Atlantic Bubble

The Atlantic Bubble

2011-12-29T12:12:00.000Z

That, over time, has become the most untidy craft room in the world. One day, now there's a Baby Bubble, it might get tidied up :)

New Baby Bubble

2011-12-29T11:25:00.000Z

Calmer weather

2011-12-29T08:48:00.000Z

I CAN HEAR MYSELF THINK THIS MORNING. Oh, sorry, did I shout that? It’sstill windy, calm being a rare condition here, but without the deafeningwhistle of the wind skimming the grass. The wee birds will be delighted today, able to keep their footing whilefeeding.

The next few days are filled with gales but pff! that’s nothing compared to what we’ve been through. I must take a pic of the salty window before cleaningit.

Doesn’t seem to have been any damage though plenty soggy cardboardboxes and placcy bags are decorating fences. Many ferries made a dash for it as soon as the winds eased up, but thereare still a few either cancelled or disrupted. My anemometer survived and I have an amusing image in my mind of itwhirring round in slow motion with little crossed eyes, totally plum-tuckeredafter its windy workout haha

Well, sunrise is not until 9.12am, so no point peering out the windowjust yet. Will add a pic later. Wonderif the waves are still big. If it’s notraining I might venture out and take a movie/pic of some rollers. They’realways fascinating.

Might even make a card – not done that in a good while – what anovelty.

Toodlepip for now – Susan :)

And there's more ...

2011-12-28T09:48:00.002Z

Here we go again. It’s not quite 9.30am and a nice 61mph gust whizzedby. Aurora and I stood at the windowwatching massive and abundant waves roll in and thump on the beach. No little birds about, yet, although there’sfood out for them. The seagulls, however, are loving it as they skim the wavesurges then shoot up into higher altitudes, only to immediately dive to thewhite wave tops again. It’s fun towatch.

It being a WNWesterly (mostly) the ocean waves are being given plentyof assistance. I would film it, but despite de-salting the windows yesterday,they are just as bad again. My cameradoesn’t like dirty windows and has problems focusing. And no, am not goingoutside for 2 reasons. It would take me ages to exit the door with the force ofthe wind pushing me back and more importantly, the spray-filled air would ruinmy camera.

Apparently it’s supposed to get worse later. It’ll be dark then and Idon’t like that as my imagination goes into overdrive. Haven’t yet heard ‘Chopsticks’ played on theroof, but plenty bin lids are pretending to be symbols.

Think I’ll go rescue Aurora as she seems to be mesmerised by the waves.

Have a fun day! Susan :)
p.s. Woo-eee, it's a bit breezy!

Anemometer Angst

2011-12-25T08:13:00.003Z

Yawwwwwwwwn! Scoos me. Well, woke up to the rain battering thewindow and the wind rather higher than when I fell asleep.

This week we have the joys of a swarm of storms in the offing, so itremains to be seen if my little anemometer will survive the onslaught. Apparently we’re to expect 80-90mph guststoday – so goodness knows what’s in store for us on Wednesday, with ambient windsforecast much higher. But these thingsalways look ghastly on paper or screen until the day, when it might turn out tobe sunbathing calm weather.

Ha! I candream. Better get this on me blog beforethere’s a power cut.

Have fun! Susan :)

More Stormy weather

2011-12-13T09:49:00.003Z

I’m pleased to report that we still have our anemometer despite lastweek’s storm. We were very luckycompared to other areas, even islands south of here, in that the PersonalWeather Station (PWS) showed the highest gust as being only 67mph. That’s just a puff of a breeze compared towhat we usually get thrashed with.

This week we are in for another hammering by high winds and lashingrains. At the moment the barometer is falling so fast (951.4hPa) I’ll be flatas a pancake before the day is out. Thehouse is objecting fiercely when the gusts hit by creaking loudly and somewhatalarmingly. No ‘Chopsticks’ being playedon the roof tiles- perhaps that’s a treat for later in the day or week. Yeah,we’ve got few storms waiting in thewings.

The ferry runs are all over the place again with a plethora of delays,rescheduled times or complete cancellations.

All I want to do is hibernate under my cosy quilt. But I have to brave it up to the Bubble andmake several family/friend presents. Should have started on them last week, but had a severe lack of oomph. With the frequency of storms we’re notenjoying at the moment, power cuts are not unfamiliar side effects, so I betterget moving as some leccy is needed for part of the designs. The rest is just painting.

Oh, Bubble had a Baby Bubble – had to, to accommodate the overflow. It’s very compact and bijou, but holds thebig and baby cutting machines, with plenty room to let printed images dry offwithout having to move them to find something. There’s a great danger of the main Bubble getting tidied, but thecreating has to take precedence at the moment. (Any excuse lol)

Happy Crafting :) Susan

P.S. Well, it looks as if we're rapidly heading to the centre of the Low, which, according to the Met Office is sitting at 943. Currently we're at 948.6hPa. Wonder what it will be like trying to type when I'm flat as a piece of paper haha :)

Well, the Low crept ever lower over here.

Stormy Weather

2011-12-08T02:43:00.001Z

As I sit here in the wee small hours, the quiet outside is almostdeafening. Usually the wind is scootingabout in some direction, making itself heard at some level. But it’s only fluttering at about 8+mph. However, the barometric pressure is nowdropping like a stone – so the storm is most definitely en route. In fact, it’s beginning to sit above us,though the fearsome winds are a bit away yet.

I feel very anxious, despite having lived life with violent stormsperiodically rattling past our beautiful islands. I worry about the wildlife, hoping theiruncanny ability to know when something is about to happen, forewarns them to findand stay somewhere safe.

Then there’s my new gizmo – the little weather station perched on theroof. I wonder if the anemometer willstill be there later on.

Although the Met Office issued a red warning for the forthcomingweather, it looks like the central belt of Scotland is going to take thewhack. From West to East the horriblered warning is swathed across the country. This also takes in Edinburgh – my thoughts immediately go to the newpandas and hope they, along with all the other animals, are kept indoors today.

With the moon nearly full, our tides are high, but with this storm,goodness knows how far inland the ocean will be forced to venture. I guessthere’ll be no ferries or planes today.

On a lighter note (excuse the pun) despite our houses being storm-builtby law, the winds sometimes like to play a tune on the roof tiles, or rip themoff completely. I prefer their musical repertoire.

Glancing at the weather gizmo, I see a little umbrella – so the rainshave arrived, temperature dropping and pressure plummeting ever quicker. Thehumidity therefore is rapidly rising, but my other barometer (arthritic oldbones) alerted me to that a while ago. Ahh what fun.

Everything that can be secured outside has been – a procedure thatcomes as second nature living on the edge of the Atlantic. Bin tied up, gardenshed strapped down, garden pots and ornaments hidden in the bushes. Got mystorm stash kit – sweeties (ha! a priority of course), goose-feather duvet,flasks ready in case of power cuts and a cosy airing cupboard to hide in (can’tstand the noise) candles and torch. So,bring it on! Everyone in this storm’strack, keep safe.

:) Susan

SYMPATHY TO LIAM AITCHISON'S FAMILY

2011-12-07T14:39:00.001Z

As reported on the BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-16068297and heard on Reporting Scotland, I was left, almost, speechless.

I have written to Channel 5 on the matter.

‘I’ve just seen the shameful comments made on The Wright Stuff show*and heard a grudging apology for same on Reporting Scotland –* I don’t watchthe show anyway. I’m horrified thatWright’s one-celled brain was capable of formulating what he passed as anapology to Liam Aitchison’s family. He’s absolutely no idea about the closenessof such unique communities and would do well to educate himself out of hisignorance. Mocking death is bad enough,but utterly disgusting that he find murder so amusing. I can only conclude he’s not all there, inother words, insane. His sacking byChannel 5 would be minimal restitution of sorts, but like many of his mouthyilk, the damage is already done. Pleb!’

I really have to ask the question on the recent rash of distastefultelevised comments. Is it to boost ratingsor be purely ignorantly sensational for the sake of it, and at the cost ofwhoever happens to be in the firing line? It’s sickening.

My thoughts are with Liam Aithchison’s family atthis deeply sad time. I hope they canrise above the exacerbation of Wright’s pathetic comments.

Yikes!

2011-11-24T08:03:00.001Z

Over the many years I've followed the weather, today is the first time I've seen something I asked the Met Office about many years ago. Was there anything higher than very high regarding sea states? They kindly told me yes - it's phenomenal. Well, imagine my surprise at seeing that very word while reading the Shipping Forecast this morning! Mind you, there is a bit of a hooly coming in - correction - it's already here - but getting worse by the minute. Guess it's a day of hiding in the airing cupboard. Hey ho! I love our weather :) Happy crafting (or hiding!), Susan :)
Click on each picture to enlarge.

Oh heck!

2011-11-02T14:44:00.001Z

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-15555181

Sighs. How totally exasperating and upsetting.

GOOD NEWS!!!

2011-10-31T10:24:00.000Z

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-15517820

BEAUTY has been found, is well and re-united with her owner.

What welcome and happy news!

Happy Crafter, Susan :)

2011-10-01T05:42:00.000+01:00

WHERE'S BEAUTY?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-15115530

This story of John Hemming, LibDem MP's crazy wife maddened me so much I had to write. The RSPCA should be involved in finding out from this madwoman what she did with the little kitten and where it is. Since she's so 'forgetful' of what she did, get the best hypnotist on the planet to help out. Failing that she should be sent to Battersea's Cat and Dog home, accompanied throughout, to muck out the premises on a daily basis for the rest of her natural - or until she owns up to what she did with Beauty!

Another Thought Bubble

2011-06-13T14:32:00.004+01:00

With a progressively rotten memory, it’s a good idea not entirely to rely on braincell to remember passwords. Now all I have to do is remember where I wrote it down.

Thanks to lack of energy, not been too busy with crafting lately and seem to have lost my mojo to do anything. Invested in some Promarkers, so hoping that will give me the kick-start I need.

Hubby’s out fishing, enjoying the run of good weather – all of 3 joined-up days’ worth! Temps have been unusually low, even for this part of the world. Have a spooky feeling that our weather has changed owing to huge earthquakes knocking the planet off its usual axis. Goodness knows. I do know my thermals are still on in June! And we had hailstone showers a couple of days ago. If the temp reaches 15c I think I’ll need to take up residence beside an open fridge door.

Had an interesting time filming Pilot Whales, that wandered into one of our many sea-bays recently. A couple died and it was thought the entire pod would beach itself. Very vexing time. But the rest of the pod swam off and as yet I haven’t heard anything else about them. The weather was wild the day we filmed, so climbed a small hillock to shelter behind it. The exertion was such, I slept for 2 days afterwards haha But it was worth it to see these beautiful creatures. You can view films taken on the My Photography link – in an album called Poignant Pod. The last film is very noisy as I couldn’t climb the hill any more, collapsed in a heap and began filming quickly before the gates were closed to the area we were in.

Taking things easy and just filming feathered visitors to our garden, through a window. They’re a lot of fun at the moment, with fledglings learning to feed for themselves, but still standing fluttering their wings and tweeting loudly for any neighbouring bird to feed them.

We’ve nearly finished (huh hum, hubby has) repainting all the rooms. They badly needed refreshing and the place looks brand new. Putting things back where they should be is a bit daunting and so far I’ve been putting it off. Aurora is loving the extra space and taken to frequent runs round the house on wild chases. It’s a case of just sitting still, eyes and ears wide open, wondering where she’s going to come to a grinding halt.

Until the next ‘thought’ or creative result, happy crafting :)

A thought bubble

2010-10-24T04:42:00.009+01:00

Hmm, just highlighted an entire post and the whole lot vanished and cannot find it anywhere! Now what on earth was I rambling on about?

Well, just a few thought bubbles floating around at this unearthly hour of the morning. Had a lovely surprise visit by my young nephew yesterday. My, but how quickly they grow - or I'm beginning to shrink.

Weather promises to be sunfilled today, so we will likely take a drive down north, or up south (as we say hereabouts), armed with cameras to capture some views. Would be great to get to the 'Enchanted Place' where there are trees that still might be gripping to their leaves. For sure they'll be blown away next week when the next round of gales are due in. These past couple of weeks we've had more sunshine than through the so-called summer - still waiting for that to arrive in earnest.

Aurora can't understand why the sun is not up yet and keeps pestering the curtains and blinds in an effort to find it haha She'll be a little happier next week when the clocks change - daylight will arrive earlier.

It's nearly time to don hubby's outdoor footwear - looks terrific with jammies and housecoat - not! And no, am not taking a piccy. Though I should take one of my hair each morning since getting new goosefeather bedding. Not being one to glance at mirrors these days, it came as a real shriek-emitting experience to see the many directions my long hair had travelled through the night. Looked for all the world like I'd spent hours in a hen-house with them all trying to create their own version of a new hair do. Lovely way to start the day - with a right good laugh.

Think it's time for a fresh froffy coffee before braving the great outdoors. It's so calm, my ears hurt, but at least I won't get blown about the garden looking like some demented banshee in a white housecoat. And maybe ... just maybe ... I might get to do some crafting later on. Have a good day and happy crafting y'all.
Susan :)

Ahaaa!

2010-10-22T07:20:00.003+01:00

Well, s'been a while since having a Blog scribble, thanks to forgetting my way here and other of life's little trials and tribulations. Despite that, the creativity bug is still busying away, so hopefully will add bits and pieces on a more regular basis. Aurora has taken up oodles of my time and I'm delighted to say is thoroughly settled and got us well trained haha Right ... back to the drawing board ... catcha soon and happy crafting.
Susan :)

Introducing ...

2009-09-11T07:06:00.009+01:00

Aurora!

This is my beautiful new cat, a Ragdoll Blue Colourpoint, weighs a ton and is really a fluffball on legs. She arrived at the beginning of September, escorted all the way and been treated like royalty ever since.
Since losing Cassie, there was nothing for it but to fill the void (in both brain and house haha). I found this beautiful cat needed a home and after much communication with her foster-mum, Aurora was finally in the air and on her way.

Not being the strongest person in the world, and with my extra-strong friend Arfur (Arthritis), I wasn’t able to lift Aurora in her air-carrier. Many people milled around willing to help, asking what breed she is, oohing and ahhing in chorus at her fascinating blue eyes. Her foster-mum overheard a couple of pilots commenting on the lovely dog in the carrier, prior to Aurora being checked in on the aircraft. Yep, she’s big!

She’s been slowly introduced to the various rooms – sounds like we live in a castle – eh no – and has taken a great fancy to hubby’s chair, especially when he’s due home from work. Getting her special food has been nothing short of a nightmare, but success prevails and thankfully her appetite does not match her size, so what was sent with her, is still on the go, supplemented with the nearest we could get in the meantime. However, today we collect the big order of her special food and can breathe a sigh of relief.

Aurora certainly fills the void with her gentle giant personality, but is not into kitty kisses, sitting on my lap or putting her paw on my face. I’ve already taken many photos of her, but this one I found particularly touching. Hubby was fooled into thinking he’d been adopted by her when honoured with her presence on his knees for about half an hour! Then we realised it was a serious hint that he was sitting in HER chair haha

The vet is very impressed with her too and gave her the once over while we registered her. She’s in tip-top health, with one draw-back. She doesn’t announce (with one of those special meows) the imminent hairball deposit, so my toes are developing eyes haha

I miss Cassie, always will, but am so glad to have Aurora and day by day we’re learning each other’s personalities. She is truly a beauty.

'Raggy' Crafter lol :) Susan

Sad Day

2009-07-15T21:56:00.006+01:00

Today is a very sad day for us. My darling cat, Cassie, made her way to Rainbow Heaven. We are both gutted and at a complete loss, despite knowing she was on borrowed time.

Cassie, darling, you were my constant companion for over 10 years, loyal and a true friend. I shall miss you greatly my dear friend xxx

Green cat?

2009-04-29T06:12:00.012+01:00

I do believe our Cassie is becoming a rather environmentally friendly kitty. For quickness, I'd loaded my laptop into an available carrier bag, instead of the fancy proper case and lugged it downstairs. No sooner had I unpacked the cables etc, than Cassie dived onto the empty bag! She's been there all night!

In complete contrast, I'd spent the morning having a go with some new misty sprays (not the Tattered Angel range, I hasten to add, though I have some of them too). To my complete horror, as soon as I pressed the button, the trajectory of the spray covered a wide range of the desk. Eyes like saucers, I could only stare (or glare) at the result, as many 'in progress' pieces of work had suddenly acquired a liberal, unexpected and unwanted, blue bespeckling. It was some minutes later before noticing my hands had turned a pretty shade too. Baby wipes weren't enough to get rid of it, so a quick scamper (as quick as one can down a ladder haha) to wash it off properly with copious amounts of hot water and soap. Hands still slightly 'tinged', hoped hubby wouldn't think I'd acquired a sudden illness and whisk me off to A&E. What an experience though - never been in such a colourful mess. Will have to use a large, deep box when next using these particular sprays methinks.

No ... didn't take a photo of it, as the Bubble looks like a whirlwind stopped by for a visit. I know where everything is though - honest! (Go wash yer mouth out Susan! lol) The sun shone all day yesterday, so I managed a couple of photos of - wait for it - dandelions and daisies - in the garden.

(This one's my favourite)

To my surprise, the Reiki my sister performed on pesky arm is still working, in that I have nearly 90% movement now, so achieved loads of crafting. Had a whale of time, mostly printing on different photographic surfaces, and fine-tuning printer settings along the way. Played with a few new CDs and did one bit of stamping/embossing. Hope to get a 'one stamp' card done today (can't remember the right name of that), then focus on the Graphicus Challenge.

A curious success occurred t'other day. Upon waking, found 3 fingers had gone sort of numb/tingling for nearly 24 hours. In desperation, I borrowed one of Cassie's toys. It's a crocheted ball with a bell, full of catnip and a present from her Shetland kitty friend, Tovi. I vaguely remember my Dad using a special squidgy ball that he squeezed periodically through the day, in an effort to improve circulation. It worked. So did the catnip toy! Hey ho, so I'm a happy crafter again and off to the Bubble for a jolly good play with more goodies, even if some do turn me (and the air) blue haha.

Happy crafting everyone :) Susan

Birthday Season

2009-04-15T23:02:00.011+01:00

It's that time of year again when I have a plethora of birthday cards to make. Must confess though to having missed a few already ... still trying to work out a way of saving grace on that.

Spent the afternoon in the Bubble hurriedly making a couple of cards. Oh to be younger and 100% fitter, would have had them made ages ago. Thankfully, amalgamating a few elements from various 'My Craft Studio' CDs came to the rescue and saved the day ... and me from another red face. I've come to enjoy using these CDs immensely as the designs can be added to, colour/size altered and if necessary, not a single embellishment needed, to create a card worthy of a smile. My young nephew is mad about tractors ... so he's very happy, especially as the tractor is decoupaged with the final set of wheels attached with brads along with foam backed tape, layered at the back to raise them from the main body and give them movement. The 'MCS' CDs I used for these cards/inserts were Sassy Chic (which arrived today ... yipee!) and elements from the Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter range.

And ... the sun shone today, at long last! The week is looking pretty good too, so I might be able to join up some freckles.

Happy Crafting!

What am I up to?

2009-04-07T08:52:00.004+01:00

S'been a wee while since having a bit of a bloggle, purely thanks to my 'bleep bleep' arm. However ... hubby is doing a spot of spring decorating and transforming our computer room into what it originally was meant for - a bedroom, albeit a spare one. It's looking fab so far, but my darling cat keeps making a bid to be first in - she spotted the cupboard door open, it having just been glossed, and made a b-line to get into it! Thankfully, she was caught in time and deprived us of having her as an embellishment (she's long-haired) on the newly painted door. Anyway, here's a tiny clue as to what I've been up to - but bear with me - got another 35 to do!

Happy crafting :)

Unexpected Visitor

2009-03-20T16:24:00.006Z

Was pottering away at some crafting, when I heard a faint flapping noise nearby. Looked up to see a lovely butterfly had made its way up into the 'Bubble' for a visit.

We've had wall-to-wall sunshine again today, so doors, windows and the curtain to my crafty sanctuary have been open. The luxury of temperatures touching almost 15c are short-lived as we're in for another round of gales and rain. Must be Equinox time again.

As you can see we are in the process of some basic draught-proofing. Sorry about the clarity, or rather lack of it, on the photo, but the butterfly landed only for a few seconds, so it was a case of quickly grabbing the camera and pushing the button. It has since flown off downstairs and no doubt out into the bright sunshine again.

Well, here we are on a lovely sunny Spring Equinox morning and Berty Butterfly is still flitting and fluttering about in the Bubble. He's giving me plenty of exercise (and distraction) trying to capture a decent photograph - and he's winning!

Graphicus March Challenge

2009-03-20T02:54:00.012Z

It's late at night, or early in the morning and having finally finished my Challenge card, decided to pop it on here before hitting the sack.
Ingredients:
Card/Backing Paper: Yellow Vanguard; Green Mirri; Print from an Artylicious CD - Damask Delights
A variety of stamps: Elusive Images WIGL set words; Butterfly Daisy Collage corners; a crocus stamp; the birds from a set of Clear Art Stamps; musical squiggle from an MCS range.
Sparkle n Sprinkle EP: Palm Green; Black Stazon
Stewart Gill Mini Mezze Paints
Ancient Page Permanent Dye Ink: Palm Leaf
Satin bow, puff hearts
DST, glue gel

Method: Too tired to scribble about that, but think it's pretty obvious as it's an uncomplicated card.
After such a long, dark, wild winter, it was good to focus on something bright. I found the Stewart Gill paints gave a zing of colour that brightens the spirit (well, it does mine anyway). A thoroughly enjoyable Challenge.

Ooops ...

2009-03-12T02:22:00.009Z

Or words to that effect. There I was, topping up the sugar bowl, when ...

whooooosh, thud ... the whole lot rushed out like an avalanche! Hubby rushed to get a damp (!) cloth to tidy it up - as I was standing transfixed, muttering unmentionables. Asked him to leave it as it was worthy of a photograph, and ... I could clear it up later with a dry cloth. What I want to know is, how did the sugar manage to build itself into a breeze-block, when it flowed freely on filling the wooden container this morning? One of life's little mysteries I guess. Tea anyone?

One lump ... or two?

It's supposed to be lucky to spill sugar, so here's hoping :)

Peek-a-boo!

2009-03-01T18:12:00.015Z

Hellooooo everyone! My name's Cassie, the Landlady of this establishment , though I let herself think she's boss. She decided to take some pics of me in a box. I luuuuurv boxes, so this is a real treat, now that it's rid of the new boots she bought. Mind you, I might have a play with the ribbons on the side of them - looks like more fun.

Hey, Tovi! He's my buddy yonder in Shetland - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Have you noticed I'm playing with the present you sent me at Christmas? It's full of yummy catnip ... drool.

Right ... enough already!

... or I'll meowwww for hours, or ...

... jump on your tummy while you're snoozing ha!

So I obediently put down the camera ... until the next opportunity. She's a real fluff-bug and likes to make her presence known everywhere, but I love her to bits.

Graphicus February Challenge

2009-02-28T11:38:00.013Z

Ingredients:

Card: Plain white, Gold Mirri; Graphicus Textured Copper Jacquard
Paper: A slice from a Graphicus Guild paper pack (can’t believe I cut a bit!)
White Shrink Plastic
Fantasy Film: Aurora
Graphicus Stamps: Butterfly Daisy Collage and Butterfly Mandala Themeplates
Versamark Pad and Pen
Stazon: Blue: Timber Brown
Embossing Powders: Gold, Copper, Black Detail; Arctic ‘Sprinkle & Sparkle’
Glimmer Mists: Denim Blue; Honeydew; Lemon Zest; Coral
Tinkabella Inks: Teal, Yellow, Orange
Sakura Stardust Pens: Yellow, Copper
Creative Acrylics
Teal/Gold fibres
Wooden Coffee Stir Sticks
Mulberry Ivy Fronds
FlowerSoft Lettered Plant Pots
DST; Pinflair Gel; Stick n Stay Spray; High Tac tape.

Method:

Shaped 3 triangles to make the Jacquard copper roof, then using a Versamark Pen, drew roof-tiles and sprinkled with Gold EP. Repeated the process alternately adding Copper, Gold and finally Copper EP. Joined the triangles with High Tac tape, scoring fine borders on outer triangles to secure to project.

With a sponge, smudged Tinkabella Teal onto the card, sprayed layers of Blue Denim and Honeydew Glimmer Mists. Repeated the process along with a lot of artistic licence to achieve something near a Teal shade. Did the same on lower half of the card with Coral and Lemon Zest, which inadvertently blended on contact with colours above. Quite liked the effect.

On plain white card, stamped one of the Butterfly images with Versamark, adding Gold EP. Coloured flowers with Yellow Tinkabella paints and a little orange in the centres. The petals reacted with the mists underneath, so added another layer of paints. Mounted onto Gold mirri card. Stamped a duplicate image, cutting out only the daisies and coloured twice with Yellow, cut out and snipped between the petals. Glued with gel to the image. Randomly arranged the ‘HOME’ letters using glue gel.

The roof width meant using larger than A4 base card, so neatly scored and joined the front to back of another trimmed A4 card. This left a white border to which I added Gold mirri. Used a fancy corner stamp from the Butterfly Daisy Collage, inked with Versamark and gently placed the piece of acrylic onto it. Sprinkled with Arctic EP then threaded through fancy fibres, glued at various points onto Mirri card to retain twists.

Coloured wooden sticks with Brown Stazon and had a tense time attaching with glue gel to inner roof edge with opposite end flat on card. Used a variety of props to keep them in position, ranging from fingers (worse than watching paint dry haha), clothes peg, small acrylic block. In the morning the latter combination had succeeded, yippee!

Prepared larger butterflies onto shrink plastic, colouring with Sakura pens. Mounted onto the fibre attachment and roof corner. Finally, added tiny Fantasy Film butterflies stamped with Black Stazon to the yellow blooms.

This card was a true challenge as I was without specific colours to achieve my aims, but hubby has given it the smile of approval and it was fun to make, albeit mostly at the last minute. It will require a custom made box because of the roof, but for the time-being, I shall view it on the mantlepiece ... until the next Graphicus Challenge ... Happy Crafting y'all!

Butterfly Collage Stamps - Winners and Show

2009-02-10T19:55:00.004Z

The winners have won and the show's been shown and what a delight it was too. Oops ... why did that bit come out in green haha Delighted for the winners and eagerly awaiting the flight of the Butterfly Collage stamps to me good ole self. Would have helped if I'd remembered to order EZ Mount, but was way too excited placing an order hoping they hadn't sold out already. So many new techniques to digest and learn ... reckon the DVD recording of the show is going to be played quite a lot. Happy Crafting :)

WIN - New Butterfly Collage Stamps

2009-02-07T23:45:00.010Z

There are a couple of beautiful sets of new stamps to be won on the Graphicus Elusive Images Design Team Blog http://elusiveimagesdesignteam.blogspot.com/ , and if you're a Blogger, a double crack at the whip to win (read the instructions). The stamps look wonderfully versatile and my mind's working overtime on how many techniques can be used with them in creating some wonderful results. I, for one, can't wait to get my paws on them, get crafting and show off the results here, good or bad, they look a joy to use and that's what crafting is all about - fun. Glenda Waterworth of Graphicus will be showcasing the stamps on Create and Craft television (Sky 671), or via C&C's live feed on their website http://www.createandcraft.tv/ at 1pm GMT. Roll on Tuesday 10th February! Good luck y'all and Happy Crafting :)

My First Graphicus Challenge

2009-01-28T15:27:00.037Z

Well, HELLO and Happy New Year to everyone! It's been a while since having a good ole bloggle thanks to a month of 'flu, the remnants of which departed only in the last couple of days. Our celebration of Christmas and New Year amounted to plenty of fluids (water) and a myriad of remedies that induced inordinate amounts of sleep. Crafting was out of the question - added to which, even if I'd felt fine, the weather scuppered any craft time in the Bubble owing to an abundance of frequent storms. As it is, today has been a bit of a rush against the weather as it's batten down the hatches time again for the next few days, with winds already increasing and the inevitable ban from the Bubble imminent when the loft hatch is secured in the next couple of hours - for about 3 days!

I've invested (so far!) in one set of Spring Fever Glimmer Mists and two individual shades - Pink Taffy and Coral, so decided to be brave in a first attempt at a Challenge set by Graphicus - Celebration/Plum/Gold. The Glimmer Mists are fun to use and I can see why folk find them very addictive in creating all sorts of shades. For this Challenge I only used two and very tentatively at that as it's a new technique for me.

Ingredients:

A4 Hammer Card
Purple Mirri Paper
Gold Mirri Card
Double Sided Sticky Tape and Pinflair Gel Glue

Glimmer Mists: Pink Bubblegum, Rum Raisin
Sakura Glaze Pens: Forest Green, Yellow. Stardust: Pink shade
White Shrink Plastic
3mm Burgundy Satin ribbon
Gold, Silver, Purple rhinestones

Black Stazon

Versamark
Versacolor pigment ink: Peony, Gold

Jewelled Gold Embossing Powder
Elusive Images stamps: Pansy/Script; Oriental Themeplate - Good Deeds
Creative Acrylics: Celebration

Backing Papers from Artylicious CDs - which I printed on both satin and glossy paper ages ago and need to check to see from which CDs they were taken.

Method:

All backing papers were mounted onto gold mirri card using DST and randomly placed on the base card. The Glimmer Mists were sprayed from about 12-18 inches, again quite randomly, but used more of the Pink Bubblegum directed towards the flower and bud areas. Dried using heat tool as I was impatient to wait for the results if left to air dry. Used the Sakura pens on leaves and a little yellow in the flower centre. Smudged the Peony Versacolor round the edge of the card, then mounted it onto gold mirri.

Did much the same with the shrink plastic version, shrunk it then buffed most of the Glimmer Mists off with kitchen towel. Emphasised the leaves and petals with Sakura pens. Glued it onto hammer card and edged that with Gold Versacolor, then added a burgundy ribbon. The little card is suspended from the 'Celebration' embellishment with a fine purple thread. The leafy image inside and on the back of the little card is from the Oriental Good Deeds set using Peony Versacolor. The wording is from the same set and stamped inside using Versamark and Jewelled Gold EP.

Peony Versacolor was smudged onto the wording of the Creative Acrylic 'Celebration' tag and buffed, then glued to the card. Hid the holes with silver rhinestones and added a burgundy bow to the side.

Then it was time to take photos, loads of them and I'm still not happy with the results as nothing will ever show how lovely the card really is, but I hope it conveys the idea. It was great fun to make and weather permitting, I might have a bash at another Graphicus Challenge ... one day.

Stampbord - Bigger Tile

2008-12-12T01:31:00.005Z

Have stopped in sheer desperation, after spending well over half an hour trying to drill a hole in Stampbord using a Japanese screw punch. Am in agony after struggling to make a tiny hole in my litte creation ... was nearly in tears with frustration. Eventually, after digging at the tiny gap with a cocktail-stick, finally succeeded in getting the eyelette setter to do the biz. Never going through THAT fiasco again – so went straight to Graphicus’ website and ordered a Crop-o-dile. Ahhhh ... relief!

Ingredients:
A bigger square of Stampbord
ColorBox Petal Point inks: Violet, Royal Blue, Green, Lime
Stazon
Versamark
Stamp n’ Stuff Gold Detail Embossing Powder

Method: Randomly dabbed the ColorBox inkpads all over. Readied a stamp from the Graphicus Peacock range with black Stazon. Hmmm ... took the colour off the Stampboard, leaving a white-ish design. Out with old faithful – Versamark and heat embossed the gold EP. Gave it a little buffing which lifted the violet ink off ( left of image) – but I quite like the effect. Ha! Will have to. Grabbed the camera and had the cheek to take photos of the mess made in creating this latest effort. It’ll look nice with a pretty ribbon strung through it, but for now I just want to find the energy to climb down from this Bubble for the night.

Stampbord Oval

2008-12-08T04:48:00.012Z

Another late night sojourn with Stampbord – a bigger piece this time. As usual, thinking took more time than doing, and looks better in real life than my photos portray. Hopefully they give a good idea of the effects achieved.

Ingredients:
Large oval Stampbord
Glimmer Screens: Fanciful Stencils
Ancient Page Petal Point inks: Amethyst, Azalea, Palm Leaf
Sticky Fingers Shake-n-Spray Inks: Antique Gold and Gold
Sentiment stamp from the ‘WIGL’ set
Versamark and Versacolour (Gold)
Clear UTEE
Card: Antique Gold Stardream; Cream Tapestry; plain burgundy scraps

Method: Arranged one of the Fanciful Stencils on top of a large oval piece of Stampbord and sprayed with Antique Gold and then Gold (it sprayed better lol). Removed stencil before drying with heatgun. Replaced stencil and blended the Ancient page inks. Again removed stencils and dried with the heatgun, before applying Versamark, followed by 3 subsequent layers of UTEE. Once cool, applied a thick clear-drying glue to the circumference edge and decorated with rice-beads-on-a-string. Secured to card with glue gel as I didn’t trust tape of any description to hold the finished piece.

Originally stamped/embossed the sentiment onto the scrap of burgundy card, but made a right boo-boo of it. So rather than fling it away (oh the very thought!), yep, I did try it again on t’other side – but in the end, smudged it all over with the scarlet Ancient Page inkpad. Buffed it, didn’t like the result, covered it in Versamark and a generous helping of UTEE. Re-inked the stamp with a gold Versacolour and pushed it into the UTEE on top of my original effort. Aim was fairly ok and landed on the wording underneath. Decorated with a pretty ribbon and not too sure yet if it needs anything else.

Am off to make a fresh cuppa, as hubby will be getting ready for work soon! Happy Crafting :)

Stampbord Tile

2008-12-07T07:06:00.007Z

Yee haa! Did it at last! Only had the Stampbord kit for half a year, sat looking at it and through the wee small hours, decided to have a go. This is the result:

Ingredients:

1 inch square Stampbord
Colorbox Petalpoint Pigment pads: Canary, Orange, Scarlet
Versamark
Clear UTEE
Moonglow Pigment Powder: Jade Pearl
Stazon: Jet Black
Graphicus ( http://www.graphicus.co.uk/ ) ‘WIGL’ Stamp on EZ-mount

Method: Daubed the Canary yellow over most of the Stampord from the centre outwards, smudged the edges with Orange then edged with Scarlet. Waited a couple of minutes for it to dry, then applied one coat of Versamark and dipped the square into tub of clear UTEE. Heated until melted, then lobbed it into the UTEE tub again, reheated and repeated once more. Before the final heating, prepared stamp with Stazon, leaving the inkpad resting on the stamp while using a cocktail stick to gently sprinkle a tiny amount of the pigment powder onto the granules of UTEE. Then did the final heating until it looked like glass, stamped image steadily into the molten UTEE and left it there for about 30 seconds before removing the stamp ... and voila! Am quite chuffed with my first attempt at using Stampbord – inspired by Glenda at Graphicus. Now, what else can I try – perhaps a bigger bit and just inks and scrape bits away with the special tools. Methinks there’s no stopping me now .

Happy Crafting :)

Birth of the Bubble

2008-11-30T19:58:00.031Z

I guess a good place to start is with the birth of the Bubble with a few photos to show how it came about. All told, it took a couple of weeks or so in the making - delays caused thanks to offshore living. No joined-up shops here to nip out to for the odd DIY bits n bobs.

Apart from the whole room being our pride and joy, our favourite piece is the custom-built pull-out drawer-trays, that hold many and substantially laden boxes of precious papers. It's pure luxury being able to view each box with ease, instead of awkward lifting to access what I want - which invariably was at the bottom of the pile.

There's only a couple of misgivings, namely the climb up and down the ladder. The giggles used to hinder any loft explorations, as that final step ended up in hoots of laughter. An arm injury makes focussing necessary and am not only over the giggles, but getting fitter every day.

The other little problem is our wild weather, during which times the Bubble is out of bounds. The frequent roar of winter storms make it almost impossible to pursue such a calming hobby. Nevertheless, it's a wonderful haven in which to create and play with all things crafty. So watch this space for the arrival of some creations from the Atlantic Bubble.

Happy Crafting :)