tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75809569884666232972024-03-13T18:28:21.034-07:00A stamp in line saves timeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-35895804785361911112016-07-05T15:09:00.001-07:002016-07-13T07:52:51.616-07:00July 6 th 2016<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My other recent project has been to make another mosaic for the garden. I am a real novice and self taught but love the process.</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I wanted a panel depicting gold fish to complement the pond seats and pick up the colours in this area of the garden including the blue 'French corner'.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I learnt a lot making the pond seats. Mosaics which are for outside use need to be mounted on concrete board not wood.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.insulationexpress.co.uk/Product.asp?gclid=CjwKEAjwkui7BRCf64DNtfDupgoSJAA_0LOocHsF6K_rAvg5XIkpKSZVDWD469hLDsR7CA8KPpL2aBoCNRPw_wcB</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wood does not work as it expands and contracts with the weather and so the tiles will eventually pop off.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I use the indirect method which involves using strong brown craft paper and reversing the design.</span></div><div><br></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatVrQkAhg7Da8p4JGIzTdBEOscla44PpfW9AWDpfve2PwmomSTbc2Lwmdg9Jhxf0RH5PsOM1eq98Pjqk5E3oc6C4XcRU7VSUOTTUXhMPyvczVBly5CUjZPCUDKy5qjp1LCuPOHVBsluyE/s640/blogger-image-1921909065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatVrQkAhg7Da8p4JGIzTdBEOscla44PpfW9AWDpfve2PwmomSTbc2Lwmdg9Jhxf0RH5PsOM1eq98Pjqk5E3oc6C4XcRU7VSUOTTUXhMPyvczVBly5CUjZPCUDKy5qjp1LCuPOHVBsluyE/s640/blogger-image-1921909065.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Here you can see the design drawn out and the pattern emerging. The tiles are glued upside down </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">( back uppermost) the front of the tiles is stuck down onto the paper using 50/50 water souluble PVA glue. There is masses of information and instructions on the Internet. Here is a great site</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://blog.mosaicartsupply.com/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://blog.mosaicartsupply.com/</a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasfrw4Ddhg9LwS6SPzwjx98dNy7rAW8FKFDWqMdsSsK7t_UgpP3e-CRi3M18B9tWKlcRMEWceBlyQgI6yLQTw1JaVKi_7SLcXoEbSSf07nW7lZR5Cf78fuz4s6-1wIqoddYFJdUCXIkYH/s640/blogger-image--1354735898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasfrw4Ddhg9LwS6SPzwjx98dNy7rAW8FKFDWqMdsSsK7t_UgpP3e-CRi3M18B9tWKlcRMEWceBlyQgI6yLQTw1JaVKi_7SLcXoEbSSf07nW7lZR5Cf78fuz4s6-1wIqoddYFJdUCXIkYH/s640/blogger-image--1354735898.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I find the best way to see how it is progressing is to take frequent photos. Because it is not yet grouted it's difficult to see the pattern but a photo works brilliantly. Oops the fish need bubbles (nearly forgot)! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">the panel needs a frame too.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3BLs6MRyfHB7uuuoFP-yTacHtEa2YzTHAV0BvQD6VH-JmHuWa3TRGVJPRKkTziBMos77Mu96nX-jZLupGgDku6Pp146lSf9Jqzue6xAUuzBxDOdT8ND-MKllFyjI3gQZXFnHNiGmIr80/s640/blogger-image-1011930140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3BLs6MRyfHB7uuuoFP-yTacHtEa2YzTHAV0BvQD6VH-JmHuWa3TRGVJPRKkTziBMos77Mu96nX-jZLupGgDku6Pp146lSf9Jqzue6xAUuzBxDOdT8ND-MKllFyjI3gQZXFnHNiGmIr80/s640/blogger-image-1011930140.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div>That's much better!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4qBF8FaSrifBsc7usBcZdFsBRBptqLfPxYRu7lD3kCNkmPvljlTsrZ2IlllJPGoTKYu2IoCdGs74FQSFDyJMBIPt7ffPJVxibFNfi_Jz-2BrZ9CmBSPYwUBarkYVjjewR46mo9fa7bA3/s640/blogger-image-1335026977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4qBF8FaSrifBsc7usBcZdFsBRBptqLfPxYRu7lD3kCNkmPvljlTsrZ2IlllJPGoTKYu2IoCdGs74FQSFDyJMBIPt7ffPJVxibFNfi_Jz-2BrZ9CmBSPYwUBarkYVjjewR46mo9fa7bA3/s640/blogger-image-1335026977.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You can try different ideas and see how they work. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Here I wanted to try some larger tiles but decided against them in the end.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If you don t like an area you can pop the tiles off easily and correct.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Once all the tiles have been applied the piece is pre grouted. This ensures that the adhesive which is white does not come up to the surface through the tiles. The grout I use is from Topp tiles (the staff are really helpful and knowledgeable) I tend to go with black but there are several different colours now on the market. Don't go with a colour that is the same as your tiles or they will disappear into the background.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PUFsj8edwmfzMYkNGqQn-NOgDTO_K0KyVJ6452rZQq7HmRh3zfRz9md7z4ZT_8pi_zjAxSfOIH33qd7z-vk4AhGk2qcy0qTamWeQqg2shnbbwTK-8XqxZISSokrnswgCGSlDEx28K6r7/s640/blogger-image-450383772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PUFsj8edwmfzMYkNGqQn-NOgDTO_K0KyVJ6452rZQq7HmRh3zfRz9md7z4ZT_8pi_zjAxSfOIH33qd7z-vk4AhGk2qcy0qTamWeQqg2shnbbwTK-8XqxZISSokrnswgCGSlDEx28K6r7/s640/blogger-image-450383772.jpg"></a></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This grout has a special ingredient which stops it from whitening. It's a bit more expensive but worth it when you have spent so long on a project it's very frustrating to have it spoiled for the sake of a few pounds. This happened to me on a mosaic table although I rescued it by going over all the grout with a sharpie pen! (I kid you not) I decided I had nothing to lose but it worked and two years on is still fine.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wear a mask and gloves.... it's a messy job and the powdered grout and adhesive is an irritant if breathed in.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I got a tip from a mosaic forum which was to mix the water and grout (1 part water to 5 parts grout)</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> in a zippy plastic bag and squidgy round to mix. It works really well to contain the mess.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoM6Wuw0yanUVw1VgHG8CvMpI9AwpGtSuQawpwLJwAhX0xQc-jalXOaaQvALFKLgzMGV69mnXoVeiVEfOzddHmZBgN0yQlcWeB7hyF7Q-SqClhR8UfhWOYI-gduNFJaUGVSFzspXRBDqc_/s640/blogger-image--359459047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoM6Wuw0yanUVw1VgHG8CvMpI9AwpGtSuQawpwLJwAhX0xQc-jalXOaaQvALFKLgzMGV69mnXoVeiVEfOzddHmZBgN0yQlcWeB7hyF7Q-SqClhR8UfhWOYI-gduNFJaUGVSFzspXRBDqc_/s640/blogger-image--359459047.jpg"></a></div> </span></div><div><br></div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Here is the panel finished and before it is pre-grouted.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0l7LigUGtFZIsFu6GrcQgFJWqL3N9R8e7AKCzAzQ4v5q_-ISAum7DxwgPMaKR3fRSSy7iYO7RxDHm4M0W4AGYQmq7ioqNmFYn22RRb-ePJ9MZLmxUq6XW-RwyOEol7WsGTzT1knF9CWz/s640/blogger-image-558732511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0l7LigUGtFZIsFu6GrcQgFJWqL3N9R8e7AKCzAzQ4v5q_-ISAum7DxwgPMaKR3fRSSy7iYO7RxDHm4M0W4AGYQmq7ioqNmFYn22RRb-ePJ9MZLmxUq6XW-RwyOEol7WsGTzT1knF9CWz/s640/blogger-image-558732511.jpg"></a></div><br></div>And here pre-grouted</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPtUQEHHmrKf3MuJriPHcBZKRUDzCKv0iXcVJ4PRd-x6qW8aF-oYULSrPReYI9Spu3CyanHIcnQBfdvRVH5rxaz3jSFBw4xyu-5sge1xQJ9pbTA9TK_NjC2g37E60toz_8ZoFPzDkK4Qi/s640/blogger-image-981531432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPtUQEHHmrKf3MuJriPHcBZKRUDzCKv0iXcVJ4PRd-x6qW8aF-oYULSrPReYI9Spu3CyanHIcnQBfdvRVH5rxaz3jSFBw4xyu-5sge1xQJ9pbTA9TK_NjC2g37E60toz_8ZoFPzDkK4Qi/s640/blogger-image-981531432.jpg"></a></div></div></span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I measured the wall where the panel will be hung and pre drilled two holes. I held the hardie backer against the wall as a guide and marked the screw holes onto the board and the wall this allowed me to drill the mortar (much easier) rather than the brickwork. The two holes are now half way across about 1 inch down from the top and about 3 " up from the bottom ( see photo above)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Now prepare the hardie backer board. I painted the edges and the back using suitable paint. I then pre drilled the hardie backer with a countersunk drill so the screw head would be flat. This will provide an invisible fixing. I have left two tiles out of the design where the screws will go. Once screwed into the wall the tile can be glued back in and then grouted to form an invisible fix. The tile can be prised off if necessary. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The backer board is covered with a thinsulate adhesive similar to the grout in powder form and mixed with water to form a slightly thinner consistency. The exact amounts are clearly marked on the pack. This is applied to the board and required a notched spreader to create furrows. This helps the tiles to adhere well.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Then the pre grouted panel is applied to the adhesive tile side down.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Note to self this job needs 4 hands to carefully position it before it touches the adhesive.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This is then gently firmed down so the surfaces bond. You will need to make sure all the edges of the tiles and the backing board line up.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Once this is dry, moisten the paper and leave for 5-10 minutes to soak in, you may need to wet the paper several times and then it should peel off. Make sure you are careful round the edges as these tiles are very vulnerable. If tiles come lose you must restick them with a suitable glue as grout has no adhesive qualities.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Once peeled off make sure all the paper is off the tiles and clean them up if necessary.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Once dry, grout the top to fill in any gaps. This photo is in here so you are nt frightened when you grout!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWM6H-9_-Ha3J4qD7FjfKjh6pzKipKtcxGEnux7uYBsV3J08SQZDkNZk3d2AwENsUyVOisTuVlEj2Ae8Cu9J9s4KhJnhO6cGACmUS4OCjjo5oDjjrs_5_gShOlZbiQm1UcM2O0n3xVSjFU/s640/blogger-image-1317776474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWM6H-9_-Ha3J4qD7FjfKjh6pzKipKtcxGEnux7uYBsV3J08SQZDkNZk3d2AwENsUyVOisTuVlEj2Ae8Cu9J9s4KhJnhO6cGACmUS4OCjjo5oDjjrs_5_gShOlZbiQm1UcM2O0n3xVSjFU/s640/blogger-image-1317776474.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Use scrunched up newspaper to remove excess grout from the surface it works really well and avoids too much water which will dilute the grout. Some books suggest dampening a sponge and repeatedly going over the tiles to remove the grout. I find this does use quite a bit of water even if you are careful and takes ages. This is the first mosaic I have used scrunched paper on and it works brilliantly and is quick. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> When clean leave for 30 mins and then polish with a clean dry cloth. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_QNpzXJJsf-NufRRwOk3A6XbaMZPO41PqoEAciQIwmt2-SAI8QKYARe1WDdqpSJfWP8f07jaerIXUhZQqL2nsnu4yOEfQoHi9ek9kPCfn253zm2YZwqx89ZCh7CqSZvb_S34X7kfSpTY/s640/blogger-image--1784136377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_QNpzXJJsf-NufRRwOk3A6XbaMZPO41PqoEAciQIwmt2-SAI8QKYARe1WDdqpSJfWP8f07jaerIXUhZQqL2nsnu4yOEfQoHi9ek9kPCfn253zm2YZwqx89ZCh7CqSZvb_S34X7kfSpTY/s640/blogger-image--1784136377.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Leave over night and repeat the buffing up. Grout takes 24-36 hours to 'cure' and if you are going to put it outside it is a good idea to seal it with a good quality grout sealer. The books recommend waiting 72 hours before doing this.</span></div></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here it is in its final setting</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLU7GNJ8Trm_ZFnZrRCHizLkhz0blipYGOxlCjjCbCca8z1loV_tilTGVyrkPPpe_V7p2eGjzSQSGN2j2yaoTvKs-A34kAUrxP2PPSXlcI-wwZKTt7_jq9wPo3rwYbpi_f_Q4MGD29fy1z/s640/blogger-image--1915547082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLU7GNJ8Trm_ZFnZrRCHizLkhz0blipYGOxlCjjCbCca8z1loV_tilTGVyrkPPpe_V7p2eGjzSQSGN2j2yaoTvKs-A34kAUrxP2PPSXlcI-wwZKTt7_jq9wPo3rwYbpi_f_Q4MGD29fy1z/s640/blogger-image--1915547082.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Close up</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAmNHMg31QcFUbRKclSJRFIqGh2fc6bArvS1LJj1rC50i_OndcmMRYT-zvpEEfIoMrG1cT2TU_YdSO007od4gYT4hYjgZ813U-6Emr8c41e_G7PW_OtdUG6VDatxN-V3laWf6x70Nnh3a/s640/blogger-image--108767815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAmNHMg31QcFUbRKclSJRFIqGh2fc6bArvS1LJj1rC50i_OndcmMRYT-zvpEEfIoMrG1cT2TU_YdSO007od4gYT4hYjgZ813U-6Emr8c41e_G7PW_OtdUG6VDatxN-V3laWf6x70Nnh3a/s640/blogger-image--108767815.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnafCQ1DuJgxIzAMGAQtgmq9_j3OlDJ_75xikIOncDQXhwAUd_o4Q_JPG9zno4m4lIpLXiTE3JyDcXRzkI-jfLlmLWEuQ6zmIENKYB3rn3WZTL0fEBTi_8tOVyqWLK56f1-eIdNtIv6MS/s640/blogger-image-2051085350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnafCQ1DuJgxIzAMGAQtgmq9_j3OlDJ_75xikIOncDQXhwAUd_o4Q_JPG9zno4m4lIpLXiTE3JyDcXRzkI-jfLlmLWEuQ6zmIENKYB3rn3WZTL0fEBTi_8tOVyqWLK56f1-eIdNtIv6MS/s640/blogger-image-2051085350.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-27288093982967882272016-07-04T11:37:00.001-07:002016-07-04T11:54:06.388-07:00July 3 rd 2016<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">July 4 th 2016</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I always struggle with indoor crafts when the summer comes. The garden beckons and having been retired now for a year I have been able to give it the time it deserves this year.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtANRoDlQOn_6xfwbWb4NELz5ZXZSCANY_lmEaxvm2Re6Pg_eTswkg_jFqKoepnW5iuxFAkGQPTfK41axFTtrWUiD511eJpBxLpt9PTpd8ZyekWKRcrmXZ3vTyDKErSrtzCRfH4-CJZJgl/s640/blogger-image--1301059679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtANRoDlQOn_6xfwbWb4NELz5ZXZSCANY_lmEaxvm2Re6Pg_eTswkg_jFqKoepnW5iuxFAkGQPTfK41axFTtrWUiD511eJpBxLpt9PTpd8ZyekWKRcrmXZ3vTyDKErSrtzCRfH4-CJZJgl/s640/blogger-image--1301059679.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This photo was taken on 31 st May this year</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The alliums were great, especially the three globemasters (middle of bed). The larger head size is not so obvious. They have been great value, I plan to get some more for next year for both sides of the path, they are now forming seed heads but are still lovely. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The bed otherwise is waiting patiently for the perennials to spring into life.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And now!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIJ-keRsKf5t9fLbzSNPMu2TmeLmThIt3u4dsd37zSuklLFQ1GZYo0nlDNdQnq5O4ysRjV3UnZkcDnlDecnEwZj9LevttzIZChiA8KGLcxylnAq9xeZzf8s9CKzcisT2gtz1FX1L4x64F/s640/blogger-image-1910644606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIJ-keRsKf5t9fLbzSNPMu2TmeLmThIt3u4dsd37zSuklLFQ1GZYo0nlDNdQnq5O4ysRjV3UnZkcDnlDecnEwZj9LevttzIZChiA8KGLcxylnAq9xeZzf8s9CKzcisT2gtz1FX1L4x64F/s640/blogger-image-1910644606.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It's great to see it at this time of year, The wall was built last year, finished in late July and then planted up so all these plants are in their first year, almost certainly too many.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> The illusion door is brilliant, it fools most people and gives a real focus to this side of the garden, the path nicely breaking up the two beds.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Trip round the rest of the garden</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbGEeYiwToAKoo2E543dUJZltuketDa8_5r_XQZ-SLOXglNaTGGMxcmXHh_nyzDUpdfv1Zzet7KuzhzWic3N0GwP7yMsktNPKdJQ0pZGstVdJy0hxyU9ePj-mRdsnd0nNj1mEYdi1XipC/s640/blogger-image-1623131447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbGEeYiwToAKoo2E543dUJZltuketDa8_5r_XQZ-SLOXglNaTGGMxcmXHh_nyzDUpdfv1Zzet7KuzhzWic3N0GwP7yMsktNPKdJQ0pZGstVdJy0hxyU9ePj-mRdsnd0nNj1mEYdi1XipC/s640/blogger-image-1623131447.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The pond has goldfish and a heron stop wire fence which has mostly worked except for one event earlier in the year when a new heron on the block halved the stock!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The beautiful Japanese grass Hakenechloa macra at the back of the pond has a lovely compact habit and is very well behaved.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The pot in the foreground with the multicoloured leaves is Hottuyunia cordata 'chameleon' it is very invasive if in open ground and it likes a moist, well drained soil. I ve tried it in the pond but that was too wet. So I have lined this pot and the one on the other side with a thick black bin bag, slashed the bottom and filled with compost, manure and John Innes no 3. This makes a 'bog pot' and they love it, they've flourished and are hopefully contained.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKjyAmzxRUtRtljrtptYz4Mz_yrQt_Zh0cf9tU9qi3KaCBUzHEL3VvM_Xt1Cxvauf-5uV3bKTBNrtuCGILlnrHAtVIt7ti2yeugGqlDF6xZNN_lTz8j62TPX2qXIiymVypn6DY8cYqC4c/s640/blogger-image-432877844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKjyAmzxRUtRtljrtptYz4Mz_yrQt_Zh0cf9tU9qi3KaCBUzHEL3VvM_Xt1Cxvauf-5uV3bKTBNrtuCGILlnrHAtVIt7ti2yeugGqlDF6xZNN_lTz8j62TPX2qXIiymVypn6DY8cYqC4c/s640/blogger-image-432877844.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The 'aviary' in the background is a cat house for our indoor cats. Our Ragdoll (such a fantastic breed) Minx now goes into the back garden which has been made much safer with the wall which relpaced a very decrepit fence. Here she is :-</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0oRJlpcwUrt43hOvDSVaTdzqGGC4PK82RmoF7ntPE9PuI5rcmcrUyoj8OdJfXgS1czlZYNOQpY0WS8yhCkQUSJEoPIum3YvMiFsCnyJJbCij8YWB7yGieT15A3CZmdmP97NYrrtYuKoC/s640/blogger-image-1024784829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0oRJlpcwUrt43hOvDSVaTdzqGGC4PK82RmoF7ntPE9PuI5rcmcrUyoj8OdJfXgS1czlZYNOQpY0WS8yhCkQUSJEoPIum3YvMiFsCnyJJbCij8YWB7yGieT15A3CZmdmP97NYrrtYuKoC/s640/blogger-image-1024784829.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ragdoll cats are bred to be indoor cats which is why we bought 2 6 years ago. We lost her sister earlier in the year from kidney diseases and we have missed her and feel Minx could do with some feline company.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">She will soon be joined by 2 Ragdoll kittens </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMyuBwypi50G9s9KUKei74g9wxwPMNdYvHWkTNO-j4A6TA2OlDYPGofbhj3caPWPZIHQ9F5jyjvDSWXUtDuFdfwHeEr0dzEsxa1CRDGp_59nkN3sYue6yV_69Guuf9wr1bsjYGE5-eRW1/s640/blogger-image--1643259969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMyuBwypi50G9s9KUKei74g9wxwPMNdYvHWkTNO-j4A6TA2OlDYPGofbhj3caPWPZIHQ9F5jyjvDSWXUtDuFdfwHeEr0dzEsxa1CRDGp_59nkN3sYue6yV_69Guuf9wr1bsjYGE5-eRW1/s640/blogger-image--1643259969.jpg"></a></div><br></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ruff (aged 5 weeks) and </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEios2uZRtM8FngY8_63SROIdT1ZYAHkF8zxK0m8fRurBaZA4-zJsfC_CVrXmVk3tWzd6-mgtfUyn3bTCSsQ2JMh-LBCzkP4DWPVmJpWl2aKjAOCTfy3uW0uBbhtXQvh2FfsiyDs3ieRMTNf/s640/blogger-image--1650127489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEios2uZRtM8FngY8_63SROIdT1ZYAHkF8zxK0m8fRurBaZA4-zJsfC_CVrXmVk3tWzd6-mgtfUyn3bTCSsQ2JMh-LBCzkP4DWPVmJpWl2aKjAOCTfy3uW0uBbhtXQvh2FfsiyDs3ieRMTNf/s640/blogger-image--1650127489.jpg"></a></div><br></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tumble......so cute, hope she thinks so too.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Back to the garden!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAyihDkPMjld6FBGs-QlVAebRA60SQhG77OUJHm8yBMdyyCrcUvm0EmWPJY7gxqeIdUj8KPGfY0I4bP7bbiy_M6LztQ2OK0K3K_GCzxIemVPIbOZxd_IqJWJYqvZrrVGOM12Fnfw0tj_W/s640/blogger-image-1948726732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAyihDkPMjld6FBGs-QlVAebRA60SQhG77OUJHm8yBMdyyCrcUvm0EmWPJY7gxqeIdUj8KPGfY0I4bP7bbiy_M6LztQ2OK0K3K_GCzxIemVPIbOZxd_IqJWJYqvZrrVGOM12Fnfw0tj_W/s640/blogger-image-1948726732.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The side of the house has a separate garden linked by a curved cobbled path. Here we have a free standing pond with mosaic seats, made to make them more durable.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1vzYu7fuIjnUzwnlOuXXgQl1xNkuXzqyk_ezSURH2MUcRKBwzK0lJqLUAPTknhTcBAQpCgJentH1FU4znE60Ned_r_hEXz-LIXsei6lG56IW96QTFUQwxUh-sQMc6OMQ9pHEsd0P-dFA/s640/blogger-image-1126676800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1vzYu7fuIjnUzwnlOuXXgQl1xNkuXzqyk_ezSURH2MUcRKBwzK0lJqLUAPTknhTcBAQpCgJentH1FU4znE60Ned_r_hEXz-LIXsei6lG56IW96QTFUQwxUh-sQMc6OMQ9pHEsd0P-dFA/s640/blogger-image-1126676800.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There is also a 'French corner' </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGOzHg68bb4rgqagbRn3senpoYqgEfTccWd5eLlne-pB2tXuoDCPv6V7Rs9l-NPzM8OJum_JNPeL5rSuqFjsv0cm1u7srFEy2TEndW-qB2VLIR_eP8mTH4ed-PKNMHl5NuM8dY5h-IVDa/s640/blogger-image--148010497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGOzHg68bb4rgqagbRn3senpoYqgEfTccWd5eLlne-pB2tXuoDCPv6V7Rs9l-NPzM8OJum_JNPeL5rSuqFjsv0cm1u7srFEy2TEndW-qB2VLIR_eP8mTH4ed-PKNMHl5NuM8dY5h-IVDa/s640/blogger-image--148010497.jpg"></a></div><br></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The succulent pot is new this year</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6Mrx3Qvm4lTdGms7NvMJLhv0t_mBihVZmimC_mKWd1GxHNSPt9CSCZsGaU1oSn6VnY_CPR3r34f-KESW6OCmHw0GjHoCJ2IO15-4H8u6PhRfW2jBgs0B27n3wgxtnaQVc15g86A3uOD5/s640/blogger-image--800750814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6Mrx3Qvm4lTdGms7NvMJLhv0t_mBihVZmimC_mKWd1GxHNSPt9CSCZsGaU1oSn6VnY_CPR3r34f-KESW6OCmHw0GjHoCJ2IO15-4H8u6PhRfW2jBgs0B27n3wgxtnaQVc15g86A3uOD5/s640/blogger-image--800750814.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">These are doing well but will need winter protection from frost and wet weather.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I plan to dismantle and cover with Victorian cloches or borrow my neighbours green house.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vMtBAEOjH2bK_ND4gXkyvD6eydlFseveOEd2aZZNZeoAxOMFI1sJQ0Zh2AuNUIyYGKTnFJrDZzuOGEa0r2WzKJLIkYS5QbJMzecj_H8I3TdKq1l2_t_k4Rtl47QBt17VGR9jdUzAC6ef/s640/blogger-image-1990269931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vMtBAEOjH2bK_ND4gXkyvD6eydlFseveOEd2aZZNZeoAxOMFI1sJQ0Zh2AuNUIyYGKTnFJrDZzuOGEa0r2WzKJLIkYS5QbJMzecj_H8I3TdKq1l2_t_k4Rtl47QBt17VGR9jdUzAC6ef/s640/blogger-image-1990269931.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I have enjoyed being in my garden this year and seeing it mature, there are still large areas which are quite new and I am planning a fairy garden for next year.......</span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-70033186774853862182016-05-19T10:21:00.001-07:002016-05-19T10:33:23.626-07:00Clarity challenge 19 th May 2016Here is my May entry for the Clarity challenge. We ve been on holiday for all of May so far so not been able to give this as much time as I would have liked.<div>I have chosen to enter this card which was inspired by one I saw done by the lovely Emma Burns.</div><div>I am still very inexperienced with the finer points of parchment e.g. White work but this was a better attempt than my two previous ones! I wanted to frame her and I <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">liked the lily border plate.</span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Hope you like it too.</font></div><div><br></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wP7mDBZRU3vI50UHodS9uQf1h98VlTTfMg9F37ttRZu-bmvDqUvUDKAD8o9GP_XTW0Av9JerhJHHHxtEYGWeHnuT1hE8pnPYkZHJ34X3pb4uzpct-1Et78wv7injm40jpZYejGVF9PLI/s640/blogger-image--11665051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wP7mDBZRU3vI50UHodS9uQf1h98VlTTfMg9F37ttRZu-bmvDqUvUDKAD8o9GP_XTW0Av9JerhJHHHxtEYGWeHnuT1hE8pnPYkZHJ34X3pb4uzpct-1Et78wv7injm40jpZYejGVF9PLI/s640/blogger-image--11665051.jpg"></a></div><br></div></font></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-59375063848859233112016-05-02T02:02:00.001-07:002016-05-02T03:07:22.289-07:00May calendar challengeMay 2nd<div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Here is my May entry for this challenge. The great thing about the calendar is that you know what's coming up each month and having been really late with last months I made both together! So this month I am mega early as a result.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I enjoyed making this and adding the cockerels with the double sided sticky square made it very easy.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I now have the beginnings of a gallery in my down stairs loo! The canvas board lends itself to this. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Also I have discovered this amazing hanging system courtesy of my daughter and her boyfriend. It's perfect as it doesn't show and is removable! Here is the link..... Sorry can t work out how to enable you to click on it direct! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><br></div><div>https://www.amazon.co.uk/Command-Picture-Hanging-Strips-Value/dp/B000OF6X48</div></div><div><br></div><div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wi4Vj4ePOhf7jSJwqge5lgs2GjbTwNw85ChhSkn7BQGHfpmLufhEqALNAkaCulBhnUpYnJmvkBCUEfN-3tOcrw5MeO94WhbsN014nayoyLh9Uifq371gfyGgjy4rUYJaUYkkZgX5GoD4/s640/blogger-image-75302052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wi4Vj4ePOhf7jSJwqge5lgs2GjbTwNw85ChhSkn7BQGHfpmLufhEqALNAkaCulBhnUpYnJmvkBCUEfN-3tOcrw5MeO94WhbsN014nayoyLh9Uifq371gfyGgjy4rUYJaUYkkZgX5GoD4/s640/blogger-image-75302052.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And hanging with the commander hanging strips ( see below)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72tTMTRvr5sbBeFyNU7vA8bbbc7VLK7J6AO1RnwecyTI1vrRoDk0UGVJdahtPo1EewbBIJMzDsNCQU8VU1S-afSnS_eMPAJEi0W0V4Bt1w4LqhAcPbLYHw6kgl_HwO0mDWOKWXbJ0_XXQ/s640/blogger-image--598379602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72tTMTRvr5sbBeFyNU7vA8bbbc7VLK7J6AO1RnwecyTI1vrRoDk0UGVJdahtPo1EewbBIJMzDsNCQU8VU1S-afSnS_eMPAJEi0W0V4Bt1w4LqhAcPbLYHw6kgl_HwO0mDWOKWXbJ0_XXQ/s640/blogger-image--598379602.jpg"></a></div></div></div><br></div><div>Genius!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-64488345561022526492016-04-28T13:15:00.001-07:002016-04-28T13:44:03.746-07:00April 28 th calendar challenge<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvk80P0EldLxxBms8_7rxrk1vQhM6eMcecCpE8toX4Jb4SZ7Haec1N_WioC0jHaomndw2TZnmvI7jjplySYymxQT37U_oqo66gNGeMrIMhpNGJ8XE3qTSsMZYl-GVXPTLgTCo3vk-ru_Qs/s640/blogger-image-810182619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvk80P0EldLxxBms8_7rxrk1vQhM6eMcecCpE8toX4Jb4SZ7Haec1N_WioC0jHaomndw2TZnmvI7jjplySYymxQT37U_oqo66gNGeMrIMhpNGJ8XE3qTSsMZYl-GVXPTLgTCo3vk-ru_Qs/s640/blogger-image-810182619.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Completed canvas rather at the 12 th hour this month! </div>I followed the instructions on the calendar. When I went to get my texture paste I discovered it had hardened. So I made my own, <div><font color="#000000" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-I43RXsaTq2Q/VAxqc8q2tqI/AAAAAAAARe4/Jh23xD6JfoU/s2048/Photo%25252020140907152145.jpg" target="_blank" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-I43RXsaTq2Q/VAxqc8q2tqI/AAAAAAAARe4/Jh23xD6JfoU/s500/Photo%25252020140907152145.jpg" id="blogsy-1410899589085.5645" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></font></div><div><br></div><div><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Here is the recipe :-</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It works really well as you can just make as little as you need at any one time.</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1 tbs white paint (I used gesso)</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1 tbs white PVA glue</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2 oz talc mix together and add very small amounts of water to achieve the right texture.</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It smells great too!</span></p><p><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xt_86bOIosA/VAxqsL0GxqI/AAAAAAAARfA/soKgNLBEPW8/s2048/Photo%25252020140907152146.jpg" target="_blank" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="669" id="blogsy-1410682008932.4583" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xt_86bOIosA/VAxqsL0GxqI/AAAAAAAARfA/soKgNLBEPW8/s500/Photo%25252020140907152146.jpg" width="500"></a></font></p><p><br></p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-4303835168626020122016-04-17T12:57:00.001-07:002016-04-17T12:58:56.142-07:00April clarity challenge ' Masking' April 17 th 2016I made this card for my daughter, I like the combination of the landscape and the poppies and I used Faber Castell crayons to colour it from the back and blended them with torchons and blending solution.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTteVJ88mRs-DjxQe82d7-vEb7qU3QS9Vv3_mVaAy11r_qQttLh-IPLeKcAGB6mBqHMj9qgcawIzFZCDOva5sTIPZK4lb_fdCL9LS-rSIn2oojUzzmiPB8dOxUh2inF_rgCzXa8FH57xM/s640/blogger-image-1840579343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTteVJ88mRs-DjxQe82d7-vEb7qU3QS9Vv3_mVaAy11r_qQttLh-IPLeKcAGB6mBqHMj9qgcawIzFZCDOva5sTIPZK4lb_fdCL9LS-rSIn2oojUzzmiPB8dOxUh2inF_rgCzXa8FH57xM/s640/blogger-image-1840579343.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-6129666859276681712016-03-19T20:22:00.001-07:002016-03-20T04:59:11.219-07:00March calendar challenge19 th March<div><br></div><div>This took a while to get the ink; spritzing and plastics working well together, could have done better but decided to quit while the going was good after a few attempts. I embossed the quote so it stood out against the background and then as I don t have the small lamp post ( can t believe I don't! I only have the large one which would have overpowered the poor church). I went with the geese and added some colour to the hills and the sky. I hope I have done justice to Barbara's original. </div><div>It was fun to do and a technique I haven't really done before. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVDjAXXM41oXgcr_84sK7XzFQTxMDu5sRKlkVhK8u6QclVnH7EwfPdvcVaaA1ZqYt1ZHqUTmeO_fdL7bmKDhovJcea-mxe_cagKCCLGt71WdJYOi-hsql9NLDllN9LQ1hYrmaGxuONmFd/s640/blogger-image-1418630249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVDjAXXM41oXgcr_84sK7XzFQTxMDu5sRKlkVhK8u6QclVnH7EwfPdvcVaaA1ZqYt1ZHqUTmeO_fdL7bmKDhovJcea-mxe_cagKCCLGt71WdJYOi-hsql9NLDllN9LQ1hYrmaGxuONmFd/s640/blogger-image-1418630249.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-54681420289533686142016-03-12T11:45:00.001-08:002016-03-12T11:48:54.480-08:00Clarity March challenge 'all about the girls'. March 12 th 2016This months challenge is ' all about the girls'. <div><br><div>I wanted to continue my journey with parchment, but as usual forgot to take photos, it has been on a journey with me to London and back which is possibly why I forgot.</div><div><br></div><div>It was quite a challenge to get all the elements straight and to figure out how to get the lady reflected in the mirror the right way round! I did her from the front and all the other elements from the back. </div><div>(several times) </div><div><br></div><div>My step daughter will be 50 at the end of this month and this is for her. </div><div><br></div><div>My daughters and I were discussing why we like our different and varied crafts, and agreed it is all about the process. One daughter writes, another does stand up comedy! And the third is a dress maker/designer.</div><div><br></div><div>When my husband looked at this card which he loved, he said ' wow there's some work in this'! That I am sure you all agree is the point. If you don t love the process then you won't want to do it.</div><div><br></div><div>Anyway here is my entry for the third Clarity challenge. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_21o5e1qNkBHCRX2DieEFykeiOfaPf4UT7xpxCXDTEfqkllAohNz8AccBy0sYWyAY3tuYrQfcIkHro0XRdxFl9GXGyPQlKoHKZxiWpGEUSFKNIO5taRQUzMChM6eXlKVO8Oe-m5LtEajj/s640/blogger-image-259937303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_21o5e1qNkBHCRX2DieEFykeiOfaPf4UT7xpxCXDTEfqkllAohNz8AccBy0sYWyAY3tuYrQfcIkHro0XRdxFl9GXGyPQlKoHKZxiWpGEUSFKNIO5taRQUzMChM6eXlKVO8Oe-m5LtEajj/s640/blogger-image-259937303.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-23372755931013244422016-02-07T23:55:00.001-08:002016-02-07T23:55:48.351-08:00February's Clarity Challenge 'Love'So far so good! My new year resolution is holding ......2 down, 10 to go.<div>This month's challenge took me a bit of time to find inspiration, and then I thought of the thank you framer and wondered if I could adapt it. So I did!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-K2jwAsykit9cTqHLJPqUKf6y0RWwcsZ8OI_Xveii0fzThctoEMrSInr2rfxkp_5-hqhoPqmz2l_YWtneiW5MVOmPxK2AqzSHwCZ3ivQcmgDPa87T5S5hpVSBYQUP5Ipf24ji2RjyAGH/s640/blogger-image--1207581112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-K2jwAsykit9cTqHLJPqUKf6y0RWwcsZ8OI_Xveii0fzThctoEMrSInr2rfxkp_5-hqhoPqmz2l_YWtneiW5MVOmPxK2AqzSHwCZ3ivQcmgDPa87T5S5hpVSBYQUP5Ipf24ji2RjyAGH/s640/blogger-image--1207581112.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I must do a step by step with some photos but here are the written instructions below. This is also my husband's Valentine card, fortunately he was engrossed in the rugby so didn't t pay much attention to what I was doing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">ITEMS USED</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thank you framer and mask.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Word LOVE from the word chains.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Couple on bench from the wee folk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">'All I need is love' stamp.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This month's heart tree stencil from the stencil club</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Distress inks ....worn lipstick; peacock feathers; mustard seed and chipped Safire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Transparent texture paste (Matt)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ranger spritzer</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ranger mini blenders</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">INSTRUCTIONS</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">First was to stamp the 'thank you' framer onto white card stock, I used some talc on the card as I was going to emboss the framer. I then masked the 'thank you' while I inked up the stamp using black archival ink. I coated it with clear embossing powder and then heaT set it.<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I then used the 'Love' from one of the word chains. I needed to snip it a bit to help bend it round the 'O' which proved difficult as it is such a short word. I stamped; embossed and heat set it and then did the same with </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">the birds and the cat and added an additional scroll under the cat. ( we have two thoroughly spoilt cats, so they had to feature.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I went over all of the embossing with a versamark pen and re embossed to get a nice clear image.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Once that was done I masked off the 'O' ( with the outy mask) and stamped the couple on the bench from the wee folk and created a bit of a hill and some sky behind them then covered this with the mask while I did the back ground.</div><br></div><div>I used the 'all I need is love' stamp and versamark ink stamped randomly all over the background.</div><div>I then used the worn lipstick, peacock feathers and mustard yellow inks and created a random background blending it well in. At this stage the images are fairly subtle behind the ink, the more you apply and the darker it gets they do become more obvious. I wanted it subtle and mainly to add texture.</div><div><br></div><div>I then spritzed with water ( the ranger spritzer is brilliant, it holds 4 oz of water and is so easy to control, giving a fine mist, if you half depress the trigger you get a droplet effect)</div><div>Once this was dry I added further stamped images of the ' all I need is love' stamp in versamark and embossed with clear embossing powder. I then randomly added some of the hearts from the heart tree stencil with transparent texture paste) and allowed these to dry ( takes a couple of hours).</div><div><br></div><div>Finally I added more ink, the textured hearts add some nice texture and depth and take on the ink really well. I finished off by deepening the edges with chipped Safire and going over bits of the design to bring out the original back ground stamping. Be careful, it's easy to add too much and end up with a muddy look! ( as Barbara would say ' how does she know this?') !!</div><div>I finished by colouring some of the letters of the 'all I need is love' stamped images using poly chromos </div><div>Faber Castell crayons and added a drop shadow where I could! </div><div><br></div><div>I hope you can understand these instructions, I must try and take photos next time it is much clearer.</div><div><br></div><div>Hope you like it! Hope my husband does too 😊</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-18068945217491780782016-02-05T08:32:00.001-08:002016-02-05T08:32:59.048-08:00February calendar challenge 'take flight'<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Here is my entry for the February calendar challenge, 2 down 10 to go!</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I loved doing the shaving foam background but found sorting out the landscape more challenging! Think I go there in the end.........</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1i4cv7JQsynC5M42Qco6Lz8fbJ_4hy0YxxSPXUCX_KITOfcXQBC5i7bVroNNhP_PXFvQxovawiZNI5_LttYQ84F7_REE8zJFNZkAzXOMl4fDFzBd4IVwGiTlHjexDtPs6nJkW3YZnrST/s640/blogger-image-1197556187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1i4cv7JQsynC5M42Qco6Lz8fbJ_4hy0YxxSPXUCX_KITOfcXQBC5i7bVroNNhP_PXFvQxovawiZNI5_LttYQ84F7_REE8zJFNZkAzXOMl4fDFzBd4IVwGiTlHjexDtPs6nJkW3YZnrST/s640/blogger-image-1197556187.jpg"></font></a></div><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-65204082753021994662016-01-27T13:22:00.001-08:002016-01-27T13:22:33.809-08:00Wee houses meet parchmentI was inspired to have a go at some stamping and parchment after Paul's demo on HOCHANDA on Sunday, and Barbara's blog at the beginning of the week. <div>I love the wee house and shops so thought I would have another go at a reflection on parchment while I was at it. </div><div>I m working on the White work and getting the houses straight!!</div><div><br></div><div>Here it is</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTjDz340NK4LRUMRFIGDJglkesw3sNurl67-JzOieC0LtQPxf0vs22S0FDOIllNj0OvojOQ2HdTRF0grbjCKUWcYcvk1eLZxCbmfV8oSDdCyjbVP2mFEklykZeRqmW1UXGoDGSAjHPvsN/s640/blogger-image-760167721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTjDz340NK4LRUMRFIGDJglkesw3sNurl67-JzOieC0LtQPxf0vs22S0FDOIllNj0OvojOQ2HdTRF0grbjCKUWcYcvk1eLZxCbmfV8oSDdCyjbVP2mFEklykZeRqmW1UXGoDGSAjHPvsN/s640/blogger-image-760167721.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-46249536322077390252016-01-26T09:01:00.001-08:002016-01-27T13:09:37.644-08:00Groovi trials<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">HI have been able to spend some time getting to grips with the groovi system this week. I love it... So here in order of trials are my three attempts. I must say the photos do hide a multitude of errors but </span></div><div>I m learning in the process.</div><div>Number 1</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Cj17qPJ06IecvuBao1bDsi9BDI7eOHFvNY2yvA_UhabVtus3grHsVE2z5zeYyvVr3zc9ZhYlzlJXJnDTsOcdnAEh5v8Zppqw9WsZ6Mal0Sphe8VWgeF5yaVHjQIKzpjyW2yWK0gVXSuG/s640/blogger-image-84512022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Cj17qPJ06IecvuBao1bDsi9BDI7eOHFvNY2yvA_UhabVtus3grHsVE2z5zeYyvVr3zc9ZhYlzlJXJnDTsOcdnAEh5v8Zppqw9WsZ6Mal0Sphe8VWgeF5yaVHjQIKzpjyW2yWK0gVXSuG/s640/blogger-image-84512022.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">No 2 </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyR1WY4G5ys2I62ixN1JaQ2xkJhrf956axkL-2O9D2RVX708cbQcqYkowc3oMDIcUToP1DXGId_n83IkPua64uHB4IrFs2M4EfCoKGOX4pl6DNL3MGb9w35d_eXVGtIj6Gu3SDSi0HqW2j/s640/blogger-image-723190329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyR1WY4G5ys2I62ixN1JaQ2xkJhrf956axkL-2O9D2RVX708cbQcqYkowc3oMDIcUToP1DXGId_n83IkPua64uHB4IrFs2M4EfCoKGOX4pl6DNL3MGb9w35d_eXVGtIj6Gu3SDSi0HqW2j/s640/blogger-image-723190329.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">No 3</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1o_qlg9rLBQMW7SkVfm0psqoG8eD5BwOGCvdTF7n4CyGuKYJoFxA1tbCx94TIllg0tVC5QA1dEqu7H4aIcz3_fQahdFDmiJrCDfOVdpMu1CzuAXUQCY34kXGEQpW54XlMxpEsm_34ski/s640/blogger-image-1399366785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1o_qlg9rLBQMW7SkVfm0psqoG8eD5BwOGCvdTF7n4CyGuKYJoFxA1tbCx94TIllg0tVC5QA1dEqu7H4aIcz3_fQahdFDmiJrCDfOVdpMu1CzuAXUQCY34kXGEQpW54XlMxpEsm_34ski/s640/blogger-image-1399366785.jpg"></a></div><br></div>This one inspired by Emma Burns very similar one just uploaded to her blog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I also had a go at doing a reflection with the wee houses see below:-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9v7qyQlrHJA8PjDDC8h5WOha5_grP6Zxp8KaScZ9Bw6mT-REj_S4UWpXy_mvVyRWQwTMqRyPiRDQs2fC1u1H3eBUMCQNTdJJVe68XIUaT8xg_FhDGse_2QZ3dkdhd8NtzjlHflU4cNu3u/s640/blogger-image--1180409628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9v7qyQlrHJA8PjDDC8h5WOha5_grP6Zxp8KaScZ9Bw6mT-REj_S4UWpXy_mvVyRWQwTMqRyPiRDQs2fC1u1H3eBUMCQNTdJJVe68XIUaT8xg_FhDGse_2QZ3dkdhd8NtzjlHflU4cNu3u/s640/blogger-image--1180409628.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Hope you like them.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-63255480852280035602016-01-11T10:35:00.001-08:002016-01-12T04:26:42.850-08:00Calendar challenge; January 2016<div><br></div>Here is my January offering from the Clarity calendar challenge. I have changed it slightly by not adding the tree mantles as I wanted to create a bright, frosty winter scene. I had to improvise a bit with the birds as I don t have that stamp.<div>I hope I have risen to the challenge! New Years resolution no 1 completed and only 11 to go. </div><div>Hope there will be lots of us 'having a go'</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFL5I4X4Erii_A0rUrZFsu0aN39Hc2Hv20yY2yzwF16-lKnrRNB9df1DkkWbgtorWlhkh7hvz00qHV9vAYvjMIwBoe7JTnqq8J_cobUXZ912BtWTJCpbFl6XtIgITTcPsE24Ud3DgHyia/s640/blogger-image-37861375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFL5I4X4Erii_A0rUrZFsu0aN39Hc2Hv20yY2yzwF16-lKnrRNB9df1DkkWbgtorWlhkh7hvz00qHV9vAYvjMIwBoe7JTnqq8J_cobUXZ912BtWTJCpbFl6XtIgITTcPsE24Ud3DgHyia/s640/blogger-image-37861375.jpg"></a></div>Hope you like it X </div><div><br></div><div>Calendar challenge update!</div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I wanted to add some subtle glitter to this card o it had that cold frost morning feel to it. I ordered an amazing glue applicator which has a very fine metal applicator ideal for tiny amounts of glue.....well it arrived today ( was not expecting it for another couple of weeks) so have now added the glitter ( quite subtle)! It's a great little gadget ( photo at the end).</span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div></div></div></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01etivm-UzbsaqLBmUVnhL_R2n84bw2aWaLfqM0H15IOWYFl8iZumm_B8wOFj-IBZKIy7GfwQUgFW7RlSOs4EkB330U-gIKSY6C_btXGHDL9XrvfqtdHvjOILcnpwOU24Kk95pPFNUsFw/s640/blogger-image-1949533593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01etivm-UzbsaqLBmUVnhL_R2n84bw2aWaLfqM0H15IOWYFl8iZumm_B8wOFj-IBZKIy7GfwQUgFW7RlSOs4EkB330U-gIKSY6C_btXGHDL9XrvfqtdHvjOILcnpwOU24Kk95pPFNUsFw/s640/blogger-image-1949533593.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Glue applicator</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fHVnQXQIpnxI2BoCvJEhfPOnvsngZ3Qb1OAun0WwJcQCNJbNRL8pVJZeNavT3G5K34A6AXsJOuZ0bYgg1_FEU9h7gdjb3AdlX3_88AnulIl0MVtqWDTY2IlddnojLGhclhy93ksK89no/s640/blogger-image--698248532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fHVnQXQIpnxI2BoCvJEhfPOnvsngZ3Qb1OAun0WwJcQCNJbNRL8pVJZeNavT3G5K34A6AXsJOuZ0bYgg1_FEU9h7gdjb3AdlX3_88AnulIl0MVtqWDTY2IlddnojLGhclhy93ksK89no/s640/blogger-image--698248532.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Great, very precise application possible.......love it x </div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-85711503240868774712016-01-04T13:02:00.001-08:002016-01-04T13:04:05.830-08:00Clarity challenge January 2106<p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>January 4 th 2016</b></font></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Happy new year!</b></span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>My New Years resolution in January 2015 was to enter the Clarity challenge every month! I made it in January and then dismally failed thereafter.</b></span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Work, life and a redesign of the garden intervened and so I have renewed the resolution this year and plan to enter both challenges through 2016 including the calendar challenge. We ll see how I get on.........</b></span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Here is my entry for the 'say it with flowers' challenge for January.</b></font></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b></b></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglF1VKTKPdaw69ThrXEiIKp1iLDLN3scxedQPeBRmCUDYGg1Txm8K8zeXM_WjoeQbSy-nictT9Tb54aJh9PvrHKIxFJshRlBh9n-zjupfbjtXTyQapSekEOkpswblpK0WgGxaGDEzO0qiW/s640/blogger-image-1290422830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglF1VKTKPdaw69ThrXEiIKp1iLDLN3scxedQPeBRmCUDYGg1Txm8K8zeXM_WjoeQbSy-nictT9Tb54aJh9PvrHKIxFJshRlBh9n-zjupfbjtXTyQapSekEOkpswblpK0WgGxaGDEzO0qiW/s640/blogger-image-1290422830.jpg"></a></b></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br></b></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br></b></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br></b></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaUeTaD0pT0k0nB-V7mzDEkY_wsmRHJ9gm0qT7g34942dh7cJS_ufuU-GAJjZ40ATPVDo63iTHjy-QJjh3YxgAs05j9fMma6Qe4KdfvFhvjMSCpbqCAMhFiDArTbCzmEjIWv8ly4ICK1T/s640/blogger-image--1674215929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaUeTaD0pT0k0nB-V7mzDEkY_wsmRHJ9gm0qT7g34942dh7cJS_ufuU-GAJjZ40ATPVDo63iTHjy-QJjh3YxgAs05j9fMma6Qe4KdfvFhvjMSCpbqCAMhFiDArTbCzmEjIWv8ly4ICK1T/s640/blogger-image--1674215929.jpg"></a></b></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br></b></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br></b></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_5Bj5vy_JMYQ40FfR-saqYVAjLRmJMYmsM4EJSNibJowSWpMPkHxhPdzLTLjk-Pq9jp1VrYL5D5x1ZTGZnM4b3DFryfnTgqAKjWQgRpZcytXnep-z7R0Ynhz-c-tO0Wwy45QfW18P8zZ/s640/blogger-image--210605736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_5Bj5vy_JMYQ40FfR-saqYVAjLRmJMYmsM4EJSNibJowSWpMPkHxhPdzLTLjk-Pq9jp1VrYL5D5x1ZTGZnM4b3DFryfnTgqAKjWQgRpZcytXnep-z7R0Ynhz-c-tO0Wwy45QfW18P8zZ/s640/blogger-image--210605736.jpg"></a></b></font></div></div></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>I have made two cards but think this will be my entry, I have posted the other one underneath.I wanted to have a go at layering using clarity stencils and a variety of acrylic paints and distress inks/ markers. I also wanted to use the clear, gloss textile paste to see what happened!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>I used various stencils (see if you can spot them all)! </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>I love the fact that the acrylic paint acts as a resist to the distress inks. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Dotty wave; lantern pods; brick wall; ocean swirl; ABC stencil; clock stencil; </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>The dotty wave; brick wall and ABC stencil and lantern pods were done with acrylic paint first.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Distress inks; mustard seed; wild honey; pickled raspberry; dusty concord; peacock feathers and chipped sapphire round the edges. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>I used transparent gloss texture paste to add the dotty wave over the top, I used the Chinese lanterns in the first one I made but it was a bit over powering and also the texture paste was too thick.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>I love the effect and all the layers give it a nice 'grungy' look.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>The flower stamp is Gentian and columbine which I stamped onto 7 x 7 stencil card and masked while I did the background.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>I like the texture paste effect which adds texture but doesn't detract from the detail.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; clear: both;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Second card</b></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; clear: both;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></b></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; clear: both;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZWjzmcoN9wTV_e7ARJQKYl8YMi170J2xCWl5PekwsUQhLffWN3EodGjRcVLu0mBrlVm4TwTzbOUPCbTcmF9pjv-gj8iVcdRmorPoGHFY66SwIe9bPkNAcTSCIJc2QNpcEzr3RlXeN9eb/s640/blogger-image--453058109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZWjzmcoN9wTV_e7ARJQKYl8YMi170J2xCWl5PekwsUQhLffWN3EodGjRcVLu0mBrlVm4TwTzbOUPCbTcmF9pjv-gj8iVcdRmorPoGHFY66SwIe9bPkNAcTSCIJc2QNpcEzr3RlXeN9eb/s640/blogger-image--453058109.jpg"></a></div><br></b></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; clear: both;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br></b></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; clear: both;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOlxMcMJwNDcLKFdvtInlpDyzQ1wKEDVglD2qYbJci46jQ9robEIpUTuILmk_3cPk1E_GwW0xM1loxYpeUPyuUKC43XN9Xy9QiAqSbXKoNMmNSngAxfIRG1tx-hDw2ku0d_6SFzR5P4FE/s640/blogger-image-1015208206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOlxMcMJwNDcLKFdvtInlpDyzQ1wKEDVglD2qYbJci46jQ9robEIpUTuILmk_3cPk1E_GwW0xM1loxYpeUPyuUKC43XN9Xy9QiAqSbXKoNMmNSngAxfIRG1tx-hDw2ku0d_6SFzR5P4FE/s640/blogger-image-1015208206.jpg"></a></div>Hope you like it. </b></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; clear: both;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br></b></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px; clear: both;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br></b></font></div></div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br></b></font></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-86747599084449028262015-01-11T12:23:00.001-08:002015-01-11T12:23:43.846-08:00Clarity challenge January 2015<p>January 11 th.</p><p> To fulfil my New Years resolution to enter the clarity challenge each month Here is my first card. I wanted to try some folded cards and so I ve been experimenting and really like the size of this card which is smaller than my recent cards which seem to have got larger and larger!</p><p>I was given these very pretty papers for Christmas and wanted to use them too. The background of the bird is done on the gelli plate.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qXP-kfchgSU/VLLby1HhSUI/AAAAAAAARn4/syazs25SOm4/s1398/Photo%25252020150111202256.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qXP-kfchgSU/VLLby1HhSUI/AAAAAAAARn4/syazs25SOm4/s500/Photo%25252020150111202256.jpg" id="blogsy-1421007824126.3276" class="alignnone" width="500" height="398" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-35514299251654230772015-01-08T10:21:00.001-08:002015-01-08T10:39:16.818-08:00New Years resolutions! <p>January 8 th</p><p>Christmas always creates a natural break in proceedings. I had almost two weeks off work but no time for crafting. However we had a wonderful family time which is as important!</p><p>I have a New Years resolution to enter the clarity challenge every month. I also want to have a go at some smaller folded cards. My recent cards seem to have been getting bigger and bigger. I ve been experimenting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OtXcs22peJk/VK7OZtUKkeI/AAAAAAAARm8/pP1sRW296_s/s2048/Photo%25252020150108183621.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OtXcs22peJk/VK7OZtUKkeI/AAAAAAAARm8/pP1sRW296_s/s500/Photo%25252020150108183621.jpg" id="blogsy-1420742357864.5933" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><p><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jdusm-DNoVo/VK7KFmMnRlI/AAAAAAAARmg/-I2QI7l-HvY/s2048/Photo%25252020150108181756.jpg" target="_blank" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a></p><p> I found some pretty backing papers and have then incorporated clarity stamps into the design.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P8ITYYMCDAI/VK7Or2sdDPI/AAAAAAAARnE/r1lA0yMPacs/s2048/Photo%25252020150108183622.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P8ITYYMCDAI/VK7Or2sdDPI/AAAAAAAARnE/r1lA0yMPacs/s500/Photo%25252020150108183622.jpg" id="blogsy-1420742357902.9336" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Subtle differences!<br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3XCrluh6Yks/VK7O0YMgOsI/AAAAAAAARnM/csOwf66evqk/s1514/Photo%25252020150108183622.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3XCrluh6Yks/VK7O0YMgOsI/AAAAAAAARnM/csOwf66evqk/s500/Photo%25252020150108183622.jpg" id="blogsy-1420742357899.224" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="320" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><p>I want to creat my own back ground papers as well so watch this space x </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-36322690545854553702014-12-02T13:44:00.001-08:002014-12-02T13:44:52.954-08:00There are fairies at the bottom of my garden.<p> <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">December 1 st</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">Here is a card requested by a friend for her Mum's 60 th birthday. She wanted something ethereal with fairies, I ve had some Lavinia stamps for a while, and this was the perfect time to try them out. I love the little bridge and the dancing fairies. Matched with clarity stamps and after several attempts to get the scene to work and the light I was really pleased with the eventual result.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">It involved quite a bit of masking off. I did'nt want the 60 or the word celebrate to fight with the picture so they have been left subtle. The holographic embossing powder worked so well on dark blue card.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">Hope you like it!</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"><br></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-C5qije2G6yc/VH4yog_tlZI/AAAAAAAARl0/mLk_uKirYEA/s1874/Photo%25252020141202214301.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-C5qije2G6yc/VH4yog_tlZI/AAAAAAAARl0/mLk_uKirYEA/s500/Photo%25252020141202214301.jpg" id="blogsy-1417556691694.312" class="alignnone" width="500" height="504" alt=""></a></div><p>And close up.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-96A768_Z1CA/VH4y0JjvKNI/AAAAAAAARl8/P5NGiPAPQPo/s1744/Photo%25252020141202214301.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-96A768_Z1CA/VH4y0JjvKNI/AAAAAAAARl8/P5NGiPAPQPo/s500/Photo%25252020141202214301.jpg" id="blogsy-1417556691748.7056" class="alignnone" width="500" height="620" alt=""></a></div><p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"><br></span></p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-25839203051209261572014-11-29T11:31:00.001-08:002014-11-29T11:41:52.667-08:00Christmas cards completed! November 29th<p>I have never managed to get my Christmas cards organised and ready to send in November and this year I have made them all!....it has been a chance to practice my techniques, Barbara does make it all look so easy!</p><p>Here are today's efforts</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fa_3lJ2BJHY/VHoeXgG6FZI/AAAAAAAARk4/W7AonjLRjX8/s1306/Photo%25252020141129192755.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fa_3lJ2BJHY/VHoeXgG6FZI/AAAAAAAARk4/W7AonjLRjX8/s500/Photo%25252020141129192755.jpg" id="blogsy-1417290019449.8586" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="475"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Loved the 'cut out' on these card, and the clean lines.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LZWtVEa4Px4/VHoefz28m_I/AAAAAAAARlA/iGT0M9jOvaE/s1360/Photo%25252020141129192755.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LZWtVEa4Px4/VHoefz28m_I/AAAAAAAARlA/iGT0M9jOvaE/s500/Photo%25252020141129192755.jpg" id="blogsy-1417290019427.025" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="484"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FSpaxFIyYx0/VHoeoVNTwuI/AAAAAAAARlI/C3odd9KUsqs/s1376/Photo%25252020141129192755.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FSpaxFIyYx0/VHoeoVNTwuI/AAAAAAAARlI/C3odd9KUsqs/s500/Photo%25252020141129192755.jpg" id="blogsy-1417290019417.9768" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="594"></a></div><p>Partridge in a pear tree.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PuFvmkgRdbU/VHoevotMgiI/AAAAAAAARlQ/MXi2bH5Q288/s1260/Photo%25252020141129192755.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PuFvmkgRdbU/VHoevotMgiI/AAAAAAAARlQ/MXi2bH5Q288/s500/Photo%25252020141129192755.jpg" id="blogsy-1417290019480.4194" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="451"></a></div><p> This is becoming a firm favourite.</p><p>Then I made a couple of cards for friends, one who has just lost her mum...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-e3x02Fd4Ay0/VHoe7MsvN5I/AAAAAAAARlY/-EUSZKrGzr4/s1536/Photo%25252020141129192755.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-e3x02Fd4Ay0/VHoe7MsvN5I/AAAAAAAARlY/-EUSZKrGzr4/s500/Photo%25252020141129192755.jpg" id="blogsy-1417290019466.5593" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="494"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">And a congratulations card for my step son who has just acquired his own business after a tortuous few months, but he has finally made it....<br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Fz1mAibqsdI/VHofDt03gFI/AAAAAAAARlg/HN3AZlUy_Uw/s1278/Photo%25252020141129192756.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Fz1mAibqsdI/VHofDt03gFI/AAAAAAAARlg/HN3AZlUy_Uw/s500/Photo%25252020141129192756.jpg" id="blogsy-1417290019416.047" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="515"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> Thanks for visiting and for all your comments, it is much appreciated.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FSpaxFIyYx0/VHoeoVNTwuI/AAAAAAAARlI/C3odd9KUsqs/s1376/Photo%25252020141129192755.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-63280918464438026552014-11-16T10:44:00.003-08:002014-11-16T11:51:54.178-08:00A crafty day<p> November 16 th </p><p>I have had a very relaxed weekend with no real commitments so I ve been able to have a proper crafting weekend. I entered one of my Christmas cards into the clarity challenge this month which is travel. I have added that card again so it's easier for people to find the right card if they wish to.</p><p>So here it is! Again.......</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OTdDUZuIfU4/VGjv3kwZn5I/AAAAAAAARkE/g1A5CZU699Q/s2048/Photo%25252020141116184044.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OTdDUZuIfU4/VGjv3kwZn5I/AAAAAAAARkE/g1A5CZU699Q/s500/Photo%25252020141116184044.jpg" id="blogsy-1416167512496.2886" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p> There are some amazing recent stamps which I really haven't had a chance to play with so here are some cards I made today. I have two birthday cards for little girls who are 4 (2 days apart)! Both mad on the Disney film 'Frozen' which I confess I haven t seen so am hoping they will be ok.</p><p>I 'decoupalaged' Grace's castle, her Mum's instructions were lots of cool blues, a castle, fairy and lots of glitter! I embossed the castle which made it easier. A little tip don t forget you have a clarity mask on your art work when you heat emboss it! ........ It behaves a bit like shrink plastic!...... A disaster :)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WndlL4L1p7k/VGjwIwzs0uI/AAAAAAAARkM/bTC7GhtCFe4/s1936/Photo%25252020141116184044.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WndlL4L1p7k/VGjwIwzs0uI/AAAAAAAARkM/bTC7GhtCFe4/s500/Photo%25252020141116184044.jpg" id="blogsy-1416167512471.633" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="535"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iPtFjCxTHYQ/VGjwaRvQP7I/AAAAAAAARkU/lVS4Yz-A5dw/s1936/Photo%25252020141116184045.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iPtFjCxTHYQ/VGjwaRvQP7I/AAAAAAAARkU/lVS4Yz-A5dw/s500/Photo%25252020141116184045.jpg" id="blogsy-1416167512490.8674" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="514"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><p>I also have a Male 40 th coming up and the 'bird tree' and the super little car lent themselves to a scene I heat embossed the tree and car which gives a lovely finish. I liked the idea of the car's arrival disturbing the birds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Vb6-7ecR7Xk/VGjwpzZNKAI/AAAAAAAARkc/GQiHNjGkyEc/s2002/Photo%25252020141116184045.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Vb6-7ecR7Xk/VGjwpzZNKAI/AAAAAAAARkc/GQiHNjGkyEc/s500/Photo%25252020141116184045.jpg" id="blogsy-1416167512425.2583" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="451"></a></div><p> </p><p>I then had a go with the perfect pearls and the double sided sticky sheets. (I ve never used them before)</p><p>My step son's birthday is coming up and he loves wind surfing so this stamps seemed appropriate and I love it. </p><p>It was all going so well! Until I went to re stamp the boat at the end and it missed by a smidge and the ink was nt clear enough ( any helpful hints would be great, Barbara made it look sooooooo easy. I could'nt waste all the effort so as you can see I managed to rescue it?!...... And unless I point it out as I am to my crafty friends hopefully he will never know. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-97w2ifWgi1E/VGkAVjkoZmI/AAAAAAAARks/RerRgQf8yE4/s2048/Photo%25252020141116195045.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-97w2ifWgi1E/VGkAVjkoZmI/AAAAAAAARks/RerRgQf8yE4/s500/Photo%25252020141116195045.jpg" id="blogsy-1416167512500.4536" class="alignnone" width="500" height="393" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p>Thanks for visiting and all your comments, it's a great confidence boost.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-14929461031907266942014-11-14T08:51:00.001-08:002014-11-14T09:14:10.254-08:00Christmas is a comin!November 14 th Here come Christmas!<br />
I have been making Christmas cards and trying out techniques along the way!<br />
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Here are some of my efforts.<br />
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XkWfp_fcd_o/VGYyfiKfQeI/AAAAAAAARjU/6bA4u17v5L0/s2048/Photo%25252020141114164812.jpg" style="line-height: 1.3em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="667" id="blogsy-1415983893420.513" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XkWfp_fcd_o/VGYyfiKfQeI/AAAAAAAARjU/6bA4u17v5L0/s500/Photo%25252020141114164812.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Here comes the tree!!<br />
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I have also tried using a blending solution with the Polychromos coloured pencils and have been very pleased with the results.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-71870400897446729142014-10-04T08:22:00.001-07:002014-10-04T08:22:06.294-07:00October 1 st 2014<p> Back to mosaics!</p><p>I decided to have another go at mosaics as I enjoyed the last ones so much!</p><p> I bought a kit this time which was exactly the right size for the project I had in mind. I thought it might be helpful to see how someone else devises the pattern and divides it into shapes to create the design. </p><p>The kit also provided exactly what I needed; tiles; grout; adhesive; spreader and a tile nipper.</p><p>I bought a 30 cm square planter for the garden as the kit measures 30 cm it means I can mosaic one face.</p><p>I then used a sealant and sealed it with a couple of coats inside and out. If you don t seal a pot that's going to contain moisture the tiles will pop off in time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R_w3mtwbwnE/VDAPaHMb6rI/AAAAAAAARho/4Sh79EjoSZA/s1936/Photo%25252020141004161533.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R_w3mtwbwnE/VDAPaHMb6rI/AAAAAAAARho/4Sh79EjoSZA/s500/Photo%25252020141004161533.jpg" id="blogsy-1412436126385.3086" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><p>The planter is made of fibrecotta and a bit rough looking so I had one of the blue tiles scanned and then a paint made up to match it.</p><div> I painted it. It took three coats to cover well enough, the sample pots of the Valspar paint are very generous and easily covered it.<br></div></div><a href="http://https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kPW5qLV_Dzc/VDAPrbdyIoI/AAAAAAAARhw/QPFdSnxwMdI/s1936/Photo%25252020141004161533.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kPW5qLV_Dzc/VDAPrbdyIoI/AAAAAAAARhw/QPFdSnxwMdI/s500/Photo%25252020141004161533.jpg" id="blogsy-1412436126395.607" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> </p><p>The kit uses the reverse method which I wanted to try. This involves the picture being drawn out on brown craft paper in reverse, the picture is drawn indicating how to lay the tiles, the design featuring a fish uses mainly quarter tiles and the background whole ones. The tiles are glass 2 cm square and are glued down upside down using PVA water soluble glue mixed with 50% water. This method means you can assemble it away from the finished object, the tiles are completely flat and if you were doing a big project this can be broken into sections for assembly.<br></p><p>The most difficult thing was to sort out the different colours as the instructions were a bit vague! It was a process of elimination......... Solution below.<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8gGYKZFbyhg/VDAP4aFI4zI/AAAAAAAARh4/HdbnP1w1uPg/s1936/Photo%25252020141004161533.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8gGYKZFbyhg/VDAP4aFI4zI/AAAAAAAARh4/HdbnP1w1uPg/s500/Photo%25252020141004161533.jpg" id="blogsy-1412436126456.803" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="407"></a></div><p>The picture pattern indicated where to place the colours</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C8I0WImWZnQ/VDAQMftOEkI/AAAAAAAARiA/eyGvFiWbYjk/s2048/Photo%25252020141004161534.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C8I0WImWZnQ/VDAQMftOEkI/AAAAAAAARiA/eyGvFiWbYjk/s500/Photo%25252020141004161534.jpg" id="blogsy-1412436126408.6152" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="568"></a></div><p>I then stuck all the tiles down upside down and back to front!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kxF3hi_WOBg/VDAQbjUKMeI/AAAAAAAARiI/PguultMnt2M/s1708/Photo%25252020141004161534.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kxF3hi_WOBg/VDAQbjUKMeI/AAAAAAAARiI/PguultMnt2M/s500/Photo%25252020141004161534.jpg" id="blogsy-1412436126431.145" class="alignnone" width="500" height="471" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p>The next part of the process was to grout the finished work and then remove most of the grout from the face of the tiles. The face of the pot also had to have the adhesive applied with a notched tool such that the adhesive has a ridged surface for the tiles to stick to. </p><p>The picture is then stuck to the pot, face down, with the paper uppermost. Some gentle pressure is applied to ensure good contact with the pot face. The brown paper is then dampened (this helps to dissolve the PVA glue) and this is then left for 15 to 20 minutes for the water to soak in. The brown paper can then be peeled off carefully, the odd tile did lift (I found it hard to be that patient)! The tiles stuck back quite well into the adhesive and on the whole it worked really well.</p><p>Once the paper had been peeled off and any adhesive had been removed then it was left to dry.</p><p>A further grouting was then done to ensure there were no gaps. This was allowed to dry and then the surface was polished with a dry cloth.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6HtKyO17Tto/VDAQmT7AdqI/AAAAAAAARiQ/3lxe3kXPIv8/s1394/Photo%25252020141004161534.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6HtKyO17Tto/VDAQmT7AdqI/AAAAAAAARiQ/3lxe3kXPIv8/s500/Photo%25252020141004161534.jpg" id="blogsy-1412436126459.7368" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="528" alt=""></a></div><p> <font size="7">Voila!</font></p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-1430437231803398732014-09-16T13:00:00.001-07:002014-09-16T13:19:31.402-07:00Journal cover for clarity challenge 19 "nature"<p> I have challenged myself to have a go at a 3D project which has been a steeeeep learning curve.</p><p>I have posted a step by step guide on my blog for the front, (the back cover followed the same pattern as the front). Instructions and step by step in previous post below.</p><p>I prefer the back which is the one I will enter for the challenge. </p><p>Hope you like it!</p><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: -webkit-xxx-large;">Front</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gl81J_GUveE/VBiWh-XcFwI/AAAAAAAARgk/y0-5XghKvDM/s2048/Photo%25252020140916205751.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gl81J_GUveE/VBiWh-XcFwI/AAAAAAAARgk/y0-5XghKvDM/s500/Photo%25252020140916205751.jpg" id="blogsy-1410898701025.8284" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="615"></a></div><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><font size="7">Back</font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AF5gXkTDpOk/VBiW0EWdCoI/AAAAAAAARgs/By6-6YPY5is/s2048/Photo%25252020140916205751.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AF5gXkTDpOk/VBiW0EWdCoI/AAAAAAAARgs/By6-6YPY5is/s500/Photo%25252020140916205751.jpg" id="blogsy-1410898701075.2717" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><font size="7"></font></p><p style="text-align: center;"><font size="7"></font></p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-52999225312573342332014-09-01T09:59:00.001-07:002014-09-01T11:44:59.275-07:00Shaving foam backgrounds<p><font size="5" face="Courier New"><strong>September 1st</strong></font></p><p>Last week I was away on holiday and had some time to play a bit with shaving cream, Faber-Castell polychromos pencils and the few stamps I had taken with me. I had my 6 and 9 year old grandchildren with me too and I was amazed at how quickly Amelia aged 9 got the hang of tearing paper to create hills and mastering brushing ink onto the card. She made a card for her friends birthday which was amazing.</p><p>I had a go at some shaving cream and really enjoyed it, I mastered it a bit better this time and got some lovely results some of which I have made into cards.</p><p>Here are the results of my labours!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8bILrKebO0M/VASzbSW5FuI/AAAAAAAAReA/Oi53m0QzT4s/s1936/Photo%25252020140901185555.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8bILrKebO0M/VASzbSW5FuI/AAAAAAAAReA/Oi53m0QzT4s/s500/Photo%25252020140901185555.jpg" id="blogsy-1409597085053.8467" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-37X9wp_lPHg/VASzpdkqe9I/AAAAAAAAReI/NCqd83CNvNA/s1852/Photo%25252020140901185555.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-37X9wp_lPHg/VASzpdkqe9I/AAAAAAAAReI/NCqd83CNvNA/s500/Photo%25252020140901185555.jpg" id="blogsy-1409597085063.6372" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="488"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-grrPXpukYvM/VASz3m4ewHI/AAAAAAAAReQ/Jl7EtptdgFM/s1936/Photo%25252020140901185555.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-grrPXpukYvM/VASz3m4ewHI/AAAAAAAAReQ/Jl7EtptdgFM/s500/Photo%25252020140901185555.jpg" id="blogsy-1409597085037.6553" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3hLywC6HS2s/VAS0HdY7cJI/AAAAAAAAReY/ldNdJYvEymQ/s1936/Photo%25252020140901185556.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3hLywC6HS2s/VAS0HdY7cJI/AAAAAAAAReY/ldNdJYvEymQ/s500/Photo%25252020140901185556.jpg" id="blogsy-1409597085054.9014" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p><span id="goog_1442757560"></span><span id="goog_1442757561"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-izpNjJtuTrk/VAS0Owbn_jI/AAAAAAAAReg/PoueXtDXOys/s1464/Photo%25252020140901185556.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-izpNjJtuTrk/VAS0Owbn_jI/AAAAAAAAReg/PoueXtDXOys/s500/Photo%25252020140901185556.jpg" id="blogsy-1409597085058.215" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="626"></a></div><p> Thanks for stopping by. Until next time, I need to get on with Christmas cards!</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-74414975191388043662014-08-27T02:46:00.001-07:002014-08-27T03:13:05.259-07:00Anniversary Card
<h6><strong><u>August 27th</u></strong></h6>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2uoleWWgVyM/U_2o3AKAFlI/AAAAAAAARc0/3qrXBKGp3aw/s1174/Photo%25252020140827104543.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2uoleWWgVyM/U_2o3AKAFlI/AAAAAAAARc0/3qrXBKGp3aw/s500/Photo%25252020140827104543.jpg" id="blogsy-1409133858374.16" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="463"></a></div>
<p>Here is a card I made using the Funky foliage stamp.</p>
<p>I masked off a strip to create a narrow border and stamped the image above it. I added a moon mask behind the foliage and masked off the stamped image.</p>
<p>I then used distress inks ....fired brick; wild honey and mustard seed and clarity brushes to create the background.<br></p>
<p>The foliage was coloured using Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils which are great for subtle shading.</p>
<p>I used a little of the distress ink on the moon after removing the mask.</p>
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<p>The border was divided randomly and I used the same pencils to add colour to it and my favourite word from the word chains for this anniversary card.</p>
<p>The little bird finished it off.</p>
<p>I need to get better at stamping this as it is such a large stamp but I was quite pleased with how it turned out and the next one will be better!</p>
<p>Hope you like it too.</p>
<p><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.3em;"><font face="Georgia" size="5"> Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils</font></b></p>
<p> Note about these amazing pencils. I had a tin of 36 of these and while chatting to Barbara Gray at our retreat about whether to buy the Spectrum Noir pencils and which tin to chose she said that really the Faber-Castell Polychromos were the Rolls Royce of pencils but obviously expensive. </p>
<p>I decided to think about them a bit longer and then won first prize of £100 in our work lottery and managed to find all 120 pencils for £104 a bargain! So I have invested in them. They are amazing and I am really enjoying using them. A good use of my prize money I felt!</p>
<p> <a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JsIwPVl74wc/U_2sldbZaQI/AAAAAAAARdA/nzV_fUTjJPo/s1936/Photo%25252020140827110105.jpg" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JsIwPVl74wc/U_2sldbZaQI/AAAAAAAARdA/nzV_fUTjJPo/s500/Photo%25252020140827110105.jpg" id="blogsy-1409133858307.2944" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="587"></a></p>
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<div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580956988466623297.post-2907737492858917492014-08-18T11:48:00.000-07:002014-08-18T11:48:06.013-07:00A card for Alice Rose <strong>August 18th 2014</strong><br />
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Today I returned home after visiting my daughter and son-in-law to welcome my new grand daughter, Alice Rose, She joins Eddie (4) and Adam (2) and is very beautiful!<br />
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Card for Alice Rose</div>
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This is the card I made to welcome her into the world. The back ground is done using my first attempt at shaving foam and then enhanced with a touch of distress ink using a make up sponge.</div>
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I thought it was perfect for this months challenge, I have been meaning to enter for months and am finally managing it!</div>
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I hope you like it. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423187358032157227noreply@blogger.com4