Stampin’ Up Saturday ~ Holiday Home

On Wednesday you would have seen the component parts for this card on my kitchen table and here they are all assembled.

I find it very tricky to photograph these screen cards to give a good view. I’ve put together a little collage so that you can see it open as well as closed and the inside stamping, which is only partly visible on the outside. Probably a little more work than you want for a Christmas card, if you have a lot to make.

Onto something that is easy to mass produce at this time of year. Some basic one layer stamping, using two shades of brown, with a die cut for some dimension. I added the candy cane twine for a hint of colour and the touchability* factor.

I’m loving the versatility of this little house set. Sian has used it to create some Christmas cards in another non traditional colour scheme. Aren’t they great?

If you’d like to know how to make a screen card, in this simpler form, I’ll be adding the tutorial next week. Are you making cards this weekend?

*Apparently this is not a real word.

What’s On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #285

It’s Wednesday again and there’s nothing (other than a fruit bowl) on the kitchen table this morning. The kits are prepared and everything is stacked, ready for me to pack in the car. Of course, I will be looking in those boxes before I do.

This was the scene just after lunch yesterday. The last few ‘inbetween’ stages being made and a little experiment. I read somewhere, the other day, that with clear stamps it is better/easier to do the die cutting first and then stamp on the shapes. I always tell my class the opposite and generally we use rubber stamps. In the interests of fair play I thought I’d give it a bash. The results weren’t *bad* but for me the end product is cleaner and more accurate, when I do it the other way round.

In the last session we made the card above. I kept it simple, because that style was new to everyone, including me. This week we’ll be a making a ‘stepped up’ version, using those cute little house. Again? I don’t think I’ll have any complaints! I’ll share what we made later in the week. Santa and his sleigh may be involved.

Now, onto to the point of me sharing all this with you this morning. Although I suspect you already know. I’m linking up with Julia and the other deskers, for our weekly hop around the workspaces of the world. See you there.

PS If you’re looking for a gift for the handy man or woman in your life, then Friday’s post might interest you. Shameless advertising I know, but for a good friend, not me. If you appreciate a well crafted tool (no sniggering at the back) then take a look.

Friday Finds ~ Elementary

Something a little different this week.

I have lots of finds pinned on my secret Pinterest boards, but they can’t be shown here, this side of Christmas, in case the intended recipients see them. Instead I’m going to share a gift idea that you don’t have to make yourself.

Screwdrivers? Yes, that’s right. Something you expected to see here on my blog? Probably not. However, these are very special screwdrivers, designed by a good friend of mine so I hope you’ll indulge me.

When he was unable to find a modern screwdriver that fitted his needs, as a cabinet maker, he decided to make his own based on traditional designs. He is now making them available to everyone. The perfect gift for the handy man or woman in your life.

Find all the details on The Screwdriver from elemen’tary design here.

What’s On Your Workdesk Wednesday? #284

The answer to that question is nothing. Not this week. The kitchen table isn’t required for hooky pursuits, they can be managed in your lap on the sofa. Perfect.

Now that I can crochet….well….I can do this and this….

….I got it into my head that I could make a blanket. In a fit of madness I ordered this….

….to make this Cosy Blanket. Crazy? That’s me!

What have you been up to this week? I’ll be round to see later. All the other deskers taking part can be found hanging out at Julia’s place.

PS There’s still plenty of time to join in with SIPIDI! if you want to. Just leave a comment here or on the other post so I know where to find yours.

One Photo in Twenty Words ~ Poppies

Abi, from Creating Paper Dreams, came up with the clever idea of choosing a photo and telling its story in just twenty words. There was only one choice for today.

On a sunny Sunday in September, I stood in front of the Tower of London feeling overwhelmed. So many lives.

You can read more about Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red here.

Friday Finds ~ Seamwork

I’ve talked before about my love of Indie sewing patterns, with their clear diagrams and explicit instructions. Often there are online Sew-A-Longs just after the release of a new pattern and with older ones you can guarantee that there will be a wealth of examples and handy tips from sewing bloggers who’ve already made them.

Colette go the extra mile and the Laurel, with a 40 page (yes, really) instruction book, is more like a sewing lesson than a dressmaking pattern. Every single step is covered and it assumes no prior knowledge. When it says beginner, that’s exactly what it means. There is also an extra 60 page e-book available to download, with nine variations to the basic dress. The booklet includes a sleeveless version, which is what I am making. It has an invisible zip*, which might put some people off, but I have read lots of blogs where the maker was able to get away without putting one in due to the loose shift shape of the dress.The blouse version doesn’t need one.

Onto the Friday Find. Colette are launching an online magazine next month, which will be free for everyone to read. But, if you choose to subscribe you will also get patterns via digital download and other bonus content. The projects will all take less than 3 hours to make. Sounds good to me. You can add yourself to the list for receiving a sneak peek here. I am also subscribed to Snippets, which is a handy hint/sewing tip delivered to your inbox every Tuesday. I’ve learnt all sorts from those.

We have a Saturday free of university tours this week, so I might get some time to work on my Laurel. Here’s hoping. Have a lovely weekend.

*There’s a great tutorial, with a video, on how to install one here.

What’s On Your Workdesk Wednesday? #283

The slightly blurry contents of my kitchen table, previously in boxes transported to class this morning. Now in the process of being returned whence they came.

I have embraced the Christmas crafting now that Halloween and Bonfire Night are almost past. I just can’t get into the mind set before then. There’s a traditional combination of red, green and kraft, along with a, less so, trio of blue and grey.

A couple of variations on a theme. One with a stamped background and….

….another using a mask and some white ink. Loving the mix and match handwriting and typewriter fonts in this set of stamps.

Are you yet to begin your cards or are you sitting smugly on a stockpile? I’m sure I’ll find the answer to that, on my travels around the desks of the world this evening. It’ll be getting dark here in the next half hour and I need to pop to the post office and see if I can find some laces for a pair of Doc Marten boots. I’ll be round later. We might just need the heating on tonight. Happy Wednesday.