' both seen at the Southampton Mayflower Theatre - one of the best theatres in the country - I love the auditorium decor!

So perhaps that's some explaination as to my limited number of postings to my blog of late. Unfortunately little personal crafting to show here right now, but do keep checking back.
If there's anything particular you would like to see on my blog, please let me know.

Commissions and Christmas Crafting?

2009-08-25T19:17:00.003+01:00

It's been a while since I last blogged - sorry guys! That would be due to the fact that I've been so busy working on a number of magazine commissions, that sadly I cannot share here right now.
I have however been busy working on some pieces of jewellery and hope to get these photographed to show soon.

Hope you're all busy crafting. How many of you have started on your Christmas cards already? Personally I find it too early to be thinking about it, since we've not have a proper summer to date, but it doesn't seem uncommon for many to have their festive cards in the pipeline.

Design Inspiration and Magazines.

2009-08-15T15:58:00.006+01:00

Another busy week. I've been getting some historical design inspiration from Winchester Cathedral this week - took lots of photos on an interesting tour of this amazing building. I love the Gothic arches!

Also been designing projects and page layouts for Fete 'zine - a cute craft 'zine for crafty people. Check out my link to issue 2 in an earlier posting. Issue 3 coming soon.

Plus, I've been designing projects for a number of top national crafting publications.

Oh... and Creative Crafter UK has reached another milestone - 6000 visitors - wahoo! Thanks to all my readers for visiting!

Happy Craftin' y'all.

Oh Deer.....Sorry I Forgot

2009-08-06T19:27:00.004+01:00

I've created this quick card today using the free image featured on Just Something I Made blog

I positioned a gradient sunset background behind the silhouette, double matting the image onto yellow and black cardstock. A stripey Doodlebug patterned paper is positioned on the bottom half of the long card with yellow Doodlebug ribbon across the join. Black foam letters and black adhesive gem stones complete the card.

Thanks to Cathe for posting the image - it's a lovely design featured on her fabulous vintage and graphical blog.