Acetate...friend or foe

I'm not a great fan of acetate but that could be because I haven't used it very much, plus I'm way too messy. But when one of my students brought in a natty concertina card. It had a concertina base with an acetate sleeve. How cute I thought maybe I could adapt it to my style (not sure what my style is lol). So here's what I made. Not sure how good the photos are as acetate is a devil to photograph. 

I've used Hero Arts stamps which I've paper pieced. The sentiment is Lily of the Valley.

 This one has a Crafty Individuals image mounted on a nestie heart. This sentiment is from Verve stamps.
Maybe I will give acetate another go.  

All folded up

Classes have started up and I thought we'd start with something simple after the Christmas break. A very underrated Z fold card. By simply folding back the front of your card you give it a whole new dimention. Any size or shape card can be used and  you can decorate it to suit your own style.

 Then I saw an idea on Dawn's blog where she had turned the Z card and then mounted it back onto a square card. Loved this and tried it out using Kraft cardstock which is a favourite at the moment.

Then I got to thinking what about small cards?

All in all a really versitile style of card.

Five O Five O

This week a dear friend reached that mile stone in life that we don't talk about. So here's his card.
Over the hill? .....not yet.     Happy Birthday Pete

Look what I've found

Have you ever found something too late. I was just packing away our Christmas decorations when I came across these beautiful cones that  made at our last Glue and Stick. I've gone for a non traditional colour but I thought the pink was really pretty with the Victorian images. Ah well they'll keep for next year.

 Idea came from the hugely talented Effie
I'm so lucky to have some fabulously talented crafty friends (you get such lovely goodies at Christmas)  Here's a couple of the hand made gifts I got.Thanks girls.

 Thanks for dropping by I'm hoping this is my last Christmas themed post. I'm definitely Christmased out!

Not a Christmas card

For the last couple of years I have been giving my friends something other than a card at Christmas. I started with Christmas baubles, then a hangy thingy and this year a decorated heart. All different and they loved them. I think I may have set myself a challenge but hey I can always revert back to cards!

Thanks Gail for the idea. If you need inspiration then her blog is a joy.

Bits and pieces

Hi folks I thought I'd take this opportunity whilst there's nothing on th tv to show you what I've been upto in the craft room. First up is an array of goodies that we made at our winter trip to the cottage. Twice a year a group of very talented crafters meet at "the cottage" to spend 4 glorious days of crafting. We made a wide range of goodies. I made the  Joy configeration box for a friend who is in Australia and I hope she brings it back as I forgot to photograph the inside..doh

 This smaller configeration box was sent to my brother and sister in law in New Zealand to say thanks for a wonderful holiday in September/October.

 I've used alot of goodies from Crafty Individuals

I'm just hoping that it has arrived in on piece,

This pretty little box is another Crafty Individuals project that we made at class with Jean before the Christmas break. The box lid is covered with her latest papers which are so delicate. Inside...well there were some chocolates..... guess what... they're still there!!!!! I know I must be ill.
Ok I'm off to check my camera to see what other things I can share with you. Thanks for dropping by. 

Long time I know but

... I've been on the holiday of a lifetime, 8 weeks visiting, Hong Kong, New Zealand(Rugby World Cup) and San Francisco. You can see what I've been up to by clicking on the Taylors Tours button.

Ok so it's back to crafting and I feel a bit like a new starter. My first venture was a return to the Crafty Individuals workshop, jet lag wasn't going to stop me. Thankfully we made these delightful note pads which didn't tax the brain too much as Jean had done all the designing. They make lovely pressies.

Next a fab day with friends Gail and Jean to do a project. No hint at what we were going to make except I needed co-ordinating ribbon, lace and buttons. Me being me took my entire collection of buttons/ribbons/lace well you can bet your bottom $ if you left one colour that's the one you would want. Anyway after a bit of painting, glueing, sewing I made this

One very pretty Christmas tree (sorry the photo is is a bit out of focus).
I now feel as though I have returned home. My craft room is still a tip. I'm dashing about trying to make samples for classes.
Thanks for popping by see you soon