Its HERE!!!!!

CHA that is :D

Apologies,I lost my way with the senak peeks I'm afraid - it was my birthday so I got a little bit ditracted by prezzies and a delish New York style baked cheesecake that my lovely hubby had delivered for me :D
nom nom nom :D and even better .............hubby didn't like it so it was ALL MINE :D

Anywho, CHA is underway in LA and I have spotted a few cracking items already ......

Loving the Hambly washi tapes check out the rest of their new items ontheir BLOG

Love these Graphic 45 stamps

and check out Rangers booth on their BLOG no prizes for guessing this is Tims display LOL
Oh I can't wait to see new items in real life and touch them at Stitches in just 3 weeks time!!!
The man himself will be there, but I have promised Moira faithfully I will do more than stand gawping while he demos this time LOL :D

I'm a little bit sad that Claudine and Suze won't be there this year though :(

I'm hoping to bump in to Caroline from Bubbly Funk but if you are going please say hi if you pass me :D

Hugs'n'snogs,
Julie xx

Steampunk style grungeboard choker

Well what a busy week last week was, but I nearly got this choker finished for you LOL :D

I haven't added the findings yet as I'm waiting for some ribbon to arrive.

I started with a strip of plain GRUNGEBOARD and painted on slighlty watered down VIVA DECOR INKA GOLD in graphite - I mix it on the lid with a water brush until its a nice creamy consistancy and paint on a few layers.

When its dry buff with a soft cloth or tissue.

Next I stamped my ScrollsWork gears stamps inversamark ink randomly all over the grunge and embossed with Tim Holtz DISTRESS EMBOSSING POWDER.You have to be patient with the distress powder and wait until it cools or it will all brush off.

I repeated the same on a grungeboard disc - when I heated it it curled on the edges turning it in to a dish shape, so I took advantage and added melted clear utee to make a pendant and added some watchparts and a metal flower.

I punched holes in the choker section to add the chains and rings which the ribbon will be attatched to, and added some flowers made using my DICHROIC TECHNIQUE, prima say it in studs centres and a metal dragonfly.

I love this grungey but pretty look and the mix of textures and metals.

Hugs'n'snogs,

Julie xx

CHA SP update 6...........

Oooooooooooo well I shared a little pic from Websters pages but go and see for yourself...... LADIES & GENTS and YACHT CLUB.............. I'm in love with the Ladies and Gents!!

Sparkling spring from PRIMA and some lush flowers again, love the petticoat flowers.


Wendy Vecchi has more fabby stamps on show and from her Facebook post it looks like there is going to be something pretty exciting coming tomorrow!!!

GRAPHIC 45 has some lush metal embellies!!

Ooooooo what will tomorrow bring folks????

Hugs'n'snogs,
Julie xx

P.S. T!ms just added his 4th sneak HERE ;-)

CHA SP update 5...........

OMG Graphic 45 have teamed up with Hampton arts...............SO...............STAMPS!!!
I wonder if they will release stamps for their past collections??? I hope so!!!

**edited to add I asked the question on facebook and here is my reply............

We (Graphic 45) & Hampton have partnered together to make stamps for our following collections: Communique, Fashionista, Le Romantique, Christmas Past (wood), and Steampunk Debutante. Look for these stamps at your LSS that sell Hampton Art Stamps.

T!m has evenmore dies!!! loving the words!!!

Claudine has something up her sleeve but isn't giving anything away yet!!!

Maya Road are also being a bit shy but have posted this photoAND check out their facebook page for the most amazing opportunity......your work could be on display at CHA and you could also win a goody bag!!!!

Oooo and looky at the image Websters Pages have added to their facebook page!!!And HERE is the new Glitz catalogue!!! Love them all!!!

I am loving this seasons new releases..........are you??
What are you craving???

hugs'n'snogs,
Julie xx

CHA SP update 4...........

Now we are rolling!!! LOL

Websters Pages have released a sneak of their COUNTRY ESTATE

Tim snook on late last night and added fabby pics of his

Say hello to My Minds Eye STELLA ROSE and LUSH

The next set of stamps from WENDY VECCHI

A good look at Graphic 45 CURTAIN CALL -------------Yummy!!!!

Studio Calico COUNTRYSIDE
and lots more on HERE including Teresa Collins

And last but defo not least .....................PRIMA has done it again!!!

and thats just a teeny selection!!!

lots and lots to drool over today :D

Hugs'n'snogs,
Julie xx
P.S check out T!ms blog again for todays update :D

CHA SP update 3...........

The first of PRIMAS new papers and check out those Dechire flowers .............I'm in love!!!

a closer look at Graphic 45s LE CIRQUE

and the first of Wendy Vecchis new STAMPS

Oooooo and a drum roll please ............ 7 Gypsies


Have you found anything nice???

Hugs'n'snogs,
Julie xx

CHA SP update 2...........

Ooooooooooooooooooo lookie lookie - Graphic 45
Le Cirque
Curtain Call Best CreationInc Travel Line scrapbook papers

Can't wait to see the Graphic 45 lines in all of their glory :D
Hugs'n'snogs,
Julie xx

CHA SP (sneak peeks :D ) update 1...........

Scrapbookers check out HERE for some new products

Have to say I'm only loving GCD studios Funhouse and Antiquities 1&2 so far!!!
I do love Prima too but i don't actually think thats the new releases as they start previewing from tomorrow!!! - edited to add I take that back LOL, they are new and yummy :D

What do you all think??

Hugs'n'snogs,
Julie xx

Wow - check these out.........

A few of my friends have posted some pretty amazing pieces over the last few days and I just want to point you in their direction to share their wonderfullnes!!

I have to admit I am now suffering ECE - Extreme Crafting Envy!!!

Minxy - aka Nicky Cresswell created this little beauty for the Artistic Stamper creative team
A gorgeous altered bottle by Gillian Simson for Happy Daze
A beutiful pendant from yesterdays birthday girl Carol Fox for Crafty Individuals
And look at Moiras fantastic transformed frame for Happy Daze

A stunning minibook from Sarah for Bubbly Scrumptious

And check out Jennifer Ingles Fairy Child bottle for Scrolls Work stamps - who would have believed that started life as a salt pot!!! I love the paper piecing on this one :D


Also congrats to Netty for becoming part of the Gingersnap Creations DT :D

Hugs'n'inspired snogs,
Julie xx

Ooooo so excited now.....

Ok, so last night I mentioned the CHA buzz on here and on UK Scrappers and look what my clever friend Leanie found..........

HERE
HERE
HERE
HERE
HERE

I am so loving the sewing theme!!! I NEED that sizzix die and the texture fades are lush!!!

Oh, and if you don't follow Websters Pages blog go and have a looksie HERE at their lovely new release - I love the Petite berry bouquet and the spring market trim!!!
AND STAMPS!!!! yum yum :D

Hugs'n'textured snogs,
Julie xx

Its nearly that time of year again.............

............that the crafting world gets REALLY exciting :D
CHA time!!!!
I'll be keeping my eye out for sneaky peeks and will be posting them as I find and can't wait!!!

Prima are starting their sneaks from Monday and I LURRRVVVE their stuff as you know :D
Tim has a little sneak on his blog which teases us with stamps and new sizzix dies.

So I wonder what my hard earned wages will disappear on this year LOL

Oh and Happy Birthday to T!m xxx

Hugs'n'excited snogs,
Julie xx

Grungey little Scrolls Work Angel

This week for my Bubbly Scrumptious piece I decided to create a cute little grungey frame using some of the Tim Holtz techniques I have learned this year, part of which are from the 12 tags of Christmas.

I started by sticking a scalloped frame to a square frame, both of chipboard.

Next I randomly stuck tissue tape collage style over the frame used an embossing tool to shape the tape around the scallops.

I then inked the whole thing with Meadow and Willow alcohol ink which I had applied with a piece of felt as Tim did HERE.

I stamped my Scrolls Work stamp - Althya on to a light coloured piece of Prima patterned paper in Crimson archival ink using a brayer to apply the ink to the stamp - I wanted it to look distressed so didn't ink it thoroughly.

I coloured the image with Rusty Hinge and Bundled sage distress ink.

Once dry I glued the stamped image to the frame

I added some frayed burlap distress stickles to the frame and the stamped image.

Next I inked my chipboard swirl with Walnut stain distress ink and coated it with Rusty Hinge distress embossing powder. When cool I brushed away the excess and inked the exposed patches and edges with the walnut stain ink and glued it to my frame.

I then made two tissue tape flowers following Tim's video tutorial

I glued them on , spritzed them and added some vintage buttons with a nice blob of the distress stickles delicately smeared on.

Doesn't she look cute?

I have added this to Studio L3's Compendium of Curiosities week 26 challenge where there is a fabby prize up for grabs :D

And also to the Simon says stamp and show blog whos challenge this week is to showyour newest stamp :D

Hugs'n'snogs,

Julie xx

Configure this........

So Santa didn't see my list :( either that or I was too naughty last year ..............never LOL :D
I have pointed it out to my hubby for my Birthday this month though ;-)

He did bring me some pretty cool presents though my main being a Flip ..............whats a Flip???............ well until Christmas morning I had no idea either LOL
But its this.....

If you click the picture it will take you to the site and show you what it does :D My lovely hubby thought it would be great for me to take to shows and record demos to share with you , and if I'm feeling really brave I could shoot my own tutorials!!! Imagine that LOL :
Watch this space, you never know LOL :D

We were meant to be going to meet a little dog that is being rehomed today but the person who is letting her go emailed my hubby yesterday to say that she had already gone, even though we had arranged to travel there with our dog and meet her .......don't get me started!!!!
She has gone to a family member, which I find a little bit awkward as it will totally confuse her if she sees her previous owner :(
Oh well, it wasn't meant to be and I hope she is happy in her new home :D

Well I ordered a little treat for me anyway from Moira @HappyDaze which arrived on New Years eve :D
I haven't had chance to play yet, but low and behold hasn't Tim added two new videos to his blog all about configurations :D






So, what am I going to do with my boxes???
I'm not sure yet but Imight just use some of the techniques I learnt with the 12 tags of Christmas :D

I have some more tissue tape on order and some other bits I found in a sales, I have saved my champagne corks from New Year, and I have lots of other vintage bits and pieces which might just make an appearance in there :D
I have some lovely printers blocks somewhere, so will have to dig them out :D

Check out Lindas gorgeous Christmas one HERE

So what are your projects this year?
I'm not one for doing a year long project - I like things that are done quickly .........I'm far too impatient LOL

I'm being a good girl though and trying to sort through my stash and tidy/organise a bit better.I'm clearing out a lot of things from my cardmaker days that will never get used and rehoming them to my niece who has a Rainbow group :D

Yesterday I set about storing my stamps properly and adding the images to my index file, which judging by the amount of new additions, I haven't done for a long time LOL!!!

speaking of stamps how fabby are THESE!!! defo going on my wish list :D

When I'm done I'm going to start playing :D
wish me luck!!!

Hugs'n'snogs,
Julie xx

Too good not to make a big deal of..........

Happy First Anniversary Scrolls Work stamps :D

And to celebrate look whatJacque is offering!!!

Click the picture to get more info and happy Shopping everyone :D

hugs'n'snogs,
Julie xx

Happy New Year to you all..........

Wishing you all the very best in the forthcoming year.
May it bring you health, wealth and happiness ...........or lots of craft goodies :D

Do you all have lovely plans for bringing in the New Year?
me and my lovely hubby are going out for something to eat, which we kinda left to the last minute to organise LOL :D

Anyhooooo hope you all have a fabby night whatever you are planning and see you all next year :D

And a little treat for you all - head over to Scrolls Work stamps who are celebrating their first anniversary with a 35% off sale - wowser!!!!

Hugs'n'snogs,
Julie xx

decorate your decorations..........

Are your Christmas decorations looking tired? don't match your decor or you just fancy a change??

Well get yourself some INKA GOLD from Bubbly Funk and give them a new look before you put them away this year. Give them a new lease of life and create an orginal look for your home.

Inspired by my TH tags of Christmas I bought some cheap silver coloured baubles and applied the inka gold with a dry baby wipe. When dry I buffed and then gave them a second coat.

When evenly coated and lovely and shiney I added embellies - you could use anything - crystals, stickers, flowers rub-ons etc....

They look stunning in real life and look much more expensive than they did originally.

Why not have a scoot around the sales and see if you can find some bargains then transform them in to a lovely co-ordinated set for next year :D

And if you do them now you will avoid that pre Christmas panic next year :D

Hugs'n'snogs,

Julie xx

2010 favourites award ceremony starts here ...........NOW!!!

I got to thinking about my crafting year and what teh highlights have been - fave products I have discovered , events, etc...........

So for anybody who is interested this is my top ten of my 2010 crafting journey :D

At Ten...........
discovering utee and all the things you can do with it thanks to Suze Weinberg :D
I have enjoyed experimenting and even the singed fingers when I just 'forget' how hot it is again LOL

At Nine...........
rediscovering my love of stamps thanks to the girlies over at Zuzus and Moiras amazing selection of stamps (which seem to be sneaking in to my home LOL :D )

At Eight...........
Meeting Claudine and falling in love with Sticky backed canvas!!!
Such a cool product if you haven't got around to using it yet!! Check out my post HERE :D
My fave technique has to be the image transfer which works fabby with scrapbook papers :D

At Seven............
Rebekah asking me to design aproject for her Birthday blog hop and having so much fun with everyone :D
HERES my project if anybody wants to see it

At Six.....................
Discovering altered art thanks to Moira, Ginger, Zuzu and Gillian!!!
The car boots and charity shops are my new fave haunts and I love finding unusual things to alter like my alarm clock, pocket watch and bottle - check out my ALTERED ART BLOG TAB to see them and other projects :D

At Five...........
taking part in the Tims 12 tags of Christmas for the first time ever, and learning some fabby new techniques along the way.
CLICK THIS BLOG TAB if you would like to share my journey

At Four...........
Being asked to be a guest designer at the PINK BOOBY 5 CROP and getting to teach and meet lots of amazing crafters.
I had so much fun and can't wait until next year :D
I even had fun when I was thrown in at the deep end to take over Cals class - thanks guys LOL
Lots of money was raised and lots of money spent with worthy causes supported :D (scuse the pun LOL)

At Three...........
Being part of three amazing design teams!!!

Happy Daze
Bubbly Scrumptious
Scrolls Works stamps

All of the teams are amazingly talented and I get the chance to work with fabby new products.
I feel so honoured to be part of them all and would like to say a HUGE thank you for making me part of them :D

At Two............
Meeting Tim Holtz, the lord of all that is grungey and distressed!!!
Huge thanks to Moira for inviting me to Stitches in February :D I had a bit of a trial getting there but it was so worth it!!!
I got to meet lots of fellow crafters in real life, flesh and blood, the works LOL :D
But I also met Tim!!!
I don't think Moira realised what a profound affect it would have on my crafting (and my bank balance to be honest LOL) !!!

I never really 'got' the whole Tim Holtz craziness until I watched him demo - poor Moira couldn't drag me away LOL

So heres the BLOG POSTS which cover the visit to snowy Birmingham and the NEC.

And in First place..........
Creating my own technique :D
I was in love with Viva Decor Croco from the moment I tried it and couldn't help experimenting to see what it could do :D
I was amazed and in love when I realised I could make a piece of chipboard look like dichroic glass :D
I searched the internet for any techniques and couldn't find anything that uses the same technique as mine :D
SO HERE IT IS if you aren't bored of seeing it already LOL :D
and a few projects I have made using it HERE :D

So what have you all been up to in 2010???
Why not share your top ten with us all :D

I wonder what 2011 will bring to my crafting life????

Hugs'n'festive Boxing Day+1 snogs,
Julie xx

TH12TOC - day eight - do-over :D

Ok, as mentioned I want to re-do the tags that aren't in the same vein of my usual style so this is the start of my do-overs LOL

Here's my original day eight

I'm gutted I didn't keep the little detailed areas - but they were a pain to place LOL :D

Who would believe it was the same tag???
It just shows how all the techniques can be adapted to your personal style :D

Oh and you will be pleased to know that I feel much better today and heading back to work tomorrow :D
YEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY:D

Hugs'n'snogs,
Julie xx

....are you following and playing along??
Check out his blog HERE daily for fabby inspiration and new techniques :D

If you decide to play along visit ARTYJEN and share your tags with others who are joining in with the chance to win a prize from Jennie at The Artistic Stamper - the winner will be chosen at random and the more you enter the more chances you have of winning :D

*****This post will hopefully remain at the top for now so please see below for the latest post*****

TH12TOC - day twelve :D

Its the final day and I feel so sad that this is the last tag :(

T!ms tag today features his movers and shapers sizzix dies, which I have been looking at for a while, but wasn't sure how to use.
If your the same check out his post today as the video tutorials are excellent and really put it all in to place for me ..............my wish list is now groaning under the weight LOL

Well, today was hard work!!!
Guess what.............no dies LOL but you already knew that :D

So I happened upon some grungeboard sheets I had forgotten I had bought when I was tidying last night so I decided to hand cut the bauble :D
I drew myself a template and then drew it on to the grungeboard, the cut it out with a combo of my craft knife and my tonic scissors - was pretty pleasedwith myself at this point :D
So I decided to stick with my muted colour tones and cut a tag from a piece of Websters pages paper. and inked it in bundled sage and broken china DI.
I addedbuttons to the bottom and lace down the side and added distress stickles in bundled sage and rock candy.

So back to the bauble!!!
It started as a disaster, continued as a disaster for a few attempts but I recovered it in the end:D

I inked it with the broken china ink and edged it with walnut stain and added the crackle as per T!ms instructions - I used the grainy textured side by accident when I cut out my bauble and it looked horrible and didn't crackle properly.

So what to do?

I covered it with my trusty pearl paint dabber and dried it, sanded it back a bit and tried inking with the DI - of course you couldn't see them so I dried it off and got my alcohol inks out - they work lovely on grungeboard when it has been painted with a metallic acrylic - pearl works fabby as its nice and white which is why I bought it after seeing T!m demo in Feb :D

So I dabbed on Willow and stonewash ink and added more crackle glaze. when dry I highlighted with a bit more ink and some rock candy stickles.
I didn't like how it was looking so I decided to back my cut out word with paper and glossy accents the whole thing - disaster!!!
It looked awful!!

Next step - back to the craft knife and I cut all the GA and paper away from the word and sharpened up the edges. It took awhile and my finger is now sore from pressing down but it looks much better :D
I stuck it on to my tag and added a sticker with a little crystal headed pin, and added fibres to finish off.

I really love how some of my tags work together but a bit disappointed that I didn't do them all in the same colour tones.
So when I get chance Iam going to re-do some of them so I have a matching set :D

Well thats it for this year :(

Its the first time I have played and still can't believe that this time last year I only owned three distress inks and had no idea how to use them LOL :D

Wait until I see T!im again in Feb, and see how much it costs me next year LOL

So whats on my wish list???

More sizzix dies and embossing folders including movers and shapers and base plates
A tint attacher - wanted one for ages :D
An I-top brad maker and the bits to go with it (T!m used one on last years tag)
Lots more stamps,
Facets
More tissue tape
The remaining DI I haven't got yet
The distress stickles I haven't got yet either

I could go on forever LOL

If anybody happens to bump in to Santa please remind him I have been a good girl this year (as always ;-D )

Thank you to everyone for your kind words regarding my tags and for your concerns over my health - I'm still not well, and have a feeling I may be back at the docs tomorrow for more antibiotics :(


Hugs'n'snogs,
Julie xx