Art Love Beauty

30th July 2012

This particular card uses a technique which goes back a few years now.
It's called, or rather I know it as 'Cold Lamination'

For those who don't know what cold laminate is, here's a bit of an explanation.
Cold Laminate is a sheet of plastic with adhesive on one side, it comes in letter and A4 sizes, and is generally used to apply to a certificate or other document which you wish to protect the surface of. Unlike usual laminate where you insert your document between the leaves of the laminate sheet, and process through a heated laminator which fuses the borders and the sheets to your document, cold laminate has only one adhesive side with a pull away backing and does not require a heated laminator to be used.

For this card, I cut my piece of 'Cold Laminate' to the size I wanted to fit the centre of my finished card, big enough to stamp on.

I used staz on ink to stamp on the un-adhesive side and when completely dry, carefully removed the backing, exposing the adhesive.  I used chalks to colour in the areas I wanted coloured, and then covered the rest of the adhesive surface with a  mixture of left over Gold, silver, bronze &  green leaf, I just tipped the packet onto the sticky surface, and gently rubbed to make the leaf adhere, brushed away any that wasnt' sticking and put it back into the bag for later use.

This finished topper was adhered with double sided tape to cream pearlesent card, then mounted to a black background, I punched the corners then flat mounted this to my base card.

It's and interesting and easy technique, which for some reason I've not seen around for some time.

I hope you find this technique both interesting and worth a try.

Happy Crafting

Beth

Vintage Scraping

24th July 2012

I've been scrapping again. I went to Scrapbooking supplies at Stanbell Road, and saw a gorgeous vintage double layout on the wall. I asked if they were going to do a workshop for it.
A couple of day's later I got a phone call to say they had made up a kit for me. (aren't they just the most wonderful people?) So yesterday I went and collected it.
The photo's I've used are of my maternal grandparents  Elizabeth and James Holmes on their wedding day with their witness' (my Nanny and Grandad are the couple on the right as you look at the picture) the other photo is of my husbands paternal grandparents, Archer and Isabelle Huggins.

I'm so very happy with the finished results of this layout. Thankyou very much to Scrapping supplies for putting the kit together for me, as a novice scrapbooker, it's a real help when people give you that high level of service. You will find their web site at: http://www.scrapbooking-supplies.com.au/

Here are my two pages.

Elizabeth Sarah McCosh born 3rd June 1901 at Dunmurry Co Antrim Northern Ireland, married James Holmes born 5th September 1896 at Mirfield Yorkshire England

on 29th December 1920 at Birkenhead Registry Office UK.

The lady who was witness was called Dolly Frame, but I have no name for the Gentleman.

I have no idea when this photo of Nanna and Pop were taken.

It would have been good to know more information about Nanna and Pop, but some records just aren't kept.

Happy Crafting

Beth

Time to get started on the Christmas Cards

23rd July 2012

Although I've made 3 or 4 already, I thought it's about time I got serious about making my Christmas cards. I always get motivated in June, so that by Christmas my cards are all ready. However, this year, I'm a bit slack. I'm blaming it on retirement, because I keep saying I can do that tomorrow! that's a bit of a trap. So...... last night I bit the bullet and got not only my card for Unstampabelles DT for August done, (plus it's box) but I made not 1 but 5 Christmas cards.

Sounds good huh! to be perfectly honest though, it was as easy as, last year I'd bought a Kaiser Christmas card kit from Paper Flourish, and never used it, until last night that is. It got my brain whirling cos the ideas for the kit cards, sure got my mojo running in overdrive.

I have soooo many beautiful Christmas papers, 6x6  and 12 x 12, I've had them for ages, look at them each year and think "oooohhh, can't bear to cut into that, save it for another time" well friends, 'another time has arrived' I am NOT GOING TO BUY ANY MORE CHRISTMAS PAPERS this year. (she say's with fingers, eyes and toes crossed)
I'm sure there are many card makers out there who can relate to my reluctance to cut into a beautiful paper, leave me a comment if you happen to be like that yourself.

Anyway, enough rambling, time to show you the cards I made. I honestly started to make the set as per the instructions, but something inside of me always wins in the end and I end up doing my own thing, so if you've seen this set you wont' be surprised that the last card is somewhat 'different' lol.

Paper Flourish called this the Kaiser Silly Season Cards kit.
It used the Kaisercraft 6 1/2" paper pad 'Silly Season'
Sparklets in Rouge and Fern, Lime rhinestone strips, Vandoros Red Eco Ribbon, Vandoros Fuchsia fine edge organza ribbon, and 13cm square base cards.

There were some other things listed which I didn't use

So Christmas is under construction for HuggiesCrafts. Just think! I've got other Kaiser Christmas paper pads, the ideas are tumbling.......

Happy Crafting.

Beth

Scrapbooking my Family

21st July 2012

Over the past two weeks, we have had our youngest grand-daughter who will be 10 next month, visiting during the school holidays. As she lives with her Mum and Dad (our son) in Perth Western Australia, we don't get to see her that often.
We have had a wonderful time scrapbooking, cardmaking, cooking and generally having lots of fun together.
Today she went home :-( the house is soooo quiet......... and sooooo tidy........... love her to bits though, and can't wait until she gets to visit us again.

Last night after she went to bed, I got my self organised and got to work on this double page layout. It's one of the Master Class' projects that Heather does. I've really enjoyed doing it, missed the fun of doing it with the group, but still enjoyed getting it done, even if it was on my own.

The photo's I chose were both Landscape, so I had to change the second page of the layout to suit as the original design is for a portrait photo on the second page.

As usual I've added in just a few little bits of my own, (more butterflies, some bling, and some Kindy Glitz.


Cassandra wasn't around when the first photo was taken, Samantha and Jaime_Leigh were only about 4 or 5.

The second photo is Cassandra with Grandpa when she's aged about 2.

My journaling will be on cards inside the decorated envelope. The cards are cut to size and already inside, I just haven't written on them yet.

Hope you like these layouts, I found them both easy and love the finished effect.

Happy Crafting

Beth

Box Pop Up Card & others

17th July 2012

3 of the following cards I made this week. This box card is based on a template from Australian Cardmaking, Stamping & Papercraft Vol 18 No. 7, however, I have made this type of card before, several years ago and I got the design from the Crafters Companion, it's one of the projects on the accompanying CD.

Anyway, this is my latest version, along with my good friend Heathers which is in different colours (Lilac) but using the same stamps etc.

The stamp sets used are: Stampin Up (Hostess) Punch pot pouri; Baroque motifs; 2 step flower fancy, and Tea shoppe.
We also used pattern paper from K&Company K-ology Addison, and SU cardstock.
Punches used were: SU Boho Blossoms, SU Bird Builder; SU Decorative Lable & SU Top note.
The dies are: Cheery Lyn Fanciful Flourish B117 & Di-Namics leaves.

Mine

Heathers

This next card is one I've made as a sample for my ladies card making group, it's paper tole which I've mounted onto an embossed background.
The image is a Fynmark diecut image, and the embossed background is done with Couture Creations Seedling Nouveau. The 1cm wide velvet ribbon I purchased from Spotlight.

This next one uses a Kaszazz butterfly stamp, a Cheery Lyn flourish die, Crafty Bitz Crystal Sticker, and Prima flower. The die used to cut the leaves is by Di-namics. The background paper on this card is gift wrap, which I scanned and printed out onto A4 sized 200gsm weight card, I scanned it at 600 resolution and it's printed perfectly on my Epson Artisan 730 printer.

One interesting thing, I use greaseproof paper with my intricate dies, to help release the card, it always seemed such a waste to throw away the resulting die cut out of the greaseproof paper, in this card, I've used the greaseproof die cut behind the butterfly, it gives a really delicate touch, much lighter than a paper die cut, now I'm looking at how I can utilise others, no more putting these in the rubbish bin for me!

I hope you like these cards, I certainly enjoyed making them.

Happy Crafting,

Beth

Trains - Trains - Trains

11th July 2012

I recently made these two cards on commission. The request was for Trains, as one receipient had in his working life been a train driver, and the other (his son) currently is a train driver.

Anyway, I decided that paper tole was the best way to go for these as I don't really have any train stamps in my collection.

The first card uses card patterned card made and manufactured here in South Australia, which is nice, I love it when I can support local industry.
The technique used I got from a scrapbook layout I got from 'Scrapbooking Supplies' (I also got the patterned paper from there as well) I used a scalpel to cut around the gum leaves, and around the head of the bird so that the paper tole image could be slid in behind. I really like the effect of this.

The second card I made as an easel card using a smaller image of the train as the stop.

Hope you like these two cards, on a personal level I'm very pleased with them.

Happy Crafting

Beth

Anniversary Card

8th July 2012

One of my recent commissions was to make a special 42 Wedding Anniversary card.

I'd recently bought a new Cheery Lyn die, and used it to create the front of my card. I die cut the panel, then cut away the pink base card before adhering the white lace panel over the aperture.

Behind the aperture I placed as a separate flap, some pretty DS scrapbooking paper. Onto this I put some glitter sticker numerals for the 42. Around the aperture, I place roses, leaves and stands of tiny pearls. The sentiment sticker is right at the top.

Inside the card, I used another piece of the same DS paper, and also die cut  out of white a panel for the giver to write on.

The verse inside is a rub on and fits the occasion perfectly. (in my humble opinion anyway)

As the card is very dimensional due to the size of the roses, I had to make a presentation box to put it in. So using quite strong white card, I made the box to fit, and decorated it with a die cut aperture covered by heart embossed acetate. another glitter 42, some pink ribbon wrapped around the box lid and tied in a bow and a pink die cut flourish decorated with tiny pearls to finish.

The giver is very happy with the resulting card, and hopefully the receiver will be as well. I'll soon find out, their anniversary is on Wednesday.

Here is my creation, I hope you like it. Please leave comments, I'd really love to read your thoughts.

the card front on

Inside the card

the card in it's box

Happy Crafting,

Have a great day filled with love.

Beth

Double page Wedding Layout

7th July 2012

I was recently pointed in the direction of a Scrapbooking Shop which I'd never visited before. Of course I had to go and have a look. I liked their June layout so much that I bought two sets to do a double page.

Because of the colours I chose to scrap my nieces recent wedding.As far as possible I've sort of mirror imaged the second page, this was limited of course by the fact that the paper used is not mirror imaged, but never mind, you just get to see more of the may pole in the second page.

I will add the journaling to finish the pages now that they are posted. I've just noticed that I've missed putting the little pearls on the second page, that can be easily remedied.

If you live in the North of Adelaide South Australia, you may want to visit Scrapbooking Supplies at shop 5/89 Stanbel Road, Salisbury Plain, SA 5109. They also have a web site (which I've yet to visit) www.scrapbooking-supplies.com.au

I found some really beautiful Australian papers there, which are manufactured Locally. I've used some on cards I'll post once I'm able to. (the event hasn't taken place yet, and I don't want the cards seen by the recipients before they're given) Well worth a visit to the shop. I'm now going to go and check out their web site.

Happy Crafting,

Hugs,

Beth

Toys for Men

6th July 2012

One of my recent commissions was to make a card for a male turning 40 who has expensive tastes. Now I don't know about you, but I find generally speaking, that mens cards are the hardest to come up with decent ideas for.

I eventually decided that travel and expensive boys toys was the way to go for this particular card.

The background and pattern papers are from Kaszazz. the die I used to cut the Eiffel Tower out of silver mirror card, is from Cheery Lyn. I rubbed it over with Vintage photo distress ink, then wiped it off, took just  a little of the mirror brightness off.
The pattern paper I mounted onto black card and flat mounted this over the flat mounted Eiffel Tower.
The Ferrari is an image I downloaded and printed onto glossy photo paper, fussy cut out and used Stampin Up dimensionals to mount at the bottom.
The sentiment is a stamp from SU's 'So Happy for you' set. For the numbers, I used my zyron to adhere a scrap of the pattern paper to heavy card, then used SU's  letter dies "Timeless type alphabet:to cut the numbers which I mounted with small foam squares.

Inside the card (not shown) I put a white insert which I cut slightly smaller than the base card and stamped it with some of the images from SU's 'Need for Speed' stamp set, I added just a tint of colour to those images. There is plenty of room for the giver to write a personal message.

And here is the finished card.

On a personal level, I'm really happy with the end result of this card and hope my customer is too.

Happy Crafting.

Hugs,

Beth 

Help me grow my following and be in with a chance to win a GREAT prize

5th July 2012


I've been trying to grow the following of my Blog, while there are those who regularly come and check out my creative endeavours, there are only 10 wonderful lovely people who have actually joined to follow my blog with Google connect. If there are other who follow via other means, I don’t know about them, since they don’t show up on my blog as followers.

So, in an attempt to grow my following, and also hopefully to get more comments (which help me to guage whats appealing and what isn't)  I have a prize on offer. Once the number of followers via Google connect reaches 100, a random number will be drawn and that person will win………… wait for it……….

CRAFT Artist by Serif Platinum edition.

 This is a 5 CD set. There are millions of amazing creative possibilities with this program.

CraftArt5ist Platinum Edition is the all-in-one tool for creating stunning print projects at home. You’ll be amazed by how easy the software is to use, plus the incredible graphics included will surpass all your expectations!

What’s inside this pack….
The 5 disks are full of stunning, high quality graphics, templates and he CraftArtist Professional Program CD.
I recently won one, then was given another, so have two, since I can only use one at a time, the second one is up for grabs.
It’s not just for those interested in Digital Scrapbooking and or card making, the individual backing papers, and elements can be printed and used as regular elements for traditional scrapbooking and cardmaking.

There are templates for every type of project

Scrapbooking	Table plans	Table decorations
Cards	Gifts	Journals
Invitations	Photo books	Cake toppers
Favours	Albums	Cupcake wrappers
Gift Bags	Gift Sets	Confetti cones
Invitations	Tags	Confetti Strands
RSVP Cards	Labels	Bunting
Envelopes	Posters	Certificates
Menu Cards	Party Kits	And loads more….

This is a genuine product on offer to a Random lucky winner once my followers reach 100. So find this button on the right hand side of my blog and join, If you could also leave comments on currnet and previous work, i'd be most grateful. Remember you gotta be in it to win it!

Unstampabelles July Challenge No 13

2nd July 2012

Prize for Challenge #13 donated by Cairns Bookbinders. and here on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/CairnsBookbinders

One handmade A5 Journal and three lengths of ribbon.

and the challenge is:

 'Celebrations'.

Our Chief Unstampabelle Merry is offering this list of goodies in addition to the Challenge prize offered by this months sponsor. here is the link http://unstampabelleschallenges.blogspot.com.au/ pop on over and check it out.

3 Australiana Phone Charms, Cadbury Chocolate 5 x 15g pieces, A5 Textured Paper Pack, 30 Diecut Paper Flowers, Grand Adhesion Stickers, 40 x Rhinestone Florettes.

Yes, we have a second prize on offer this month.......what a celebration!

Cardmaking Online is offering a $25.00 voucher to their store.

Cardmaking Online has been running for two years and offers a large range of card making products, including Parchment Craft, European style card making, card stitching, 3D Decoupage, embossing folders and dies, Hobbyjournaal magazine, cardstock, peel-off stickers and more.

As this is a first Birthday Challenge, I've made a 1st Birthday card. My card is a tri-fold zig-zag card. The colours I've used were chosen to match in with the colours in the pattern papers I've used for the front and third fold, the middle folds paper still follows the colours, but needed to be a different colour pattern, other wise it was too much of the same thing. (all the pattern papers come from the same set)  I've trimmed with ribbon and matted with red card. the number 1 is hand cut, ink embossed and trimmed scattered gems and with ribbon as it's large enough to carry the ribbon without being overwhelmed. The st following the number 1 is die cut using a Stampin Up alphabet die set.

The word Unstampabelles is made up of individual alphabet rub ons' and the word Birthday is a sticker.

The middle fold of the card I've decorated with a fussy cut image of a birthday cake which was on one of my birthday cards this year. there were other candles on the cake till I reduced them to the required number of 1, after all, you can't put 3 candles on a first birthday cake now can you?

The 3D butterfly was added because I thought it matched the colours used and looked rather pretty.

The complete card

 The middle fold of the card

Remember, anyone can join in the challenges over at Unstampabelles, you just have to remember that you cannot use STAMPS or DIGI images anywhere on your creation. I always make cards, because that's what I do, but your entries are not restricted to cards, you can do off the page projects, scrapbooking layouts, whatever, just no stamps or digi's.

Give it a go, it's fun, and you have nothing to lose by entering.

Happy Crafting,

Hugs

Beth