ATC-Queen Of Heart

ATC-Queen Of Heart
Originally uploaded by okanagan_spirit

One of the themes for the Feb Byhandartists monthly ATC swaps is "Queen of Hearts" in keeping with the blog challenge. Various backgrounds and 2 different digital images of Queen of Hearts, rubber stamps from Quietfire Design and sheer ribbon with heart rhinestones. This can be considered part ot the Queen of Hearts Challenge as well

Edit: I forgot to mention that the top 2 have sugar beads on the Queen card.

Paper Art Doll 1

Paper Art Doll 1
Originally uploaded by okanagan_spirit

I used a template from TheEnchantedGallery and printed it on Wausau natural Astroparche cardstock. The doll was cut out and the face from Crafty Secrets "Altered Art" set was rubber stamped with Memento rich cocoa ink. The quote and flourish stamps from Quietfire Design were stamped with Ancient Page Cardinal or Memento rich cocoa inks. I then used a sponge to randomly colour in with Distress inks fired brick and weathered wood.

2010 Feb ATC The Coffee Ring

2010 Feb ATC The Coffee Ring
Originally uploaded by okanagan_spirit

The themes for the Feb ATC Vancouver swap at The Grind are raspberry, rings and rust. I decided to do ring. The little coffee pot stamp is from Crafty Secrets and the other stamps are from Cornish Heritage Farms "Journal Me" set.

Greeting Card-Baby

Greeting Card-Baby
Originally uploaded by okanagan_spirit

Here is the Saturday card project from Cherish The Thought. I started with a Cuttlebug embossing folder to emboss the background layer then rubber stamped the edging, little bird and "Special Delivery" postal cancellation. The vintage carriage is stamped on cream cardstock cut with a scalloped circle Nestabilities Die. The background layer is edged with Memento Rich Cocoa ink. The lace and a ribbon is added with double sided tape and the cream piece is glued on with foam dots. Now came the frame for the carriage, this was done with 2 Nestabillities dies, the scalloped circle and the inverted scallop circle. We first placed the inverted scallop circle on a magnetic sheet, then lined up the points of the scallop circle with the points of the inverted scallop die. This was cut with the Big Shot and I got this cute little bubble frame which was edged with the Memento ink then glued to the cream circle.

Queen of Heart Journal Page

Queen of Heart Journal Page
Originally uploaded by okanagan_spirit

Judy, one of the byhandartists members proposed a challenge to do a project on the theme of Queen of Hearts so I did a page in my journal. I used fired brick Distress Ink to colour the page, found a vintage Queen of Hearts playing card image on-line, and inked the edges with Memento rich cocoa ink. I ran the image through the Xyron and added Sugar Beads. The frame is the piece left from the Watercolour Card I did a couple of weeks ago. The words "Queen of" and "heart" are Quietfire Design stamps rubber stamped with Blazing Red StazOn ink on thick cardstock, cut and attached with double sided tape. The lace along the bottom of the page is a piece of edging I knit from red no. 10 cotton and 2.25mm needles.

Life Stores Mini Album

Here are all the pages in a slide show for the Life Stories Mini Album I posted a few days ago.
Enjoy

Valentine Greeting Card

Valentine Greeting Card
Originally uploaded by okanagan_spirit

This card made on Jan 23 at Cherish The Thought, used a new Cuttlebug "Bloom Dots" embossing folder, torn scrapbook paper, 2 sizes of chipboard flowers and ribbon as well as a French sentiment rubber stamped.

Life Stories Mini Album

I took my second class at Cherish The Thought on Wed. and had a wonderful private session with Jessie. It's unfortunate no one else signed up for the Wed. morning class because this is a nice little album and the Basic Grey papers I used are just gorgeous. The good thing for me is that the lovely Jessie does not cancel a class if even one person signs up. This book starts with KaiserKraft mdf Antique Tags kit and a selection of the Basic Grey papers in the Life Stories line. I started out removing the shapes from the punch out sheet and then moved on to mostly straight cutting with my paper trimmer. A few of the rectangular pieces were cut to the shape of the top of the tag. Then I started adding the little tags and word pieces, tying on sheer brown ribbon to some. There is one little rubber stamp image added to one page and all the edges are rubbed with brown ink. I tied some off white and brown sheer ribbon to the ring and will probably add more. My little album is just waiting for me to choose some photos and do some journaling. This was a great class and I love the book so much I bought another tag kit and have lots of paper to finish it. I'll need some embellishments though, because most of that sheet was used.

January ATC Swap at The Grind

I'm living up to the Queen of The Last Minute ATCs I made for the byhand swap and am rushing madly to finish ATCs for the swap at The Grind. Here is a few of the ones I've gotten finished so far.
The themes for this month is blue, books or beads.
The first set is more of the "By The Numbers Pockets" this time all blue, no orange here.

This next set I've used all 3 temes, I have a mostly blue chair with a stack of books on a embossed blue cardstock background. The blue fibres have beads on. I also used a Fiskars embossing border punch on the top edge. The words are computer generated and printed on white cardstock. These are called "Books in The Blue Room"



And the final group I've made so far is "Sing Little Blue Bird". For this I made a 3 layer cardstock template with a 2 inch circle punched out of the ATC sized template. I placed the blue cardstock in the Victoria Cuttlebug embossing folder and the template behind the cardstock and closed the folder. The sandwich I used was the A plate, 5 pieces of Cuttlebug packaging cardboard, the embossing folder and fially one B plate. This left a circle that is not embossed and I used that area to rubber stamp a little bird and music from the Crafty Secrets clear "Altered Art" small stamp set. The word sing is computer generated and printed on white cardstock. all this is layered onto a darker blue cardstock and ribbon, beads and a blue rhinestone are the embellishments.

January ATC Swap

The theme for this month's swap on byhandartists Yahoo group is blue and orange or packets. For this first set I used blue and orange with either colour for the first layer and words, then used the other colour for the main layer. I used the Cuttlebug Forever Friends embossing and die set and on the first I used paper flowers and the second has a silk flower.

This set is couragated cardboard run through the Cuttlebug with a Sizzex embossing folder and rubbed with a blue pigment inkpad. The words are a Quietfire Design stamped on orange cardstock.

This last one is my favourite, it uses blue orange and pockets. The bottom layer is blue with a rubberstamped tape measure. The next 2 layers are orange scrapbook patterned paper. The top layer is white cardstock rubberstamped with blue pigment ink and numbers from various stamp sets. The pockets have tags and mini monopaly money. The card is finished with and orange lace ribbon and blue and orange fibres. The blue plastic tag with a number is a tree tag used by tree planters.

Jan 9 Watercolour Greeting Card

Jan 9 Watercolour Greeting Card
Originally uploaded by okanagan_spirit

Today's card project at Cherish The Thought was something I've never done before and one I really wanted to do. We used watercolour markers on a Local King Rubber Stamp, sprayed water on watercolour paper and stamped. Top 2 layers are cut with Nestabilities and background layer embossed with Floral Screen Cuttlebug embossing folder.The watercolour layer and the embossed layer are edged with blue ink.

Finished - What's On My Needles

Finished - What's On My Needles
Originally uploaded by okanagan_spirit

Hooray, they are done, the spa washcloths I showed you a few days ago are off the needles, they turned out nice. They are a little smaller than I would like, but that is easily fixed by casting on more stitches at the beginning, I think 4 more stitches might do. These ones measure 7 inches down the centre panel not including the hanging loop and 5 inches on the sides. This is an enjoyable pattern to knit, I will be doing more. I used Bernat cotton, but I think the linen would be even more elegant.

Rainy Day Fun

Well it started with a light drizzle when I left yesterday and so I headed to Port Moody for some stash therapy at the Black Sheep Yarns for the yarn sale. I know, I should be reducing my stash and I am with several projects, but this lovely stuff just begged to come home with me. How could I resist such lovely colour and soft yarn as the large skein of Dream in Color Baby Lace Weight hand painted yarn, Wisterious colourway. The other 3 skeins are more soft merino hand dyed wool from Peru. This is sock or fingering weight yarn that I think is destined to become amulet bags. Lots of knitting heaven in my future.


So I left the yarn shop for my walk to Cherish The Thought in puring rain. What happened while I was fondling beautiful wool? Oh well with my umbrella I should stay fairly dry and there is the first card project of 2010 waiting for me.

This one used the "Friends Forever" Cuttlebug die and embossing folder set. This is a lovely set with several greetings, but I wish it also had thank you. The first card "kindred spirit" is the one we made for the make and take, quite simple and quick. I thought it needed something more and added the flower at home.

Then I made "friends forever" and used brown cardstock and a pre-cut scalloped card front that came with the box of envelopes I needed for my handmade cards. I sponged tea dye Distress ink on the raised part of the embossed image and vintage photo Distress Ink on the edge. I think the flower I had on hand was perfect.

Knit Spa Washcloth

Knit Spa Washcloth
Originally uploaded by okanagan_spirit

This washcloth I finished in time to give to my son for Christmas and just grabbed it back long enough for a photo before he starts using it. This one has 4 different tree images knitted in, too bad they don't show up as well with this yarn as they would have with plain colour yarn. This was knit with Bernat cotton and 4.50 mm needles. It takes a bit of concentration, but is not too difficult a pattern to knit, the next time I do this it will be with a plain colour yarn. This pattern was offered to the members of holidaymysterygiftknitalong Yahoo group in 2008 and now can be purchased from the designer at Knitwits Alley

What's On My Needles

What's On My Needles
Originally uploaded by okanagan_spirit

Well lots of other projects are on various needles, I always have several things on the go so I can choose whether I want a simple or challenging project. For now I'll show you this project.
I started this work in progress a few days ago and am getting close to done. These spa washcloths are a pattern by Tina Hilton adapted from Jill Wilcott Y2Knit pattern. I am knitting 2 at a time with my treasured ebony needles. This is knit with Bernat worsted weight cotton on 5.oo mm needles. They should be done soon, as long as I can continue to avoid getting the yarns tangled.

12 Days of Christmas Gift Swap The End

Well now that the gift swap is sadly over I can show you the lovely Day 13 gift from Mary-Beth which I opened on my day 9. This sweet little girl has been hanging on my dining room wall since Dec 21 now you can see it too. Thanks Mary-Beth for the gift and for being a gracious hostess again this year.

12 Days of Christmas Gift Swap Day Eight Revisit

Just in the nick of time Linda H's day 8 gift arrived so I was able to open it before Dec 24th was over. This lovely little bag sewn so beautifully by Linda is a triangular shape and has a hanging loop, I'll need to find just the right thing to store in this. I might use it for small knitting and crochet tools near by. Whatever I decide I'm glad it arrived in time and with no harm done to it on the way here. Thanks Linda H.

12 Days of Christmas Gift Swap Day Twelve

The last day of opening these gifts, I'll be sorry to have it end, but I have so many lovely gifts to enjoy. From Kristy I have this absolutely beautiful envelope book filled with tea. This will be just the thing to help me relax over the holiday and I'd sure like to know how to make one myself. Thanks Kristy.

12 Days of Christmas Gift Swap Day Eleven

So today Dec 23 is time to open Linda C's gift. This one is a fun holiday jointed paper doll. Won't she look just lovely on my tree? The last gift to open then the fun ends for this year.
Thanks Linda for adding to my beautiful collection.

12 Days of Christmas Gift Swap Day Ten

Yesterday, Dec 23 was Carolyn's gift opening. She made this lovely hanging full of lovely colour texture, photo and beads. This is another beauty for my treasure collection. two more days to go and hoping Linda H's day 8 gift arrives by then.
Thanks Carolyn for this beauty.

12 Days of Christmas Gift Swap Day Nine

Day Nine was the day for opening my gift and Suzanne's. Well, since I don't have mine to open I got to open Mary-Beth's Day Thirteen gift, I imagine it will look delicious in my holiday decor, but that's all I can tell you for now since the others will open this gift on their day and I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise.
I can show you the lovely gift from Suzanne. This beautiful snowflake charm in a little frame will look great on my tree. Thanks Suzanne.

My gift is an altered bamboo domino necklace. I used 3 colours of bamboo dominoes and digital images of some of my altered heads and a fish image. All have beads and black or natural jute cord. I printed a scan of the matching pendant on the card before embossing with the Cuttlebug embossing folders.

12 Days of Christmas Gift Swap Day Eight

Dec 20 was another 2 gift day, but since Linda H's gift had not arrived yet I still had Sue's gift to open. This is a beauty, a metal tag with mesh and beads angel magnet. This one was a hard one to photograph and really much better to see in person. I guess the rest of you will just have to settle for my photo.

12 Days of Christmas Gift Swap Day Seven

On Day 7 to, be opened on Dec 19, I should have opened Beth's gift. Since is has not yet arrived I opened Ruth's Day 1 gift which had not arrived by Dec 13. So on the 19th I opened this lovely magnetic calender and note pad. This has such pretty background paper and ribbon on it and I will have is near my desk to refer to every day.

December ATC Swap AT The Grind

The theme for this month is hands so I have done two series that are similar. The first set is "Creative Hands" and uses a digital background and digital text. The fun foam hand is heated and a rubber stamp pressed into it. The hands are painted with gold and silver craft acrylic paint. I finished with wrapping and tying jute cord around the cards.

The second set is "Mind and Hands" and used assorted recycled tissue box and other cardstock and tissue, text paper and 1 has rubber stamped flowers and another has sealing wax. I hope to do a few more tonight, but with the leftovers from previous swaps I should have enough for tomorrows swap.

Christmas Tags

Today's project at Cherish The Thought was these 2 wonderful Christmas tags. Both of these tags are made from recycled corrugated cardboard. The first tag we peeled the top layer off the tag after using the BigShot to die-cut the tags. The red strip is embossed with the snowflake Cuttlebug embossing folder and tied ribbon around near the bottom.
The second tag uses a poinsettia corner embossing folder and coloured with gel pens on the debossed side. I will hang these on the tree rather than using them on a package.

12 Days of Christmas Gift Swap Day Six

So yesterday, Dec 18 was the day to open the gift from Jane H. Now I have a set of 4 very festive and useful holiday coasters. These are nice and sturdy canvas coasters that should be able to come out for the season for many years. What fun this swap is again this year.

12 Days of Christmas Gift Swap Day Five

Kathleen's day 5 gift was opened on Dec 16 and is an altered scrabble tile with "Laugh" on pretty blue paper and the letter L on the back. This is on a silver chain ready to wear and is another treasure from my gift basket. I am getting some lovely gifts and more to open, lucky me.

12 Days of Christmas Gift Swap Day Four

Day 4 was another double dip day so we had 2 gifts to open on Dec 16.
Wanda's gift is this business size pouch with a Blessings embellishment and charms, just lovely. As an added bonus it contains 3 double-sided cards nicely decorated and rubber stamped with Quietfire Design quotes.

From Daphne came a lovely little purse for an ipod or similar electronic gadget. I don't have any of those gadgets, but I will sure find a good use for this gift, it's just to pretty not to use.

12 Days of Christmas Gift Swap Day Three

Day Three, the gift I pulled from my basket on Dec 15 was from Wendy, and couldn't be more perfect for me. Now I don't go out for coffee very often, but when I do the cups are just way too hot for me hold, so this java jacket with the cute little bird will come in very handy. Wendy has done a beautiful job on this, it is well finished and the colours are so lovely.

12 Days of Christmas Gift Swap Day Two

We had a treat for Day 2 and had 2 gifts, which I did open on Dec 14 but just haven't gotten it on the blog till now. From Carmen is this lovely snowman shaker ornament. I just wonder how many times this will get shaken when someone passes the Christmas tree.

From Jane S. is the most lovely paper bag book. Now I have seen information about these, but just never thought they could be very elegant. Jane sure has changed my mind about that with this beautiful book which has tags for us to do some art on.

Christmas ATC 4, 5 and 6

Christmas ATC 4, 5 and 6
Originally uploaded by okanagan_spirit

More Christmas ATCs. All use the same photo as the previous ones and the first of this group has a burgandy cardstock frame with distress stickles added. The other 2 have a photo of my toy sewing machine.

Knit Scarf

Knit Scarf
Originally uploaded by okanagan_spirit

This scarf is knit with a very rustic thick and thin yarn, not what I would usually pick, but it seemed to call to me this time. I knit most of it in 2 days, then took about 2 weeks to finish the last bit off, so it would be a quick knit if I stayed focused. I knit this on 12mm. needles and used approx. 2 and one third 50gr balls of yarn and measure 5.5 in by 57 in long.

12 Days of Christmas Gift Swap Day One

This is the wonderful day one gift from Judy. She has done a beautiful job of needle felting. Some of our days have 2 gifts since we ended up with 18 participants, but my second day 2 gift has not arrived yet. I will get to open that when it lands in my basket.

12 Days of Christmas Gift Swap

I've been making the gifts, checking my list twice and got everything in the mail. I just hope they have arrived at their destinations, the mail has been slow this year and my gift basket is still waiting for 5 more gifts, but we are going to start opening each days gifts and hope the rest arrive before they should be opened.
I've been collecting the lovely gifts in this basket as they arrived and waiting till we can start opening.

The first photo is the basket from the stairs using zoom. This is what I see every day when I walk past or come down the stairs, all the better to enjoy the pretty gifts from upstairs or down.

Standing by my basket in the foyer. This is right beside the front entry and near the bottom of the stairs so I can enjoy the gifts frequently.