Steampunk Butterfly

Sometimes you see a stamp and say 'I've just got to have it!'.... well that's how I was with the Steampunk Butterfly stamp set from Chocolate Baroque.  Love the big butterfly, but there are just so many elements on this stamp I know I will use over and over again.

This design was put together in one of our recent workshops - this time the alcohol inks techniques workshop.

I created the background with Stream, Raisin and Orange alcohol inks and then added on some blots of blender to bleach out the colour a bit.  At that point the background had quite a bluey grey industrial look to it, so I immediately reached for my steampunk stamps.

I stamped the designs on using Archival Black ink and then added highlights with my usual favourite White gel pen.  All of a sudden, I noticed that now I had added some steampunk elements the browns seemed to show more in the design - almost looking a bit rusty.

I just love the finished result and now have it proudly displayed up on the gallery wall in the shop!

These stamps are on reorder and due to arrive this week - let me know if you want a set reserved!  Would you like to learn some new techniques?  I run regular workshops at our Attleborough, Norfolk store - come and join the fun!  Click here for a list of our latest workshops.

happy crafting

Jane
www.aldridgecrafts.co.uk

All Day Mixed Media Canvas Workshop

Well... what a fun day we had!....  the heatwave couldn't distract us..... even the Wimbledon Final couldn't distract us (alright... we did keep an eye on the score!).... we were in paint/ink/stamp heaven!

We worked onto 12x12 stretched canvas (now in stock - just £5 each).  We worked with a range of acrylic paints, spray inks, texture paste, masks, stamps, stencils and dies to create these fabulous canvases.

We know that a few people would have loved to have come along.. but had prior arrangements.... if you are one of those people, please email/phone us to give us your name as we are arranging a date for this workshop to run again.  It will be an all day workshop - on a Sunday - 10-3pm(ish) £40 including a goody bag worth (£10).  Call on 01953 454976 or mail at aldridgecrafts@googlemail.com.

My Steampunk Canvas

My Butterfly Canvas

Getting painty!

Janet's canvas in progress

Jon's Canvas in progress

Ann's Canvas in progress

Angie's Canvas in progress

Four happy crafters!

Jon's Canvas

Janet's Canvas

Ann's Canvas

Angie's Canvas

If you've never worked onto canvas... go on - give it a tray - it's great fun and has endless possibilities!
happy crafting
Jane
www.aldridgecrafts.co.uk

Playtime!.....

oooh new goodies!  Always fab when you get a new collection of supplies to play with!  I'm spending today (and tomorrow if I can get away with it!).. playing and creating the project for our forthcoming All day mixed media workshop which is on Sunday 7th July.  I have the ideas in my head... now to work out if they will transfer to card/canvas and whether we will have enough time to complete the project in the time planned!  It will be interesting as I'm sure my end result will be different as with everything creative things grow as you create.

Here is my new stash....

It contains some fab new wood die cut shapes (new in store and appearing on the website very shortly!).  Some Chocolate Baroque stamps - Indian Elephant.  The Tim holtz Melange tissue paper and a selection of paints and gesso.  I've also put in a couple of spellbinders dies in my craft bag... just in case I need them of course!!


... and if you fancy joining us on our all day workshop - it runs from 10am-3pm on 7th July and costs £40.  Limited spaces available, we will provide refreshments & cake but you bring your own lunch.  Call/email to book in for a fun filled inky, painty creative day!.... can't wait!!!!

..... let the playing commence... my project will be revealed hopefully later this week (if all goes to plan!!)
hope you get a chance to get creative this weekend
Jane :-)

Stamping Workshop - 3rd July

Come join us at our workshop! It's on Saturday 3rd July 10-4pm in Harleston.

We will be doing 4 projects teaching you 4 different stamping styles and techniques.

Project 1 will be grungeboard bracelets (or if we can't get stock of grungeboard then Clarity stamp corners)
Project 2 will be stamping & colouring with Promarkers
Project 3 is Using Distress Inks
Project 4 is Big n Juicy ink pads with Brayers. This last project will be a duel project - a simple technique for beginners and some more advanced techniques for those a little more confident with their crafting.

More information on the website and you can also book and pay online.

Workshop charge is £15.

Come and have fun!

Jane