Tuesday 9 August 2011

Well now, it's been a while since I last posted on here.  Busy busy busy.   Yesterday I received my Certificate in Papercraft and PIN badge, along with a lovely graduation card. 

I've also been making more cards and exploding boxes so I really need to update my blog and change some of my pictures. 

These are 2 of my recent wedding boxes which have gone down really well.




Wednesday 25 May 2011

I've been published !

Went for a stroll lunch time and popped into a Newsagents to check what card making magazines there were that I had not bought yet.  Purchased 4 including Lets Make Cards.  Took it back to work and flicked through it while eating my lunch.  I turned the page to find an article on Jennie the course tutor and low and behold they had included a photo of one of my projects and one from another student - check it out.

I was really chuffed as I've not had the time to write to any magazines yet myself, so didn't expect them to choose one of my pictures to include. 

Onwards and upward - I'm on cloud 9 right now!

Monday 23 May 2011

My latest cards for my Certificate in Papercraft

A Sarah Kay topper, pyramage fairy and a kanban stamp form the themes of my latest cards for my Certificate in Papercraft qualification.  I welcome feedback, criticism or suggestions for improvement on my designs.


How to make the above card

Fold the pre-scored card in half and add further pressure to the crease using a bone folding tool.
Add double sided sticky tape to all edges of the front of the card, peel and add your chosen backing paper.  Trim the excess with scissors.
Cut the Sarah Kay topper out by hand with some suitable scissors. 
Punch a piece of silver card with the border punch and cut into two thin strips.
Cut out the quotation and use a scallop template to draw around the quotation. Ensure the quotation is central before proceeding to cut it out.  Erase any pencil marks and use the green pen to add a stitching doodle effect around the scalloped edge.
Using the black onyx versamark ink stamp the flower stamp which is mounted on a stamping block.  Stamp on white card.  Use a green glitter gel pen to colour the flower
and cut it out.  Snip between each petal and lift the petals to add dimension.
Lay all the elements out before starting to glue these down to ensure they are where
you want them.   Use tape or silicone glue to secure the elements using the silicone
glue to give depth to the girl topper.
Add a “this card has been handmade by...” to the reverse of your creation.



How to make the above card

Fold the pre-scored card in half and add further pressure to the crease using a bone folding tool.
Add double sided sticky tape to all edges of the front of the card, peel and add your chosen backing paper.  Trim the excess with scissors.
Stamp the Kanban images using the black onyx versamark ink, onto your choice of card stock and colour using the Promarkers and cut out. 
Add the “best wishes” self adhesive strip horizontally across the card in the required
location.  Trim any excess with scissors taking care not to cut the card.
Lay all the elements out before starting to glue these down to ensure they are where
you want them.  
Matt and layer the chosen paper and card stock pieces using the double sided tape.
Using silicone glue, glue and place the stamped images in the desired locations and
reposition until you are happy with where they are.
Add the life, love and friendship sentiment using sticky squares.
Add a “this card has been handmade by...” to the reverse of your creation.




How to make the above card

Fold the pre-scored card in half and add further pressure to the crease using a bone folding tool.
Using a scoring board and bone folding tool score and fold the A4/C4 sheet of backing
paper.
Add double sided sticky tape to all edges of the front of the card, peel and add your    chosen backing paper working from the centre of the folded card and folded paper   outwards one side at a time.  This will ensure the paper does not bubble, crease or    stick in the wrong place. Trim any excess paper if there is any.
Carefully arrange the base of the twisted fairy topper over the corner of the sentiment topper, both of which are at slight angles. When you are happy with these stick down using double sided sticky tape.
Using silicone glue, build up the remaining elements of the fairy pyramage.  If preferred leave the glue to set between each layer to ensure this does not move as you build each layer up.
Add silicone glue to the buttons and beaded flowers and adhere to the card.  Leave all to dry.
Finish the card with handmade by sticker of your choice

xx Vicki xx

Saturday 7 May 2011

More Crafting

I've been busy finishing some orders off recently and here are a few pictures. 

I've also got to get 2 more units of my certificate in papercraft finished by the end of the month to qualify in June or I will have to wait until the end of the year.







Wednesday 4 May 2011

Unit 5 Certificate in Papercraft

I heard from Assessor Jackie today that I passed Unit 5.  2 down 2 to go.  It seems to have gone quiet on the forum lately so hope everyone is okay.  Expect everyone is busy getting their projects finished.  I've joined 2 forums since being on the course, A Crafters Heaven (on e-bay) and Craftymess.   Everyone is really lovely and I've only participate in one challenge so far.  I don't want to commit to too much just yet in case I can't deliver with working and sorting out the kids.  Hopefully once I finish the course, I can get a bit more involved.  Will be posting more pictures of some of my work soon (not for the course).

Happy Crafting to all my new crafting buddies xx

Thursday 21 April 2011

Easter Time

Can't believe Easter starts tomorrow.  The months' fly by so fast. 

I have just submitted my 2nd unit (Unit 5 - 3d) for assessment so fingers crossed.  For my 3 projects I made a baby girl exploding box, a 4 poster bed and a star card.  

I did the box for an order and the lady who ordered it and the final recipient loved it.  They said they are very unique and a lovely keepsake for the future, so I was thrilled.

I'm going to try and start the decorating tomorrow, although my other half is working, so I will have to start it on my own so doubt I will get any crafting done tomorrow.  Mind you it's my youngest nephews birthday Saturday so need to make his card yet.





Happy Easter everyone - don't eat too much chocolate in one go and don't go getting sticky finger marks on your lovely crafts.

Wednesday 9 March 2011

Hi all,

I've been so busy lately not had much time to put anything on my blog.  I've been busy planning some orders I've had for exploding boxes and sources some items from e-bay.  Wish I hadn't rediscovered e-bay - it's so addictive I can't keep off it.  I get quite a sense of achievement when I outbid someone for something, which sounds really naughty. 

The sellers are really nice and it's like having another forum altogether and there are so many crafters selling gorgeous items, its another wonderful outlet as long as you are careful.

Still working on my 3d unit - have made 2 items so far and written 1 recipe card, so must get cracking on the remainder.

Happy crafting guys and gals.   xx Vicki xx

Tuesday 15 February 2011

Exploding Box - Baby Girl with co-ordinating card

After my first box attempt a lady at work ordered this.  It took me a weekend to make (with various interruptions).  The cardstock was from Create and Craft.  The printed images were from a Create and Craft Occasions CD and other elements were from my craft box.

The punched layer was courtesy of a cheap punch purchased recently from Readicut and I wanted to incorporate it into my design.

The sheep was purchased from Clinton's cards at a bargain price of £1.49 and I bought various variations of this in one go.  It's nose was blue, but I coloured it pink with a Glaze 3D Roller pen and left it to dry.  The co-ordinating cards was made with left over materials and matching elements. 


The lid element and element on the card reads "Little Angel".

The recipient was thoroughly delighted. 

Please let me know what you think and post comments on how I could have made this better.







Thanks - Vicki x x

Project 2 - Unit 1 ATC Card

My first ATC card submitted for evaluation.  I wonder who will get it when the swap takes place! 

Please give feedback on what you think. 

Vicki xxx

Monday 7 February 2011

Project 3 for my Certificate in Papercraft coursework




This was made with card from paperbox.  It was embossed with a cuttlebug envelope.  The flowers, ribbon, beads and flower brads were from my own craft box and I've had them for years.

Again please submit any comments and ideas for improvement.  Thank you.

Project 1 for my Certificate in Papercraft coursework









This is my first experience of making an exploding box. I was pretty chuffed with my first attempt and already have an order from a lady at work to make one for a girl.  That boosted my confidence somewhat.  Please let me know of any other ideas on how I could improve on my first attempt. 

The cardstock was from create and craft, the ribbon and peel offs were from my own craft box.  The images were printed on decoupage paper from Joanna Sheens Messy Rabbit CD and also a create and craft Occasions CD.  The lettering was stamped using Black Onyx Versamark ink pad and coloured using Promarkers.

Thank you fellow crafters and followers