Holiday Wishes

 Hi Everyone, 

It's my last post of 2021 over on That's Crafty's blog today as the Design Team take a Christmas break from the 19th December so I'm offering you all some 'Holiday Wishes' in the form of a mixed media wintery snowflake tag. 

The tag's focal feature is a dimensional textured snowflake that has a touch of sparkle. 

 It's set against a cool blue background of snowflake flurries. 

There's more to see and read over on That's Crafty's blog so if you fancy joining me just click HERE. 
Hope to see you soon 
Amanda 

I'd like to enter this into the following challenge: 

Country View Challenges: Dec 2021: Anything Goes. 
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Trees!

 Hi Everyone, 

Today I'm over on That's Crafty's blog sharing some cards that I've created with KatzelKrafts 'Winter Wonderland' stamp set and Tim Holtz Distress and Distress Archival inks. 

The cards are CAS in design, minimal in products used, super quick and easy to make so they can be   produced on mass in a short space of time. 

I'm not calling them 'Christmas' cards per se as I think the overall design lends itself to several occasions. 

As well as Christmas cards I think they would also be suitable to send to anyone who doesn't celebrate Christmas that you still want to send greetings to at this time of year. They could be given as autumn/ winter birthday cards, Thank you cards for seasonal gifts, New Year cards or general note cards - just a few ideas!

Here's just a few of the cards ...

and some tags too. 

To find out more you are very welcome to pop by the blog anytime. 
For the  most direct route over there just click HERE 
Hope to see you soon 
Amanda 
x

I'd like to enter these into the following challenge: 

Country View Challenges: dec 2021: 'Anything Goes'

'Winter'

Hi Everyone and Happy December! 

So,the Christmas countdown has officially begun and although slow getting started my christmas card creativity is in full swing now.  So today I'm over on That's Crafty's blog sharing one of the latest cards I've created.  

It features stamps from katzelkraft's 'Winter Wonderland' stampset and Tim Holtz products. 

I love this long slim tree especially against the moonlit starry sky ....

...... and so pleased the cute young boys all wrapped up warm hung around for their photo taking after they'd been playing in the snow. 

As always there's more to see and read on That's Crafty's blog so why not come join the boys and I   over there.  

Just click HERE and you'll be with us in no time . 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x

I'd like to enter this into the following challenge: 

Country View Challenges: Dec 2021: 'Anything Goes' 

A Trio of Mini Christmas Art boards

Hi Everyone, 

After creating the winter watercolour christmas cards I shared here and here last week I seem to have got the Christmas creativity bug and have a few mini Christmas themed art boards to share with you today over on That's Crafty's blog. 

These were originally destined to be regular christmas cards (which they would be lovely as) but so far into the creativity I decided to make them into mini christmas art boards that you could either send instead of a card or give as a gift that the recipient could display as a small piece of seasonal decor and then maybe keep to display again next year. 

They are super quick and easy to make as they are primarily made of ready made elements -some of Tim Holtz 2021 wonderful seasonal Pocket Cards and Collage Tiles.

I'd say the hardest part of making these art boards was choosing which of the Pocket Cards and Collage Tiles to use.

 Let me tell you with 55 double sided Packet Cards and 36 pairs of Collage Tiles the choice struggle was real !!! 

There's more to see and read over on That's Crafty's blog so if you fancy joining me just click HERE 
Hope to see you soon 
Amanda 
x

'Mash Up' with LPC, EGL,EEV, EAB at PaperArtsy

Hi Everyone, 

Tonight, I would like to invite you to join me over on PaperArtsy's blog where I am (as always) happy, honoured and humbled to be a Guest Blogger for their latest 'Mash Up' topic.

This year PaperArtsy decided to introduce some 'Mash Up' topics to the PaperArtsy blog that happen every now and again through out the year.  These are topics when we get to create something using stamps from different designer collections who this time were Lynne Perrella, Gwen Lafleur, Ellen Vargo and Alison Bomber. 

I do love a good 'mash up' but it's the first time I've joined in one of PaperArtsy's so I was super keen to give it a go and see where my LPC, EGL, EEV and EAB creativity would take me and what I'd end up creating as I had no idea when I started out.  

I had heaps of creative fun all of which came together as a multi layered mixed media Art Panel. 

I'm sharing the full creative story of my art panel over on PaperArtsy's blog so just a few photos here to show you  how I brought stamps from the 4 PaperArtsy designers together. 

Starting with one of Lynne Perrellas stamps that just had to be the focal feature sitting front and centre. 

The backgrounds and how they found their place within the layering of the art panel. 

For two of these backgrounds  I introduced a couple of Ellen Vargos stamps used with frescos and grunge paste. The layer sandwiched between was crackle glazed. 

One of Gwen Lafleur's stamps made an appearance as an embellishment 

Whilst a couple of Alison Bombers stamps added text to the the top background layer and part of another gave my art its title: 

'She is in a world of private dreams'. 

 

I would love for you to accept my open invitation ( no R.S.V.P necessary) and come join me over on PaperArtsy's blog. 

If you just click HERE you are almost there. 

 Hope to see you soon. 

Amanda 

x

Winter Watercolour Christmas cards

 Hi Everyone, 

Have you started your christmas card making yet ? Please tell me I'm not the only one running late which in all honesty seems to have been the trend for me the last few years. 

In an attempt to at least have a few handmade cards ready and good to go at the start of December I've rustled up a few to share with you today over on That's Crafty's blog. 

The cards feature some of Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous stamps used with distress inks and they lend themselves real easy to batch making - essential (imho) when you have a good few to make.

To create them I've used the water colour stamping technique on a couple of substrates one obvious one probably not so obvious!! 

Here's a quick peak at the cards .....

and here they are all tied up with string to keep them safe until it's time to write and send. 

If you'd like to see/ read more and find out what substrates I worked on you are very welcome to come join me over on the blog. 

Just click HERE and you're almost there. 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x

I'd like to enter these cards into the following challenge: 

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge: Trees

Have an Open Heart!

 Hi Everyone, 

Hope you are all doing good and keeping safe and well. 

A few years ago now I used to often work on canvases but seem to have neglected them in recent years ( if I've used them at all?? ) so having a stash almost as big as any art shop out there I thought I'd dig one out and create a mixed media canvas to share with you today over on That's Crafty's blog. 

It's an 8 x 10 canvas so a much bigger size then I usually create with but it was a great fit for the Donna Downey 'Heart Texture' stencil I've featured. 

If you'd like to see more pics and read about the creativity then you are very welcome to come join me over on the blog. 

 If you click HERE you'll be with me in super quick time. 

Hope to see you soon

Amanda 

x

Live Your Art

 Hi Everyone, 

Well, it's been one of those weeks where due to to unforeseen circumstances and a few life 'curve balls' creative time has been very limited so the mixed media tag I'm sharing today over on That's Crafty's blog by necessity just had to be a real quick and easy make!   

It features products from several different companies/ brands/ designers namely That's Crafty! Dina Wakley, Donna Downey and Tim Holtz and it also allowed me to finally start making some headway into my overflowing and ever expanding stash of 'save for later' backgrounds so I guess lack of time can have some positives after all!! 

There's more creative details shared over on Thats Crafty's blog so if if you fancy popping by just click HERE to be swiftly and smoothly redirected . 

Hope you'll come join me? 

Look forward to seeing you soon?  

Amanda

x 

No 1013- Poison!

 Hi Everyone 

With Halloween only a few days away I've created a 'Halloween' card to share with you today over on That's Crafty's blog.

It's a quick and easy card to make - so ideal for any last minute cards you may yet have/ want to make.

The design can easily be reproduced so in just a short time I reckon you could rustle up quite a few cards to give/ send just in time for the 31st. 

If you like to find out about my quick and easy halloween creativity using Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous stamps and alcohol inks feel free to come join me over on the blog . 

For a quick reroute on the cyber spooky train just click HERE 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x

She Flies!

 Hi Everyone, 

I'm over on That's Crafty's blog today sharing some of my creativity.

The project I've created for todays post is very much a continuation of last weeks project which you can see here and here. 

It's the same size, same colour palette, similar detail and its essentially an art panel. 

However I changed up the focal feature and made this art panel into an 'arty' card  that would be suitable for many an occasion

 

I wanted to show a different way that this size and style of creativity can be utilised / featured. Made into a card its kind of a BOGOF 😉 as it also doubles up as a present. Once the occasion for the card is over the panel becomes the present and can be displayed either on or off the card as a piece of art! 

Theres more to see/ read over on the blog including a list of That's Crafty! Tim Holtz, KatzelKraft, Seth Apter, AALL & Create products that were used in the making. 

Would love for you to join me 

For a smooth and speedy transfer just click HERE 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x

Great Things Take Time!

 Hi Everyone and Welcome 

Its that day of the week again when you can find me over on That's Crafty's blog sharing some creativity which today is a small square mixed media art panel. 

It has layers of colour and detail, some texture and a focal time piece on which rests one of my favourites - a butterfly!  Everyone loves butterflies, right? 

If you would like to see more photos and read more about my inky fun with Tim Holtz distress reinkers and a selection of other products you are very welcome to  come join me on the blog. 

A quick click HERE will get you there in no time. 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x

Limited Edition 1 and 2

 Hi Everyone, 

It's my day over on That's Crafty's blog and I am sharing 2 cards featuring 'penned patterns' that I've designed and created using some of That's Crafty! round dinky stencils. 

 

Something a little different for me you may think but truth be told designing and creating my own 'patterns' (mainly freehand/ freestyle, sometimes with stencils) is something I've enjoyed doing BTS for many years.

This is card 1 featuring my first pattern design.....

 .....and this is Card 2 featuring my second pattern design 

There's more to see and read over on the blog and it would be lovely to have you pop by 

Just click HERE for a quick transfer over 

I'll be there to welcome you 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x

There is Beauty in Simplicity

 Hi Everyone

I'm over on That's Crafty's blog today in my regular weekly spot sharing some of my recent creativity. 

Over the last couple of weeks I have created projects using some of Tim Holtz fabulous Stampers Anonymous stamps and Ranger distress mediums so I have continued along those lines with the mixed media card I share today. 

 However, in contrast to my last couple of projects ( here and here) that had a real distressed look with layers and texture my card today has a much more contemporary stylised vibe to it. 

I love the versatility of Tim's stamp designs and distress products as they lend themselves to many a creative style.

There's more to see and read over on the blog so I hope you will come join me over there. 
Just click HERE and you are on your way. 
Hope to see soon 
Amanda 
x

I Dare You!

 Hi Guys, 

It's my regular day of the week over on That's Crafty's blog today where I'm sharing some creativity.

After having fun creating my 'Grave Digger' art panel that I shared here and here last week I continued along a similar line off creativity for todays make which is a mixed media 'Halloween' card using Tim Holtz fab Stampers Anonymous stamps, distress mediums and ideology.   

The card has layers of inky colour, detail, stamping and a golden mica stain glow surrounding the focal feature - a striking embossed skull that I think , for me has to be up there when it comes to fave stamp images. 

There's more to see and read over on the blog so hope you'll come join me. 

For a quick no fuss re-route just click HERE 

Look forward to seeing you soon 

Amanda 

x

The Grave Digger

 Hi Everyone 

Just another short post here today to give you the heads up that I'm over on That's Crafty's blog in my usual Thursday spot sharing my latest make 'The Grave Digger'. 

It's a mixed media art panel that I guess would be considered to be a 'Halloween' themed piece. Sure, its ideal for that occasion but I know it'll be displayed in my creative space year round along with my 'Skellie Heads' (see here) that I created 5 years ago now. 

I really enjoyed creating this one using some of Tim Holtz fab products - both old and new but all faves! 

Let me introduce you to 'The Grave Digger'

 

If you'd like to read more about my creativity, see more pics then you are welcome to come join me over on the blog . Just click HERE  for a quick and simple transfer over there. 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x

Mr Blue

Hi Everyone, 

I'm over on That's Crafty's blog today in my regular weekly dt spot sharing some creativity so it's just another short post here to invite you to come join me. 

This last week I've been having fun again with some of Tim Holtz products and have created a mixed media art panel that features stamps from Tims Stampers Anonymous 'Inquisitive' stamp set along with  three or four of the distress mediums. 

The 'star of the show' is Mr Blue- a man of maths and all things related. 

 

If you would like to find out more Mr Blue and I would love for you to accept the invite and come see us over on the blog. 

Just click HERE and you'll be there in no time at all. 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda (& Mr Blue) 

x

'Happy Birthday to You'

 Hi Everyone 

and 

Happy September! 

Wow where does the time go?? ⏰

Another Thursday too so I'm over on That's Crafty's blog in my usual dt spot sharing some creativity. 

Unfortunately, a few unforseen life curve balls this last week left me with very limited creative time so todays make is very much an example of something you could create if ever you find yourself short of time. 

It a bright, cheery and colourful birthday card that saw me teaming up an AALL & Create Washi tape with some of my much loved Tim Holtz distress inks and the 'Happy Birthday' saying from Tim's Stampers Anonymous 'Bold Saying' (CMS433) stampset. 

Here's a quick look at the card...

There's more to see and read over on the blog so if you fancy popping by just click HERE for a  quick re-route. 

Would love for you to join me so hope to see you soon
Amanda 
x

My Favourite Colour for PaperArtsy

 Hi Everyone, 

Tonight I would like to invite you to join me over on PaperArtsy's blog where I am honoured and humbled (as I always am) to be a Guest Blogger for their current topic: My Favourite Colour.

I've been in my 'happy' place creating for this topic as not only was I working with my favorite colour (ok colours) I was also using Seth Apters stamps. 

Wahoo! 

So here's my 'UNITY' art block- the result of lots of paint layers , detail stamping, a touch of stenciling and some embossing.  

I'll take you on a quick tour around

 The upper left area

Upper right area

Lower left area

Lower right area

That all come together in 'UNITY'

The art block is wall mountable or free standing and as I'm really happy with how it turned out it's gained a place on my studio wall! 

I would love for you to accept my invitation (no R.S.V.P necessary) and come join me over on PaperArtsy's blog. 

For a super speedy re-route just click HERE 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x

Guess Who?

 Hi Everyone, 

Just a short post here today ( yet again)  to  invite you to join me over on That's Crafty's blog where I'm sharing my latest mixed media art panel . 

I've been having fun creating with some of Tim Holtz fab products this week so the panel features Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous 'Inquisitive' stamp set along with some of his distress colours including Prize Ribbon, the newest addition to the distress colour family released the other month.

No R.S.V.P needed to my invite just click HERE if you'd like to see more pics and read more about my creativity.

Hope you to see you soon 
Amanda

x

Shine Brightly!

 Hi Guys 

At the risk of sounding like a stuck record, its the same old story again today letting you know I'm over on That's Crafty's blog sharing my DT make for this week. 

It's an an art panel that features some silhouette florals set against a glowing hot backdrop - all thanks  to Tim Holtz distress inks and oxides and a fabulous Donna Downey stencil. 

Here's a quick look 

I'd love for you to join me over on the blog where I'm sharing more about the creativity and a few close up pics too . 

For a quick re route just click HERE

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x 

Where Flowers Bloom.....

Hi Everyone 

Just a quick post here today to invite you to join me over on That's Crafty's blog where I'm in my usual weekly dt spot sharing some creativity. 

Last week I shared a  'flower' themed card on the blog and today that theme continues and again it's a card I've created and again I've used the same stencils as last week as they were still lying around my desk!!!! 

Note to self - clear up after yourself !!!

The flower that features on todays card IS different though and it's a beauty (imho)- a Carabelle Studio's stamp 'Daisy" designed by Ana Bondu. 

Here's a quick look 

No RSVP needed to my invite just click HERE if you fancy seeing and reading more. 

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x 

Hello Friend

 Hi Guys 

Another Thursday rolls around so as per I'm over on That's Crafty's blog  in my usual weekly spot sharing some creativity.

It's another mixed media card from me this week that features a stenciled silhouette flower and butterflies against a multicoloured background. 

Fancy a quick look: 

I hope it will tempt you to come join me over on the blog where there's more to see and read. 

For a real quick reroute just click HERE  

Hope to see you soon 

Amanda 

x

Happy Birthday to You....

 Hi Everyone 

It's been far too long since I posted something here on my blog that isn't a quick dt redirect post so my hope and aim moving forward is to try and post more often some of the 'things, makes and creates' that come from any 'self' creative time I have. 

Today seems like as good a time as any to make a start so here goes .....  

I've recently been having fun creating with some of Tim Holtz products both new and not so new. You may have seen the card I shared here and here last week and the postcard I shared yesterday here and here that featured a couple of  Tim's new Stampers Anonymous stampsets: 'Inquisitive' and /or 'Observations'.

The tag I'm sharing today features Tim's new Stampers Anonymous 'Bold Sayings' (CMS433) stampset, along with the new layering stencil: 'Nature'(THS154) and the new distress colour 'Prize Ribbon'.  

Now, I may be a little 'blue biased' (it's one of my fave colours in all it's many guises) but 'Prize Ribbon' is rather lush and I have a good feeling we are gonna become inky friends. 

Dare I stick my neck out and say I reckon it would team up with pretty much every other distress colour in the family ???  I'm sure gonna be trying to see! 

On this occasion it's a Prize Ribbon and Crackling Campfire distress spray stain combo with the odd speckle of Salvaged Patina distress oxide spray. 

 

Now, I thought I'd taken a pic of the inky background before I added to it but after scouring my camera for 'said' photo it seems I didn't so apologies for falling short there. 

Hopefully though the few photos I do have to share will demonstrate the richness and depth of the colours both individually in their own right and together as a fabulous combo. 

They also show the Salvaged Patina Oxide speckles.  

When using inks I almost always use Oxides to speckle/ splatter as their properties allow them to sit on top of the inks already laid down rather than be absorbed into them. 

I chose to use the 'Happy Birthday' Bold Saying stamp. It a great size for a #8 tag and 'the fit' allowed it to be the focal feature. 

Embossing the saying with white powder gave it the 'spotlight' against the richer background tones and 

I love how the Salvaged Patina Oxide speckles still made themselves known through the embossing and how they shifted colour slightly to a light blue.  

Tim's new 'Nature' layering stencil design, again embossed in white worked a treat to fill in the space above and below the 'bold saying'.

A couple of Tim's Stampers Anonymous 'Tiny Text' stamps embossed in white on black card personalised the 'bold saying' and indeed the tag.

It's all ready now to give to a special friend, either attached to a gift or instead of a card. 

 

Well, that's a wrap for today I think so thank you so much for your company today. 

I really appreciate you taking time out of your day to stop by. 

Look forward to seeing you again soon but until then hope you all keep on creating! 

Have a lovely weekend .

 Take Care 

and 

keep n the happy side 

Amanda 

x