Tags 3 & 4!

You have double tags this week as I was poorly last week and didn't get the chance to post up last week's tag & instructions...

This tag has been created using Cat's Eye inks and a selection of Crafty Individuals Stamp.  Start with a matt card black and apply your inks direct to the cardstock in light swirling motions.  don't be afraid of have a few lines and streaks - you do not need a perfectly blended finish.  Keep gradually building up the colour.  I used a couple of pinks and a purple shade.  Next I used a crackle stamp and  text stamp to stamp using the same innks on the background to create a bit further texture.  You can then select your motifs to stamp in Jet Black.  The girls are from a stamp containing 9 images in a block - I've cut them apart so I can use separately.  As is the wording - it's actually from the architecture stamp but is a nice little line of words.  I've then stamped my favourite fairy angel at an angle having covered the wording with some scrap card to mask it so the stamp didnt over stamp it.  Finally I used a little metallic Marker from Letraset scribbled onto my beauty wording (again one word highlighted from a bit mixed wording stamp) and then stamped in the corner.  Finally - as ever a few white gel pen highlights and borders round the girls to give it the finishing touches!  I had fun doing this tag and I do have to say it's my favourite so far!  The original is in the shop if you are passing!
This week's tag

A little simpler this week.  For those of you who do not stamp!  Start with a black matt card blank.  Use a Versamark ink directly on the card to create a random strip over the central part of the card - I worked from the bottom right hand corner towards the top left.  Next use Cosmic Shimmer Mica Powders and dust your mica's sparingly onto where you have inked.  You really do not need much at all - you can always add more!  I've used a mix of colours - pink, purple, orange, gold.  Dust them over and then use a big dusting brush to dust off the excess.  I've then added a mix of stickers - some silver some white in a decorative pattern and finally added a few highlights with Stickles Crystal glitter.  If you fancy having a go at Mica Powders, this is one of the projects we will be working on in the workshop on 22nd November 6-8pm (£12.50) in Attleborough at the shop.  Call 01953 454976 to book your place!

enjoy your crafting this week

Jane

Spooky Tag

Here's your second inspiration tag.  This time getting in early for Halloween!  This has been created using Gathered Twigs and Ripe Persimmon distress inks.  Firstly applying a mix of both over your tag using Cut n Dry Foam.  Splash some water droplets over your tag then blot dry.  Then use some bubble wrap - ink it up with the gathered twigs and stamp randomly on your tag.  The tree is an Elusive Images/Chocolate Baroque stamp in Jet Black Archival Ink.  I've added some white gel pen highlights to bring it to life.

I've hand drawn (yes hand- drawn - don't be scared - give it a go!!).. the spiders web with a letraset fine-liner.  Simplist ever to do cobwebs - just straight lines from one point radiating outwards, then do scallops in between them.  And Mr spider is easy to draw too - just draw and colour in an oval - add little lines for his legs and then some white gel pen eyes - done!

The lettering is hand-drawn too - just go slowly - have a practice before hand if you're not sure!.. or you can always use some alphabet stamps if you prefer.

the final touch is our little witch charm.. she's fixed on with a brad - She is one of a selection of halloween charms now in stock!

Have fun!

Jane

Weekly challenge project

We are starting a weekly challenge project for the next 12 weeks to get you inspired and creative!  Each week we'll post up a piece that we have created to give you ideas.  You may get inspired by the colours, the theme or something else - we would love to see anything you create as a result - feel free to email them, or link to your blog - or post them to our facebook page!

The first piece is a tag that I've created using vibrant distress ink colours.  First step was to stamp using Versamark using bubble wrap to get some interesting background.  I then embossed this with clear powder.

I then applied distress ink - Winter Berries - Seedless Preserves and Mowed Lawn - all limited edition set colours that will now be introduced as standard colours in the distress ink range - hurrah!

I then spritzed the card with splashes of water and removed the excess to get a mottled effect.  Next I stamped using the same distress inks using Umount Mini Swirls and the edge of a bare tree stamp (source unknown!) - just to add a little texture to the background.

I then stamped the seed heads using Archival Jet Black - stamp is Chocolate Baroque Retro Vases - and stamped a lined border down one side using a border from Woodware Easy Stitching stamp.  Next I stamped the word Art in Archival Black using a stamp from the Chocolate Baroque Artistic Affirmations set.

Finally I added a square panel peel -off in a black floral design and used the waste pieces to create some interest around it!

happy crafting

Jane

The end of an era...

I've taken the sad decision to discontinue my Diss crafting club and had my last night tonight. I've been there every month for the last 5 years.. but our numbers have dwindled of late.. and so I've decided to focus on the shop, workshops & the other two clubs that I currently run. A big thank you to everyone who has attended over the years - I've had such fun - I hope you have too!. I'm so pleased that I still get to see many of you either at the shop or events.. or in Tescos! Needless to say everyone is welcome to come along to the Harleston or Attleborough clubs.

Jane x

Steampunk Tag

Have you seen Tim Holtz' latest tag... well as soon as I saw it I had to have a go!  His technique of using a ball point pen to create the rivet effect is fabulous!  Definitely worth trying out yourself.  I have a delivery of alcohol inks.. and now self adhesive metals sheets... arriving this week... go on give it a try!  The stamps are from Chocolate Baroque and the cogs are from Beadtime (both available in store).

happy crafting
Jane
www.aldridgecrafts.co.uk

Craft club in Attleborough next Friday

Don't forget our newest monthly club meets again this Friday 20th July.  6.15-8.30 in Francis Rooms, Connaught Hall.  All crafters are welcome - papercrafting, jewellery & beading & more.  Book in advance at the shop or on our website for £3.00 or pay on the night for £3.50.  Refreshments provided.  An ideal chance to get together with other crafters to have fun and share ideas.  Looking forward to crafting with you all!

Jane

Wirework rings

It's been ages since I've blogged... it's been a busy time getting the shop all sorted and keeping it stocked with new goodies!
I finally found some time this weekend to have a play with some wire.  I did a workshop ages ago making rings with wire - and have fancied experimenting further.  These rings have both been created with 2mm wire as the base and 0.5mm wire wrapped around it.  It's a useful design that can be created into many different finishes just by using longer pieces of wire and making lovely scroll designs.
We've just got the coiling gizmo in stock in the shop - so that's next on my list for playtime I think!

happy crafting

Jane