A couple of challenges x

Over on Keep it simple this week we are challenged to make a card using a swirl -this gorgeous Stampin up swirl immediately came to mind although I do have a number of swirl stamps. I decided to stick with Christmas again so embossed the swirl on green in gold then added the glass patties pretties. Ive used a small happy holidays greeting stamp with is a cling stamp but is not with its set so dont know who makes it.

and on Tag You're it the challenge is in the fairy garden - well who can resist Lavinia fairy stamps. These were a subscription offer with Craft Stamper and although I know my playing is nothing like Tracey Duttons I am improving each time I play. I have teamed the stamps with distress inks for the background applied with a shaving brush. I have had many questions about using brushes so will give a quick run down on my method.

I bought my brushes from Boyes (technically my pals Georgina and Bee picked them up for me) They are ordinary shaving brushes and cost 99p each. I have seen colour dusters made by Judikins on sale at Joanna Sheen and these are made for the job but are smaller.

I trimmed the ends of the brushes and have a brush for each colour - orange, red, green etc. After use I clean them on a babywipe and this stops the different shades from contaminating each other. I use them with all my dye ink pads adirondack, distress and stampin up using the same brushes for all the inks.

I swish the brush on the ink pad in a motion as if I was lathering soap for about 10sec then transfer it to the paper using the same motion. At first the colour can be quite pale so build up the layers of ink until you are happy with the colour.This can give a similar soft look like it has been brayered but it much easier and faster to achieve. You can use paper or other masking techniques just as with brayering and get very similar and quite instant results without much practice. * update - Graphicus have some fab brushes for the same price in packs of 6 and 10*

Hope that description helps a little :0)

So do hop on over to Keep it Simple to see some gorgeous swirls and Tag You're it for some lovely fairy tags

I am off to Harrogate show for a whistle stop visit to meet up with my lovely docraft friends Bobs, Cazro, Horners corner and Ribbon lady so have my little gifts ready and a few atcs to swap. I hope I am not tempted too much as there is definately too much month at the end of the money with going back to Uni and school stuff to buy! We may be on beans for the rest of September!

Hope you have a fun packed day ahead too!