Boo...

Hi everyone

Have you had a busy weekend?

We are in the process of having a some home improvements done so no time for crafting, well not unless it's in the middle of the night when my brain won't switch off!

I've used one of my large MDF tags and created a haunting rendition of the monochrome look, well with the exception of a little pop of orange. I came across the image in one of my files when tidying my computer - like you do! I'm not a big Halloween fan but love Autumn and old pictures, so their is my inspiration.

The background is Craft Core black cardstock, the edges are sanded and Gathered Twigs Distress Ink added. The next layer is Manila Cardstock, clear embossed with a vintage background stamp, Hickory Smoke Distress Ink on top and over stamped with Hickory Smoke and a text stamp. These layers were sewn together on my trusty sewing machine. The frame is an SVG file, cut out of black cardstock on my Cricut. This was triple embossed using Platinum Ultra Thick Embossing Powder. The amber embellishment was a clear cabochon, coloured using Rust alcohol Ink as were the beads hung at the bottom, another junk shop find! The leaves were cut from distress inked cardstock and cut using Tim Holtz Fall Foliage Dies.

I've attached the image here if you'd like to use it and the frame is an SVG file if you'd like to use it here.

I'd like to enter my monochrome Halloween tag into the following challenges-

Simon Says Stamp - Monochrome
Frilly & Funky - Trick or Treat

Right I'm off to clean my non-existent kitchen, again - ready for the plasterer!! I've been told I'm  a compulsive cleaner and neat freak!!!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Creative hugs, J x

Happy Birthday to You...

Morning Everyone.

What are you doing today?

This is a quick stop to show you what I've made for my little sisters Birthday today. 

I haven't been sleeping of late - to be more precise the worst has been1 hour one hours sleep one night this week! Needless to say my brain isn't functioning on all cylinders but I've had to stay busy so decided to make a not so conventional card for my her birthday. At least I've managed to plan a few more projects so they should keep me busy for a little while!

I've shared a picture below. I hope she likes it! What do you think?

Now I'm off to do the mundane household chores before collecting my son and his dirty washing from university!

Whatever you're doing have a good day,

Julie x

Autumn with A Vintage Journey

Hello All

Today I am happy to be invited to 'A Vintage Journey' where I share a project for Jennie's October Challenge - Crazy for Autumn Colour. This is what I created and my inspiration for doing so...

Autumn is my favourite season so the brief was perfect! We live quite high up in Yorkshire. As I drive in the early morning, I often see the valley below shrouded in mist and the Keats poem ‘To Autumn’ sprung to mind. As a child we were made to learn it by rote!

I planned several designs and ended up doing something completely different but the introductory line of the poem was still my main inspiration - 'Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness'. Truth be told, I tend to work best when things develop naturally rather than working to a specific idea, I’m sure you know what I mean?

I have had an old board book which my son had thrown out from his first birthday. Well… it spoke to me on many levels; how could I get rid of it? I’ve had a plan for it from that day on and I felt it would be a great base to frame a verse or two from Keats and to frame an exploratory faux encaustic panel – an idea which has been buzzing around my head for a while.

Starting out with encaustics isn’t cheap so I decided to experiment with beeswax and soya wax, pastels, gelatos and distress crayons. I love the way pastels and wax combine to give a mellow and misty effect and felt they would work perfectly. 

 

I also love the tactile feel of textiles and decided to create a fabric cover for the book using various mediums and techniques, vintage lace, trims and beads. Throw in a favourite set of stamps by Crafty Individuals, distress inked cardstock cut with Tim Holtz’s Fall Foliage dies plus rusty wire and a few choice accessories and here’s my completed project.

I hope you like my contribution to ‘Autumn’? If you are interested in the many techniques included in this project, a lengthy tutorial can be found in the tutorial section above or simply click here.

Please leave a comment and thanks for stopping by

Creative hugs, Julie xx


I would also like to enter this into the following challenges:
Country View Crafts Challenges, Oct 2017- Mixed Media with Autumnal Hues .
Stamping Sensations - October 2017 : Autumn Glory 

Normal Service Resumes...

Hello everyone,

It feels like such a long time since I last posted, indeed it's been a while since I spent time in my little craft room. It's been a busy summer here in the Atkinson house. We've spent three out of six weeks in the sunshine, had babysitting duties as Miss Ava had her operation, prepared and packed one off to university and got the last of four children ready to enter year 9 of high school! So, as the title to this post states - life is finally getting back to normal.

I had some exciting news in the summer.... I've been invited to be Pinworthy Guest over at 'A Vintage Journey'. After years of teaching Art & Craft to adults and children, I must admit to having a few butterflies as I plan my contribution. I'm putting it down to having a few years out due to ill health but fingers crossed it is beginning to come together. As you will probably understand, I can't show you anything just yet but keep checking and I will post a picture and tutorial as soon as I'm allowed.

Are you enjoying the weather? We've had lots of rain here in Yorkshire but this has led to a few cool and misty Autumnal mornings. I love this time of year; the colours and smells take me back to childhood. I grew up in a rural village and this time of year was bustling with activity. As a child, we learnt the Keats poem ‘to Autumn’ by rote! For me it summaries Autumn perfectly (although I do like Mr. Cleaver’s version in Bridget Jones)!

Well, I had better crack on as the deadline is getting too close for comfort. I hope you’re having a fun day and manage a little crafty time too.

Creative hugs for now

J xx