tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81543214302458105132024-03-13T00:30:27.877-07:00Bilum - em TasolMy "Creative" Musings ...Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-42638558876381757102012-01-24T17:25:00.000-08:002012-01-25T02:11:00.086-08:00Experiment: paint chips, paint stix, inks and embossing platesJust recently a friend of mine from Split Coast Stampers (<a href="http://misstreez.wordpress.com/">Misstreez</a>) had been using her Shiva Paintstiks and had wondered whether they could be used for stamping. I have wondered this myself on a few occasions. So yesterday I finally took out my Paintstiks for a bit of a mess around. I haven't had them out for a while, so they were all dry and needed to be peeled.<br />
<br />
For those of you who don't know, Shiva Paintstiks are like long fat crayons but are made of paint without much oil. They are mostly used for rubbings for fabric and used in quilting. The company that makes them has a website <a href="http://cedarcanyontextiles.com/">here</a>. This is what three of mine look like:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjul3DVRvlNzAKaRVDHigwv2otcsf4FfbCew489XFPv16PsvbOdukYXsxEojH-jCWXOOkEh1TbWUlapoS8ZFf0VCXhmrjK0Ko_wFd4yskq7G7JIcZt-oekwg1_LEc0MmNZFpW6fjcsrh7rB/s1600/100_1911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjul3DVRvlNzAKaRVDHigwv2otcsf4FfbCew489XFPv16PsvbOdukYXsxEojH-jCWXOOkEh1TbWUlapoS8ZFf0VCXhmrjK0Ko_wFd4yskq7G7JIcZt-oekwg1_LEc0MmNZFpW6fjcsrh7rB/s320/100_1911.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(They are about 12cm long)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Photos can be clicked on for a larger view)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So to find out whether or not they could be stamped with, I took a brown one (not shown ) and scrapped a little onto a non stick surface and added a few drops of oil. I used a wooden skewer to mix it. It was thick and lumpy and even after a while of both stirring and leaving it sit to dissolved - it just stayed fairly thick. More oil just made it more of the same and oily. So really for stamping it was not very good -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMV8XcRySmqHaJtj2qOQWy5g0zq6_nK4zXLjIbUec-wb6W1ec9tpTryIiFuvoTUeZPRBtizuscCPnQG764vVyKbizGGF1_d0ypX947VgwvRiW7xHg-dU8XCmS6RlILFqCPUi_SJIBnEYA1/s1600/100_1909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMV8XcRySmqHaJtj2qOQWy5g0zq6_nK4zXLjIbUec-wb6W1ec9tpTryIiFuvoTUeZPRBtizuscCPnQG764vVyKbizGGF1_d0ypX947VgwvRiW7xHg-dU8XCmS6RlILFqCPUi_SJIBnEYA1/s320/100_1909.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You can see from the picture - the brown flower is the Paintstik stamped onto ordinary cardstock and the pink flower is the stamp with normal stamping ink and embossing powder. Just too lumpy to be really effective as a stamping medium. If I really want to stamp with paint, I can use my acrylic paints (which are better with foam stamps than rubber stamps) or just buy ordinary oil paint and go from there.<br />
<br />
Now I have to say, this is not to denigrate Paintstiks in anyway, it is just that from this little experiment, I feel they are not useful for stamping.<br />
<br />
So while I had them out, I thought about some earlier experiments I had done, by rubbing a Paintstik on the surface of an embossing plate and then putting cardstock onto it and running it through my Bigshot dye cutter and dry embosser. Lately I have been collecting paintchips just for the heck of it, and playing with them. So I lay one of the chips on a suitable coloured up embossing plate and look:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDREfXaV1K_pP4sb3WdXCqqjUFGFg-LiX2uVIyU9IK73cYk83cTgkP1TjwwjHiVS2H-7Xy9yq0bKAtGIvOI2udn57z-SoeQBRJGUoEfvcjYXQjzumLgW4SbrVrGLogMGszFFP4xxin1ng/s1600/100_1904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDREfXaV1K_pP4sb3WdXCqqjUFGFg-LiX2uVIyU9IK73cYk83cTgkP1TjwwjHiVS2H-7Xy9yq0bKAtGIvOI2udn57z-SoeQBRJGUoEfvcjYXQjzumLgW4SbrVrGLogMGszFFP4xxin1ng/s320/100_1904.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love the effects - this one using a sort of cobblestone plate. The pink being the Painstik colour and the lighter part being the paint chip. The lighter part is indented. I did a couple more because it is hard to wash off and so wanted a few more for some scrapbooking I will be doing later. <br />
<br />
So because it is so difficult to clean off the embossing plates, I thought if I dry emboss and apply the stick after, what would happen? This:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMt_eCPFKxK1dbcKhrEXYMz4ummGmSjM083Pn2h795dERObTL3_YCVbL9wa2J9O3jWa3M2AYpJp_kWl_IeHuALlTe7EaZZMe3x8I1cDUmSqXdpEuGeRx_RAuLvnIJ_-ShOg0TFJq9ORYp/s1600/100_1903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMt_eCPFKxK1dbcKhrEXYMz4ummGmSjM083Pn2h795dERObTL3_YCVbL9wa2J9O3jWa3M2AYpJp_kWl_IeHuALlTe7EaZZMe3x8I1cDUmSqXdpEuGeRx_RAuLvnIJ_-ShOg0TFJq9ORYp/s320/100_1903.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This was achieved by putting in the paintchips one up and one down and running through the Bigshot. Then getting the paint stick and lightly running it over the ridges of the indentations. This will make a nice fish or mermaid tail...<br />
<br />
Hmm, so I thought dark on light is nothing unusual, but when using stamping ink, if you want light on dark, stamping ink doesn't work all that well, and you are better off using coloured embossing <b>powder</b> and Versamark/watermark ink. <br />
<br />
So I grabbed a dark paint chip and whizzed it through, and hmmm....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDk6Xz2uKKvJJ2hnD6QRUC6TuwrW_R94J3ApU0B25HwECRplXjv6MWHAezWJDiblzeTKPOvSSE0O3zCJyC65_egPi16jLuAFMg4bs218PbTMqPjoqbjPE7cR0sSyYGYYCLaGFOdeTtgX_K/s1600/100_1901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDk6Xz2uKKvJJ2hnD6QRUC6TuwrW_R94J3ApU0B25HwECRplXjv6MWHAezWJDiblzeTKPOvSSE0O3zCJyC65_egPi16jLuAFMg4bs218PbTMqPjoqbjPE7cR0sSyYGYYCLaGFOdeTtgX_K/s320/100_1901.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxAHeHpKts1ukyKQt7SyQUedUfT25dCygRrIUkv6G5SYAphGoqv7krII4RzadYw_ul24QXie0T-JGWOF1D9P5kcI3n6vLbtAXeVo4RjI0EcGm6mzlv2TwMMJMB45J4pTZCU-OcOPTDVux/s1600/100_1902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxAHeHpKts1ukyKQt7SyQUedUfT25dCygRrIUkv6G5SYAphGoqv7krII4RzadYw_ul24QXie0T-JGWOF1D9P5kcI3n6vLbtAXeVo4RjI0EcGm6mzlv2TwMMJMB45J4pTZCU-OcOPTDVux/s320/100_1902.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So I think that the raindrops are a bit too far apart for this to be conclusive. But I think both cases make the raindrops look dimensional which is a good thing. It is a thing I will have to play around with a bit more.<br />
<br />
Well, so then I thought I would play around with dry embossing the paint chips and patting over with inkpads. <br />
<br />
Well the one thing I know about this, is that if you want the ink to sit only on the top of the thing and not down in the indentations - that means a fabric pad has to be used and <b>not </b>a sponge pad. This is a bit disappointing to me because I love my sponge pads. Nevertheless, it was a chance for me to re-acquaint myself with my Stampin'Up! inks and play with my few Distress Inks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_fBneOyhL0QCxrYG1uO-ORFjpXUgEiXrgPIN-ozLVEtP_Kk8Db-8BdZQ3hDFOy4pIV8Ginj7LK9yMnZlj4tBJE44uEC79T-TUFe_O-9UxtCysz1Ija0vJP-smkHDFjz3FrdcHhS47_W3/s1600/100_1913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_fBneOyhL0QCxrYG1uO-ORFjpXUgEiXrgPIN-ozLVEtP_Kk8Db-8BdZQ3hDFOy4pIV8Ginj7LK9yMnZlj4tBJE44uEC79T-TUFe_O-9UxtCysz1Ija0vJP-smkHDFjz3FrdcHhS47_W3/s320/100_1913.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_CfX6cYz4oQcmrhR2rWv00mv0QP7hkrVrRLs2BuEF2FXYdBzJaYkViz9goCDl4UZrty_spBa4FZl0eUtSCC5ywHwIWfSMll0JrgGaILg_H86vKvFs68q7zR046KoJbXhqsX9xV0-RxZj/s1600/100_1912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_CfX6cYz4oQcmrhR2rWv00mv0QP7hkrVrRLs2BuEF2FXYdBzJaYkViz9goCDl4UZrty_spBa4FZl0eUtSCC5ywHwIWfSMll0JrgGaILg_H86vKvFs68q7zR046KoJbXhqsX9xV0-RxZj/s320/100_1912.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I have 20 assorted colours of the Stampin'Up! pads but only five of the Distress ink pads at the moment, so my colours for them were pretty limited. the distress ink doesn't really sit well on the paint chips:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtR9xBn25Hs7Knuy82oXvTtQ0aWDBWBfsI9RJAvehkAaBH2Anl8oC0fyf4coGU7jUJ3p3DL6TUG62-2G_jCIrcOyuX1DgE1NhGoEfG3QfTBuzV7vAP_nqYJmXDKGIkCsrZ-lp2OebEjzNu/s1600/100_1908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtR9xBn25Hs7Knuy82oXvTtQ0aWDBWBfsI9RJAvehkAaBH2Anl8oC0fyf4coGU7jUJ3p3DL6TUG62-2G_jCIrcOyuX1DgE1NhGoEfG3QfTBuzV7vAP_nqYJmXDKGIkCsrZ-lp2OebEjzNu/s320/100_1908.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I heat dried these and the colour is blotchy. I still like them, and they will end up on a scrapbook page...<br />
<br />
But okay, my favourite pink is the SU! Pixie Pink and I had to use some.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBnJ1tpaza3AwrslalxlOdqx7YshSisV_MC9nGQNsYpPcH3n84AXeelO_lPwU8Jm0ZoSYwQummoYgm0vr_Mh_7u-8R6ihvFAfm35entgR2mpcOMn3I37J163nhsKgyCuqfed1RLwIMfUa/s1600/100_1905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBnJ1tpaza3AwrslalxlOdqx7YshSisV_MC9nGQNsYpPcH3n84AXeelO_lPwU8Jm0ZoSYwQummoYgm0vr_Mh_7u-8R6ihvFAfm35entgR2mpcOMn3I37J163nhsKgyCuqfed1RLwIMfUa/s320/100_1905.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The colour is not very good in these photos; but the effect is quite nice. I am sure I have some baby pics of one of my grand daughters that will benefit from these...<br />
<br />
And one last crossover -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRYruv1yP3d6Q1_wzZWdVM0H-VrMOTJhMLEkEwiiiCDcmtc_Gp8tktE1J6AqhxzlpafUx9zKbzKJ_iPIkHQxhilFjRfnde05OjTHhdFrkKQqk_iyc12tIaRiNZf5cfD1RNDAxS1y__cH2/s1600/100_1910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRYruv1yP3d6Q1_wzZWdVM0H-VrMOTJhMLEkEwiiiCDcmtc_Gp8tktE1J6AqhxzlpafUx9zKbzKJ_iPIkHQxhilFjRfnde05OjTHhdFrkKQqk_iyc12tIaRiNZf5cfD1RNDAxS1y__cH2/s320/100_1910.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Okay, this is a paintchip that has been dry embossed, coloured over with a Painstik, then dunked into my clear embossing powder and heat embossed. Where the other Paintstik chips are going to take a few days to dry - mostly because of the humid and wet weather, this is dry already, and shiny and lovely. Of all the techniques I experimented with, I think I love this one the most.<br />
<br />
Conclusions: In all I did 18 samples and I thought: I should be doing more of this stuff, it is fun and has some good applications for both cardmaking and scrapbooking. I should also be doing it on a larger scale than just paint chips. These will all be used, as that is what I made them for, but I will be doing smaller samples for the technique journal I am keeping...Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-55002517673673770002012-01-01T23:16:00.000-08:002012-01-01T23:41:07.165-08:00Twenty Twelve...I promised a bunch of people I had two resolutions for this year, one is to blog more - and hopefully across all my blogs. The other is to tweet the Apocalypse - because so many people think this year will be the end...<br />
<br />
2011 was not a particularly good year overall. I was too wrapped up in myself and my "problems" to see the broader picture, but a trip to Canberra last week to visit my sister and my father in his nursing home, as well as a few other things have helped put things into a bit better perspective. <br />
<br />
I have done a few things craft wise, in the past few months, building on the Swaps for SCS I entered. There was a caffeine card swap:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAUrwRm0_ic/TwFadS7zQ7I/AAAAAAAAAmY/q2uckFEi_yU/s1600/IMG019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAUrwRm0_ic/TwFadS7zQ7I/AAAAAAAAAmY/q2uckFEi_yU/s320/IMG019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the basic layout of the six caffeine cards for the swap. They ended up being 6 by 6 inches because the size of the coffee pot to make the other items have proportion. The coloured paper is the tablecloth and was cut with my Nestibilities. I used brown ink and fine embossing powder to make the brads brown from silver to look like coffee beans.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGYd8vLJF3M/TwFajpMhDCI/AAAAAAAAAmg/3lWtuKqS0rM/s1600/IMG020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGYd8vLJF3M/TwFajpMhDCI/AAAAAAAAAmg/3lWtuKqS0rM/s320/IMG020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These are the remaining five. Colouring that many coffee pots and cups took ages but I really like the effect. I used copper coloured stickers to write the word "Coffee". The colours are crap but clockwise from top left are pink, purple, orange, yellow and the one centre is blue. Photos are taken with my mobile phone which seems to be not a good idea.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I received five lovely cards in return and I hope I will remember to photograph them soon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There was a Christmas card swap:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tt6Ish0Sz-g/TwFcpP8L8nI/AAAAAAAAAms/tS2-YRLMPn0/s1600/IMG021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tt6Ish0Sz-g/TwFcpP8L8nI/AAAAAAAAAms/tS2-YRLMPn0/s320/IMG021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I nearly forgot this one, so it was a little bit of a rush job. The photo again was from my mobile phone, so not the best colour wise, even though I put it through a colour "fixer". The matt is actually a mauve colour. The angel is also painted with blender pen and stamping ink, much like the Koi in the earlier post.<br />
<br />
But I think my favourite had to be the four seasons ATC swap. I made sixteen ATC's four for each season - and received 16 in return. Again I will have to photograph the return ones because they are just so beautiful...<br />
<br />
My cards :<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f24xbHFnx3g/TwFd2y1b4dI/AAAAAAAAAnc/VetsuDYGYBY/s1600/IMG022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f24xbHFnx3g/TwFd2y1b4dI/AAAAAAAAAnc/VetsuDYGYBY/s320/IMG022.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Autumn</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pygLysUw7Tw/TwFd6fzGtoI/AAAAAAAAAnk/L1EOFOK6ANM/s1600/IMG023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pygLysUw7Tw/TwFd6fzGtoI/AAAAAAAAAnk/L1EOFOK6ANM/s320/IMG023.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Winter</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pURuf39ctKM/TwFd_BfsQGI/AAAAAAAAAns/artduCccedQ/s1600/IMG024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pURuf39ctKM/TwFd_BfsQGI/AAAAAAAAAns/artduCccedQ/s320/IMG024.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Spring</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BACotAUCYas/TwFeCfprNmI/AAAAAAAAAn0/KUed8240wFQ/s1600/IMG025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BACotAUCYas/TwFeCfprNmI/AAAAAAAAAn0/KUed8240wFQ/s320/IMG025.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yes the winter is an actual knitted piece. My thinking being that here in Australia we don't have snow, so snow themed card wasn't really appropriate. However, like the Northern Hemisphere, there is always knitting. So with some wooden skewers cut to size, topped with a card end. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But, seriously, it is very expensive swapping and as things are at the moment I can't afford it. I understand it is fair enough that we pay for our own postage, and I don't begrudge that. I just can't afford it just now.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
However, the items I received in return for my swaps have convinced me that I am not really much of a stamp "artist" - partially because I cannot afford, nor want some of the gizmos and gadgets that are available to make cards look more "professional"... I am happy where I am ...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have some other craft items, but not yet photographed and many UFO's, all for another blog later....</div>Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-53955758429023488272011-07-31T16:22:00.000-07:002011-07-31T16:38:14.347-07:00Crackhead.......I don't usually write about more personal stuff on this blog as it is for my main blog, however, since this one is linked to my SplitCoast Stampers' signature line, I am writing this here. <div><br /></div><div>I was supposed to have the first part of my surgery last Friday. Two weeks ago, I had been to the pre Admission clinic and the anesthetists who examine your suitability for anesthesia both declared me high risk. Needless to say, that freaked me out. Mostly because it was only four weeks since I had quit smoking after 35+ years and I am seriously overweight. Of which, quitting smoking did not help me.</div><div><br /></div><div>They ordered me to have a blood test at the pathology section of the hospital, which I did. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was so upset by them saying I was high risk, I went to see a doctor on the Monday. My previous doctor had left at the end of March to take up lucrative lodgings on the North Shore as a private doctor. So I had to find a new doctor. Luckily for me I recalled that my medical office had sent me an SMS saying there was a new lady Doctor starting that very week. </div><div><br /></div><div>Very nice, older lady. She listened to everything I had to say, because she realised I was very upset by then. She said that she would get some blood tests of her own done, that she knew of some medication I could take as a hunger suppressant and I could delay the surgery until I was less of a risk. Although the Specialist had informed me without the surgery I would die, this Doctor seemed very skeptical about that, which has cheered me up. </div><div><br /></div><div>The following day the hospital rang, and said that the anesthetists wanted to see me again, in light of the blood tests I had had done. I asked the person who rang me if it was possible for them to postpone the surgery for three months, she said it was, so I am relieved about that. </div><div><br /></div><div>When the Doctor got the blood tests back it showed that my blood sugar levels were very high. She immediately ordered a diabetic glucose test which I had the following Monday after a three day high carb diet over the weekend. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, it is not quite diabetes. But she prescribed the pills which are not on PBS and are extremely expensive. They are based on amphetymine (hence my daughter calling me a "crackhead" - in the blog title). I have been on them for three days now and waiting for my appetite to be suppressed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, my daughter is again unemployed, thanks to her company closing its doors and she being only a casual employee. So I am making cards for swaps and will post photos of them quite soon.</div><div><br /></div>Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-60500874047169930492011-05-30T00:17:00.000-07:002011-05-30T00:24:46.724-07:00Coloured image swap on SCS<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9NLcTH5iLsaSwp1j_fsDaRo3h1qXKNHGWX4XeBTeLUPMJ_W7VZRuNuH_jOSbenTii51GXCPd9ZT1saq2-EUJTgxrLwZkaCGZoHjNU6xrbF-5cIq7YYdS3l5HOp6toAYwSmE3IB-XomLm/s1600/Tubbybubby+102.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9NLcTH5iLsaSwp1j_fsDaRo3h1qXKNHGWX4XeBTeLUPMJ_W7VZRuNuH_jOSbenTii51GXCPd9ZT1saq2-EUJTgxrLwZkaCGZoHjNU6xrbF-5cIq7YYdS3l5HOp6toAYwSmE3IB-XomLm/s320/Tubbybubby+102.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612405293612851362" border="0" /></a><br /></div>This is one of the cards I made for the swap. It is the first card swap I have ever entered, so I was not sure if it was what they wanted. I guess since I have uploaded it to my gallery on SCS I will find out soon enough.<br /><br />The fish image was stamped first and then coloured, I did a mask for fish and placed it over it and then coloured the water. I used a darker color around the fish to give it some dimension - but looking at the pic I am not sure howwell that worked. I added the pearls for air bubbles.<br /><br />The shells and "seaweed" were stamped and coloured and cut out. The white edges of the card stock were then coloured so that it was more even. A small star fish bead seemed to let me finish the card. <br /><br />Coming up with colours for the matt cards was a bit of a challenge, but I found a blue the same as the darker blue for the fish part of the card and felt the back ground was sandy enough to pass off as sand. I made a tiny horse logo with my name and year to stick on the back of the card. <br /><br />Hope they like it...Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-21447865199754742312011-03-17T00:52:00.000-07:002011-03-17T00:58:17.599-07:00On being slow...I have not been doing much of my paper craft things. I am slowly building the ugliest stationery box you are ever likely to see, and doing some cross stitch. <div><br /></div><div>If you have read my other blog you will know that I have bones pressing on my spinal cord, causing mental depression and slowing some of my other faculties as well - or maybe old age is catching up with them. ;-) . So I find it hard to concentrate for very long on anything. Walking is becoming harder and harder for me. I will be having an operation, probably within 3 months and another one a month later which should remove the bones from my spinal cord. </div><div><br /></div><div>After that I should be able to gradually build up and begin my crafting in more earnest. So I beg your indulgence for a few months that will be spotty to say the least. </div>Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-81489608583508197382011-01-09T17:55:00.000-08:002011-01-09T18:26:02.145-08:00Updating<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTt3q7DQ9FkYEyJzUQohlTQkhStaXnHPgAcFnfn7XrpDF8iLS8crWK3tOlptPetkDltNtwBWSOWM8mKKhdzhfNhPdUFCuUHjVIu6UMTnH51X2InUm6nKxdgzXO8OpZDJ-sMFqRvZ1bbOA4/s1600/Image0237.jpg"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Y1Yg1hE6owNT7fzg41Ec8xUHFAaJ_3lruF2QoQEMlhHGpE5AM9jJTPhGdT7OYOGk96hBVeS-EQqO4F2WjMVqVAo2_AdEiM7lefacKis5kXNYzAWHu5h9iC-8D9QYppf0-GA4oST9B0QE/s1600/Image0242.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Y1Yg1hE6owNT7fzg41Ec8xUHFAaJ_3lruF2QoQEMlhHGpE5AM9jJTPhGdT7OYOGk96hBVeS-EQqO4F2WjMVqVAo2_AdEiM7lefacKis5kXNYzAWHu5h9iC-8D9QYppf0-GA4oST9B0QE/s320/Image0242.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560370645987144226" /></a>Gosh, I hadn't realised it was so long since I had updated this site. So sorry. I thought that you might enjoy seeing a few things - first up being my bigshot. In my last post I had said that I didn't really feel I could justify the expense of having one of these. Little realising at the time that just before Christmas Lincraft would have them so cheaply it would impossible not to get one. Normally these retail above the $150 mark and hover around $200 but this one was on special for $99. I thought it would just be the body itself and not really worth it, but it included all the folders and two acrylic blocks for the sandwiches that are made for cutting and embossing.<div><br /></div><div>Because of the width of this machine, I can use my embossing folders which up until now have been pretty useless because of their width. Now I can use them on appropriately sized paper and cardstock. I have three dies now as well, a flower, some leaves and a corner swirl. The dies themselves are relatively expensive, but if I get enough use of them, can probaby justify the expense. Tim Holtz has some dies and embossing folders that are, what seem to me to be, reasonably priced and hopefully I can get some from a Queensland retailer in the next couple of months. No holding any breath.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXu_j0bqfkaH91rR1snSIZKxYA9p7ZM05f14PodON96bSkloCPc62QQYIva6FiBYo54YfOxnT-QEh_B8wQaFKx8eCkjKT-1ZKw-ZPSexSv3BQTO0HuHmRQxm606ZlMggFhdwUxnsbZWAm/s320/Image0241.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 314px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560372313737364610" /><div>This is a photo that I recently scrapbooked - she is my cousin's daughter. The wedding was last year and she posted pictures to Facebook. I had been wanting to do it for a while and finally got around. This is one of what will hopefully end up being ten pages. I want to make a 12" x 12" album in the same way I made the last one, but with white wedding dress fabric that I have. When those are finished I will post them here too.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have some medical issues to be taken care of over the next few weeks so maybe not post again for a while. Once those are out of the way, I will show you some other things I have been doing and talk more about the above photograph. </div><div><br /></div><div>Leaving final word up to Starbug</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTt3q7DQ9FkYEyJzUQohlTQkhStaXnHPgAcFnfn7XrpDF8iLS8crWK3tOlptPetkDltNtwBWSOWM8mKKhdzhfNhPdUFCuUHjVIu6UMTnH51X2InUm6nKxdgzXO8OpZDJ-sMFqRvZ1bbOA4/s320/Image0237.jpg" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Talk to the butt ...</span></div><div><br /></div></div>Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-29798765914319668432010-08-13T17:01:00.000-07:002010-08-13T23:44:22.690-07:00Punches -vs- Dies ... and booty<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl13DsoQPfnCoXFZ3L8m6AQYzkiBk0b7gsr1CzBBNOwS4w-yiP9OBuF2qw7FJOTO6q0lFH8XowLGCnsyu9PANSqDDi-PVWs_TWPQEugohMyfxbkyoKRN-12DzU3QaN0I4j3o9K60SPvS_y/s1600/Image0127.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505049406282113250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl13DsoQPfnCoXFZ3L8m6AQYzkiBk0b7gsr1CzBBNOwS4w-yiP9OBuF2qw7FJOTO6q0lFH8XowLGCnsyu9PANSqDDi-PVWs_TWPQEugohMyfxbkyoKRN-12DzU3QaN0I4j3o9K60SPvS_y/s320/Image0127.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-size:78%;">These are some of my recent punches. </span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div>With Stampin'Up! recently bringing out the Big Shot to Australia, I have been thinking seriously about die shapes and using them for both paper arts and fabric arts. I already own an Accucut die cutter, and I could probably adjust it to take new dies. I also looked at the various large nesting dies, which are the shapes I would most likely use, because they are the most familiar and used dies. The nesting dies are very expensive in Australia; some recently retail ones I looked at were $182 for a set, of I think 20, in increments of about 5mm. The various shapes, squares, circles, hearts and scalloped versions thereof, along with a few other shapes add up to a fair amount of money if you were to buy them. I guess if I was having classes and charging commercial rates, I could probably justify a few sets, but when it is just me - it is a ridiculous amount of money. I would probably only use a few sizes suitable for cards and that would be it.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I turn to craft punches; as you can see above. I have about four circle ones, and probably would use two more sizes, and I have about the same number for squares. I have a few other standard shapes, including a very nice, large dragon and these have gotten me by quite well. I have spent a few dollars buying them, but no where near as much as a few sets of the nesting dies would set me back. I will probably try to sell my Accucut. I can see the usefulness, but the expense isn't really justified for me.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>BOOTY</strong>:</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505051950347387666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 176px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgtFm5IT2z90G3iACxDcaA2A9xxqvxrAswH8SCfIdWyWprvQIiQfD3On0VSbd8ZMuQBr-jByrgaiVrAxMR5oMv7N6cbLEz-WA6prRu3oSNKZiSdPPwbe0rkKevCtWbhgXuEEL_xZFizdb/s320/Image0129.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><div>These are new Japanese papers. Proper ones, not just some pattern I downloaded from the internet either. Eckersleys have them. There are about a dozen or so available, but they are not cheap, so I limited myself to four. They are A4 size, which isn't too shabby and I have some projects in mind for them. </div><div></div><div>Of the three books I ordered from Amazon, two are to do with my crafts, one is Making Hats from the 1920's and the other is Metric Pattern Cutting for Children's clothing. So I have plenty of things to keep me busy. If I can just get some time cleared away from everybody else's demands I will be fine. lol. </div><div></div><div>Sorry the picture quality is not the best, for various reasons I have had to use my phone cam, not the best, but I think you can get an idea. </div>Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-8885853832293253162010-08-09T13:55:00.000-07:002010-08-09T14:03:00.438-07:00Mail ....I got two nice pressies in the mail yesterday, well they were delivered by courier, but same difference. One was the punch I had ordered from <a href="http://www.regalcraftcards.com.au/">Regal Craft</a> and the other was the netbook computer. The netbook had been stood on by a nameless member of the family and the screen was wrecked. The daughter paid for it to be fixed, and there it was. Pretty good for the repairers concerned. And it works. I guess for how much they charged, it should, still you do want to know.<div><br /></div><div>It is grandson2's during the after school times, but mine during school time. lol. It has a webcam. Mostly it moves around and is portable. We have a wireless network which we are still ironing the kinks out of, but it is getting there.</div><div><br /></div><div>The punch is a 1 1/4" square, no dramas, but will help for my card making, scramping and other media arts. Which is why I posted this here, rather than my main blog, as I am blogging some politics there are the moment. This is my happy place. lol.</div>Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-15173781043311311522010-08-03T17:55:00.000-07:002010-08-03T18:00:11.222-07:00Wow ...I know a few people read my blog, and kudos to them, as I am a sloppy blogger to say the least.<div>Yesterday I had a comment from an artist who I really admire. I feel very honoured to have had her even look at my blog.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have taken out the sewing machine and I am currently making up some trial designs to sew up. I have miles of calico (muslin) to make my rough drafts in; maybe I will share those, maybe not. Sometimes the calico actually looks the better fabric and with a bit of dolling up and/or stamping could be quite the goer. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have dug out all the cameras, all their cords, inserted new batteries, checked the SD cards and so we have a go there too. lol. Keep you in the loop ... </div>Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-69670464702823074642010-08-02T17:46:00.000-07:002010-08-02T17:53:18.551-07:00Excited ....After my recent adhesive disappointments, I have had to rethink my entire adhesive way of doing things. Some are not pleasant, and I will find a way to bulk order permanent tape for the mini Sticker machine. <div><br /></div><div>I have my sewing machine back from servicing, but haven't used it yet. I have some new fat quarters to make some goodies with so all that is for the next couple of weeks. I'm going to have to clear some space to set up the machine anyhow. But you knew that already didn't you .... </div><div><br /></div><div>The second punch that I wanted, a 1.5 inch square, I have ordered from the Internet from an Aussie company. It should be here any day now. That will be fun, something in the snail mail other than bills. lol. </div><div><br /></div><div>But I have ordered me some new rubber as well. And some books from Amazon. Two of them are crafting books, well more the sewing side of things, one being drafting for childrens' clothing which I love doing and want to get back into. The other is a millinery book using techniques from the 1920's. Now that should be very interesting. I have not done much millinery, as I am self taught, as in most things, but I love the idea of hats, especially in Summer when it is sunny and a bit of shade over the face is a good thing. I'll keep you "posted" as I receive them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh yeah ....</div>Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-41102396573756184202010-08-01T22:47:00.000-07:002010-08-01T22:49:03.332-07:00Messing AroundI have been experimenting with different backgrounds and headers. I think this one is okay, 'specially the horse. Have played around with some of my other blogs as well. Stay tuned ..Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-60324367420316239812010-07-31T01:12:00.000-07:002010-07-31T01:31:19.056-07:00Disappointed ...Well, off I went with the daughter and two grandsons to MacArthur Square, Campbelltown. They say that from Big W to the Food Court at the other end is one kilometer exactly. I don't know how true this is, but when so many people say it there has to be some element of truth. It feels about that distance, except when you are tired or busting ...<div><br /></div><div>I had hoped to be able to purchase two punches and refills for my Xyron sticker machines - in permanent stick (as oppossed to repositionable). In the past Big W has been a reliable and less expensive venue to purchase these items. Only to be disappointed. Their scrapbook aisle has gone from three down to part of one. I checked the whole stationery section, only to find nothing of what I was looking for.</div><div><br /></div><div>So the next choice, Lincraft, is right down the opposite end of the building. I haven't been the best with an enlarged colon (waiting to see specialist) and the pressure makes me walk funny. The thought of walking an entire kilometer was pretty daunting. So I grabbed a trolley to lean on and made my way to some personal purchases in Best and Less, trust me, when you are a large odd shape and size, B&L are the best at good prices.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally after about half an hour, I made it to Lincraft. Surely, <i>they </i>would have everything I needed. I found one of the punches I required, and while they did have refills for the Xyron machines, they only had repositionable. I have about two each of repositionable already. </div><div><br /></div><div>I sat down and ate some food, had a drink and a chat with the daughter. She and the boys loaded up my trolley with their goodies. My only other recourse would have to be Eckersleys.</div><div><br /></div><div>The lift with a trolley is a nightmare. Glad I don't have kids in pushers anymore. But Eckersleys is one of my favourite shops for buying unusual craft supplies. They are pretty well my stalwarts for everything - but a tad (well more than a tad really) expensive. Still, I had the money and the desperation in I went. WTF? Where is everything? You have so got to be kidding me. Not a bleeding sausage. Whoever decided to overhaul their paper craft section must have been on drugs or something. Well, that is the mood I am in just now on how I feel about it all. No second punch, so I have ordered it off the internet. Not one of the refills I wanted - even in repositionable. </div><div><br /></div><div>Luckily Spotlight have a sale on at the moment, and I have to go to the Spotlight Mall tomorrow to get my sewing machine from being serviced. Please let Spotlight have the refills. Is it really too much to ask?</div>Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-22640453751216683462010-07-28T23:15:00.000-07:002010-08-01T21:53:18.472-07:00Common ...I am on a few forums and groups that are for cardmaking. Mostly because they also have some scrapbooking forums and stamp stuff. They all have galleries where people can post pictures of the things they make. There is some really lovely stuff out there.<div><br /></div><div>But so much of it looks as though it was made to a formula and had premade bits just glued to it. With the sketches that people offer, the dies and punches they use, basically it is made to a formula. Admittedly a handmade item, but a formula non the less. To me this is manufacturing and I am guilty of using it as the next person. Except for one thing. To me there has to be that edge of chaos somewhere. Where you expect a straight line, there is a ripped line; where you expect pearls or brads there are eyelets with string dangling from it. I cannot stand my work to look completely manufactured.</div><div><br /></div><div>A couple of years ago when I was talking to my sister about making cards for Christmas and renewing our interest in scrapbooking, she made a comment along the lines of she wouldn't invest in stamps because they are like colouring book pages for adults. I had thought the same thing myself years ago. And stamps sure are the stallwart art of the manufacturer type card makers. And their Copic markers. Colour in the stamp with the Copic marker and no one can tell it isn't a real flower, right? </div><div><br /></div><div>It may sound critical, but seriously card making should be individualised and a bit artistic. Rip up paper, use bottle caps and washers. Don't make your cards look like everyone else's. Since there are several million of that stamp anyhow. Don't follow fashion. You take pride in dressing as you like, having your house as you like, why should your card making be any different? </div><div><br /></div><div>Take the stuff you have been taught by good teachers and expand on it. I love to get my embossing powders onto a washer, mixing colours and textures and then drizzle stuff into them.</div><div>Experiment. You don't have to sell/give away your experiments. Put them into a folder to remember what you did that you loved or hated. Be daring. Get out your brayer and give it a good workout, rip up some Post-its and do some masking. Look for stamps that come from little known manufacturers that no one else you know has heard of. Use their stamps. </div><div><br /></div><div>The thing that also amuses me is the die mentality. All those shapes. For what? So your work looks the same as your neighbours? You like her stuff, borrow it and expand on it.</div><div><br /></div><div>One thing I love is my Bind it All, yeah the pink one. I like to punch the holes into things and then tie some of it together and use maybe one wire spine on it somewhere to make it look different. Go and buy some real locks and keys and use them to make something useful, very useful. Make polymer clay feet so your box has something to stand on, or use those dice bits for feet. </div><div><br /></div><div>People will love your work even more if they see <i>some evidence</i> of YOU in your work. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-10213076755403562822010-07-26T18:46:00.000-07:002010-07-26T19:40:32.826-07:00The making of an album ...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeb5KhDPP2UcOWL-7YGSmyancXOW8bLf0_q8FtPPvJ0DZJFwKZPYA5mkbwI7OHZ0LG5Hv_4nuYv50k6ZnCyLy1nLlaR8e85KynwM_Eob8_dC6z5Zc3r9Zj9FYfaMqiU9AqxjyIevgDzgM/s1600/city+186+-+Copy.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498397777183537362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeb5KhDPP2UcOWL-7YGSmyancXOW8bLf0_q8FtPPvJ0DZJFwKZPYA5mkbwI7OHZ0LG5Hv_4nuYv50k6ZnCyLy1nLlaR8e85KynwM_Eob8_dC6z5Zc3r9Zj9FYfaMqiU9AqxjyIevgDzgM/s320/city+186+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Earlier this year, my elderly father moved from Adelaide to Canberra, to be nearer to family. He has the family albums, so my Aunt, who remains in Adelaide did not have access to them any longer. As part of my "therapy" to overcome the major depression I had, my psychologist suggested that I take up a few projects. So I thought an album for my Aunt with pictures of my self, my two sisters and our respective families and grandchildren would be nice for her.<br /><br />Above is the Cover of the album I made for her. I made if from a single fat quarter of fabric as the album is for 22cm x 22cm (8" x 8") pages. It is not overly large. The flower was originally a white fabric flower which I have coloured using my Versacolour mini and the red spots using Red Stazon after the yellow ink has dried.<br /><br />I used a grommet (eyelet) in one corner (with my u-beaut cropadile) and threaded through for the tags. I like the effect without it being over arty farty.<br /><br />For the inside cover I have used a neutral cardstock, bookmaker's glue and all on a base of archival quality chipboard.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7VKiX8t29oScPG5dzJCOJh9gnxTveQFL1X0fInKDz1K9OkDbZVgI6wJ2u-s_PXmhO02T8A8c4RlrUXhgSu8JA6nD5yI6U7NW4OSGIMSrqYoqjBPO9zZ7-uATrCtrV5Dn98EJfEw8P31r/s1600/city+187.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498397671835390338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7VKiX8t29oScPG5dzJCOJh9gnxTveQFL1X0fInKDz1K9OkDbZVgI6wJ2u-s_PXmhO02T8A8c4RlrUXhgSu8JA6nD5yI6U7NW4OSGIMSrqYoqjBPO9zZ7-uATrCtrV5Dn98EJfEw8P31r/s320/city+187.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div>This is the side view to show you how 43 pages of scramping look. It took almost six weeks to complete. I have used "Wonder under" on the spine and ironed it to a same size piece of calico. This will give it expansion and make it last so much longer than a cardstock or paper one if you purchased a commercial album this size.</div><br /><div>I will share some of the photos from the album to give you a feel for how the work was done and some of the detail that has gone into each page and it's opposite journal page.</div><br /><div>ARTIST TRADING CARD:</div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVlXku1l7bQNLwsnJ7ZAyI2l1GDapuxgDTIxw5fiOoS_Nlefl5Ykmxs0SvCPEbulU1jck0lT7qa3AmKLnFJGfsgxWUisUVcllUntr7Gtem1NTlRvNnwkog1hsJUsGs3M5oglfIF5kCqdo/s1600/city+181+-+Copy.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498397565851568898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVlXku1l7bQNLwsnJ7ZAyI2l1GDapuxgDTIxw5fiOoS_Nlefl5Ykmxs0SvCPEbulU1jck0lT7qa3AmKLnFJGfsgxWUisUVcllUntr7Gtem1NTlRvNnwkog1hsJUsGs3M5oglfIF5kCqdo/s320/city+181+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>This is the page of The Daughter and Grandsons 1 & 2. I wanted a sort of ATC feel to it. I printed off Lorum Ipsum in fancy but very tiny font, then applied four shades of brown ink around the edges with the Versacolor ink minis and then a final hop around with the black one. I have used a yin yang stamp for the circular drops attached to brown ribbon. The Eiffel tower was stamped and embossed. I cut round the top of the tower to slot in the photo behind it.</div><br /><div>A few other stamps, were used to add a bit of abstract feel to it. I printed off the words onto some scrap cardstock and ran them through the Xyron sticker machine. There are a row of gold brads down the RH corner and along the bottom which were cut off in the photo.</div><br /><div>The page opposite this one is rather a scaled down version, and instead of the picture I have journalled about the photograph and the people in it.<br /><br />LIZARD LOVE:<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzz8dzyTKu22ig4LY0uUnBGyRFelAquI_Pw1ukf_j-KjCvNpmZbtPH0teY_4YDq4dBddI-eP6fysGIGgdqtTSM8xudfxae7t6BD1bf5aH73shLgoQUZTiyuvapzfrup-Q_wzghmpxWMhah/s1600/city+182+-+Copy.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498397441987290226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 185px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzz8dzyTKu22ig4LY0uUnBGyRFelAquI_Pw1ukf_j-KjCvNpmZbtPH0teY_4YDq4dBddI-eP6fysGIGgdqtTSM8xudfxae7t6BD1bf5aH73shLgoQUZTiyuvapzfrup-Q_wzghmpxWMhah/s320/city+182+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Grandson2 loves lizards, so it was only natural I did a page that had lizards on it. But putting it into perspective with the picture wasn't all that easy. This photograph makes it look as though there are several kinds of lavender but in fact the matt stock is bright pink - his favourite colour at the moment (don't ask - he wont say). Unlike most of the other pages for the journalling where I have made them just either the same as each other or reflection of each other, I have made this one a continuation picture. </div><br /><div>I tore a sheet of printer paper to make the shape of the creek for the lizards, and using my Versacolor mini stamp pads applied various greens, then blues and brown and green again for the banks and creek. I then used blender pens (SU!) to blend the colours. I stamped on the dragonflies. Then used the white gel pen for the waves on the water. I used the thin end of double brush marker pens to make the grass. for the weeds I used a skinny plant stamp. </div><br /><div>The trees in the back ground were stamped in green, then used a maroon pen to colour the trunks and branches. The lizards I had downloaded onto cardstock several years ago. I just cut them out and using foam dots to raise them made them look like they were drinking at the stream.<br /></div><div>Below is a closer look at each side of the picture.<br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3ipBbSP989_ev1ZWjAjWuTCzOipLJHHKI5AvsOAYptOc6zH5EsyqK30_6mPtfpwMsRQtWPlvIYvnL3ei4GYsvlgYU7rS9pPVUCkQgXCmlPqjXLn7Vcy5LgwYc22e8Ts65j5cRSJRO6Om/s1600/city+184.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498397343910391218" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 257px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3ipBbSP989_ev1ZWjAjWuTCzOipLJHHKI5AvsOAYptOc6zH5EsyqK30_6mPtfpwMsRQtWPlvIYvnL3ei4GYsvlgYU7rS9pPVUCkQgXCmlPqjXLn7Vcy5LgwYc22e8Ts65j5cRSJRO6Om/s320/city+184.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVQxH2iTsN3An88gfb6B630ynsWUvTxcdVBfZpDGFk6bJWv45AHjePiGmlCO0PGSO3ZjU0r1fjTiOXBTDZvXWEZ9biBV1NlilqoanyKT_0QNspiW4-L9fycD9ZUvNI4KYnb49gI2gURRH/s1600/city+183+-+Copy.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498404111855435922" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 334px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 319px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVQxH2iTsN3An88gfb6B630ynsWUvTxcdVBfZpDGFk6bJWv45AHjePiGmlCO0PGSO3ZjU0r1fjTiOXBTDZvXWEZ9biBV1NlilqoanyKT_0QNspiW4-L9fycD9ZUvNI4KYnb49gI2gURRH/s320/city+183+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8DaXPQQ4j5LUbRVTnJtswOlhOgF57YwuMQHA0oxvUJlMOM9CxocJpXMPhkUPJk7xNKJY91gUGRP4ePK02rw17yTQZQQFM-2D8gUWcTefHuxIKyHcU6NmIutgZYZjusPPUtvZEo2W5WLD/s1600/city+184.JPG"></a><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><br /><div>HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN OF SHEBA</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>This last page is for my Arabian mare, Stephanique. She is a dear old horse and I wanted somthing fitting for "the Queen of Sheba" (lol).</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8cuLhbmJzZpYWLdBVZq2TpJPzEJ68gr1M7qbGGS1RZ8adDL81dUVoQd_SnpUnmpj-H8u1BKWZuarQhqovS6RVB3i4KFvTz9vSxmAcT7Bxvesjez3OFoXeWNY85816D80cbN1Br-8_qud/s1600/city+185.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498396689466702002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 314px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8cuLhbmJzZpYWLdBVZq2TpJPzEJ68gr1M7qbGGS1RZ8adDL81dUVoQd_SnpUnmpj-H8u1BKWZuarQhqovS6RVB3i4KFvTz9vSxmAcT7Bxvesjez3OFoXeWNY85816D80cbN1Br-8_qud/s320/city+185.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>I used a background egyptian themed stamp I have had for a few years with Versamark. I stamped the versamark onto the page, then sprinkled clear embossing powder over it. Tapped it off and heat embossed it. I had to use the stamp four times around the page to cover it.</div><div></div><div>I then used the Versamark again for the Eye of Ra and the Ankh, then sprinkled on some hologram gold embossing powder. When heated, the hologram gold is really sparkly and looks like real gold. The three little date palms were stamped in back ink and clear powder used on them. One didn't take so well so I fixed it with a black marker. Shhh ...</div><div></div><div>So the entire album has gone along in this manner, using colours from the phot0graphs. Stamps and use of brads, stick on crystals, punches and so forth. </div><div></div><div>My Aunt was pretty happy with the album, so that made me extremely happy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div>Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-12629955483661606892009-09-16T11:49:00.001-07:002009-09-16T12:00:21.390-07:00Enter a dragon ...<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAJ1W2bUf1aCSzfNt2beHRTAsLvSLqqcEI1erVhiECPOR0m5jtRjCX8a6rjPI7_u9bjGGYBOYpmNO1uRL2GHU8RVJLEx9vUkuRVbLPuxP9nMqZ6SrNseIHJMhIhOknqPx6n6MsCkwfJ2_/s1600-h/Dragon+Card.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAJ1W2bUf1aCSzfNt2beHRTAsLvSLqqcEI1erVhiECPOR0m5jtRjCX8a6rjPI7_u9bjGGYBOYpmNO1uRL2GHU8RVJLEx9vUkuRVbLPuxP9nMqZ6SrNseIHJMhIhOknqPx6n6MsCkwfJ2_/s320/Dragon+Card.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382140127347347746" /></a>I received some new stamps this week that I had ordered from the USA. The dragon was one and the Asian writing was another. They are unmounted. The writing was on a sheet with two other blocks of writing - one old English and the other handwriting. They are considered background stamps. I couldn't resist putting the Asian writing with the dragon and adhering it all to a background sheet downloaded from the Canon website. Four gold brads just seem to set it off. The dragon is stamped in Versamark onto red cardstock and then holographic gold embossing powder melted onto the versamark.<div><br /></div><div>I have been wanting to make my father a nice card that was not the usual "Thinking of you" flowers or other usuals of these types of cards. I think this fulfills my desire perfectly. Here is the inside. If I wanted to, I could add a few pages as everyone wants to send a message to Granpa. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo1l2sUWkYxT1HyLhD6k8EJt3aWxwwjr3keE-Fpqqsd4MJ79WdEHOSZXKJXm9sKrnZJL48mOY9pTR6aJrMT_KN9Z4K3mEDaJCwShHD0o0A-9AyvHtq20hqUeu-_tHZAeWOaGourQj3ebi/s320/Inside+Dragon+Card.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382139827704759138" /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfxjnl9mgsO1oUCrijXrIEsIGmtgzvHcx67B6smWTcGs9_2marcHzlJV9zfGpp3iDH1EsIh066Z4fjn3skkmhireH1mrH_juJtRfijIMaQyxTX97J69Q_hNmGLuLUkUqxE41pBFPFZnq6/s1600-h/Dragon+Card.jpg"><br /></a></div>the card measures 14.5cm square. </div><div><br /></div><div>I apologise for the quality of the photos. I took them on my phone camera. Usually it is a pretty reliable instrument but I think the lens must need a good cleaning. </div>Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-4074140178395274782009-09-14T17:21:00.000-07:002009-09-14T17:26:45.906-07:00Another day goes by ...I am preparing another nice frame, but the old person is here. He needs attention and gets very "upset" when he doesn't get it. So rather than showing you what I am doing, I am here updating the blog and thinking about the frame rather than doing it ...<div><br /></div><div>I received some wonderfuls stamps yesterday from the USA. I will be using some of them on the frame, but I will try to photograph them later and post them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Click into my favourite places and be taken away to a crafter's fantasy ...</div>Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-8889200247157785862009-09-07T04:07:00.000-07:002009-09-07T04:21:23.903-07:00A padded picture ...I am sharing these photos for my non-Facebook friends. Interesting concept and one I would like to expand on at a later date ...<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OXL-bssf9IGf9_197tTQYxerzpPtiRFxK36oXNAJYq0JhRK55r0_Casl8S7SbXcgV18DUbVP_ctfU56Id2dJaz8ptGXHzHeWQ1xLt7Ety3tHacvYDgsSewpJAECXRHD7QYG2_3DgO-oY/s1600-h/My+Padded+frame+Picture.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OXL-bssf9IGf9_197tTQYxerzpPtiRFxK36oXNAJYq0JhRK55r0_Casl8S7SbXcgV18DUbVP_ctfU56Id2dJaz8ptGXHzHeWQ1xLt7Ety3tHacvYDgsSewpJAECXRHD7QYG2_3DgO-oY/s320/My+Padded+frame+Picture.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378681716494732402" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is the actual picture, stamped and inked. Then the designer paper padded frame is applied.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7zsgpN25UHpo5oIkuw-trelg1awEnYSvy8gzZ9El2nLGG9CMXHB2SRj8Q8Zz1I-xEdYB6pt4xEq_zmFEuensSe-leQeYywBA_lZC8YA5wsl6hNgK0Ncj3aHDU9TszsDyvh58UcKHqmn8/s1600-h/You+can+see+the+dimension+of+the+frame+here.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7zsgpN25UHpo5oIkuw-trelg1awEnYSvy8gzZ9El2nLGG9CMXHB2SRj8Q8Zz1I-xEdYB6pt4xEq_zmFEuensSe-leQeYywBA_lZC8YA5wsl6hNgK0Ncj3aHDU9TszsDyvh58UcKHqmn8/s320/You+can+see+the+dimension+of+the+frame+here.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378681146948301586" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">In this picture you can see the dimensional effect of the padded frame.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7zsgpN25UHpo5oIkuw-trelg1awEnYSvy8gzZ9El2nLGG9CMXHB2SRj8Q8Zz1I-xEdYB6pt4xEq_zmFEuensSe-leQeYywBA_lZC8YA5wsl6hNgK0Ncj3aHDU9TszsDyvh58UcKHqmn8/s1600-h/You+can+see+the+dimension+of+the+frame+here.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7zsgpN25UHpo5oIkuw-trelg1awEnYSvy8gzZ9El2nLGG9CMXHB2SRj8Q8Zz1I-xEdYB6pt4xEq_zmFEuensSe-leQeYywBA_lZC8YA5wsl6hNgK0Ncj3aHDU9TszsDyvh58UcKHqmn8/s320/You+can+see+the+dimension+of+the+frame+here.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378681146948301586" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I stamped a dragonfly onto a small scrap of clear acrylic sheet and when dry I cut it out and glued it into the corner after folding the wings. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphqRQwlJSRiaPzlR-ryK8dBMKswsu63B5POsLCQ1u_IesQngFIwfUJj-9oP4z7HT13Z6UqLIRnPvpcbIMDp6Rop4Jk8muAbmFKpl7Ywbh6Zi4GyVf0isBnKhPhB3tndpdTqs5IopSCnWk/s1600-h/You+can+see+the+dimension+of+the+frame+here+(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphqRQwlJSRiaPzlR-ryK8dBMKswsu63B5POsLCQ1u_IesQngFIwfUJj-9oP4z7HT13Z6UqLIRnPvpcbIMDp6Rop4Jk8muAbmFKpl7Ywbh6Zi4GyVf0isBnKhPhB3tndpdTqs5IopSCnWk/s320/You+can+see+the+dimension+of+the+frame+here+(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378680914523008114" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And then for the back I used a sheet of chipboard to give it stability. I then used some scraps of the chipboard and designer paper to make the stand.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-87224710650766759162009-09-05T20:03:00.000-07:002009-09-05T20:50:08.259-07:00Displaying Cross Stitch<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaLJwZC2gQeVodJwRKvV3U4Ink67cZj-4srqYvdCle77813_LROA93ZCGEFJQRqXmzQ5bvVGKP8LtPGguir_Gf1ktSJ5Ajr8s6cP_zZP97WyxxA5RgL2Shw96kIhFz8O_US_znRWtXB62/s1600-h/Image219.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaLJwZC2gQeVodJwRKvV3U4Ink67cZj-4srqYvdCle77813_LROA93ZCGEFJQRqXmzQ5bvVGKP8LtPGguir_Gf1ktSJ5Ajr8s6cP_zZP97WyxxA5RgL2Shw96kIhFz8O_US_znRWtXB62/s320/Image219.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378185633507070146" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaLJwZC2gQeVodJwRKvV3U4Ink67cZj-4srqYvdCle77813_LROA93ZCGEFJQRqXmzQ5bvVGKP8LtPGguir_Gf1ktSJ5Ajr8s6cP_zZP97WyxxA5RgL2Shw96kIhFz8O_US_znRWtXB62/s1600-h/Image219.jpg"></a>I have been doing cross stitches like forever. I think I did my first one in my teens and have been stitching on and off ever since. As a result, I have a pile of Aida with neat little designs on each piece that just sits in my cross stitch box wait and hoping one day to be "used".<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>So having recently become enamoured of Paper arts I thought that I could combine the two and make a display for some of my pieces. This is the result for six of my pieces. I wll put photos up of close ups of each piece so you can see it in greater detail.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Each piece was mounted into or on top of a piece of card stock and some of the cardstock was stamped, some of it was glued and others had things glued to them. Then I put eyelets into each corner of the cardstock and tied it to a twig with beading leather. </div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't decided if I should add dangling things to the tops of the twigs or not. But I do like the kind of book effect I get from this.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyg-gzM-_3NpebDICX0Txrlg70T9AJe2Vo3fC81aPugn-yZPiDyVCPW4EADAcoRwuLsYuYT3mxpkqnAxIP5Y2k0EOWN5tN-9FBkCUIhUUI02wKL26YibE9MGRwZKi_LjGe8GhBl8KNn0-W/s320/Image218.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 196px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378194751624630658" /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07H9BwUOKbjDSTK9X0GqDWxz31GdsUYc5AFdeBiB8ZkLCXZtW2HdCoJ0XDArLW7VNSOEF9opH7CG8OQBmdVxsjmkbwDz5HqwUj7EeRZibVYMV7gQf7SJNhVqj8rogIVLHKuRm-hxoP4yz/s320/Image217.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 231px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378194597481577314" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSDN2RI6kYizL94en8Z-1sDTIVw9337RF68PBz8dW2jlB3tAfUQND2SNGYAh-clkKcchVIpk78pEmAOEpbEpJPYWd57oB_zYEiq31f7MHrpdBHzg-UopZR_mwICUyxEw6Khyphenhyphenb3NlvNBZu/s320/Image216.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 318px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378191893338163346" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvVPMSc4Jq65sZS6jW5458a_9VK7Ga3PnKmeB_0ydZl4ay7zkdt7OAEmPlydkN-B8AfMbCyX6q81FeyHNVJ3cpZIvfNb9Ac9X5mfqfE9-j71gn4Om2Ijl-h2rveUzUzrOcKVpO8DzJqB_/s320/Image215.jpg" style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378187440447145858" /></div></div></div></div>Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-65823412067651760392009-08-13T20:32:00.000-07:002009-08-13T20:34:08.554-07:00FacebookI have just networked this blog with Facebook, so I will keep it updated as much as possible. I will try to fix the cat photograph so that it is not so big! In the next few days I will post some pictures of my latest makings and go from there. Thanks for following me.Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-36391164251884167092009-07-31T20:30:00.000-07:002009-07-31T20:37:19.936-07:00UpdatesWow, almost a year since I was here. Alot has happened since then, but the main news is that the studio will be opening in about two weeks. We have done so much to it to make it ready. There are still bits and pieces still to be done - it will probably be an ongoing project for quite a while.<div><br /></div><div>I have been doing some art, but at the moment I have been dedicating much time to scanning and cataloguing some very old photographs from my family. Some of these are over 150 years old and there is even an old tin type print which is, to me, most valuable of all. </div><div><br /></div><div>The garden has been neglected almost to the point of non existence, but that is being recified over the next few days. It should be quite pretty if you come to visit.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have joined the ranks of Stampin'Up demonstrators, but mostly as a hobbyist as I like to use other stamps and inks in my work. However, should you find yourself needing any Stampin'Up products feel free to PM me through my e-mail in my profile. I will put up photos very soon and update this blog as frequently as I can. So hope to see you soon ...</div>Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-26604136766999509512008-08-18T02:10:00.000-07:002008-08-18T02:25:47.463-07:00Sharing ...I have been thinking for a while that I would like to share the links of some of my RSS feed for crafts. These are the ones I like best, besides Sharonb's which I have already listed.<br /><br />The first is for <a href="http://goannafive.blogspot.com/">Annette Husband</a> a gifted artist who lives at Humpty Doo in the Northern Territory. I have admired her work ever since I saw an article on her in Rubber Gazette, a now not published publication that I really loved. I met her through the <a href="http://www.amstamps.com/">After Midnight Stampers</a> on yahoo groups. Her work is really amazing and she is so smart, too. She has some good video demonstrations on her blog.<br /><br />The next one is another After Midnighter, Jen Lowe. She has a delightful <a href="http://jen-lowe-designs.blogspot.com/">blog</a>. She is such a happy person, and shares her art with her mother who is in a nursing home. Just go and be made happy by this lovely lady.<br /><br />Finally, <a href="http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/">Michelle Zindorf's blog</a> is page after page of tutorials for stamping, mostly cards. The pictures she creates are just amazing and so simple to do. She is very thorough with her techniques and pictures are clear. Her instructions are so simple, even children can do them.<br /><br />Later I will add some more URL's that you will enjoy.<br /><br />bye for now ...Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-28735215733294507872008-07-06T03:00:00.000-07:002008-08-16T19:24:29.736-07:00Cathederal Window Quilt<div><span style="color:#000066;">FOUNDATION PANEL</span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#000066;"></span>Well, as I promised, here is my version of a Cathederal Window Quilt tutorial. This is the first of two parts. It is very picture heavy so it may take a while to load. My photos are the best my cheap little camera would allow me, but I think with the text below each photograph, you should be able to get the general drift.<br /><br /></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvn3XAX_rpT18jHiD5Fle9oKknuqk92Wa6zztp0Jx9ERFKWcoDaXVk8xrU1xJOSCdyPdQdwWNc212BYGMUB3Sn7abJxxJJYYB9LYUZCcw-LoIT4c4cbv3fmiMupF4SPmMLcOzjHq5uwzV/s1600-h/100_2075.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219839475111615154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvn3XAX_rpT18jHiD5Fle9oKknuqk92Wa6zztp0Jx9ERFKWcoDaXVk8xrU1xJOSCdyPdQdwWNc212BYGMUB3Sn7abJxxJJYYB9LYUZCcw-LoIT4c4cbv3fmiMupF4SPmMLcOzjHq5uwzV/s320/100_2075.JPG" border="0" /></a> 1) I began with about a metre of heavy sheeting. It had been sitting around in my stash for several years, and I had used bits and pieces of it over the years for various things. Unbleached calico (muslin), that has been washed of all sizing is just as good, or any other medium weight cotton fabric. I have also ironed this piece so that it is as square as I can make it.</div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219839782989951138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaqo8rWySPvX9EKVUGjLBXRRgl8O17i5rzT_QUMbt339gU2dYfcFsVtkbtG-Qv7g1zUASSU6sj-SVgVYFaDBZQXK3EhJgZgWychtoVjcl9aXwB8KeXhuIe4tYGr7agr_jFdeDbYS060mQ/s320/100_2076.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div>2) The sheeting had no selvedge, so I had to find a straight edge by removing threads and going from there. Along the straight edge I found, I made four 23cm (about 9 inch) cuts, and then tore the fabric into four even lengths. </div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219840183278840946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSf5Ge4Mej7uBjA7aE792atS6wipiyCxLFIT4n87qxi56ukno9r6AWsVSBtpKaU3MFlNcqC5v3-xFQU5DnTdEcuYqPamZ5AbL6i7ZyQkdH-_RCTXvOzFASTox_MYB9G9usCEDy57RADtk4/s320/100_2078.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /></div><div>3) Removing the threads that came out, brought the width to 22.5cm and along one edge, I again made four nine inch cuts and tore through, yielding sixteen squares of 22.5cm (this is just under the 9 inches) each. </div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219840577484333154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcFIv9Za0yFro9qMow3sMXgERAv79K5uKTuf5WNh16riOrORTOt9akbrOhQsy_BMmbCgk0RodKa1ZaUO6N2hAQoMPN09EVyzJ4CLujjuqS1-xF7NEFJWK6Z3pCh-GJqA8B3brWiaBr3Vy/s320/100_2080.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div>4) Each square is folded in halves and the two short edges are then sewn together. I did a few reverse stitches at the beginning and end to make sure the stitching stayed in place. </div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219840930989639954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9s1tbdAsL6UIVwszYhwN5pxAFuDaBp_E9AXxT4cQeeW1U8G1obFoGgOZhG8tFYQXRIeziMPHP6aGbPMbGFu8CQJR4EsdWrMEA_8gTGl5YHP3hZH1ZRejheE9MdnG98v6eXMKtoDLL8G_v/s320/100_2083.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /></div><div>5) Snip off the corners.</div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219841228951118402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguto6c0fnGRtPj3rFQeS4-yzqUnyL_EjvmaYhFMugBuhIcAYmSaz3LdYO3mMiPNXFh4mXjvOTtxRsM_dHKgepBEAz_ULnqnmowPxyeBd-Qdw6MPBM-XpaeRdACkvrxyIdzIeCV6jZ16p47/s320/100_2084.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div>6) Take the squares to the ironing board and press the seams open. Here you can see I have used a sleeve board and my dear little clover iron. Let me assure you, you do not necessarily need a dear little clover iron, but it sure does make it easier. If you are using a full iron, just use the very point to open as much of the seam as possible. You will see why in the next picture.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219841602270411970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgV4441ASf585l28BUmFDHtUTqr7Xo6HWPkDGjDW0utgEYNNi9N6-S0R_70D4RZ_dN-HPSdfWMenqQocwMT4EBPLRaz3kWBppYX1Uoc398sXV-kgFbjS9W7qp37U1e51hwrxEJMnpYaaF/s320/100_2085.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div>7) Pin the two raw edges together making sure to keep the pressed open seams flat and matched as exactly as possible. Pin one end flat and use another pin about 4-5cms (1 1/2 to 2 ins) from the other end. This end is going to be left open, for turning. The pin is just a marker.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219841921246506674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3PVM8CpvtiPATVMsqsH2XoYvUX_uu9JpID1wdKA_aysXONinIdWmwUMdWh-KJH_SdJIjPM0TO7eCihukgXC9v6VHR7K0uQ55n2Ow_WjSxqPCUasBlkgk8eYNWzDazpXKFjptKQYOHH-H/s320/100_2086.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div>8) Again I reverse stitched both ends of the stitching to reinforce the stitching. This will be very necessary to keep the stitches from coming out when turning.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219842278962610818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNkYKXZe3eaWR3eZDwiJch8C1hZx8VE2Ma_fF_Ku4ruC_XtK00bYvl3CmbQjD-hI5FdqIpE4mvPg1y6Y1NqPTwxM_Vf6d2JNgZOtpTvZuUpWWw6Ouf4scZ3Ho1tJNlifvsKWxQEiIcfKX/s320/100_2087.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /></div><div>9) You should now have a square that looks much like this.</div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219842557102763762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTtfi0JIQVDNAdq2ag50sXAitxZtU_QJTWPmghGFitl9rF9bT2YAGL3NYflr4XhdGoLw7kceE8NcVZbggnBm92YpNh4xLGoCSQxzicvd8rY2iIHtrUSCpNyAlsuVJ_clPi-TVOMewbnjn/s320/100_2089.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><div>10) Cut off the corner of the closed end of the seam.<br /><br /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219842893705126002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgay7uRhF2_ovObg5lWTN-89Dt_5tJ_cOd6Q4YjFS9tn14qyVKkqOP7le0qYF-ifT9rCN7g1Qlv7-dr46R6_vw11wFBMNR9OwN0gylIXXeZd0HrAvYbldIGtarf_XSO_xLsAK36ZuvjRIFP/s320/100_2091.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div>11) Finger press open, and then iron the whole thing flat. It is really imporant that these seams are very flat, as when you turn them, they need to remain flat inside the square.</div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219843194565503442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="244" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_spv7OYAx3TjLswtF51KFmqm3Donk3_nntlKdR3hl6j2xVDCxS2NfFrxquYZELDjmHrtp-a21qkomYZRFkA5BPR9KEZOpMuxwsNFJE9lOCAFZF1I9W3MVxVnJ8l73PO98oJjyT3zEDDs/s320/100_2092.JPG" width="320" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><br /><div>12) Fiddle inside with a finger and outside with your thumb until you have the diagonally opposite corner to the opening. Push the corner through the opening and carefully pull through.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219843518214049490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoINpVNPm1LycgV_3_sidKzJ3jI2Z0jN89gjvflsRGq7pnV_z1Awi8Mpq_Tq2iBENUrqXudFdZ5ADdSnx9xFl_esbD810bO-dnqVu6hPWOPJ0NMclAgQBsdVX3cdT1XoIariCSURNw8GC/s320/100_2093.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div>13) Again fiddle with a finger inside the opening to ensure the seams are sitting flatly and again iron the entire square. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219843846618999698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PJxNoPHwIivc2YnphXXEDTKGOSN8afru547lpQzAAZqHvriM8aqH4DbVA8qy0ZeBqKvzsCzQ0z8VdMYIAG14bYyTt5g57VmuhpfZW-w6dcEU674H5SyjTJ1QRWw4-tj0RwC3_r3klIim/s320/100_2094.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>14) Now fold each of the corners in to the centre and pin. These are the basis of the frames that are the hallmark of the Cathederal Windows.</div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219844807787977330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafgI6Rm2B9rnTmY2hdleC1EoMiWDYSDCM-FHlONMg1TRSXjk_TMFXaQhj3KvYdi9Ts6AopyfeRqcEk8lfnARH55wnE2aU86Ip_Qh3XqbukJ2_o3ad8R7BJhmsMrREq3FNSeiq8bINv75k/s320/100_2096.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>15) Use a straight stitch and sew first down the entire centre of the square one way, turn it 90 degrees and sew the other centre, to form a cross. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219845126096848770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoSEaQvIEd4Yk1of7rUck-e9qlbuK1CSYg2O1EiqidC_p9tXhuKffPxCXEISycKiVrIK1rU618SOP0L_yuZ2JyK4OPFG0Tyxg29CgnImrStnxPreKybYzgLeqcth5gXlMEmm5GCz-FYoq/s320/100_2097.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>16) A group of four completed squares. You can see how they will go together to form the frames.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219845458668089010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4filNiIFUesEW1DhQ_8uRV1EODLOOtRHxwEA3U_vPfa_VFsLp3mCw_zUWpDDXjFOEKkkS8JX7WH0kCSiJuvaupsBY-rhuvWmLexFQ_rl5yLyS27BL-xtP9tIrVFP0YjFs5w9EdCUkSzvT/s320/100_2098.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>17) Using a zigzag stitch, join the two squares together through a frame. If you find sewing like this awkward, you might like to tack them onto a piece of non iron, non woven interfacing. This will help stabilize the sewing. You can either leave it on afterwards or snip it off. </div><div><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219845771320252690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-AYIAmOF2-gGcXV7jNDfHVL26yxigh4IXeqLyHTKDDah46W62if1Ko5zybX7RJsSTMrkySWXJ9KRcwZe524z-VUuThitdZgFi6K194-XWg1OQ335zUmxXmmIfLUFhLSD9WU-OPdXUx-Y/s320/100_2100.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>18) The four strips of four squares awaiting final joining.<br /><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219846308296429186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9Svx8GdaRaubDvWu8CanHsjYQ05F5ErkBlwQvsxevGsxePpD6T7z44S1hnddCZvGRBwYpb86h4Pj3FfYZ8HJ4Uf4QmTp2DiSyhjgGfvdewwaCYQNfn8QeSUYdP5U9Ef9p3Sc_zisK5xE/s320/100_2104.JPG" border="0" /><br />19) In the end, I decided against zigzaging the panels together and used hand stitch, in this case I used ladder stitch. It is a bit labour intensive, but I like the result it yielded. It really doesn't matter as in the end you can't really see any of the stitching. So use whatever is easiest for you.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219846049512494562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiLB4Y4f4SHNcHixOeKTmfxWvt58aNvbxqSyR7zoDV1Fbb5G_lq6edEi_kXwL9YoI7kzA259ciX2XXFn819Ow0tIjn9LkQO79HANCDEdRZeIBQYfs23vWFBTt2jdZ-pMqInY2TpWb-rwb/s320/100_2103.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />20) A closeup of the final panel. YOu can see the frames all ready to receive the pieces. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235299621715153330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eoXtk9hPGq7GBymB1-YNJitxeZbKK27G7QvvRNGDY_Axr9IrEEbksBuGz5ahfjhqH1llaivOOrMY6Cl18dT84AJj0r6BI7KIZri5aAuqg0265e2dM382nT-MM7L4z5FuVUKYFXNvbmTI/s320/100_2108.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>21) I am using two panels for a frame to demonstrate how the fabric squares are sewn to the</div><div>frame.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235299987151075698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGH1I94CxQkyZ9dnNcyKm54d0a_QVkAuf_laSGaiAfddwAE2uIyDtEHJgU7FHeMc4SE0oOJqFagiO1h_N-OHZuq6wrQI_x5c9H2MU2jlsjwf7NfPwccm_D0Ydo07Gzjy3TvSlrvQLCUeu_/s320/100_2109.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />22) Measure the outside of the frame (in this case it was 7 x 7 cms) and cut the square about 0.5cm less. (i.e. 6.5 x 6.5 cms).<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235300242970534162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1y-UKZFKrW0Eo8Lwa7u2HVtaaXoGv_GtiwbCPlhkJT6toUtjuIGPwTRYRh87PmdYlS415SE8aUFDpljmG-eJXDGI2h0vXltytA34fCpWK89CmtQGIyxiAYgRKCF3I5w7dvqGSz6uHSYNl/s320/100_2112.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p>23) Pin the frame around the patch of fabric, as shown.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235300507358960562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79XZbsxiYpk-RZLu_sg0qfJPoY8sxQjPuXRe-hVaEcKLivZljZ2BoPuumg2pVoyCQGyWJRcShk53PLdrrDg1HTfMJwqh0wD10hUBRpCuNXrzV-hDtVOCele9aWYuvL0iCC0cUHE88I50q/s320/100_2113.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>24) I use blind hem stitch, which is a little like ladder stitch to hook the patch to the frame.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235300782390007618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoCT8bhQqWAq7HysNk6Ah4A9DBp9lbkDiq9vPNH02O30N-yZcW8JMuSE_LMq16ap07rZFiAo38piqFsS2OJqd3YpbGCIOy0Tiho2ESeWm1Cl3eTXAJHj9FSiqAuTm3JKQIovRfTwXZY2S/s320/100_2114.JPG" border="0" /><br />25) And here is the finished patch. </p><p>You can see that it is really quite simple to do, and using a sewing machine for much of the foundation work means that you can get through it faster than by hand. For the slow cloth purist you can sew it all by hand. I did when I first started making these. However, for making a full size quilt, when all of the patches must be done by hand, making the foundation by machine helps speed things along, and it is neat and tidy.</p><p>Hope you have enjoyed this, my first tutorial. Some parts were delayed because of my being sick. Later when I have finished the panel, I will photograph it and put it onto the blog.</p><p>cheers.</p><p></p><p><br /></p>Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-23514450205838426222008-07-01T02:15:00.001-07:002008-07-01T02:18:04.068-07:00Towards a brighter tomorrow ..Well, the weekend, anyhow. I have been busy making a Cathedral Window Quilt and have documented it in the form of a tutorial. I shall edit the photographs, work on the text part and post it for you to see on the weekend. I would do it sooner, but I have to earn a living three days a week. Also, I have not looked at the photographs on a computer yet to see if they are going to be suitable and may have to go back over some areas if they are not clear.<br /><br />I hope it will give you all something to look forward to, and enjoy, as much as I have enjoyed doing it. <br /><br />Till then ...Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-6467440433557260962008-06-15T18:44:00.000-07:002008-06-15T19:04:01.151-07:00To be. Or. Not...Okay, so Paula Hewitt at <a href="http://paulahewitt.wordpress.com/">The Beauty of Life</a> wrote about her thoughts on the debate between "craft" and "art". Sharonb (see sidebar) also weighed in with her comment. So here is what I think.<br /><br />People who call their work "art" often think they are different because they went to "Art School" or something and studied some sort of Art. Technically, for this to be so, their work should be peer reviewed - which mostly it is not. Their "Art" is not different to those of us who "craft".<br /><br />"Craft" too, used to be what more skilled workers did, and belonged to guilds and had apprentices. Such as masons, carpenters and such. Nowadays these people are referred to as "blue collar workers" and frowned down upon by the "white collar workers". "Art" was usually limited to "painting", and included Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Renoir and Monet.<br /><br />But now, anything goes, and craft and art are much the same thing. Often it is producing something to justify the huge expense of buying all those "artistic" goodies and stash. So unless you are going to differentiate with guilds and apprentices, you really are just another person with alot of expensive "artistic" goodies and a stash you have to reduce.<br /><br />Unless you are peer reviewed, you artistic status is much the same as mine, and mine is that of a learner, or maybe "journeyman".<br /><br />Galleries that wish to differentiate are also going to find themselves going out of business. So much is available on line and so much of it commented on by the "hoi poloi" that trying to have a gallery that is not commented on somewhere in the blogsphere is just not possible. People need to be able to interact with art, whether it is on gallery walls, on their own private walls or on the internet. If they cannot interact with art they are going to let you know about it in no uncertain terms.<br /><br />It is not much different to the debate going on in the world of music these days. With so much music available on line, many music houses either have to adapt or fail. There are those who are trying to hold out for "the noble cause" but cannot understand why people are not flocking to them and their coffers are empty.<br /><br />Art and music have become "common". They are not there just for the elite select few, they are there for everyone. The "hoi poloi" understand art just as well as the elite, select few. Just because they are not "megarich" and overeducated, does not mean they do not have an opinion, nor are they incapable of "truly appreciating" the subtleties of nuances within art or music.<br /><br />Thus saith the hoi poloi ...Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8154321430245810513.post-65110084314622228312008-06-09T14:15:00.000-07:002008-06-09T14:27:32.811-07:00A bit of catching up ...Because of my big cleanup, I have not been making things. I have not go anything to show you. But I have joined a social network for Stitchers, called <a href="http://www.stitchinfingers.ning.com/">Stitchin fingers</a>. It is run by Sharonb, who I have talked about in earlier posts. I was going to do her Take it Further Challenge. These people are way too advanced for me. But in the group there are a cross section of stitchers, from beginners through to advanced. It is a lovely hub, and I hope to learn more, and contribute a little. <br /><br />So when I have finished my cleaning up, hopefully today, I have some work to do. I am hoping that today will be the day I can take my machine to the shop for servicing, or if it is tomorrow, I can give it to DD for her to give to them. <br /><br />Now that I have some really good storage for my crafts, and will get one for my sewing as well this week, I think I can be a bit more organised. Hopefully this will produce Art. The storage is really large boxes that slide into metal shelves, so most of it would be okay to just tape up for travel. A few things I would like to store more securely for travel, like my laminator, my clover iron, heat embosser and melt pot. They have electrical parts and I don't want to risk them breaking by being thrown around by careless removalists. Nothing like some tension sheet. (You know, bubble sheet that you get at the post office - on Red Dwarf it is called Tension Sheet - lol).<br /><br />Then maybe I can vamp up and ramp up this blog to be something.<br /><br /> ... never know your luck in a big city, as the X used to say ...Kazza’s Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379268100328356257noreply@blogger.com0