Lots of Prep

I'm all packed up and ready for my day at The Papeterie tomorrow. And I'm really looking forward to seeing Andy Skinner again. Andy is incredibly talented and has some amazing techniques to create a huge variety of different effects on paper and other surfaces.
So if you're in or around Aberdeen tomorrow then pop in and see Andy at work. 


I'll also be demo-ing tomorrow, so if you want any promarker or flexmarker hints, tips and advice then come see me. If you want to learn more about the new flexmarkers then I have a class in the afternoon where I'll be covering the basics of colouring with these brush tip alcohol markers, and how they work independently of or alongside promarkers.
I have updated my demo/class page - so please check it out, for details of where I'll be demonstrating and teaching.


I thought I'd share a Bella card with you today

Image: Bella Sleeping, from Wild Rose Studio, coloured with promarkers. I coloured an extra Bella and decoupaged her.
Papers are all from the Bella paper pack from Wild Rose Studio, Greeting is from the Birthday Circles set from Wild Rose Studio
Bakers twine - all supplies available from The Papeterie
I'd like to enter her into...
Ditzy Craftymess - Baby theme
Moving Along With The Times - Cute n Cuddly
Stars and Stamps Midweek Throwdown - Cute Characters


Thanks for visiting, 
I appreciate any comments 
Debz x

Last of The Vintage Chic

I just want to say  to everyone who wished me well after my migraine the other day - I don't get them very often thankfully, but boy do they floor me when I do get them. Fingers crossed I don't get another one for a long while.
If you've been reading over the last few days, you'll know that I've been featuring some cards and tags that I made using the stamps from the Cardmaking in Easy Steps magazine kit. And here's the last card that I made, and this is my favourite...

I stamped the dress form stamp with versamark onto some scraps of kraft card and embossed with white embossing powder. I trimmed 2 pieces the same size and one slightly smaller to go in the middle
 I used Faded Jeans to colour the edges on the 2 larger pieces and Victorian Velvet on the smaller one. I then matted all 3 onto black card and attached to a shaped card blank from Craftwork Cards. I attached some twill ribbon and stamped the greeting direct onto the card.


I'd like to enter this card into...
DYSU - Sew It
Divas By Design - use a stamp
My Mums craft Shop - stamp it


Thanks for visiting,
 I appreciate any comments 
Debz x

Vintage Chic Cards

Before I get started and forget, Liz asked me about the Promarker Paradise Facebook page - this is my promarker chum Lou's baby and there are loads of resources on the group - links to blogs, tutorials, storage ideas etc and of course somewhere to show off your colouring. Here's the link.
Well it's hump day again and I'm running way behind. I lost a complete day yesterday, I had a migraine which came on first thing in the morning, but I managed to get the kids off to school and I got home before I threw up, so I ended up lying in bed with a pillow over my head to blot out the light all day.
Anyway, am lots better today, so I'm typing this up while I'm eating lunch so that I can get back to making samples for this weekend. 
Today I thought I'd share a couple of the cards from last weekend. This was using the stamps from the magazine kit again..for the Papeterie birthday weekend - remember to pop over to enter their fab birthday blog candy.

 For this card I used one of the free papers from the kit as well as the elegant lady stamp. I used black embossing powder on the white card and white embossing powder on the black card and punched out the circles. I layered the patterned paper onto black card, inked around a doily and added that and some black adhesive pearls.
I'd like to enter this card into...
CAS - ual fridays - pastel & black CAS

 This card was a nice quick and easy card. I coloured a panel of scrap card with Faded Jeans distress ink, then stamped the clock stamp from the magazine kit with Faded Jeans and Chipped Sapphire. I then stamped some more clocks onto scrap card - some I coloured with Faded Jeans and some I left white. I then punched these clocks out and layered them onto the panel with 3d foam tape. I then added the panel and stamped a greeting onto a shaped card blank (this one is from Craftwork Cards) and attached some seam binding that I'd coloured with distress inks.
I'd like to enter this card into...

Crafty Cardmakers - Time


Thanks for visiting, 
I appreciate any comments 
Debz x

Vintage Chic

There is a kit magazine out at the moment - only selected craft shops are stocking it, and The Papeterie is one of those shops. It's called "Cardmaking In Easy Steps", and it's a wee bit different to the kit mags you get in the supermarkets and newsagents. The issue that is out at the moment is called "Vintage Chic"  and I thought I'd try and illustrate what can be done once you've used all the stuff in the kit and are still left with the stamps - they really sparked my imagination.

 For this tag I cut 2 tags using the Tim Holtz Tag & Bookplates die. I added a TH butterfly movers and shapers die to the tag die so that I'd have a butterfly die cut from the top tag. The top tag was then coloured with Evergreen Bough Distress Ink from the winter limited edition set. I also used this distress inpad to colour the seam binding. I distressed the edges of both tags with my Distrezz-It machine then lined up the tags and stamped the butterfly stamp from the magazine kit through the aperture onto the 2nd tag. I then layered up the tags using 3d foam tape. The greeting was also from the kit and it was stamped onto the waste from the middle of one of the bookplates from the TH die.
I'd like to enter this one into..
Craft Your Passion - monochromatic
The Pink Elephant - butterflies

 For this tag I used the birdcage stamp from the magazine kit - I stamped randomly over the whole stamp with Versamark ink and clear embossed. I then blended Peeled Paint distress ink all over the tag (the embossed birdcages resist the distress ink) I then flicked on some water and once it was dry I stamped the birdcage randomly over the tag with the Peeled Paint ink. I stamped the birdcage again onto a scrap of card using Victorian Velvet, cut around it then covered with versamark ink and clear embossed. I also used the Victorian Velvet inkpad to colour the seam binding and washer for the tag. The velvet and crochet trim is from The Papeterie.
I'd like to enter this one into:
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Tags
Secret Crafter - shabby chic vintage

And finally this last one... firstly I coloured the tag with Wild Honey and Dried Marigold distress inks, then flicked with water like the last one. Then I stamped Dried Marigold and the Hero Arts Newspaper background stamp. Using black Archival Ink I stamped the butterfly stamp from the kit 3 times and the birthday greeting from the kit once. I coloured the butterflies a wee bit with a touch of promarkers. And again I coloured the seam binding with Wild Honey distress ink and used Brushed Corduroy to edge the tag.
I'd like to enter this one into...
Incy Wincy Designs - Tag It
Gingerloft - happy birthday


Thanks for visiting, 
I appreciate any comments 
Debz x

And relax....

What a busy weekend! I've had a fantastic weekend at The Papeterie's big birthday bash - thankyou to everyone who came along and helped us celebrate. It was lovely to meet lots of new faces and old friends.
A special wee wave to the lovely Liz and your sister - I promise to try harder to post more often on my blog :)
Pop on over to The Papeterie blog to see some pics from the weekend, and also the results of the card competition and the birthday raffle. AND as if that wasn't enough, Charlotte is offering some fab candy to celebrate their birthday and the bloagaversary - you have to be in it to win it. You could win a deep box full of a selection of their cardstock, a set of spellbinders nesties and a large embossing folder....

So this week I'm making up some samples for my demo and class on Saturday at The Papeterie. This week my class will be using Letraset Flexmarkers. There are still place available, so if you fancy learning how to use these pens, either independently or alongside your promarkers then phone 01224 802337 to book your place.


So I'm going to leave you with a couple of samples I made for last weekend featuring the gorgeous new Bella stamps from Wild Rose Studio - The Papeterie stocks all of these stamps, the printed panels and co-ordinating paper packs.

 Image: Bella with Flowers, coloured with promarkers and flexmarkers
gingham card is kanban, border punch is EK Success

Image: Bella's Birthday coloured with promarkers and flexmarkers
gingham card is kanban, border punch is Martha Stewart.


I'd like to enter her into:
Creative Stamp Friends - Spring (I've made easter baskets in spring colours)
 Challenge Up Your Life - zoo animals
One Stop Craft Challenge - CAS
Sweet Stampin' - anything goes
Passion for Promarkers - animals


Thanks for visiting, 
I appreciate any comments 
Debz x

More Sneaky Peeks

Yesterday was a very productive day for me, I was on a roll with the samples for this weekend and made 3 cards and 3 tags - I know, that's more than I ususally get done in a fortnight lol. 
Now, I'm not normally one for making tags, but I treated myself to the Tim Holtz die that has a full size tag and 2 bookplates on it - let me tell you, it's going to get a LOT of use. I love the fact that it even cuts out a couple of the wee reinforcing washers.
Anyway, that's enough of the Timmy love for this time of day lol
Here's the sneaky peeks

Those are my tags, I know they're not giving much away, but I'm quite pleased with them :)
Well, have a great 2nd day of Spring everyone :)
Thanks for visiting, 
I appreciate any comments 
Debz x

Papeterie Birthday Sneaky Peeks

This week looks like it's shaping up to be a week of sneaky peeks. 
Today I thought I'd share some wee peekies at some of the samples I've done for this weekend's birthday bash at The Papeterie.
Charlotte revealed the special guests that will be appearing at The Papeterie over this weekend, so pop over to The Papeterie blog for all the details.
I'm so excited about this weekend, Charlotte has so much planned - so many cool offers and discounts and fabulous make & takes and demos
Anyway, here are some sneaky peeks - don't want to give too much away just yet, but these creations feature the super-cute new character from Wild Rose Studio - Bella.

Look out for more sneaky peeks and surprises over at The Papeterie blog this week


Thanks for visiting, 
I appreciate any comments 
Debz x

GJWTHF Sneaky Peeks

Well, we've been promising you some sneaky peeks of what's happening at GJWTHF in Aberdeen next month, so today we're going to tease you a wee bit.
Kath has another sneaky peek for you, so have a jaunt over to her blog for a nosey.
So here's a wee peek at my project....

and another......

So, in true Rolf Harris style: can you tell what it is yet?
I'm really excited about this project because its a bit of a deviation from my normal promarker colouring project, and I've been using some fabulous new products which has been great fun. I just hope all of you who are coming to GJWTHF Aberdeen like it too.






Thanks for visiting, 
I appreciate any comments
Debz x

DYSU GDT Spot

I recently won a top 3 at the fab Do You Stack Up? challenge blog and the lovely ladies there offered me a GDT spot - how could I refuse :) 

The challenge this time is "Use your favourite colour" (sorry, I just can't use the American spelling lol) so I thought "woohoo, I'll be able to do purple" but then they told me I'd have to use this super cute image called Princess Kitty from Karen's Doodles and I then though "agh, you can't have a purple cat", then I stopped panicking and just got on with it, so here's what I came up with. I don't think I've ever actually used more purple on one card before....

Image: Princess Kitty from Karen's Doodles, coloured with promarkers
Papers are all Wild Rose Studios, all bling and pearls coloured with promarkers
black card from The Papeterie


Here's a close up of her bonny wee face to show that I used Glossy Accents on her eyes and heart pendant, and Glamour Dust on her crown.

Thanks to the girls at DYSU for having me this week, it's been a real pleasure. Remember to pop over and have a go at the challenge and see the other fab creations from the DT.


I'd like to enter her into....

I  ♥  Promarkers - anything goes
Digi Makeover Challenge - critters
Karen's Doodles Challenge - something special
Crafting When We Can - animals
One Stitch at a Time - use a digi

Thanks for visiting, 
I appreciate any comments 
Debz x

GJWTHF - Update

Morning folks,
I dunno about you, but I'm loving all this sunshine we're having, bit wary that we have managed to miss all the snow this winter though.
Anyway, I'm posting today about GJWTHF - we still have places left for the Aberdeen event on Saturday 7th April and the Perth event on Saturday 9th June.
Unfortunately, it's looking like these may well be our last Girls Just Want To Have Fun craft days, the logistics of co-ordinating venues that are available at the same time that all 3 of us are free from our other work committments is becoming nigh on impossible.
So if you've thought about coming to one, then now's your chance because you may not get another opportunity.

We've had a lot of people saying that they only make cards/scrapbooks and they don't think that GJWTHF is for them. Well, we use a lot of techniques and products that can be used in a variety of different applications. For instance, my projects usually feature either promarkers/flexmarkers or alcohol inks - all of which you can use in card-making, atc's, scrapbooking etc. We are trying to inspire everyone who attends, and of course it is lots of fun.
Some people have commented that the £50 fee is expensive, - well 50 quid is 50 quid, yes it's a lot of money. But we think that GJWTHF is incredibly good value and you get a lot for your money.... you will complete 3 projects - the equivalent of 3 x 2 hour classes and we provide all the materials and tools you need, plus we throw in a buffet lunch and refreshments. It's also a great fun day out, meeting new crafters.


To book your place, email me here.


Thanks for visiting, 
I appreciate any comments 
Debz x

Yay, Essay Done

Well I was up until 1.30 in the morning finishing my essay, but hey-ho, it's done now and I'm more or less happy with it. I found it quite difficult to include all the points I wanted to include in 1000 words, but hopefully my tutor knows what I'm saying - we'll just have to wait and see. So that's the last tutor-marked assignment of the module that I'm doing, I just have the big end of module assessment to do which is due in April.
So now that I have that out of the way for now, I can crack on with the crafty work that's been lining up - I've been refusing myself access to the crafty space until this essay was done, or I'd never get out of the bit lol
And I now have loads of prep to be getting on with - if you pop on over to The papeterie blog, you'll see it's their 6th birthday on the 24/25th March and they're having a party all weekend. I'm joining Charlotte and a special guest for some make & takes featuring some gorgeous new products. There's the fabulous Wild Rose Studio stamps and papers, including the oh-so-cute Bella...

And there just might be some of these stunning new Mo Manning toppers fro The Hobby House...

And some special Vintage Chic products...

Charlotte also has a whole host of special offers and freebies for the whole birthday weekend, so it's definitely worth a visit. And I'd better get on with making some samples and kits :)
Before I go, don't forget that The Papeterie are offering free p&p on any paper/card orders for the duration of the Hobbycrafts show at the SECC, so that's from now until Sunday at 4pm. So you should definitely think about stocking up on Diamond White for stamping, and some of the multitude of other colours for matting and layering. I'd recommend the 300gsm for stamping and 160gsm for digital printing in the Diamond White :) Just call the shop or email Charlotte, you'll find all the info on The Papeterie blog's sidebar.
Thanks for visiting, 
I appreciate any comments 
Debz x

I've created a monster!

Regular visitors to my blog will already know that I have a couple of little proteges, Willow and Faith. Willow already has a very healthy selection of promarkers and an ever-growing stash box. But on this latest trip to The Papeterie she decided she's going to have a go at Altered Art and bought (I use that term loosely, what I really mean is I paid for it) a papier mache box and a wooden key case. 
Now she's a clever cookie and does listen to her mum now and again... daddy came through while she was colouring the wooden box with promarkers, and said "noooooooooooo, you can't use your promarkers for that" to which Willow and I replied in unison "oh yes you can!"
So here's her altered box - she's coloured it with promarkers and decorated it with a Whimsy image and a Tim Holtz rosette made out of SU papers...

Here's her altered key cabinet that she has decided to use as a jewellery cabinet.....

Her one fault though, is that she doesn't take her time - but then patience is something her mother is lacking too lol
Well, I have to write a Marketing essay, so I better get back to it.


Thanks for visiting, 
I appreciate any comments 
Debz x

Updated White Skin and Brunette Hair Tutorial

To begin with I have printed my digital stamp (Making Valentines from Saturated Canary) onto smooth white cardstock (Diamond White from The Papeterie) 

I will be using Burnt Orange and Coral promarkers and Sunkissed Pink and Blush Flexmarkers for the skin.

The first colour I use is Burnt Orange (with an ultra fine nib fitted), this looks very dark – but it is toned down with the blending as we go along – it gives the skin a nice healthy glow. I’ve very lightly coloured underneath the hairline around the top and sides of the face.

Using the bullet nib of the Coral promarker I have coloured over the Burnt Orange areas then moved slightly further out into the white areas of the face. I use small circular strokes. By colouring over the darker shade, I’m blending as I go.

Repeat the last step using the Sunkissed Pink flexmarker (you can use the promarker instead), again colouring over the already coloured areas and slightly further into the white area of the face. I have also made a few light strokes to accentuate the contours of her face e.g. her nose. Remember to be a little lighter-handed with the Flexmarkers as they are slightly juicier than the Promarkers.

And to finish off her face I have coloured over the Sunkissed Pink area and the remaining white areas with the Blush flexmarker (again you can use the promarker instead). It does look a little dark in the photo, but take my word for it, it dries lighter.

For her hair I will be using Black Flexmarker, Walnut, Cocoa and Cinnamon promarkers (all with ultra fine nibs fitted)

Firstly I use the Black flexmarker and very lightly lay down a little colour at the centre parting. (don't be too heavy handed with the black - the more ink you lay down, the more it takes to blend it out)

Next I used the Walnut promarker with the ultra fine nib fitted to make light wispy strokes over and outwards from the parting and inwards from each side. I find the quicker I do this, the more random the lines are – for a more natural effect.

Repeat this process with the Cocoa promarker with ultra fine nib fitted, moving further into the uncoloured area of the hair.

Then colour, lightly over the whole hair area with the Cinnamon promarker (bullet nib). You can repeat the steps with the Walnut and Cocoa promarkers if you think the hair needs more depth or definition

Next I have coloured the rest of her hair, her eyes (using Walnut, Cocoa and Cinnamon promarkers with the ultra fine nibs attached) I coloured her lips with Coral and Burnt Orange promarkers (with ultra fine nib attachments) leaving a tiny bit uncoloured in the middle as a highlight.

You can find the rest of this tutorial, for the clothing and hearts on the Letraset Blog, and here's is my finished Valentine gift box....

Thanks for visiting, 
I appreciate any comments 
Debz x

Craft Night

Oh boy am I suffering today, my throat feels like it has a roll of barbed wire shoved down it. But I managed to survive my first Craft Night at The Papeterie. Charlotte managed to talk me into taking a table so I thought we'd use a favourite stamp of mine, the poppies from Hero Arts... and to illustrate the point that you don't need to colour it in, we did some paper piecing....

Image and greeting stamps are both Hero Arts
here are one group of ladies, concentrating hard....

It was a completely mad 3 hours of non-stop crafting, and over 50 crafters joined in during the evening, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next one on 26th April.
Charlotte has loads planned for the next few months at The Papeterie, keep your eyes peeled for more info on The Papeterie blog.
Thanks for visiting, 
I appreciate any comments 
Debz x