So, I braved the sales today, on a mission to find embroidery floss. Just before Christmas I bought a 'Friendship Bracelet' kit (I'm sure I've posted about this before on my blog.. anywho..). It was obviously made for kiddies, as some of the colours were awful. But the patterns (of which there were five in total, if my memory serves me correctly..) So I made a bargain with myself, if I could hold off making pointless horrid coloured bracelets that I wouldn't wear, until after Christmas, I would take myself embroidery floss shopping. Well, I couldn't wait much longer..
So here are the 11 colours I got today, 75p a.. a.. what would you call it? a roll? a strip? what? from The Yorkshire Trading Company..
Some of my fave ever colours, blue brown and red! :) They make me happy much. So after I have a little session with some digis and create some cards, I'm going to get some of these bad boys cut to length and start another bracelet. I have made one previously (again, I'm sure I've posted about this on here..) which was brown, blue, white and green. Tis pretty nice, but I know its in me to make a nicer one! :)
Thats all for now. Have a nice day. xo
[P.S You may notice my picture is a different size to my usual, that is because I have eventually found the charger for my Samsung camera, so I'm going to see how that works out!]
About Me
- Lou Mac
- Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, United Kingdom
- This is a blog I use to share my papercraft projects. I make them for friends and family, as well as selling them to fund my craft stash. You can get in touch with me at loumac03@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like to place a commissioned order.
Thursday 30 December 2010
Wednesday 29 December 2010
Digi Stamps
Evening all. I'm just dropping by.. to ask for your opinion on DIGI STAMPS.
I have been exposed to these marvellous things more and more recently, and I have begun to open up to the advantages of them. Biggest one? They take up a LOT! less space than woodmounted or cling/clear/polymer stamps. They are a LOT cheaper and they can be resized and flipped to suit your needs for any particular creation.
Of course, the first time I really used a digi stamp was for my DT creation at Lexi's Creations this week, she draws her own, and they are available at Fairy Dust Crafts in the 'Digi stamps' section.
After that, I started searching the Internet for more digi image which I liked and suited my style. I came across a lot of sites with gorgeous designs. I will list some of them at the end of this post. What with me getting a new printer off my boyfriend at Christmas (Advent AWP10) I thought it would be the perfect time to start printing my own digi images to use with my cardmaking. I'm looking forward to building my collection.
Are there any websites which you find yourself going back to? Also, do you save your images to your computer/laptop and then back them up on an external drive?
Any hints or tips would be appriciated, and if you could send some websites my way for me to take a look.
List of sites:
Fairy Dust Crafts - Digi Images
ImagEnation
Sassy Studio Designs
Sentiments 4 You
Pink Car Studio
Whimsy Stamps - Meljen's Designs
Kenny K Downloads
Over & Out, Lou. xo
I have been exposed to these marvellous things more and more recently, and I have begun to open up to the advantages of them. Biggest one? They take up a LOT! less space than woodmounted or cling/clear/polymer stamps. They are a LOT cheaper and they can be resized and flipped to suit your needs for any particular creation.
Of course, the first time I really used a digi stamp was for my DT creation at Lexi's Creations this week, she draws her own, and they are available at Fairy Dust Crafts in the 'Digi stamps' section.
After that, I started searching the Internet for more digi image which I liked and suited my style. I came across a lot of sites with gorgeous designs. I will list some of them at the end of this post. What with me getting a new printer off my boyfriend at Christmas (Advent AWP10) I thought it would be the perfect time to start printing my own digi images to use with my cardmaking. I'm looking forward to building my collection.
Are there any websites which you find yourself going back to? Also, do you save your images to your computer/laptop and then back them up on an external drive?
Any hints or tips would be appriciated, and if you could send some websites my way for me to take a look.
List of sites:
Fairy Dust Crafts - Digi Images
ImagEnation
Sassy Studio Designs
Sentiments 4 You
Pink Car Studio
Whimsy Stamps - Meljen's Designs
Kenny K Downloads
Over & Out, Lou. xo
Monday 27 December 2010
Christmas Table Gift Boxes
I have had these Bo Bunny boxes since last Christmas - but I never got to use them last year.. So this year I decided to break three out and make gift boxes which served as table settings too. For Louise (me), Heather (my Mam) and Dave (my Mams boyfriend). I promised I would post some pictures, so here they are.
Oh, and this is one of the three bottles of cider I got to try, as I usually just have Woopecker or Strongbow, but that gets boring after a while. The three I tried were different varieties of fruit cider, yummy.
I have started making a few cards for the series of 'Christmas Crunch Sunday', so I will be making a start on those posts for the first one to go live on Sunday 2nd January 2011. Very excited!
Take care. xo
Oh, and this is one of the three bottles of cider I got to try, as I usually just have Woopecker or Strongbow, but that gets boring after a while. The three I tried were different varieties of fruit cider, yummy.
I have started making a few cards for the series of 'Christmas Crunch Sunday', so I will be making a start on those posts for the first one to go live on Sunday 2nd January 2011. Very excited!
Take care. xo
Pink 'Winter Birthday' C-30
Its has come to that time of year when you have to compromise between Winter themed cards and Birthday cards, and this week over at Lexi's Creations, the focus is on 'Winter Birthdays' - specifically in pink, now who wouldn't love that?!
This is my first creation being part of Lexi's DT, so can I just say a big Hello! to everyone who doesn't know me. :) Thank you to all who joined in last week, your creations were fabulous, and well done to the winners, enjoy your goodies!! Now, onto the Challenge.
This time round, the theme is Pink 'Winter Birthday', nice and girly!! And a nice change from Christmas cards.
This is my first creation being part of Lexi's DT, so can I just say a big Hello! to everyone who doesn't know me. :) Thank you to all who joined in last week, your creations were fabulous, and well done to the winners, enjoy your goodies!! Now, onto the Challenge.
This time round, the theme is Pink 'Winter Birthday', nice and girly!! And a nice change from Christmas cards.
The sponsor this week is Joanna Sheen, you will recieve a £10 voucher to spend on her online store.
For my DT card I have used the digi image 'Kiri' isn't she gorgeous? I love her eyes and cute little boots. She is available from Fairy Dust Crafts from the 'Digi Stamps' section. I have coloured her in using ProMarkers.
I have used paper from Basic Greys Eskimo Kisses, and Indian Summer collections. The sentiment is a stamp from SU! I used the WRMK - Sew Easy tool to create the pattern for my hand stitching. I have added stickles, pearls a charm and some ribbon for added embellishment. & obviously, there had to be a little bit of corner rounding in there somewhere - achieved with my WRMK - Corner Chomper.
Challenges entered:
× Creative Craft Challenges - Anything Goes
× Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
× Passion for ProMarkers - Week 80 - Mega Christmas Challenge
× Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
× Crafts and Me Challenges - Challenge #20
× For Fun Challenges - Anything Goes
× Whimsie Doodles - A Change of Pace
× Paper Pretties - Wednesday Challenge #22 - Birthday Card
× Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
× Passion for ProMarkers - Week 80 - Mega Christmas Challenge
× Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
× Crafts and Me Challenges - Challenge #20
× For Fun Challenges - Anything Goes
× Whimsie Doodles - A Change of Pace
× Paper Pretties - Wednesday Challenge #22 - Birthday Card
× Alota Rubber Stamps - Challenge #49 - Bling it on
× Aly's Sketch Sunday - #32 Anything Goes
× CES Challenge Blog - Challenge #17 - Anything Goes
× Copic Creations - Challenge #41 - Sparkle
× Dutch Dare - #93 - Winter Theme
× Bunny Zoe Crafts - Challenge #7 - Sparkle & Shine
× Aud Sentiments - Challenge #18 - Anything Goes
× Digi Doodle Shops's Best - Challenge #39 - Anything Goes
Thanks for stopping by, have fun with your creation and good luck in the challenge.
× Aly's Sketch Sunday - #32 Anything Goes
× CES Challenge Blog - Challenge #17 - Anything Goes
× Copic Creations - Challenge #41 - Sparkle
× Dutch Dare - #93 - Winter Theme
× Bunny Zoe Crafts - Challenge #7 - Sparkle & Shine
× Aud Sentiments - Challenge #18 - Anything Goes
× Digi Doodle Shops's Best - Challenge #39 - Anything Goes
Thanks for stopping by, have fun with your creation and good luck in the challenge.
Can I also say HAPPY NEW YEAR - BEST WISHES FOR 2011.
Take care, Lou. xo
Friday 24 December 2010
Merry Christmas Eve
Hidiho friends, I thought I would just write a quick post to wish you all..
I have just been finishing off setting the table for tomorrows dinner, which is going to be kind of special as it is CHRISTMAS DAY!! Wow, only one more sleep and Santa will be sneeking around our living rooms and laying out the presents. Not really, but I still like to think he could be real! Hehe.
I would just like to wish all my friends on the World Wide Web a cheerful and happy Christmas - and the best of starts to the New Year. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who leaves comments on my blog, or just visits, or both, the time out you take it truly appreciated, and every comment you leave enables me to gain more and more confidence and encourages me to go that extra step further with my crafting.
I will do my best to post a picture of our table from tomorrow sometime soon - it is very minimalist and simplistic, considering there will only be three people seated around it, it doesn't need much more. I will be going over to my boyfriends house later on in the evening tomorrow to celebrate Christmas there too (and to take his mountain of presents over), he has two little nephews, kids are what make Christmas - they get so excited bless them, I can't wait to see them.
Thats all for now I guess, oh, and one other thing..
Starting in the New Year I will be publishing a post every Sunday (or trying to..) - called Christmas Crunch Sunday where by I make one (or more - depending on how creative I'm feeling) Christmas cards to add to my stash throughout the year. This way I will definately have enough to send out from me, but also a few left over which, with any luck, I may be able to start selling to friends and family come November/early December time. So please, look out for those. :)
But for now, take care, stay warm, and enjoy the holidays!!
Peace. xo
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
&
ALL THE BEST FOR 2011!
I have just been finishing off setting the table for tomorrows dinner, which is going to be kind of special as it is CHRISTMAS DAY!! Wow, only one more sleep and Santa will be sneeking around our living rooms and laying out the presents. Not really, but I still like to think he could be real! Hehe.
I would just like to wish all my friends on the World Wide Web a cheerful and happy Christmas - and the best of starts to the New Year. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who leaves comments on my blog, or just visits, or both, the time out you take it truly appreciated, and every comment you leave enables me to gain more and more confidence and encourages me to go that extra step further with my crafting.
I will do my best to post a picture of our table from tomorrow sometime soon - it is very minimalist and simplistic, considering there will only be three people seated around it, it doesn't need much more. I will be going over to my boyfriends house later on in the evening tomorrow to celebrate Christmas there too (and to take his mountain of presents over), he has two little nephews, kids are what make Christmas - they get so excited bless them, I can't wait to see them.
Thats all for now I guess, oh, and one other thing..
Starting in the New Year I will be publishing a post every Sunday (or trying to..) - called Christmas Crunch Sunday where by I make one (or more - depending on how creative I'm feeling) Christmas cards to add to my stash throughout the year. This way I will definately have enough to send out from me, but also a few left over which, with any luck, I may be able to start selling to friends and family come November/early December time. So please, look out for those. :)
But for now, take care, stay warm, and enjoy the holidays!!
Peace. xo
Thursday 23 December 2010
Five Fave Christmas Cards 2010
Over at A Scrapjourney, Debby has set a challenge.. to choose five of your favourite Christmas cards from 2010, its going to be a toughie, but I'll definitely give it my best shot.
If you make your list and link it back to Debby's blog, there is some card candy up for grabs which includes two LOTV James Bear stamps for the lucky winner.
If you make your list and link it back to Debby's blog, there is some card candy up for grabs which includes two LOTV James Bear stamps for the lucky winner.
Because I simply LOVE James Bear - hes one cutie (although I LOVE LOTV in general..). On this card I decided to keep him white, instead of grey (my fav - then he resembles a Tatty Teddy) or brown, as the challenge I entered this card into called for a monochromatic colour scheme - obviously I chose shades of grey. Its got pearls and bling and stitching too, YUM! :)
I chose this card for two reasons, 1) I gave it to my Mam and her boyfriend for Christmas, and they loved it, and 2) the image of this card was published in Cardmaking & Papercraft magazine Issue 87, I was soooo pleased when I seen my email and photograph on the letters page of the magazine. It seems like all my cardmaking is heading in the right direction of late - having a photograph published, making my way onto two DT! :) Wow, I'm lucky.
Crochet flower? Hello!! One of the prettiest things I ever did see!! Boy, I wish I could make them myself, they're gorgeous. And they really make any project pop, 'cause of their prettiness but also 'cause of their texture. Vellum, love, heat embossing love, faux stitching love, stocking cut with my slice love. Love this card. :)
Ahhhh, Victoria Case, you beaut. I love this stamp, her hat, her gloves, her pile of snowballs. It has 'winter' written all over it. I entered this card into a sketch over at Mojo, I was very proud of it. Especially my stitching - achieved with my WRMK Sew Easy tool, and that gorgeous snowflake charm.
And finally, this is a picture of my first ever commissioned card. Made for one of my Mams friends to give to his son and daughter in law, for Christmas, obviously. The stamped image of the poinsettia was sent to my by a friend on the Trimcraft forum (I love that place) and I coloured it in using ProMarkers. The white embossed lace circle is a stamp from Hero Arts - delish to say the least. Gotta love a bit of heat embossing.
So there you have it, my top 5 Christmas cards for 2010. I can see a reoccurring theme here - can you? Excessive use of Kraft cardstock perhaps? Hehe, I love the stuff, it goes with everything! Why not pop on over to Debby's blog and take a look.
--*Merry Christmas - and all the health and happiness for the New Year!*--
Wednesday 22 December 2010
For the Love of Coffee
I recently bought a stamp set - the name of which escapes me [if I remember I'll post it later..]- decidicated to coffee, tea and latte, well, it arrived yesterday and I just had to get playing with it.
Here is what I came up with..
Here is what I came up with..
Really simple, I wanted the paper with the mugs on to look old and worn, it sorta worked out. A minuscule amount of paper piecing with Pyrus paper from Basic Grey, and a line of coffee beans. Yummy. This stamp set has so much potential, I just wanted to make something quick and easy to try it out.
I was going to add a sentiment, but thought.. na, for a change! :) Coz then it could be tea, coffee, latte, mocha, anything!
xo
With Heartfelt Thanks
I made a few cards last night, so I thought I would share some with you. One I have made to enter into Mojo, this may be the 5th or even 6th week running, WOW!! Haha.
I would like to enter this card into these challenges:
× Mojo Monday - Week 70
× Cupcake Craft Challenges - Cupcake 122 - Thank you
Here is another card I made using the same stamp and the Origins papers - both from Basic Grey as well as some Inkadinkadoo stamps.
Forgot how much I loved those papers - must break them out some more, although they are running low! LOL. Had to get a little bit of stitching in there somewhere too.
Ahhh, how I love crafting when its all cold and snowy outside. Roll on Saturday - something tells me its going to be a big event!!
I would like to enter this card into these challenges:
× Mojo Monday - Week 70
× Cupcake Craft Challenges - Cupcake 122 - Thank you
Here is another card I made using the same stamp and the Origins papers - both from Basic Grey as well as some Inkadinkadoo stamps.
Forgot how much I loved those papers - must break them out some more, although they are running low! LOL. Had to get a little bit of stitching in there somewhere too.
Ahhh, how I love crafting when its all cold and snowy outside. Roll on Saturday - something tells me its going to be a big event!!
xo
WOYWW 81 (inc. Sew Easy review)
I've got a few things to show/tell you today, so I best get cracking. After I tell you the state of the weather WINTER WONDERLAND is the phrase of the day, even the slush has been turned to crisp whiteness, the snow is falling so heavy. It looks beautiful - for once.
Onto my desk.. a closed laptop and a lack of Ribena or coffee, the reason for this - I had just got up. Centre stage is my copy of Cardmaking & Papercraft, with and email of mine which I sent in a few months ago! Yippee, a friend on Trimcraft alerted me too it, and so I rushed out to buy a copy last night.
In the left hand corner of the picture are some cards I made last night (I have tidied up the wreckage caused by those.. - I'll be posting some later). In front of those is my Kindle, in its lovely blue cover, LOVE this piece of technology. YUM! On top of that is my first attempt at a friendship bracelet, if anyone is interested, let me know and I will post about them in more depth. They are really fun, and although at first it seems like they will take ages - it passes the time away quite nicely when you are watching crap TV.
My email including one picture of the two I sent in - which were cards made using the Bentley Bear Chipboard embellishments (the free gift included in the magazine). |
Oh, and on the chair is my beloved bag from Accessorize - its navy blue and brown with flowers and deers and things on, and its HUGE! :D I use my North Face brown plaid backpack for uni though - otherwise I would end up with curvature of the spine - seriously!
WRMK - SEW EASY TOOL REVIEW - *CLICK HERE*
Anything else.. let me know.
xo
Monday 20 December 2010
First Ever Blogger Award!!
Well, there you have it. My first ever blogger award..
Awarded to me by Sharon, over at Sharon's Crafty Place, this really has put a smile on my face. So thank you Sharon, it really is appreciated! :D
The rules for this are:
1 - Thank the person who sent you it
2 - Say 8 things about yourself
3 - Tag four other bloggy friends
4 - Let them know
So.. where should I start..
1 - I wear odd socks.. everyday
2 - I am an obsessive reader, both real books and on my Kindle
3 - I have climbed the Cheviot - the highest hill in North England at 815m
4 - I passed my driving test first time with three minors
5 - I have a cat called Shadow - she truly lives up to her name in both colour and nature
6 - I have gone through three laptops in the past year - through no fault of my own
7 - I dislike [ in excessive amounts] the heat - summer - yack
8 - Three is my lucky number
Woaah, that was difficult.
Now.. for the even trickier part.. choosing only four other blogs to pass this award on to. So here goes:
Lexi at - Lexi's Creations
Lori at - Just Ducky
Janet at - Pink Gems
Roz at - Rozzy Bee
Thanks again Sharon! :) xo
Lori at - Just Ducky
Janet at - Pink Gems
Roz at - Rozzy Bee
Thanks again Sharon! :) xo
Flower Nails
A little break from the usual crafting madness..
I have been doing this with my nails for as long as I can remember now, it just adds that little something extra and is really quick and simple to do. I have it on my fourth (ring) finger of both hands.
The base colour of my nails has been grey for a long while, it goes with anything. I love the Rimmel 60 Seconds nail polish, this grey is Grey Matter - 805. The shape of the brush is really handy - it goes on smoothly and fast.
The blue petals of the flower is Blue My Mind - 810 from the same Rimmel collection - apply five dots in a circle and drag, with a cocktail stick, into the middle of the circle. Then simply apply a nail pearl with pressure and wait for it to dry. Apply a couple of layers of top coat - I prefer Rimmel Pro Super Care Topcoat, but I'm gradually going to start trying more out.
Hope you like it and you have learnt something new today!
xo
I have been doing this with my nails for as long as I can remember now, it just adds that little something extra and is really quick and simple to do. I have it on my fourth (ring) finger of both hands.
The base colour of my nails has been grey for a long while, it goes with anything. I love the Rimmel 60 Seconds nail polish, this grey is Grey Matter - 805. The shape of the brush is really handy - it goes on smoothly and fast.
The blue petals of the flower is Blue My Mind - 810 from the same Rimmel collection - apply five dots in a circle and drag, with a cocktail stick, into the middle of the circle. Then simply apply a nail pearl with pressure and wait for it to dry. Apply a couple of layers of top coat - I prefer Rimmel Pro Super Care Topcoat, but I'm gradually going to start trying more out.
Hope you like it and you have learnt something new today!
xo
New Years CRAFT-y Resolutions
I've had a very boring and lazy day today, visited Morrison's with my boyfriend and his Mam, it was choca-block. Crikey. They way people go on you would think places shut up shop for months not days (day)!!
I done a bit of blog looking when I got back in and came across Flutterby Trina (she is the other new DT member at Pear Tree) and seen a post she had wrote about crafty resolutions - what a good idea.
I have trouble sticking to even the smallest most insignificant resolutions, like - don't eat as much CHOCOLATE, that lasts approx 2 seconds - until the words have finished spilling from my mouth and some chocolate has been rammed in. Well, here goes with the crafty resolutions..
1) Do not buy as much stash - like paper and stickers and rub ons - use what I have first.
2) QUIT impulse buying!!
3) Donate what I don't and won't use to crafty challenges - on Trimcraft.
4) Try and sell some of my creations - already have a MISI shop. So get promoting.
5) Expand my techniques - crochet flowers, perhaps?
6) Make cards to enter into challenges - not just pointless quick makes.
7) And lastly.. stick in at my two DT roles! Soooo HAPPY about that :)
That is all. Over & out. xo
I done a bit of blog looking when I got back in and came across Flutterby Trina (she is the other new DT member at Pear Tree) and seen a post she had wrote about crafty resolutions - what a good idea.
I have trouble sticking to even the smallest most insignificant resolutions, like - don't eat as much CHOCOLATE, that lasts approx 2 seconds - until the words have finished spilling from my mouth and some chocolate has been rammed in. Well, here goes with the crafty resolutions..
1) Do not buy as much stash - like paper and stickers and rub ons - use what I have first.
2) QUIT impulse buying!!
3) Donate what I don't and won't use to crafty challenges - on Trimcraft.
4) Try and sell some of my creations - already have a MISI shop. So get promoting.
5) Expand my techniques - crochet flowers, perhaps?
6) Make cards to enter into challenges - not just pointless quick makes.
7) And lastly.. stick in at my two DT roles! Soooo HAPPY about that :)
That is all. Over & out. xo
DT Member #2
I am pleased to announce I am now on Donna's DT from Pear Tree Designs. Looks like this team has different requirements than Lexi, but I am excited to get started non the less. :) I look forward to producing my first card for a challenge and seeing it go live. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll leave it at that.
I also look forward to seeing the entries which the followers submit!!
Thanks for stopping by!
Lou. xo
I also look forward to seeing the entries which the followers submit!!
Thanks for stopping by!
Lou. xo
You're in my thoughts..
Here is a card I made with some elements stickers from the Porclain collection from Basic Grey. The colours are soo gorgeous, and I've had the sheet of stickers for soo long, I thought.. why not? So I went to find a CAS sketch I could follow.
Here is what I came up with using a sketch from Tuesday Morning Sketches..
×Tuesday Morning Sketches - #72
×City Crafter - Week 35 - Kraft Creations
Here is what I came up with using a sketch from Tuesday Morning Sketches..
I would like to enter this card into these challenges:
×City Crafter - Week 35 - Kraft Creations
×The ABC Challenge - J is for Jewels and Gems
×StampFairy - Challenge #2 - Anything goes
Thats it for now. Looks like its going to be another snowy day today. Yuck.
×StampFairy - Challenge #2 - Anything goes
Thats it for now. Looks like its going to be another snowy day today. Yuck.
Sunday 19 December 2010
WRMK - Sew Easy Tool [Review]
Hidiho, thanks for stopping by. You're in for a treat, if you like stitching that is.
My Sew Easy tool featured amongst the stuff on my work desk last Wednesday. A lot of you seem to be interested by it, and Julia Dunnit, Chief of WOYWW suggested I write a full on review about it, and I figured I have had it long enough and used it enough times to write a half decent review, so here goes.
Now I may be a bit bias, but I LOVE the tool.. I think that is partly because I love the look of stitching, whether it be real of faux, on cards and projects, and this tool makes real stitching easy to replicate.
Materials it works well on:
Patterned paper - most brands, such as Cosmo Cricket, Basic Grey (although the BG creases more so than other patterned papers)
SU! patterned paper
Materials not so well:
Bazzill - Kraft cardstock - although I find if you heat the cardstock with a heat gun first, this does help the tool penetrate to create the holes.
SU! Cardstock
As for the tool itself, here is a picture to demonstrate.
In the end at the bottom there is a little compartment in order to store the needle that comes with the tool. It has a blunt end, which is handy, that way you don't prod your thumb every time you thread it back through the paper. The tool also comes with a foam mat which measures 11" x7", this makes it easier for the tool to penetrate the material your creating holes in.
Now comes the fun part: the heads. I own four as of now, and to be honest I have one clear favourite, the scalloped pattern, which is the green-y coloured head. I use it all of the time. You get a standard looking stitch head with the tool, that is the pink head, which creates holes in a straight line.
The heads are easy to get on and off, you just give them a little twist.
*Click Here* for the full range of the heads and embroidery floss available from the WRMK range.
It is easy to use, and you can create straight lines, circles, zig-zags, anything. Just move the tool how you want.
So to sum it up: do not expect too much from the tool, it only has plastic spikes, so its not going to pierce really thick material. But some of the patterns you can achieve using it are intricate. It does crease the paper some what, but the peoples blogs I have visited that use a sewing machine say the same thing happens. It is relatively cheap, and you can use it with any sort of embroidery floss.
Any questions about this tool or how you use it, please contact me. :)
xo
My Sew Easy tool featured amongst the stuff on my work desk last Wednesday. A lot of you seem to be interested by it, and Julia Dunnit, Chief of WOYWW suggested I write a full on review about it, and I figured I have had it long enough and used it enough times to write a half decent review, so here goes.
Now I may be a bit bias, but I LOVE the tool.. I think that is partly because I love the look of stitching, whether it be real of faux, on cards and projects, and this tool makes real stitching easy to replicate.
Materials it works well on:
Patterned paper - most brands, such as Cosmo Cricket, Basic Grey (although the BG creases more so than other patterned papers)
SU! patterned paper
Materials not so well:
Bazzill - Kraft cardstock - although I find if you heat the cardstock with a heat gun first, this does help the tool penetrate to create the holes.
SU! Cardstock
As for the tool itself, here is a picture to demonstrate.
In the end at the bottom there is a little compartment in order to store the needle that comes with the tool. It has a blunt end, which is handy, that way you don't prod your thumb every time you thread it back through the paper. The tool also comes with a foam mat which measures 11" x7", this makes it easier for the tool to penetrate the material your creating holes in.
The foam mat - measures 11 inches x 7 inches |
The heads are easy to get on and off, you just give them a little twist.
*Click Here* for the full range of the heads and embroidery floss available from the WRMK range.
It is easy to use, and you can create straight lines, circles, zig-zags, anything. Just move the tool how you want.
So to sum it up: do not expect too much from the tool, it only has plastic spikes, so its not going to pierce really thick material. But some of the patterns you can achieve using it are intricate. It does crease the paper some what, but the peoples blogs I have visited that use a sewing machine say the same thing happens. It is relatively cheap, and you can use it with any sort of embroidery floss.
Any questions about this tool or how you use it, please contact me. :)
xo
How Many Candles?!
Since the snow is becoming worse by the minute around my area - I set myself a challenge this morning when I got up. To enter five or more challenges with one card, and since I wouldn't be going anywhere important, I gave myself all day.
So here is the card..
And here are the challenges I would like to enter:
×Polka Doodles - Week 50 - Age Related
How many candles? - When you're little, the older you get the more candles you see appear on your cake, then you get to the age when thats just gets impossible.
×Bah Humbug - Challenge 46 - Feeling The Blues
One of my favourite colours - I couldn't say no. Blue patterned papers and blue clothes on the cute little girl.
×If the shoe fits - FF#59 - get Krafty
I love Kraft cardstock - I use it as a card base for most cards, I find it matches everything. As usual I have used it as a card base and to mat and layer my tag.
×Allsorts - Week 83 - Free & Easy - Anything goes
This has been made to keep in my stash until that birthday arises when I may have forgotten to make a card.
×Penny Black at Allsorts - December Challenge - Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
My favourite? Cake! Cake, cake and more cake. I also love the colour blue. And I have been using a lot of glitter on cards lately, this one is no exception.
×Penny Black Saturday - Week 132 - Recipe: 3 papers, 1 ribbon, 1 charm
Two blue patterned papers and one black and white. 1 white ribbon, and 1 heart charm. Lovely.
×StampFairy - First Ever Challenge - Glitter or Stickles
I used Star Dust stickles to add some glam to my cake icing.
Thats all for now - I may be back for a look at Mojo, though. xo
So here is the card..
And here are the challenges I would like to enter:
×Polka Doodles - Week 50 - Age Related
How many candles? - When you're little, the older you get the more candles you see appear on your cake, then you get to the age when thats just gets impossible.
×Bah Humbug - Challenge 46 - Feeling The Blues
One of my favourite colours - I couldn't say no. Blue patterned papers and blue clothes on the cute little girl.
×If the shoe fits - FF#59 - get Krafty
I love Kraft cardstock - I use it as a card base for most cards, I find it matches everything. As usual I have used it as a card base and to mat and layer my tag.
×Allsorts - Week 83 - Free & Easy - Anything goes
This has been made to keep in my stash until that birthday arises when I may have forgotten to make a card.
×Penny Black at Allsorts - December Challenge - Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
My favourite? Cake! Cake, cake and more cake. I also love the colour blue. And I have been using a lot of glitter on cards lately, this one is no exception.
×Penny Black Saturday - Week 132 - Recipe: 3 papers, 1 ribbon, 1 charm
Two blue patterned papers and one black and white. 1 white ribbon, and 1 heart charm. Lovely.
×StampFairy - First Ever Challenge - Glitter or Stickles
I used Star Dust stickles to add some glam to my cake icing.
Thats all for now - I may be back for a look at Mojo, though. xo
Friday 17 December 2010
Could it be..
that this is the FOURTH Mojo Monday in a row?! Crikey, what is up with me?! Hehe. I think its coz I'm still on a high from the news I got about joining the DT at Lexi's Creations. My first design is due in by Saturday, and so I needed some inspiration to produce something special!!
Here is my card for Mojo..
Here is my card for Mojo..
CAS!! And so so so far from Christmas - its at the other end of the scale. I used American Crafts - Dear Lizzy (standard) rub ons, flair stickers and paper. Along with some Kraft cardstock from Bazzill and some Naturals Ivory from SU!
I used from liquid pearls to pick out some of the spots of white on the green patterened paper. The sentiment 'blissful' is a rub on, and I added some faux stitching in brown pen around the outside.
Thats all for now, I'm off to go hang my clean washing up and tidy my messy - very messy - desk.
xo
Thursday 16 December 2010
WOYWW 80
Afternoon! I have managed to join you all again this week!! I take it you have stopped by to spectate the very mess that is my desk.. If you don't know what I'm talking about, pop on over to Chief WOYWW'er Julia's blog to get the lowdown..
Here is mine, in all its messy glory (for a change)
You might be glad to see that the laptop is back this week, but the Ribena isn't. Well, there is a reason behind that, my new liquid addiction is coffee with brown sugar (I'll be diabetic before the year is through), but you didn't come here to listen to that.
Centre stage is a piece of the puzzle for my first ever DT creation, sooo excited. I managed to get that card finished up today, just gotta wait for the glitter to dry, and them some daylight to photograph it.
A load of stuff off to the left hand side, scissors, ProMarkers, heat gun, Whimsy stamps. And the usual suspects, my boxes of ProMarkers, my pen cup and pencil case, stapler etc. The grey thing with the green thing on the end near the top of my cutting mat, is the WRMK - Sew Easy tool. I've had it a couple of months now and LOVE IT! Thats why there is stitching on almost every card with room! LOL.
Not much else going on really, umm.. my 'paper bin' needs emptying. I think I'll go do that now, BEFORE ANYMORE SNOW FALLS!
Thanks for stopping by, Lou. xo
Here is mine, in all its messy glory (for a change)
You might be glad to see that the laptop is back this week, but the Ribena isn't. Well, there is a reason behind that, my new liquid addiction is coffee with brown sugar (I'll be diabetic before the year is through), but you didn't come here to listen to that.
Centre stage is a piece of the puzzle for my first ever DT creation, sooo excited. I managed to get that card finished up today, just gotta wait for the glitter to dry, and them some daylight to photograph it.
A load of stuff off to the left hand side, scissors, ProMarkers, heat gun, Whimsy stamps. And the usual suspects, my boxes of ProMarkers, my pen cup and pencil case, stapler etc. The grey thing with the green thing on the end near the top of my cutting mat, is the WRMK - Sew Easy tool. I've had it a couple of months now and LOVE IT! Thats why there is stitching on almost every card with room! LOL.
Not much else going on really, umm.. my 'paper bin' needs emptying. I think I'll go do that now, BEFORE ANYMORE SNOW FALLS!
Thanks for stopping by, Lou. xo
Second snowfall of the year.
Soo, the almost inevitable has happened. Snow. Started again last night, but at first it was coming down like slush (well, sleet is the proper term, well common term, aaaahh you know what I mean), so its made all surfaces wet. So fingers crossed it won't lie. *Fingers crossed* It was settling on my car bonnet this morning, but I'm presuming thats because its metal and was reasonably colder than surrounding air. Well thats my theory and I'm sticking to it. I don't want it settling all over the roads and pavements and turning into ice again, nightmare!
Well, I know time is getting on, and it is almost 8 o'clock, but I think I'm going to hit the hay for a while longer. I only got up to check if the weather man had been right, as I thought the slushy stuff would have stopped last night, but it turns out, prediction proved. Yack.
Back in a few hours! :) xo
p.s I am now on my official Christmas break from uni. Craft stash, here I come!! B-) Hehe.
p.p.s I don't know if my boyfriend knows it, but he was one privileged soul last night, I let him play with my ProMarkers, he coloured in a face, the hair and a sleeve of a digi image I printed out not too long ago which was lying around on my desk. Lets just say hes more of a beginner than I am, and when I was watching that nib touch the paper I was cringing. Never again. Lets just leave it at that.
Well, I know time is getting on, and it is almost 8 o'clock, but I think I'm going to hit the hay for a while longer. I only got up to check if the weather man had been right, as I thought the slushy stuff would have stopped last night, but it turns out, prediction proved. Yack.
Back in a few hours! :) xo
p.s I am now on my official Christmas break from uni. Craft stash, here I come!! B-) Hehe.
p.p.s I don't know if my boyfriend knows it, but he was one privileged soul last night, I let him play with my ProMarkers, he coloured in a face, the hair and a sleeve of a digi image I printed out not too long ago which was lying around on my desk. Lets just say hes more of a beginner than I am, and when I was watching that nib touch the paper I was cringing. Never again. Lets just leave it at that.
Wednesday 15 December 2010
DT Member
Lordy Lord, how could I have let this slip my mind?! The truth is, I haven't.. its just I've been bragging about it on the Trimcraft Forum instead, hehe.
So, Lexi, from Lexi's Creations has been kind enough to take me under her wing and allow me a space on her DT! My first project is due in soon, for release on her blog on the 27th December. I don't know how much detail I can go into about up and coming challenges, so I shall just leave it there!
I am so happy and grateful, everytime I think about it I can't stop smiling. My cheeks actually hurt. I must look like a fool, but I care not.. because this means a lot to me.
As well as saying a big thank you to Lexi, I also want to thank Roz, who actually organised this for me and got in touch with Lexi about it.
Sooo grateful. Sooo exited, and sooo privileged. Lexi's designs are outstanding, and I cannot wait to being using them and showing them off for her!
Why don't you head on over to Lexi's Creations Blog now, and take a look at the fab work that goes on.
Thats all for now, I'm busy trying to set up a shop on Misi (Stands for Make It Sell It ;) Clever..).. is says my age is 0.. hmm, not going well.
Lou. xo
So, Lexi, from Lexi's Creations has been kind enough to take me under her wing and allow me a space on her DT! My first project is due in soon, for release on her blog on the 27th December. I don't know how much detail I can go into about up and coming challenges, so I shall just leave it there!
I am so happy and grateful, everytime I think about it I can't stop smiling. My cheeks actually hurt. I must look like a fool, but I care not.. because this means a lot to me.
As well as saying a big thank you to Lexi, I also want to thank Roz, who actually organised this for me and got in touch with Lexi about it.
Sooo grateful. Sooo exited, and sooo privileged. Lexi's designs are outstanding, and I cannot wait to being using them and showing them off for her!
Why don't you head on over to Lexi's Creations Blog now, and take a look at the fab work that goes on.
Thats all for now, I'm busy trying to set up a shop on Misi (Stands for Make It Sell It ;) Clever..).. is says my age is 0.. hmm, not going well.
Lou. xo
Thank you - Trendy Trees
Morning! :) Just a quick post tonight so I can get to bed at a reasonable-ish time.
I made these cards a few days ago when I came across this blog post from Ciara. It really inspired me to break out my Trendy Trees stamps that I bought ages ago. So I decided to make a set of four thank you cards to give as a gift to my Mother for Christmas. The images from the stamp set are really generic and can be used along side almost any sentiment.
Here they are,
Any questions, just ask. Thanks for stopping by.
Lou. xo
I made these cards a few days ago when I came across this blog post from Ciara. It really inspired me to break out my Trendy Trees stamps that I bought ages ago. So I decided to make a set of four thank you cards to give as a gift to my Mother for Christmas. The images from the stamp set are really generic and can be used along side almost any sentiment.
Here they are,
I used cardstock and ink from SU! as well as some white grosgrain ribbon and a brad from Basic Grey - Origins collection. I used a gem from Prima, and some embroidery floss and linen thread for stitching and tying around the cards.
Any questions, just ask. Thanks for stopping by.
Lou. xo
Sunday 12 December 2010
LOTV - Jenny Bear, All Shopped Out
Afternoon, :) hope you are all well. It started pouring with rain here this morning, so with any luck that will wash away what is left of the ice and slush, its getting terrible again around the side streets, but hey, you didn't come here to hear about that waffle did you.
Here is a little card I made using another one of those gorgeous LOTV stamps. I coloured her in a while ago, but was waiting around to see what I actually wanted to do with her. A simple card was the answer, isn't it always.
There she is, in all of her purple glory, LOL. I used a strip of paper from Cosmo Cricket's Mitten Weather collection as well as a stamp from Tiny Tags by SU! for the background.
Pretty simple card, its going to stand on my desk throughout the Christmas period, thats if my Mam doesn't steal it and move it downstairs.
Thanks for stopping by, really quick post today I know, I have a LOT of uni work to be doing, I have been slacking the past few days. *slaps back of hand*
Over & Out. xo
Here is a little card I made using another one of those gorgeous LOTV stamps. I coloured her in a while ago, but was waiting around to see what I actually wanted to do with her. A simple card was the answer, isn't it always.
There she is, in all of her purple glory, LOL. I used a strip of paper from Cosmo Cricket's Mitten Weather collection as well as a stamp from Tiny Tags by SU! for the background.
Pretty simple card, its going to stand on my desk throughout the Christmas period, thats if my Mam doesn't steal it and move it downstairs.
Thanks for stopping by, really quick post today I know, I have a LOT of uni work to be doing, I have been slacking the past few days. *slaps back of hand*
Over & Out. xo
Saturday 11 December 2010
LOTV Coffee Break
Hey all, I wanted to break out another one of my LOTV stamps today, so I decided to choose Coffee Break and make a girly card using Basic Greys Indian Summer paper - very old, but very beautiful. Plus I had some doily left over from that collection which I wanted to use.
The 'Thinking of you' stamp is from SU! Circle of Friendship. I used Glossy Accents to try and make it look like an epoxy sticker.
ProMarkers I used were:
Skin: Blossom, Vanilla, Blush
Hair: Vanilla, Shale
Clothes: Red - Maroon, Ruby, Antique Pink. Green - Meadow Green, Pastel Beige. Blender
Teacups/Saucers: Maroon, Ruby
Teapot: Meadow Green, Pastel Beige
Tables & Chairs: Cool Grey 2, Blender
xo
The 'Thinking of you' stamp is from SU! Circle of Friendship. I used Glossy Accents to try and make it look like an epoxy sticker.
ProMarkers I used were:
Skin: Blossom, Vanilla, Blush
Hair: Vanilla, Shale
Clothes: Red - Maroon, Ruby, Antique Pink. Green - Meadow Green, Pastel Beige. Blender
Teacups/Saucers: Maroon, Ruby
Teapot: Meadow Green, Pastel Beige
Tables & Chairs: Cool Grey 2, Blender
xo
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