Bling-Kin-Eck

Why do it today...

2012-02-11T15:27:00.000Z

When I can do it tomorrow.... is the mood I've been finding myself in. I start something and then don't finish it. Have done a gazillion backgrounds in my journal it seems but then sit and stare at them for ages waiting for inspiration to strike...or not!! So the answer...... forget them and doodle....just because it looks pretty and doesn't need anything else. Food for the soul... lots of grown up colouring in lol.

So here are the results.... loving florals...

and crazy shapes....

and a hiding pig...can you see him above.

Loving colour and letting it flow...

then I can just stop and enjoy cos they make me happy as they are and I don't need the pages to do anything else but look pretty and maybe inspire me to do something else when I'm feeling stuck.

hugs
Chris xx

Revamped stool

2012-02-03T10:53:00.000Z

Sometimes I find inspiration strikes from an unlikely source and when I doodled this page i had no idea where it would lead...

a while ago my pal Chriss gave me this stool for my DG's bedroom and the intention was to just paint it plain blue to fit in with the rooms decor....

but when I was looking through my doodle journal I had a lightbulb moment and decided to use part of the design from my doodle page to create a unique design on his stool for him.

I changed the colours to more masculine ones...pinks wouldn't have cut it I don't think lol

It took a while to do all the painting but I consider it a job well done and a funky bit of furniture beats a plain old stool any day in my book.

Thanks for looking.

See you soon

Hugs Chris xx

Pencil love

2012-01-31T12:32:00.000Z

For the first time in a long time I managed to hold on to my interest in my sketch to completely finish it. Clothes hair AND a hat...so happy with myself cos I usually do lose interest before the end.

I have lots of drawings I should complete and now I am thinking I would be so much happier to see them like this so I am trying to go back over past sketches and add to them bit by bit.
Hope you are having a creative week
hugs
Chris xx

I love girly things....

2012-01-25T20:34:00.000Z

sometimes that means I like to draw and paint little cuties with shiny eyes and flowing locks....

sometimes it means that I drool over girly shoes, especially these below...

and sometimes I just have to have them so I can do girly dances in my 4" heels all around the living room...lol

The photo makes my feet look uber HUGE but I feel like twinkletoes in them and thats all that counts right!!

hugs
Chris xx

Sketching again....

2012-01-24T21:37:00.000Z

I go from one obsession to another but sometimes it's only a matter of changing the tools. Doodling or sketching... the only difference is pens to pencils and maybe a little bit more time and patience... so right now I'm jumping from one to the other depending on my mood. I don't always finish a sketch for months... I begin and get to a place when I like what I see and then can't be bothered to finish it...lol

Hair is usually the stopper... after I've been sucked in to the concentration needed to do the facial details I think urggghhh I've had enough now. Don't want to finish the barnett!! So I give my ladies a name and then tell them to go hide somewhere until I'm in the right frame of mind to give them a hairdo.

I guess if I worked from reference photos it would be easier but I kinda like seeing who pops up from my imagination. It's cool to see those features turn into a 'person' even when sometimes they aren't as 'pretty' as I may have liked (although I do like this one).

So for now this little lady will remain as she is... one day I may go back and finish her hair... may even give her a different hairdo altogether but I'm not promising...lol

hugs

Chris xx

The mojo has returned...

2012-01-23T11:38:00.000Z

and this is the fairy who brought it back. I thoroughly enjoyed doing this art journal page and I've been inking, painting, doodling and drawing ever since I completed it yeehaaaa. So lots to share with you over the coming weeks... this is the beginning of what I hope will be a long and fruitful arty spell.

The background was created with Dylusions spray inks which are totally lush and so easy to use.

I then used some gesso as a base for my fairy's face, arms and wings before adding acrylic paint.

I am loving re-using my Sakura pens for doodling and water colouring... they are so adaptable and oh so pretty. Love the sparkle and shine.

See you soon
hugs
Chris xx

Remember Spongebob...lol

2012-01-06T00:15:00.001Z

Okay I just know that you remember the lady who ate all the pies... dontcha lol !! Well I'm still in reminiscing mode .... but this lady had a plan which was to be Faaaabulous at 50 so I thought I would share how she got on even though the birthday came and went a long while ago..... she's still in her 50th year so I think the plan still counts.

She stopped eating all the pies and though she really isn't the most energetic bod in the big scheme of things, she invested in some Zumba cd's and with the help of a lovely sister to keep her motivated she Zumbaaaaad her little heart out baby.

She grew her hair and dyed it brown to avoid looking the grey haired granny that she really is (although it's the pits when the roots come through aaaaargh).

and finally got into the elusive jeans that had been desperately trying to climb out of the drawer for a long long time. Then to top it all.... she invested in new specs and an updo to help her turn into a LADY....pmsl Shame.... shame.... shame she doesn't know how to act like one too!!

Now I know that what you really want to see is my getting down and crafty already.... but it isn't quite happening yet, so luckily I found this... that I don't think I shared with you for some strange reason (although it was on Tando Creative Blog).

Using the elephant from the Tando 'Go Wild ' set I made a little box frame.

The background, elephant chipboard and the frame were all painted with acrylic paints and I paper pieced the grass.

I'm trying hard to get back on the creative merrygoround so bare with me and hopefully I will have some goodies to share with you soon.

Hugs

Chris xx

Looking back...

2012-01-03T14:41:00.001Z

before I move forward. The latter part of 2011 was a difficult one for me but I'm hoping to move forward into 2012 with renewed passion for crafting and my art. It was good to look back at some of the things I achieved last year so I wanted to share a few of these with you.

I rekindled my desire for sketching...

and collage...

surprised myself how far my drawing of faces came along

(I always had a yearning to draw them well)...

discovered how to re-invent old artwork thanks to Pam Carriker....

had lots of fun on the Tando Creative design team

using the wonderful chipboard designs...

discovered the fabulous dylusions downloads and inks....

had fun painting and combined it with some digital playing

and had a great time journalling with Milliande.

Who know what delights this year will bring but lets just say that if I achieve just a little of what I did in the first half of last year artistically... I will be a very happy bunny. Onwards and upwards eh :)

Thanks for sharing with me

Hugs

Chris xx

Happy 2012

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000Z

Wishing you all lots of laughter, happiness, good health and good fortune in 2012.

Happy New Year

See you soon
hugs
Chris xx

Thank you....

2011-07-26T22:00:00.001+01:00

to every one of you who have followed my creative endevours and for all of the support you have given me. I just wanted you all to know how grateful I am and how much I have appreciated every single comment you have left for me.

I have decided to take a long break from my blog because I am struggling to find any pleasure in creating as I am not in a good headspace right now. For my own sake and for my family my health has to come first... so right now I feel that this is the only option open to me.

I hope to see you again... one day in the future.

hugs

Chris xx

Recycled box

2011-07-21T12:01:00.000+01:00

I discovered an old watch box and decided it would be a good idea to recycle it and turn it into a gift in itself. I used one of the hearts from the Tando Creative chipboard cogs set to decorate the lid of the box. Using two coats of acrylic paint and sanding back the top layer with an emery board to reveal the one beneath.

The box was covered and lined with vintage effect paper and I used adhesive ribbon around the edge.

The gifts inside include a handmade booklet with tear off pages....

and four corner bookmarks.

Thanks for looking...see you soon.

hugs

Chris xx

Less is more challenge card

2011-07-20T10:28:00.000+01:00

As I seem to be in card making mode I thought I would join in for the first time with the LIM challenge which this week is circles. I used these pretty sewing themed stamps by Creative Expressions coloured with Distress inks.

I hope I ticked all the boxes for the challenge...it's been a while since I've done one.
Have a great day
hugs
Chris xx

Flower mask card

2011-07-19T13:12:00.000+01:00

I don't seem to have made a card for ages so I thought I'd rectify that using one on the new masks from Tando Creative. I love this floral one and used a brush to apply the pink acrylic paint to a spare piece of card which I then cut down to fit the front of an A6 card .

I love cards that are tactile as well as pretty so I placed adhesive half pearls in the centre of each flower. Quick and simple and fun to make.

Thanks for looking

hugs

Chris xx

As She Sleeps....

2011-07-18T18:11:00.000+01:00

she dreams....that the fairies have been and done all the housework. In her dreams she has the energy to move everything that needs to be moved for the workmen to come and fit the eagerly awaited new kitchen and bathroom... that she will do it all in time and that she wants to do it.

She dreams that the clock stands still... giving her lots of hours to create to her hearts content and keep up with her blogging . She also sees her sylph like figure appearing like magic without the healthy eating and hours of Zumba excercise...

But then.....

........................................... SHE WOKE UP (rofl)

hugs
Chris xx

The Bread Art Project

2011-07-09T14:28:00.000+01:00

Have a little fun and join in with this worthwhile project. I thoroughly enjoyed it... it's really easy and for a good cause. Go to The Bread Art Project and upload your art or make some from scratch... I'd love to see what you do so do leave me a comment if you join in so I can come see YOUR art.
Have a fab weekend
hugs
Chris xx

Ribbon flower heart hanger

2011-07-01T11:46:00.000+01:00

Making wire edged ribbon flowers is so relaxing and fun and the best bit is that you can then add them to your project to make something pretty. I used a Tando chipboard open heart as a base for mine after covering it with black acrylic paint. I glued the flowers around the heart with a glue gun as these are quite large.

I used black ribbon as it fits with my decor and added some black edged braid to hang my heart.

I think the heart would look equally lovely covered in tiny flowers in rainbow colours... but hey that's a project for another day.
hugs
Chris xx

Summer of Color - Pink

2011-06-29T11:35:00.000+01:00

This weeks Summer of Color challenge is Pink and this wasn't my intentional piece... in fact I didn't even realise at first that there was pink in the Encaustic wax covered sheet I had used to add to some Tando bare chipboard to make my mosaic pieces for this bookmark (sheesh colour blind or what...lol)

I definitely added pink beads to decorate the fine lengths of chain on purpose though.

I know there are other colours so I hope it fits the challenge... but well... all pink just wouldn't have had the same effect.

I carried on to make a pair of earings as I well and truly had the mosaic bug... it may be fiddly cutting your own tiles from chipboard but it's very therapeutic too.

I used chipboard for the front and back of these and covered the reverse with other pieces of Encaustic wax coated paper which were more pink.

Then because I had leftover bits... and because I can't bare to throw anything away I made a necklace.

Quick and easy compared to the other bits.

Used double chipboard for this too so that it could be reversible.

Sorry for the long post ...Congrats if you got this far... blimey got a bit carried away...lol
hugs
Chris xx

Wish you were here atc

2011-06-27T23:30:00.000+01:00

A little bit of distress ink and some collaged images make for a quick and easy atc... been too hot here today to do much more. I love the weather BUT I hate the pesky fly that has invaded my home and has followed me everywhere today...even been cheeky enough to sit on my laptop aaaargh

I haven't any fly spray so have attacked it with a tea towel, a rolled up paper and even some hairspray lol... in the hopes of eradicating it or at the very least sticking it's wings together (oh that makes me sound so cruel..ha ha ha) but all to no avail... it just keeps on driving me nuts!!

hugs

Chris xx

Crafty Individuals challenge -Vintage with a heart

2011-06-25T00:05:00.002+01:00

I decided to join in with Crafty Individuals' challenge this week which is 'Vintage with a Heart'.... only just managed to get it done in time... got a bit mixed up with my days this week lol.

Anyhoo I covered a sheet of Tando bare chipboard with this gorgeous sheet of Crafty Individuals paper ...

and added this gorgeous girlie from their glossy images... love her!!

I covered and added this Tando chipboard tree (cos it's one of my favourite pieces).....

...and to finish off I used wire with some tiny beads and paper hearts to hang my piece .

Have a great weekend all.

hugs

Chris xx

Just Peeking

2011-06-22T13:54:00.000+01:00

The pencils are out again...just felt like experimenting.

She was meant to be peeking out from behind the wavy edge but I don't think I managed to get enough depth. Back to the drawing board ? lol I'm happy with her face though and I don't think the adjustment will take long. Thought I'd share anyway.

Have a great day

Hugs

Chris xx

The Summer of Colour challenge-Green

2011-06-20T12:19:00.000+01:00

For this weeks Summer of Colour challenge I felt like getting sticky so did a collage journal page with cuttings from magazines and some doodling. Bliss...sticking and doodling two of my favourite things to do.

I like to put down pieces randomly and see where they lead me and then find something a little interesting for the focal point. Butterflies are always a nice addition to any artwork and I love them whatever shape or size they are don't you.

Thanks for looking

hugs

Chris xx

Fathers day gift

2011-06-19T17:44:00.002+01:00

There's nothing quite like a homemade gift for Fathers day especially for the man who has everything. My Dad like many, is partial to a sweetie or two while he watches T.V. of an evening so I decided to buy some of his favourites and use some recycled coffee jars to turn into nice containers to hold them.

I designed and printed out some labels and tags in colours I thought he would like.....

then filled the jars with Everton mints and liquorice.

I then decided it would be nice if he had a co-ordinating card.

Hope your Dad has a lovely Fathers day too.
hugs
Chris xx

The Summer of Colour challenge - Blue

2011-06-16T15:32:00.000+01:00

The Summer of Colour is a new ten week blog party celebrating art in all it's hues. Any medium is allowed including journalling, jewellery, painting, atc's, cards etc etc.... each week will be based on a different colour and this week the colour is BLUE.

I thought I would have a play and do something different... I seem to get hooked up on doing one thing and doing it for weeks at a time... sometimes painting, sometimes journalling and drawing etc... but I am really trying to get back to experimenting and not getting so hung up on any particular medium.

So while I have been trying to clear up some folders on my computer I came across some old photos I had taken and some old artwork I had forgotten about and decided to play around digitally and see where my muse took me.

This is the result and I'm really quite pleased with it... it's VERY blue..lol but it made me happy.

If you'd like to join in with the challenge go HERE and check it out... I think it's going to be heaps of fun.

hugs

Chris xx

Party on down

2011-06-14T01:23:00.000+01:00

Another journal page to share today... and if you feel like partying then I think this little fella from Stampotique is looking for a partner. Doesn't he look dapper in his bow tie and pink trousers. Bet you would run a mile if he asked you to dance but hey only real men dare wear pink ( or so I've heard...lol)

Lots of fun with Dylusions ink sprays again and some doodling with me favourite white pen... I was born to doodle... I just know I was cos I loves it !!

Have a great day

hugs

Chris xx

Picture magnet

2011-06-12T11:09:00.000+01:00

All Mum's deserve gifts at any time of year and after mine was poorly recently I made her this large picture magnet to cheer her up. I used a chipboard sheet and chipboard pieces from Tando Creative and a beautiful vintage image that was supplied for a challenge on Hands and Heart ning.

I covered the chippie sheet in acrylic paint and glitter (although my photography doesn't show this up too well I'm afraid) before decoupaging the image and I adhered a piece of magnetic sheet to the reverse so that it can be displayed on the fridge.

I painted the smaller chipboard pieces and added glitter before covering with Diamond glaze and added a teardrop gem to the top piece.

It took a while but I think it was worth it in the end.
Thanks for looking.
hugs
Chris xx

Mixed media playtime

2011-06-09T11:46:00.001+01:00

I love Tando chipboard sheets they are so versatile and can stand up to a real battering and in the making of this handmade art journal they certainly did that!! As is often the way I had a rummage in my DIY cupboard and came across some 'No More Nails' and I know it's meant for putting up shelves lol ( or sticking men to walls if the advert is to be believed ha ha ha).... but I thought it would be fun to experiment so I squished (arty farty term) some all over my piece of chipboard and then attacked it with my fingers,a comb, a pen and some bottle tops.

It takes ages to dry so I had time to have a real play before I left it for a couple of nights to dry rock hard. It dries so hard you could hit it with a hammer (although I didn't try it...don't think a black eye would be much fun if it bounced back at me..lol) When it was dry I used various acrylic paints to add colour...

another experiment but I loved the result.

I could have made a spine for my art journal with a slim piece of chipboard but decided I like the look of the stitching so just made front and back covers. I just used a thick layer of acrylic paint in various colours for the back cover as I want the journal to lay completely flat when I open the front cover. I am going to use the journal for sketching and will probably only draw on the right hand pages leaving the left hand page clean to protect my sketches

I had so much fun messing around with this that I am sure I will do this again and I totally love the texture ...it's great for something to be tactile as well as good to look at. Below are a few close ups of some of the pattern and texture.

See you soon
hugs
Chris xx

It's been a while....

2011-06-06T14:17:00.000+01:00

but it wasn't intentional... I took a few days off from blogging to spend some time with my Sister but then somehow I just couldn't get back into blogging or creating. Days have turned into weeks and I've started a million crafty things (ok slight exageration..lol) but then hated them all.... think my inner critic has been on overdrive!!

On the positive side I have begun to excercise again (both to help my weight loss and to give me some well needed energy) and oh baby it's Zumba all the way. Boy is it a cool way to have fun excercising... gets quite addictive really and gets the adrenaline pumping. My Sister has been joining in with me so we have a little contest going on who can get to their desired weight first.... a little competition is good right.... and I'm happy to say I've lost a stone in 4 weeks and I'm already feeling fitter and healthier.

I'm giving myself a kick up the butt this week on the creating front so I will be back soon hopefully with some pretties to share but in the meantime I will leave you with another journal page.

This one was created with Dylusions ink sprays, images from Dyans downloads (hat and legs), Lisa's Altered art (flowers,dress,cat in chair and words) and the overpainted doggy face is from a magazine.

hugs
Chris xx

It's been a funny old week...

2011-04-28T00:44:00.001+01:00

...this week and I'm still not sure whgere the time has gone. Not on much creating though that's for sure!!

I've done some spring cleaning... lots of it... had a two day visit from my bestest crafty pal Chriss and shared some time with my gorgeous Grandson. I've tried unsuccessfully to get my laptop going only for it to crash yet again (definitely need a new hard drive now) and managed to get my hoover to give up the ghost too....I think bad gremlins have moved in to all my electrical stuff!!

I had a bit of a soppy moment yesterday when I saw DD all dressed up in her first suit (she doesn't do formal wear normally) and I'm not ashamed to say that I had a huge lump in my throat and though I don't often talk about her on my blog I feel like I want to say how proud I am to be able to say she is mine. She has grown up into a beautiful young lady and she makes my heart sing.

Okay I'm yabbering so I am going to leave you with my latest dylusions journal page and I hope to get chance to visit you all this week.

hugs

Chris xx

oooh pretty colours...

2011-04-22T17:10:00.001+01:00

still coming out to play and these are Dylusions ink sprays. So yummy yummy you could eat them!! I did some spraying through and over stencils for the background. I dipped the lid into a puddle of ink on my craft mat to create the green circles and used the edge of a credit card dipped in ink for the lines on the top left. I used a white pen to add the lettering and doodling.

Found the dog image in a mag which I covered with Gesso and then used a paintbrush with the pink ink to re-colour it. The head and hat images are from Dyan's downloads... cute eh.

hugs

Chris xx

Shoes art journal page

2011-04-20T18:16:00.000+01:00

Who doesn't like shoes.... answers on a postcard please...lol. Well I do... but they gotta have heels to be branded favourites. I don't just like wearing them... I love looking at them too. I don't have as many pairs as I used too... but if I was rich I would have a room full!!

This is the last painterly page for now... but I have been doing more with my dylusions ink sprays so still have more to share.

hugs

Chris xx

Red dress journalpage

2011-04-19T19:07:00.000+01:00

This week will be all about journalling pages... because despite my laptop and my drawing tablet both dying last week I at least had my camera and my oh so slow desktop computer to get me by... that was until my camera decided not to play either... OMG how much bad luck can someone have in a week!! So I'm afraid although I have some yummy goodies to share I have to rely on my scanner for now.

So another painterly page ... this time overpainting images taken from magazines after doing the background.

Bits of doodling and cut out text.

Thanks for looking. Be back soon.

hugs

Chris xx

Another painterly journal page.

2011-04-17T15:02:00.000+01:00

You can tell spring is in the air... all the bonny colours are coming out to play. When I started this page I was thinking Carmen Miranda...ish. Instead of fruit and a pretty face though... I came up with circles and abstract but even though my girlie has no eyes... she still thinks 'She's all that!!' lol

Not my usual thing but it's fun to experiment and stretch the bounderies from time to time.

Go get out your bright colours and play.... go on... you know you want to.

hugs

Chris xx

Springtime...

2011-04-16T12:14:00.000+01:00

...makes me want to paint with pretty colours... so I did a background of acrylics and watercolour and created a pretty lady to enjoy the flowers.

The sun is glorious here so I may just have me a lovely creative weekend. Hope you find time to play too.

hugs

Chris xx

Delightful Dylusions

2011-04-15T22:13:00.000+01:00

I finally managed to get my hands on some Dylusions spray inks and had a play with some in my journal. Love... love... love the vibrant colours and they are so easy to use. I used them directly on the page and through a hand cut paper flower stencil and then on some text paper....totally cool and my new toy of the moment.

I added a painting I did that wasn't quite right as a whole but looked cool cut down the middle and put at opposite ends of the double page.

I love the ink splatters from the sprays and they look fab between my stars.

I had to add some sketching... it's a must have for me on my pages. Even when it's just a box or some doodles. When I got my inks I also got a Posca white pen and oooooooh it is just THE BEST white pen I have ever used. It covers everything and makes for great doodling!!

Have a great day

hugs

Chris xx

Sparkling ATC's

2011-04-13T01:55:00.000+01:00

Not creating much yet but forgot to share these atc's with you that I made while taking part in a free workshop over at Hands and Heart. I really enjoyed making them and they are really magical when the light catches them although they were a little difficult to photograph.

Lots of layers including acrylic paint, stamping, glitter and watercolour.

Pretty faces from Lisa's Altered art images which were collaged and overpainted.

little additions such as gems and words on some to add to the fun....

Hope you like them.
hugs
Chris xx

All's well that ends well...

2011-04-11T21:47:00.000+01:00

It's been a worrying couple of weeks but finally things are beginning to settle down. I've come home today after staying with Mam while Dad was in hospital. She is feeling loads better and we are all relieved that Dad's operation went well and for the first time in over 3 years he is pain free. He came home today so they are happy to be back together and a lot more settled.

I've had no Internet access so I couldn't blog and also haven't really been in the mood to craft... but hopefully now things will begin to get back to normal and that includes me being able to be creative again. So thank you for all your support it means a lot to me.

I will share a few sketches over the next couple of days that I did before all the drama began... and will hopefully have something different to share soon.

This is Bonita ... and a close up of the sketch...

followed by a coloured version.

Thanks for popping by... see you again soon
hugs
Chris xx

Adding detail

2011-03-25T09:03:00.000Z

I've begun with a few of my latest sketches ...to add more detail to them with clothing and accessories.... slowly slowly catchee monkey. Not biting of more than I can chew yet so to speak... but one step nearer the prized goal of doing a real portrait.

Makes a real difference I think and as is becoming usual I added colour in photoshop. I left her hair grey in this one just because I liked the effect.

Thanks for all your good wishes re- my parents. Mam is having a brain scan today so hopefully she and the rest of the family can be reassured that everything is ok once it's over and then maybe she will be given a course of medication that will alleviate her symptoms and make her feel better.
hugs
Chris xx

Another sketch

2011-03-22T22:17:00.000Z

to share.. I haven't been around for a few days as my Mam was taken into hospital at the weekend... it turned out to be nothing serious and she is now home... but it's always a worry when parents are poorly. Mine aren't in the best of health now they are older which isn't surprising... but panic always sets in when hospitals come into the equation. I know they won't be around forever but I wish they could be... the thought of losing either of them absolutely terrifies me. My Dad has to go in for an op next week so I guess the worry will last a bit longer so I hope you won't mind if I am not around as much as normal. I may get chance to postdate a few things...well I will try anyway.

Been playing with eyelashes.... think I got carried away...lol

Thanks for popping by.
hugs
Chris xx

Still sketching...

2011-03-19T14:38:00.000Z

eeeeh this is turning more into an art blog than a craft blog but I guess that I just follow my mood ... and I can't help it if my pencils keep jumping into my hands...lol

This is my latest girl....

I love how colour totally transforms how she looks...she reminds me of some one but for the life of me I can't think who :D

Hope the sun is shining where you are... it's such a beautiful day here today... I can't wait for the summer, somehow I always feel more creative when the sun is out. What about you?

hugs

Chris xx

Queen bee

2011-03-18T01:13:00.000Z

I've been practicing a bit more... drawing on a smaller scale and adding more to my sketches. I just keep drawing faces as you know... but well they are left floating ha ha. I will no doubt use them all later or prints of them in mixed media work but I guess it would be nice to have some sketches with bodies. I named this one Queen bee.... mainly cos her hair ended up looking a bit like a beehive.

As sometimes happens I also got the urge to give her some colour in Photoshop. I love doing it this way because then I can change the colours to suit my mood.

Wish I had a figure like hers... I used to have once upon a time :-)
hugs
Chris xx

I found it!!

2011-03-17T00:24:00.000Z

My owl journal page... I felt in a whimsical mood when I did it and it transpired because I got a yearning to cut out some stamps from funky foam. Well I have to do what my muse tells me to even when it's not really my thing. So I made these .....

and used them here ha ha...it was like being a kid again... slapping paint on foam instead of potatoes.

I love shapes so I also made this one....

and used it here...it's so nice to have a bit of couldn't care less fun now and again eh.

Have a fun day
hugs
Chris xx

eye...eye...

2011-03-16T02:30:00.000Z

eye... love eyes. Can you tell lol. I seem to have a fascination with them but I also find I can draw them better when I only have to do one. Think I need to block of the rest of my sketch with a piece of paper with a window in it so that I can concentrate on one eye at a time without being distracted by the bigger picture. Makes no sense I know but I think it will make my faces better.

I was going to share with you a journal page I did with an owl and a house that I did the other week... I remembered about it and then discovered... I've LOST it!! What am I like... have searched for it but no joy. Oh well another one to share when my mojo deserts me eh
See you soon.
hugs
Chris xx

Imagination....

2011-03-15T14:01:00.000Z

is a cool thing and I'm so happy when mine decides to wake up and help me to create something different. I took an hour out this morning to draw because I woke up with this image in my head and couldn't stop 'till I had it down on paper. Maybe I dreamt her but I'm not complaining...I think she is fun :-)

I like that she is a little bit more childlike than most of my recent sketches too.

Maybe this means my mojo is on the way back.... I can but hope.
hugs
Chris xx

I take it back....

2011-03-13T23:22:00.000Z

what I said about not liking comedies... ok I still can't stand most of them but just by chance I watched Mrs Brown's Boys on T.V. and I swear down... I almost wet myself. I laughed and laughed and laughed until I could hardly breath!! Now it's not for everyone cos there are lots of naughty insinuations and sweary words BUT if you aren't easily offended you just HAVE to watch it. My Sister phoned me while it was on and I could hardly speak to her I was laughing so hard. So she turned on the TV to see what all the fuss was about and the pair of us were squealing down the phone and laughing so hard that we couldn't hear each other :) Best half hour of belly laughs I've had in my life and that's no lie even though it pains me to admit to liking at least one comedy..lol
Still no creating going on BUT I came across a folder of pics of things I haven't shared on my blog yet... don't ask me why but I know I haven't ...so I will share a few until my mojo hopefully returns.... maybe I should just watch Mrs Browns Boys over and over on BBC iplayer to keep me in a good mood... perhaps my mojo will then come running back eh!
So a while ago I got a yearning to create something other than with paper and dug out some bits and pieces for easy sewing and this is what I came up with.

lots of beads, lace and heated voile and voila...a pretty brooch and a pretty niece who kindly modelled my creations for me :-D

The next piece was made with some more of the same heated voile, some black ribbon and some beads dotted about... although it just goes to show how bad my eyesight is getting when some of the beads are shiny and some dull. Didn't even see that till I looked at the photo.... mmmmmmm Specsavers???

I put this one onto a hair clip which dear Niece added to the hairband she was wearing.

Finally some more voile but this time heated longer so it crinkled up more, added onto a piece of lace and topped off with a glass bead .....

and another hair accessory was born.

Hope to be back again soon
hugs
Chris xx

Plant kindness..Gather love

2011-03-08T01:25:00.000Z

Sorry I haven't been around for a while but my head's been in a funny old place!! Not been able to draw...or craft.... or concentrate on anything including blogging. I've watched more telly over the last week or so than I've done in years. It's been driving me crazy (I KNOW...I'm that already...lol) but irritable is the only way I can describe how I've been feeling...oh and really frustrated with my inability to get things moving. I spent a few days with my pal Chriss in the hope of doing some crafting and eventually managed to do ONE thing cos nothing else seemed to come together... usually the ideas are buzzing around like little bees gathering pollen... but not this time. Poor Chriss had a lot to put up with as I was a bit snappy too... thank goodness my mood seems to be lifting a bit now and thank Heaven for good buddies who put up with me :D

Anyway on to crafting...I thought this little saying was cute and it inspired me to make this altered chipboard piece with one of the bare sheets of chipboard available from Tando Creative. The chipboard stands up to a lot of battering and is an ideal base for the crackled paint effect using pva glue and acrylic paints.

I applied the glue and paint quite thickly and got a fab result with some really deep indents which I love.

Adding some flowers and watering can seemed in keeping with the saying and I did intend to make a hanger with my piece but I have decided to use it as a cover for an altered book containing some favourite quotes now... so that I can keep out on display because I'm really happy with the way it turned out.

Now then I have a couple of awards to share. This one I received from Sandy (thank you sweetie)
I have to reveal something unusual about myself and then pass the award on to eight other peeps.

OMG what can I tell you ????? errrrrm.... errrrrrm.... errrrrrrm......

I'm not a full Shilling...rofl (does that count..No...OK back to the drawing board!!)

I HATE comedies...even though I love to laugh and have a MAD sense of humour.... most sitcoms and comedy films drive me even MORE insane. I could scream out loud when DG stays with me and wants to watch things like 'Friends' and 'Fresh prince of Bellair' They irritate me beyond belief and I just can't laugh at them... especially shows that have 'canned laughter' aaaaaargh (I think something inside of me is switched off...ha ha ha)

Ok peeps I pass this award to the following girlies...hope you have something more unusual than me to share :D

Sioux
Sally
Jill
Electra
Netty
Anisha
Linby
Karen

BLOG AWARD

I also received this award from Linby (Thanks me lovely)

I have to share this one with 3-5 other peeps so I award this one to the following girlies

Sandy
Lori
Shashi

If you made it to the end thank you for sticking with it... OMG was that a long post or what!! lol
I hope to be back with you soon but bare with me cos I'm still not creating much but I will be popping by to see what you have all been up to... you just gotta have been more productive than me ;-)
hugs
Chris xx

Sunflower baby

2011-02-24T00:52:00.000Z

Time for cutie drawing instead of grown up girlies for a change. I'm doing another sketching workshop because I want to find my own style and I think that to do that I need to have experience of lots of different methods of sketching.

I think that eventually something will just click and then I will just draw MY way :D

If you like sketching as much as I do why not check out the pencil drawing techniques at Monica's ning group... there are lots of amazing workshops on offer too including mixed media fabric art, mixed media faces and lots more :D
Back tomorrow with some awards that I need to share. See you then.
hugs
Chris xx

Opposites

2011-02-22T06:03:00.000Z

Sharing more of my pages for February's Sketchbook challenge today. More on the theme of opposites... the first page containing the opposites of colour and greyscale and also circles and lines. It's good to have a play without having a finished sketch in mind... just going with the flow is so relaxing.

The second page is the opposites of line drawings and shaded facial features. I had drawn the part face (top left) and decided to continue on the page...turning it as I went so I could fill most of the space with boxes.

I am enjoying filling my sketch book like this and it will be great to look back on to see what I have completed.
Have a great day
hugs
Chris xx

Meet Eloise....

2011-02-19T15:37:00.000Z

...no she isn't anyone I know, but I decided it would be rude not to not give my girlie's a name.... instead of face1, face2 etc..lol

Don't ask me where THAT name came from... it just sort of popped into my head...so Eloise she is :D

Now I know that some you prefer just the pencil version.... but I just can't stop playing in Photoshop although I just coloured the eyes and mouth in this one.

Thanks for looking
hugs
Chris xx

My latest pencil offering...

2011-02-18T00:24:00.000Z

is another of my girlie's. Really happy with the way this one turned out.

I particularly like her nose.... I know sad or what .... but well noses I find the hardest to get right so I'm pleased that this one turned out to be a cute one :-) Bet she would be too if she could talk ;-)

Couldn't stop there either... after I scanned her I did a little bit of photoshop magic... love the transformation that colour produces.

Brings her more to life don't you think?
hugs
Chris xx

It's a mans world...

2011-02-17T06:01:00.001Z

and you men can have it!!! Isn't that a cool saying..it really made me laugh. Sorry can't remember who the stamps are by cos I did this tag a while back and just found it in my folder.

the background was done using distress inks and acrylic paint.
hugs
Chris xx

Fish boy tag

2011-02-16T01:21:00.000Z

I love the stamps I used on this tag....which were designed by the lovely Hermine... the little boy just has the cutest smile :-)

I used Tim Holtz distress inks fro the background, stamping and colouring.

Would be really cool if we could ride on a fish...just think of the fun we could have...lol

hugs

Chris xx

Once upon a time Twinchie

2011-02-15T14:57:00.003Z

I much prefer making twinchies as opposed to inchie... simply cos I can fit more on them and they aren't as fiddly for my fat fingers. The alcohol inks came out for the background....

and then I added a bit of magic with the toadstool fairy and flowers from Lisa's altered art.
Simples :D
hugs
Chris xx

Life isn't black and white...

2011-02-14T13:55:00.000Z

so I thought I'd give my favourite girlie the colour treatment. I love to play about in photoshop and it is amazing what you can do with just a few clicks of the mouse :D Mind you this transformation did take me a little while but I think it was worth it.

It's a huge change from my original sketch which you can see here if you didn't already. Let me know what you think.
hugs
Chris xx

Tissue paper...

2011-02-12T23:24:00.000Z

is my best friend when I'm drawing... I have tried paper stumps, a brush and fingers for blending but the tissue just gives a much more delicate result. I've also been playing with white tack (same as blu tack but white) as an eraser and it's so cool and cheap as chips. It makes getting those highlights in the eyes mega easy.

I know her hair is a bit wierd but I'm experimenting :D

hugs
Chris xx

Sweet dreams

2011-02-11T01:51:00.000Z

There's nothing like a good night's sleep....nuff said :D
hugs
Chris xx

Doin' it digital

2011-02-10T01:26:00.000Z

Sometimes I just like to play.... and sometimes I like it to be easy.... so sometimes I do it digital :D

I think I've got a thing going on with sad faces.... gotta learn to make them smile!!
hugs
Chris xx

Midnight and Jade jewellery set.

2011-02-09T01:21:00.001Z

A little change today with this jewellery set I made.

Lots of shiny black beads with jade to add colour and some bead knots that I saw in a magazine tutorial. They looked quite difficult but turned out to be really easy and fun to make.

hugs
Chris xx

Angelic

2011-02-08T00:32:00.000Z

but she looks a little sad don't you think. I am really liking the effect of plain graphite with colour and this time I've tried to add more interest to my sketch and challenged myself to draw her with a body this time. Still not very confident with hands... so she has none...lol Blimey there's such a lot to learn with this drawing lark!!

The obligatory close-up :D

She doesn't look as sad at this angle... maybe just thoughtful eh.
hugs
Chris xx

My first PROPER sketch pad...

2011-02-07T02:14:00.000Z

by that I mean A4 size... purposely meant for sketching and here's my first sketch in it. I use all sorts to draw on but up to now have mainly used A5 spiral bound sketch books of the 99p variety...lol Not quite what a REAL artist would use I'll bet.

So I thought if I am to take myself and my art seriously it is time to play with the big girls and use Artist quality supplies.

It won't stop me using my cheapy bits and pieces...cos I do like them... but I want to improve and I need to learn to draw on a larger scale I think. Mind you the surface of this paper is sooooo different from the ones I usually use that it brings up new challenges all of it's own. I'm getting another step nearer to braving that first 'real' portrait ... which is why I took up sketching again. Wish me luck ;-)
hugs
Chris xx

Milliande journal challenge day12

2011-02-06T01:03:00.000Z

I'm still doing my pages for Milliande's journalling challenge but keep getting waylaid with other things. I WILL complete them all though... even if it takes me a while. I've sort of skipped a couple that didn't appeal to me but will do them at a later date. The good thing is that you can dip in whenever you like :D

Day 12 (Daily debris) really appealed to me... so much so that I did a double page (which I hardly ever do). The pencils took a beating as is usual nowadays but I also added some collage, oil pastels, acrylic paint, watercolour and some toilet roll .... yes I did say toilet roll...rofl ... well I was using some to take the wet out of my brushes so I decided to stick some on my page too ;-)
I also used some book pages, a stamped image that I had coloured previously but not used and pens for the wording.
hugs
Chris xx

The Sketchbook challenge-February-Opposites

2011-02-05T15:57:00.000Z

The pencils just WON'T stay in their box...lol So it's just as well that it's time for February's Sketchbook Challenge. I had lots of ideas for this theme but I couldn't resist doing another face. I wanted to experiment with coloured pencil and graphite in a combined sketch. It was quite difficult because my eye kept being drawn to the coloured part when I was trying to draw the grayscale bits. I really enjoyed the challenge though and was quite happy with the result.

When I had finished I couldn't resist a little play in photoshop so that I could change the placement of each side and I think I like this even better :D

Have a great weekend all
hugs
Chris xx

Home hanger

2011-02-03T01:18:00.000Z

I previously used the hearts from a Home hanging set from Tando Creative to make jewellery with and had the letters left over so I have used them to make this hanging plaque.

I used some gorgeous Basicgrey paper to cover the base and to make the flowers and covered the letters with some metal that had been embossed with a script embossing plate. The metal was coloured with peel off markers and then sanded to reveal some of the original silver.

I used more of the metal to add small hearts to the centre of the paper flowers.

Don't forget to check out the Tando blog to see what gorgeous things the other DT girls are creating.
hugs
Chris xx

Green crochet necklace

2011-02-02T11:16:00.000Z

It's soooo long since I made any jewellery and it was a nice change to get out the crocheting hook and these are so easy to make they are a breeze.

I used fabric covered wire... there are so many gorgeous colours available so you can create a piece to match any outfit.

I added a black shiny bead to the centre and two small ones at the end of the ties for a bit more glamour. I think I've got the jewellery making bug again... watch this space :D
hugs
Chris xx

Artist Trading Club- Guest Artist

2011-02-01T13:25:00.000Z

I was asked to be Guest Artist for February over at The Artist Trading Club. I decided that rather than offer a theme for this months challenge... I would leave that choice up to the individual... instead I am asking everyone to make an ATC easel card for which I have provided a template and tutorial which you will find below.

This is one of my completed atc's... I used a print of one of my paintings and a public domain quote by Helen Keller which I love, some ribbon, bling, watercolour crayons and acrylic paint. (Sorry for the pants photo)

Ok here we go :-) You will see the template below... please click to enlarge before saving to your computer to print out.

If you prefer to cut without the template the three piece sizes are one each of the following :-

7" x 2.5"

3.5" x 2.5"

2" x 1.5"

Step 1... Fold the long piece in half then open it back up and decorate the bottom half ... also decorate the atc size piece and the smaller one. You can use any medium you wish... paint, collage, stamps, etc...

To assemble the Atc easel card.... take the long piece and bring the undecorated outer edge in to the centre fold and use a bone folder to flatten as shown below.

Now when you bring the outer edge forward from the centre fold you will have a shape as seen below. Cover the part of the undecorated piece that faces you with glue (or as I did...DS tape).... this is where you will adhere the bottom of your previously decorated atc.

Your easel card will look like the pic below once you have adhered your atc and the smallest piece to the bottom of the card to act as a stopper. You may wish to use a button, brad or something else in place of this piece depending on the style of your atc. As long as whatever you use is not totally flat... the sky's the limit.

I hope you will join in with the challenge and I will be looking forward to my swaps :-)
hugs
Chris xx

The Sketchbook challenge

2011-01-31T14:39:00.000Z

Almost didn't get time to post my pages for The Sketchbook Challenge... where the first theme is 'Highly Prized'.

I have spent the last few days trying to remove over 180 viruses from my laptop...aaaaargh. DG went onto a site to watch something for kids and all of a sudden my laptop went haywire. PANIC!! more so because I haven't backed up my files for ages.... Lesson learned. Thankfully I have a good virus protection but I may not have been so lucky... I am so grateful that my laptop didn't crash... I would have lost soooooo much work!! So please remember to back up regularly.

Ok on to my pages for the January sketchbook challenge....

This one is about my imagination which is 'Highly Prized' by me. Sometimes I don't know where the thought process comes from when I create something... but I'm glad that it just 'happens'. So on this page these things are important to me :-
My vision....for art ... and my sight.
My imagination.... which allows me to see blue leaves... paint falling from the page into puddles and balloons growing from flat paint splats etc.
My pencils and colour... so important in allowing me to give my imagination a voice.

This page is about my learning journey (at the moment with faces) and how much I am enjoying the experience and how thankful that I have the chance to do something which makes me so content :-)

Thanks for looking
be back soon
hugs
Chris xx

Time for crafting again....

2011-01-26T01:06:00.000Z

as I'm sure I'm wearing out your patience with all the arty stuff :-D Besides I have tons of stuff to share. I bought a chipboard flower book with the intention of using it as just that... a book to fill with memories and pictures... but then I changed my mind... super fickle me...lol

I decided to take the book apart and use the pages individually to make frames etc. This flower hanger ended up double sided just because I got carried away.

I used Distress re-inkers on the backgrounds and stamps from Crafty Individuals. This centre image is from a Crafty Individuals booklet too.

For the other side I went for a pretty floral look... just because I had the stamp at my fingertips.

I use my water brush with the distress inks to add colour to the stamped flowers then added fabric flower pieces and a little bit (ok a lot ) of bling to finish off my playtime nicely.

hugs
Chris xx

Whoohooo for Suziblu

2011-01-25T01:10:00.001Z

I got Suziblu's Self Guided Portrait course as a Christmas pressie but haven't done much about it as I haven't yet got all of the supplies... but I couldn't put it on hold for any longer so although I still need stuff I decided I will do what I can with what I have for now and do some simple graphite and/or coloured pencil work.

I adore Suziblu's style and her gorgeous artwork so I am going to have a ball with this course... I am hoping that I can follow her amazing tutorials but still develop a style of my own :-D Wish me luck.

I'll tell you what though... I learned a lesson straight away...protect your work from your own fingers!! The dark blobs on the side of my girlie's left eye are from the oil on my fingers where I have touched the paper and the it has absorbed more of the graphite....aaaaargh. In this instance it doesn't spoil my sketch too much but I am going to be ever so much more careful in future.
Thanks for looking
hugs
Chris xx

Let's face it...

2011-01-24T01:05:00.001Z

I'm a face-a- holic...I just love faces...lol Big ones... small ones... cute ones... pretty ones... and sometimes not so pretty ones too.

I am also my own worst critic when I'm drawing them... sometimes the lips are too big... the noses too long...the eyes too far apart or too close together... but they are all emerging from deep within my noggin so to me they are all wonderful... it's a learning curve and the curve is getting shorter day by day. I have no problem with that.. I am enjoying the journey. Each sketch has me so involved that I end up in an almost hypnotic place... calm and serene... that can only be a good thing right :D
hugs
Chris xx

More Milliande journal pages

2011-01-23T00:20:00.000Z

This one is 'striped dragonflies' it's a bit weird... but I like weird...lol My imagination is so wacky at times :D

This page is about 'vertical journalling' which I would NEVER have thought of doing but could become addicted to now.

See the link to come play on the right if you'd like to come play.
hugs
Chris xx

Milliande's journalling challenge days 5,6 and 7

2011-01-22T15:10:00.000Z

I've been continuing with the Milliande journalling challenge but there aren't enough days in the week to share everything I've been doing with you.... oooooh super productive I've been. It's amazing how quickly you can work with a journal, a few pens, oil pastels and watercolours. I don't spend half the time looking for stuff like I do when I'm crafting (when I'm crafting I usually find that what I want to use is right at the back of a cupboard in the 'might need it later box'...lol)

Ok journalling.... Day 7 was create a zebra by drawing round your hand.

Day 6 ... Millipede me... did I catch the likeness...lol... the bottom half of me looks pretty familiar... all those Christmas goodies lying on my hips ;-)

Lastly day 7... Create a window in the page. I was a bit unsure of this one when I started but I love it now it's finished.

Hope you are enjoying the weekend
hugs
Chris xx

Still experimenting....

2011-01-21T01:14:00.001Z

I can't help it.... new pencils are just an addiction and each time I get some I have to draw. Derwent coloursoft are GORGEOUS coloured pencils!! Please forgive me if you are fed up of seeing sketches lol... I just can't help myself.

hugs
Chris xx

Cutie art

2011-01-20T00:38:00.000Z

I love mermaids... almost as much as I love fairies :-) It's nice to do something cute once in a while too.

I think she speaks for herself.
hugs
Chris xx

Altered clock face

2011-01-19T01:23:00.000Z

I was given a gift from a friend a while back... of an old clock to take apart. I decided it would be fun to alter the clock face with some chipboard cogs from Tando Creative.

I re-did the numbers a little with a sharpie pen as they were wearing off and used a gold marvy marker on the cogs... layering the ink to give a stripey effect.

The cogs made lovely frames for these gentlemanly images from Crafty Individuals... they were a perfect size to just allow a glimpse of the images to wet the appetite.

I don't do masculine very often so this made a nice change
hugs
Chris xx

Fairy village

2011-01-18T00:35:00.000Z

A little change from sketching and stuff so I can show you this little fairy village I made with Tando chipboard and images from Lisa's altered art. The little houses are a cinch to put together and are sturdy enough to take a battering from whatever you throw at it.

I painted the houses with acrylic before doodling with sakura pens and adding little gems and I sprinkled my flaky glittery favourite from the £1 shop on the roofs. I love the stuff... so cheap but soooo pretty. The photos don't do it justice cos it really sparkles.

You can't have a fairy village without fairies so these cuties from Lisa's altered art were perfect once I added their wings. They've got little pieces of wire behind to help them stand up.

Have a great day

hugs

Chris xx

Charcoal face

2011-01-17T15:25:00.000Z

I recently bought myself some charcoal pencils and have been having another play with faces... it's cool experimenting with different mediums... I also found a book of buff coloured paper that I bought for DG so I've claimed it as my new faces book :D

It's certainly a lot quicker not having to worry about putting the skin tone down. I struggled with hair but hey ho more practice needed and I'm onto it. I will get to where I want to be in the end but for now I'm happy to experiment.

I've also been playing at doing faces with oil pastels and more graphite ones which I will share with you later... watch this space ;-p
What always surprises me... working from my imagination is how each face transforms before my very eyes... it always makes me wonder if they resemble anyone in real life... ooooer that would be freaky..lol
hugs
Chris xx

Journal January days 3 and 4

2011-01-16T15:49:00.000Z

Day 3 was printmaking and you won't believe how long I have had some lino and cutting tools and done nothing with them.... so this was the perfect excuse to get them out and play. Carving zebra stripes was difficult enough so I think it will be a while before I tackle anything more complicated but I do like the result. I used acrylic paint to stamp with and it was a bit messy but fun too.

Day 4 was to do a face with zebra accents... went a bit crazy with this one...using copic markers, acrylic paint and oil pastels. I have journalled in white but it doesn't show up in the photo... will have to re-do that I think.

I enjoyed day 4 so much that I got carried away and while I was sitting watching TV I did another page... this time using coloured pencils (they are fast becoming a favourite of mine).

Bit freaky this one...lol My imagination is working overtime!!
Thanks for looking
hugs
Chris xx

zendoodled zebras

2011-01-15T02:43:00.000Z

Well you know I love doodling so Day 2 of Milliande's journalling challenge (see link on the right if you'd like to join in)... was a dream for me... I just loved doing it. The background was created with coloured pencil cos I do like easy...lol

Supplies used... coloured pencil and fineliner black pen.
hugs
Chris xx

zzzzzzzzzzzzzZebra

2011-01-14T06:50:00.001Z

I'm joining in with Milliande's 2011 journal a page a day. Don't know if I will manage one every day but I'm gonna try. There is a daily prompt with video to watch..so some fab inspiration. January is being inspired by the Zebra and it's really fun.

I enjoyed using limited supplies on this page... black copic marker, charcoal and a journalling pen was all I used. Simple but effective and no hunting around for stuff :-)
hugs
Chris xx

Journal pages in colour

2011-01-13T18:21:00.000Z

Well I am chuffed to have found a new use for my oil pastels in the second part of the Strathmore visual journal course with Pam Carriker. I would never have thought of using them with gesso but OMG I just love the technique and will use them even more now. Opens up so many fab projects for me to do with them in future...whooohooo.

I like this one best and it came together like a dream.... I had problems with the face on the one below and ended up redoing that part 3 times before it looked half decent!!

I got a bit fed up in the end so decided to leave it alone even though it's still not how I would like it. It didn't photograph too well because the paper buckled because of all the layering I did so there are more shadows on it than in reality. I have a feeling that I will come back to it when I'm feeling a bit more patient and redo the bits I'm not happy with.

hugs

Chris xx

Strathmore online journal workshop

2011-01-12T17:36:00.000Z

Soooo much fun.... I've joined the journalling workshop series.... the first one with Pam Carriker and I'm so exited. Not least because I can learn some new techniques but because the first workshop is about recycling old artwork so my face problem from the post below is being solved ;-p She can have as many hairstyles as I like now :-) I scanned my sketch and converted it to black and white so I could work on it and add colour.

I enjoyed the first process so much that I dug out some more art that I had done previously and did another collage with it. Loving it ... and the new look I can produce with stuff I had forgotten about.

Will come back and show you the pages as they progress.
hugs
Chris xx

Too much face.....

2011-01-09T12:56:00.000Z

not enough page...lol That'll teach me to draw big eh!! I really need to take into consideration that a girl needs hair ;-p I can't think of a way round giving her her crowning glory now so I think she is destined to be used in a journal page or two because if I cut her out and paste her onto another page I will have two levels to deal with...bah. Don't think the coloured pencil will cope with that and I don't want lines.

I really do need to buy a bigger sketch book... A5 just ain't big enough for me.... something to do with the eyesight on the old bird...rofl.

Need some really good pencils too now that I've discovered I can use them properly. These were cheapo ones from tesco... I am just imagining how cool it must be to use the better ones.

hugs

Chris xx

Patience pays off....

2011-01-08T19:28:00.000Z

well it has in my case anyway. It took me AGES to draw this but I was over the moon with the result. I guess the more I practice the quicker I will become which can only be a good thing. This sketch is a bit surreal in places but I just felt the need to experiment.

I am growing towards working from reality instead of from what's in my head but I need more practice before I start drawing portraits of REAL people.

I'm also experimenting with coloured pencils which produces such different results but is so pretty. I am soooo happy with myself for starting to sketch again.... I guess the talent was always there but sooooo well hidden I'd forgotten about it...lol

Have a great weekend all :-)

hugs

Chris xx

Once upon a time

2011-01-07T14:29:00.000Z

there was a sweet girl who really wanted to go to the ball. She didn't have the usual crown and pretty dress so didn't think she had a chance of making her dream come true.....

that was until she found the Tando chipboard pumpkin carriage and realised that even if she didn't have a ball to go to she could still be princess for a day :D

Who knows while she is enjoying her ride in her carriage... she may just find her own Prince Charming who will help her to realize her dream eh.

The carriage is a fab size for a box frame I found .... I painted it with white acrylic paint as a base and it just had to have the glitter treatment although it doesn't show up too well in my photos. I used thick flaky glittery stuff that I got from the £1 shop.... I love the texture of it and it just shows crafting doesn't have to cost a fortune.
hugs
Chris xx

Learn...learn...learn...

2011-01-06T00:05:00.000Z

that's my New Years Resolution for 2011. What am I going to learn.... ooooh lotsa things on the agenda but the main one is to fulfill a yearning I have had since teenage years... to draw a realistic portrait. I have found it soooo hard to get back into blogging since Christmas because I have been obsessed with drawing and I can't believe how far I have got in just a couple of weeks. I am LOVING it!! I will share with you as I go on so you can see my progress. Today I am sharing a painting I did before the holidays.... a little bit of whimsy :D

I decided to have a play digitally so scanned in the girl I painted so I could do a whole scene. We may not have snow right now but it is still sooooo cold and that inspired my background. I hope you like her.

Wishing you all a belated

HAPPY NEW YEAR......

MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE.

Hugs
Chris xx

Kitchen canvas

2010-12-29T07:36:00.003Z

A bit of painting going on today to create this kitchen canvas. The chipboard shapes from Tando are a fabulous base for acrylic paint. I used a canvas board which was also painted with acrylic... before adhering the completed kitchen pieces to it to create a faux clock.

I love to create items that I can have on show at home but I think this would make a nice gift too.

Shame I won't be wearing a chef's hat anytime soon.... not being the world.s best cook IYKWIM
hugs
Chris xx

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T04:37:00.001Z

To all my Friends and family for your continued support through the ups and downs of 2010... for following my arty crafty journey and for being the best of the best.... THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart :-D

I hope that you are all blessed with love and happiness this Christmas and hope Santa brings you everything you wish for.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

FROM

ME to YOU

XXX

Chris

Dyans Christmas tag challenge 4

2010-12-23T11:40:00.000Z

Not enough days before the Christmas to share the rest so these are the last for now... hope you enjoyed the fun while it lasted...I did :D

I think these speak for themselves... my favourite is the last one.... I think it's a hoot.
hugs
Chris xx

Dyans Advent tag challenge 3

2010-12-22T09:31:00.000Z

I don't think I will get the whole lot finished in time for Christmas... but I am definately going to carry on till I've done them all.

Somebody doesn't want to end up on the dinner table...lol

I'm hoping for lots of yummy pressies

and my definition of good is to smile sweetly...talk nicely and if all else fails ...BEG rofl

Have a great day all

hugs

Chris xx

Christmas....

2010-12-21T10:26:00.000Z

is coming... and so is Santa... you do believe in him don't ya ;-) So in honour of the cuddly man with the white beard I created him a star of his very own. I used gorgeous paper from Crafty Individuals....

as well as this gorgeous portrait of the man himself from the same place. He deserved a frame and this wee frame from Tando was just the job. I coloured it with copics before adding Tim Holtz crackle paint . The two little hearts on top were removed from the sides.

Hope you are ready for him :)

hugs
Chris xx

Chistmas decoration

2010-12-20T06:48:00.013Z

Another heart used from the Tando ' Home hanging chipboard set'....this time to create a decoration for my Christmas tree. I covered the heart in this gorgeous Crafty Individuals Christmas paper and added some hand cut wings covered in the same.

Tip : Don't throw out your Tando packaging... the card comes in really useful for little extras like these wings, ATC backs and to put through your diecutting machines ;-)

I used a tube of 3d glitter glue to add around the edges and also a little snowflake charm and clear gem for a little bit of luxury.

A really easy project but something I can keep in my decorations box to use for lots of years to come.
hugs
Chris xx

Dyans Christmas tag challenge 2

2010-12-19T12:27:00.000Z

Sharing my second lot of tags for Dyans challenge today.... I am having a ball doing these :-D

this one is one of my favourites...love that saying.

Wish that Christmas calories didn't count!!... but for me as soon as I look at the Christmas pud the weight starts piling on. Don't think my metabolism is slow.... it's STOPPED!!!

eeeh I'm only naughty sometimes though...I do try to be good ;-p

Have to say that this one doesn't really fit with me .... don't drink much falling down water... even at crimbo. Something to do with the fact that it turns me into an even more raving lunatic than I already am AND I just don't DO hangovers :D
Hope it's warm where you are... tis freezin' here.
hugs
Chris xx

Dyans Advent tag challenge

2010-12-18T03:05:00.000Z

This is the first chance I've had to share with you the tags I've been doing for Dyans Advent Challenge it is really good fun!! I LOVE the cool funny downloads and I've had a couple of tena lady moments while I've being doing my tags. The funny Christmas sayings are right up my street...rofl.

I have had to do four at a time to catch up so allowed myself an hour for them (don't think that's really cheating..ha ha ha). I did quick watercolour masterboards cut into 4 and apart from the bits I had to use I allowed myself a black pen and a white pen.

It's just as well I don't have a mastercard...it would be maxed out!!

I was totally chuffed when I pulled out this spoon charm with this one although I don't think you could eat turkey with a spoon...pmsl

Thankful that I don't have to hit the shops this year.... done all my crimbo shopping online...whoohooo all done 'cept the wrapping ;-p

Some chocolate would be nice too.... just simply to help me recharge the old batteries IYKWIM.

For more fun and frolics go check out Dyans blog :-)

hugs

Chris xx

Grungy atc'c

2010-12-17T02:29:00.000Z

Sometimes I get really fed up with 'pretty' stuff and just wanna create something a wee bit different. So when I found these ace free images from Altered bits.com.... I just had to have a play. I used some digital background that I had been messing around with and printed them out. The first one is covered lightly with acrylic paint and the other just left as it was before adding the frame.

This handsome guy is baring his heart (from Tando mini arch frame set) because he is soooo in Love :-D

SHE is honoured to be the recipient of his affections... he's just her kind of guy!! lol

He keeps her acrylic painted , chipboard, framed portrait on his bedside table. Don't ya just love a Love Story :-)

hugs
Chris xx

Bad hair day

2010-12-16T00:43:00.000Z

Do you have bad hair days.... I have them all the time... especially now I'm older and have to resort to colour from a box to cover the white hairs...lol My niece recently asked me why I had hair like her chocolate... I asked what she meant and she said....because it's white at the top and brown at the bottom just like my chocolate bar!!!!!

So after that little conversation I have decided that if my hair is as nice as chocolate ;-D I am gonna love it no matter what it looks like. This little lady from Dyan's fab downloads has the strangest pony tails ever...ha ha ha... but she is embracing their uniqueness ??? wearing her best hat to hide her roots while hiding behind her dark glasses...just in case she bumps into anyone she knows..pmsl :-D
Have a great day
hugs
Chris xx

Sunset painting

2010-12-15T01:56:00.000Z

Well I wasn't going to share any more sketching or painting with you just yet BUT I can't help it.... I HAD to show you this because I am jumping through hoops at myself ;-) My sister gave me some oil pastel crayons and I had never used them before but had to have a go.

Well you could knock me over with a bloomin' feather cos I did this with them... yes ME... I DID THIS!! I can't bling-kin well believe it. I am shocked at how much I love it and more so by where it came from...who'd have thunk it.

Anyhoo only one little problem so I'm hoping that one of you lovely peeps will be able to help me. The artwork doesn't dry but because I did it on a canvas board I don't want the hassle of framing it. Does anyone know of a way to seal oil pastel art. Even touching it produces marks and fingerprints and although they can be smoothed out I want to display it without worrying about anyone spoiling it by being touchy feely. Any help gratefully received :D

hugs

Chris xx

Christmas is coming...

2010-12-14T12:11:00.000Z

and I've not yet made one Christmas card.... slap my wrist and hit me round the face with a kipper...lol At this rate I will be rushing to buy some...eeeeh naughty naughty !! I can't help it I'm just not in the mood to make cards.... but I have made some Christmas decorations...lol

I covered this fab Christmas Stocking from Tando with some paper that I had inked, painted and splodged (technical term...lol) a while ago and forgot about. I love it... and it's so different from the usual Christmassy colours of red ,white and green.

I even managed to add a lickle bit of bling... whaddya think of that.... and now that the bling has resurfaced from my crafty stash you just never know where it will end up next ;-)

Have a great day

hugs

Chris xx

Dairy doll

2010-12-13T12:34:00.000Z

A bit of fun with this one cos I was in a playful mood. There's nothing quite like letting your imagination run riot. Created with backgrounds and images from Lisa's Altered Art.

She may have fish for feet... but I sure hope her feet don't smell fishy...lol

Hugs

Chris xx

Vintage village

2010-12-12T13:05:00.000Z

Tim Holtz papers are just yummy.... gorgeous... delicious and I just had to use them to cover this little mini village from Tando. It seems like forever since I did anything in this style and I loved it. The little family are from Lisa's Altered art... aren't they just the cutest.

So they have new little homes... even if they can't go inside.... tis a bit like land of the giants....lol (who remembers that t.v. programme )

I made the doors and covered the roofs with hand painted stamped paper...

and edged them with gold pen.

Mojo working well :-)

hugs

Chris xx

Flower power

2010-12-11T06:54:00.002Z

Time to share some of the DT goodies I have been creating. The little chipboard flower frames from Tando Creative are just the cutest and fun to use. They also receive colouring with Copic pens delightfully. The chippie absorbs the ink so layering the colour produces a lovely varied effect and it's sooo easy!! I used the frame part of the flower on this arch ....

cos this little girlie from Lisa's altererd art deserved a pretty frame :D

I couldn't leave the center circle that pops out of the chipboard flower so used it on this little mini tin that I covered with tissue and modpodge.

I added some wings to the flower centre piece and adhered this image ...also from Lisa's altered art ...onto it edging the piece with a gold ink pen.

Small is beautiful :-)

Check out more gorgeous projects on the Tando blog.

hugs
Chris xx

Okay this is the one.

2010-12-10T00:31:00.002Z

My most favourite of all my sketches.... why.... well not only cos I love her sweet face... but I also managed

to draw plaits...whoooohooo. I'm well chuffed with meself and I think this is the best of the hairstyles I've drawn too. My sketching isn't stopping here but I have to make room to blog more goodies so this is it for now.

Hope you enjoyed sharing with me :D
Back tomorrow with some DT stuff.
hugs
Chris xx