Make it Masculine

Hi there crafty friends, On Saturday we got together to work on masculine cards. As we all know, men's and boys cards can often be quite tricky. While it's easy to add a ribbon or gems, it's much more difficult to embellish a card destined for the men in our lives.   We created three very different cards that focus on different techniques that can be used for many other designs.  The first card we made used he Stampin Up Wetlands stamp set.  We created the scene by masking off the top section and blended Dapper Denim ink with a Stampin sponge. Blending the ocean horizon line in blue and using Crumb Cake ink along the base and Center for the sand.  After removing the mask, blend a little ink around the top third for the sky.  Using Memento in Tuxedo Black, stamp the seagulls in the Center of the beach / water. Colour the seagulls on their bellies with a Crumb Cake Stampin Write Marker as well as their shadows.  We stamped the greeting in the top right corner and placed a length or silver ribbon along the left hand side of the card.  Then the card was mounted using Dimensionals onto Crumb Cake card stock base.    

   The next card was a simple triple time stamping technique card.  On a sheet of whisper white card stock, I stamped randomly placed leaves from the Vintage leaves stamp set using Memento Tuxedo Black.  Then we stamped over the top with the watercolour background stamp in Sahara Sand.  These two steps are interchangeable as the colour is light.  You can stamp the background before stamping the leaves or after as we did.  We then stamped a sentiment from Guy Greetings stamp set.  Using the square framelits, cut out the two layers.  They are then matted onto basic black card stock leaving a margin of approx 4mm. By leaving this margin, you don't see where these layers have been cut from the card stock. Find the correct orientation and adhere the layers on top of each other. After the first layer, wrap twine and a button around the second layer and then adhere this to the card. When all layers are matched up, add this to a card base of Basic Black.  The finished result is easy to achieve but striking.  

 

The third and final card we made was done with the bleach technique.  The fox from the stamp set, The Wilderness Awaits, was stamped in versa mark and heat embossed with black embossing powder onto Cajun Craze cardstock.  Cut out the fox with oval framelits on the Big Shot.  Using undiluted bleach in an aqua painter, liberally brush onto the embossed fox image and wait for the magic to happen.  The image will continue to lighten as the cardstock dries.  Mat the fox onto Early Espresso cardstock die cut in the next size up oval framelit.  Emboss a sheet of Crumb Cake cardstock using the woodlands embossing folder and then using the direct to paper inking technique, drag the Chocolate Chip inkpad down the length of the trees until you have the colour density you want.  Decorate the card front with a banner of burlap ribbon and a metal button on top.  

I hope you have enjoyed these cards as much as we enjoyed making them.  As a bonus, we made a mini magazine holder which perfectly fits all our new cards.ive included the dimensions for making one of these at home.  Tomorrow I will add a photo tutorial with step by step instructions.  These card holders are great as they line up neatly side by side and can help to organise your cards into different themes.

 

         

Moovin' & Groovin'

Hi there crafty friends,
What a week it's been for me! The week started with a wonderful get together with some friends and we welcomed a lovely new lady to our crafty circle.  Of course we had much to talk about and didn't end up getting much done but it was such a great day.  Then I decided to carpet my craft room and move things around a bit.  Boy am I glad I did. It feels so much better in there now.  I find myself spending even more time in there than before, if that was even possible. And yes, I do manage to tend to my motherly duties...... Most of the time, haha.
At the end of the week offspring number 2 moved out into his own place. Such an exciting time for everyone.  He's loving having the independence and I'm looking forward to another spare room. Hmmmm, do I need 2 craft rooms???
The weekend was spent finishing up some UFO's and enjoying the soothing and much needed rain.  Tomorrow is Anzac Day so our regular BYOP day won't be on but on Friday will be a technique class.  These technique classes are a great way to learn some new skills or build on the ones that you already have.  This week is 'Moovin & Groovin'.  The cost of the class is $25 all inclusive. Absolutely everything is supplied.  We will be making a double slider card, Action wobble card, and a Slider card.  As with any technique in my class, I believe it's important to learn the technique so that you can apply this new skill to your chosen craft niche.  Wether it be card making or scrap booking, these techniques will work for either.  Tomorrow I will be posting a sneak peak of what we're making. So stay tuned.
I hope you all have a great week and happy crafting.
❤️Tan

Hi crafty friends, News flash........I'm addicted.  I'm addicted to paper, cards, scrap booking, mini albums, and mixed media.  And now I'm totally the in love with Stampin' Up's card kits.  I've been on holidays at my mum's place for a couple of days and there was no way I could survive without dipping my inky fingers in the crafty pot.  So I decided to bring the Watercolour Wishes card kit with me and I made the cards last night.  WOW! This was soooo much fun!  Stampin' Up have made it super easy for the beginner to create first class cards in a short period of time.  I decided to do the cards as suggested, however, when I return home I plan to add my own flair to them.  That's the beauty of these card kits.  You can keep them as clean and simple as you like or if you prefer, bling them up a bit.  The choice is yours.  Below are some pictures so that you can see exactly how the cards look as suggested by Stampin' Up.  If you would like any help with the Watercolour  Wishes kit or any other products, please contact me at your convenience.  

  On another note, our meet and greet has been rescheduled to Saturday the 16th April at 11AM. We will be creating 1 or 2 simple cards, Coffee and of course getting to know one another.  I would love to hear what you would all like to learn and what types of classes I can offer.  Please contact me if you are interested in attending.  I will be returning to the Coffs Makers Market at Coffs Central on Thursday the 21St April.  Please drop by and have a chat.  I would love to see you all. Till next time,  Happy Crafting, 💕Tan

Good Morning Crafty Friends,

Well, I can't believe it but theres only 3 more days till the end of Sale -A- Bration.  All good things must come to an end but its still sad to say goodbye.  But.....the retirement list is just around the corner.  WooHoo!!!  To celebrate the finale of Sale -A- Bration, I will be giving away an extra special gift to shoppers who spent over $50 using the hostess code 92BUWATU.

It might be a stamp set, Paper Pack, or some embellishments.  Plus, any order over $90 also qualifies for a Sale -A- Bration item if ordered by 11:50pm on the 31st March.  So hurry and get your favourites before time runs out.  

Another Easter over and now I'm onto my next crafty project.  I'm currently in the process of working out some super exciting classes for all the wonderful people I've met on my outings in town at the markets.  There are so many people in the Coffs Harbour region who like me, love to craft and create with friends.  Anyone interested in joining our social group are welcome to contact me and come along to our craft sessions.  From the experienced crafters to the beginners are free to join us.  If you have an idea for a class or a project you would like to share, please let me know.  Structured classes will begin after the school holidays.  During the second week of the school holidays I will be holding a tween craft session designed to help nurture the young artist.  Please contact me if you are interested in joining this class.  

Makers Markets 24th March 2016

Hi crafty friends, Today we went back to Coffs Central for our Easter Specials and what an awesome day. We met many new crafters as well as some seasoned crafters looking for a new home. I am so excited to welcome everyone into our crafty family. No it's time for me to get to work and plan some workshops and special days. I'm thinking about a kids/teen session over the school holidays. What do you think?     One of the big sellers today was the Curvy Keepsake Bunny Box.  Below are the directions on putting your kit together. If you have any problems, please contact me and I'm happy to work through this. Till we meet again. Happy crafting,  ❤️Tan    

Check the contents

     

 

Glue 2 large pieces together so that similar ends are opposite each other

 

Glue white ovals to form cheeks and add heart for nose and mouth

 

Attach to box with glue or foam dimensionally

 

It should look like this

Add the eyes above the nose and cheeks

Attach the ears as shown, it looks strange but when it's folded together it makes sense!

 

Nearly there!

 

Add the ovals for the feet. Draw some lines for toes if you wish!  CONGRATULATIONS!!!

 

Good Evening Crafty Friends,

Today was an awesome day!!!! Why? Because, today was the Made With Love Markets, and my very first one ever!  I met so many amazing people and was inspired by everyones talent.  The Coffs Coast is full of so many inspiring crafters who like me, are driven by their desire to create beautiful things.  

Today my bestie Denise (totally a creative genius) as well as a couple of beautiful little girls, helped me with my first Made With Love.  The public were so supportive and I have made some new crafty friends who I would love to welcome to our craft family.  As more information of upcoming classes come to fruition, I will let people know.  As always, I can be contacted through email or leave me a message here and I will get back to everyone as soon as I can.  

Tomorrow I'm creating an army of bunnies as I'm off to my daughter's school to do some easter craft.  Wish me luck!

Happy Tuesday crafty friends.

Today I wanted to do something a little different with the Botanical Blooms set. This is an amazing set that also has a few options for free with Sale-A-Bration.

I hope you like it.

Here is a taste of an upcoming class focusing on the very popular and useful Envelope Punch Board from Stampin! Up.

 These are a perfect little gift holder for that special someone.  The one on the left, the Mug is 5 1/2 inches high and can hold quite a few 'goodies'

The smaller, 'teacup', is perfect for a little treat.  These were the very first ones I had made so i've found a few faults that I now have to fine tune and perfect.  Maybe I might make a few of these for the Made With Love Markets next month.  What do you think?

These are the products that I used to make the Botanicals card: