Another thank you card

I recently made this card for someone who has made a real difference to my life in recent months. 

I wanted to use the hollyhock theme and started layering colour with a background of blended distress inks. I added the first layer through a Donna Downey stencil. I added some stamping using an Impression Obsession stamp and finished my hollyhock layers with die cuts using an Impression Obsession die in blue pearl card and a mid blue card. The last think I added was some stamping using a whirl from Stamps by Ryn.

I finished with a die cut printed butterfly and the sentiment which is a mix of stamp with matching die cut, from W Plus 9. I love the font on these sets sold by Make the Day Special.

I hope wherever you are you are enjoying a fruitful summer.

Elaine

A canvas project

I was asked to teach a workshop for a group of ladies taking part in a local respite weekend for carers. I don't generally run workshops any more, because I find the stress often takes more out of me, than the pleasure gives back, but this opportunity makes me feel different. The unusual thing is that those taking part are not crafters, so the group often includes very mixed abilities.

This was my sample, a reverse canvas with a stencilled background, a stamped image using a La Blanche stamp and loads of die cut leaves. The sentiment is a Jo Capper Sandon Stampotique stamp - one of my favourites. I wanted to try and create something like a tranquil glade, a little bit of peace in a busy world for these ladies.

I have to say I was so impressed with their work and everyone finished in two hours, despite some of them going off to have their nails done or to have a head massage.

Here are some of the results, as you can see there is quite a variety.

 

 

They all seemed to enjoy themselves. I have to say though if I ever have the idea of using so many leaf die cuts again, someone needs to talk me down. It took two evenings of cutting out and even my poor OH was drummed into service with the Big Shot!

The other thing that has been keeping me busy is the garden. Things are starting to bloom beautifully and some of my favourite cottage garden favourites are blossoming nicely.

Meanwhile though, someone is busy sabotaging my hard work eating my flowers!!!!

We have run out of nuts for the feeders, so maybe this one is just dropping me a hint!

Thanks for popping by!

Elaine