Flower Fairy Centre Fold card + Di's Snippets + WOYWW

Well it is obviously Wednesday today, even if it really has taken me most of the day to realise it.. so Wednesday means the great worldwide Blog-hop around desks of the world for WOYWW or What is On Your workdesk Wednesday.. pop over to our Julia's Stamping Ground! 

To my desk- several again:

Here smooched mixture of inks on embossing folder and then spritzed it well with water, then embossed it .. one worked better than the other but both not too bad. Re-spritzed with Diamond Dust glimmer mist for more blending too.

So this was few days later, yesterday in fact and well into the making of this card. This was one big learning curve. Half way through said why do I pick such tricky designs??
Nellie Snellen Ribbon border die in left foreground, on right pink ATG, almost done card in rear, next to it Darice Nature Border EF as well. Had to cut this apart into two pieces as it was not quite lined up properly - a first! but needed it cut, as wanted the same part at front and end of greeting anyway.

Completed centre step fold card. You can see the Darice Nature border EF (with pink glitter) at the either end of front section, greeting printed then embossed it quickly with clear EP.
HAPPY 4th Birthday, dear Emily!
The flower image is here and 3D'ed, mounted on SB Fleur de Lis rectangle in lovely pink foiled card, also ribbon border on side. The front cross section and sides also have Taylored Expressions Eyelet Scallop border die. Used this Template here for the Centre Step Fold card

I think the flower with this flower fairy is the candytuft but maybe not one by Cicely Mary Barker, as could not find who created this image. A Google reverse image search just took me back to unnamed page from which I pinned it.

The verse on the inside of the card printed on some DP

Today's desk this afternoon at 3pm approx. I had a fellow crafter Sharlene to visit .. so here she was paused mid stamping as she was copying images from my Bible verse drawer. You can see a completed page to the top left, cuppa finished and ink pad just used .. Sharlene was out cleaning stamps, as like mine cleaned as I stamp; a habit from when started in 1990. Most of these are from that era, very few bought this century.

One of two Aussie shots today, was at my friend's place and had my camera in hand... a bird of paradise or native Strelitizia.

From the same garden.. a bush orchid growing on the flowering bottlebrush, both natives. Looks like a wandering choko vine too :D My friend Elaine and hubby, Mal have many more amazing orchids which I took that day. They could hold their own orchid show :D

 I will comment as able ~ still a little behind, but getting there :D

Thanks so much every one for popping over for a peek as chat, and may God bless your day wherever you may be!  Shaz in Oz.x

Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me." Micah 7:8 

Linking the Emily's card up to:

1. Di's Snippety challenge - Used  a number of snippets on Emily's card (the lovely pink floil was used on one other card and have another piece for one more I hope, not bad out of an A4 sheet :D)

 http://pixiescraftyworkshop.blogspot.com.au/

2. Word Art Wednesday - anything goes    http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au.
3. http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/week-329-sparkle.html   Allsort challenge is Sparkle .... well it is hard to see but it is there on the front piece :D

4. http://theenchantingrose.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/roses-of-inspiration-38.html

MFT Upsy Daisy Die + Embossing on Watercolour Paper.

   Hullo there everyone , sorry for the big silence lately, I really dont know where the days go... really knew this year as going to be extra full on because of needful visits to to big smoke for health reasons but did not  fully realise how it throws you out. Thankfully after next month the frequency will decrease :D and apart from that am managing well.

This card was begun a few weeks back now on last WOYWW post back here (all details plus images on how made flowers etc are on this link), and the post shows my punching out the black and white DP and making the MFT Upsy Daisy dies up into the three sizes for the card for a birthday this month. Greeting is a digi too.

This is a Word Art Wednesday Digi printed out ages ago. The background watercolour paper sheet was also done many months ago, how it was done is just a guess.
However I really love this verse .. we can go to the LORD with any burden, at any time of day.. for He will hear those who truly call upon Him.. what a privilege is ours!
Rather think I smooched up the Embossalicious Desire 6"x 6" embossing folder with ink pad, it was definitely Big and Juicy Hydrangea pad, then lightly spritzed with water on EF before embossing the water colour paper. To help colours run a bit more it was definitively afterwards spritzed with Diamond Dust Glimmer Mist ...unhappily the image doesn't show the lovely glimmery sheen.
The dies also used were SB Large Deckle edge Rectangle, Nellie Snellen scalloped border die, and two  Butterfly MB Pippi + Vivienne, with vellum lightly embossed, then hand cut underlay. Loads of snippets here in both cards so off to the Snippets playground again.. yay!!! Plus double woohoo! just found Mrs A's Butterfly challenge this week is "jagged" and have number of jagged edges on second card plus butterflies, so how cool is that!!

I also just want to take the time to welcome two new wonderful Encouragers of this blog, and thank them for their encouragement. :D

 I have joined the first blog which is Benji at Benji's place, with some stitchery on it. 

The other blogger, I cannot find her blog ...anyway a very big welcome also to Suzanne, and if you have a blog please let me know. 

Well, thanks everyone who has taken time to comment, you are really appreciated. Will return visits as soon as I can, for more inspiration!
  May not be back for WOYWW this week, but, God willing, next week for the big 6 year anniversary ~ WOYWW 312!!

May God bless your day, every one - wherever you may be!

Shaz in Oz.x

"Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." 

Jeremiah 29: 12, 13

Also joining up with these challenges:
1. Di's Snippety challenge - Used  a number of snippets on cards. http://pixiescraftyworkshop.blogspot.com.au 
2..Word Art Wednesday - anything goes    http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au.

3. Aussie Blog Challenge - Bizzy Becs  Store May Challenge - Anything Goes  a lot of my dies come from here :D

4. Mrs A's Butterfly challenge this week is "Jagged"  yay!! here I come Mrs A.!! :D
5. Allsorts Challenge blog .. - no squares allowed ...second card. 
and over at ALLSORTS... next week they are having a big 6th birthday.. so dont forget to look next week! 

 

Nicecrane Bird Blossoms, Oriental Quilting card + WOYWW

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Hullo everyone .. yes another middle of the week has whooshed into view! It seems to have come extra fast this week cos extra busy... for the uninitiated Wednesday means WOYWW ~ or What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday, over at world wide desk hostess Julia’s blog - here!

Well this desk shows evidence of trip to the big smoke . alias Sydney for the doctor on Monday flight down and back in one day (with awesome test results, so praising God for that!!). Amongst tests and appointments managed to literally squeeze in bit of shopping at two craft stores in the city. The washi paper + Mizuhiki cord were a great find, but rather expensive sadly so restraint was the order of the day.. under the 3 sheets of washi are quite a few sheets of shimmery card 12 x 12" , yum! + not so expensive so heaps more... some stamps at reasonable prices too. At left back are two cards supposed to be mailed today.. shown below.

Desks below show the making of the Oriental card.. a type of Quilting with washi. You can see my mobile opened at my Pinterest to copy the card. A fan pattern made with a scalloped Spellbinder circle cut in chipboard card. Cut some thin foam to fit also, see below.

I should have cut the washi a bit bigger but made it fit, although not good all the way around.. was not going to cut it again and waste it.

Inked up embossing folder (Sizzix - Retro Circles) in gold with snippets of red and black. Centre panel is basket weave stamped in gold embossing powder on gold card, used washi paper on the die cut of scalloped circle section of chipboard (as shown above). Kanji is chop from Artneko.

Had real fun making this card I was given ages ago this set by Ignacio of Nicecrane designs cant find the link cos the site is down for maintenance but it called Birds and Blossoms set so check it out when they are back online. I added a Bible verse from Word Art Wednesday on it. They are meant to be used for calling cards etc but I tried three with a Bible verse inserted in a Word text box - loved how it worked! :D I spritzed Perfect Pearl on the image, the snippetty backing card is Blossoms folder and the white card is a CB Caramello left over from making the third of these cards here. The side peach ribbon is adorned by edging die from Nellie Snellen "Ribbons" die. For Betsy's friend, an encourager of this blog, but doesn't make cards so offered to make one for her, she has cancer.

Late afternoon clear lights of  winter down at my spot... wonderful wonders of Gods creation!!!

I will comment as able but time online needs be limited, I will do my best. However I really want to thank you so very much for popping over for a peek and chat. May God bless your day wherever you maybe.

Shaz in Oz.x

Would like to join these over with the following:

1. Di's Snippety challenge - Used snippets on both. http://pixiescraftyworkshop.blogspot.com.au/

2..Word Art Wednesday - anything goes    http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au (both cards)

Christmas Beetles, Owl cards and WOYWW!

As we watch this year rapidly disappearing from the scene, the Wednesdays are really running into one other – aren’t they everyone? Phew – a deep breath here to catch up!! And yes as you see by the first pickie on this post the sunny days still here – this is some para-surfing action down at our creek  mouth, about ten minutes walk from here. God's glories shine forth indeed.

I was talking a few weeks ago about our Christmas beetles making their presence felt – so here is pickie of one. 

This is the large variety, about 2cm long. There are the small brown and black ones that scratch at the wire on the windows to try and get in...  These are brown and black ones are no-where near as beautiful as this iridescent beauty. We used to have heaps of these big ones eating our gum trees but the trees were removed. Click on pickie to see him up close! It is amazing.

The second Australian native is a Eastern Water Dragon on my bird bath, about to take a dip! he is a tiny baby as these grow quite big too. 
I smiled when Vika who lives in Ukraine commented on my post a couple of weeks ago, that they have few insects over there. I cannot imagine what that would be like. 

The last nature shot is for Lisa who was talking about her Lantana she was trying to grow and keep alive through the winter in UK. I told her over that over here it is a noxious weed – it is planted in some gardens here these days but only specially bred varieties, that wont grow rampant. This one was taken on my walk the same day as the one at the top beach scene as it on the path through the sandhills.

Okay here is my desk (dining table) from a bit earlier – it is bare now so super dull. 

This was when I was making Emily Elizabeth’s card and you can find all the details on the post below.

 The base lilac shade (lower left)I used the Kimmy Luvs Cuttlebug Embossing folder extended on the base.Used Martha Stewart Layered arches punch for the rectangle of coloured Owl DP and card.

Then Nellie Snellen Multi-frames - Square Stitch Nellie Snellen Multiframe Die Set 033 in two shades of mint and lilac to match the DP. The stamp is a combo one with frame of Penny Black hedgie baby set. I masked off the sling with Penny Black baby hedgie in the centre of the stamp and added small owl  Inkadinkado stamped image added afterwards. Used the Petite Oval Spellbinders for the greeting.

Then this card was made with left over pieces as I changed the colour scheme as I went along, etc. I did not want to waste it all so made a simple little baby card for a spare with left over bits. The border is Nellie Snellen border die and scoreboard.

A long post today as you probably wont hear from me for a while except for the draw of candy, not long to go now.

For those of you who would love to join in the fun of looking at work desks around the world, do join in the fun, and take a trip over to Julia's Stamping Ground!

Thanks so very much for stopping by to have a chat.May God bless your day wherever you may be.

Shaz in Oz.x
This was posted on Wednesday - early Wednesday here - now (due to daylight saving changes) we are 11  hours ahead of UK time now, and even more elsewhere!

WOYWW - What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 106

Well, if you look at my desk below today you will see it totally devoid of craft items, as all have been packed away.. Shock! Horror! 

This card is a gorgeous owl one for a friend of mine who adores Owls. It will be the last card for a while. I simply must devote more time to my calligraphy. I love the Stampin’ Up papers I used with this card. Also one of the new items at Fat Cats, Borders1 Nellie Snellen Multiframe DieSet 028  I used on this piece, as well as my Nesties of course, and a very cute owl brad which I had. The stamp is clear one from eBay coloured with Promarkers. (Lisa says below it an Inkadinkadoo owl - thanks Lisa!)

 As you can see I have nearly finished Morti’s mother’s piece which is the small piece in the blue oval - I have yet to do the gold work and re-ink it. You can also see some Copperplate practice as thanks to a UK blogger I have found a great calligraphy Scribbler's site in UK (through Kathleen’s blog - do check it out, she is new-ish to WOYWW! :D) and I have bought some “you-beaut” Walker's Copperplate ink,  Leonardt EF Principal nib and Character original White paper. I am so inspired by my improvement with these new tools to get into some extra practice! We are doing copperplate this term at calligraphy classes, but I have been very disappointed by my attempts until now! 
The Walker's ink is black gall ink and it really reminds me of the ink we used in grade 3 at Primary School. . When I was eight years in Grade 3 the school I went to still used ink and dip pens.  I used these tools with Spencerian (a type of Copperplate) for a year until we moved and then I had to totally change my writing style as they were using very modern Cursive in my new school. I had to forget all I learnt with first script. I so wish I had not lost the use of that copperplate which I learnt for one year only. As a result my "not too nice" writing is nothing like either styles at all!
The large piece to the left on my desk is an order and is inked in ready for laying down of colours, I have done it before so did not have the struggle of planning the layout. :D  It will hopefully be much more advanced next week. 

We have been enjoying (?) flooding rains which closed the Coastal highway to the north and south for day or so, with a tornado decimating a small narrow strip of buildings in small coastal town north about 40 minutes. I am very glad to see a little sunshine today. The coastal low pressure has moved down the NSW coast to wreck havoc down south, our seas are very big at present. I went for a walk to check it all out!

Well, I am off to sticky beak around other desks as the rest of the world catches up to us in Oz. If you are curious why we do this, please do call over to wonderful hostess’ Julia’s blog and check it all out at the  Stamping Ground.

May God bless your day wherever you may be, and happy WOYWW!
Shaz in Oz. x

WOYWW - What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 103

Well here we go flying through another week and rapidly heading toward to the two year anniversary of next week, so I had better get my skates on and finish that pIf, hadn’t I? .. here is some more work in transit on my desk. Today on left side, I am starting a small order for Morti of WOYWW fame, and a surprise her mother; so you can see its beginnings on the left hand side there, all pencilled in waiting for my ink Have finished the one I was working on last week and I  have posted it below. I’m working also on another large one which is an order for a wedding.

I will show it to you next week all being well it is inked in just waiting for colours to be laid down.

It did not take long to get to that stage as I had done it before and did not have to work from scratch, just copy it onto my sheet from the copy I already had here, which makes me very, very happy!!

Now you can see my faithful bug on my desk which is still chugging along and also there are two cards in the process of being made for Fat Cats Card Corner. Both are Crafty Individuals Stamps - one is the lovely Robin or bird one.. I think it is a generic bird, but for this one I decided to make it Robins and stamped it on acetate. I used the Nellie Snellen Doily lace die also on this and the Epiphany Button Studio with the button there. Method explaining acetate stamping and gelly roll pens here, and also did the gorgeous sailing ship the same way. You can see some nautical print outs which are freebies from Far Hill (see side bar link to them) which I think I will use on assembling the Sailing ship card.

Thanks for looking and if you want to know why I am showing you my workdesk - do pop over to Julia's Stamping Ground and share in the fun of our blog hop around the world’s desks! You will learn lot! I have in my brief time sharing each week!

God bless your day,

Shaz in Oz. x













PS just want to apologise to anyone who wondered what happened to their comment, Blogger ate some last week and they are still missing so wasn't cos I deleted them. Poor old blogger has had a rough time lately!
PPS. this morning I finished off the cards so posting them here in their complete state. As we are ages ahead of UK and have a very busy afternoon, I will be late linking over today too. Elements in ship card as follow, DP Kasiercraft, Cuttlebug folder Spots and Dots, Large labels from Nesties extended. Also used an element from Far Hill Digi Freebies mounted on card, cut out and added Glossy Accents.
PPPS. the bubble thing on my desk that Sarpreet asks about is my clip on magnifier I need to use for my calligraphy - as eye sight aint what it used to be!

WOYWW - What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 100

Today is another WOYWW and number 100 … Mind you I have not been here for the 100 of them! I did not even know what a blog was when this all begun. Only discovered blogging just over 12 months ago... 

 Here is the latest update on the text of Ephesians 4 verse 32, still not finished but on the homeward run now. I work in mostly gouache (which I mix on the messy piece of card to the right of the screen - have used this piece for about ten years!). I also use some watercolours as you can see and to make sure I get the blending and colouring right I use a clip on magnifier glass (bottom right). I found this gem at Aldi and love it. I have done most of the colours and using the tabernacle colours here of blue purple crimson and gold.

These were the colours used in the OT when making the tabernacle and in the 1950's book ("Illuminated Texts and How To make Them" by C Willis & G Houghton) I used to learn my illuminated work they give the meaning as described. The top line blue is showing the work of the Spirit (Be ye kind) as the blues shows the Spirit, the  purple and Gold shows God’s deity and God the Father, and the crimson shows the blood and the Son of God so used the crimson for the last line and purple/gold for the middle line referring to God. I pray much about layout and colours. I have yet to put in the rest of the colours on the vine-work and apply the gold leaf. And yes! By God’s grace it will be finished in time for our mother’s day this Sunday (not my mother but a friend ordered it).

I have a new monkey Mrs A.! Here is my latest visitor from the UK - my family were over this week past (boo hoo! heading back today!) and they brought me a pressie of a "Deer" monkey (he has a reindeer jumper) as I have called him, here are the two of them!! And aren’t they just the cutest? they now ride around together in my car and they think it is nice to have playmates!

 

A quick card I did end of last week…I brayered Hydrangea Big Juicy pad with the lovely Leaves & Butterflies K Kingdom Embossing folder 129 from  Fat Cats Card Corner , put it through bug and the sprayed with Diamond dust Glimmer Mist, cut out oval and scallop oval in Magenta pink Mirri cardstock. Mounted on pale pink cardstock and adorned with Marianne Creatables Cutting Dies Butterflies in matching Mirri card and used Orchid craft Roses and pins for extras…oh and forgot! I used the Nellie Snellen border lace doiley die as well on the bottom!

Happy WOYWW everyone and do pop over to Julia’s blog, Julia's Stamping Ground! for the best blog hop around! 

Apologies now if I run late with my comments hop as must simply finish this text first but will get there if a little late!!

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 94 Before - After/ Mrs A! see- MONKEY!!

Each week when you visit my desk it is in a state of tidiness which I can assure you is not always the case.. You see - cleaning day is Tuesday and that is the day before Wednesday in Oz : ) hence the tidy state..

So just for this week, I am going to do before and after…

Plus to Mrs A of it Its an Alien World I said I would post this week  - monkey…or Méchant (French for naughty) as I call him. 

Méchant is from Manchester but I kidnapped him when visiting rellies in 2009, and the deal was they were to come back to visit him, and they are due next month – Yay! Anyway, as I promised Mrs A. last week on her post here to do a post with monkey - just so the two monkeys could say:" Hi".

He has suction caps and rides around with me as a back seat driver on the car window!! Cheeky fellow!

 

Back to WOYWW –  

Photo 1: shows you the AFTER shot today... as I posted the cards pictured complete yesterday if you want more details on them, see details on this post here. (or the one before this!)

And also you will see in photo 1, I am starting on a Hedgie card which I hope to make into an easel card with Shazsilverwolf’s helpful tutorial, in the next few days, part of an order ( I hope and pray so anyway!).

Photo 2: Shows the BEFORE shot i.e. when was in the middle of all the mess at the weekend! So you can see I do get in a mess too just like all good crafters - we keep pulling out more stash and don’t put away as quickly till it becomes impossible and a clean up is required..

For those of you who are puzzled why we are looking at work desks... join in the fun take a trip over to the royal hostess, Queen Julia of WOYYW, drop by Julia's Stamping Ground!

And may God bless your day wherever you might be,

Shaz in Oz.x

PS. re Cuttlebug issues of last week, Jude was right on the loose screw.. and not just me!! it is working better now with it tightened, however still ocassionally acting in its contortionist way, so I am lay-bying a Big Shot from a local seller in the interim, not able to afford an electric one ( and not sure they are available here).

Thanks every one for all your good wishes and kind thoughts - that's what I love about WOYWW! such lovely folk out there!

Fragrant friendship - House Mouse - we love them!

30.3.11 to all the WOYWW-ers for 30.3.11 

Silly me, I have put the wrong link on Julia's page! Click here is the right link please - sorry!

Ah!! House mouse stamps, don’t we just love them? These were on my workdesk last week and now have been transformed!

CARD 1:

I coloured the house mouse stamps (stamp is called Fragrant Friendship -Amanda and Mudpie) in a different way this time. The rose and stem were coloured first with my Dove craft Chalks which you can see on link of workdesk above, and then I coloured the whole image in my Promarkers and then again topped the rose with chalks .

I really liked the effect.

The card used the Ripe Razzleberry cardstock form Stampin’ Up and also used Spellbinder Curved Rectangles, and the Nellie Snellen Lace Border die.

 

Card 2:  I am entering this card in the House Mouse & Friends Spring Challenge as suggested by Sue from Oregon..Thanks Sue for the tip off!

Also a House Mouse; with same border at the bottom and card stock but different pattern and this time I  tried cutting outside the stamp method for the very fist time. 

And used my Petite Ovals in Spellbinders’ for the multiple mounting effect. A couple of hand-coloured roses were also added, with ribbon and my favourite pearls...and also Nellie Snellen lace border die.

CARD 3 : This card is a very poor spin off - it was triggered by the glorious post done here by a blogging buddy of mine - see Jocelyn's wonderful blog here!

The background print is one of Donna’s lovely papers which I have bought - Bearly Mine designs - BM Flower Delight 027 mounted on extended cardstock in plum, with D'vine Swirls Cuttlebug folder.

The Print-blocks stamp of Lilies was bought in 1990’s and is a Brisbane firm; they may still make it.(# I- 2022). The lilies were coloured with my Promarkers and then sprayed with Diamond Dust Glimmer Mist as were the House Mouse images I rather like the frosted look it gives as well.

Then I use the Nesties Large Labels and Scallop punch for edge by Fiskars. One of few punches I can use, with Ribbon matching to finish.

This card was an order, and I do trust the lady loves it too. The greeting is Daily Bread one from Thinking of You Set.

Thanks very much for popping by and may God bless your day wherever you may be!

Shaz in Oz.x.

The Fragility of Life - A challenge!

Challenge #79 Stampin' Sisters in Christ.

Scripture: Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever."

  This is a beautiful thought - life can become overwhelming at times, and "What is our life,  it is a vapour that appears for little time then vanishes away", as James said in his New testament letter.

James the Apostle was a wise man.. life will soon be past!

May we leave behind a pleasant and beautiful fragrance with all who may come across our path this day that the LORD has given us. Our God's word living in our lives will never fade or pass away!

Challenge: Use a stamped flower image on your card/project (note that patterned paper, embossing or paper flowers do not count as a stamped flower).

Recipe for these two cards:

1. Entry for the Challenge is the first card. . The two images on both cards are stamped with Stamp of Lily - Printblocks I-2022 (Brisbane, Qld firm, from 1990’s).

White cardstock mounted with Big W red cardstock, then, flower patterned from Ripe Razzle berry set by Stampin’ Up. It was edged with the Nellie Snellen Lace edge die.

Using Large labels I cut the Lily out, mounted on same red then on patterned paper from Stampin up Ripe Razzleberry. As stated on my last WOYWW post (see pictured here too) I used Primsa-watercolour pencils, and I enjoyed using them. Then sprayed it with Diamond dust Glimmer mist. I then stamped the ODB greeting at the base I like this as it covers many things. Birthday, encouragement, get well and even sympathy if you wished

I added the few pearl adornments.

2. Card with red embossed background, mounted on white cardstock. Background is Big W. red cardstock was cuttled with Moroccan screen, and the surface embossed with white chalk pad. The Taylor Eyelet Die was used to border it, along with the soft white cotton lace. Both background and edge were done with my extender method – see enlarging Cuttlebug folders here is one of them, check sidebar for more! and I do the same with border dies. I used Labels two for the stamp cut out this time and then the stamp treated the same as above, all the way down to pearls except lightly different.

For those of you who comment on my stones, this is stone mat at my courtyard door , a birthday present last year from my youngest sister. I started taking the shots there because mainly it has great natural light and thought the stones look okay. So it is something you could make yourself! If you want to know how just ask me by email click on my profile and email address is there...she is kind clever sister!

May Our God be with you through your day wherever you may be till next time,

love Shaz in Oz.x

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 92

Well, here we are it is another WOYWW on the way!

Another Wednesday, the middle of our week.. the highlight of our week, to see what fun we get up to each week don’t forget to pop over to our royal hostess, Queen Julia and to join in the fun of WOYWW, at Julia's Stamping Ground!

My desk is looking amazingly tidy.. the reason for this is you always see it the day after cleaning day. NOT the day before cleaning day!! Believe you me, there was barely a clear space on it.

I have not been the best, but think it is progress being made there thankfully. I want to say a very big thank you for all the greetings of cheer from blogland. They do help!

I was rather late with my promised calligraphy post, but if you want to check it out please look here!

As you can see I have two little craft muses who sometimes appear on my work desk. Mainly because this is where they live, they are Avon breast cancer bears, you see and I rather like them. They are in front of my bag which has all my bibs and bobs in it, scissors, pens, glues, tapes, glimmer mists all those essentials you need and I love being able to pick it up in one hand from the cupboard behind, and put it all out there on the desk. It has a little rotator goes underneath which is great too. And my favourite green bug is here, plus two new arrivals in front of the muses. One is the Aspire flower stamp and Ink pad in Sepia which arrived yesterday from Simon Says (see Shazsilverwolf ! my stamp has come – see one of her many amazing creations with this stamp here. I can’t wait to play).

The Christmas (blue) card was done for Challenges (brayering on a cuttlebug folder – really fun!) and described in full here.

I did finish the two lily cards and will do them in detail on another post, hopefully. There is a rather sad tale about the lilies I did on my last week’s post as these are not them!!

I did last weeks in Promarkers and after had them all assembled I had the bright idea of adding a bit of perfect pearls to the stamens. A great idea, except I then immediately forgot I had done it (of course and working when I should have been resting) and promptly put things on both of them and squashed the wet pearls all over the lilies, NOW they did have a pearly sheen!!

I was able to rescue the cards. I re-stamped the lilies, and I decided to colour them this time with the pencils pictured here. Water colour Prismacolour pencils, borrowed from my sister to try them out. I was not happy with the first ones which is why I had used the pearls. If you are curious? YES! I did love the pencils they are great to use blend beautifully and so now to look around for some, and also try out the baby oil method (see my sidebar there is tutorial on it) and want to try that one!

.

Anyway that is enough rambling from me.. I am going off to peek...

 May God bless you wherever you might be..

Shaz in Oz.x

PS here managed to take a close up later today.. I will give recipe tomorrow God willing. Want to enter one in a challenge.

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 90 + Jude's candy!

Well not much on the work desk this morning, as you can see.. quite a barren landscape. Zero, zilch, zip in craft has been done since last post in cards, and I have not even my attacked my calligraphy, however can show you a few things which I have finished off last week..

You will see two cards and the printouts of DP from a great new free digi site I have found love this blue set they are from Far Far Hill .

There are vintage ones and also florals - a good variety to check out!

This week at classes with calligraphy we are doing cartouches as we are doing Egyptian script in this term along with Carolingian, so in weeks to come may show you my own cartouche as we have to design our own ( definition of cartouche -  An oval or oblong figure in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics that encloses characters)!

I have posted here my brother in-laws card which I started on last weeks post.

His was made with the foil from the top of the Cottage cheese, finger-rubbed (messy, huh!) with Gold rub and Cuttlebugged with two different folders (Textile and Argyle ).The brown folder underneath is the Distressed Timber one from Cuttlebug and also the punched out motif was edged in perfect pearls,

 I have made a baby card (below) for some friends, which has the baby Cuttlebug folders on it and rubbed with chalk pad to emphasise the writing as I love it so much and did not want to cover it up; checked ribbon down side + Nellie Snellen die on edge and a vellum cut out of Jemima Puddleduck from a book of Vellum pictures of Beatrix Potter - I picked up at throw out price at Spotlight. I do so love Beatrix Potter, and very happy to have been to her farm, one superb day of joy in 2009!

The last card is another of my teabag folding cards and the colour in the teabag folding (also Australian flowers on this one) dictated what colour I would use on it. So orange, lime green and black it was and made for a very different look! I used ribbed cardstock for the base and black vintage corner by Cuttlebug and the Nesties in a round and scallop in the centre. Fancy labels for the sentiment. ;also used a  Cuttlebug folder Bubbles to cuttle the centre piece, upon which the folded piece sits.

Thoughts and prayers of all of us are with the folk in Christchurch, I know folk over there and dad has cousins but think (and pray) all are safe.. Praying for those who are helping over there, too, skill and wisdom in the task!

And in case you dont know what WOYWW is drop over to our hostess Julia and join in the fun of WOYWW, drop by Julia's Stamping Ground! 


PS Awesome candy (see above!) over at Jude's - check it out!