Sunday 12 September 2010

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!

10 comments:

  1. Fabulous work love the card and ofcourse the tag is simply magical. could not make it for KIS last week but head is already filling with ideas after seeing this. xx Zoe

    ReplyDelete
  2. Another stunning Xmas card, love the colour of the base card
    Hugs Kate

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi hun I agree a magical tag and such gorgeous rich colours on the card. Gorgeous projects as always. Treat yourself and live off beans!!! Hugs pascale

    ReplyDelete
  4. Just checking out who's 'Time' ATCs I'd received from the Stamp Man and look where I've found myself. Love the look of you're TYI this week. Oh, and thanks for the lovely ATC.

    ** Kate **

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love your swirl card and the tag is as you say magical, hope you enjoyed Harrogate.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love the fairy image - beautiful. Jxx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Aww you silly billy, I just read your comment on my blog. You should have come over and said hello at the weekend. I would have given you a big squeeze, shout in your ear loudly( cos I'm like that) and you'll have been too shocked to feel shy any more LOL>
    Bless your heart next time please come over and say HI I love meeting friends from blogland.
    big hugs lovely and of course I adore your embossed Baroque Motifs stamp.xxx

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great card and tag. Love the fairy. How much did you spend?
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. These are stunning, Janet. I love your Lavinia tag. Who couldn't resist those gorgeous stamps.
    Hope you had a good time at Harrogate. Did you resist temptation. I'm afraid we ARE on the beans now!!!!!Guess who didn't!!
    Hugs Lisax

    ReplyDelete
  10. lovin those swirls on your card chickie...yummy! and that tag is fabulous...love the color scheme and stampin....awesome work

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to stop by and look at my bits and pieces. If you leave a comment I can pop over to yours and have a peep at your work too.