ATC

Have been playing with my new Woodware stamps and ATCs




You won't be able to see the glitter and 3D gloss in the scans - unless you right click to enlarge and you get the hint of it


But there are all there

Forgot to add wobbly eyes - must do that next time

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

TIP OF THE DAY

Have you ever thought to use the same stamp in a row?

You can use 3 - 4 - 5 images ion a row for a whole new effect



This is one stamp used 4 times - with each one coloured the same. You could colour every flower head the same - of every other one the same - or make a random pattern. All new looks

AND

This is a cat stamp used in a line. The cats have added 'googly' eyes - think glitter whiskers and gems in the flowers.

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

SCRAP BOOK PAGE

Found this gorgeous turquoise wording page with snow words on. this jewel turquoise/aquamarine is my all time favorite colour. There is added gloss from the pearl mats, glitter ribbon and I made the glitter letters to match, there was also 1 blue brad in the 'pets' brads (Dove Craft) which fitted in really nicely.

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

NEW CARD

I have ALMOST got to the bottom of my last work tray. What a glorious day this has been hasn't it? Clear blue sky - lighter night - summers on it's way.

This is a clasci formula - 3 equal squares - set the center on on an angle (or even straight) and RAISE it up for a very workable and changeable design.

Use anything in the centre and matted patterned paper if you don't want to use embossing. Heat it up with strong colours - add a backing paper first if you want to add even more texture

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

CHALLENGE

http://charismacardz.blogspot.com/

The theme this week is 'My Favourite Things' (no more sketches please guys - hate them)

so this is for you - my favorite thing - GLITTER!

combined with a couple of other techniques i also LOVE - the cut, ink and re-set for the background - and thick embossing paste - yummy!

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

TIDY DESK

I have been soooo good today - I have been clearing out my work trays - almost down to one now! Well ALMOST.

So what will I show you - em - em

AH

This is from my new woodware stamps. Planning a whole series.

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

OPPS

I opened up the church office this morning, and after I had got back and had my soup - I went to sleep again. That's the second time this week - must be the fatigue catching up with me. Well that put paid to playing with my new Woodware stamps!

Well I am going to sit and sort out the stamped images in the shop - it has needed doing for ages. tomorrow I will get going again!

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

NEW SITE

Oh - nearly forgot - I promised to put up my Woodware stamps supplier

http://www.ashtondale.co.uk - they have loads. Plus all sorts of decoupage, papers and a really good bargain section. Used them for about 18 months now and they are great.

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

STUDY DAY

Hi all

- not stopping long (totally shattered). Have been to craft class today so I thought I would just show you one of the cards we made - I am really into this cross layering at the moment.

Double sided paper - so it co-ordinates really well, limited colour pallet - so it's calm and relaxed, delicate stamp embossed in gold - so it does not over power it all.

Really love it.

I do like my craft classes. It's one of the few times I get out and see other people, and chat, and do craft, and mess about a bit. I always try to do one of the projects a bit differently - not finished it yet, will show you tomorrow.

Off to snuggle with fidget and watch a bit of telly

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

NEW CARD

Ok - I know I said I wouldn't, how long does that ever last last?

Stitched detail is BIG at the moment. This is one of the Bazzill Basics - In Stich'z one - very reasonable at around £3/4 for a set of 4 stencils, and there are more than one design on each stencil. This is stitched with a variegated thread with beads strung on.

Takes me back to my roots - I trained as a jeweller (30!) years ago, and specialised in pearls and agate beads. Can't do it now because I have lost so much fine motor muscle in my hands.

I picked up these beads at Ashendale - wish I had picked up a couple more really

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

TWITTER

OK - I have been trying to set up my twitter. Can't say i am winning really - why is it so s-l-o-o-o-o-o-w?

I want to do stuff I consider simple and I just can't find a way round the set up to do it.

And you can't interact with other people - which is what I do all day!

Not sure if I can adjust to this, Join me on twitter and we will see what it leads to

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

DAY OFF

Monday is kitten's day off

And I have started twittering!!!

Like I HAVE TIME ON MY HANDS - yeah right

join me - follow me there is a link on the right hand side

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

TIP OF THE DAY

There is a rummer going about that the Cuttlebug Christmas tree embossing folder has been discontinued.

On the strength of this rummer, Ebay are charging a fortune for the discontinued folder.

Well - I can say that - ABSOLUTELY NONE OF THE CUTTLEBUG EMBOSSING FOLDERS (or dies come to that) HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED.

I have been watching with jaw dropping - so I went and checked. The folder is still on the normal ordering form.

So sorry guys - but if you have paid £20+ for one - you have been conned.

Provocraft have not stopped any - and there are more due out in June/July

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

SCRAP BOOK PAGE

I have had SUCH fun with the new Dogs Set from Do Craft. I struggled to find it because Janet is not doing the Do Craft Promo any more - she says it's just getting too expensive to stock. Anyway, I struggled, and ended up at The Paper Mill (the REAL one where they make the stuff!) - it's just up the road, you can see the reams and get all sorts of 'experimental' stuff - did you know I road treated the gold-dust papers before they were launched?

Oh, I digress. ANYWAY I ended up at The Paper Mill to get this kit and I have had great fun.

It is more of an 'earthy' colour set that the Cats Set - I am really into this colour range at the moment. made a checker board book (might show you - might not!!!!) - and knocked up a (very) quick scrapbook page. These photos are huge, so there is not a lot of room left over. I used a very 'busy' background page and just matted the photos in shocking colours and added a few bits.

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

MESSIE DESK AGAIN

This week's company mantra

I will not start anything new until I have finished what I have already started

I will not start anything new until I have finished what I have already started

I will not start anything new until I have finished what I have already started

Will it work?

I doubt it!

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

SALE BARGAINS

The guys over at Ashtondale - http://www.ashtondale.co.uk/index.html - are having a good old clear out. Had a parcel full of goodies arrived less than 48 hours after I ordered them - you can't fault that!

When they said a bag of left over ribbons I thought - goodie loads of scraps - they actually sent a CARRIER BAG full of spools of ribbons. Loads of useable stuff, creams, white, organza, dancer and so on and so on - certainty not left over dross.

I also got some wonderful decoupage - stuck on that lately! Some beautiful scrapbook papers and a few bits and bobs.

I have used them for a couple of years now - and totally recommend them - so GET OVER THERE AND STOCK UP.

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

NEW ALBUM

Got to the bench to do some work today. This is something I copied from a photo. I am going to work it out as a kit for the shop, so this is my test piece.

It is called a 'checker board' book - and I cut a circle out of the cover so you can see the colours inside.

On the inside the paper is cut in steps so that it forms a chequer board pattern of colours. If you use a double sided 12" square you an get all the pages out of one piece, plus the covers, so it is a challenge to get it all lined up and neat - but not expensive to make.

Now ALL I have to do is write the instructions

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

DAY OFF

Don't know about you - but I have done summer today!

Got to do some work tomorrow - got an album to make and a commission to work on

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

It's still spring - had you noticed? Had another good day (hoping this will become a habit). I have walked about 4 miles all together - no car so had to!

Then I came home and scrubbed the top patio over - then had a water fight with the dogs when I rinsed it off. fidget is snuggled up in my lap wrapped up in his dressing down (the one with the duckie on), snoring his head off.

No work on the bench - sooo do you want some cute doggie photos instead?

Normal service will be resumed - - - eventually!!

Left click on the image to make it bigger - then back click to come back here

Yours

P xx

www.princesskitten.co.uk

DECOUPAGE

Today has been gorgeous again - got loads done in the garden, Seriously need some bricks now! It's amazing what you can do when the weather is mild - it's such a joy to have a couple of good days (if you have FMS - you will understand!)

The old goat is doing the 'Best of the Lakes' show in Windermere - the Hydro Hotel if you are about drop in and say 'hi' - he's in the tent with loads of food producers

Here is what I have been up to - the new decoupage doggies form Do Craft. I know - I am not a huge 'cutie' fan, but I am a huge 'doggie' fan - and they don't have to be 'sugary' sweet!

I do like these - and they are great value.

Got 7 more to finish off

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

Did you notice??

There is a definite 'spring' feeling about.

Princelet has decided to do the household chores for me (well, for money really). We have settled on an hourly rate and I now have a sparkling bathroom and a tidy bedroom - with promises for the hall and kitchen to follow. It won't last long, but I am milking it while I can!

I even pottered about in the garden for a bit, deadheaded the polys, swept up a bit, weeded the front lawn, cleared a bit of rubbish - I am itching to get on with the new landscaping - just need a few dry sunny days (and a few bricks).

This is the spot I want to tackle - open it all out and create some flower space

On a shop front - I have gone through all the stitching section and organised it a lot better. It is now all catalogued and back online (I have a habit of sending a couple out to people who order - then I have to sort it out).

Next - the stamping section - another thing that I tend to just give away!

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

SATURDAY

Gosh I did so much listing last night - nearly caught up.

Today - I have had a really good sort out on the bench. Mucked out the dog's bed in the office - bless him - there was so much glitter and paper scraps!

This evening I have had a serious tidy up of the stitched toppers on the site. One of those jobs you REALLY put off!

These are just so pretty.

I love stitching. It was my first love, and I still love the process of stitching a piece. My thread collection stretches down from my Aunt Dorris (who died 20 years ago), through my mum's thread box (who died 5 years ago) and reaches mine, with the most modern metallic and variegated colours.

I think I am the only person who is sad that the impress is discontinuing - no more stitching plates. I keep picking up the last ones for pennies - if anyone wants a good home for their old dies I will give them one.

Perhaps I should start a retirement / rescue / rehabilitation home for unwanted and unloved stitching dies.

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

ATC

I had this 'brilliant' idea ( yes, I know) - I am going to use ATCs for my business cards.

Have a look - see what you think

http://www.princesskitten.co.uk/shopfront/cat_159053-ATC-.html

It will take me a while to build up a stock, but I aim to make a few extra when I do a card run and hope to build up that way

Does it sound a good idea??

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

FRIDAY - THE FIRST POST

Got a lots to do tonight - so keep up folks!

First - the http://charismacardz.blogspot.com/2009/03/challenge-10something-for-guys.html

For the guys - the most amazing dufex decoupage, given the kitten's touch

These are just gorgeous - don't lay claim to creating the image (hay it's decoupage) - do lay claim to knowing just the papers to mix it with.

I did hesitate when I picked up the defux sheet (it's £1.60 - you know me!), but I have got 3 cards and a couple of ATCs (oh, not told you about that yet) out of it - and I have to admit, the cards are just beautiful

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

STUDY DAY

Been to class today - - - 'HI GUYS'

We did a new card fold - how cool is this?? It is one piece of card folded so that the ends fold back on themselves to create, kind of, a springy, layered end at a different end shape. With a layered oval set in the centre section.

With the oval centre piece it fits a C5 envelope, with out it - it is DL size.

Suppose you want to know how to create it?

I will have to work out how to describe it first! Give me a few days.

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

DECOUPAGE

Had a really peaceful day today. Bit stressed trying to get princelet's passport to go on his school trip, trust me - you don't want to know.

The old goat has been out all day at The Pencil Museum so it was very quiet at home!

I have been doing decoupage: I think I have enough to last all year, but it is very relaxing.

I am going to list it all in the shop until I get round to making cards up. - Well you never know someone might want a couple of bits

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

TODAY

I am opting out of today. I was busy in the church office this morning, and this afternoon I went to the ostio.

Everything hurts!

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

CHALLENGE

The theme this week is - a pretty card for mum

http://charismacardz.blogspot.com/2009/03/challenge-number-9-pretty-cards-pretty.html

So this is one of my very chic, 'grown-up' cards.
I love the embossed wrap - and the instructions are on my site - here

http://www.princesskitten.co.uk/design_25752.html

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

DAY OFF

Monday is kitten's day off

And I have been asleep for most of it

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

SO COOOOLD

Went to do a pub launch today. Bit too early in the season to be standing in a marque in the middle of a field really.

IT SNOWED.

I am still cold - going to spend the evening snuggling with fidget in front of the telly to warm up.

I nearly brought home a greyhound - but the old goat would not let me have her.

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

NEW TOYS

Now you know me - I don't often buy 'instant' stuff, but I have to hold my hands up - the new Dufex decoupage is just beautiful. I did indulge myself with this Egyptian one (mind you I did get 4 cards out of it).

I have not put the greeting on yet, but do you remember the backing papers?

It must have been about 3 years ago - when I first discovered the new 'Do Craft' surge, and this was one of the first paper blocks I bought. It is very earty and I do have quite a few sheets left.

Princelet and I were on holiday in the caravan (I think the old goat was in America visiting his mates - so we were really 'left alone'). I promised Princelet a trip to a The Range shop, I think it was Wigan. So e set off down the M6 and somehow found a The Range shop - don't ask me how! I think I bought my Fiskar's Shape Cutter here as well, and some garden stuff - oh, and a game the we sent the rest of the holiday playing.

That's what my craft is to me - the threads I use that belonged to my mum, to my Aunt Doris and even my gran - the Aida and linen that my dad bought, and the embroidery books he left me - the stitching I did at school - the art application I learnt at Uni - the paints that I bought WAY before I had princelet, and the watercolour paper I am still using: and recently - the papers I bought, where and when - the H2Os that I have imported from the USA - the new new cuttlebug stuff I have from Janet - and, today, the amazing ink painting techniques that I am still learning.

I reckon my crafting stretches about 120 years - more if you count the hand stitched Victorian pillowcases (which would have been Gran's - and even her mum's) that we are using every day.

My craft is my life is my past is my history is my life - does that make sense???

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

STUDY DAY

We were at class today, and working with velum.

I love velum, but seem to over look it unless I get prodded every so often.

This is a stamped image heat embossed with gold, then dry embossed from the back to produce the white markings.

It is really pretty, and the white marking is so simple to do - but so striking.

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

NEW CARD

I was dusting the pictures on the stairs the other day (in a fit of mad energy), and I came across a postcard I have had for years. I love this artist's work. Can't remember her name - it's long and has all sorts of letters in it: and is totally unpronounceable. I have a huge framed print that I bought when I had my first flat - cost me 2 months housekeeping, so I lived on toast.

There is a lot of silver in the image, so I carried on the theme - matting bits with silver and bits with mirri green. The green backing paper (I just love last years spring garden - not much left now), picks up the green stripes in the postcard. The cat is matted and raised, the text is raised: everything else is flat.

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

TIP OF THE DAY

H2OS ARE GOING TO BE DISCONTINUED!!

THE PARENT COMPANY HAS GONE INTO LIQUIDATION.

I am off to find another big set this week while stocks are stll about.

You heard it here first.

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

PLAYING WITH SHOP

I have spent a few hours 'trying' to make buttons for my on-line shop. I am not a huge fan of photoshop, way too complicated for me. The old goat sent me the on email and I copied it in. I did do all the lettering and loaded it to the site.

http://www.princesskitten.co.uk/shopfront/

I am struggling to replace a few - and I think the buttons need to be bigger, but all-in-all I am quite pleased with my efforts

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

SCRAP BOOK PAGE

Not feeling too well - over tired really I expect.

Did a scrapbook page.

Those big chunky brad looking things at each end of the ribbon are my new 'staples' (see here). Really impressed with that!

And - yes that big orange blimp is me - painting my new house in the rain

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk

WATER COLOURING

I have had a super couple of days at my bench painting in all the stamped images people have sent me or have swapped me in the past

Loads of cutie hedgehogs and mice - very few cats which is a shame.

I shall be (gradually) making them all up into cards - in the meantime they are listed on my site.

If you would like to swap any images with me have a look HERE (stamped) or HERE (stitched) or even HERE (embossed) and just CONTACT ME and we will swap!

I am all for bartering!!

Got loads of decoupage to play with next

Yours

P XXXX

www.princesskitten.co.uk