Book of Secrets

I took part on an online workshop with Andy Skinner call the Book of Secrets, obviously I can't give away any of Andy's secrets but you can check out the class for your self here. 

I will say that I've not been  able to give this piece the time it's due as I've had the dreaded bug that's been doing the rounds. It's not perfect but I know why and where I went wrong. I'll be experimenting a little more to perfect the fabulous techniques that Andy taught us. Looking forward to the next class.

Workshop With Jo Firth-Young

I had a wonderful and at the Craft Barn nearly a couple of weeks ago and decorated this wooden icon with Paperartsy paints and stamps, and distress inks all under the guidance of the super talented 

Jo Firth-Young. 

It was great to spend the day with Francesca (who kindly took me), Alison, Gabby and Sue, it was a small but very friendly class. I'm looking forward to the next one.

Sorry for being such a slack blogger, I'm having problems getting my photos loaded on here. Wondering if anyone else is having a problem. In the end I've had to load them and transfer from a web album it's a bit long winded but worked in the end.

Workshop with Linda Elbourne

Mini Journal

Small Suitcase

Can't believe that this class was nearly two weeks ago! I had a lovely day out with Francesca at the craft Barn where we took a class with the amazing Linda Elbourne, it was a brilliant class and it was wonderful to catch up with old crafting friends. 

We've got our fingers crossed that our dodgy telephone line has now been fixed so I'll be able to upload more frequently. It hasn't rained properly since the BT man came out so I'm not holding my breath. 

Compendium of Curiosities 2, Challenge 5!

Yes!!!!! - It has taken so long to get this photo to upload I nearly gave up trying tonight but I keep on missing the Compendium of Curiosities, Volume 2 challenges so thought I'd try a few more times. 

Technique: Shattered Stains on page 48

Sponsored by Simon Says Stamp

I made this card for my good crafting friend Francesca, using the Shattered stains technique plus a few more that are also covered in Tim Holtz's book and on the wonderful CC101 online course.

Altered Matchbox

I took part in a matchbox swap on Facebook organised by Zuzu's Petals.

I used the small type of matchbox and painted it with black gesso all over; embossed a piece of metal foil and edged it by hand then applied alcohol ink to the top surface of the metal; heart shaped brad and the inner of the metal flower. Inside the matchbox I used glossy accents, dewdrops, pearls, glitter and a key charm.

Cake stand?

I think not!

I've been hunting for something like this for ages, so as soon as I laid my eyes on this cake stand it went into my basket at the Craft Barn.

Firstly I painted it with black gesso, then did a little clear embossing before finishing it off with a top coat of paint. I think it's a wonderful new home for my inks etc.

Eastern promise

Last Sunday I went to a class with Andy Skinner at the Craft Barn. I had a fantastic day out thanks to Francesca for driving me and being a great company. Here's the results from the class. We altered a wooden box which was inspired by Andy's visit to Bahrain. We learnt faux filigree and ageing techniques using paints. I'm not to happy with the finish of my the main embellishment (centre piece) but here it is anyway, I got a bit heavy handed with it, but now know how to make another so it's not a problem. lol


The class was informative, and Andy was happy to pass on any hints and tips along the way. In looking forward to the next class.