I’ve been working with Copic markers for more than four years and the vast majority of that has involved colouring stamped or printed images. There have been a few times when I’ve hand-drawn pictures and coloured those, but that’s still working within the lines, just lines that I’ve made and that aren’t as solid as… Continue reading Colouring a winter wonderland
Every now and again I come up with an idea for a card design but then I can't find a suitable image, either in my stash or even as a downloadable digi stamp. So, not wanting to give up on the idea, I end up making my own digi stamps or cut files to use.… Continue reading Pumpkin freebies
As so often happens, something passed by in the daily stream of blogs and YouTube and caught my imagination. On this occasion, it was bottle caps. I can't remember the context and I had absolutely no idea what I would do with them — other than "something mixed media" — but I didn't have any… Continue reading Guide: Bottle caps
After a really productive August, September just went downhill. It took me nearly half the month just to finish a handful of outstanding blog posts, never mind actually starting any new projects. And it's not even creative block or lost mojo. I have plenty of ideas for things I want to make and experiments to… Continue reading Butterflies
So, out of all of the vast array of websites out there, which do I find the most useful in my crafty endeavours? That was the question that got my attention as I was deciding what to write about for this week's entry into the GESSO: Primed Creatives blogging challenge. And my answer? SHOPS!!!!! art shops...… Continue reading Invaluable sites
I wasn't sure whether I was going to post this. But I set up this blog with the intention of using it to record all the cards I made — initially as a reference for myself — and while the card making has expanded into mixed media and other arts and crafts, there is still… Continue reading Golden drips
A while ago, my other half signed up for ScrawlrBox — an art supplies subscription box. Normally there's a selection of pens and pencils and some paper and other odds and ends, but in August we hit the jackpot. In August's box, there was a Derwent Inktense paint pan travel set. Rather than put it… Continue reading Test: Inktense travel set
Much as I hate the idea of even contemplating Christmas when the temperatures are hovering around 30°C, there is one thing I have learned from experience that I hate more and that is making Christmas cards in December. To be honest, I'm not that keen on making them in November either. Way too stressful. So.… Continue reading Latest work: Christmas in August
One of the reasons I chose to start making cards was that they are small and easy to store. Okay, that's maybe overstating it a bit, but storage space definitely is something that has to be taken into consideration when planning any project. There is a part of me that would love to try something… Continue reading The storage problem
I don't really do holidays. When you grow up on a small farm, you really don't get into the habit of going away regularly. And these days, it's not so easy finding someone to look after the ratties. And, to be honest, we're both homebodies... So going away isn't something that happens often, about the… Continue reading Creating away
I am fickle. Much as I experiment with different mediums and styles, so do I accumulate inspiration. Influences come and go, all leaving a bit of themselves behind when my eye gets caught by the next thing. As a teenager my biggest artistic influence was probably Roger Dean and while I still appreciate the artistry, that's… Continue reading Influences and inspiration
My room is not large. It's about 3.0m by 2.6m (or slightly smaller than 10ft by 8½ft). When we first moved here I was using it as a computer/reading room and — with a desk, filing cabinet, comfy chair, side table and some shelves — it was quite cosy and relaxing. Then I started crafting...… Continue reading My craft room
Back at the end of May this year I saw an announcement for a new creative community targeted at arty, creative types who blog. And I must have had my brave trousers on that day because I filled in the form and applied to join. I know that doesn't sound like a particularly brave thing… Continue reading GESSO: Primed Creatives blogging challenge
Crafty Rat 