A step by step...

 Hello everyone,

I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the warm weather.  

Today, I have a step by step for a card I made a while ago...

On mixed media cardstock, stamp with #302 Going Postal using distress oxides

Spread some distress crackle paste through stencil #69 Parched Earth and leave to dry

On a separate piece of card, stamp the flowers from #272 Thankful Petals

Use a palette knife to spread Izink Ice over the stamped images to colour them, then cut them out

Once the paste is dry, add some watercolour paint and spritz 

Add some stamping with #307 Overlapping Texture in black

Add the cut out flowers, sentiment and some washi tape and a few splatters

All stamps and stencils are from AALL& Create for more information visit www.aallandcreate.com/boutique

Thank you for visiting
Janet xxx

 

Simply Green

 Hello! 

I thought I would do another post while I am in the mood! These are more samples from the last ODS shows on Hochanda.  As far as I know, they still haven't turned up, so it's anyone's guess where they are!

I enjoy finding ways of making stencils the star of my card rather than the background.  I thought I would show you some things I did with the rather fabulous designs by Abs.  I fell in love with Lotza Dotz the minute I saw it and now there are more shapes to add to my list of favourites.  They all work brilliantly well for backgrounds and for adding a bit of texture paste through, but I wanted a way to bring them to the fore!

Enter doodling!  The A4 size stencils have nice large areas to doodle in , so I brushed up on a few patterns and got out my fine liner... (to be fair,my fine liner never actually gets put away..!)

The first one is with Superbly Square, I drew round the squares and coloured with promarkers, then added some stamping with Reverse Squares and finished with the new Washi tape

The second is Totally Triangular, this took a while, but I really enjoyed it, especially the triangles within the triangle

Lastly, Hugely Hexagonal, I thought Kraft Card would make a nice different background and I loved the effect of a white pencil to add highlights

All stamps and stencils and washi tapes are from AALL &Create.  For more information go to www.aallandcreate.com/boutique

Thanks very much for visiting,

Janet xx

AALL & Create do Washi!!

 Hello everyone, 

I hope everyone is well.  I absolutely love being part of the AALL & Create team in my little way, especially when there is something new and exciting!  AALL & Create Washi Tape!!  There are 7 different rolls to choose from including a blank one for you to paint or ink and stamp your own designs.  I am very happy that they have been a huge success.

I thoroughly enjoyed making samples for the ODS shows when Abs launched the tapes, but sadly they never arrived at Hochanda (I live in hope that they will turn up somewhere some day!)

I have a few to share with you here, but also I had an idea of how to use the tape in a bit of a different way.

I used a spare piece of card and cut it a bit bigger than the die I intended to use (you don't want to waste this tape!)

Stick the tape to the card I used all one design,  but you could mix them up or keep a piece of card handy and stick any left over bits to it

Die cut the card with the washi tape.  I love the look of it and as I used card with a bit of colour to it, that shows through to add to the affect.

I haven't used this on a project yet, but the weekend is still young...

Here are some of the samples that went missing 😢  As well as the washi tape there were new stamps and stencils from Abs and Bipasha.  As many of you will know I have been in love with Abs' stencil Lotza Dotz since the first day I saw it and I am fairly sure it will remain my all time favourite stencil, but then there was the big brother, Totally Dotty, then some cousins, Totally Triangular and Lotza Trianglz and now the family has expanded to  include Heapza Hexagonz, Hugely Hexagonal, Lotza Squares and Superbly Square as well as the matching stamps...I absolutely love all of them   Bipasha has done some fabulous squares and hexagons to match.  I was in heaven making backgrounds with these stamps and stencils, they work so well with so many techniques and different media. They proved very popular on the shows too.  

All stamps, stencils, dies and washi tapes are by AALL & Create.

Find more information at www.aallandcreate.com/boutique

Thanks for visiting

Janet xxx

I'm back!

 Hello bloggers,

I am back blogging again for a while (who knows how long it will last!)  I can't believe it has been so long since my last post.  How have you been getting on in this strange new world?  I work for the NHS so that side of things has been pretty much business as usual for me but I haven't been doing any workshops, until Saturday!  I did a workshop with reduced numbers so there was plenty of room for everyone to spread out and the hall had provided plenty of hand gel and wipes.  Everyone was very sensible and it was really nice to be out crafting with friends again.

We made a mini album which was fun!  As always, everyone did their own version and as always came up with some lovely finished results and as always, I didn't take any pictures...

Here is my version..

All the stamps and stencils used are from AALL & Create, for the background I used the rather fabulous Totally Triangular stencil by Abs, the background stamping is done with three of my favourite sets; #336 Bold Alphas by Bipasha, #338 Background Noise by Janet Klein and of course #362 Splodge by Abs. and all the main images are from the lovely range by Janet Klein

For more information about AALL &Create products visit their website at www.aallandcreate.com/boutique

Thank you for visitng 

Janet xxx

Flying Pigs

Hello everyone,

I have a nice bright project here.  I know those of you who know me will be asking where the real me has gone, but actually I am really enjoying the bright colours, must be the sunny weather!

A while ago, I bought some bottled inks (I can't resist nice colouring things!) but I haven't used them until very recently.  I decided to try them out and made some fab backgrounds...

I thought this one with the pink would go well with the new design pigs by Janet Klein.  

I used the absolutely fabulous Background Noise stamp set to create the background interest then stamped and coloured the pigs  and wings separately and stuck them over the top.

I added some white highlights and the sentiment to complete it.

These stamps and others from Janet Klein will be on the Let Leonie Loose shows on Hochanda on Wednesday 10th June at 11.00am and 2.00pm UK time.  They will be shows full of fun and creativity.

Stamps used by AALL & Create #345 Bacon, #348 Insect Wings #338 Background Noise

for information about AALL & Create products and stockists, go to www.aallandcreate.com

Thank you for visitng, enjoy your weekend

Janet xx

A Mini Book

Hello everyone,

I may have developed a new obsession!  i watched Abs make a mini journal on one of his Instagram lives and loved it so much, I gave it a go myself and was quite pleased with the results...  

When the delicious little designs by Janet Klein were released in the latest collection, I just knew they would be perfect in a mini book.

This one is smaller than the one Abs made, it is just 6.0 x 7.5 cms, but it is amazing how much you can fit in and I love that each set by Janet has the elements to make a little scene and of course you can mix and match with others in the range...

Front cover with #361 Bloom

#358 Paw Prints

#359 Raincoat

#354 Bunny & Bunnies

#356 Flower Market

#355 Eat, Play, Love

Back Cover #360 Wish

there is a box to put the book in too, but i don't have any pics of that.  The other stamps I used for this are the fantabulous new backgrounds by Abs, they add wonderful interest without detracting from the main image.  I used #362 Splodge, #365 Ice Floes and #366 Roundly

These stamps will all be showing on the AALL & Create One Day Special starting on Hochanda on Monday 1st June at 6.00pm and 8.00pm and continuing on Tuesday 2nd June at 8.00am 12 midday and 4.00pm.

For more information about AALL & Create products go to www.aallandcreate.com

Thank you for visiting,

Janet xx

Free Advice

Hello everyone,

I hope you have all been keeping safe and well and enjoying the lovely weather we have had recently. 
Today i am sharing a couple of samples I have made for the up coming AALL & Create One Day Special launching on Hochanda on Monday 1st June at 6.00pm.  These shows will be featuring the delightful new designs by Janet Klein.  Each set has the main character and extra elements which you can use to create fab little scenes.  There are extra sets this time which you can use with these characters and of course with any you may already have.


 I created the background for this one by blending distress oxides over the card, then I added some stamping.  I used the fabulous new background stamps by Abs.  I love the new 'Splodge' stamp it is an absolute must have and I am pretty sure it will be an all time favourite.  I stamped it round the edges in several colours and added some circles from 'Roundly' too

All the characters and elements are stamped on separate card, coloured with pencils and cut out then mounted on the base

The second sample is made much along the same lines, an ink-blended background then I added some interest with the lovely stencil 'Starry Night' which is designed by Janet to complement the range.
I also added some stamping with 'Splodge' (because I couldn't help myself) and some elements from 'Background Noise'
the 'Puppy Toys' are stamped and cut out of separate card

times for the shows:
Monday 1st June 6.00pm and 8.00pm
Tuesday 2nd June 8.00am, 12 midday and 4.00pm

1st card stamps used:
343 The Stand, 360 Wish, 354 Bunny & Bunnies, 355 Eat Play Love
363 Splodge 366 roundly

2nd card stamps used:
344 Puppy Toys, 338 Background Noise
363 Splodge
Stencil used  97 Starry Night

For a list of stockists of AALL & Create products, go to www.aallandcreate.com

Thanks very much for visiting,
Janet xx

Stencils and Alcohol

Hello everyone,

It's cold isn't it!!  What happened there ?  Last weekend I was sitting out in the sun, now I'm wrapped up in layers and still feel cold.

Anyway, I had a lovely time a couple of days ago having a little play with Olga's new stencils from AALL & Create....

I went a bit green for this one, I put the stencil in place on some glossy card stock and dabbed alcohol ink all over, using various colours of green and yellow.  I only did part of it to leave a white corner.  When it was all dry, I outlined the design with a fine black pen. (I can't help myself!!)
On a separate piece of card I stamped and embossed the flowers, then added the same colour inks over the top.
Cut out the flowers and add them to the card

Stencil #94 Sundew
Stamp #265 Blooming Poppies

For this card, I outlined the wing part of the stencil then coloured in with promarkers and added a sentiment and a few splatters

Stencil #90 Elegance
Stamp #197 Scripted Botanicals

For more product informationd and a list of stockists, go to
www.aallandcreate.com

Thanks very much for dropping by,
Have a lovely day!
Janet xxx

Floral Garden

Good morning everyone!

I hope you are all enjoying the fabulous weather this weekend!  I know we are all staying at home, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy ourselves does it??

I love having the extra time to sit in the garden and also to do some crafting, I have a ton of stuff I have never used, so this is my chance to give them a go...

I did a step by step for today's  project.  I used the gorgeous new AALL & Create stencil #93 Enchanted Garden by lovely Olga Heldwein and Ecoline brush pens which I have had for ages and rarely used!

Tape stencil in place and draw all round with a fine black pen

I just peeked to check I hadn't missed any bits, but put the stencil back in place

I started with the leaves...

All done, it took me a long time, but it was fun!

A close up of details

I used Stencil #93 Enchanted Garden by Olga
Stamp #140 Doodled Blooms by Tracy for the sentiments
For information about AALL & Create products and stockists, please visit www.aallandcreate.com

Thank you so much for visiting, have a lovely weekend
Janet xxx

A Stunning Stencil

Good morning everyone,

It is an exciting time at AALL & Create because it is NEW RELEASE time!!  This range is just amazing!  All of the designers have created a fabulous range of stamps and stencils and they all work so well together too.
For a list of stockists for the new range, visit www.aallandcreate.com

My project today features one of the gorgeous new A4 stencils by Olga.  This is #90 Elegance.

I used one of my favourite techniques and brushed ink through the stencil then used a black fineliner to outline the whole lot, it does take a while, but I find it very relaxing and it doesn't take as long as you may think!

Have a lovely day
Janet xxx

Stencils and Doodling

Good morning all,

I hope you are all keeping well and staying safe.
Today's cards both feature stencils from Olga who has been creating a range of beautiful, large intricate designs.
If you know me, you will know that one of my favourite things to do is to draw round stencils, it takes a while but I find it very relaxing..


For my first card here, I brushed ink through the stencil #84 Profusion then removed it and drew all round it with a fine black pen.
I used the lovely #13 Bursting Buds die by Bipasha to cut out the centre, I also cut the die in black and white card then pieced the bits back in, so the die cut pieces are embedded in the design rather than being on top.
I added a few extra buds too.












FOr the second card, I just added ink then drew round the stencil, added a few splatters, some washi tape and a sentiment
#86 Twirling Tendrils
The sentiment is from stamp #255 Bird Lover by Janet Klein

Thanks very much for visiting, all products used are by AALL & Create for information about products and stockists visit www.aallandcreate.com

Janet xx

Floral Dies

Good morning,
I hope you all had a good weekend, it was lovely and sunny here, so I spent a lot of time relaxing in the garden.
My cards today go back a bit, to the time when AALL & Create introduced floral dies to the range.  It is no secret that I am not keen on cutting out, so I was really pleased to see these...

The gorgeous floral stamps by Olga are some of my favourites in the range.  I love leaving them black and white, I think they look stunning!

I kept it fairly simple for this one; the central square is a background I found in my stash, I added some black ink through the Weathered Tiles stencil #59 by Abs and tore it into a square.
I stamped the sentiments from stamp sets #229 Blooming Field and #232 Friendship both by Olga round the edge of my base card.
I stamped out the flowers from #229 and used the matching dies to cut many layers of different colour card and glued them all together








A close up to show the layers...there is no need to stamp the lower layers, just lots of die cutting!

Then just assemble it all on the card

For the second card, I just stamped everything in black and die cut the main image, added a couple of layers, so it stands out from the card and added a few black dots...













All products from AALL & Create, for more information about products and stockists, see www.aallandcreate.com
Stamps used #229 Blooming Field and #232 Friendship by Olga
Dies #15 and #16 Blooming Field 1 & 2
Stencil #59 by Autour de Mwa

Enjoy your day
Janet xx

All About Africa

Hello folks,

I am sure many of you will know that we were due to visit Kenya in March.  We had our suitcase pretty much packed and were all set to go to the hotel near Heathrow the next morning, when we heard that the Kenyan President was going to deny access to foreigners....I was totally devastated!  It was not just a holiday, it was going to be time spent with my lovely friend/unofficial adopted son, Sammy.  I was so looking forward to seeing him again.
I sulked big time for a couple of days, but the situation here in the UK got worse and it was obviously the best thing for us to go later when all this is over. 
The situation for the guys in Kenya though is pretty serious, many, many of them rely on the tourist industry for their income, there is little or no government support, so they are in danger of going hungry
I made this card when Kenya was very much on my mind and in my heart.  The main image is a painting by Sammy and the background is simply multiple stamping using the fabulous #312 Mini Tribal stamp by Abs.

I posted all of this on my fb page a while ago and several people said they wanted to help, so I set up a fundraiser and have so far raised £700.00 which is amazing and I am very grateful to everyone who donated.  I have sent some of the money to Sammy and he has been buying food, soap and facemasks for many local families and neighbours.

The best part of all of this for me is that Sammy has been giving food to some street kids he has seen there.  This means sooo much to him because up until a few years ago, he was living on the streets himself and knows exactly what it is like.  He has always wanted to help those kids and it is his dream and goal to set up a school to provide free education for them.  Distributing the food to them has given him a sense of purpose and he is even more determined now to achieve his goal, but first he wants to get them food!

Sammy bought big sacks of maize, paid for it to be ground into flour and took it to families in the slums of Momabasa

This is the miller














This lady was supporting 6 kids on her own


















Food for families

 With the kids on the streets..Sammy went back three days to provide them food

A single young man enjoying a cup of warm tea and a chapati

Thank you so very much to everyone who has donated, as you can see it is making a difference to people and providing food at least for a while.

If you would like to help, any donation is very gratefully received and a small amount of money here goes a long way in Kenya and helps many people..

Here is the link to my fundraiser
Supplies for Sammy, Friends and Family





Janet xxx