Graph'It Marker Challenge - Ice

Good morning, sorry I haven't been around very much but I've been ill and life in general has got in the way of crafting. Anyway I'm here today with my challenge inspiration project for Graph'It Markers which is ICE. The time we'd love to see Ice or Water on your projects. Remember you don't need to use Graph'It Markers to enter, (although we'd love it if you did) and you're picked as the lucky winner you will win a set of Graph'It Markers.

I decided that I'd make a wall hanging this week using the Skater Girl from Polka Doodles Festive Hollybobs collection (she is available not only CD or full digital download but also as a single Digi Stamp). I had a bit of an accident whilst colouring the ice and didn't have to for a remake, so I carefully cut her out and created the background separately. I used the Graph'It Mix It Palette, Mix It Fluid and a paintbrush to create the ice which I then roughly coated in Glossy Accents before dragging a toothpick through it to create skate tracks. Unfortunately when I placed the image onto the ice it looked a little bare, so after much huffing and puffing I decided that 'd make a background using the acetate technique I showed you the other week. The fabulous thing was the glue created a resist which meant that the background only went where I wanted it. I then added some punched glittered snowflakes before mounting the image into a card box frame.

To finish I added some pine boughs from the Gingerbread Twist Picknix Collection, paper flowers, felt mittens and skates and a button.

Well that's it from me today. Hopefully I'll be back to normal fairly soon and will feel like creating. I'll try to pop round and visit all of your blogs as well.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Claire x

I almost forgot here's the colours I used:
Skater Girl
Skin 4115, 4135, 4155, 1230
Hair 3150,3190
Clothes 5240, 5245, 8150
Skates 9909, 9506
Ice
9100,  9101,9103, 5245,8150, 9909

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

It's not October it's Octavia!

I'm really hoping that all of you can see this post cos if you can't it means I've completely messed up my blog! In my last post i mentioned that I thought it was odd that nobody was commenting on my work and that I'd discovered the reason for it was Google+. Basically Google+ comments will not allow anyone to comment on my posts unless they sign up for a Google+ account and to be honest I can't say that I blame anyone who doesn't sign up as it isn't a fabulous platform and if they have to use these methods to get people to sign up then I'm certainly not a fan! Anyhow I decided to leave the Google+ platform and they certainly don't make it easy, as I went to click leave they kindly informed me that all Google profiles will be deleted! Anyway, I decided that I'd leave anyway and see what happens - worse case scenario I have to start my blog up all over again! Hey ho!

Anyway enough of my moaning I'm here to tell you about the Graph'It Marker challenge this week which is AUTUMN COLOURS. Remember you don't need to use Graph'It Markers to enter, your project, it simply needs to fit the theme. You could win yourself some fantastic new pens if you're the lucky winner, so what are you waiting for? Get your entries in!

My inspiration card this week is using the beautiful Octavia from Polka Doodles. I coloured her with my GI's and then added a combination of a GI background and Distress Inks which I flicked lightly with water to give a faux bleach effect. I then added some Stickles for a bit of bling and glitz before assembling the card.

Graph'It Markers Used:

Skin 4115,4125, 4135,4155, 3110

Hair 3110, 3125

Dress 2105, 2110, 2140, 2170

Grass 8260, 8280, 8290

Butterflies 6160

Well that's it from me today. I hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Claire x

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Graph'It Marker Challenge - Light Sources!

That's right it's time for a new challenge over on the Graph'It Marker Challenge Blog and this week we want to see light sources. So it can be as simple as you clearly identifying where the light source comes from or like I've done use a specific light source. I really hope you can join us as there's a fab prize up for grabs and you don't even need to use Graph'It Markers!

Before I show you my project I'd just like to take a second or two to say a big "HELLO" and "WELCOME" to my latest followers. If you ever have any questions about my work then please do feel free to either leave me a message on here or drop me an email. I always reply and definitely don't bite!

Right down to business! Don't all gasp, but I've made a card this week and my goodness was it a mission! I just couldn't get going with it and had for some reason or other managed to glue things into place before I'd fully decided upon a layout! Never a good idea!!

The sweet digi image that I've used is from the Hollybobs collection and can either be bought individually or as part of a larger CD collection. I coloured the couple up using my Graph'It Markers and then added Glossy Accents and Stickles to enhance the image. I used my new Tattered Lace Pine Bough die for the foliage and mixed them up with some holly leaves and flowers from my stash. The bottle cap charm was made by running a bottle cap through the Big Shot, lining it with patterned paper and die cut glittered numbers before coating generously with Glossy Accents.

Colours used:

Skin - 4115, 4120,4125, 4135

Hair -  1110, 3210, 3125, 3245

Clothes - 5220, 5345, 8150, 8250, 3245, 3230, 1270

Lantern - 9501, 9504, 9506, 9909, 1110, Blender 0000

Right that's it from me today. I hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Claire x

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

ABC Christmas Challenge - S for something festive

Inky Chicks - Anything Goes

Just Inspirational - Bows

PDE Linky Party - Stitching

Ladybug Crafts - Anything Goes

Tattered Lace Dies - Holidays

ABC Challenge - Tic Tac Toe (Stitching, Ribbon & Flowers)

Not Just Cards - Anything Goes

Fairytale Castle Wedding Card

Just thought I'd show you this commissioned card/keepsake that I recently had the pleasure of making. The customer was really specific as to what they wanted and although it was a challenge I managed to incorporate everything they required from the order! This post is really picture heavy so apologies if it's a little slow loading.

The castle is an attempted replica of Herstmonceux Castle where the ceremony was taking place. I say attempted because there were so many details when I started looking closely at it, that it would have been almost impossible to replicate, so I've used a bit of artistic license on it!

The first thing I did was to create a template for the base. I didn't have template for a castle, so I created my own. The project had to be boxed for presentation as it didn't fold flat. Had I made the turrets square then the whole project would've folded flat for posting, which definitely something I will keep in mind for any future similar projects.

Next I covered the walls with papers from Polka Doodles Work & Play Collection 2 and then cut out individual bricks to make the arches on the bridge. I covered the drawbridge in a wood effect paper from Polka Doodles Work & Play Collection 1

I used a variety of cutting dies for the name/greeting plate, shield, foliage, bunting and flags. The tiny flowers are a punch.

The image is from  Mazyart and coloured with Graph'It Markers. I had to alter it slightly as the Groom has a very specific hairstyle which the customer wanted included.

The final request was for somewhere to write a message and place a money gift, so I made a little concertina pocket to the rear of the card which held a tag envelope.

This was a fun project to make and I understand the happy couple were delighted with it.

Thanks for stopping by.

Claire x

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Crafty Calendar Challenges - Anything Goes
Brown Sugar Challenges - Anything Goes
Crafts For Eternity - Tic Tac Toe (Dies, Punches, Blue)
Crafty Girls Challenges - Anything Goes
Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes
My Heart Pieces - Use a digi stamp
The Crafters Cafe - Use Punches and Dies
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
Just Inspirational - Wedding
PDE Linky Party - Dies/Punches
Top Tip Tuesday - Anything Goes (see tip re turrets)
Tuesday Throwdown - Anything Goes
Crafting From The Heart - Anything Goes

Another Pop Up Box Card!

I know, I know.....but these are such fun to make and each one looks totally different so hopefully you'll forgive me? The post is a touch picture heavy but that's because there's so much going on :)

I made this card as a sample for the Create and Craft launch of the new Tatty Twinkles Timeless collection. I used a selection of Tattered Lace Dies and of course the new Timeless Tatty Twinkles Stamps. I have to say this was one of those makes where you're never quite sure where it's going to take you, but I think it worked out OK.

The base was made using the no measure technique as demonstrated here by Nikky Hall. If you haven't tried one of these little cards because you think they look to complicated or time consuming then watch the video and I'm sure you'll be dashing off to make one!

Tatty and the dragonflies were stamped on Ultimate Graphic Paper and coloured with Graph'It Markers and then I added Stickles to the wings and the edge of her dress and Glossy Accents to her shoes.

I used three of the new dies from Tattered Lace - Bell Flower Border Die, Christmas Florals Rose Hips, Butterflies. All of the dies were coloured with Graph'It Markers before being glittered, shaped and embellished with gems.

To finish I added some Dew Drops, gems, lace, beads and ribbons.

I hope you're not bored to tears with seeing these boxes? I will have something different to show you soon!!!

Thanks for stopping by today.

Claire x

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp - Anything goes

Top Tip Tuesday - Anything Goes

Card Mania Challenges - Butterflies and Bows

Bunny Zoe's Crafts - Summer Colours

Crafting From The Heart - Anything Goes

My Craft Creations - Anything Goes

Stamp & Create - Anything Goes

Come & Get It Challenges - Anything Goes with a sentiment

Glitter n Sparkle - Butterflies

Natalie & Amy's Challenge - Die Cuts & Flowers

Graph'It Marker Challenge Inspiration - 60th Birthday Rock 'n' Roll Pop Up Box Card

Morning. It's been a bit a hectic around here and as a result I got myself completely confused over this weeks challenge post on Graph'It Markers!! :) It's supposed to be transparency but for some mad reason I got glass stuck in my mind and went of down that route! Anyway, I really hope that you will join us for this challenge - remember you don't need to use Graph'It markers to enter and you could win some lush goodies from GI.

This card was a last minute customer commision and it's actually the person in questions birthday today! He's a massive Ozzy Osbourne fan and so the request was for an Ozzy style card. This is what I've come up with, I hope he likes it!!!

I was worried about using an image of Ozzy from the internet due to copyright issues and so decided to create my own. I found it really hard to colour him up as all of his clothing and hair are black, but I think I just about pulled it off (definitely need more practice with black though!!).

Ingredients: 

Graph'It Markers:

Skin - 4115, 4120,4125

Hair & Clothes - 9909, 9506, 9504

Lettering - 5245

Sizzix Bat Die

Simon Says Stamp Holiday Shapes Die

Embossing Folder

Gilding Wax

DCWV Rockstar Paperstack

Glossy Accents

Black Glitter

Thanks for stopping by today.

Claire x

I'd Like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Graph'It Marker Challenge - Fur 'n' Feathers!

Yep this week over on the Graph'It marker blog we want to see Fur 'n' Feathers! I opted for feathers as I was desperate to use this gorgeous little guy from Polka Doodles! Isn't he just the cutest thing ever??

Anyway, I tried something a little different this week with my colouring and I have to say I'm really pleased with the end result! I coloured the robin with my Graph'It markers and then added a few light strokes with my Prismacolor Pencils. I think the result is awesome as the pens add real depth to the image whilst the pencils help to add even more texture.

I made a little box card to sit him in and used a range of the new stamps that Polka Doodles have launched to embellish the card with.

I hope you like my project this week and that you'll come and join us.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Claire x

Ingredients:

Robin Stamp, Poinsettia Stamp, Spruce Bough, Holly Heart Wreath 

Graph'It Markers - 2110, 2150, 5220, 3245, 3255, 1180, 9500, 9503, 9909, White Shake Marker

Backing Paper - Rose Budd CD

Prismacolor Pencils

Distress Inks

Snowflake Embossing Folder

Stickles Glitter Glue

Pinflair Glue

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Eclectic Paperie - Embossing

It's All About The Vintage - Photo Inspiration (The chandeliers reminded me of icicles)

Addicted to Stamps - Make a mark

Crafting for All Seasons - Feature a creature

Crafty Creations - Flower

Little Red Wagon - embossing

Simon Says Stamp - Sparkle

Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes

Crafting from the Heart - Anything Goes

Make My Monday - Birds

Graph'It Marker Challenge - Hot Colours With An Optional Extra Of Airbrushing With A Straw!!!

Good morning. It's challenge time again over on the Graph'It marker blog and we want to see your hot colours. In addition this week we've had a go at airbrushing with a straw! I have to be honest and say that I almost didn't join the airbrushing part of this challenge as it made me go "Eeekk". However, I'm glad I did, as it has given me lots of inspiration for future projects. I'm not thrilled with this one but I literally ran out of puff not to mention time! I really hope that you'll give this a try and enter the challenge - remember we have a fabulous Graph'It Marker prize and you don't even need to use GI's to enter!

Anyway, onto my offering for this week. I decided after much panicking that I'd try my hand at graffitti but on a small scale. So I created some simple stencils using a graffiti font from Dafont and a very basic bomb. I then taped them in position and started airbrushing with a straw........EPIC fail!!! Nothing, not one single drop of ink landed on my page. So I dug out my aerosol air dusting cannister which proved a little too powerful and sent ink everywhere. Finally I found a solution when one of my fellow GI teamies Claire C suggested using an empty biro case - thanks Claire :)

When I removed the masks the images didn't really pop and I was more than a little disappointed. So after a bit of a sulk I decided I'd see what would happen once I outlined them with black ink - best move ever, the images came to life and popped right off of the page. Once I was completely happy with the background I ran it through an embossing folder to give the appearance of a wall.

I was going to use a printed backing paper, but again it toned the graffiti down too much, so I decided to create a random spray painted effect background using the straw technique again.

Finally I coloured the boy image from the Pretty Tuff CD added some dimensional glue and mounted him onto the card.

Ingredients:
Graph'It Markers

Airbrushing: 8150, 5245, 1180, 7155, 9909

Skin: 4115, 4155, 4135, 4170

Trousers/Hat: 9100, 9103, 9909

T-Shirt/Shoes: 5210, 5245, 9501

Pretty Tuff CD

If you do decided to give this a go, please let me know, I'd love to see what you come up with.

Thanks for stopping by

Claire x

I'd like to enter this project into the following challenges:

Graph'It Marker Challenge - Altered Kraft Bag

Morning. Sorry for the lack of posts recently but life has got the in way of my creating.

There's another challenge this week over on the Graph'It marker blog and this week it's Christmas (I know, I know it's far too early but as I've been making Christmas cards since mid June then the least you can do is keep me company!). Remember, you don't need to use Graph'It markers to enter (although obviously we'd love it if you did) and you can win a fabulous Graph'It prize.

This was sample that I made for the launch of the Tatty Twinkles Christmas Collection by Tattered Lace. Sadly she never got sent off as I just ran out of time before the post deadline. It seems a shame to not show her off, so I thought as she was coloured up and ready to be made into a project I'd use her for this weeks inspiration piece.

I stamped the image onto some Ultimate Graphic Paper and then coloured her in with my Graph'It makers. Initially I used a circular die to cut around her, but then decided she needed something prettier, so I fussy cut her out and mounted her onto a doily. Now the fab thing is, if you're not a stamper you can buy her in the form of a collection on a MCS CD which is packed with not only Tatty Twinkles but loads of papers and Stationery (in fact that's where the lush papers are from).

I was then a case of cutting the papers, lace, ribbon and bead trim to fit on the Kraft bag. The whole thing is pulled together with the addition of a wooden snowflake, kraft snowflakes, gems, buttons and oodles of glitter glue.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Claire x

Recipe:
Ultimate Graphic Paper
Graph'It Markers
Skin: 4115, 4135, 4155, 4170
Hair: 1270, 1250, 1110
Dress: 7109, 7125, 7119, 9502
Wings: 9502
Buttons
Tatty Twinkle Stamps/CD

I'd like to enter this bag into the following challenges:

Rose Budd Vintage Book Card

It's challenge day again over on the Graph'It Marker blog and today we're all "Blondes". We want to see strawberry blondes, peroxide blondes, infact as long as it's blonde we want to see it! Remember you don't need to use Graph'It Markers to enter.

Whilst I'm here can I also point you in the direction of our DT call, all of the details are on the blog and you have until the 14th July 2014 to decide if you want to apply. I really hope that some you will consider applying.

Anyway, onto my inspiration project. It's been ages since I've been inspired to make one of these book cards, but as soon as I saw the new Rose Budd Collection from Polka Doodles, I knew in an instant that I had to make one as one of my samples for the Create & Craft TV launch. My main difficulty with this card was whittling down the elements to use as there are just so many gorgeous ones to choose from!

I used one of the ready made backgrounds for the main imagery of the card and added some furniture to the room scene using dimensional glue. I've used Glossy Accents on the window panes and Stickles Glitter Glue on the curtain edges.

All of the additional elements on the card with the exception of the ribbon and lace can be found on the CD. The images have been coloured with Graph'It Markers.

Colours used:
Skin: 4110, 4115, 4120, 4135, 4145
Female Hair: 1270, 3245, 3255
Male Hair: 1110, 1130, 1270
Dress: 8250, 8280, 8290, 4170
Suit: 9100, 9401, 9403, 9406, 9501, 9504, 9506, 9909, 0000

Thanks for stopping by this week.

Claire xxx

Materials used:
Ultimate Graphic Paper 160gsm
Graphic Markers
Rose Budd Papercrafting CD from Polka Doodles

I'd like to enter this project into the following challenges:
Crafty Girls Challenge - Anything Goes
It's all about the vintage - Summer Garden
Paper Crafting Journey - Anything goes
Divas By Design - 3 or more layers
Simon Says Stamp - Friends
Papertake Weekly - Lace/Pearls
Artistic Inspirations - Anything Goes/Summer Fun
Bunny Zoe's Crafts - Layers
Love to create - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Anything Goes

Folk Wedding Box Card

This was a commissioned make for a folk wedding in Poland. The brief was lots of bold colour, flowers, ribbon, vintage and somewhere to put a money gift and the need for the card to travel from the UK to Poland. So rather nervously this is what I came up with. Apologies in advance as this post is picture heavy!

 I coloured the bride and groom using my Graphic'It Markers. The brides dress was given a subtle sparkle with some Stickles Star Dust Glitter Glue.

The flourish and letter die cuts were heat embossed with Antique Gold embossing powder. I added some Glossy Accents to the hearts to make them pop.

The card has an envelope tag to put money in and write a message on, it slots into a concertina sleeve at the back of the card .

The leaves have been die cut and the flowers paper punched.

The paper was an experiment that I'll definitely be repeating! I simply ran it through my Big Shot in an embossing folder and then applied Versamark to raised detail before sprinkling with gold embossing powder.

I wasn't sure if the card was going to be posted or taken in person to Poland, so rather than make a box for it to travel in, I decided to create the card so it could fold completely flat and be popped into the envelope that I created for it, that way it could be posted or stored easily in a suitcase.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Claire x

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Craftitude - Anything Goes/Pop It Up
Crafty Girls - Anything Goes
Bella and Bronte's Challenge - New Beginnings

Graph'It Marker Challenge - Frills and Fancy!

Morning. It's a quickie from me today. This weeks challenge over on the Graph'It Marker Blog is Frills & Fancy. Now I'm not sure why, but this challenge threw me! I think I possibly over thought it and as a result left myself very little time to actually make a project!

I was going to make something using lots of ribbon and lace but decided as it was a colouring challenge I'd try and make my image the "frills and fancy", so this is what I ended up doing....

I printed the image onto Ultimate Graphic paper and then coloured it with Graph'It markers. I added some sparkle to the choker and hemline using the Shake'It Silver Glitter Pen. To make the sparkle subtle I dabbed at it with my finger.

The card base was covered with DP's before adding some web lace and grosgrain ribbon. The image was cut out and then mounted onto designer papers. I then sprinkled some silver embossing powder around the edge to add some texture and interest and attached a piece of lace to the base of the image before attaching to the card.

To finish I added some die cut foliage, bats and punched flowers all of which were coloured with my Graph'It markers.

I really hope that you can join the challenge this time. Remember you have two weeks to submit a project and you don't even need to use Graph'It markers, simply follow the theme.

Thanks for stopping by today. Have a lovely weekend.

Claire x

Materials:
Ultimate Graphic Paper

Graph'It Markers
Skin: 4110, 4115, 4120, 4145
Hair: 9100, 9501, 9504, 9506, 9909
Other Colours: 5220, 6110, 6175, 6190, 0000, Shake'It Silver Glitter Pen






I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
A Step In The Dark - Anything Goes/Purple
Fan-Tastic Tuesday - Anything Goes
Through The Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
Artistic Inspirations - Anything Goes/ Things with wings
The Paper Nest Dolls - Anything Goes

Altered Sardine Can - At The Beach

Good morning - as summer appears to have vanished again, I thought I'd cheer you all up with this sunny little scene that I've used as my inspiration project for the challenge over on the Graph'It Marker Blog which is Oranges & Lemons! Now we're not meanies, so we're not requiring you to use both colours - just one or the other will do! Remember you don't need to use Graph'It markers to enter but you could win some lush Graph'It goodies if you do!

To make the scene I glued some beads onto the base of the tin for feet and then covered the entire thing with a couple of coats of Gesso. Once dried I used the broad nib end of a Graph'It Marker to roughly colour the tin.

I then created the scene using two of the characters from Work & Play Collection 3 and drew the backdrop and palm trees before assembling the scene using glue gel into the tin. To finish I used a sentiment from the CD and cut it into the shape of surfboard.

I used the following markers to colour this project:
Female:7130, 7160, 5130, 9504, 9506, 4170, 4155, 4135
Male: 7130, 7160, 5240, 5245, 4170, 4155, 4145, 4175, Graph'It Shake It Marker
Sea: 7119, 7109, 7130, Graph'It Shake It Marker
Sand: 1150, 1170, 1180, 1250, 2110, 2150
Tin: 7109

Thanks for stopping by today.

Claire x

Ingredients:

I'd like to enter the following challenges:
Milk Coffee Challenge - Anything but a card
Divas By Design - Anything Goes
Penny's Paper Crafty - Spots and Stripes
Simon Says Stamp - Vacation/Travel
Altered Eclectics - Anything Goes
Just B Creative Crazy - Anything Goes
Rhedd's Creative Spirit - Anything Goes
Tip Top Tuesday - Here comes summer
Crafting From The Heart - Anything Goes
That Craft Place - Altered Can