Stampin' Up!

Time to start showing my wares, so to speak.

I never intended TFT to be a craft blog, because crafting is just one of many (many) interests. However, there has been a dominance of misadventure in the craft room lately and if I start to give away everything I make, at least I shall have a visual reminder of them.

Thus we arrive at my new favourite funtime: stamping.

To suggest that I am in love with stamping would be an understatement. Which is why I take myself down to the local Community Centre every Thursday night for the Stampin' Up! sessions, where I get to play with their slightly intimidating die-cut and embossing machines, and construct cards, mini-gift boxes and tealight candle-holders, very much like these:

Embossed textures is one of my favorite things - and who would've thought I'd want so badly to buy a crimper? (You can see the crimping on the pink piece, behind the 'CREATE' card - it gives an appearance similar to corrugated iron... I am having future project ideas already).

My first - ever - attempt at embossing (above) with VersaMark and white embossing powder. There is a whole selection of colors to emboss with, and you get to play with a mini-heat gun... kind of like a baby hairdryer.

This is my fave project so far - it's using a die-cut for a teeny-tiny milk carton, which has been remodeled into a gift box, and sweet imagery stamped on the individual panels. Inking the edges gives it a little extra something.

Keep Calm, Cupcake

Sound advice from afar (thanks Nancy). This arrived last week, along with a miniature 'Keep Calm and Carry On' book and a gorgeous easel card. Now, when I am having a craft crisis - I'll know what to do.

Something crafty at the Fair

Bell and I went a little craftin' crazy at the Fair on Friday. Not only did we see some amazing demonstrations, we also got our hands dirty (and the sleeves of our shirts) in a couple of workshops.

The highlight for me was seeing the work of the incredibly talented creator / owner / designer  of DarkRoom Door, Rachel Greig. If I could get my hands on the whole DD collection of stamps, I would be a very happy girl.

And of course, Distress Ink has completely changed my life. And ATC's... where do I start? They seem to be the perfect combination of art: paper, stamps, fabric, and words - all rolled into one.

In awe

I am in awe of every inch of this book: beginning with the front cover, the wax-paper flyleaf, through to every word, image and texture on the pages. I squealed like a child when it arrived on my desk yesterday and have been longing to set-up camp on the couch with no interruptions, and simply follow Pia's dreams of wandering the earth...

This is also on it's way. I hesitated with this one, yet I am intrigued by the concept of living as one, whilst living among many. Where some people fear their own company, or simply the feeling of oneness, I relish it. I love my own family, yet I crave my own space, essential to allow myself to think and feel and breathe at a different pace. When you can separate the feeling of oneness from a feeling of isolation, it becomes wonderful. I wonder if my opinions will change after I read this?

This looks like fun - learn how to bind journals with the Wish Journal Workshop, courtesy of The Journal Girl Shoppe. And it's completely online (my kind of convenience). You can hear a lovely song in the intro video: Absolutely Nothing by Lilly Allen. Ooh, and she also has a zine called Page by Page.

fine fabric

Amy at badskirt was the lucky recipient of this prize. The prints and colors speak to me in so many ways. What fabulous combinations: typewriters and fabric, strong red and moss green, with a touch of vintage cream.

You must find time for reading

No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.
- Confucius

This, and other sage advice about improving our relationship with the printed word can be found at this amazing blog: The Mental Fitness Center.