tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76556160416820086252024-02-19T22:45:55.453+00:00Creative FlourishesNicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.comBlogger669125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-57429791211210370012017-01-29T23:45:00.004+00:002017-01-30T00:13:54.346+00:00An easy Do-It-Yourself Window Technique<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5LbWRPUKnBcwYoyuVXFh9nT_L5sDry_lUqy3h69V4FdAnUkhp0Edu77uMBBe2B2vnFvrAEtQL6JrdzQcSYV5HIO8ifuED83q92mu1vwYIXUaQNhRHB9r6aiva6AdsfN5EJo53xEPc4nJ/s1600/title+page+diy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5LbWRPUKnBcwYoyuVXFh9nT_L5sDry_lUqy3h69V4FdAnUkhp0Edu77uMBBe2B2vnFvrAEtQL6JrdzQcSYV5HIO8ifuED83q92mu1vwYIXUaQNhRHB9r6aiva6AdsfN5EJo53xEPc4nJ/s320/title+page+diy.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(...if you already have frosted patterned windows)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
All you need are these:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32BTH2Q0sV77-iZYHHLA_KYpbkEpQqcOTTvb3nalN5TzC8ogf0LndHsQkxasAPSlXHQ8m5fis88L40dZcAIt2ZOIhvKcub4RaFK5lFrrxyzE5MrA9dXH3nAOvsn6WOQUPyimEl-zjgpiE/s1600/selected+colours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32BTH2Q0sV77-iZYHHLA_KYpbkEpQqcOTTvb3nalN5TzC8ogf0LndHsQkxasAPSlXHQ8m5fis88L40dZcAIt2ZOIhvKcub4RaFK5lFrrxyzE5MrA9dXH3nAOvsn6WOQUPyimEl-zjgpiE/s320/selected+colours.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ChalkOla Premium Wet Wipe Markers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
..which are water soluble, so you can change your colour scheme at any time - or even remove it all together, if you wish. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The window I was working with, as I mentioned, had an ornate frosted glass pattern on it already, and it's original Victorian, I think! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhev0QwP9iZwHINJuPC-UlEkngvxAZlVPbuO4_3wfcc6JcJb6jcVf8G7yR3NnVt-zRNR4ZQ4AbAdxvyVfD4Bg6vbT1xbdD4sLELO3ttj3OVTKHwQlkMLCsx5hF_Jn-EnaHQzU3QKBsEMg46/s1600/window+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhev0QwP9iZwHINJuPC-UlEkngvxAZlVPbuO4_3wfcc6JcJb6jcVf8G7yR3NnVt-zRNR4ZQ4AbAdxvyVfD4Bg6vbT1xbdD4sLELO3ttj3OVTKHwQlkMLCsx5hF_Jn-EnaHQzU3QKBsEMg46/s320/window+before.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
All I had to do to make this beautiful pattern was to prime the pens (shaking each of them for less than a minute and pressing them gently onto a paper surface to get the ink flowing) and then draw over each of the lines of the existing glass pattern.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lB3mAAwDsotHyqiH2qjYSyrcMo5Orh_RNyTqTMO8IpG5VqHMzMDUqCuKWR7t0Kv8HgPiwqw5QAEBSqy9yO7KNbFu0MaRMXT99gNOYKhYaBTZTJDHJNQ00w7ll7ZunIBuTqB1cXL2c2Kw/s1600/arty+pen+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lB3mAAwDsotHyqiH2qjYSyrcMo5Orh_RNyTqTMO8IpG5VqHMzMDUqCuKWR7t0Kv8HgPiwqw5QAEBSqy9yO7KNbFu0MaRMXT99gNOYKhYaBTZTJDHJNQ00w7ll7ZunIBuTqB1cXL2c2Kw/s320/arty+pen+shot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Arty picture of my hand drawing over the pattern)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
If lines were a little 'squiffy' (as in that pic above) it was very easy to wipe them away with a small wet cloth (or cotton bud) and to redraw them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylTzRXYs_zcQHN2Tu9sslo9yzpLxPU7bHpdAS14Z8xdXHhv4bb1zS3Cq-psy-SuL48X5PwqSlOw6x-A-shSOUwiRP095SqaA6kos0dzmUcDzKqx5WyzyAkEWvYDhRPL8lkJHaTV57pc4o/s1600/early+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylTzRXYs_zcQHN2Tu9sslo9yzpLxPU7bHpdAS14Z8xdXHhv4bb1zS3Cq-psy-SuL48X5PwqSlOw6x-A-shSOUwiRP095SqaA6kos0dzmUcDzKqx5WyzyAkEWvYDhRPL8lkJHaTV57pc4o/s320/early+shot.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Above) This was how it looked early on. Here I was avoiding the 'difficult' sides. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>TIP: Prime all your pens at the start then you can just pick up any pen and use it rather than having to stop and prime each one when you want to use it. I learned this on youtube and found it useful.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLE3MPGMwHp9c2tHSk0pemZWS03U0N1jkhyphenhyphenmVCPUsmSEF5Z8-_PbKih8Nmm33N9Pv4b0EvYoLXUgVt0RHImB6HEQYdLxGewb4AxrBDkrRVPAFv5hvS3z7KIJTGMr1WQSZgMVSlQ6pNHIQc/s1600/angled+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLE3MPGMwHp9c2tHSk0pemZWS03U0N1jkhyphenhyphenmVCPUsmSEF5Z8-_PbKih8Nmm33N9Pv4b0EvYoLXUgVt0RHImB6HEQYdLxGewb4AxrBDkrRVPAFv5hvS3z7KIJTGMr1WQSZgMVSlQ6pNHIQc/s320/angled+pic.jpg" width="219" /></a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The colours do dry fairly quickly, so I didn't find myself smudging them as I worked, which was handy. The frame around the window also helped me to keep my hands away from the ink.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
An 'in progress' shot:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYgFL_xKMgjE_OfNy-D1QWCAhLqvc3tRdmvnDBnWbRyG4-QANaGwJyNIYxYQeIEAMSACfKlufZUzI9xsRUzCOi93Tmi-CQK2sY0NsTl6xxuzHgRXGjf-XZ-6moz-kUWSFi9iKRkKQOHOb/s1600/nearly+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYgFL_xKMgjE_OfNy-D1QWCAhLqvc3tRdmvnDBnWbRyG4-QANaGwJyNIYxYQeIEAMSACfKlufZUzI9xsRUzCOi93Tmi-CQK2sY0NsTl6xxuzHgRXGjf-XZ-6moz-kUWSFi9iKRkKQOHOb/s320/nearly+finished.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the daytime the colours looked very 'girly,' much to both of my teenage boys' dismay. The one boy also said that the design was too 'hippy!' (he,he).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And this was it finished:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTb2BPNzMcb4mMHK-r1_iFHjf-Y4y6p7EC3AKAm79elfDBAkLFmfo9TSwEHAkKEnd-21WdM84OeqvbqlMqx3GAgEoJMjy9p8jb8AWStJr2LllgHdxD9BdxlhpSM6E-SiKFSkaxamD504x/s1600/finished+window+daytime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTb2BPNzMcb4mMHK-r1_iFHjf-Y4y6p7EC3AKAm79elfDBAkLFmfo9TSwEHAkKEnd-21WdM84OeqvbqlMqx3GAgEoJMjy9p8jb8AWStJr2LllgHdxD9BdxlhpSM6E-SiKFSkaxamD504x/s320/finished+window+daytime.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But the surprise was when it got dark! The colours looked <i>so</i> different!:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_YIIak7D65sxB0Hurws6NF5MTmNhX4Qc3gp7SDzaiKSfNOtzES0YYeeoTK9k_KjW9E9P67l8kWTNbhZzPophQkTNdELK1OktOKuyf4Tei7-ghEz-Fy-vBGyqyvFpthg1ZprjZSLWVqEk/s1600/finished+window+at+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_YIIak7D65sxB0Hurws6NF5MTmNhX4Qc3gp7SDzaiKSfNOtzES0YYeeoTK9k_KjW9E9P67l8kWTNbhZzPophQkTNdELK1OktOKuyf4Tei7-ghEz-Fy-vBGyqyvFpthg1ZprjZSLWVqEk/s320/finished+window+at+night.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was the same window, the exact same colours, but with the night sky behind them. What a difference!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I think I prefer the night version better, I'm not a girly, girl either. {grin} )</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: I should point out that I was sent two sets of these pens to review here on this blog, so thank you to the company that sent them to me. I found them very easy to use and the colours are really vibrant. I would definitely recommend them to anyone wanting to do a similar project.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>(Unfortunately, these pens are out of stock at Amazon UK at the time of writing, hopefully they will be back soon).</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you for stopping by today and reading this MASSIVE post<i>.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Back soon with some more <i>Creative Flourishes</i> activity,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Nicky</i></span><i> </i> </div>
Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-29277961147116019232017-01-04T23:54:00.003+00:002017-01-05T00:01:23.237+00:00Creative Jump Start 2017 A Happy New Year to all my readers, old and new and hope that you enjoyed a good festive season. I have once again signed up for Natalie Kalbach's inspirational new year video course called 'Creative Jump Start' and thats what it is. A series of videos, every day for 30 days presented by some of my favourite artists from blogland (Julie Fei Fan Balzer, Dina Wakley, etc. etc.) that motivate us with ideas and tips that can help us in our own creations. <br />
<br />
The first video was by Marsha Valk and this was my finished piece:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOS7CraZWTS8MKfDYUw8t3RjWAwMc_0DGDVK_Z1NLzC_eUNawlHNoHIn7G3AlSQ3wYuFVGvtz-JRspixMIX75_JWgJ0esQj65VM_KqQHBaHwGNl0jTH9Y4IseObWZ4jI5ymcfaX_tM4l9l/s1600/IMG_9149a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOS7CraZWTS8MKfDYUw8t3RjWAwMc_0DGDVK_Z1NLzC_eUNawlHNoHIn7G3AlSQ3wYuFVGvtz-JRspixMIX75_JWgJ0esQj65VM_KqQHBaHwGNl0jTH9Y4IseObWZ4jI5ymcfaX_tM4l9l/s320/IMG_9149a.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I should point out (as those of you on the course will know) that this isn't anything like the dreamlike, flowy, abstract quality of Marsha's example(s) but when I started I had no idea that mine would end up like this. It actually started out the same! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This isn't one piece, if you look carefully you can see that it's three separate pieces 'joined' vertically and I painted them so they could look as one. In fact the final effect with lines coming from all directions mean it could be infinite! Panels could be added on all sides to this, not that I'm going to, this size took <i>hours</i> to create!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The way it started was three pieces of mounting board painted with black gesso and then lines added with a white paint pen. With my initial lines, I had the idea to do a kind of plumbing/sciency look - a bit like those comedy science lab set ups you used to see in humorous horror films years ago. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpXtYW_rXmzP_gScChEnftiloSx9l8RxlUQ26eQLKE2y1A8Mf-34A8csY3s6SOUYY9t2WEJevkne95sthClKorvCMTARsIN2j2ka8TLj5TCoWydcNWkKnKhrU-iBzbpsAjaODkONaFfww/s320/IMG_9142a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(I actually like this as it is!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I then added some 'science-y' themed stencils to suggest liquids and directions. And then I filled in the loops and decided to make the lines more prominant by outlining them in pink and yellow:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnrw0IdPH8vqOrVcWdLqkHJVw_DoVHi_cpgbW608OBynnDUiXzLg3KNW3baOsEYRHr9ibEhmfhzkD57kGwTDhWYbwR1cEMCGf9VW_EIoQIZwmyZJPcioS7P-YezZzBGViBrM7jmedewTT/s1600/IMG_9145b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnrw0IdPH8vqOrVcWdLqkHJVw_DoVHi_cpgbW608OBynnDUiXzLg3KNW3baOsEYRHr9ibEhmfhzkD57kGwTDhWYbwR1cEMCGf9VW_EIoQIZwmyZJPcioS7P-YezZzBGViBrM7jmedewTT/s320/IMG_9145b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And this is when the problems began! I used Posca paint pens and, much as I love them, they drove me barmy on the black gesso. The black gesso background somehow mixed itself in with the colour and changed it to a 'dirty' shade. I ended up having to go over every line about 4 times - which made it a <i>very </i>late night!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At this stage, my frustration with the yellow and the white made me change tack. I had this idea to keep the science theme and add bits of a photocopy from a book on machines:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPBfojmgleOsN5LKfQEHpKL3gH2xjC1aD5VwJ-FOS14d1N2xLtBe8qWYGRVD5LPvTh59Rih-1HVG-UZxwN1U95JfYjSl83ng_JqrqpPSiY3haFw2pDtCHRyXCuLju6muq9koaIouNYy7e/s1600/IMG_9141a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPBfojmgleOsN5LKfQEHpKL3gH2xjC1aD5VwJ-FOS14d1N2xLtBe8qWYGRVD5LPvTh59Rih-1HVG-UZxwN1U95JfYjSl83ng_JqrqpPSiY3haFw2pDtCHRyXCuLju6muq9koaIouNYy7e/s320/IMG_9141a.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(I did try the tissue paper in the printer technique but my printer refused to print it!) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I cut the photocopy into random pieces and stuck them onto the panels...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4Emcdge8axq4gxV2WI1SPCVR-9eT1-c-aWJ0D0yI7POqclGYjgsi0ru4YPHiG2OiOGQekYDieHCBhgnGYKbsZjbYlXcdVHsGqK250ufG0NgQM-C23TPOwXdeZije6ghXmScZaUjGtxLw/s1600/IMG_9146a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4Emcdge8axq4gxV2WI1SPCVR-9eT1-c-aWJ0D0yI7POqclGYjgsi0ru4YPHiG2OiOGQekYDieHCBhgnGYKbsZjbYlXcdVHsGqK250ufG0NgQM-C23TPOwXdeZije6ghXmScZaUjGtxLw/s320/IMG_9146a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
...and continued with the frustrating task of outlining the tubes with the paint pens. I came back to it the next day and quite liked it:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOprdMf9kULy6XEnCf9E8s-ZT4WfrcPAdm-0hyphenhyphen4F21rAsRLPzxNZt4pOnmYmpGbWw9EqCvA0nZbeVxk1GJqdKV12BeMb1vSGIpEqHpvXuhkodpBphE-UQtBJTcrXUS1mNl1pYatBn60b91/s1600/IMG_9148a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOprdMf9kULy6XEnCf9E8s-ZT4WfrcPAdm-0hyphenhyphen4F21rAsRLPzxNZt4pOnmYmpGbWw9EqCvA0nZbeVxk1GJqdKV12BeMb1vSGIpEqHpvXuhkodpBphE-UQtBJTcrXUS1mNl1pYatBn60b91/s320/IMG_9148a.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
...but thought all the tubes were leading the eye downwards so it 'needed' (not sure it did, really!) some more horizontal lines and more pictures to cover the black - and then connecting lines to 'fix' the pictures to the tubes. (I also 'forgot' how much extra work that would make - each white line had to be drawn over and over again as it turned grey on the black gesso).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I added text bits from the machines book and one quote in the bottom panel: 'Creatiity is intelligence having fun' by Albert Einstein. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So this was the finished result, a super super busy made up science-y thing!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMtSiDECdyfL0InNmlfYcIty4eCqHYQ-NqU_I9vPLVt-IizQFN7aUg3lQAIecw4zt6mJ7Vo_V944nPlNBPUxqtfILbeBV7B3AXUsh0HdwmuzoX87V7Jcf4a8NBAKfOffKk9GjpYYC-DbF/s1600/IMG_9149a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMtSiDECdyfL0InNmlfYcIty4eCqHYQ-NqU_I9vPLVt-IizQFN7aUg3lQAIecw4zt6mJ7Vo_V944nPlNBPUxqtfILbeBV7B3AXUsh0HdwmuzoX87V7Jcf4a8NBAKfOffKk9GjpYYC-DbF/s320/IMG_9149a.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
..and this is the three panels shown separately:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXy1WSYJ3Kh_cSQ3vE5Rhy6FqEI7bxSF5b05tdTwU4wXH3tNrEPOYrtAeakFMCGNADwAPtFkedcSPQMYnvn9YFnwJc5mI5bSxC-jIToe-0S5yVDphLLWELnmlL2ly_fO8zTA5pUSBLT5W6/s1600/IMG_9150a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXy1WSYJ3Kh_cSQ3vE5Rhy6FqEI7bxSF5b05tdTwU4wXH3tNrEPOYrtAeakFMCGNADwAPtFkedcSPQMYnvn9YFnwJc5mI5bSxC-jIToe-0S5yVDphLLWELnmlL2ly_fO8zTA5pUSBLT5W6/s320/IMG_9150a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I like the fact that they work individually as well as together. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks for looking and commenting, do me a favour and remind me<i> never</i> to use paint pens on a black gesso background <i>ever</i> again - life really is too short!... </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Nicky </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Creative Flourishes </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-61190997546529934642016-12-10T23:51:00.002+00:002016-12-10T23:51:20.062+00:00Instagram Competition Kuretake Festive Fun Part 2Every day these days I'm commited...commited to thinking up a different way of lettering the Christmas word of the day in the Instagram Kuretake Christmas Challenge (#kuretakefestivefun) that I showed you a few days ago.<br />
<br />
This is a compilation photo of my first 9 days, some of which I showed you in my previous post:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60AYkCRKZ0IMznILJlr64mTlu9HVfbvBDocHglUtDdeL40nJ5Ie-YI0K-SZ0Q-6fq3sEyFG0J_fMvVtI81fulK7Xlao3PgRijenlAwWkQbjX6cDvQdLXsVd7L5UvTaZF56LPNBcH-a_xd/s1600/day+1-9+compilation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60AYkCRKZ0IMznILJlr64mTlu9HVfbvBDocHglUtDdeL40nJ5Ie-YI0K-SZ0Q-6fq3sEyFG0J_fMvVtI81fulK7Xlao3PgRijenlAwWkQbjX6cDvQdLXsVd7L5UvTaZF56LPNBcH-a_xd/s320/day+1-9+compilation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This was Thurday's word:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfXEwdXMn_bCeZqqRsJAqm9ATAVU-qAUkLSdxUEecwyOQYQ-F8I4AofCTfjDusP1Gr8ywIUJ7XtSsray5iyWbm7J9E3sNphzTFZI9E7tFXec2mj4JXiqMLOyxxRq0HkFnD45flxRjpgjf/s1600/Holly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfXEwdXMn_bCeZqqRsJAqm9ATAVU-qAUkLSdxUEecwyOQYQ-F8I4AofCTfjDusP1Gr8ywIUJ7XtSsray5iyWbm7J9E3sNphzTFZI9E7tFXec2mj4JXiqMLOyxxRq0HkFnD45flxRjpgjf/s320/Holly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Written with a gold pen with a Wink of Stella clear glitter pen on top. (Glitter doesn't show on photos).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Friday's word was 'Angel' and for that I did a cartoony picture:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDSbMV_DE68HLfjBzjeJ118kAvSexnZErOAg6uhsShZkqHwMyn4zzkBvFFTAxMR78dp8uz1Uh9D6HhgPtJhNA1nSCr3B9_Boa8ohyPumsj4-cIYoZTZ65TVnAZ7afK3auXVNmHsGPLlm6/s1600/angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDSbMV_DE68HLfjBzjeJ118kAvSexnZErOAg6uhsShZkqHwMyn4zzkBvFFTAxMR78dp8uz1Uh9D6HhgPtJhNA1nSCr3B9_Boa8ohyPumsj4-cIYoZTZ65TVnAZ7afK3auXVNmHsGPLlm6/s320/angel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And today, Saturday, the word was 'Snowman. I considered doing another drawing but I thought it would be more creative to think up a new way of doing the challenge. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, icing sugar and a chiselled brush on a kitchen cutting mat it was:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPq9fOGeDpjIy9URIeBSFZ2H1N0t7o2OHnPU8Thf_wqEXaKVuoYW-Z0WwSpEA-mCIp2leXbCCIPg7Vb4x6xwBOLzIPFHMklQ2l0GfiNTJRTXLpB2K7EU-e509ZEDgyxU49UW3g02YJ479L/s1600/snow+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPq9fOGeDpjIy9URIeBSFZ2H1N0t7o2OHnPU8Thf_wqEXaKVuoYW-Z0WwSpEA-mCIp2leXbCCIPg7Vb4x6xwBOLzIPFHMklQ2l0GfiNTJRTXLpB2K7EU-e509ZEDgyxU49UW3g02YJ479L/s320/snow+man.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So that's it, right up to date. Not all my posts will be about this, honest, it's just what I'm currently doing and it's christmassy, so it seemed appropriate to put on here. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To follow me on Instagram, I'm <a href="https://www.instagram.com/creativeflourishes/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">#creativeflourishes </span></a>and this challenge is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/kuretakefestivefun/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">#kuretakefestivefun</span></a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by, other creative flourishes posts coming to this very blog soon,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Nicky,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Creative Flourishes</div>
Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-53485326873159016482016-12-07T23:58:00.004+00:002016-12-08T00:06:55.426+00:00#kuretakefestivalfun Instagram CompetitionAs I mentioned in my post the other day, I have recently restarted using Instagram (#creativeflourishes - appropriately enough ;) )<br />
<br />
I started again when I came across an old abandoned waterworks building that was a photographer's dream. I don't know if I'm doing it right but I get the impression that you can't put lots of pictures in one go on Instagram (maybe you know different? I'm learning!...)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwGLC0Ft8dZ0Ncu0J9MWo40dH_-c-bAx5BrDokK9sZBUWG-mO8USHwPVSk4cGxPtie4DUykbe8Ew25TFvwRfj7yAaHk-AdXGIPojcBkX5WgOViqxsqAllX3urjmiv_-DpN9pqmu_UHJKx/s1600/smiley+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwGLC0Ft8dZ0Ncu0J9MWo40dH_-c-bAx5BrDokK9sZBUWG-mO8USHwPVSk4cGxPtie4DUykbe8Ew25TFvwRfj7yAaHk-AdXGIPojcBkX5WgOViqxsqAllX3urjmiv_-DpN9pqmu_UHJKx/s320/smiley+window.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If you like looking at decaying old buildings and want to see the rest in that series, see the link in my right sidebar to my flickr account, swirlyclicks.<br />
<br />
But the reason I am on Instagram more now - daily in fact - is that I am taking part in the Kuretake Festival Fun Lettering Instagram (UK) competition. We are given a word, a Christmassy word, to write each day in a creative way. The winner of the competition - ONE winner - will get to win a collection of Zig Kuretake products, which will include Wink of Stella glitter pens, I think.... (But of course it's not the winning that counts, it's the taking part!....) <br />
<br />
I've been doing this, faithfully every day since the start of December and am trying to vary the style of writing I use, and the products. They would also like you to use Kuretake products if you have them - and I do, as I have SUCH a massive collection of all sorts of pens, pencils, the lot... I <i>really</i> could open my own shop! <br />
<br />
These three are my favourites of the ones that I've done so far: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBZLJVTC5FxLd-ewWSltmdJf0q7vTa1jMjfzuaSapOQ1sD3ETLg-XLrX-_xFXb6GnucDiVpF7Qa_s88YIBBbEVNP8T-MuV2DW0YuClH4YSiShqI_pnCMgU2DfMNsCMCoK-xpqbZC3fbni/s1600/shot+of+3+letter+exercises.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBZLJVTC5FxLd-ewWSltmdJf0q7vTa1jMjfzuaSapOQ1sD3ETLg-XLrX-_xFXb6GnucDiVpF7Qa_s88YIBBbEVNP8T-MuV2DW0YuClH4YSiShqI_pnCMgU2DfMNsCMCoK-xpqbZC3fbni/s320/shot+of+3+letter+exercises.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The word 'Candle' was my first one Written with a Zig calligraphic pen and coloured in with crayons:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bxuzuzs9yf1a-SdniG5KlKHlItGMpfrO_uy5gtogEcDIA8Q9Pn4F1CocnM3fTRvIZCpQRr3huD6C-5dLHZP2TsBTjik2zOZ5lJLl4RSwTCv__Cnq8tzg2Dv4giENNVai1LOjUVV0ftE4/s1600/candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bxuzuzs9yf1a-SdniG5KlKHlItGMpfrO_uy5gtogEcDIA8Q9Pn4F1CocnM3fTRvIZCpQRr3huD6C-5dLHZP2TsBTjik2zOZ5lJLl4RSwTCv__Cnq8tzg2Dv4giENNVai1LOjUVV0ftE4/s320/candle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Day 2's theme was 'Rudolph'. From the time that I read the theme and had got upstairs into my craft room to carry out the task, I had forgotten how to spell! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDbIk3ZVuYenV66PTt_ASYBNHQ7iuDw8Qx7fRfp4yYkMEcIlUH-Y6z3IboQTvFg7wo8UG5au-gWY1Bm4Gu84FKogEfYKYG2aeSaKsg3vOLLkPhh-Kvxd4ljVQcErC7jBUfPcDzHE_0M1R/s1600/rudolf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDbIk3ZVuYenV66PTt_ASYBNHQ7iuDw8Qx7fRfp4yYkMEcIlUH-Y6z3IboQTvFg7wo8UG5au-gWY1Bm4Gu84FKogEfYKYG2aeSaKsg3vOLLkPhh-Kvxd4ljVQcErC7jBUfPcDzHE_0M1R/s320/rudolf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
(Someone on Instagram did kindly point out that the spelling suited the lettering style!) This was written in red, and had a shadow effect added with a black pen. I then embossed the red part with an embossing pen and used clear glossy embossing powder on top.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Finally for this post, was this one:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQFNjyx4vqPj5V6YjmWOQTONWj62SmwTMJ47jo7ZwdWHnSmbKOFpBZe7dI2-Sp5lpAAD0UyMp1GvH6hj0ghdXsEf6pB0NdtWxLEj4qg_yWDyRFTgoWjRqJFtkyRyNl9Ii92PUHuZcKWSz/s1600/stocking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQFNjyx4vqPj5V6YjmWOQTONWj62SmwTMJ47jo7ZwdWHnSmbKOFpBZe7dI2-Sp5lpAAD0UyMp1GvH6hj0ghdXsEf6pB0NdtWxLEj4qg_yWDyRFTgoWjRqJFtkyRyNl9Ii92PUHuZcKWSz/s320/stocking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
'Stocking'. I drew the stocking onto the red card background, wrote my letters in black and filled in and around the letters with a brush using Zig white opaque ink. This type of ink is not meant for large areas, its more of a small correction solution but I love how really white and opaque it is, covering the red completely.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
(Disclosure: Despite how it looks, I'm not being asked to promote Zig/Kuretake products, I'm just telling you how I'm using them to do this project).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hope you enjoyed looking at these and maybe would like to take a look yourself. Look up #kuretakefestivefun on Instagram to see other people's take on the subject.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Thanks so much for stopping by today, see you again soon,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nicky,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Creative Flourishes</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
xx </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-84174131795925481202016-12-06T23:54:00.001+00:002016-12-07T00:01:15.516+00:00Making your own Card & Tag Embellishments..using stickers and charity shop finds.<br />
<br />
Stickers as they come in their packets can look fun but when individually put on other items they can look 'lost'. The remedy for this is to give them their very own individual background. You can do any theme - here I just added random colours to these background squares:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOXpIjihePzpvpGI-FYLo04u5GLFymGYBhCdiI-LxB0WkmuspsmBzJNqPSMUdCsOVRdFogunJ1ZTZzYD-grXwI3sWHXj-G-Ucf96pGig40B5tyU0nnd4EfNTjbH03lOZODOAq8iare2jn/s1600/monster+stickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOXpIjihePzpvpGI-FYLo04u5GLFymGYBhCdiI-LxB0WkmuspsmBzJNqPSMUdCsOVRdFogunJ1ZTZzYD-grXwI3sWHXj-G-Ucf96pGig40B5tyU0nnd4EfNTjbH03lOZODOAq8iare2jn/s320/monster+stickers.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
...and added monster stickers to make 'inchies', This example (above) was my take on a 'Mixed Media Morsels' follow along on YouTube from Cat Hands. (Morsel No. 6)<br />
<br />
This way you can make the stickers bigger and into other shapes - in this case, square. Just add glue when you need to stick them down elsewhere - or use a temporary glue if you want to move them around.<br />
<br />
You can also make sticker embellishments for christmas cards and tags which is what I have done here.<br />
<br />
For the background on these embellishments I found some textured wallpaper for £1 a roll in a charity shop. I had two types, one with textured squares and the other was a general spotted texture, both looked like snow, which was the look I was going for.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXy4nP4hBXmlM51lS2XElwQaAho41KR3-CwYS8DVHFN3PUe1bI3deuhyphenhyphen2ucNo-i3cwy49fK3HDzHYFQtY6hD3e7RuUg7MvJd8BDrDvMKzxjHASxa-WgyLDlnbPz4ecjaYL2zdB9SVUX7A5/s1600/wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXy4nP4hBXmlM51lS2XElwQaAho41KR3-CwYS8DVHFN3PUe1bI3deuhyphenhyphen2ucNo-i3cwy49fK3HDzHYFQtY6hD3e7RuUg7MvJd8BDrDvMKzxjHASxa-WgyLDlnbPz4ecjaYL2zdB9SVUX7A5/s320/wallpaper.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's very simple to make these sticker backgrounds. I just cut out some of the wallpaper, found some blue paint (in this case, Twinkling H20's for shimmer) and a selection of stickers. (These are old ones from Paperchase). For this effect it's best to use puffy stickers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOSmFSyUSI9lGXuRNNHzbsGig7-iy1AIGavXrBrdKeTOmt_Am0iR-9zR16hwgZDyuVDtGdhO-MkjZecrcw9EfttFaNh3DoTaCE5_bG5EbhnsqA37Q5qOybHXTU7BKm5HER-o6z8vPrIaj/s1600/equipmenet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOSmFSyUSI9lGXuRNNHzbsGig7-iy1AIGavXrBrdKeTOmt_Am0iR-9zR16hwgZDyuVDtGdhO-MkjZecrcw9EfttFaNh3DoTaCE5_bG5EbhnsqA37Q5qOybHXTU7BKm5HER-o6z8vPrIaj/s320/equipmenet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I painted some sky in rough squares on the textured wallpaper, but be mindful of the paint pooling!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSkX4_rMmGOo-i-xh2pcosi3qsZzn_IfOdJijxBRnuyIS7Wn8HXwiFZsP_j6H29_rMgnND3JXS-bPHu-lqAAL9-N-5gGZoPJQVYtfxnrcTvpFOh51VV3-aaIhQrxcP5bPz1oX8uRU4Dy8/s1600/painting+squares.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSkX4_rMmGOo-i-xh2pcosi3qsZzn_IfOdJijxBRnuyIS7Wn8HXwiFZsP_j6H29_rMgnND3JXS-bPHu-lqAAL9-N-5gGZoPJQVYtfxnrcTvpFOh51VV3-aaIhQrxcP5bPz1oX8uRU4Dy8/s320/painting+squares.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Then, when the paint was dry, I added the stickers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-JJ8Fh8fn5H-JsH3QNKoPhVYYS8i8VDSZjKP-ultFSRJw_MvgFMTzTF6081aYxQPbvSvWTR3Z-B47532LoS3L9kizZAYBxBx9HjYu10NTwk5lMetA0FIlgu_PNW2_ugE7eGSeBBmF3Gj/s1600/stickers+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-JJ8Fh8fn5H-JsH3QNKoPhVYYS8i8VDSZjKP-ultFSRJw_MvgFMTzTF6081aYxQPbvSvWTR3Z-B47532LoS3L9kizZAYBxBx9HjYu10NTwk5lMetA0FIlgu_PNW2_ugE7eGSeBBmF3Gj/s320/stickers+down.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Cut them out and you can then add some shading underneath your character with a grey pen to ground it. It looks more professional!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsxup3XTEJ_1Rm3lu5kCIT04AMsdRacRa6MJDbkZWgzCI43TTiouQNhPI5ytwGfM7kBalUMa3PDbVYGx_pze3z1OJSQclT3PvebEXxHerPftVlRRWeODvhmChcXtdtwHn3HqKvZFzZVyB/s1600/IMG_8889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsxup3XTEJ_1Rm3lu5kCIT04AMsdRacRa6MJDbkZWgzCI43TTiouQNhPI5ytwGfM7kBalUMa3PDbVYGx_pze3z1OJSQclT3PvebEXxHerPftVlRRWeODvhmChcXtdtwHn3HqKvZFzZVyB/s320/IMG_8889.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiIYWs1PCK_uUjlFs0qy79B5w4tCaptCIyLtzbrsO5Z5hd7w8sD036dt_fMv7fGu504F6FIZrQQeY-UPusPPeh00M2Y4lUbA5alRRWswkj-qz6Wbi6jIBq57QvKaOd8kZ3a6mbV9hN2qX/s1600/finished+item2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiIYWs1PCK_uUjlFs0qy79B5w4tCaptCIyLtzbrsO5Z5hd7w8sD036dt_fMv7fGu504F6FIZrQQeY-UPusPPeh00M2Y4lUbA5alRRWswkj-qz6Wbi6jIBq57QvKaOd8kZ3a6mbV9hN2qX/s320/finished+item2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And voila! These will make great tags, especially for children, and they could help in the making of them too. These embellishments could have other uses too such as adding them to christmas dinner place labels.... <br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed this simple craft and it has inspired you to have a go.<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by today, see you again very soon,<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nicky,</span></span><br />
Creative Flourishes<br />
xx <br />
<br />
.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-76303959465030460512016-12-05T21:25:00.001+00:002016-12-05T21:31:28.444+00:00A Creative Flourishes Return Post<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHp0QIl1tg7_AMar3qIcM3WIH9rZvUFKgS6Mviyp4-rYVTpRJAFUxPzaY0HUjOnS3rvYd_U_ggcABemCSDyu6PzKW5caj0PXfscLiA8aXMCFVp7-VyVjinUVI-Kn5uGj7x_CH9geVSgymz/s1600/do+create+art+artwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHp0QIl1tg7_AMar3qIcM3WIH9rZvUFKgS6Mviyp4-rYVTpRJAFUxPzaY0HUjOnS3rvYd_U_ggcABemCSDyu6PzKW5caj0PXfscLiA8aXMCFVp7-VyVjinUVI-Kn5uGj7x_CH9geVSgymz/s320/do+create+art+artwork.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
<br />
Hello Again!<br />
<br />
<br />
I am back! It's at Christmas time when I get the urge to be more crafty and when I've done something worth showing I do like the idea of sharing it with others. As I used to...on here....before... many moons ago...!<br />
<br />
In fact I've missed this space as a 'showcase' for various different projects that I've been doing and plan to gradually start showing some of them - along with any new stuff, of course.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoiC2L8hN9BOxjzoXxMcaMEnuAoqpOLhz3PFMTScVW43AzLQ3IgTF3CYudOz3BgMuaNUFdD3S71uGMSJyD7O6dHbFNYJVJxxO8aonGPggQgWHgw5JyYM8k2UsKSG_kE6r65zW4dcaMQcP/s1600/pens+on+shelves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoiC2L8hN9BOxjzoXxMcaMEnuAoqpOLhz3PFMTScVW43AzLQ3IgTF3CYudOz3BgMuaNUFdD3S71uGMSJyD7O6dHbFNYJVJxxO8aonGPggQgWHgw5JyYM8k2UsKSG_kE6r65zW4dcaMQcP/s320/pens+on+shelves.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've not ventured into Blogland and other people's blogs for <i>ages</i>. To my mind it was never the same when Google changed their blog viewer - I've even forgotten what it was called, it was so long ago. I remember moving onto Feedly, but it has never been the same. I shall try to perservere though.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In order to find out what people are doing in the art world, I've got myself more into <i>YouTube </i>(just watching!), <i>Pinterest</i> (my obsession shows with my 2.2K followers and 8.2K pins! - Pinterest name <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/creativenic/" target="_blank">Nicky{Creative Flourishes}</a> and specialist Facebook groups. Just lately, I've started using Instagram again <a href="https://www.instagram.com/creativeflourishes/" target="_blank">(#creativeflourishes)</a> as I'm currently doing a Christmas lettering challenge (which I shall tell you about soon).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4SzwwTyNL6GzJYp-ib7zjOYowBoasEjO1x4Ef0tcDcFGvcDNZ3sPHH1LKfb2-2lBwUvSlvwXy3_bLl-AUAOnkspFDHxyDezpFtC1N8Tzro_J48kO_tLCI8piLJaakUBuvTqHt5kR-aI6/s1600/staples+horizontal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4SzwwTyNL6GzJYp-ib7zjOYowBoasEjO1x4Ef0tcDcFGvcDNZ3sPHH1LKfb2-2lBwUvSlvwXy3_bLl-AUAOnkspFDHxyDezpFtC1N8Tzro_J48kO_tLCI8piLJaakUBuvTqHt5kR-aI6/s320/staples+horizontal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As far as life goes, I've changed jobs from working in a Pharmacy to working in a stationery shop (part time). As I am obsessed with all things stationery, this was a good move, I think... (although maybe not so much now, the shop has been bought out and we are waiting to hear what's happening next....!)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMZ42O6JsXOvbwxjuXqs2_gnSCsFdiylFt-9ZsW40Clc7MPxy6BpxFm8VkGRDWZZdiieD5aMI9JTq67RCcbIA4IPL16pqRgu1dxaStm16ha5UtWWHmnYYXYiHjsbAZfizft-24FpC8qkg/s1600/craft+tackle+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMZ42O6JsXOvbwxjuXqs2_gnSCsFdiylFt-9ZsW40Clc7MPxy6BpxFm8VkGRDWZZdiieD5aMI9JTq67RCcbIA4IPL16pqRgu1dxaStm16ha5UtWWHmnYYXYiHjsbAZfizft-24FpC8qkg/s320/craft+tackle+box.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This has been enough rambling for one post, I will be back soon with my first 'Official Back to Blogging Craft Post' and I have a plan to do many more. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope you will be here to join me,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Nicky,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Creative Flourishes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
xx</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-20101446063965679832015-06-09T23:38:00.000+01:002015-06-09T23:38:33.527+01:00My UK TV Likes & Dislikes CollagesHello again, it's been a little while since I shared my last 'Now' Craft but here I am with the next - Collage. It took me a while to get round to doing this craft because I wasn't sure what theme to use to make my collage. I eventually made myself start by remembering the series of notebooks that I started a while ago.<br />
<br />
The first was this one on the theme of slimming and this was the front of the book:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2slaocK1N5z-JGTtvTpxQneQlNIH_qsl2UvhD47D17pleKGg-yT_WPBwkmJnRMagCGsaUPXnBaCRyWl4JIos_o2tPfHFjLT-AvdDJUWQEOsxA5xIeV5pE2fV3xlABLz-3Tlqg-5EYv_YG/s1600/DSC_0023a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2slaocK1N5z-JGTtvTpxQneQlNIH_qsl2UvhD47D17pleKGg-yT_WPBwkmJnRMagCGsaUPXnBaCRyWl4JIos_o2tPfHFjLT-AvdDJUWQEOsxA5xIeV5pE2fV3xlABLz-3Tlqg-5EYv_YG/s320/DSC_0023a.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Paperchase gridded paper notebook with Paperchase stickers and washi tape decoration. Paper Smooches die cut letters for the title)</span> </div>
<br />
<br />
I really went to town on this but I didn't take the theme seriously. While I was creating the collage I was munching my way through a packet of crisps! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZN6iPMq-WoLHOvGQxD3s0dRSBdkP9PU1-U9-AcOHnQ_et9ErT0Ovnp28FuJR6PU9hKDYneKe2pPymRr2PlZT9k3ZjiPEbTAopnsTSD8x6-Sbm7Ob-S04CAyF5zmOxxnOb8bXQbE_fU9R/s1600/DSC_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZN6iPMq-WoLHOvGQxD3s0dRSBdkP9PU1-U9-AcOHnQ_et9ErT0Ovnp28FuJR6PU9hKDYneKe2pPymRr2PlZT9k3ZjiPEbTAopnsTSD8x6-Sbm7Ob-S04CAyF5zmOxxnOb8bXQbE_fU9R/s320/DSC_0009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Magazine pictures with various circular stamps added)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(For previous pages of this book see <a href="http://creativeflourishes.blogspot.co.uk/p/live-your-best-life.html" target="_blank">this link</a>).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then I found two other notebooks that I had previously made a start on.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This one was on the theme of things that make me happy:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHc-KsVZBEf9tXXbHYgdZcL6sZ-ZCP3wyhDTIkE4JrzIrahiwTS3ZLpTmQ2g-UzRxAK247K04gP4f5D_eu95CLWR3WSYaw_7Qm4BHCTrCyz8I0dOf3g3uDN19Fk8t4lAQWcv2g5nRqJIN/s1600/DSC_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHc-KsVZBEf9tXXbHYgdZcL6sZ-ZCP3wyhDTIkE4JrzIrahiwTS3ZLpTmQ2g-UzRxAK247K04gP4f5D_eu95CLWR3WSYaw_7Qm4BHCTrCyz8I0dOf3g3uDN19Fk8t4lAQWcv2g5nRqJIN/s320/DSC_0015.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In here I decided to do a double page spread of TV programmes that I currently like watching:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqfiGdYbUtgB71RGb_g7o2w4HvrQHcDeCf3o7Qwi3cbSfhyXgP9Byj43aiuZPadH7vmrPyTxCwTw-ixPqVr0mp3gr7zQg6Kt5pIXvA2qk_0yW70pLA1vXfO_bhyZAmrVwLXFPZnBSTy_n/s1600/DSC_0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqfiGdYbUtgB71RGb_g7o2w4HvrQHcDeCf3o7Qwi3cbSfhyXgP9Byj43aiuZPadH7vmrPyTxCwTw-ixPqVr0mp3gr7zQg6Kt5pIXvA2qk_0yW70pLA1vXfO_bhyZAmrVwLXFPZnBSTy_n/s320/DSC_0020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(OK, don't judge, but I actually like watching antique shows! Who knew?...) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">And in this book of things that annoy me....</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNG7bHgE_i8baJw157vovtrO81QnIHUuw_Wr572sHJ2fDxLFjW0iWfw1UFhD50fyW4gWxpoxcYAa6J_9O-4FNijsuOuSqA3zuKTsmn5U7LlQn9UmI4mmOd7KGJfmU16mCBDgcCOV6kxmY/s1600/DSC_0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNG7bHgE_i8baJw157vovtrO81QnIHUuw_Wr572sHJ2fDxLFjW0iWfw1UFhD50fyW4gWxpoxcYAa6J_9O-4FNijsuOuSqA3zuKTsmn5U7LlQn9UmI4mmOd7KGJfmU16mCBDgcCOV6kxmY/s320/DSC_0016.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
I made a collage of TV Personalities that really get on my wick.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3UOo-asC6y0gA5yBesbtcVOyg2IuUv161k1NJwzwXIQpjuMJQUIPuTZlVnHidDjwGtXV5-1mcfwOAOIePY__MwvTYKpwA1Km3KpGPG9a3ejLJ9ewMPFMevvTEuiICKWxQgVmlNGCe6Cy/s1600/DSC_0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3UOo-asC6y0gA5yBesbtcVOyg2IuUv161k1NJwzwXIQpjuMJQUIPuTZlVnHidDjwGtXV5-1mcfwOAOIePY__MwvTYKpwA1Km3KpGPG9a3ejLJ9ewMPFMevvTEuiICKWxQgVmlNGCe6Cy/s320/DSC_0017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Oooh! Just looking at this completed page makes me want to shut it again quick! These people to my mind are just SOOOO annoying! <br />
<br />
So, that was the 'Now' Collage project done, on to the next and I see it is <i>Acrylic Painting</i>. Not quite sure at this stage what form that will take but quite looking forward to the challenge.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for stopping by today,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nicky</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
@Creative Flourishes</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-16917875364106536052015-05-14T00:32:00.000+01:002015-05-14T01:03:54.606+01:00Art Journaling ProcessOne of the problems I have when thinking of things to create is that fear of wanting everything that I finish making to be 'right'. It doesn't have to be perfect, but I do really like to be proud of the items that I make. They need to be (in my mind) finished and 'as good as they possibly can be.' This view was changed for me when, amongst other things, I came across <span style="color: red;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/126827390" target="_blank">this video</a></span> by Tammy of Daisy Yellow. <br />
<br />
What she says, that makes a great deal of sense, is to just <i>enjoy the process</i>. When you are making your Index Card a Day (ICAD) (a Summer art venture run by Tammy that I have done for two years running in the past and highly recommend) you don't need to get hung up on the end result, just immerse yourself in the exploration of your materials, the technique you are trying out, whatever it is, just enjoy carrying out whatever the creative activity is.<br />
<br />
So, I thought I'd have a go at it and what better time to try it than with my latest 'Art Technique to do NOW', <b>Art Journaling</b>. I happened to have bought myself a small art journal from Ryman's the stationers recently. The paper size is 6"x4" so it made it very similar to doing an index card. <br />
<br />
For my first page I thought I'd go back to a technique I did on an index card a while back. This was the card I made then:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtVdnBAnLqGxrlfL5RusRMX5ZaFVsvyojBkIsoLGCQTwAQkP2loQCapAD1AROBxh1sF_s-dATDZi2QjGG6-FHuIg_ACKnn6z2kTeNowpSiEl-hQzlj4O6tm6BkhTcBapzXwzEGVXh0LQ2/s1600/original+postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtVdnBAnLqGxrlfL5RusRMX5ZaFVsvyojBkIsoLGCQTwAQkP2loQCapAD1AROBxh1sF_s-dATDZi2QjGG6-FHuIg_ACKnn6z2kTeNowpSiEl-hQzlj4O6tm6BkhTcBapzXwzEGVXh0LQ2/s320/original+postcard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The problem I had was that I couldn't remember how I created it! I'd originally got the technique from an old Craft Stamper magazine and didn't know where it now was. I do remember that I used baby wipes and water soluble oil pastels. So I made a start by laying some colours down:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdK96tSk6eyYRojZtsbLRq9MsRqPqZHDg_vFqPiSJMl3STXqoxWV1_2WWVnOpO4NuPOODaERYPxErNJFrWKNyFnfiIHY2_WOd1I_xUGqOuZ5sgyZ71HTbWjiyOEq1_vwxWiKd-FFDBBt6/s1600/stage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdK96tSk6eyYRojZtsbLRq9MsRqPqZHDg_vFqPiSJMl3STXqoxWV1_2WWVnOpO4NuPOODaERYPxErNJFrWKNyFnfiIHY2_WOd1I_xUGqOuZ5sgyZ71HTbWjiyOEq1_vwxWiKd-FFDBBt6/s320/stage+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I wasn't sure if I was meant to overlap the colours? I had a feeling I should, so did...in places.. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I also remembered that to get the circles I wiped the baby wipe through a stencil:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpHF-5pMWLuQsljdQpqH47hbTkKBX2gUHW1Tpf3WsOmWfaCjETmZwbIGbpJrS1Zuyy9FRbW8T9jwxZVNeyddsop5f55O86T8t410XblUvHzXnscvNcuILmYqviOdUI4asF4gB5G4zdRso/s1600/baby+wipe+and+stencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpHF-5pMWLuQsljdQpqH47hbTkKBX2gUHW1Tpf3WsOmWfaCjETmZwbIGbpJrS1Zuyy9FRbW8T9jwxZVNeyddsop5f55O86T8t410XblUvHzXnscvNcuILmYqviOdUI4asF4gB5G4zdRso/s320/baby+wipe+and+stencil.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
But the pastel marks still showed so I smoothed them with the baby wipe too. The result wasn't looking much like the example above:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXO-uC7ffRXbu4cPSAgiXN-BJBbePvse2bkh6EWxyImmTCEPYyHZ-SNULEsoZ4yxuWfEJBEf4Q814GyY5ljqoMZsd5onZXyNMB9vgfvUMgLiLdaGSGjiQ0K0JGxp_MFs1unMW7W_LCO2ml/s1600/early+fiinished+stage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXO-uC7ffRXbu4cPSAgiXN-BJBbePvse2bkh6EWxyImmTCEPYyHZ-SNULEsoZ4yxuWfEJBEf4Q814GyY5ljqoMZsd5onZXyNMB9vgfvUMgLiLdaGSGjiQ0K0JGxp_MFs1unMW7W_LCO2ml/s320/early+fiinished+stage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So I then 'enjoyed the process' (!) and threw anything and everything I had to hand at it. It is now a title page for the rest of the book:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdC-8DMr4sg2X_MtitK3YLr13dxL2RluKeyCUCmCYt-Lt5Bl6IkYG6nTLBpNCMx5H3LFQK0TSX5ws3mkht8BUzS9yXMyMw8RIdqq5UBwiZ9kSxtMM8e3oycYmGTYJdXRujQdAl3X2waFwm/s1600/first+page+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdC-8DMr4sg2X_MtitK3YLr13dxL2RluKeyCUCmCYt-Lt5Bl6IkYG6nTLBpNCMx5H3LFQK0TSX5ws3mkht8BUzS9yXMyMw8RIdqq5UBwiZ9kSxtMM8e3oycYmGTYJdXRujQdAl3X2waFwm/s320/first+page+final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'A Place to Create for the Fun of it'.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I still wanted to do a page that was like my original index card, so I laid down some more colour, overlapping a little more this time and then simply scratched into it using a stencil and an embossing tool.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6e8CjTPl_oj4F8lxnuLuCPCj5O_S2HbrxJv8f1iZImLEYWbFHemqOrOADyF9Ldp-Y0Mbo1YjxXI41GexJyf8gRgx-NcygsEvaHoMKinrCB9hqCOftAkm7YSr2GV-EzguWandDv6KKbpL/s1600/second+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6e8CjTPl_oj4F8lxnuLuCPCj5O_S2HbrxJv8f1iZImLEYWbFHemqOrOADyF9Ldp-Y0Mbo1YjxXI41GexJyf8gRgx-NcygsEvaHoMKinrCB9hqCOftAkm7YSr2GV-EzguWandDv6KKbpL/s320/second+page.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
...And I<i> did</i> enjoy the process (together with the end result!), but I <i>must</i> see if I can locate those original instructions...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My next 'NOW' art activity is going to be <b>Collage</b>, so hope you can join me soon,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Nicky</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Creative Flourishes </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-34410227035050780052015-05-08T22:03:00.000+01:002015-05-08T22:03:32.718+01:00Gelli Printed Matchbook Notebooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1L0co6B1JJi-mMdogwX4oEMnDqqmbBPn-UFsXKJC1l5VgMCLjLuwZO14tlfw7OiUNZOYdIWj9HZysYDabN-KUycz2OOJf4Iz28XMoFZ-uaKbmgNqFLLHv0NzFNneX1Kzv9gKeNbfkHIa/s1600/DSC_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1L0co6B1JJi-mMdogwX4oEMnDqqmbBPn-UFsXKJC1l5VgMCLjLuwZO14tlfw7OiUNZOYdIWj9HZysYDabN-KUycz2OOJf4Iz28XMoFZ-uaKbmgNqFLLHv0NzFNneX1Kzv9gKeNbfkHIa/s320/DSC_0005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am still progressing with my 'arts and crafts to do NOW' list (see previous posts) and the next activity on my list was Gelli Printing. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpS-gvTDIQrdrD38tX1J_PjS-uvv-nyIVlfBEVdomYAJE-v_INqVfaqT5B4dw3At67bmqjVrFE8hDW9pI1CgR4DlsPOsAf9qbkrqsxPBlTi8Qqp96TwTqvBPu3sYlPXpvCfm27cPDqYAAr/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpS-gvTDIQrdrD38tX1J_PjS-uvv-nyIVlfBEVdomYAJE-v_INqVfaqT5B4dw3At67bmqjVrFE8hDW9pI1CgR4DlsPOsAf9qbkrqsxPBlTi8Qqp96TwTqvBPu3sYlPXpvCfm27cPDqYAAr/s320/DSC_0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just a few of the <i>many</i> pages that I made this time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To make the textures I used objects I found around the house. The circles on the matchbook notebook on the very top left picture (in orange and yellow) were actually made with a shower suction mat that I (purposefully) bought from TK Maxx to use for this type of printmaking.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
When I completed my gelli printing I decided that I wanted to layer them even more. I love seeing elements of previous textures and colours peaking through. The problem I had was technical. How do I get my top layer to only cover the parts I want it to without obliterating the interesting bits of the previous layers? So, rather than gelli printing another layer on top (which I could have done if I'd thought about it a bit harder) I spread some paint directly from the tube on to my craft mat and spread it on to the print with a spatula. This meant I could control where the paint went and how much. Finally, I wiped it around with a baby wipe to cover a wider area.<br />
<br />
I was wondering what I could do with the prints I had made when I remembered this book I had got (also from TK Maxx), which has some great ideas of things you can make with a small amount of paper or indeed, just an envelope! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmca6LSJ0jpEHDrWFGBeaeJmUraj7nP9-cY6JP79F_PeoTO2JJUJIbMTiDo6avGGKEgddoxaPy3lbQnqZfzh5vekFA6FHFq9PwWQb8W5XX5Ng8fqzWPOCw-tbrkp2CljFyDESfsrc9sD4j/s1600/DSC_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmca6LSJ0jpEHDrWFGBeaeJmUraj7nP9-cY6JP79F_PeoTO2JJUJIbMTiDo6avGGKEgddoxaPy3lbQnqZfzh5vekFA6FHFq9PwWQb8W5XX5Ng8fqzWPOCw-tbrkp2CljFyDESfsrc9sD4j/s320/DSC_0009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, using their instructions and template I decided to make these matchbook notebooks. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm92NHFnipMunYnxp0-A0HIewdKnH3Hd89WilqqhdjI2aZVnW7tq99HXFqTanYoGrIY0IznzG7mVggkLGDc52UL7QUgWE0FJGqnSdo5VhqNZAUoYBdl-Az_JhVWjBCANDiJJkvFAUjqWoC/s1600/DSC_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm92NHFnipMunYnxp0-A0HIewdKnH3Hd89WilqqhdjI2aZVnW7tq99HXFqTanYoGrIY0IznzG7mVggkLGDc52UL7QUgWE0FJGqnSdo5VhqNZAUoYBdl-Az_JhVWjBCANDiJJkvFAUjqWoC/s320/DSC_0006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The gelli prints were stuck on to thin card for the covers and pages of thin paper were stapled together for the inside. Reading the instructions in the book, it said to sew buttons on to the front so you can then wrap string around to make closures (see picture).<br />
<br />
Well, I found myself some appropriately coloured buttons and then discovered that they didn't have shanks on their backs to wrap the string around. So I improvised:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVt-4nUtoC9oco74xBOgt_dbJz7S_Sf-1mtDqYezOzjsRO20g41P2XfZzJeKcwVquN8cjck6kk5gwf87x2xLkO9hAYDh48i3yGc_maA5FJrIpH60Xssdb0Rr-z5KRJKSkhyRRZyBdSHKvj/s1600/DSC_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVt-4nUtoC9oco74xBOgt_dbJz7S_Sf-1mtDqYezOzjsRO20g41P2XfZzJeKcwVquN8cjck6kk5gwf87x2xLkO9hAYDh48i3yGc_maA5FJrIpH60Xssdb0Rr-z5KRJKSkhyRRZyBdSHKvj/s320/DSC_0004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I cut a hama bead in half with scissors (this was remarkably easy to do) and stuck each of the halves on to each of my buttons with a plastic glue. I also used the plastic glue to stick the buttons on to the notebook and also to add beads on to the ends of the string. This picture shows the back of the books: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuTv9_rjcZyclg3GUaa7UOhstTS9hSbvufFzyooxye3PA9K0aXdtLopuJ-zwx3psdDlf0S2o6x71SgUxnE_QqDTapx-I_bb3QIhVY5bDKByinXNaxZrQsMKxEGXBdoxRVKc5Ytm8SNZo8/s1600/DSC_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuTv9_rjcZyclg3GUaa7UOhstTS9hSbvufFzyooxye3PA9K0aXdtLopuJ-zwx3psdDlf0S2o6x71SgUxnE_QqDTapx-I_bb3QIhVY5bDKByinXNaxZrQsMKxEGXBdoxRVKc5Ytm8SNZo8/s320/DSC_0008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The books are very small (just 5 x 3.5cms) and a bit delicate with the buttons, but useful for a quick note or quote and they make a useful emergency gift.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqF3PAKDNMWWRetGemCqpwIRCi0DV4QUgDerF2E8q4Kr7UlH6viI6ClsEVCD9vy2ZCwoHZiMEBBGnZY5Hm_wcvUigVbh9dCmOb4OuzlsbIeY6rBPRyONUW9M8dfbGq8t54Jsipb6SRFvW0/s1600/DSC_0005a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqF3PAKDNMWWRetGemCqpwIRCi0DV4QUgDerF2E8q4Kr7UlH6viI6ClsEVCD9vy2ZCwoHZiMEBBGnZY5Hm_wcvUigVbh9dCmOb4OuzlsbIeY6rBPRyONUW9M8dfbGq8t54Jsipb6SRFvW0/s320/DSC_0005a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope to see you next time when I will be showcasing my next list item, Art Journaling.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Nicky,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Creative Flourishes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-57789667186561946432015-05-01T00:39:00.003+01:002015-05-01T00:45:55.821+01:00Encaustic plus PixlrSo, moving on in my 'Art & Crafts List to do NOW,' I did indeed get on with the next one on my list, Encaustic. The one thing I was hoping <i>wouldn't</i> happen when carrying out this craft did - and that was to burn myself. I was doing very well until it came to clean up time when I <i>momentarily</i> glanced away from the iron that I was cleaning with a piece of kitchen roll - and promptly burned a little blister into my palm - ouch!<br />
<br />
Before that I was quite enjoying this craft and found it relatively easy. This, I have to admit, was greatly helped by the fact that I had watched a <span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nwB3Ec4E0w" target="_blank">beginner's guide to abstract encaustic</a></span> earlier on in the day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8VIasf6lAesfGyaE1wB-0kb46IE8QCP1uyPdrLExV3lLq6c1-I8ztM7tZA7zm53QDYVN1h700-X6E4dMLxKxvkiXV2N2oKTKxUDAnSqOu28LbEdM-9O2Uel1T55-szL2jO0aSHjc69Nf/s1600/pink+1d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8VIasf6lAesfGyaE1wB-0kb46IE8QCP1uyPdrLExV3lLq6c1-I8ztM7tZA7zm53QDYVN1h700-X6E4dMLxKxvkiXV2N2oKTKxUDAnSqOu28LbEdM-9O2Uel1T55-szL2jO0aSHjc69Nf/s1600/pink+1d.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I initially thought encaustic meant embedding things into wax, which would have meant putting my much neglected Melting Pot into use - but when I checked online, I found it was more to do with layering and 'painting' with coloured waxes.<br />
<br />
A very, very, long time ago I bought a set of encaustic waxes, together with some glossy card and a travel steam iron. This was around the time that it first became popular. More recently, I was able to add to the wax collection when I spotted some in a local charity shop. I tend to use my materials with more abandon when I know I have a plentiful supply. It's when they are limited that I tend to be more cautious and 'keep it for that special project' that never seems to happen... <br />
<br />
As I was a beginner (again! the first attempts were <i>so</i> very long ago!) I decided that abstract was the way to go. Maybe I will move on to landscapes at a later date, when my wound has healed....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FdISeK3ohY_p_MirjfPyJv5BUM6sxm6hyTHwadWVcNrMHWmbekonMEqf8cJZblbTkgGucuhOCd0kgZssUWtbsQxqerAE-jRmqRYFnrwgRABFelMMvmR5feoG6E97hHwW_Z1SzJZ_aJ6v/s1600/encaustic+materials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FdISeK3ohY_p_MirjfPyJv5BUM6sxm6hyTHwadWVcNrMHWmbekonMEqf8cJZblbTkgGucuhOCd0kgZssUWtbsQxqerAE-jRmqRYFnrwgRABFelMMvmR5feoG6E97hHwW_Z1SzJZ_aJ6v/s1600/encaustic+materials.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
Simple materials needed, glossy cardstock, colourful waxes, kitchen roll and an old iron (preferably non-steam but I didn't use the steam facility).<br />
<br />
I used the techniques shown in the above youtube video which meant smoothing down the wax on the iron and then quickly swishing it across the paper. Lifing up the iron created those lovely organic tree like marks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisQc-S_0SD3_oFu61K-UTWpi5WfoHHluh0x3ETAw-g4kfHMtRLq3cMo58W4romyAFgibM4HEPSL2jcjpK06WMrptiQxLsjV6MujsjriGniZ1ZyOa27o9c9W_cFfXq0qgeLy1IaFLlNkrI/s1600/blue+1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisQc-S_0SD3_oFu61K-UTWpi5WfoHHluh0x3ETAw-g4kfHMtRLq3cMo58W4romyAFgibM4HEPSL2jcjpK06WMrptiQxLsjV6MujsjriGniZ1ZyOa27o9c9W_cFfXq0qgeLy1IaFLlNkrI/s1600/blue+1b.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You could avoid getting the outline of the iron by using an iron more suited to the purpose, the type with interchangeable heads. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The difference between now and when this product first came out is that you can now alter your finished 'painting' simply by using various photo manipulation techniques onto your scanned masterpieces. This simple technique just wasn't available to us then. For this my go tos at the moment are <a href="http://apps.pixlr.com/o-matic/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Pixlr</span></a> or the free version of <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Picmonkey</span></a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This was my first attempt, which was fair enough in green...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_NC-_9PrLDK0jnetyC9OoMcBwmyBTO1SVot5VHFLF7pHPf732R0j6n4g3heNvwpQKTcw4khohZm4hqWKd8bBsyLSIHIPHNVsabMkBgiNXe0glSoLd0xKuQ5Mb1jBxf2mYjrl7CKYQChI/s1600/green+2e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_NC-_9PrLDK0jnetyC9OoMcBwmyBTO1SVot5VHFLF7pHPf732R0j6n4g3heNvwpQKTcw4khohZm4hqWKd8bBsyLSIHIPHNVsabMkBgiNXe0glSoLd0xKuQ5Mb1jBxf2mYjrl7CKYQChI/s1600/green+2e.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
...but lets see what it looks like without colour:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg_vPlltdGCgIaQzhIGGc4ASqAEXIYmXtLdKPJMCpCyXBPjlGvl97APYh4H_T7UFxDOTkxy8d1DE1Y1Uta52OovQXRC98ZzTHY43IuUUfArZn7mQlHhpw2rk8w8f_DsPW4xQFolIjn95j/s1600/B&W+2e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg_vPlltdGCgIaQzhIGGc4ASqAEXIYmXtLdKPJMCpCyXBPjlGvl97APYh4H_T7UFxDOTkxy8d1DE1Y1Uta52OovQXRC98ZzTHY43IuUUfArZn7mQlHhpw2rk8w8f_DsPW4xQFolIjn95j/s1600/B&W+2e.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
This piece was my ultimate favourite as I think it looks like a galactic waterfall. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwBVAw5APUqTLhNGYeBtSszXnXv9NzVNeQjiVbHMnG9jGbHVFR8v9StPr13-l8j-xeiGJd4VdqggrpbmLchx1kHewjUCKhA9-gQfA0CCoB-DNZy49Af-xkmEQ_3SJE8j9GcdxnQLlxyjo/s1600/Original+2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwBVAw5APUqTLhNGYeBtSszXnXv9NzVNeQjiVbHMnG9jGbHVFR8v9StPr13-l8j-xeiGJd4VdqggrpbmLchx1kHewjUCKhA9-gQfA0CCoB-DNZy49Af-xkmEQ_3SJE8j9GcdxnQLlxyjo/s1600/Original+2a.jpg" height="320" width="224" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And altering the contrast made the colours 'pop'.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahEyJtpugCHV3S6BvlPNyOMrQp9wr3OyVqUZLoE54oIDmMkd6eYqlz4-XOniv9fs_aYj4Nb-yGAxgYEF3SVp8uPppIp4Raw1uh4YK6hTrw9nHJ0rmLJ3p0KMqLN1uqMFuzG0h5Do9gB1w/s1600/hagrid+1e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahEyJtpugCHV3S6BvlPNyOMrQp9wr3OyVqUZLoE54oIDmMkd6eYqlz4-XOniv9fs_aYj4Nb-yGAxgYEF3SVp8uPppIp4Raw1uh4YK6hTrw9nHJ0rmLJ3p0KMqLN1uqMFuzG0h5Do9gB1w/s1600/hagrid+1e.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh, I forgot to mention, I worked on a craft mat with strong cardboard underneath to protect the kitchen work surface. The mat ended up getting <i>very</i> messy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJRPNjnXSyOCRsFMu3Md0ud2IyBWtyxvYp4wPSiBdZ4EPMtQJ_-RauryUavZ7XiDFMCNFP-M5idNQ6vGVoU7gNpuWpVydgBlAnAaunjaK1zeRuuNbqljsa9VXL4vQPMfTRtDKTpWU8Dwe/s1600/mat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJRPNjnXSyOCRsFMu3Md0ud2IyBWtyxvYp4wPSiBdZ4EPMtQJ_-RauryUavZ7XiDFMCNFP-M5idNQ6vGVoU7gNpuWpVydgBlAnAaunjaK1zeRuuNbqljsa9VXL4vQPMfTRtDKTpWU8Dwe/s1600/mat.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back soon with my next 'NOW' craft which I've just checked is <b>Gelli Printing</b>. I have done some of this recently, but you can <i>never</i> do enough of gelli printing, can you...?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you for getting through this very long post and for stopping by today,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
enjoy your bank holiday weekend (those of you in the UK),</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and I'll see you soon,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nicky</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
@Creative Flourishes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwBVAw5APUqTLhNGYeBtSszXnXv9NzVNeQjiVbHMnG9jGbHVFR8v9StPr13-l8j-xeiGJd4VdqggrpbmLchx1kHewjUCKhA9-gQfA0CCoB-DNZy49Af-xkmEQ_3SJE8j9GcdxnQLlxyjo/s1600/Original+2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahEyJtpugCHV3S6BvlPNyOMrQp9wr3OyVqUZLoE54oIDmMkd6eYqlz4-XOniv9fs_aYj4Nb-yGAxgYEF3SVp8uPppIp4Raw1uh4YK6hTrw9nHJ0rmLJ3p0KMqLN1uqMFuzG0h5Do9gB1w/s1600/hagrid+1e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-462726811803337352015-04-26T14:18:00.000+01:002015-04-26T14:18:12.587+01:00Foiling & DecopatchRegular visitors to my blog will know that I am in the process of completing a Art & Craft technique 'NOW' List. So far on my list I have done <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://creativeflourishes.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/not-bucket-list-now-list-lino-printing.html" target="_blank">Lino Printing</a></span>, <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://creativeflourishes.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/shrink-plastic-keyring.html" target="_blank">Shrink Plastic</a></span> and <a href="http://creativeflourishes.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/hama-bead-decorations.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Hama Bead Crafting</span></a>. For this project the plan was to do Foiling. I combined foiling with the craft of decopatch and made these wish hearts:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbt2cTiGS92h70BJGygiV4hMvJY3oQ366E3x8La5eDRUzCIMAiXqri5Ut2YruROHmn8Q4Rcm-O5LCox8RfMoLKl63gQlRn63Fl4SHufgXX88_DCw0n4qSGIiOthQWBjWKP0XfhwJjR_8I/s1600/title+hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbt2cTiGS92h70BJGygiV4hMvJY3oQ366E3x8La5eDRUzCIMAiXqri5Ut2YruROHmn8Q4Rcm-O5LCox8RfMoLKl63gQlRn63Fl4SHufgXX88_DCw0n4qSGIiOthQWBjWKP0XfhwJjR_8I/s1600/title+hearts.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
My original plan was to do conventional foiling and <a href="http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2015/02/video-5-ways-to-add-gold-foil.html#_a5y_p=3595086" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">this idea</span></a> of using a laser copy print with a laminator appealed. I'd even treated myself to a cheap laser printer a couple of months ago so I could do crafts like image transfers. So many instructions for image transfer techniques say you have to have a laser copy, rather than an inkjet. The problem I had was with my laminator. It just refused to feed the paper through at all. I even tried with a second laminator (yes, I have two!) and that didn't take it either.<br />
<br />
So then I tried the simple technique of drawing with glue and foiling. I tried the Zig 2 Way Glue and the Appli glue, both of which <i>should</i> have worked, but didn't. Even though I allowed the glue to dry to a tacky state, the foil didn't stick so I gave up on that idea...<br />
<br />
...And instead made some faux foiling using shiny gold gift tape:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDSeQfSbp8g_b7mwgz5K8yE8zMGX-gygfY1QEZTqwfqk9xVxReQPMhiTsIl3hDMYAfmL73nh0bYWPeo82sbKuUnReNSGvWup5AcP8D60pFvOc991ogyF7YjG7amVeKabaOBydGHp3KFf7/s1600/tape+added+to+paper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDSeQfSbp8g_b7mwgz5K8yE8zMGX-gygfY1QEZTqwfqk9xVxReQPMhiTsIl3hDMYAfmL73nh0bYWPeo82sbKuUnReNSGvWup5AcP8D60pFvOc991ogyF7YjG7amVeKabaOBydGHp3KFf7/s1600/tape+added+to+paper.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I stuck three strips down onto some ordinary white paper and burnished it flat with my nail.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSbuURWK2kyeLxBjKbTu2K7iMfei3j2LmGmVOslzP7Zur73QWZ8_57j3pAS7eTo62h8_oast9VrDAzMyH_WGQtAxr8ICwTBR00SHk9sqv5420W8L5zV_yTRc_wvP2uvKAdHwFgPFFxrCq/s1600/foiling+process+with+dies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSbuURWK2kyeLxBjKbTu2K7iMfei3j2LmGmVOslzP7Zur73QWZ8_57j3pAS7eTo62h8_oast9VrDAzMyH_WGQtAxr8ICwTBR00SHk9sqv5420W8L5zV_yTRc_wvP2uvKAdHwFgPFFxrCq/s1600/foiling+process+with+dies.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next I made my word 'WISH' using my Cuttlebug and Cuttlebug letter dies.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was wondering where to put my foiled letters when I remembered the <span style="color: red;">decopatch</span> set and <span style="color: red;">paper mache <a href="http://www.bakerross.co.uk/craft-hearts" target="_blank">hearts</a></span> that I had been sent to test by <a href="https://www.bakerross.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Baker Ross</span></a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8V5z96lwRBDb6t_DS3-1ylg52ceyl2pRLOZ3ZYd-DZyU97m5q-8enh-yo5jcXf_HTW0IByLLyXQGlREYJM0JEfrVnHg6dwpRuZMFafZpLgOQLOkWUbk0p23riS3fYNRiuJ8MuS4N5qzUB/s1600/Baker+Ross+products.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8V5z96lwRBDb6t_DS3-1ylg52ceyl2pRLOZ3ZYd-DZyU97m5q-8enh-yo5jcXf_HTW0IByLLyXQGlREYJM0JEfrVnHg6dwpRuZMFafZpLgOQLOkWUbk0p23riS3fYNRiuJ8MuS4N5qzUB/s1600/Baker+Ross+products.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is how the hearts look as blanks:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEVVSZpcVICS5QlbCY2M-2Wp9M5X8rNB2PUBgdlNiHucnKg2HlwDzND116b41L8-TGyjH7qvNnKvUtQYIhrZsRCTVWl2tBTFYzb_Jjk8xEd46xnl0pqfDVGljEgnnrjvX-fSik85o_0kP/s1600/bare+hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEVVSZpcVICS5QlbCY2M-2Wp9M5X8rNB2PUBgdlNiHucnKg2HlwDzND116b41L8-TGyjH7qvNnKvUtQYIhrZsRCTVWl2tBTFYzb_Jjk8xEd46xnl0pqfDVGljEgnnrjvX-fSik85o_0kP/s1600/bare+hearts.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The technique of how to do Decopatch is very simple and described on the back of the packet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhwtIwCAPScDm38jU_n7E5rm8PTZCuxN6LneHfLRIl4fPcxRz9IdkatD9NkZyxEzAreEPboop3swXquRFyvqxlmjDwoAQHpt7Od4OJaUbpOEMLVBA6a-ypQQGeHNFkuVjTNo9zBqXPdh4/s1600/first+stage+in+making.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhwtIwCAPScDm38jU_n7E5rm8PTZCuxN6LneHfLRIl4fPcxRz9IdkatD9NkZyxEzAreEPboop3swXquRFyvqxlmjDwoAQHpt7Od4OJaUbpOEMLVBA6a-ypQQGeHNFkuVjTNo9zBqXPdh4/s1600/first+stage+in+making.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You rip small pieces off and glue them on to your object overlapping each piece. They do suggest Decopatch varnish glue but I hadn't got any of that so used a PVA/Water mix. You also add the glue mix on the top of each paper as it acts as a varnish. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I started to make the hearts with just the thin decopatch paper but then I decided to add some coloured old book pages too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJrR0WEDqe20yulzoaBEjLXz23BFNm9qnHe4v_LDJAHjmF1vhb48GMTxEdplLeyHv-FlR8XzNiGa9bSOlgDKTwZLWN_643S8gn3zrCO9k-46m9ke-sRICLP1YqMQJX5KD7aWoEBV18qgB/s1600/showing+the+materials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJrR0WEDqe20yulzoaBEjLXz23BFNm9qnHe4v_LDJAHjmF1vhb48GMTxEdplLeyHv-FlR8XzNiGa9bSOlgDKTwZLWN_643S8gn3zrCO9k-46m9ke-sRICLP1YqMQJX5KD7aWoEBV18qgB/s1600/showing+the+materials.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
The paper from the books was a bit thicker so it was trickier to stick around the edges of the hearts.<br />
<br />
After completing the hearts I gave them a final coat of the PVA/Water mix and coated them with multicoloured glitter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjsuzu37HGFRgKD_qGV2d0LZ8JH3ufNnMoKa8GN1la2Jr8Wo6F7L0-QYhBm0Wo6nTbLhHmEEmPdwqdou3z_Vv8vPFNj4zt9UdOgEl4mEvBSM9pyZqI1kqj90bYU4lgbiwMMKfNHI2DfPe/s1600/glittering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjsuzu37HGFRgKD_qGV2d0LZ8JH3ufNnMoKa8GN1la2Jr8Wo6F7L0-QYhBm0Wo6nTbLhHmEEmPdwqdou3z_Vv8vPFNj4zt9UdOgEl4mEvBSM9pyZqI1kqj90bYU4lgbiwMMKfNHI2DfPe/s1600/glittering.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
Tip: Don't hold the hearts by the gold string much as it falls out. I had to glue two of the threads back on.<br />
<br />
After sticking on my foiled letters I left all the hearts to dry before giving them a final coat of spray glossy varnish. This will also help to prevent the glitter coming off when handling.<br />
<br />
And there you have it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2N3S_I17R9W3oBa1h_Fv7WnjKVu0LS0f40jdvx_4fsclosnSiA3TlwyDRq8ys7p2qdcxKU9oDmjIw1xO_nDkwHv4QrN2rsbxpSXYbK850RxWNHmb0KzFSZHZUsk0e-p918poPGZVqYnF/s1600/finished+heart+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2N3S_I17R9W3oBa1h_Fv7WnjKVu0LS0f40jdvx_4fsclosnSiA3TlwyDRq8ys7p2qdcxKU9oDmjIw1xO_nDkwHv4QrN2rsbxpSXYbK850RxWNHmb0KzFSZHZUsk0e-p918poPGZVqYnF/s1600/finished+heart+pic.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Another crafty technique to cross off the list. The next one on my list is <b>encaustic</b> which I am quite looking forward to. I just need to brush the cobwebs off that Ranger Melting Pot and all those waxing craft accessories that I bought all those years ago...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for stopping by today,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Join me soon when I demonstrate my next NOW technique,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Nicky </span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">@Creative Flourishes</span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-43605647049864032015-04-22T17:29:00.000+01:002015-04-22T17:29:11.663+01:00Hama Bead Decorations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksJaRurl1W0_ASsBp1v0ViPrRyZkE-3FXDf_SPw3_V5FBsCkkWRit88-TXl-EyS2U-1IcQTI0UZKm8nnzOELjS2e1-UXnDvjEqoTrrFEAGy9_z8A7WGpmk0Gl6Zg3V7rlrkIGNjBJwyQS/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksJaRurl1W0_ASsBp1v0ViPrRyZkE-3FXDf_SPw3_V5FBsCkkWRit88-TXl-EyS2U-1IcQTI0UZKm8nnzOELjS2e1-UXnDvjEqoTrrFEAGy9_z8A7WGpmk0Gl6Zg3V7rlrkIGNjBJwyQS/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As mentioned in my last post, the next project on my art to do 'Now' List was crafting with Hama Beads. I have loads of these things, many of which have been gained on my many charity shop expeditions. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The first task for me in making my decorations was to sort some of the beads into separate colours. Not strictly necessary but I did it whilst watching TV so it wasn't too much of a chore - and no, I didn't separate <i>all </i>those you see in the top picture, just enough for me to use. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQpuPSAkaCPFcBepyEcgG38X-9XH3h4yHChAgdql0K2ZHcJQuQhQmMMJsJ8wc5M8LA6SNiE0-LYBhHPJ4PGh1XcsjqNdF49oHylnW6hcctgu8T-9eEAgaXonXG-IOywyadz7Yj9ewba3R/s1600/separated+pots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQpuPSAkaCPFcBepyEcgG38X-9XH3h4yHChAgdql0K2ZHcJQuQhQmMMJsJ8wc5M8LA6SNiE0-LYBhHPJ4PGh1XcsjqNdF49oHylnW6hcctgu8T-9eEAgaXonXG-IOywyadz7Yj9ewba3R/s1600/separated+pots.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
I love the effect of the sparkly beads and decided to make myself a small window decoration. They were just randomly placed inside a circle board and some black beads were added around the edge: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3m7Szf_hCReEUOnSaitEzqfzzkuMQm5io872MadwSCuOFJTbsJ6knjQhqE-GIhD0Bp-Zjg_-0XJIJRPKWQwu2qPxYztz1u64cBAtcM34-oAiQI1Nbue2w0DY1J7cxtKHMzJymAStxSxaT/s1600/creating+circle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3m7Szf_hCReEUOnSaitEzqfzzkuMQm5io872MadwSCuOFJTbsJ6knjQhqE-GIhD0Bp-Zjg_-0XJIJRPKWQwu2qPxYztz1u64cBAtcM34-oAiQI1Nbue2w0DY1J7cxtKHMzJymAStxSxaT/s1600/creating+circle.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
..before ironing to fix with the special waxed paper. <br />
<br />
I love the way it looks like a stained glass:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXw6Y0OZrAfX6zdwygQaxDlXTXwJrw4F65VbUHy2_-QyfLyzdnebSL_ZwhWXyKwUNnH1WQbF5eODlm5F2LEitZQdRaof3BWZYBY10kqiEQxCNvGxzQnzfrHjkiLu2n5j4vckCeQBb1HDns/s1600/another+finished+item+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXw6Y0OZrAfX6zdwygQaxDlXTXwJrw4F65VbUHy2_-QyfLyzdnebSL_ZwhWXyKwUNnH1WQbF5eODlm5F2LEitZQdRaof3BWZYBY10kqiEQxCNvGxzQnzfrHjkiLu2n5j4vckCeQBb1HDns/s1600/another+finished+item+pic.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
..sparkling in the sunlight.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJaSsPwhUpTXxng4Db_AMnoO809oZp2onAg6NXdzmDLGlbCbT4h_xGb6U00ikS9pMs0BKm_HsOVXKAXMpe7F3mZcDV0ubxPXyCAGj0ldSj94iUngblRLQZQFs0KoE3MqXT4rrB98GwJzu/s1600/finished+item+circle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJaSsPwhUpTXxng4Db_AMnoO809oZp2onAg6NXdzmDLGlbCbT4h_xGb6U00ikS9pMs0BKm_HsOVXKAXMpe7F3mZcDV0ubxPXyCAGj0ldSj94iUngblRLQZQFs0KoE3MqXT4rrB98GwJzu/s1600/finished+item+circle.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For my next project I decided to make a hama bead camera, spotted on Pinterest <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/265079128043068911/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">here</span></a>. (and modified by rounding the corners).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hBmaVT4fmvp0-4Oelv5oRl6MtRc75XYdriDrapjSeYhwD6YUBJCoh_TebBkOs_ks2KWFVOtbNDKs3_njPNNXuwvXwGPCEzEJhzcTa68R2L23gdzjksKuGVxImK7RlgIs-qWd0hU7zomp/s1600/Making+camera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hBmaVT4fmvp0-4Oelv5oRl6MtRc75XYdriDrapjSeYhwD6YUBJCoh_TebBkOs_ks2KWFVOtbNDKs3_njPNNXuwvXwGPCEzEJhzcTa68R2L23gdzjksKuGVxImK7RlgIs-qWd0hU7zomp/s1600/Making+camera.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The pointy edged tweezers were brilliant for this task and so much easier than clumsy fingers. Using them I was able to pick up two beads at a time which really helped to speed up the process. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Here on the left is my finished camera, added to my display of vintage cameras:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzRR4GYjjN-FywxrPBxjqhAgJ-d5RT-Pa30kXTLBsWnDOF_s7E-hiueuuOqDIEmYvznwWd8qb8Wi4ZvzUZD2e-HhL8CeMfBnsg2wiOr4jKYl_QDZ1taGkhYLwqMw-tbzWBsCoW5ApWvq6/s1600/four+cameras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzRR4GYjjN-FywxrPBxjqhAgJ-d5RT-Pa30kXTLBsWnDOF_s7E-hiueuuOqDIEmYvznwWd8qb8Wi4ZvzUZD2e-HhL8CeMfBnsg2wiOr4jKYl_QDZ1taGkhYLwqMw-tbzWBsCoW5ApWvq6/s1600/four+cameras.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
The circular lens part was made separately and glued onto the hama beaded background.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNn8qzAakcjMjzFG63yu-F2TT9uiLASiphba8zpWvLpgb8X113dxv9AEw2Nv7aG5LlV-5Bo1RXz0RHIiFf9aoLDPEUgNMt5V5zt56fiC_IX8n9ebmZcnUbYiU9w9Lej66L9Gp8p5IIXEU/s1600/two+cameras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNn8qzAakcjMjzFG63yu-F2TT9uiLASiphba8zpWvLpgb8X113dxv9AEw2Nv7aG5LlV-5Bo1RXz0RHIiFf9aoLDPEUgNMt5V5zt56fiC_IX8n9ebmZcnUbYiU9w9Lej66L9Gp8p5IIXEU/s1600/two+cameras.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
It may not function but it looks the part.<br />
<br />
The next craft I have on my art techniques 'Now' list is Foiling. What will I make with that, I wonder...?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check back soon to see that craft and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thanks for popping by today,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Nicky</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
@Creative Flourishes</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-30330038667734259182015-04-20T18:08:00.000+01:002015-04-20T18:08:32.625+01:00Shrink Plastic KeyringIf you saw <a href="http://creativeflourishes.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/not-bucket-list-now-list-lino-printing.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">my last post</span></a> you may remember that I have made myself a list of lots of art techniques that I am going to have a go at as part of my 'Now' List. When I wrote the list I just wrote lots of techniques down one after another, without really thinking about any sort of priority. The main criteria I gave myself was that I must already have the equipment to do it with. When I came to do the list I considered picking and choosing what I fancied doing but then I decided that was kind of cheating because I would probably never end up doing the trickier choices. So, I am going to faithfully go down the list and do every one as it comes, even if it's difficult and one that I would normally avoid. My first technique, shown on my last blog post, was Lino printing and the next on the list was to make something with Shrink Plastic.<br />
<br />
This is what I made:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZoqbWLDbtj3z_EbtBD6Oh7QodGRaNHeRp9H6bpoB_C0uPaiGhgYT6orFEsDoeQCHfMptxEHyEwSbeYGOFiKcXGAyLSmc6pgB85rmWgvJbhehCf1onHiO_ftFtlbPAW9tQUl8hSzGuiQt/s1600/Keyring+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZoqbWLDbtj3z_EbtBD6Oh7QodGRaNHeRp9H6bpoB_C0uPaiGhgYT6orFEsDoeQCHfMptxEHyEwSbeYGOFiKcXGAyLSmc6pgB85rmWgvJbhehCf1onHiO_ftFtlbPAW9tQUl8hSzGuiQt/s1600/Keyring+header.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have a travel art bag (shown in detail in <a href="http://creativeflourishes.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/organising-series-part-1-craft-bag.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">this blog post</span>)</a> so this would be ideal to add to the zip pull.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This art equipment keyring wasn't what I planned when I first got out the shrink plastic. That was to colour my none-art equipment themed shrink plasticables (made up word) with alcohol inks. </div>
<br />
The first theme I had was made up monster-y characters that I had drawn in my sketchbook many moons ago.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJWuoLsCM-dwTT3Xfi4THLa8IEHqHVBGO1l6aIWukw4UXpQthin5dFzLFje1klTwORp-0SfUm1EOLhKdkIUoUdpyoq_IIeWt16_YnGxwn2t4_w5hmyes8oc33a31Mfo4hAVR75U-Icbea/s1600/sketch+book+monsters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJWuoLsCM-dwTT3Xfi4THLa8IEHqHVBGO1l6aIWukw4UXpQthin5dFzLFje1klTwORp-0SfUm1EOLhKdkIUoUdpyoq_IIeWt16_YnGxwn2t4_w5hmyes8oc33a31Mfo4hAVR75U-Icbea/s1600/sketch+book+monsters.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On the left are the pictures that were traced on to the clear shrink plastic with a fine black Sharpie. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I poured various colours of alcohol ink onto a craft mat and smooched the cut out plastic monsters in it. Mixing colours I thought would add interest... but when they came out from the oven...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESgTJo0Bi3VJrk59GJvqBX_s7QWEzK3IWCA3PaRBleH1kNurjJtMEmOM58oJPgVRwKIGWGmKPApMs0Kyi-fh-9ppUvJKe1Vjx5dLgmcAS-cLx46cydOU0xxx6m33LwzFsjj-vHOTlsfqp/s1600/shrink+plastic+monsters+shrunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESgTJo0Bi3VJrk59GJvqBX_s7QWEzK3IWCA3PaRBleH1kNurjJtMEmOM58oJPgVRwKIGWGmKPApMs0Kyi-fh-9ppUvJKe1Vjx5dLgmcAS-cLx46cydOU0xxx6m33LwzFsjj-vHOTlsfqp/s1600/shrink+plastic+monsters+shrunk.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
...I didn't like the result and was going off the idea of monsters anyway. Where would I put them..?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, I found myself a children's vintage craft book, called '365 Games to Make & Play' (from 1979!) and spotted these stationery images on the opening pages:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5r3D57Mfhf-ZmH_6Xq8bcv1hUuZnXHZnyIhaxPjtMdbaLYQ0QWcjuLHFYaNEqcpRLE4JJsvRBGSfveYn9xnATadIkEr5WRxO31K6iDZiidn_Ss2TycLddALXTm06GTu9njLA7229y_uQA/s1600/old+book+reference.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5r3D57Mfhf-ZmH_6Xq8bcv1hUuZnXHZnyIhaxPjtMdbaLYQ0QWcjuLHFYaNEqcpRLE4JJsvRBGSfveYn9xnATadIkEr5WRxO31K6iDZiidn_Ss2TycLddALXTm06GTu9njLA7229y_uQA/s1600/old+book+reference.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
...which were perfect for tracing and shrinking. A tip I remembered reading on<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/creativenic/" target="_blank"> <span style="color: red;">Pinterest</span> </a>was to sand the back of the shrink plastic before colouring, and for this I used an emery board. I also punched out a hole in each piece, before cooking, with my Crop-a-dile. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The stationery/arty items were coloured with Sharpies and the very bright monster-y characters shown here on the right with Neon Pro-makers:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizJCY5IUmaUQJm2Ronqy7jZUOy4i0bbNdVriGJ6alLcfupSqqVrwPMTXPnTcSzhqGt0OaY5-n7NX7F_Chu7mlY5CRZgNK2N5Oy6sLk53WPiFglCZxoNO_1a7qcYnOFktAZCRQ80VkdaO6/s1600/set+of+completed+plastic+pieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizJCY5IUmaUQJm2Ronqy7jZUOy4i0bbNdVriGJ6alLcfupSqqVrwPMTXPnTcSzhqGt0OaY5-n7NX7F_Chu7mlY5CRZgNK2N5Oy6sLk53WPiFglCZxoNO_1a7qcYnOFktAZCRQ80VkdaO6/s1600/set+of+completed+plastic+pieces.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
As I didn't have lots of small rings to place my individual items on I just threaded them onto one jump ring and added a keyring.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFu8xQDFFciTEdOsyqdqXcGBYZVdAMC3ifzPIFsxMEFkRg6JLHQCmAonwLokMbs2IzVfisM0n-zSS2HJcSdZusOJFoqe2HI8D8yTAZZwkvlEabh3NZmfy8a0Sn9NK3ZheX2KQQLT7NUYN/s1600/final+pic+of+keyring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFu8xQDFFciTEdOsyqdqXcGBYZVdAMC3ifzPIFsxMEFkRg6JLHQCmAonwLokMbs2IzVfisM0n-zSS2HJcSdZusOJFoqe2HI8D8yTAZZwkvlEabh3NZmfy8a0Sn9NK3ZheX2KQQLT7NUYN/s1600/final+pic+of+keyring.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
..And another 'Now' art technique can be crossed off the list, what's next?...(checks list)...Hama Beads....<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
See you next time, thanks for stopping by,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Nicky</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Creative Flourishes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-3853252623359394662015-04-15T01:12:00.002+01:002015-04-15T01:42:11.648+01:00Not a Bucket List, a NOW List, Lino PrintingI picked up an interesting book recently about improving what you do with your life on a day to day basis. I wasn't particularly unhappy with the way that I spent my time but reading this book did make me think that maybe I could spend it a little more wisely and with more <i>purpose</i>. More details of this further down the page but in the meantime..<br />
<br />
In February, during my blog hiatus, I had another birthday, like you do, and for this particular one I asked for and got, a 6x6 gelli plate. Last week I finally gave myself time to play with it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlO16LqUQKBQehZT5f3TdcyePDRnohYEp7C8mFodP5dnT1U4UvMksD03CkCatxuUfF9oO2BzJomq0gkvhVLyGTbx7WdXvbrimh9tRt_LhpqtugXKYzdKG37BCujM6aIRFbMYVwFFBtqktL/s1600/orange+background+and+credit+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlO16LqUQKBQehZT5f3TdcyePDRnohYEp7C8mFodP5dnT1U4UvMksD03CkCatxuUfF9oO2BzJomq0gkvhVLyGTbx7WdXvbrimh9tRt_LhpqtugXKYzdKG37BCujM6aIRFbMYVwFFBtqktL/s1600/orange+background+and+credit+card.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wow! What a colour!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I just tried out various texture tools and mark makers and for the one above, I cut a zig zag pattern on the edge of an old credit card and used it to make the pattern used as a background in this journal type page:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElgKIsFdfV926TANkXsde4cSWt3kk4VcWAReG4-e4qdDlM4WXaQrIRjTBBO3A0GTPQm6XM6fqT-wkY24fg45f35dwOcNPdsi3dLllS5q0LsF4Cl5ED2xi7cdKiVLMIVXKsg0_y_LSoYcF/s1600/Shed+the+winter+coat+page+on+notice+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElgKIsFdfV926TANkXsde4cSWt3kk4VcWAReG4-e4qdDlM4WXaQrIRjTBBO3A0GTPQm6XM6fqT-wkY24fg45f35dwOcNPdsi3dLllS5q0LsF4Cl5ED2xi7cdKiVLMIVXKsg0_y_LSoYcF/s1600/Shed+the+winter+coat+page+on+notice+board.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
It has been put on my notice board as a reminder to lose the odd few pounds that I've gained whilst 'hibernating' during the Winter months. I added the circle shapes using various lids and the silhouette is a stencil cut out from an old fashion book. The ruler Washi tape was added as a hint to losing the inches!<br />
<br />
I did have fun using the gelli plate and will definately be returning to it again soon. This was another one of many textured backgrounds that I made on the same day:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQ3DSS1rBg8O9lxfm1B9wAzKWwLgyZ0_WEpd_sNfTxYRKFeg0sCoR2FKHzBskEH3sUl7b9g08UZcXsrAJ_vE-N917v6OOb96n6ZiyFbsecgEss2xQSZK63hQ14ktY78NCoB7Mu4JrW7ZJ/s1600/blue+gelli+print+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQ3DSS1rBg8O9lxfm1B9wAzKWwLgyZ0_WEpd_sNfTxYRKFeg0sCoR2FKHzBskEH3sUl7b9g08UZcXsrAJ_vE-N917v6OOb96n6ZiyFbsecgEss2xQSZK63hQ14ktY78NCoB7Mu4JrW7ZJ/s1600/blue+gelli+print+page.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
Back to the book that I spoke of earlier and it has the quite cheesy name of 'How to do Everything and be Happy' and it was written a few years ago (but still available) by Peter Jones.<br />
<br />
One of the ideas he mentions in the book is to have a NOW List, <i>not</i> a Bucket List as it is a list of things you could do <i>now</i>, if you have the money, time etc. This idea appealed to me and I even made myself a journal page about it:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bJ9k7YEQYyotYZMJn799KGd3Z3ThvbwgHaJUG4RNY5kfF2XAn5swdIQdghT1gvVsP8fEM5l45JiuRiCLEArBPHWhs5891GpTRWSDAZ6UAMWM2bZWZUSyG8lCZzzQocXpGaPokB9GqVsC/s1600/What+would+I+like+to+experience+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bJ9k7YEQYyotYZMJn799KGd3Z3ThvbwgHaJUG4RNY5kfF2XAn5swdIQdghT1gvVsP8fEM5l45JiuRiCLEArBPHWhs5891GpTRWSDAZ6UAMWM2bZWZUSyG8lCZzzQocXpGaPokB9GqVsC/s1600/What+would+I+like+to+experience+page.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This is what its about really, not that I'm planning on going anywhere soon (hopefully!)...</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One of my 'Now' List categories is Art and I have a subcategory list that contains lots of art techniques that I would like to do. I have all the equipment (I am an avid art materials collector!) but have just never got round to doing them. This is my chance! And whilst I'm at it, I can show you them as I do them (will also get me back into regular blogging again), ....starting off with Lino Printing, which I did earlier today...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOlL-IAwF4JrijIlicbysxQRfQRjaPmNKiPsIRiva-hcKBnacezwuRNA9WMo7CRZ8u7DXFhQzUK3oAOMIsly1BtXfeMiF87ImJYgbxZPU5p1biCZcDSbgXVeEdxd5131aNWvicU39zSrd/s1600/Lino+printing+heading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOlL-IAwF4JrijIlicbysxQRfQRjaPmNKiPsIRiva-hcKBnacezwuRNA9WMo7CRZ8u7DXFhQzUK3oAOMIsly1BtXfeMiF87ImJYgbxZPU5p1biCZcDSbgXVeEdxd5131aNWvicU39zSrd/s1600/Lino+printing+heading.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yes, I was very pleased to get through this particular craft with all my fingers intact! Especially as I haven't done it in <strike>about 30 years</strike> ahem, a very long time! I even used that extra tough stuff,<b> <i>real</i></b><i> </i>lino! It came in an old Reeves Kit that I got from a church sale for about 50p a while ago.... </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The item that really saved my fingers though was this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5cn15mza69Z4pnCMucxgy-Mzo6DuUpE8alNDvYoF6q3_vJWe5YThC6N5fspkQ1K4CTqSSBMlwRutwiRWRxlil6ldGNY67h_OFBnFmSazQVfbIXa2lDPNdv1KgTIVWpLXbSMKMlUD2zMw/s1600/bench+aid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5cn15mza69Z4pnCMucxgy-Mzo6DuUpE8alNDvYoF6q3_vJWe5YThC6N5fspkQ1K4CTqSSBMlwRutwiRWRxlil6ldGNY67h_OFBnFmSazQVfbIXa2lDPNdv1KgTIVWpLXbSMKMlUD2zMw/s1600/bench+aid.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Made by my clever husband a while ago when I said I <i>needed</i> it, otherwise I couldn't do lino printing (and still didn't do it then either!).... It's actually made from a wooden toy (spot the giveaway!) purchased from a charity shop. Basically, as I think you can see, it's a wooden board with two blocks screwed on to it top and bottom. The bottom block anchors it to the edge of your work bench and what is does is it prevents your lino from moving around too much whilst you are trying to carve it. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was invaluable to me today as it stopped me burning my fingers! 'How so?' I hear you ask... Well, because I used lino which was as tough as nails to carve, I had to keep warming it up under the grill to soften it and sometimes it got rather hot! Putting it down on this meant no toasted fingers for me so it was very useful!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For my design, I thought I'd use an alphabet & number stencil. All I had to do was trace through the back to get my reverse image:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTE5yvVxmNuze32kxe1RD4a2UyvebO50XXCrp05Q3X81fv5PvridYIX-UK9CdPIH49fOgQ1ofPplfoqR2kaF1iuAGecFEA1AZDBqSH77CGkbxql-2e7vUAK6pLhnb4hlkPNAQO-3bvspgl/s1600/stencil+and+pens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTE5yvVxmNuze32kxe1RD4a2UyvebO50XXCrp05Q3X81fv5PvridYIX-UK9CdPIH49fOgQ1ofPplfoqR2kaF1iuAGecFEA1AZDBqSH77CGkbxql-2e7vUAK6pLhnb4hlkPNAQO-3bvspgl/s1600/stencil+and+pens.jpg" height="195" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
..which went almost to plan.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I followed some of the instructions in Julie Fei-Fan Balzer's book, but wished I had got 'Speedycarve' to carve out of, rather than the very tough lino. I was aware that she said that you 'glide' not 'gouge' whilst I was gouging!...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
First job was to carve a 'moat' around the edge of your design:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkO4IUkOddzkTvyeuBL_AH3Lj7YRkKdy_DX7ta9ymOF3pAHcSmtvSqLhz09Lxxc9-wzgEa6TCdfvtD1gnUXRlIeQBqNSzkwzI9CeIbLCkzLKuQzSFo0ddd37yxS4Bzv-nyZUc_MDhF1eaC/s1600/showing+the+first+lino+cutting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkO4IUkOddzkTvyeuBL_AH3Lj7YRkKdy_DX7ta9ymOF3pAHcSmtvSqLhz09Lxxc9-wzgEa6TCdfvtD1gnUXRlIeQBqNSzkwzI9CeIbLCkzLKuQzSFo0ddd37yxS4Bzv-nyZUc_MDhF1eaC/s1600/showing+the+first+lino+cutting.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
...before removing all the other surplus. For some reason my other pictures of the process turned out to be out of focus so I'll cut to the chase and show you my finished prints:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2Dd9_gjW1hmIRPI-wybZow3bsSw8P7tq1xzb2UeS-m-wyQ9stdzz7NWGz4pjQb6udEH1FTHEpOBIfmbbCHHVlQbRRfpIw2YrkwfHHKDtcn73MiaL_-NF3g7cbd7ToITQe1Vc0Xnr-qsd/s1600/final+prints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2Dd9_gjW1hmIRPI-wybZow3bsSw8P7tq1xzb2UeS-m-wyQ9stdzz7NWGz4pjQb6udEH1FTHEpOBIfmbbCHHVlQbRRfpIw2YrkwfHHKDtcn73MiaL_-NF3g7cbd7ToITQe1Vc0Xnr-qsd/s1600/final+prints.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As I was printing them and seeing parts of it not printing I thought to myself, it's got <i>character!</i>.... and it has, really...but I simply <i>must </i>get myself some Speedycarve....</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for looking today,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pop back for some more </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'NOW' List crafts coming up soon,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Nicky</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Creative Flourishes </span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-83108008356095439932015-04-06T22:13:00.000+01:002015-04-06T22:47:28.429+01:00Colour Your Own Calendar Cubes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkcBv-0hOfZT-AYE0AgFxvjwh6EOME9WACS_JVep-Wa0wNiZTtm67W_a_I2VfP_bl3noS3Sgy5QvjsPYmVxaA29fm9UZNcbZ-QDBYkP0O0UsscptZ13YnOKV8ma1ijux-n_xahEovh04V/s1600/CF+Title+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkcBv-0hOfZT-AYE0AgFxvjwh6EOME9WACS_JVep-Wa0wNiZTtm67W_a_I2VfP_bl3noS3Sgy5QvjsPYmVxaA29fm9UZNcbZ-QDBYkP0O0UsscptZ13YnOKV8ma1ijux-n_xahEovh04V/s1600/CF+Title+Photo.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
I'm still bit by the crafting bug at the moment but my grungy artistic side just couldn't help but put it's own stamp on my latest project.<br />
<br />
As another item to review I had been sent a set of these <span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Colour-In Calendar Cubes</span> </span>by the educational crafty website,<span style="color: red;"> <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.bakerross.co.uk/" target="_blank">Baker Ross</a></span></b></span>. When I first got them I did wonder how I could do anything other than just colour in the pre-printed images in a 'normal' fashion.<br />
<br />
This is how they come in the pack:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP9M1-VppeWmRlpI1AvnZodxYlLYHdGjN-olLHoAAULseOH5E6K9Lm_zN1meG5smpa_p7vmNl2n9Jxn-5FIpXPMrCn8DdVBmHzOjVlpQgSdBXxgy3V5e1e3J7VdHCLKpUZtZm0ouufFP9/s1600/blank+calendars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP9M1-VppeWmRlpI1AvnZodxYlLYHdGjN-olLHoAAULseOH5E6K9Lm_zN1meG5smpa_p7vmNl2n9Jxn-5FIpXPMrCn8DdVBmHzOjVlpQgSdBXxgy3V5e1e3J7VdHCLKpUZtZm0ouufFP9/s1600/blank+calendars.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
..and you get five of each block to colour and make up into cubes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But my 'non normal' side got to work and said to me, 'never mind the lines and never mind if you can't see the dates on the calendars, just get some colour down and have some fun!' </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, being rather keen on that idea, I did! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qsP6yQqb_-uMWGLs-PC8IlSNhbl3nmtY3KJ9UIHynlplPt1q0hfYoQFY4-ro2ZwYRF0We3Ez4IIZvHQVzfEy7APeDCvKIVgwTf0Ut8f-a0SECgrW0nxGKIo3yxS8NjdoMbjiZnBdK2xp/s1600/May+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qsP6yQqb_-uMWGLs-PC8IlSNhbl3nmtY3KJ9UIHynlplPt1q0hfYoQFY4-ro2ZwYRF0We3Ez4IIZvHQVzfEy7APeDCvKIVgwTf0Ut8f-a0SECgrW0nxGKIo3yxS8NjdoMbjiZnBdK2xp/s1600/May+page.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
I got out my Brusho dye paints (which have definately got a mind of their own and are in no way restricted by lines), some normal and twinkling h20 water colour paints and some table salt for added effect. As the calendars are printed on card they were able to tolerate all this water media without buckling. <br />
<br />
This is how one of the cubes looked, before folding and gluing:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxc4SMQ11zka10vwRYVoqHIyXmvVohSrQRWP_E-Dhr28nAXWNzvDfnzi8SU27uUBnjkCTvyJ1Wl13A14DTpN1LYT5FrrtgcZgUPsxXKmBoIm36HdpPSdO3wFEEVBwy6VkkUEXauH17vff0/s1600/one+completed+cube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxc4SMQ11zka10vwRYVoqHIyXmvVohSrQRWP_E-Dhr28nAXWNzvDfnzi8SU27uUBnjkCTvyJ1Wl13A14DTpN1LYT5FrrtgcZgUPsxXKmBoIm36HdpPSdO3wFEEVBwy6VkkUEXauH17vff0/s1600/one+completed+cube.jpg" height="320" width="219" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...and this is how the two cubes looked completed:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWP3I6Ac2rL4Rp1-9Bgq3jSP368n49OsA8HeME0oB_AXFhgw8AoDHrObEPhDn5wY-4ABY60MeOSSs8DENPElpRNMuhZ6MxsxSdwS4vDp6AGYowpQccWwzo-mvEwRyIlvKvv5bhlbNbxvk/s1600/two+completed+cubes+grunge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWP3I6Ac2rL4Rp1-9Bgq3jSP368n49OsA8HeME0oB_AXFhgw8AoDHrObEPhDn5wY-4ABY60MeOSSs8DENPElpRNMuhZ6MxsxSdwS4vDp6AGYowpQccWwzo-mvEwRyIlvKvv5bhlbNbxvk/s1600/two+completed+cubes+grunge.jpg" height="212" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(November's was my favourite grungy side, all those lovely colours representing the firework's sparks).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
However, I did think that I'd do another 'normal' set of cubes, well, 'normalish' <strike>so I could see the dates </strike>to see what they would look like. For these I used Promarker Neons... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPr8NJAV3l05SD5gRE11mquJPNd7HPNcvE2iwAYkMhi4X1wdx5ZDwhXww9KKsEXSCjYCebXBa6i5B6bLwCi0G2glGCLwDC8JR3rJY6kgQx8D0hERPv59_lzvFqe8bmo53N_7hCX7mgAYJ-/s1600/neon+finished+cubes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPr8NJAV3l05SD5gRE11mquJPNd7HPNcvE2iwAYkMhi4X1wdx5ZDwhXww9KKsEXSCjYCebXBa6i5B6bLwCi0G2glGCLwDC8JR3rJY6kgQx8D0hERPv59_lzvFqe8bmo53N_7hCX7mgAYJ-/s1600/neon+finished+cubes.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
..and they are pretty dazzling, literally.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Both types have their own appeal, but I know which ones I prefer....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvmH-ma0cWv0BZPMk72VMNbteAzz9xRAgysJRC7E3xqzzVSlvN_nvyxvDuWT0BTMNc_54D1wEHVxA9NbZQRkGPuQJzwWPtbsdfcJJbhx0bMF-ddivN5PoE5zxdO64l7KvEPWEZqkEIFgd/s1600/all+four+completed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvmH-ma0cWv0BZPMk72VMNbteAzz9xRAgysJRC7E3xqzzVSlvN_nvyxvDuWT0BTMNc_54D1wEHVxA9NbZQRkGPuQJzwWPtbsdfcJJbhx0bMF-ddivN5PoE5zxdO64l7KvEPWEZqkEIFgd/s1600/all+four+completed.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Can you guess?....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks for stopping by today,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Nicky</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Creative Flourishes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-81793618846378671402015-04-01T22:02:00.000+01:002015-04-01T22:02:44.978+01:00Spring Crafting: Easter Egg Baskets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxowD34ju9_Ft2GV2yq0B7ubOnDIXNu_UJoaAzIcBRvcjMTbdaY_9pERPTSiFBlvoFE6Y-vefi6LA_yAWv4UNJxXJAnmfAcGa9SQQO2IVsul2Z6cKJacXoPrInrYjaihM39_8959SC2Sx/s1600/Blog+header+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxowD34ju9_Ft2GV2yq0B7ubOnDIXNu_UJoaAzIcBRvcjMTbdaY_9pERPTSiFBlvoFE6Y-vefi6LA_yAWv4UNJxXJAnmfAcGa9SQQO2IVsul2Z6cKJacXoPrInrYjaihM39_8959SC2Sx/s1600/Blog+header+photo.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Maybe it's the fact that Spring is on the way, but I have been feeling myself in a very crafty frame of mind lately. This has very usefully coincided with the Spring craft set that I was sent to review by <a href="https://www.bakerross.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Baker Ross</span></a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is <a href="http://www.bakerross.co.uk/spring-craft-activity-pack" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">the set </span></a>and it contains lots of materials to make all kinds of Spring decorations:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mY0Y0wJkEJ1dpeDNmMmR3xxGty5892A73wfUd0MFFQKhjlVU5Kkb0CjPSTiwk4-oUa695WRt7Jh0NETTdKnQoiYauDfM76LALCODDQnqRwa49KakfQEGnThUe1eU6UXpSCQ8jKZGcOal/s1600/Spring+creativity+set+package.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mY0Y0wJkEJ1dpeDNmMmR3xxGty5892A73wfUd0MFFQKhjlVU5Kkb0CjPSTiwk4-oUa695WRt7Jh0NETTdKnQoiYauDfM76LALCODDQnqRwa49KakfQEGnThUe1eU6UXpSCQ8jKZGcOal/s1600/Spring+creativity+set+package.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Looks at cover): A cardboard birdhouse with birds, flowers, a tall nightlight with a butterfly and grass scene, a romantic greeting card, hanging birds and the items I made, three decorative easter egg baskets. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The craft kit was made in Germany and the instructions were just pictures, numbers and arrows but I found it easy enough to work out. The baskets in particular were very simple to put together.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPSt0YCJJSt0pmb8xRlv25VEiGZd0JK3LfJoou86LchcG4RXK6XR_GV_lv_EcGrendaO1J4QhZLt6P_y6zApj4sXR9Dhwdsuo32frrAtVquDp4PnQdDqzRDBb_dRtuK6fhpdfqcgMEZo1/s1600/materials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPSt0YCJJSt0pmb8xRlv25VEiGZd0JK3LfJoou86LchcG4RXK6XR_GV_lv_EcGrendaO1J4QhZLt6P_y6zApj4sXR9Dhwdsuo32frrAtVquDp4PnQdDqzRDBb_dRtuK6fhpdfqcgMEZo1/s1600/materials.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
You don't actually need scissors as the die is very simple to pop out in three pieces (the third piece was for a tag for the basket but I didn't need to use that). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUyf_NsV_RIAPDlaNKt4AiB9a10wAHxR8q5GAT3iLH7PnGZB8E7WJ8RavW3Lf0zb83L3ewRnUrbbOA0NHYLIUre0Usd-7AU_P04Bw1Ijp_l6DSlWe71znciEqX5Xp8Iqo0bE1UzUrLIRr/s1600/template.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUyf_NsV_RIAPDlaNKt4AiB9a10wAHxR8q5GAT3iLH7PnGZB8E7WJ8RavW3Lf0zb83L3ewRnUrbbOA0NHYLIUre0Usd-7AU_P04Bw1Ijp_l6DSlWe71znciEqX5Xp8Iqo0bE1UzUrLIRr/s1600/template.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I used the scissors because I distressed the edges of my basket with them and I also inked the edges with two shades of Ranger's Distress Inks. I have always liked the vintage grungy look and am not really a pretty flower type of gal normally.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbhUIQV7_uTXXNiTMJy7XgxTb3GsHC9l-MPecEZXTnv9z4rLtpqB-yCuvLMx8Z7TYFozbjX7vn8lfTiMVZr3DxrGOQophp4vKJGz4JmNFybglywC4s0T6ZoZrIE0vm4QQb_W3gassJouk/s1600/showing+slots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbhUIQV7_uTXXNiTMJy7XgxTb3GsHC9l-MPecEZXTnv9z4rLtpqB-yCuvLMx8Z7TYFozbjX7vn8lfTiMVZr3DxrGOQophp4vKJGz4JmNFybglywC4s0T6ZoZrIE0vm4QQb_W3gassJouk/s1600/showing+slots.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
To make up the baskets you simply fold up the sides and slot them together. It didn't say to glue them but I found it made them stronger and this<a href="http://www.bakerross.co.uk/quickie-glue-wand-pen" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"> glue pen</span></a> that I was also sent did an excellent job. I just held it together while it set. <br />
<br />
Next I put the handle on and for this you do need some additional items which I did happen to have, split pins. Despite not being a flowery person, the split pins I had were flower shaped. I made a hole in the handle and also in the basket and inserted split pins onto both sides. And there you have it. I made one for the small Smartie chocolate eggs you see above, one for my collection of polystyrene decorated eggs:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkIavxlg6w42IWaNVkyPARn02u1FgvozC0uAeRbNWTZw_nJtRqkmLlZqs32hHkmEBSTA_2yL-fH1Kvdf5yHETitzY1fy4nlGtJ9m1lofp2t0TIIE5hRi30AH1q9rlGa4iJdmvWfj3uqut/s1600/blue+basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkIavxlg6w42IWaNVkyPARn02u1FgvozC0uAeRbNWTZw_nJtRqkmLlZqs32hHkmEBSTA_2yL-fH1Kvdf5yHETitzY1fy4nlGtJ9m1lofp2t0TIIE5hRi30AH1q9rlGa4iJdmvWfj3uqut/s1600/blue+basket.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Created with tissue paper, pens and fabric, made in previous years)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
..and one for some Cadbury Creme Eggs:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZrcGun59FeyaJ3kxfMaiHJ0HM97xv_NLhYWkxLXIQEGlCV0FdH5xFVsSGNQj8fd3HELLtE6ZEqk9SxuwSnphtBDsg8TtoaER-_FL-JfQp5lBxTaSD2VUTlKWTXdtKpsBzy4fV0HzRjfp/s1600/pink+flowery+basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZrcGun59FeyaJ3kxfMaiHJ0HM97xv_NLhYWkxLXIQEGlCV0FdH5xFVsSGNQj8fd3HELLtE6ZEqk9SxuwSnphtBDsg8TtoaER-_FL-JfQp5lBxTaSD2VUTlKWTXdtKpsBzy4fV0HzRjfp/s1600/pink+flowery+basket.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
The baskets are fairly strong but best kept for decoration, rather than carrying around stashes of eggs.<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed this make and may I wish you a very<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmJ5Delh8sWYme0Q2mu9n2Zto4w2qXvPNjEjQL-YsBgBriVDeJtzjqXWy6c9es0hK2GTDzLlpKi4-06g8RogMwyakk0J3VBgS1p2emxgmRl8dTdKmXtW74dHhIqvt2fOC1qsZZqG0D74b/s1600/happy+easter+with+all+the+baskets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmJ5Delh8sWYme0Q2mu9n2Zto4w2qXvPNjEjQL-YsBgBriVDeJtzjqXWy6c9es0hK2GTDzLlpKi4-06g8RogMwyakk0J3VBgS1p2emxgmRl8dTdKmXtW74dHhIqvt2fOC1qsZZqG0D74b/s1600/happy+easter+with+all+the+baskets.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for this weekend.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Nicky,</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Creative Flourishes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-55927409505195571982015-03-31T00:55:00.000+01:002015-03-31T01:38:29.464+01:00Painting Porcelain Tea Bag Holders <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiKv8mOLgYBIzinjfCLXqFVzKQzg2gjCe5XBZ1NG0dnqKZmI8s3JadrteiqWOnJhwwHh101zsI2a9UxKtH-oS2ovKGLxFgbAonnlcAnzVVrKytbUQBV80Flw4QkynXmwZopH096pCYH2S/s1600/Title+Page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiKv8mOLgYBIzinjfCLXqFVzKQzg2gjCe5XBZ1NG0dnqKZmI8s3JadrteiqWOnJhwwHh101zsI2a9UxKtH-oS2ovKGLxFgbAonnlcAnzVVrKytbUQBV80Flw4QkynXmwZopH096pCYH2S/s1600/Title+Page.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hello again! I decided it was about time I came back to my poor, much neglected, blog and what better way to start again with than with a mini tutorial on painting porcelain teabag holders.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
These particular teabag holders came as a pack of 5 from the UK educational and children's craft website, <span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.bakerross.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Baker Ross</span>.</a> </span>You may remember I<span style="color: red;"> <span style="color: black;">painted</span></span> some seaside themed plaques that were also from that site for my bathroom doors in my last post (link<a href="http://creativeflourishes.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/seaside-themed-ceramic-plaques.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"> here</span></a>).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Instead of the porcelain pens I used then I used porcelain paints. It was this se<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">t</span><a href="http://www.bakerross.co.uk/porcelain-paint-tubs-1" target="_blank"> <span style="color: red;">here</span></a></span>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To start with, I decided to try doing a polka dot effect on my teapot shape by sticking small sticky dots onto the teabag holder:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgck9jZ1uukImlPJ0AfYipKRNsPYv5cfl81K31-l-EGA2MjyzVJFDrj-qqaUVb7TwecAQkaNdYe9P7Z1_Xeuykh6aI3yhnxaCYwi3D_svz92IdeEyQlokw3QIR5WtlKqNszryx4iTMLvXFE/s1600/adding+dots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgck9jZ1uukImlPJ0AfYipKRNsPYv5cfl81K31-l-EGA2MjyzVJFDrj-qqaUVb7TwecAQkaNdYe9P7Z1_Xeuykh6aI3yhnxaCYwi3D_svz92IdeEyQlokw3QIR5WtlKqNszryx4iTMLvXFE/s1600/adding+dots.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
...before painting on top of the whole thing with my chosen colour, orange. (The wooden stick in the paint is a bamboo skewer used for stirring the paint before use):</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_I36zLAQVkKMhVXC4YfOB4WIRFX62UfP5fM854iHt2YFLn3UOLTiTKAedDdOvpvO7-RdQ0YmyifcaciJSQ3bivkUONr-JcNxyPDl9gD3iRpWqpmHyOTU3XNjs3O-62Kb1_NlTlsbL-Tl/s1600/painting+dotty+teapot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_I36zLAQVkKMhVXC4YfOB4WIRFX62UfP5fM854iHt2YFLn3UOLTiTKAedDdOvpvO7-RdQ0YmyifcaciJSQ3bivkUONr-JcNxyPDl9gD3iRpWqpmHyOTU3XNjs3O-62Kb1_NlTlsbL-Tl/s1600/painting+dotty+teapot.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was a little disappointed in the colour as I was hoping it would come out more opaque, so, to get round it I waited for the first coat to dry (which was only about 20 mins) and then put another coat on. And then another...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Whilst I was waiting for the coats to dry I painted another teapot white as an undercoat. I also painted that one orange on top after it had dried but even with the undercoat it was still more transparent than I would have liked... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1_HfVh3pxIWKC_S7QDDItGsc18AIuojjosS8sCxKjPWKHsq1P_nKLxp_iJ5QSyC7tbarQXxLl0SJ5N69euitq6SiTxFnqPdmmsaR9Bn5yR_oRPClGxv0cYk3XLhAtq7fZZJggmzhrg_z/s1600/painting+two+pots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1_HfVh3pxIWKC_S7QDDItGsc18AIuojjosS8sCxKjPWKHsq1P_nKLxp_iJ5QSyC7tbarQXxLl0SJ5N69euitq6SiTxFnqPdmmsaR9Bn5yR_oRPClGxv0cYk3XLhAtq7fZZJggmzhrg_z/s1600/painting+two+pots.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Both of them had an undertone of yellow which I didn't add but can clearly been seen here underneath the orange. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I then painted another teapot white all over and added orange in parts. I also added white to the middle of the all orange one. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgymgjrIhVQQlSvExyokAnfhcsTlnxfagzE92MKA4Jjt5R2jvJQRDrbu1gv1BoVV2vLMJPfyuYXJHQtWP62lBRXmGJVZQ4K6k9Bxfkh4IJV8lszXiUl8vRtPk4bzJ2sK4QAkVCvKLg-27/s1600/the+three+teapots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgymgjrIhVQQlSvExyokAnfhcsTlnxfagzE92MKA4Jjt5R2jvJQRDrbu1gv1BoVV2vLMJPfyuYXJHQtWP62lBRXmGJVZQ4K6k9Bxfkh4IJV8lszXiUl8vRtPk4bzJ2sK4QAkVCvKLg-27/s1600/the+three+teapots.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
Unfortunately, when I came to take the sticky dots off the top one some of the paint came with it. Maybe I should have left it longer to dry before taking the stickers off?...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally, when they were all dry I added some of my own freehand lettering:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllrzd_Tloa9O1cDqGeCYN5fFzz-hwoGXBMGWCcR0mw8c7r87bi33CXHdvJDBl7QV9MLDxCUoEedcrmbFAPhR5EyXmfzu3AP2TYPLXN2jfO2M2_41GJXh4s1NPtRwUfjLHD26nOb1v4Zkw/s1600/completed+teabag+holders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllrzd_Tloa9O1cDqGeCYN5fFzz-hwoGXBMGWCcR0mw8c7r87bi33CXHdvJDBl7QV9MLDxCUoEedcrmbFAPhR5EyXmfzu3AP2TYPLXN2jfO2M2_41GJXh4s1NPtRwUfjLHD26nOb1v4Zkw/s1600/completed+teabag+holders.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I decided to put these quotes about tea on them because I think it makes them look more quirky than putting 'Dirty Teabags,' which is what they are really made for. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To finish them off I put them in the oven for the time and temperature stated on the paint instructions which means now they are both water and dishwasher proof. Very useful for something that will need washing frequently. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After all that I think it's time for a cup of tea. Put the kettle on, Polly! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Nicky, </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Creative Flourishes</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Disclosure:, Baker Ross gave me these products free of charge for me to review. All opinions are my own. </i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-21981578828383532962014-07-31T01:12:00.003+01:002014-07-31T01:20:22.099+01:00Seaside Themed Ceramic PlaquesWhen you have visitors coming to your home and in some cases, stopping over (like children's sleepovers), it is a good idea to let these guests know whereabouts they can find your facilities. We have two such rooms next to each other so it would be very useful for these guests to know, at a glance, which door is which. <br />
<br />
The online craft supplier, <a href="http://www.bakerross.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Baker Ross</span></a>, who sent me the glitter used in <a href="http://creativeflourishes.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/make-your-own-super-sparkly-glitter-gems.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">yesterday's post</span></a> also very generously sent me a set of <a href="http://www.bakerross.co.uk/ceramic-seaside-hanging-decorations-1" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">seaside themed ceramic plaques</span></a> and some<a href="http://www.bakerross.co.uk/brilliant-porcelain-paint-pens-1" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"> porcelain pens</span></a> to decorate them with. I decided to use mine to make some signs for my bathroom doors. <br />
<br />
The plaques arrive completely blank of decoration but are cut in various shapes to guide your creativity. What I did to mine was to draw around the shape on paper so I could work out using pencil what design I was going to add to them. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie44ESe4wepDoOKNj9bgsJYqLuM0poTCzYj8_SZkitJ2Dd7tcr9Rvfe7O13qgkTYbn5zFNeyPzj3HoKjw6yhdOxZGOK1q9pNfhFrEdxQtpPEOkCxounKS3dZvg8MoQW4Pu_steu6EatarL/s1600/Outline+of+plaques+shot+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie44ESe4wepDoOKNj9bgsJYqLuM0poTCzYj8_SZkitJ2Dd7tcr9Rvfe7O13qgkTYbn5zFNeyPzj3HoKjw6yhdOxZGOK1q9pNfhFrEdxQtpPEOkCxounKS3dZvg8MoQW4Pu_steu6EatarL/s1600/Outline+of+plaques+shot+1.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
Then, using a black porcelain pen that I already had I drew directly on to my plaque using my proposed drawings as a guide. This particular pen incidently caused me a few problems, I got spots everywhere when I was shaking it (my fault) and it created some very messy splodges onto my plaque when I was drawing onto the plaques (pen's fault!) Fortunately, just by trying, I found out that you can get rid of these errors by scraping them away gently with a craft knife. A useful tip to know if you make any mistakes too. <br />
<br />
Having completed my outlines, I then used the set of coloured pens that I'd been given.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBr-P36ilv3tsTg-Xd3KjXGpcz3_C4ZxgiGlo1NZ1sWFTULJIaX8-U8ggbS4Kd-D5Fw-2rr3cysT3B5gul-eaqQLEA8ErXU8Pz34fZTS4t-RbFv-HeDFLjaw0C5srlHhdvDcRPBQV0d-V/s1600/Packet+of+pen+shot+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBr-P36ilv3tsTg-Xd3KjXGpcz3_C4ZxgiGlo1NZ1sWFTULJIaX8-U8ggbS4Kd-D5Fw-2rr3cysT3B5gul-eaqQLEA8ErXU8Pz34fZTS4t-RbFv-HeDFLjaw0C5srlHhdvDcRPBQV0d-V/s1600/Packet+of+pen+shot+3.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(This was Set A)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I thought they were going to be subtle and maybe a bit pale but they weren't, they were bright and glossy.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-khGYfQ7TxcKi41Og0fSdoRMFvwYZFV4Tl74N_wayl06vv6e-a75HlRVLdcBWhpd9VM-FtlBmaEcXI_sAES4F_5kspnYKbNst849IhcDqZH7OyqYXRLJvlwNrCCVJOWpCDgBJwK2y2Bo/s1600/plaques+coloured.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-khGYfQ7TxcKi41Og0fSdoRMFvwYZFV4Tl74N_wayl06vv6e-a75HlRVLdcBWhpd9VM-FtlBmaEcXI_sAES4F_5kspnYKbNst849IhcDqZH7OyqYXRLJvlwNrCCVJOWpCDgBJwK2y2Bo/s1600/plaques+coloured.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
These were the other shapes in the set that I have yet to decorate:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSIOGIEeB7WIDHEXOJSoVnfNWJugEXO_rYtUZc9Q3tRDAOCV5Y9sz1UrLjygls4kjkbo034P-xnF9Lme1fUegbpd8ji5jPKGOIP50Xamrm0fTV3w6ocMDzHJk9VTmWDc8PvMKO7Qmp0pC/s1600/other+ceramic+shapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSIOGIEeB7WIDHEXOJSoVnfNWJugEXO_rYtUZc9Q3tRDAOCV5Y9sz1UrLjygls4kjkbo034P-xnF9Lme1fUegbpd8ji5jPKGOIP50Xamrm0fTV3w6ocMDzHJk9VTmWDc8PvMKO7Qmp0pC/s1600/other+ceramic+shapes.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After decoration the instructions on the pens say to allow 4 hours to dry before heat setting in an oven. See pens for complete directions.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To put them on my doors, I took out the ribbons that came with the plaques and used nails.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5x7IuRDaCdmLWczqgnoKN6pUSOANb4ysWiUNq2UboImI_0RscQSCUEBmt7kaN-5HAFyBjqPJjKMmCYS4sVNJPIXYvtQ7R3gG1CzVZgmZOiJkzLdC5bxF4ptixS56dn4_kuLcZMPbwxhDE/s1600/Finished+toilet+plaque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5x7IuRDaCdmLWczqgnoKN6pUSOANb4ysWiUNq2UboImI_0RscQSCUEBmt7kaN-5HAFyBjqPJjKMmCYS4sVNJPIXYvtQ7R3gG1CzVZgmZOiJkzLdC5bxF4ptixS56dn4_kuLcZMPbwxhDE/s1600/Finished+toilet+plaque.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC38rQ1UAIqbJnNmWlBqN8NXKkya_3W_uPD9hyphenhyphenRUOMiaNaVI7Fy8xdUbARcB_BxPJ8oUYRopIrLaFD3bC_jWmeDCfVYRMdqlzx7CCJUneEkuBQqhx87pe7PYeR2zE3p-Pt9fYCy9L-LUPh/s1600/Bathroom+plaque+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC38rQ1UAIqbJnNmWlBqN8NXKkya_3W_uPD9hyphenhyphenRUOMiaNaVI7Fy8xdUbARcB_BxPJ8oUYRopIrLaFD3bC_jWmeDCfVYRMdqlzx7CCJUneEkuBQqhx87pe7PYeR2zE3p-Pt9fYCy9L-LUPh/s1600/Bathroom+plaque+finished.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
There! No confusion now (except that there does happen to be another toilet in the bathroom too...) . I just need to work out what I am going to write and draw on to the other shapes now...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for stopping by today,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
see you soon for some more creative ideas,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Nicky</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Creative Flourishes<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Disclosure: I have not been paid to
do this review, I was sent the products to try out free of charge but I
did not and will not receive any commission on any links listed. </i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-56671682019643907632014-07-30T00:31:00.003+01:002014-07-30T00:31:33.364+01:00Make Your Own Super Sparkly Glitter Gems<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuJmi5R5bsa3Hqb3_Kz1ocQFJsY48YfcCU_dtV90eF35-Fjc1kjLs2OPNaettFlo0GE05gE9XniRiviuVpZuVqKKLKjM7wec5LtYvetoxm2iM8iR-Svh0krz8qeIGB4K2eTpSy8OAxJ16/s1600/Title+Page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuJmi5R5bsa3Hqb3_Kz1ocQFJsY48YfcCU_dtV90eF35-Fjc1kjLs2OPNaettFlo0GE05gE9XniRiviuVpZuVqKKLKjM7wec5LtYvetoxm2iM8iR-Svh0krz8qeIGB4K2eTpSy8OAxJ16/s1600/Title+Page.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have to admit that I am a girl that loves sparkle and as a result I <i>love</i> glitter! Well, very luckily for me I have recently been sent a few pots of the wonderful sparkly stuff to try out from the lovely people at <a href="http://www.bakerross.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Baker Ross</span></a>, a UK web craft supplier (I'm sure my international readers will be pleased to learn that they also deliver their products worldwide, just check out their website for details).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I spend a great deal of my time <strike>procrastinating</strike> searching through the boards on Pinterest (my boards are <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creativenic/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">here</span></a>) and came across<a href="http://deloop-deloop.blogspot.ca/2013/02/365-days-of-pinterest-day-15-dit.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"> this idea</span></a> to make some glitter gem magnets. This seemed like the perfect project to try out my new glitter pots...except that the ones that I made didn't end up as magnets. They could be of course, just by sticking a magnet to the back, but you can also use them for other things like rings or necklaces. As I've been once again watching my weight, mine have been added into two jam jars to indicate how much weight I've lost (like this pin <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/265079128042174827/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">here</span></a>). To see my weight related posts, take a look at this separate <i>Creative Flourishes</i> page <a href="http://creativeflourishes.blogspot.co.uk/p/live-your-best-life.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">here</span></a>.<br />
<br />
Anyway, enough waffling, on with how to make them, or how<i> I </i>made them. Starting with gathering your materials together:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxzG8AV9qwTaaOKgQp1CuvexYSbouG-_wtpRe9LdjiyBt0PE_c1iaQEbJv42ShWmTtLsNcApOY5zQFxGDZIp3Rp51RiUnh8wxbWgy1H2yGRLIT5N6ppBeWPMUXt4MaWPQZ3CGQeqY0cIg/s1600/materials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxzG8AV9qwTaaOKgQp1CuvexYSbouG-_wtpRe9LdjiyBt0PE_c1iaQEbJv42ShWmTtLsNcApOY5zQFxGDZIp3Rp51RiUnh8wxbWgy1H2yGRLIT5N6ppBeWPMUXt4MaWPQZ3CGQeqY0cIg/s1600/materials.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I also used some different nail polish colours, other glitters I owned, teeny nail decorations and a jar of clear nail polish to seal them. I couldn't take photographs whilst making them so there aren't any other 'in progress' shots but basically what you do is turn over your glass nugget and spread an even layer of glue on the bottom. Different to the pinterest post I used, I added glitter using my fingers and patted it down into the glue. After letting that coat dry I added more glue & glitter to fill the gaps. I used the traditional way of putting the excess glitter back in the pot using bits of folded scrap paper. I should also add that I did mine outside - on a non windy day!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
These were the ones created with the <a href="http://www.bakerross.co.uk/glitter-shakers-1" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Baker Ross glitters</span></a>:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxPNzdQ4bkcAPe1A7sEt60XtSMiL6WJ6D-XlpHLLj4-l6I2qBKv0P6B8jiFRTwMJST2qwq87DB2QPqXirFOiNbm3WGckiVefDWhElj1ngyqRdur6xTJ7zabl1APwCrKaHYKoGa5u-XM0m/s1600/glitter+gems+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxPNzdQ4bkcAPe1A7sEt60XtSMiL6WJ6D-XlpHLLj4-l6I2qBKv0P6B8jiFRTwMJST2qwq87DB2QPqXirFOiNbm3WGckiVefDWhElj1ngyqRdur6xTJ7zabl1APwCrKaHYKoGa5u-XM0m/s1600/glitter+gems+photo.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
..which I noticed are now on offer down from £3.50 to £2.99.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I love the way the gems magnify the glitter particles. I'd never noticed that they were teeny little hexagons before!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPsZ0RY37RIPs4L9hzpYDKx5KMij7LWMWVoDTqY7iu4UKzcUcFgmDwdJ9SxP2vDyXQWmyy6alloJYIshYTsdPwLeJlOdwZCjnlmpGc-JzHHPAim30vdZOjFRQFK43Zr8LnhfJyTAdv1rq/s1600/close+ups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPsZ0RY37RIPs4L9hzpYDKx5KMij7LWMWVoDTqY7iu4UKzcUcFgmDwdJ9SxP2vDyXQWmyy6alloJYIshYTsdPwLeJlOdwZCjnlmpGc-JzHHPAim30vdZOjFRQFK43Zr8LnhfJyTAdv1rq/s1600/close+ups.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So pretty:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9KVOHhZfEzx32ls33qhex5mRTo41G7k7UYnLDg83kya80AmneZgURuhhtIglHJ92Ai_s0lqlkaGfBzGiUDknanDZha6r9tRHR1NB2Sh3lyy1R6u3gAxoZ3CsRTBTQXgEUfdwWAyMHSHC/s1600/about+twelve+gems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9KVOHhZfEzx32ls33qhex5mRTo41G7k7UYnLDg83kya80AmneZgURuhhtIglHJ92Ai_s0lqlkaGfBzGiUDknanDZha6r9tRHR1NB2Sh3lyy1R6u3gAxoZ3CsRTBTQXgEUfdwWAyMHSHC/s1600/about+twelve+gems.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrb3FzcBe0D5VDLGfl6vXeHMZitANjkwmvhQLem3I8hWQXL3Z4Golq6y4B_1YkjCIt1M7qROqSD79WfQsRLcygmRPy6Ij7Xoci3gMbp8MT-1RjZLtthDEHZ2xMtcIcf6fr4yAoGYJVlMg/s1600/another+12+gems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrb3FzcBe0D5VDLGfl6vXeHMZitANjkwmvhQLem3I8hWQXL3Z4Golq6y4B_1YkjCIt1M7qROqSD79WfQsRLcygmRPy6Ij7Xoci3gMbp8MT-1RjZLtthDEHZ2xMtcIcf6fr4yAoGYJVlMg/s1600/another+12+gems.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As you could see the backs of my gems when they were in the jar, I added some dark sparkly nail polish to the back of some of my gems but that isn't necessary for jewellery or magnet use. I should also point out that the nail polish made them and the jar smell very strong!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Don't forget to seal the gems with clear nail polish or varnish of some kind and when dry they are ready to use.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFXtz-CHMIe1PUkCPtd6iR6rf8kmLpL5com6GR6SlgPuKcwn9c4fEfauyf75rx_pwZm9-ElcdpVZCR3V_6FS-YyDKTn_l6l9iBoNeDNob6l42DOVx1SZavm6B65xNCiQkiSS0FF4qdQ1k/s1600/end+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFXtz-CHMIe1PUkCPtd6iR6rf8kmLpL5com6GR6SlgPuKcwn9c4fEfauyf75rx_pwZm9-ElcdpVZCR3V_6FS-YyDKTn_l6l9iBoNeDNob6l42DOVx1SZavm6B65xNCiQkiSS0FF4qdQ1k/s1600/end+shot.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*Sparkle, sparkle*</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope you enjoy making some of these and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for joining me today,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nicky,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Creative Flourishes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclosure: I have not been paid to do this review, I was sent the products to try out free of charge but I did not and will not receive any commission on any links listed. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-86130721843671990212014-05-18T00:09:00.000+01:002014-05-18T00:18:08.868+01:00Organising Series: Part 3: Notebooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5n1za4ZAtGq6ZLX9vPlG6V25vrJyH1IlZeRlaFA6KK-7um-M6Bk_JhmWPGdxdMqm_GpTWaQO4drcvfo_gPwm9QC4YxIQuBDMF-SM0W7cwZCyJSg0zeDZq4hrekRLewr0jP-vw0DNGGkR2/s1600/title+page+notebooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5n1za4ZAtGq6ZLX9vPlG6V25vrJyH1IlZeRlaFA6KK-7um-M6Bk_JhmWPGdxdMqm_GpTWaQO4drcvfo_gPwm9QC4YxIQuBDMF-SM0W7cwZCyJSg0zeDZq4hrekRLewr0jP-vw0DNGGkR2/s1600/title+page+notebooks.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
Today's instalment in my mini organising series is all about my shopping organisation. I have only recently started using this system because the way I used to do my shopping was very chaotic and inefficient. I would go out into town with a vague idea of what was needed and come back without the very things that I went for! Not to mention unused discount coupons and offers that would have been useful, had I remembered them<i> before</i> they went out of date!<br />
<br />
So, armed with information gained from Pinterest (I have a useful board on organisation <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creativenic/organisation/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">here</span></a>) and after watching a few youtube videos, I set about getting myself an efficient shopping system.<br />
<br />
First of all, I put a notebook & a pen in lots of different rooms in my house so that I can write down what I need immediately that I think of it. I have notebooks in my craft room, my bedroom, the bathroom, the kitchen and the lounge and when I need to go shopping I go into each room in turn gathering all the lists together.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvomPn368uwC6iir5zWadbSHSsli9MoHUVH-mP_MKWI9eUP-YBL9u1Boq4SOK8APrWXrfYMnegzjIieSaHLK3WN7FIUQb9oudQzOTVsNkg7Baz4FOhqwITewG-AucYGwf6fEN8_D1fJU-S/s1600/kitchen+notebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvomPn368uwC6iir5zWadbSHSsli9MoHUVH-mP_MKWI9eUP-YBL9u1Boq4SOK8APrWXrfYMnegzjIieSaHLK3WN7FIUQb9oudQzOTVsNkg7Baz4FOhqwITewG-AucYGwf6fEN8_D1fJU-S/s1600/kitchen+notebook.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen Notebook</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I list all the items on my iphone using an app that I've recently discovered called Cozi. It's linked to my husband's phone and either one of us can get the items needed when we are out and about. When we cross the items off it crosses them off both our lists which I think is super duper clever as it saves us getting duplicates.<br />
<br />
Back onto the Shopping Organiser...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zQmw4619Ig1nOpcm9aGcI66Hez8X2j3SZa-HPI249DWY9K0yUV_fZ2z0RIhSeEcbMv-AP6cY7XRshg0K7cVmKNSBvZuOwKahmXlDLOG3Wt2JdsH06aJuw2gKPVMREzuFxvXRylJBA2wv/s1600/shopping+file+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zQmw4619Ig1nOpcm9aGcI66Hez8X2j3SZa-HPI249DWY9K0yUV_fZ2z0RIhSeEcbMv-AP6cY7XRshg0K7cVmKNSBvZuOwKahmXlDLOG3Wt2JdsH06aJuw2gKPVMREzuFxvXRylJBA2wv/s1600/shopping+file+cover.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
This was bought from Staples and is called an 'Arc' organiser. What I like about it is the pages are punched so they can be moved around, unlike a normal notebook. This is a useful facility when you have changeable content. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Opening it up, you can see I keep my store cards in the front: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZB2dgdMJ7fSaEJjVRRFU2c-7TmLza_yWI1oMOxH38ydxO5HCJX4BI53rdZtXp9I6GQiQ0vH0yqSooy7rfhkXk4niZgdZvOXd4bioRh3-JQBEEAZ_rdNYXIlw_QpsfOB7jm00RN8OrGcTk/s1600/shopping+file+with+writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZB2dgdMJ7fSaEJjVRRFU2c-7TmLza_yWI1oMOxH38ydxO5HCJX4BI53rdZtXp9I6GQiQ0vH0yqSooy7rfhkXk4niZgdZvOXd4bioRh3-JQBEEAZ_rdNYXIlw_QpsfOB7jm00RN8OrGcTk/s1600/shopping+file+with+writing.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
..and all my vouchers in named plastic wallets in the back.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is a sample page of store cards in the business card wallets:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFS7wc_hOXaX2k1WkDkkkVoV7Dp0la7KNfyuNtulN-7fskdnmHM42mRuHwYSxlGQXOH_tSmsF4myFxwWxtNEMz1DCp9jSPQzlJJL7qDiKtyYFrng423N8YZdtOrbTpRkuJNvRZsQsB6SdO/s1600/store+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFS7wc_hOXaX2k1WkDkkkVoV7Dp0la7KNfyuNtulN-7fskdnmHM42mRuHwYSxlGQXOH_tSmsF4myFxwWxtNEMz1DCp9jSPQzlJJL7qDiKtyYFrng423N8YZdtOrbTpRkuJNvRZsQsB6SdO/s1600/store+cards.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The business card organiser was bought separately and made by Adoc. They have the same size of punched holes as the arc. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The A5 plastic wallet pages I use are made by Adoc but Arc make them too. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've labelled each shop I get discount vouchers for and put everything I have to do currently with that shop in its own wallet page:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnH4g4hEoJeC2qcMHv5T84WzrGmgRjjyYqbumiA694_1OtYYqn5qytufHRraDDDBJn3f01XDwbpL_EmaZD08zTMpZAOGxM4xvZVjlHxjudmXJKjeObJdYVtBevPVXTtMBiO5VDQ-Z595c/s1600/voucher+dates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnH4g4hEoJeC2qcMHv5T84WzrGmgRjjyYqbumiA694_1OtYYqn5qytufHRraDDDBJn3f01XDwbpL_EmaZD08zTMpZAOGxM4xvZVjlHxjudmXJKjeObJdYVtBevPVXTtMBiO5VDQ-Z595c/s1600/voucher+dates.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I highlight dates, to make sure that I know to use them (if I need or want to!) before they expire. I can also see when I need to remove them. (The plastic wallets are useful for seeing both sides of a voucher too).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the back pages I have some lined and graph paper for various notes. Here I have put all the Opening Hours of my local supermarkets, just in case the need arises to go to a certain one for emergency bread or tea bags at 6pm on a Sunday!: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO_2m87o4Rm276kRlOzi7K8HdtjoJnT-niasSsFpmiW4ZpYhZYVL4VNdPiT-FcDS3IBYXP4G-CMIheuXz8RjHed_V9U_xhj4p-jbeICZwZCP0_eZA2Xxsg8dyzpcs5ym5gWSHOVgnzfPU/s1600/opening+hours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO_2m87o4Rm276kRlOzi7K8HdtjoJnT-niasSsFpmiW4ZpYhZYVL4VNdPiT-FcDS3IBYXP4G-CMIheuXz8RjHed_V9U_xhj4p-jbeICZwZCP0_eZA2Xxsg8dyzpcs5ym5gWSHOVgnzfPU/s1600/opening+hours.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is page 1 of 3, we have a whole set of local supermarkets and luckily I'm not loyal to any!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, this is my system, hope you found it useful (and not just a tad obsessive?!...) Join me again soon for some more organising tips,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Nicky </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{Creative Flourishes} </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-49666945722396850922014-05-13T23:14:00.000+01:002014-05-18T12:28:54.769+01:00Organisation Series Part 2 Handbag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP35iswtoY85GOUpIhoGM_XbOU_7fOMsnwr6pyeRwGbCztfEOikjQXn-Ze6uQFENk3thraQ0Z8Nkw5U080qz2dwRE50CEA-L1UOaVkCL1iPnSJV_9L8TfTq3_0JndyiV9b5LMormJy5RMD/s1600/handbag+pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP35iswtoY85GOUpIhoGM_XbOU_7fOMsnwr6pyeRwGbCztfEOikjQXn-Ze6uQFENk3thraQ0Z8Nkw5U080qz2dwRE50CEA-L1UOaVkCL1iPnSJV_9L8TfTq3_0JndyiV9b5LMormJy5RMD/s1600/handbag+pic+1.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
I have <strike>loads</strike> quite a few handbags and with the weather warming up I thought I would be brave and start to use one of my 'good weather' cotton handbags. <br />
<br />
Since I've been on a bit of an organising frenzy lately, I thought I'd show you a few of the ideas that I have found that are working well for me at the moment. I say 'at the moment' because I do switch about if I find a technique that I thought would be perfect simply isn't working. <br />
<br />
OK, let's start with the contents as a whole:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSlBbiq6tTYNXd1YkzSeEt5RhQ5wCOiYEZbDSH361i06iolZrT-knVIjafSsSCliAh3GCrMu_043w2hpifCC8JxSK3YNYqiBFA9AKhQvZua3J6yV7lT_eGa667kXZ2FiLdpbLXmtMa29_/s1600/handbag+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSlBbiq6tTYNXd1YkzSeEt5RhQ5wCOiYEZbDSH361i06iolZrT-knVIjafSsSCliAh3GCrMu_043w2hpifCC8JxSK3YNYqiBFA9AKhQvZua3J6yV7lT_eGa667kXZ2FiLdpbLXmtMa29_/s1600/handbag+pic+2.jpg" height="320" width="194" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here we have the bag, a Shopping Organiser (containing all my shop cards plus other interesting info, I'll tell you about that in my next post), my pencil case, umbrella, 'gubbins' bag (details to follow), glasses case, coin purse, charity craft magazine, notebook (closed with a hair band) and my notes & cards wallet. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In detail, we have my pencil case, which is a make up bag that is in clear plastic so I can see which pen I want (I have moods which dictate which particular pen I want to write with at any given moment. Hopefully I'm not alone in this..?) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5L84RRmv0NM8RacJbjiAaHyf216mNNUMoQEvRCAfvrcCzO5DW8ubxF7xdbj-9aYwNbvZ-fkFReeiAf2C86ZdU7LmZYBBwgzUDOoYNSlVgsyMSs5Veiit10AAV9c36D3qgF7ATiCJfztk/s1600/handbag+stationery+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5L84RRmv0NM8RacJbjiAaHyf216mNNUMoQEvRCAfvrcCzO5DW8ubxF7xdbj-9aYwNbvZ-fkFReeiAf2C86ZdU7LmZYBBwgzUDOoYNSlVgsyMSs5Veiit10AAV9c36D3qgF7ATiCJfztk/s1600/handbag+stationery+bag.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My glasses case:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUw3y5KbYkZJ05EIaR6twiZ_F9PAhIDe6sQ_RGpX2O83uSOnoAo-8DyFyGYCT7MYuhtdFxWZwoVDg5FRmQARNzSV_-lFIWGT7ecGnzhd3T7UjC0WoOmRqpgnwo32rXA81FdcmvJeTWiU3Q/s1600/handbag+glasses+case.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUw3y5KbYkZJ05EIaR6twiZ_F9PAhIDe6sQ_RGpX2O83uSOnoAo-8DyFyGYCT7MYuhtdFxWZwoVDg5FRmQARNzSV_-lFIWGT7ecGnzhd3T7UjC0WoOmRqpgnwo32rXA81FdcmvJeTWiU3Q/s1600/handbag+glasses+case.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
...which isn't exactly glamorous, but really helps me find it in the darkness of the handbag's black lining. <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My coin purse:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYN1m1dN-E2CiSIXjvXXXydEksYlhu8GnW_Pvh-2_6gjSaqKhowHh29SBH_c7VCXKsUKfN7drRO7wuhUP1iPVLpMaEcCLVXlSqHdV9-C5uBTOw_D5gQKuEXutLGr-kSYok4Vb93b_XLCA/s1600/handbag+coin+purse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYN1m1dN-E2CiSIXjvXXXydEksYlhu8GnW_Pvh-2_6gjSaqKhowHh29SBH_c7VCXKsUKfN7drRO7wuhUP1iPVLpMaEcCLVXlSqHdV9-C5uBTOw_D5gQKuEXutLGr-kSYok4Vb93b_XLCA/s1600/handbag+coin+purse.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
Again, clear plastic. I love seeing at a glance whether I have the right change for something. Before I had this I used to hand out notes at the cash desk, rather than struggling to count out the correct change which meant that I ended up getting lots more unnecessary and heavy change in return. I'm really pleased I changed (groan!) to this type of purse. The purse, incidently, is called a 'Clippy'.<br />
<br />
This charity magazine was in my bag because I just happened to have bought it from 'The Stroke Association' when I attended one of their open days recently:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmabeSX9HG5qSYedqk40eC5qpPURQjzv306W-niZpb0PG4GwOICTcaf3c5-_poiXzAJIrrStIxD6KH3jw1SyFwQ0DcoHnUld4IidAsai9lAcVnweoyi9dZkWfurSNo6Bj4T-K-PmOcVAEH/s1600/handbag+crafty+makes+mag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmabeSX9HG5qSYedqk40eC5qpPURQjzv306W-niZpb0PG4GwOICTcaf3c5-_poiXzAJIrrStIxD6KH3jw1SyFwQ0DcoHnUld4IidAsai9lAcVnweoyi9dZkWfurSNo6Bj4T-K-PmOcVAEH/s1600/handbag+crafty+makes+mag.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It has some interesting items to make and includes the instructions. A useful item to peruse in a coffee shop, preferably with a cake...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And then there's my notes & cards wallet (the blue & green item on the bottom row). I keep all my notes(£) in there, along with my bank and library cards. Store cards are kept in the Shopping Organiser, which as I said will be a whole new post. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Finally, the gubbins case and its contents and they are:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQBgapn3aQ4j3HPruLRM-SKIUYoXgxDzRYDWSPyCewJIUBQOwoZEqDJWsbBKAnN8G9vJTfxvwIJ4U8jupMzvGLx8Q4FrSF35TOBmjUJgf9zwl5OI8_1YBVUaSji4AIkEXz4x8gVjp5E-j/s1600/handbag+numbered+items.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQBgapn3aQ4j3HPruLRM-SKIUYoXgxDzRYDWSPyCewJIUBQOwoZEqDJWsbBKAnN8G9vJTfxvwIJ4U8jupMzvGLx8Q4FrSF35TOBmjUJgf9zwl5OI8_1YBVUaSji4AIkEXz4x8gVjp5E-j/s1600/handbag+numbered+items.jpg" height="320" width="204" /></a></div>
1. Personal items 2.Tissue packet 3.Comb 4.Emergency pound coin holder, straight from the 1980's! 5.Teeny Paper knife 6.Pocket game called the 'Left-Right' game. We love playing this as a family whilst waiting for food in cafes and it's great for keeping the boys out of mischief too! 7.Hearing Aid Batteries for me 8. Pink Swiss Army emergency set, including scissors and tweezers 9. Photos of boys in Paperchase wallet. 10. Plasters. 11. A clothes stain remover pack 12.Lipstick and lipbrush 13. Anti Chaffing cream for when my glasses rub my ears 14. Mascara 15. Stylus for my phone and 16. Bubblegum flavoured lip balm.<br />
<br />
Not much make up but then I don't wear it very often. If I do, I put it on before I go out.<br />
<br />
There are pockets in the front of the bag where I keep my keys:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VHnmSjUlqN4MtFN83f13dI6WTM-G8-7siseIU7wkzdoGOFUFYyUzAVwJk6kd-vnzef9a_7Q21lZr3_PhGbCTwatiRLWMUnmE3jkf1RQV2_HLads6vUO1IdIXBbDDw4sFVhylFYYYxB-K/s1600/handbag+keys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VHnmSjUlqN4MtFN83f13dI6WTM-G8-7siseIU7wkzdoGOFUFYyUzAVwJk6kd-vnzef9a_7Q21lZr3_PhGbCTwatiRLWMUnmE3jkf1RQV2_HLads6vUO1IdIXBbDDw4sFVhylFYYYxB-K/s1600/handbag+keys.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
This for me was a very useful tip. The amount of times I've struggled in the rain outside my front door, pulling all the stuff out of my bag to try and find my keys. This simple idea has greatly increased my sanity levels. (I have also put red tape on my car door key, it looked so much like the ignition and this alone has saved me countless minutes...)<br />
<br />
Finally (phew! very long post), I have my phone and emergency chargers: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9T577S4sqT-Yc3vdXE00Eu8ZVafZjBaPqp2mtBB2pOWSnWQKkCPBtdoXtqSFUepBpy-1GTGSnynhleiwontYUr1aRxmjSiC6ZRwhYpqLdujq3MsiFq5BYoGro51UtgPK0-fORDrV3hGDl/s1600/handbag+phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9T577S4sqT-Yc3vdXE00Eu8ZVafZjBaPqp2mtBB2pOWSnWQKkCPBtdoXtqSFUepBpy-1GTGSnynhleiwontYUr1aRxmjSiC6ZRwhYpqLdujq3MsiFq5BYoGro51UtgPK0-fORDrV3hGDl/s1600/handbag+phone.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
Again, kept so that the phone can be grabbed rapidly, if it rings. That was another thing that used to get lost amongst the abyss that was my bag previously.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for stopping by today. See you soon for some more organising tips,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Nicky</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;">{Creative Flourishes}</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-58711775947045607342014-05-12T15:21:00.001+01:002014-05-12T22:40:58.345+01:00Organising Series: Part 1 Craft Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVjoZ3Fp6qO_VRPs5ZA0Wo7fnfmu2jC5r12WPu95DKWZvLuneDhG6qEKZsrQP1ChElg7aIWdMFYjFksGjuC_gFMD2D2v2rqMr_u2wnGjq6eIRfHO3VQvWcvkicvGLWntCufYV9fDl78HD/s1600/no1+title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVjoZ3Fp6qO_VRPs5ZA0Wo7fnfmu2jC5r12WPu95DKWZvLuneDhG6qEKZsrQP1ChElg7aIWdMFYjFksGjuC_gFMD2D2v2rqMr_u2wnGjq6eIRfHO3VQvWcvkicvGLWntCufYV9fDl78HD/s1600/no1+title.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvK8GKCqa0mfmMm4dJliJ3tyGh9AeoVBfs9W1rEDVaBK0ZUBkcgxmDmCndoyc2xXwuq8EA7u8xGsdm9odPNZa8ditYzmY3CuQEbkZpubsYi89pH6IZqwXrlxMgrk4TrlD9bTczxb85dOx8/s1600/pic+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvK8GKCqa0mfmMm4dJliJ3tyGh9AeoVBfs9W1rEDVaBK0ZUBkcgxmDmCndoyc2xXwuq8EA7u8xGsdm9odPNZa8ditYzmY3CuQEbkZpubsYi89pH6IZqwXrlxMgrk4TrlD9bTczxb85dOx8/s1600/pic+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Hello again! This week I'd like to show you some of the techniques that I've been using recently to contain some of my everyday clutter. Today's 'show and tell' is about my travel Craft Bag which is where I keep my every day Filofax (This one is from WHSmiths and called a 'Clipbook') and also my art journal, (not pictured), stored underneath the Filofax. <br />
<br />
The bag itself I think is one that people normally use for beauty products and I was very pleased to obtain it for just £5 from my local Cancer Research shop. It was brand new and in immaculate condition, yay! Being black, it doesn't look that exciting from the outside, but that doesn't really matter as it's what's inside that counts, isn't it?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKN-AXQPGHn6-5hYXQqkAo44v1rOWBViwYuOeo595PaBaem8WP4KDFMvaAeQv3q3HApCkXk0SRiUE_VaAgDteBIcv8r-h5Tmpm_6cKSqhiByJPMre1pK9oWDz5iiFQHxHUTEZ0QOmzRA_/s1600/pic+2+open+craft+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKN-AXQPGHn6-5hYXQqkAo44v1rOWBViwYuOeo595PaBaem8WP4KDFMvaAeQv3q3HApCkXk0SRiUE_VaAgDteBIcv8r-h5Tmpm_6cKSqhiByJPMre1pK9oWDz5iiFQHxHUTEZ0QOmzRA_/s1600/pic+2+open+craft+bag.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And what a lot there is! This is it all rolled out showing you (nearly!) everything I've managed to cram into all the nooks and crannies of the bag. Hopefully you can read the labels OK, you may need to click onto each of the individual pictures though. I've broken down each of the sections so you can see them in more detail.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyBOPManAkKOTEdmU7xLaADW-peuQuIaSnYUZZ7j2RTRJ8p-l6YhYeUaLXemRv0AyJ1Kll1geXmJNGGjapwg9-owSEhYVtgN_Ta3obOO1R-GhyphenhyphenoUZI5ASex4-H53Jl_PC300uubBUiS_T/s1600/pic+3+compartments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyBOPManAkKOTEdmU7xLaADW-peuQuIaSnYUZZ7j2RTRJ8p-l6YhYeUaLXemRv0AyJ1Kll1geXmJNGGjapwg9-owSEhYVtgN_Ta3obOO1R-GhyphenhyphenoUZI5ASex4-H53Jl_PC300uubBUiS_T/s1600/pic+3+compartments.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was also so pleased to find the label 'Stamping Up' punch (top right) at another charity shop for just £1.50! What a bargain! I've never seen one before (at these places) and probably never will again. You do have to get things as you see them though. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTS-MyXEtD3sXO6_jryt2Y4KIOxvP4gLHOdUh5hjYb3xV1q22ATNlOVyG1ddR5rW-fXpHMEO5f0s9xURif52jsY2PZk4IzHuLRa3tDfhyphenhyphenE62Ht-NLQWF4PZ118aUUhZYPTPsqP0NDBai6b/s1600/Pic+3+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTS-MyXEtD3sXO6_jryt2Y4KIOxvP4gLHOdUh5hjYb3xV1q22ATNlOVyG1ddR5rW-fXpHMEO5f0s9xURif52jsY2PZk4IzHuLRa3tDfhyphenhyphenE62Ht-NLQWF4PZ118aUUhZYPTPsqP0NDBai6b/s1600/Pic+3+.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When preparing this post, it did make me realise that I've got an awful lot of glue in there, but that's OK, they are different types and I never know which one I'm going to need so 'it's all good'. I do love having some of my favourite art products all in the one place, and this system makes it so easy to just grab them when I need to. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfMEo-oayccdBaNHKT3t-Nz7w-1tSYEONiWt-ELEEh7bsbG8fW97A0khb-cEjhPCbow32sy03Q9PhPUkW91UHqgPJCtV_HuU1IFSmZGjZ0N2r58e0YTc3uLL_bvq_3JJn3OegK34omb1H/s1600/pic+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfMEo-oayccdBaNHKT3t-Nz7w-1tSYEONiWt-ELEEh7bsbG8fW97A0khb-cEjhPCbow32sy03Q9PhPUkW91UHqgPJCtV_HuU1IFSmZGjZ0N2r58e0YTc3uLL_bvq_3JJn3OegK34omb1H/s1600/pic+5.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
The main compartment was a bit difficult to photograph as it contains loose items, but you should be able to get the main idea.<br />
<br />
A bonus tip for you: If you wrap some 'Press 'n' Seal' around your opened packet of baby wipes they still stay moist when the sticky goes. <br />
<br />
I have put some more pens in the Derwent Pencil Wrap which rolls up and that is sealed with velcro.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZDKV7Ovd3m75Hf1do9YA7YVRDI6DM9kJB9t1YnSvTyY8Hdl9aF3UmeCKHxJ9L2inqmlCa-sAynpRzSywB5ugaTSXhh4I0P__R9AV39BemcSeNqP1gNErgxAv4SUGlUxGXq-g1m-YeqPX/s1600/pic+6+pen+roll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZDKV7Ovd3m75Hf1do9YA7YVRDI6DM9kJB9t1YnSvTyY8Hdl9aF3UmeCKHxJ9L2inqmlCa-sAynpRzSywB5ugaTSXhh4I0P__R9AV39BemcSeNqP1gNErgxAv4SUGlUxGXq-g1m-YeqPX/s1600/pic+6+pen+roll.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lots of lovely colours!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I love washi tape and use it to decorate my filofax diary entries, it's great for adding a pop of colour onto a boring black and white page. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8simdXB1i48OYA3P_enL29Ib2cAT2FMga8YzRhBWTDJuYmSG1lzRSd_WIL8XGorlHEYcpLZ_JQgMaopFdIa4lCq5CJmSYWa6liSukd0qwjnF8omJQJoa_B9eRvCul5sHReGg44EJXVs4/s1600/pic+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8simdXB1i48OYA3P_enL29Ib2cAT2FMga8YzRhBWTDJuYmSG1lzRSd_WIL8XGorlHEYcpLZ_JQgMaopFdIa4lCq5CJmSYWa6liSukd0qwjnF8omJQJoa_B9eRvCul5sHReGg44EJXVs4/s1600/pic+7.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...and Supaclips are a much more fun and colourful alternative to staples too! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Not forgetting the side pocket:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_tAiefr5VyOShmRuhIxG3O-TPy598HI-ZubreE6e8-9WvdQ4XhY-dQT9ScTwT0iR1SsLD_RVxzSK3DVRJ5aKAUkVQ1oCh9HnfU8NrqvkTTeSY1rNVefofbhFPT4bHquKWZII6bHIacTQ/s1600/Pic+8+side+compartment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_tAiefr5VyOShmRuhIxG3O-TPy598HI-ZubreE6e8-9WvdQ4XhY-dQT9ScTwT0iR1SsLD_RVxzSK3DVRJ5aKAUkVQ1oCh9HnfU8NrqvkTTeSY1rNVefofbhFPT4bHquKWZII6bHIacTQ/s1600/Pic+8+side+compartment.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
...and finally, in the outside zip pockets (see top picture) I keep my magazine cuttings & stickers that I also add to my journal and filofax. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Please join me for the next episode in my organising series where I will be showing you the contents of my handbag,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nicky {Creative Flourishes} </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-1805725982135181522014-04-30T23:42:00.003+01:002014-04-30T23:42:30.952+01:00The Art of Whimsical LetteringBack Again! And today I'm pleased to be showing you some samples that I have made doing one of my favourite artistic activities, lettering. <br />
<br />
I preordered this book, 'The Art of Whimsical Lettering' by Joanne Sharpe from Amazon UK way back in December and have very patiently<i> (fib!)</i> been waiting for it to arrive.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8mYqRJG5b_FlrKm_9uAKPJKofYZByEu2r2AwXhoJxi7MxB9SlG7uenfv1UHXdJ9Xe8A3XZkADRAwbvjF6ogyH-gNp_tYV4CaIs6Kwnf0cQsfj3ycMuI2DhSHP8y3RtLeC8_4xUiyGCol/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8mYqRJG5b_FlrKm_9uAKPJKofYZByEu2r2AwXhoJxi7MxB9SlG7uenfv1UHXdJ9Xe8A3XZkADRAwbvjF6ogyH-gNp_tYV4CaIs6Kwnf0cQsfj3ycMuI2DhSHP8y3RtLeC8_4xUiyGCol/s1600/book.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have decided to diligently work my way through the book, completing all the exercises in the order that they come, rather than 'dipping my toe in' here and there. This technique is what I find works for me, but, as the saying goes, 'each to his own'. I have even resisted the temptation to look ahead to see what treats are coming up as for me that is like peaking at a christmas present. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Anyway, on to the exercises that I've completed so far (I've had the book for <i>two whole days!</i>) and to show you my approach, which is different to what is suggested.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the book we are encouraged to get a journal type book to do all our lettering in and if the pages are too thin to stick two pages together to counteract any bleedthrough from markers, paints, etc. What I've decided to do differently is to not have a journal but to keep all my completed pages together in ring binders. I will be using an A5 size for most pages, and then using an A4 for when I do bigger pieces. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjat8K1VdJMJpFPdUYNKewydjRqsC6nXOfhVCFmNwO6KL4AWFf50nC15K6KPmHUcT4jf0gGtJM0snq3WbZmhWDQckW4DqMwyb36RzTMPIZ94l6jxKELATOV8oOcW5rdp555f5tCLQh60oTA/s1600/a4%2526a5+folders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjat8K1VdJMJpFPdUYNKewydjRqsC6nXOfhVCFmNwO6KL4AWFf50nC15K6KPmHUcT4jf0gGtJM0snq3WbZmhWDQckW4DqMwyb36RzTMPIZ94l6jxKELATOV8oOcW5rdp555f5tCLQh60oTA/s1600/a4%2526a5+folders.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
I have an A5 notebook with wonderfully smooth paper in (called Optik Paper) that I plan to do most of the exercises in and will swap around with other types of paper as needed. I have graph, tracing and watercolour paper amongst others that I can add to my folders using a hole punch. <br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZ1ZI3ldv6ywsEbOIzZ7X0h7xxVUrsxUgwYCmVQ14w8vmUzBIikjTeJwgeWldQvhpDPbskNsM06egTtNK_EMt6NX0arjZ9pkgOzhlLAUviieMCiDaRfi_NF7mSXZnTF5zLokryRN8u06c/s1600/a5+file+and+project+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZ1ZI3ldv6ywsEbOIzZ7X0h7xxVUrsxUgwYCmVQ14w8vmUzBIikjTeJwgeWldQvhpDPbskNsM06egTtNK_EMt6NX0arjZ9pkgOzhlLAUviieMCiDaRfi_NF7mSXZnTF5zLokryRN8u06c/s1600/a5+file+and+project+book.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>(For those in the UK, the A4 folder was from Paperchase and the Snopake brand of A5 folder was from Rymans). </i><br />
<br />
I can't tell you what I had to do for the exercises, because that wouldn't be fair to the author of the book, but I can show you how I completed them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQ5MMFfTzBDrzmnFFEYs-bKifnNzQkDb4ZGv1JoBKobiLeNd7OU7V5aUl2LpnT3ChVtKH_YB1GTZixGDZtYdI-Jp1RK_0w3f64DLIZz8mJEK9SPegXsMsxcKCpT4oyPunYx-6nf8iiqmG/s1600/exercise1+in+file.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQ5MMFfTzBDrzmnFFEYs-bKifnNzQkDb4ZGv1JoBKobiLeNd7OU7V5aUl2LpnT3ChVtKH_YB1GTZixGDZtYdI-Jp1RK_0w3f64DLIZz8mJEK9SPegXsMsxcKCpT4oyPunYx-6nf8iiqmG/s1600/exercise1+in+file.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitd5Ad7GCshBQrOUKiZVYeJTsRR3rH3vaTa-TjPytschix0OU78sLy14XpjZ2JYNtHNKSjZW5BC1oVgbiH8uyK3JPMZrpeGGSgqUEE7tH5-nAKLXZD4vaCh4gl8wGr4iavoctcbLkAF3Ui/s1600/exercise2+in+file.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitd5Ad7GCshBQrOUKiZVYeJTsRR3rH3vaTa-TjPytschix0OU78sLy14XpjZ2JYNtHNKSjZW5BC1oVgbiH8uyK3JPMZrpeGGSgqUEE7tH5-nAKLXZD4vaCh4gl8wGr4iavoctcbLkAF3Ui/s1600/exercise2+in+file.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8Q9EYBtTPct0NAZtNL1QwbY7lb_Nr3A167t-je3dbE4HkEtF78idWlNQ93CMso-cawjIxxRnU_kM3uYiPCx3A6iIaGXEGf61iEHlcXbGSavVWqe3WwfoPneSVvvznrMLRXJBy3hHSzsd/s1600/exercises2%25263+in+file.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8Q9EYBtTPct0NAZtNL1QwbY7lb_Nr3A167t-je3dbE4HkEtF78idWlNQ93CMso-cawjIxxRnU_kM3uYiPCx3A6iIaGXEGf61iEHlcXbGSavVWqe3WwfoPneSVvvznrMLRXJBy3hHSzsd/s1600/exercises2%25263+in+file.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The exercises you see here aren't meant to be seen as complete like works of art are, they are just simply for practicing lettering. Practicing is something that is very much encouraged in this book, to be carried out every day, if possible. <br />
<br />
I can tell you that exercise #4, on the right hand side of this page was to look out for and cut out printed examples of lettering that we like: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHR8_DH5N9zx66IIbKn1YR__pmQN3cTLuT332BS8HXnVzNNFAieRQlq-QXeYzM8SbgTx3dDE8W2LEGSj4P7K_8S3daTZuBJ_upMLSG_rvFJAIAc3sm2kqrabbHTx8c1NwgpzsowArYgnZi/s1600/exercises3%25264+in+file.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHR8_DH5N9zx66IIbKn1YR__pmQN3cTLuT332BS8HXnVzNNFAieRQlq-QXeYzM8SbgTx3dDE8W2LEGSj4P7K_8S3daTZuBJ_upMLSG_rvFJAIAc3sm2kqrabbHTx8c1NwgpzsowArYgnZi/s1600/exercises3%25264+in+file.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm sure I could do pages (& pages!) of that!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've always loved lettering and even had a job doing calligraphy in the past, so am loving finding new fun ways to present it creatively. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will be back soon with some more of this, plus other crafts that I've been doing recently.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you so much for stopping by today,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nicky {Creative Flourishes} </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-12748443412428861392014-03-05T23:15:00.000+00:002014-03-05T23:15:27.716+00:00Spring is in the AirIt's Spring! No, not in reality, but in my latest page of my handmade mother-in-law's calendar:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwPdacpfN2h321gs1s6sLoJ-2ZSW5OpRlhVN2Ex4ih2eXHmB5MBafwVIRMkVpRFLPY7NwVl8qyVOZBMz0nvsXrDCek_wsxq62IuTiuWrDBtyPcQkCODjfhdowfgHi4WIw77nPKJoQ3GKr/s1600/may+calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwPdacpfN2h321gs1s6sLoJ-2ZSW5OpRlhVN2Ex4ih2eXHmB5MBafwVIRMkVpRFLPY7NwVl8qyVOZBMz0nvsXrDCek_wsxq62IuTiuWrDBtyPcQkCODjfhdowfgHi4WIw77nPKJoQ3GKr/s1600/may+calendar.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
You may remember from a few posts ago that I'm rapidly trying to finish this scrapbook calendar that I gave to my MIL for christmas but rather rudely snatched back (no, asked nicely) to improve on the pages that I'd already completed. <br />
<br />
For this May page I changed the theme completely. Before I added all this 'Springness' it had quite a boring picture of my boys playing with a remote controlled boat on the canal.<br />
<br />
To be honest, I'm not normally a flower person, but the calendar already had the outline of flowers printed on the bottom of the page so I went with it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90iwRHmaROpYSnJZN_DNIVqyjItdcerHkoyq7DjNjZyJaFeIyk0UQ5W1Lzfvjw8cQ8fGfnZKFvV7tNu-0vZPUZqUyZmLzwvfFlNFLx6-AvWlamalDADh_GB9-NgwUbQ0PUG57JtvsN1dB/s1600/spring+has+sprung+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90iwRHmaROpYSnJZN_DNIVqyjItdcerHkoyq7DjNjZyJaFeIyk0UQ5W1Lzfvjw8cQ8fGfnZKFvV7tNu-0vZPUZqUyZmLzwvfFlNFLx6-AvWlamalDADh_GB9-NgwUbQ0PUG57JtvsN1dB/s1600/spring+has+sprung+detail.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
...And when I remembered that picture on the left of my son holding that crocus I knew that I just <i>had</i> to use it. These pretty type of images are the type of embellishments that I would save for when I make cards for my MIL so they were perfect for this themed page for her too. <br />
<br />
I have also completed the July page. The background page for this had the predetermined theme of 'Photo Star' so I found embellishments and stamps with a camera & an old film theme, together with lots of different sized stars. These also conveniently tied in with my youngest son's magician costume (right) which also featured stars on it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jJBiqMS1n2hwNL_fiFw-yUSAkA_5Cmt1q_1Q-wn6QhUoE7CLofDsJUdJTpT7nZufXTLgwO34VEXmIuv1jNPfSUaM61vra2WExw6Z13gnIt7wumSGPkEDDX17uh2BOJm54aAkKJP1xI8g/s1600/july+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jJBiqMS1n2hwNL_fiFw-yUSAkA_5Cmt1q_1Q-wn6QhUoE7CLofDsJUdJTpT7nZufXTLgwO34VEXmIuv1jNPfSUaM61vra2WExw6Z13gnIt7wumSGPkEDDX17uh2BOJm54aAkKJP1xI8g/s1600/july+page.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I've quite enjoyed the process of making this calendar and seeing these old pictures again. I still can't believe how quickly the time has gone as these 'little boys' are now 14 and nearly 12. To me it only seems like yesterday that they were wearing these outfits, not <b><i>10 years</i></b>, aaah!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for stopping by today, I will have more to show you soon,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nicky {Creative Flourishes} </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655616041682008625.post-23721544627606466352014-02-21T11:43:00.000+00:002014-02-21T11:43:42.926+00:00Crafty Birthday Gifts including BrushoIt was my birthday on Wednesday and rather than my husband get me things I didn't want, I steered him in the direction of my Amazon wishlist. I like the idea of this because by using a simple browser add-on I can add items to my list from all over the web, not just Amazon. Most of the gazillion items I have on my list are craft items and art technique books which is quite a minefield when you don't know the difference between a hot glue and an ATG gun. <br />
<br />
This was one of the great items I had seen on my internet travels and really fancied the look of:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhB54x-flk89o02_H8G-qCimOR7Faw8Zt6Qr0Ws30ft8Xg2vNWRabjG7ZpA7lc3LTEYfdO-yX34nkBquqe_Ru12Uaw9dI_wee2FTol5DonANTaGLWNZIqFVKMszvti14oGOsVo_n-mVtN/s1600/brusho+pack+&+dvd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhB54x-flk89o02_H8G-qCimOR7Faw8Zt6Qr0Ws30ft8Xg2vNWRabjG7ZpA7lc3LTEYfdO-yX34nkBquqe_Ru12Uaw9dI_wee2FTol5DonANTaGLWNZIqFVKMszvti14oGOsVo_n-mVtN/s1600/brusho+pack+&+dvd.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Colourcraft Brusho paints and DVD</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks go to my husband for the paints and my sister, who bought the DVD from off my wishlist. It's a great DVD, presented by Joanne Boon Thomas showing lots of great techniques you can do with Brusho. You can see a preview of one of them on youtube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcs6NNczOqM"><span style="color: red;">here</span></a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Another item I had seen on a Donna Downey video was a 'Fresh Water Rinse Well.' This isn't one of life's essentials, but when your craft room is up in the attic and the route to your water supply is down some rickety stairs, it sure makes life easier! Besides, what are birthdays for, if you can't have the odd frivolous luxury item? What it does is clear away your old painting water and replace it with clean:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0bWkZPQWpx9Lsickj_bYJ7ZkMCPqRhosDFBTRtHu5ZureaPQhyJk82X98uYGs163XF8d-XaX5gJDHVxieu6JKs696xkRNvossVqAMJTmSu6ImwjsAHzXWmxi7y58vPNAMpYKNP0CO9IG/s1600/rinse+well+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0bWkZPQWpx9Lsickj_bYJ7ZkMCPqRhosDFBTRtHu5ZureaPQhyJk82X98uYGs163XF8d-XaX5gJDHVxieu6JKs696xkRNvossVqAMJTmSu6ImwjsAHzXWmxi7y58vPNAMpYKNP0CO9IG/s1600/rinse+well+1.jpg" height="320" width="217" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojbMLkQAmcURM1Dlycw1r-cLdbmppeQoo43DYvxlmBLtbVFQfylSKwSZ3keMGGSJCJCDetl175MBsKHmj-sbfCbgC6OSPYcU4re0X1HzdnAcn_ibeEoxQKpBRx9oFFG4Yu-M5VTtxUcUE/s1600/rinse+well+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojbMLkQAmcURM1Dlycw1r-cLdbmppeQoo43DYvxlmBLtbVFQfylSKwSZ3keMGGSJCJCDetl175MBsKHmj-sbfCbgC6OSPYcU4re0X1HzdnAcn_ibeEoxQKpBRx9oFFG4Yu-M5VTtxUcUE/s1600/rinse+well+2.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7jux4LBu0wgk9kwaFibEYIvP6tCOSKaF0vzikVAsgobCZ53JEW7IANfzUbQqNSce9Kza4Jq_YqbtXPEVU48ihx_J0bWfqjRq53okWHmd0DWepv6OmDE5dOFHo7Cqxaxh2CPJSw0UuV7N/s1600/rinse+well+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7jux4LBu0wgk9kwaFibEYIvP6tCOSKaF0vzikVAsgobCZ53JEW7IANfzUbQqNSce9Kza4Jq_YqbtXPEVU48ihx_J0bWfqjRq53okWHmd0DWepv6OmDE5dOFHo7Cqxaxh2CPJSw0UuV7N/s1600/rinse+well+3.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brilliant!.. and the gurgling sound you get with the fresh water is an additional bonus. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I spent my birthday afternoon playing with these new 'toys' and I was absolutely in my element. The first thing I did was to make myself a colour swatch page of the 24 Brusho colours:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZ0wGIWwMRgsS_Qjg9A6lO2S28jRYkq0J1zmSs0_eH65T1SLS_jsrR6MyXHI53D2U_zzOuf5baQ_lYy7D8ofDCK3g4l63sBzxp5IVU7GuYIzwgZegr20Pq-ICR3v4WHJ1LobhW5Rlp-Jw/s1600/brusho+swatch+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZ0wGIWwMRgsS_Qjg9A6lO2S28jRYkq0J1zmSs0_eH65T1SLS_jsrR6MyXHI53D2U_zzOuf5baQ_lYy7D8ofDCK3g4l63sBzxp5IVU7GuYIzwgZegr20Pq-ICR3v4WHJ1LobhW5Rlp-Jw/s1600/brusho+swatch+page.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
Brusho paints are highly pigmented powder paints that you add water to, like watercolours. You only use a teeny tiny bit at a time so they will last for yonks. I love vivid colours so was pleased to see they dry almost as bright as they are when they are wet. <br />
<br />
This, however, was the effect I saw that attracted me to them in the first place:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVk62JpC34d0qTS_zuz_4nphatjzSnKmbUK9BBQgDSR-6Hb0wstmkRazXNx1fhP5Wiq4BQFVbiwv5UxYQuzrDZMNXLqqjn9EZe2S39Cdl6NKoIg_uRpNYYfLBF2DbtfqrN_kSLZm4t3jy/s1600/brusho+explosion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVk62JpC34d0qTS_zuz_4nphatjzSnKmbUK9BBQgDSR-6Hb0wstmkRazXNx1fhP5Wiq4BQFVbiwv5UxYQuzrDZMNXLqqjn9EZe2S39Cdl6NKoIg_uRpNYYfLBF2DbtfqrN_kSLZm4t3jy/s1600/brusho+explosion.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
To do this you wet your page and then sprinkle on tiny specks of the paint. The colours 'explode' onto the page and then blend into each other as you add more. I'm thinking that they'll make great backgrounds for journal pages. <br />
<br />
I also tried normal blending, using the colours like normal watercolour paints (my sons got me a paint pallette and brushes) and also did some flicking of the colours to make spots:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7v9L7ZVfpb0B5m3vVHkse-EbfcgOKdS4UXnkEJnizdwci25JXt2As1QxSh_bX5g9-ndM4-ULF0nBnPqR9Ce3Y9TChvoStKpJjDYeYJJttwlvwhlxEOhuLc-xExrB0ApZYFSmS5adG45G6/s1600/brusho+blending+and+spotting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7v9L7ZVfpb0B5m3vVHkse-EbfcgOKdS4UXnkEJnizdwci25JXt2As1QxSh_bX5g9-ndM4-ULF0nBnPqR9Ce3Y9TChvoStKpJjDYeYJJttwlvwhlxEOhuLc-xExrB0ApZYFSmS5adG45G6/s1600/brusho+blending+and+spotting.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
..which again will be useful for all kinds of backgrounds, cards, journal pages, etc.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
All in all, I'm really pleased with these gifts and am itching to explore them more when I next get to do some more crafting.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for stopping by today and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
have a great weekend,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nicky {Creative Flourishes}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Nicky Stevensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254087353346820420noreply@blogger.com3