Tips for crafting with peel off stickers

Peel off stickers are a very versatile crafting accessory. Here are just a few ideas for using them:

- Apply to your project, then colour in the sticker using your choice from a variety of materials - watercolour or gel pens, paints, chalks etc

- Apply the sticker to adhesive film (or use a glue pen), then colour in using coloured sand, glitter or rub on foil

- Apply the sticker to a variety of decorative backgrounds, then cut around it before applying to your project, either flat or using foam pads etc to achieve a 3D effect. Either will emphasise the design very effectively. For background, you could use plain, decorative or holographic paper or card. Gold on a gold background or silver on silver looks great too

- Apply the sticker to acetate, then glitter or gild the reverse

- Colour the peel offs (while still on the backing sheet) using overhead projector pens

- Use the stickers as an outline for glass painting projects

- ‘De-stick’ the sticker a little, e.g. by placing on your clothing a few times. Place on your project, chalk over, then remove the peel off to leave a ‘negative’ design

- For some designs, you can also use the 'negative' left on the backing sheet, after using a peel off sticker. To do this, you will need to cover the negative with overlapping strips of Scotch magic tape, press this down very firmly, and then lift off from the backing sheet. Place the tape where you wish to apply the negative image, then rub over very firmly (e.g. with the back of a spoon) and the design will transfer. You will need to apply a lot of pressure to achieve this successfully!

Just how do you use un-mounted rubber stamps?

Un-mounted Rubber Stamps are just that, no wood, or cushion, just the rubber pattern/picture itself, and are so easy to use.

Why spend money each time on a block of wood you don't need that then takes up so much space in your crafting area, making storage a problem?!

Un-mounted rubber stamps just need a flat surface that is slightly larger than the rubber stamp itself.

Alternatively, the picture side of an existing wooden rubber stamp could be ideal. Again, make sure it is just larger than the un-mounted stamp that you want to use.

Use water soluble glue, such as Pritt Stick, to glue your un-mounted stamp to the flat surface.

Then stamp your image, pressing firmly, but not hard, and don't "rock" the stamp! For larger stamps it is often useful to have a cutting mat or such like under the card you are stamping, so that there is a little bit of give, to give a clearer image.

Once you have finished, peel off the un-mounted stamp from the surface you've used, and clean the glue off the stamp and the mount, with a wet wipe. Leave to dry, and then store.

What is the difference between Dye Inks and Pigment Inks ?

There are so many different inks on the market today that it can sometimes be quite difficult to understand all of their uses, so I aim to keep this quite simple.

Firstly,Dye Inks – examples of this would be the all important Memories dye ink, or for a little colour, the Kaleidacolour pads. With these you cannot heat emboss, as they dry very quickly.

To emboss, you need to use Pigment ink pads, as the ink takes longer to dry, and therefore gives you longer to apply your embossing powder.

Anniversary Sayings

Remember you are loved; not only yesterday, but today and tomorrow as well. -- Jan Donovan

An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today,
the memories of yesterday and the hopes of tomorrow

Your anniversary is a special day when time stands still,
when the past and the present blend in your memories,
touch your dreams, and love's sweet beginning has no end...

You pledged to share your life and love forever,
you joined your hearts for all eternity...
As you recall your years together remember that the best is yet to come!

You are two very important things to me...
You are my husband and my best friend

Two people...One love...One life! -- Jan Donovan

We began as strangers. We became friends. We became one with each other...
We remain as one forever. --Jan Donovan

One love that is shared by two. -- unknown

And the two shall become one. -- unknown

As the sun begins a new day, so our love begins a new chapter in our lives! -- Jan Donovan

Love is two people joined as one, taking each day as it comes.
They make mistakes, learning from them as they grow even closer each year. ...
May you continue to grow and love each other throughout your lives. -- Jan Donovan

As we learn, let us share. As we take, let us give.
As we weep, let us care. As we loved, let us live. -- unknown

The path that leads to happiness is so narrow that two cannot walk on it unless they have become one.

On our wedding day, I married my best friend, the one I laugh and cry with, strive to always understand, live for, dream with and love. -- Jan Donovan

Together we grow each day, together we increase our joys and divide our sorrows and come to understand each other in love. In that love, God holds us together always. -- Jan Donovan

We blended our lives and hearts upon our wedding day. We have strengthened the bond between us with each day that has passed. I will continue to love you all the days of our lives. -- Jan Donovan

Two souls in one, tow hearts into one heart... -- Du Bartas

The mystery is ... How does love begin? The Challenge is how to make it stay. The magic is when it does. ...
Our marriage is magic and our lives are filled with love and understanding. -- Jan Donovan

What is a Versamark Pad?

A Versamark Pad has a dual function. Firstly, it can be used for a Watermark effect and works really well on darker cardstock. But also, you can use it for embossing, by using it in the same way you would use an embossing pad. Versamark is a glycerin based pad so remains sticky, enabling you to get a good coating of embossing powder on before it dries out.

My other favourite use for the Versamark is using it with chalks – something which is great for the kids to do too, as you achieve really good results with very little effort.

What is decoupage?

Decoupage is a popular craft, which can be used to create many beautiful projects.

The word originates from the French 'Decouper' - to cut out. Decoupage work can be flat, for example cutting and pasting images to decorate scrapbooks or flat surfaces such as a tray, wooden box etc or 3D effect.

3D decoupage

3D effect decoupage involves cutting out several copies of the same image, and layering them to produce a 3D effect, using either tiny double sided adhesive foam pads, glue dots or silicone glue to stick the layers in place. Each successive layer is smaller than the one before it. Foam pads and glue dots are very easy to use, particularly for beginners, whilst silicone glue can give a more natural effect to your project.

If you are a beginner, it is probably best to start with 'step by step' decoupage. This means that each layer of the design is printed separately with only the detail needed for each individual layer, making it easy for you to cut out and assemble your project.

You start with the largest design as the base for your project, and then add the next largest layer and so on until you have assembled the complete project. It is usually very straightforward to identify the order of the layers, but if you are a complete beginner, you may prefer to start with a sheet where each individual layer is numbered, so it is absolutely clear in what order they should be assembled.

Projects can also be created from several identical images - this requires a little more experience, as you will need to judge how many layers are required and which elements of the image to remove from each successive layer.

Finishing touches

You can achieve a more rounded and natural effect for, for example petals, by curling the edges of the top layer (using a shaping tool, the back of your scissors or your fingers) before assembling your project. You may also like to varnish the finished project. Some papers already have a glossy finish.

Tools

In order to decoupage, you will need a sharp, small pair of scissors and / or a craft knife and self-healing mat. Which you decide to use is down to personal preference, there are many scissors on the market designed specifically for decoupage so it is a matter of finding what is most comfortable for you. You may also wish to use a pair of tweezers for assembling your project.

Todays words of wisdom

One kid makes you a Parent - Two makes you a Referee

I've been tagged by paperlicious oasis!!!!!!!!

I've been tagged by paperlicious oasis!!!!!!!!

The middle Name Game

These are the rules:-

You must post the rules before you give your answers.
You must list one fact about yourself for each letter of your middle name. Each fact must begin with that letter. If you don't have a middle name, just use your maiden name.
After you've been tagged, you need to up-date your blog with your middle name and answers.
At the end of your post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and need to read your blog for details.

Ok here goes!! my middle name, Patricia
P for Paris which is where my husband proposed.

A for April the month I was born.

T for Tea my favourite drink, but only mint green tea or Honeybush.

R for rubber stamping my favourite part of paper crafting, I have over a thousand wood mounted stamps and loads of sets of un mounted.

I for Ice which is the worst weather condition, I hate it.

C for chocolate I love Galaxy cold from the fridge.

I for Ice Cream I love it, homemade is best, but we also have a local ice cream maker who makes Baileys ice cream.

A for America, a place I would love to visit, not just for the craft shops I would love to live the American dream.

The five people I am going to tag are Louise ~ craftsbylouly, Natalie ~ mrswillybobs, Ana ~ anabaird, pinkupixie ~ ppbits, Michelle ~ challenge addict. Hope I have done this correctly. Thanks paperlicious oasis! xx Lisa xx

Todays words of wisdom

Marriage is finding that special someone to annoy for the rest of your life.

Flower Meanings

Sending flowers must be one of the most special ways to brighten up someones day. Its made extra special if the flower meanings send a message too There is more to just giving or receiving flowers as every flower lover knows but even the experts can't agree on the real meaning of many flowers. Here are a few of the more traditional ones.

Botanical Name	Meaning
Acacia	Beauty in retirement; Friendship; Concealed love: Chaste love
Aconitum	Beware, a deadly foe is near
	Unity; Humility; Patience
	Wealth; Prosperity; Fortune
	Your love is reciprocated
Hippeastrum	Pride; Splendid Beauty; Timidity
	Forsaken; Expectations
Callistephus	Symbol of love; Daintiness; Afterthought
Gypsophila	Pure of heart; Innocence
Centaurea Cyanus	Hope in love; Felicity; Delicacy; Single blessedness
Begonia	Beware
Mollucella Laevis	Good luck
Scilla Nutans	Humility; Everlasting love
	Enthusiasm
	Childishness
	Endurance
	Great joy and delight
	Gratitude; Perfection
	You're a flame in my heart
	Longing for you
	You're adorable; Perfected lovliness
	Unpretending excellance
Dianthus Caryophyllus	Fascination; Womanly love; Devoted love
Dianthus Caryophyllus	My heart aches for you; Admiration
Dianthus Caryophyllus	I'll never forget you; Woman's love
Dianthus Caryophyllus	Capriciousness
Dianthus Caryophyllus	Sorry I can't be with you; No; Refusal; Wish I could be with you
Dianthus Caryophyllus	Innocence; Sweet and lovely; Pure love; Woman's good luck gift; You're adorable
Dianthus Caryophyllus	Rejection; You have disappointed me
Dendranthema	Cheerfulness; You're a wonderful friend; Rest; Lovliness; Abundance; Wealth
Dendranthema	I love
Dendranthema	Slighted love
Dendranthema	Truth
	Youthful gladness; Cheerfulness
Cyclamen	Resignation; Goodbye
	You're the only one; Regard; Unrequited love; The sun shines when I'm with you
Dahlia	Dignity; Elegance; Good taste; Instability
	Innocence; Loyal love; I'll never tell; Purity; Gentleness; Romance
	Flight of fancy; Ardent attachment
	Secret bond of love; Fascination; Sincerity; Magic
	Flame; Burning
Myosotis	Faithful love; Undying hope; Memories; Do not forget; True love
	Good nature; Innocence; Anticipation
	Innocence; Trust; Friendship
	Encouragement
	Purity; Sweet love; You're lovely; Secret love; Refinement
Hardy Cranesbill	Folly; Stupidity
	Strength of character; Sincerity; Generosity; Natural grace
	Love at first sight
	Submission
Erica	Admiration; Solitude
	Protection; Wishes will come true
	Delicate beauty
	Foresight; Domestic happiness; Defense
Hyacinthus	Games; Sports; Rashness
Hyacinthus	Constancy
Hyacinthus	Please forgive me; Sorrow
Hyacinthus	Play
Hyacinthus	Lovliness; I'll pray for you
Hyacinthus	Jealousy
Hydrangea	Thank-you for understanding; Frigidity; Heartlessness
Iris	Faith; Wisdom; Valor; Promise; My compliments; Hope; Message
	Wedded love; Fidelity; Friendship; Affection
Narcissus	Affection returned; Sympathy; Desire; Love me
Syringa	First emotion of love
Syringa	Youthful innocence; Purity; Modesty; Virginity; Majesty
Zantedeschia	Beauty
Hermerocallis	Conquetry
	Maiden charms
	Wealth; Pride; Prosperity
	Sweetness; Humility; Return of happiness
Lilium Longiflorum	Pure; Modest
	Love of nature; Nobility; Dignity
Tagetes	Grief; Cruelty; Jealousy; Sacred affection; Despair
Acacia	Concealed love; Sensitivity
Aconitum	Chivalry; Beware; A deadly foe is near
	Maternal love; Charity
Vinca	Duty; Affection; Home; Love; Discipline; Instruction
	Stay as sweet as you are; Egotism; Formality
Tropaeolum	Patriotism; Conquest; Victory in battle
	Caution; Beauty; Grace
	Purity; Innocence; Eternal love; Marriage; Fruitfulness; Lovliness
	Love; Beauty; Refinement; Beautiful lady; Flower of magnificence
	Mature charm
	Victory; Success
Viola	Thoughtful reflection; Merriment
	Bashfulness; Happy marriage; Prosperity
Petunia Hybrida	Resentment; Anger; Your presence soothes me
Phlox	Our souls are united
	Hope; Pity
	Be of good cheer
Papaver	Eternal sleep; Imagination; Oblivion
Papaver	Pleasure
Papaver	Consolation
Papaver	Wealth; Success
Primula	I can't live without you
Lamarckiana	Inconstancy
Ammi Majus	Haven
	Radiant; Charming
	Love; I love you; Respect; Courage
	Perfect happiness; Gentility; Grace; Please believe me
	Thank you
	Admiration
	Friendship; Joy and happiness; Jealousy; Trying to care; Gladness
	Innocence; Purity; Heavenly; Secrecy; Silence; Charm
	Enthusiasm; Desire
	Enthusiasm; Desire
	Unity
	Simplicity; I love you
	I will remember you always
	Sweetheart; Girlhood
	You're everything to me
	Gratitude
	I love you; I still love you
	Beauty; Youth; A heart innocent of love
	Pure; Lovely
	Girlhood
Antirrhinum	Gracious lady; Deception; Presumption
	Elope with me
	Sympathy; Rememberance
	Happiness in marriage; Desire to travel; Come to me
Matthiola	Lasting beauty; Bonds of affection; Promptness; You'll always be beautiful to me
Helianthus	Adoration; Pride; Sunshine
Lathyrus	Delicate pleasures; Goodbye; Blissful pleasure; Departure; Thank you for a lovely time
Dianthus Barbatus	Grant me one smile; Gallantry
Tulipa	Perfect lover; Fame; Love; Passion
Tulipa	Believe me; Declaration of love
Tulipa	There is sunshine in your smile; Hopeless love
Tulipa	Beautiful eyes
	Will you get your wish?
	Fidelity
Viola	Modesty; Faithfulness; Virtue
Viola	I'll always be true; Watchfulness
Viola	Let's take a chance on happiness
	Will you dance with me?
Erysimum	Fidelity in adversity
	Purity of heart
Sinensis	Welcome
Xeranthemum	Eternity; Immortality
	Healing
Zinnia	Thoughts of absent friends
Zinnia	Lasting affection
Zinnia	Constancy
Zinnia	Goodness
Zinnia	Daily rememberance
Zinnia

Getting started ~ Rubber stamping

How do I get started in rubber stamping?

When I first started rubber stamping 16+ years ago I was completely overwhelmed with the variety of products on the market so my aim here is to keep the information as simple as possible so that you can go away & make your own choices.

I read somewhere that art is a journey and we are all at different stages – what I have learn't is that everybody’s cards are different- if you give two experienced stamper’s the same rubber stamp they will still produce very contrasting pieces of work – what’s important is that you made it, and over time you will find techniques which you prefer, and develop your own personal style.

Starting Out in Rubber Stamping

I can remember my first trip to a craft & seeing the many stamps & inkpads available and of course wanting them all – but before you buy I would just like to make the following points:

1. Don’t just buy the cheapest inkpads – it is a false economy. Ask around and find out what fellow stampers recommend. There are many forums that give advice to newcomers.
Although some inkpads may cost slightly more they will last you longer in the long term – I’m still using the same black memories that I bought many years ago.

My personal favourites are:
Versamark for embossing,
Staz-on in black or brown for watercolouring images ( staz - on cleaner is needed with this pad.
Brilliance & Versamagic chalk effect for a variety of direct to paper techniques.

2. Rubber Stamps – so much choice & where to start. We all have had impulse buys – I too am guilty of that, but when you buy a stamp, try & think of a number of different ways or occasions you could use it. For example, a simple flower stamp can be used for mother’s day or a female birthday. The petals could be layered, or the stamp could be stamped repeatedly using a mask to create depth. You also need to consider the type of stamp you are buying, mounted, un-mounted, solid or outline?

Types of Rubber Stamps

Solid vs. Outline Rubber Stamps
The fundamental difference between solid and outline stamps is how you add colour to the stamped image. With a solid stamp you need to add colour before stamping, i.e., you apply colour directly to the stamp. Something which can be achieved in a variety of ways, including inkpads or Marvey Le Plume Pens

With an outline rubber stamp, colour is added once the image has been stamped. Stamp the image in an outline colour of choice and then apply colour to the card, material, or whatever using inks, chalks, paints, pencils, etc.

Mounted vs. unmounted Rubber Stamps

The difference between these types of stamps is obvious… One comes pre-mounted on a bloc of wood, the other is a flat stamp that needs to be placed on an acrylic block before it can be used. One thing I would stress here is that you shouldn’t be put off (like I was) from using un-mounted stamps, as there is nothing difficult or fiddly about them.


Unmounted stamps are far easier to store, and they are cheaper meaning you can buy more. We will be covering unmounted stamp & how to use them later on in the course. Talking of unmounted – you also have the choice of buying unmounted rubber stamps or unmounted acrylic stamps, which have the advantage of being see through so you can see exactly where you are stamping. Some people have strong preferences as to what they use, but again it is very much personal choice.

Its returned ~ two stamps with a different look

I managed to spend a few hours in my craft room on Sunday & another couple of hours last night whilst the football was on, It wasn't just tidying up and admiring all of the lovely papers.

It's my day off today & all of the housework is nearly finished, so a quick bath is all I need now and then it's off to the craft room for the day.

I have just ordered the stamp of the month from http://stampstash.com they are from the company Great Impressions, who also supply project sheets online for each months stamps.

Temptation is everywhere last night I had an e-mail from my stampin up demo they are having a special promotion..... & I just need a few sets, I seem to short of nice words & sentiments.

I can resist everything.............................except temptation

11 days now without any diet coke, still feeling a bit groggy but I am sure that it will be worth it in the end, however my clothes are feeling slightly looser so it must be working.

Crafters Block

I know we all joke about having Crafter's block, but I have been really suffering from it over the last couple of weeks, even last Saturdays craft day on qvc didn't inspire me to take to my craft room.
So I have spent the week looking at everybody's blogs, looking for inspiration and hoping that my creativity will return.
Also this week I have given up drinking diet coke after the revelation in last weeks Mail on Sunday about the damaging side effects of this drink,
Did you know that American highway patrol carry a 5litre bottle of cola, not in case they get thirsty, but too wash the blood off the road after a RTA!!
Also cola can dissolve an iron nail in just 4 days.....UGH makes me wonder whats going on in my stomach, I don't feel drastically better yet but its only been a week & I think my body is still protesting a little with headaches & stomach cramps.

First Cards of 2008

Well Christmas is really over now..... all of the decorations are safely packed away for another year and everything from the Christmas cards, crackers & packaging that is recyclable has been recycled and stored in the appropriate little boxes for adding to new cards.
So I have been make a start on the first cards of 2008

Some nice cheerful wedding cards for an order.

( If anybody knows the maker or style number of this swan stamp, please contact me )
I bought this some years in an embellishments goody bag & am now looking for some simple images to make some wedding stationery and this would work well

I wonder if anyone can guess where the inspiration for this wedding card came from?















This card was embossed up the middle using one of the keepsake embossing bars and then gems glued onto the end of each stem.
( It looks lovely in the flesh, but the photo doesn't show up too well)


















Thought that I would try blue for a wedding card for a bit of a change.
( Any stamp detectives ~ does anybody know who the maker of this stamp is? )































Now a bit of a sad card ~ one of my work colleagues is leaving, she has got her dream job working with Horses at a horse sanctuary, so I thought this card was appropriate.

















We all like to make fun cards they seem so easy and the creativity just seems to flow when making Children's cards.
I really enjoyed making this one, it uses a stampin up stamp set called Circus Train.





















Whatever type of cards you start of making in 2008 I hope that you enjoy them & the creativity just flows for you.

Todays words of wisdom

A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.”
Francis Bacon

Inspiration dropped through the letterbox

I saw this set & just had to have it...... I just love Penny Black

every which way

Product No: 30-008

www.pennyblackinc.com

The new catalogue is available to view online at there site. There is a link on the site to download the new catalogue.





All i need to do now is clear away all of the Christmas decorations and associated paraphernalia and I get get into my craft room to have a play.
I will upload some of my new creations as soon as I can.
Happy Crafting & Happy New year

Todays words of wisdom

Happiness is a habit; cultivate it!
-- Elbert Hubbard

New years Resolutions

What will you be resolving to do or not do in 2008?

I don't usually make new years resolutions but I am thinking carefully about things i would like to change in my personal life.

* Make family Birthday cards in plenty of time for posting.

* I do think one think that i need to do is to use some of the things that are already on the shelves in my craft room.

12 x 12 paper storage a rack bought from a closing down sale of a craft shop near me.



Stampin up rubber stamp sets are brilliant and they have there own little clam shell cases, so easy to label and easy to find a set.



The shelves are a new addition to my craft room and make so much more space and free up the desk for making more projects.


My workspace.



Ribbon storage also bought from the closing down sale at my local craft shop.




Labelled storage drawers from WH Smith


My messy workspace


My Helper, he hasn't quite understood that the peel off's go on the card & not on his head.

Whatever your resolutions I wish you and yours a very
Happy & Healthy 2008