Christmas Cards

Hi Everyone

Ok so this year I decided I would make every single Christmas card that I send.  What I normally do is only make a few special ones for close family and friends and then use bought ones for the rest.  So I needed something quick and easy as I only started on Sunday afternoon.  Et voila, (I love it when Raymond Blanc says this on his cookery programmes), 5 hours later I have 25 matching Christmas cards and I have to say I love them.

I've used Crafters Companion Matte Black  card along with Crafters Companion Kraft card as the base and the main matting on the cards.  The matting and die cut piece is embossed first using an A4 snowflake embossing folder and then cut using a memory box die Grand Merry Christmas.  The folder is no longer available but they will be back next year ad there are lots of other snowflake folders out there.  I have to say using an A4 folder was a complete easy peasy way to batch make cards as it was less passes through my ebosser.  To complete I have added a die cut and stamped penguin, using Poppy stamp Arctic penguin and matching die set, coloured with my Spectrum Noir Markers and then the last thing is a wooden heart button I bought at the NEC.  I coloured the ones on the kraft background in black and they look fab but the photograph hasn't come out very clear.

Colours used, DR4, GB6 and CR3

Hope you like them

Louise xx

FOOD!!!!

Hi Everyone

The Spectrum Noir Blog Challenge for December is food............  So i have chosen a Lily of the Valley stamp i bought ages ago and had not even used once............  This one is called Icing the Cake.

All of the colours of the Spectrum Noir pens used are on the spectrum noir blog page and I've used crafters companion black matt card stock for the base.  Then some red card from my stash and the patterned paper is from Colemans when i demoed a couple of weeks ago.  Claire and i bought 2 packs and shared them.  Its an A4 paper maker pack in cream and black and its gorgeous, we also got the pink and blue too....  Then I've cut my coloured image out with the circle die from the Chantilly lace diesire die and used the black card stock for the matching Chantilly lace die.  I've also used some Frantage on the edge of my image, the smallest tag from the scalloped tag  diesire set and finished with a bit of matching black ribbon.

This card has gone to my friend Audrey who called me the other night to say she loved it. I'm just about to lock myself away in my craft room to make some more Christmas cards.  I am not allowed out until i am done as i have left it far to late this year.

Hope you like it and don't forget to pop over to the blog and take part for a fabby prize.

Louise xx.

Crafters Companion Blog Challenge - Ribbon/Twine

Hi Everyone

How amazing are those sweet treat boards...........  i just love them.  I've only demoed with them once but watched Claire too at Colemans a couple of weeks ago and some of the things you can make for gifts is fab.

So with another Crafters Companion challenge coming up for December i though it would be perfect to add some ribbon both faux card and real ribbon to my gable box.

So I've used the Sweet Things board for this box and followed Sara's you tube clip to follow so i got it right.  The card i have used is black crafters card adn then some patterned card from my stash.  Its from a 12 x 12 " pad from First edition Noir et Chic, i love it and it only comes out for special occasions.  I think i am going to make some hand made chocolates to add to this one.  The card bow is made using a template from the Sweet Treat CD and is so easy to make and lots of different sizes.  I've then stamped a Just for you sentiment from the Love is all you need sentimental stamp set and then matted onto a die cut using the Chantilly Frame die set.  The to complete I've added some black organza ribbon.

There's still time to take part so pop over and enter............  what have you got to lose.

And now to some pics from mine and Leanns London trip.  We had such a fab time but unfortunately she needed to jump of the train at Peterborough instead of coming all the way home with me as she has shows on create and craft.

Lots of drink, food and shopping with a fab show thrown in too, Jersey Boys.










And then a piccie with Jake Wood from Eastenders aka Max Branning.  He was sitting next to me in the theatre.

Hope you like it.


Louise

Little Ivy

Hi Everyone

I've been so busy that's its been a whole month since I've posted and i even missed the post of my next crafty make on the spectrum noir blog.  It went up on the 16th November i think.  But, its been a busy month what with the NEC, then a demo at Graces Middlesbrough and then this weekend gone at Colemans in Rushden.  I'm not complaining, i wouldn't have it any other way...............  although i need a weekend off soon.

Sooooooooo, tomorrow Leann and i are off to the big smoke.  We've been talking about this for a while and finally have been able to fit it in.   We leave tomorrow, hopefully if the trains are running......  what a weekend to pick........  although there is always plan B if there are no trains, drive to Peterborough and drop Leanns TV samples off ready for next week and then a quick train journey into Kings cross.  i think its only about 45 mins - an hour.  So either way we will get there and I'm sure i will have some photos to share with you.

Anyway, here's my card for the Spectrum noir Christmas blog challenge November, sorry you cant enter now as its finished.  Although there is another one already up for December so i will have to be quick and share that one.

I've used a Lily of the valley image, Little Ivy, coloured with my fabby brand new Spectrum Noir Pens, colours are on the Spectrum blog.  The base is our fab new Crafters Companion Kraft Card, with red coredinations embossed using a holly embossing folder.  Hope you have one as they are all sold out although a mistletoe 6x6 is still available and would be just as good.  The patterned paper is from my stash as is the ribbon.  I've also die cut a bow using the same embossed coredinations and a stamp from the Mistletoe kisses sentimental stamp set using fired brick distress ink.

Hope you like it.

Louise

Crafters Comapnion Challenge Blog - Winter/Christmas

Hi Everyone

There have been a few gremlins in the works on the Crafters Companion Challenge blog and last months posts or entries etc disappeared.  I believe that most issues have been ironed out for this months post but you may need to add links to the comments section rather than linking it as normal.  I'm sure it will be back to normal soon.  Also Octobers will be posted again next week.

So, how can it be nearly Christmas again?

This time i have made a fold back card using a Mulberry wood image.  The base is made from Kraft card and matted with plain white neenah.  Then using a brand new Diesire Elegance die i have cut two out in red coredinations.  I've mounted the Mulberry wood image sent with love that I've coloured with Spectrum Noir pens , using the square die that comes in the same back and distressed the edges with fired brick distress ink.  (I coloured this image quite a while ago and didn't keep a note of the colours sorry)  The sentiment is using the Jingle Bells sentimental stamp set and then I've found some red matching paper in my stash.  Then I've just added to sprigs if ivy using the smaller of the two ivy dies and finished with a small red ribbon bow.

Hope you like it and please pop over to the blog and take part to win a fabby prize.

Louise xx

Crafters Inspiration magazine Volume 3

Hi Everyone

Have you got your copy of the Crafters Inspiration Magazine, Volume 3 yet???  If not its still available on the website and I'm sure you will find it in shops out and about.  However it will also be at the Nec next week on Pink Frogs stand.  Leann will be there Thursday and Friday and Dawn Saturday and Sunday.  Plus I'll be there Thursday till Friday too and then i have a whole day shopping on the Sunday.  I love the NEC.

Its packed full of fab tutorials from all your Crafters Companion Favourite team and there's also £45 worth of free product inside just for you.

Here's my tutorial that's in the magazine and i just loved making these.

There's 3 separate items to make so take your pick and they are all using the Barkley Everyday stamp range.  There's full written step by step instructions in the magazine and all products are listed.

Hope you like it and i cant wait for Volume 4...........

Louise xx

Spectrum Noir Challenge Blog - Orange

Hi Everyone

My first post since vie returned from hols and this card has been ready for a month, just no time left in the day...............

So the them is orange this month and it would have been easy to make a Halloween card but i decided to colour this image in as ive had her for ages and not even tried. She's called Fairy Fae from Tiddlyinks and i just love her, she is very delicate and sooooooooo pretty.

All of the colours ive used are listed on the Spectrum noir blog, where you can find details of how to enter but October is nearly gone so get moving.

I've used paper from my stash and i think these two are from K&Co, backed on coredinations and a centura pearl card base.  The die is a sissix die that i bought in belgium and not sure of the name. I've used spray and sparkle iridescent on her wings and the cloud background is done by masked a cloud cut out and using tumbled glass distress ink.  It so easy to do but not got time to show you today.  If you would like details please leave a comment below and i will find some time to add it.

Hope you like it.

Louise xx

Spectrum Noir Blog - Embellishments

Hi Everyone

My card for October is using a beautiful belles and whistle image that I've not even stamped before, shameful.  (I've searched for this one on-line and can't find anywhere to buy it now, maybe I've just not searched enough) However i wanted to show how spectrum noirs could be used for other things and not just colouring images.  My blog challenge for September was using the refill inks direct to make a background paper and this time i have used my pens direct to vellum to colour tint a quilled flower.  This one is a small sunflower but you could use any of your choice.

I've used my favourite black card, Crafters Companion new Matt black cardstock, Spectrum Noirs and the patterned paper i picked up on one of my demo days at a local craft shop but i think i got the last pieces. However i have searched on-line and here's a place you can find them, the black background, the yellow polka dot, but I'm sure if you search more you could find single sheets.

Then I've added some black lace from my stash, leaves using leaf 2 and some black pearls.  The sentiment is printed from my pc.

You can find a full list of the colours used on the Spectrum Noir Blog.

Hope you like it.

Louise xx

Crafters Companion Challenge Blog - Baby

Hi Everyone

This months challenge on the Crafters Companion Blog Challenge  is 'Baby'.  Crafters companion have just brought out their Makey Bakey Mice range and i knew i would find a perfect image for this them on the Everyday CD.  Soooooo  a really simple (but effective card)....  i've printed of a page of toppers, matted it onto some matching Co-ordinations card.  The base is Watercolour Card and then just added a sentiment with a couple of matching brads, and i bit of glitter on the edge of the image and poppy..

Why not have a go yourself.............

Hope you like it.

 Louise  xx

Spectrum Noir Blog Challenge - Travel

Hi Everyone

The September Spectrum Noir Challenge is Travel, and it is nearly at and end, only tomorrow left to add your entry.  So i have chosen a stamp set from Stampit Australia, Around the world.  The base card has been made using the matt side of centura pearl white card. First i stamped several of the images in versamark ink and embossed with black embossing powder. I have used 3 distress ink pads, vintage photo, frayed burlap and peeled paint.  Then once the inks are applied i've used a bottle of spectrum noir refil blender ink and EB5 and randomly dropped the ink onto the surface.  Once i trimmed the background to the correct size for my card i have use black soot distress ink on the edges to remove the white edge.

Then i've added a sentiment from the same set, some twine and a charm and a black border using a spellbinder edgebility from my die stash.  The base is Crafters companion Matt black card, i love this new card from CC, its really sturdy to make card bases.....

 Why not pop over and take part, there will be a fab prize and all you need to do is follow the them and use your Spectrum Noirs.      

Hope you like it.

Louise xx

A little bit Summery

Hi Everyone

My tutorial for the Spectrum Noir Blog is now up, well I'm a day late..........  I love love love Sheena's little bit floral stamp as flowers always come in handy for all sorts of occasions so i have chosen the beautiful Dahlia to colour.

The full technique and the spectrum noirs colours used are on the blog if you would like to have a go.  The background is using 3 different distress inks, squeezed lemonade, picked raspberry and peeled paint.  First i embossed the card with versamark and then used white embossing powder. Then when you add the ink with cut and dry foam the white powder resists where the embossing powder is.  Then just a few bits and pieces to finish and a tag from the Scalloped Tag pack of dies.

I was demoing a similar card at Strikes Stokelsey yesterday, and this week i am demoing at Crafty Nook in Durham on Thursday, details below.  Please pop in if you can it would be lovely to see you.............

Event:	Demo Day at Crafty Nook
Date/Time:	Thursday 5th September
Location:	Durham
Description:	Demo Day at Crafty Nook in Durham with Louise Welsh. 10am - 4pm Please call 0191 374 0877 for more information. Address: Unit 27 Durham Indoor Market Durham DH1 3NJ

Hope you like it

Louise xx

Crafters Companion Challenge Blog

Hi Everyone

Septembers Crafters Companion Challenge Blog is embossing folders so i have shared a card that i normally make at my demos.  I must give credit to Lynne Kontou, who is one of the talented DT members on the Diesire DT as i took inspiration from one of her cards.  She has made some fab cards recently and i just love her style.  I have added my own touches though.

I've used the 8x8 Music Embossalicious folder and sanded back some coordination's car.  The patterned paper i found in my stash but i do know its Pion designs.  Then i have used Kraft card for the base which is 7x7" and matted the two card types onto this joining with some beautiful lace.  I've used glitter card to cut two Snowflakes out of and added these with a couple of pearls in the centre.  The the message is from Sentimental stamp set Mistletoe kisses and the Tags 1 die.  Then to finish off i have added a couple of spruce trees and a few gems.

Hope you like it

Louis exx

Anything but a card Challenge

Hi Everyone

This months (August) challenge on the Spectrum Noir blog was to create a project but not a card.  So while out and about i scouted for something i could decorate and this is what i found at Houghton Hall Garden Centre on Saturday gone when i was demoing.  The frame only cost me £2.40 and i think it will be a perfect addition to Gracies bedroom.

I have covered it with Gingham paper from the Party Paws cd and some purple braiding,  i also bought from the same craft shop.  The link takes you to a full pack but in each shop its sold separately for only £1.00 per roll.  Then all i have done is coloured two lily of the valley images, Lovley Lilies and My Best Friend  in with my spectrum noir pens in matching colours. and cut them out and stuck onto the frame.  To complete i have just added a few liquid pearl drops.

 Colours used

hair EB1, TN2, TN3, TN7, EB3, EB8, BG7
Skin, FS2, FS3, TN2, CR3, CR4
Dress & Hairband HB1, LV1, LV2, LV3, JG1, , JG3, JG7
Flowers and leaves DG2, DG4, GB1, GB5, EB3
Cat IG1, IG3 & IG6

Pop over and take part, you just might win......

Hope you like it

Louise xx

Snowflakes

Hi Everyone

Today i have a card i made for my demo yesterday at The Paper Warehouse in Kendal.  It was lovely drive there and back, with fab views but the weather turned a bit nasty and i got soaked coming out of the shop.

The demo was mainly Christmas items using the new Christmas Dies and i mixed this with one of Sheenas Snowflake stamp sets.  I've used the Christmas Snowflake die-sire set on centura pearl card in purple, its in the dark set and this matches the card base.  Its so lush this colour it reminds me of cadbury chocolate.  the white snowflake is also white centura pearl but i have stick and stayed it and then pressed glitter into it, this was a tip from Leann.  The background is using the reverse of centura pearl and ive stamped the snowflakes in versamark and used white embossing powder, then distress inks in, chipped sapphire, dusky concord and milled lavender and this creates a resist effect over the embossed snowflakes.  The sentiment is from the same stamp sheet and i've use a Diesire tag to cut that out.

Next week I'm at Carlisle, Houghton Hall garden Centre.

And the next three days i'm off to London for a short break, i'm sooooooo cited!!!!!!!

Love London.

Hope you like it.

Louise xx

Wedding Cake - 10th August 2013

Hi Everyone

Ok I'm busy preparing lots of projects for blogs and the next CC inspiration magazine which will be out in October but i really just had to spend 5 mins to share these photos with you.

I stopped make cakes a while ago as i ad made so many and just really had lost interest and the main issue is its extremely stressful making wedding cakes.  I just kept thinking about if it went wrong etc etc and the thought of letting someone down after they had looked forward to their wedding day for so long.  After all it should be just once in a lifetime that you have a wedding cake, (although I've nothing against anyone being married two or three or even more times).

So a friend a just to work with ages and ages ago got in touch via facebook and asked if i would make a wedding cake for his daughter and my first reaction was to say no but i said yes (how hard is it to say no to people.......)  And here it is.  It was Charlotte's wedding yesterday and Paul and Susan you should be so proud she looks stunning and i hope you all had a fab day.

I am so pleased i said yes as i really enjoyed making and icing the cake, its been so long that i thought i had forgotten.

Just stunning.......  The bride and groom that is.

Ok back to my crafting.........

Hope you like it.

Louise xx

Crafters Companion Challenge Blog - Animals

Hi Everyone

Its animals as the them for this months Crafters Companion Challenge Blog and I've chosen this fab little stamp, Bambooks Favourites, coloured with Spectrum Noir Pens.  I made this card while at the glitter pot on my demo day out of bits and pieces i had been demoing with so it was a bit impromptu and not at all planned but i love it.

Ive sanded the red Coredinations after embossing with the rose garden folder and then for the centre piece i have used aged mahogany and brayered the folder before embossing some white centura pearl card,. For the card base and also for matting i have used black centura pearl card.  The flower is made using the small sunflower diesire quilling die using white neenah card.

Dont forget to pop over and take part and also take alook at the other DT members inspairation.

Hope you like it.

Louise xx

What a Day - 7.7.13

Hi Everyone

Just thought i would share a few of my photos from the best day in mens singles tennis EVER!!!!  Andy Murray was AMAZING......  i was hoping for a five set match but honestly for him to beat Djokevich in 3 straight sets was just brilliant.

Unfortunately i never managed to get tickets for entry to centre court but was lucky enough to get them for court no 1 and of course chose to sit on the hill rather than watch the girls and boys finals.  7 hours on henman hill enjoying the 30 degree sunshine and a few pimms and plenty of water was an amazing experience and i would do it again tomorrow.

The photos below that are blurry are taken from the huge tv screen on the hill, and i even got some phots of smiles from Andy and Llendl, which is un heard of.

Such a fab day and i will never forget it.

Louise  xx

Friendship

Hi Everyone
A really really quick post from me today as i need to go and pack for my London trip.........  i can't wait after the match last night as Murray did amazing against Janowicz.

This card is for the July Challenge on the Spectrum noir blog challenge and this month it is friendship.

I've not coloured many Bamboo images so i chose this one party with Bamboo, coloured with spectrum noirs.  The backing paper is from the party paws papercrafting cd and a panel of coordination's using the perfect paisley embossing folder.  Then to finish i have used a sentiment stamp from the party paws range and tag die, then a few bits and pieces from my craft stash..

Hope you like it.

Louise xx