Me to You Christmas range

Bit of a change to the Journal page today - I have been scrapbooking with this years Me to You Tatty Teddy Christmas range.  It is the first time in my whole life that I have all the bits to match - and I am having a ball!!!

It's a very masculine colour range - and actually usable for loads of other things apart from Christmas.  I am concentrating on building back detail at the moment - there is a card layer under the patterned paper background (both scuffed up and faux stitched) - and in between them there are lengths of lace.  The 2 patterned panels are treated the same way - with more lace tucked in.

Next I built a side detail.  Everything is scuffed and faux stitched - there is a left over scrap of the backing card - matching heart doily - 2 hearts cut from 6" papers - rosette flowers - resin flowers - gems - twine - the red glitter swirl is something that was in my box

more to follow in the week as I build the page.

Love
kitten

www.princesskitten.co.uk
www.thekittenandthegoat.co.uk
kittenandgoat@gmail.com

Nasty People

I had such a horrid thing happen to me the other day, it makes me realize just how split we are here with our low crime rates.  There was a bunch of lads in the town getting rid of fake £20 notes.

This chap asked me for a pot of glue and paid with a dud £20 note - in my tiny little shop - that's so mean.  There is no petty cash or write off - it's money straight out of my pocket. I was a really good girl and handed it into the police with a statement.  Loads of shops and cafes were hit - so it's quite a big investigation.  

My dear hubby says it was a good thing that I hadn't noticed and tackled them - He can't think I would have been polite or restrained about it - and I would have got myself in more trouble!!!

We are so lucky here - I leave my stock on the street while I pop to the shops - we hardly ever lock the car or the house front door (when we manage the lock the door  we forget the French doors!).  It is just horrid to have it happen.

Love
kitten

www.princesskitten.co.uk
www.thekittenandthegoat.co.uk
kittenandgoat@gmail.com

Saturday Journal page

Fancied something a bit different today- so instead of reaching for my 'Crafty Individuals' stamps - the 'Micheal Powel' box caught my eye.  I so love his pictures - full of all those higgledy piddledy houses - but them I am a bit house mad - who else has Right Move listed as a favorite.

The building stamps are notoriously difficult to use.  There is so much tiny detail - and the stamps are not deep edged.  You do have to be accepting that the image is never going to be crisp and perfect - but I have found a way to get it as good as possible.  I put a foam pricking mat under the page - then I stand on the stamp to get the image!

It does mean that you can be really relaxed about the colouring though - this is one of the light houses

pre-bling

post-bling - make me want to tear it out and use it in a canvas piece

right - while I am on a roll I am going to make up some Tatty Teddy Christmas samples Love
kitten

www.princesskitten.co.uk
www.thekittenandthegoat.co.uk
kittenandgoat@gmail.com

pokie ball cushion

This is a pattern I have been working on for my son's market stall - do you know just how hard it is to chart a circle on a square grid!!!!  I tried so many times - drawing a circle and trying to fill it in - working from the middle out - working from the edge in.  After loads of messes I ended up using the Mine craft game because they have directions to build circles with their square blocks. 

This is the first knit - I need to add in an extra row each side of the black band because it give the illusion that the circle is squished.  

I was getting very low on the rust colour - the wholesaler has been out of stock this past couple of months so  hope it has not been discontinued (I have just found a super 'fox' scarf that I want to knit it in as Christmas presents).  So I did a contrast flap - like it much better really.

  Love
kitten

www.princesskitten.co.uk
www.thekittenandthegoat.co.uk
kittenandgoat@gmail.com

Saturday Journal - but mid-week

I did do my journal on Saturday - but I spent all day on it.  There is nothing better than tinkering and fiddling about with inks

I have a bottle of masking fluid that has hardly been touched - so I wanted to try that out.  My old mate Barbra Grey raves about it - I much prefer using a Versamark pen and clear embossing - but it does mean that  you can't go back and work with the paper once you have done your top layer.  So I dug out the bottle and set to it.

It was Mintfest (king of a huge street theatre extravaganza) in Kendal so I wanted to do something suitable.  I drew the comedy and tragedy masks and sponges some really strong colours over them

With the page spritzed and dabbed off the colours get a 'spotted' texture and you can see the masking fluid

Now - this is the bit I really struggle with.  My fluid never seems to just peel off neatly - I spent ages cleaning all the masking off - ended up with a rubber going over and over it

Now I can start to doodle.  I rubbed gold stain into the masks, sponged some really bright red spots, and started to doodle.

I shall continue with this and try to over fill the page - and I need to work more on the mask area.

If you are not sure if you have any 'blank' spaces in your piece - photograph it - and add it to your screen.  The screen flattens the image and you get a much better idea of what you peice looks like to everyone else.

Love
kitten

www.princesskitten.co.uk
www.thekittenandthegoat.co.uk
kittenandgoat@gmail.com

Saturday journal

Just when I thought I was sorted with the wedding - in comes another of over 100 - but I was DETERMINED that I would at least do a little in my journal.

This is a very old trick - but great fun.  Oil Pastels scribbled all over the page - there are a couple of images stamped and embossed in clear on the page first.

You can use baby oil to blend all the colours together.  Really get in between the clear embossing to make the image show as a 'ghost' look

Once the oil soaks into the page - you can go back and doodle - stamp - draw over the top.  This has the images stamped again using Memento - and some metallic pencil flowers.

I might doodle a bit more - and I need a caption.

I love this technique - I use it on A3 water colour papers with loads of added swirls - then I cut the paper into smaller panels and use it to make cards

Love
kitten

www.princesskitten.co.uk
www.thekittenandthegoat.co.uk
kittenandgoat@gmail.com

crafting on a budget

The newest 'designer' kid on the block is the magnetic storage system from Zutter.  the system allows you to keep your metal dies stored in a simple to use - easy to find storage box.  It is based around the A4 size so you can store lots on each of the double sided magnetic sheets.  The basic starter kit is around £20.

Sounds super cool doesn't it ?

Soooooo - all of you that visit me in the shop know my opinion of 'designer' brands and 'unmissable' gadgets.

I have A4 magnetic sheets - they are 75p each - they are self adhesive - so you could always stick 2 together.  The £1 shop sometimes has A4 box folders - but if they don't Home Bargains are around £2.50 with great patterned covers. 

 BUT then the won't have THE 'logo' - guess it all depends on what you want to pay for :-)

So - Here's kitten mouthing off again - but I made a promise to be honest with you - and I always will!


Love
kitten

www.princesskitten.co.uk
www.thekittenandthegoat.co.uk
kittenandgoat@gmail.com

wedding favor city

It's a bit like playing Jenga - with little boxes!

I have made almost 500 wedding favor boxes this past couple of weeks.  Just waiting on one more list of names and that's the summer rush over.

And you know what happens then ..........


Love
kitten

www.princesskitten.co.uk
www.thekittenandthegoat.co.uk
kittenandgoat@gmail.com

yarn thickness explained - I hope!

Some of you look at me in disbelief when I say you can put strands of yarn together to make up the different thicknesses so I thought I would try to explain it a little for you.

The names 4 ply - double knitting - chunky etc refer to the thickness of the yarn not the weight of the ball.  The 'ply' term is an industry standard which refers to the thickness of a single strand of spun yarn.
4 ply is 4 tiny individual strands twisted together - double knitting is technically an 8 ply ( although because of the way they make it now you can't still split it into the 8 strands) - so if you use 2 strands of 4 ply together you will make up the double knitting thickness.

Chunky is twice the thickness of double knitting - so it you work 2 strands of double knitting together it is the same knitting thickness as a chunky.  This means (and it took me ages to get my head round this one!) - a 100g ball of double knitting and a 100g ball of chunky is exactly the same thing!  As the double knitting is half the weight - you get twice the length - but using 2 strands together it will work out the same as a chunky thickness.  So if you see a chunky and a double in the same brand of the same yarn - and the chunky costs more - you will pay more for your yarn that you need to.

Super chunky is double the thickness of chunky - so if you use 2 strands of chunky together (or 4 strands of double) you can make the super chunky weight.

All you have to do is hold the strands together and make sure that they all go round the needle and through the loop.

I often mix chunky and double knitting together when I am making hats with motifs on - it's fine.  If it's for a cushion, toy, bag or a hat it won't show - and it will use up your scraps.

Some wools are heavier in weight than acrylic and work and wash differently - I would not recommend you mix wool and acrylic on anything that is going to be work and washed regularly. 

Also the dirt cheap imported yarns that you get from places like The Works can be thinner than you would expect and don't have the give of brands like my Robin - so just be aware of that.


Love
kitten

www.princesskitten.co.uk
www.thekittenandthegoat.co.uk
kittenandgoat@gmail.com

See my shop

Here's something you don't see very often - my shop floor cleared!

The builders are going to put a cover under the big hole in the ceiling to stop the muck coming down.

Sometime today I hope as they asked me to clear the space.

Saturday's Work

Not a journal page - a re-invention of an old photo frame

Just a tatty old frame from under the stairs - I sanded it down and covered it with 2 different Decoupatch papers.  I used the Decoupatch glue to see  what difference it made to just using PVA.  There is a difference - the Decoupatch branded has a varnish in with it - so the finish is much more shiny.  It still shows as shiny even though I washed over it with black acrylic paint.

I just went mad really.  Loads of stuff going on in the corner - I am making more of an effort to add layers and definition underneath before I start to build out.  There is a die cut trellis, and a bit of mesh before the swirls.

And I have just picked up these wonderful clock, winged heart and key charms - can't find any cogs at reasonable prices yet though - will keep looking

More Posh Dog

There is still not a squeak from the builder's - who were supposed to be starting this week - we are all getting a bit grumpy with them now.  It really effects me the most - I have Christmas shopping to do!  Yes I know - waaaaay to early - but I picked up the entire range of the Tatty Teddy Christmas release - and if you don't get in quick it sells out in about 6 weeks.

We now have a logo - I love setting up all the branding and paper work almost as much as making the products - yes it's a quickie of hubby's that he did for a prom show - I like his quick rough sketches best

I am working on the bandannas - the dining table is piled up with fabric and I am working out the different sizes.  I have some really pretty fabrics - mostly from Faye in the Indoor Market (now I have an excuse to find a fabric wholesaler).

NOTE TO SELF - with RIGHT sides together ;-)

Love
kitten

www.princesskitten.co.uk
www.thekittenandthegoat.co.uk
kittenandgoat@gmail.com

More photos

Progress with clock

Thought you would like to see how the clock is coming along.

There is still a bit more to do but I really love it.  Thereis so much detail in it and I have used several precious and vintage bits.

The Posh Dog Clothing Co

Hi all - the contracts for the builders has been finalized and they 'should' be starting in the next couple of weeks.  Note the caveat 'should' - they have been messing about for months and we have gone from 'hope there is a roof for April' - ' what do we do if they are not finished by September and we have to start the Christmas run up!!!!!'

I am having a good old clear out while I wait - I know they are going to have to empty my back room at least as they have to rebuild the gutters and down pipes which are in the middle of my inside wall.  I shall have to wait to find out if they are going to empty the shop to work on the ceiling joists. - Don't worry though I will only be moving 2 shops up in to the one that they have kept empty - and they are going to give me a man to do all the actual packing and moving.

I have shoved all that to the back of my mind and started a new company.

The Posh Dog Clothing Co.

Building on the success of the dog jumpers - I have taken them over from Izzy and am extending the range.  As well as jumpers I am making bow ties, neck ties, bandannas, proper coats,  bed blankets - all sorts of doggie related bits really.

I am still working on the website and branding - but I have checked and there is not other company with this name - the closest is the Posh Dogs hot dogs from M&S - and I don't think they will get confused with my jumpers.  I have got loads of ideas - but at the moment I am concentrating on the ties and bandannas - and the scarves because they are such fun to knit.

Love
kitten

www.princesskitten.co.uk
www.thekittenandthegoat.co.uk
kittenandgoat@gmail.com

Saturday is journal day

Well it is supposed to be journal day really - but I cleared the decks this week so that I could work on my clock.

There are going to be 3 clusters of decoration.  A large group bottom left - a small group mid right (where I have added a key hole detail - and a central cluster over the dial based on a pair of wings.

I have to take a bit of a break for all the paints ans glitters to dry properly

Photo frame makeover

Take one tatty old frame - sand down and decoupatch it in different papers.  Then go mad with the bling.

Must get away from these grotty wedding favors and make more stuff.

Saturday journal page

I wanted to recreate a more scrapbook type layout - snd I wanted to get my paints out and layer up some colours.  I was going to add a photo and doodle - but I found this pretty charm instead.  I think I may have to take the bird off the ring and secure it though.

The annual craft 'trade' awards

*** WARNING - PERSONAL RANT ***

the contents of this article are just the personal opinion of a working crafter

OK chaps - you may remember that when I went to the craft trade awards in Feb and I decided that we were going to get the shop on the list to be voted for.

The Mission (and I accepted it) was to find out how to get a voice and be noticed for crafters.

After months of emails - it has taken this long to get a definitive answer - and this is what they said - complete response - 

'With regards to the Shortlist entries these are put together a few months before we open the voting to the public and are made up of companies that are featured in, or work closely with the magazine on a regular basis, and/or are known well to our readers. We always include an 'other' option for each category so that businesses such as yourself can be nominated by our readers and also so that you can encourage your customers to vote for you too – the more votes you receive the more likely you are to be featured on the shortlist the following year.'

Get the point there guys 'companies that are featured in, or work closely with the magazine on a regular basis'

- so basically you have to work for - give stuff to - advertise with - etc - the magazine to get a sniff in.

the 'sweetener' 'We always include an 'other' option' - soooo how on earth do I (and all the other tiny inspirational crafting others) get noticed - jeeps.

Basically I feel sorry for the crafters out there - there is so little room for new designers - new products - new ideas - and yes - us little craft shops serving you! - how sad.

I don't know about you - but I am always on a learning curve - I eat up any new inspiration that helps me grow in my craft work.  I feel My learning has been 'chopped off' because all the choice I get is Joanna Sheen and her CD images - that's not my style of crafting.

so - when the lists come out I will let you all know so you can put me as the 'other' - let's see if we can turn the tides!


Love
kitten

www.princesskitten.co.uk
www.thekittenandthegoat.co.uk
kittenandgoat@gmail.com

Saturday journal page

I bet you do the washing up with your washing up sponge - I don't ;-)

Sponges make the most fantastic background texture - the best ones are the big yellow car washing sponges with the big uneven holes - they look fantastic.

I covered the page with some border peel offs and sponged a green and turquoise ink over the top - then you take off the peel offs to reveal the pattern. 

The papers are from the cover of the santoro paper pack - I only ever seem to get the left overs these days - so I make good use of them.

The lines are stardust lime green gel pen

Bank Hoilday

Day off - NO!!!! 

The Lamb Chop and I have been doing serious mucking out - living room getting better - look out the rest of the house ;-)


Love
kitten

www.princesskitten.co.uk
www.thekittenandthegoat.co.uk
kittenandgoat@gmail.com

Saturday journal page

I didn't forget - honest - I splattered crackle paint through the sequin waste for a new look and it took ages to dry.  It is a really pretty effect though - it was white, but has picked up the Lettuce colour from the Adirondack spritz and has tiny little cracking all over it.  I have the original Adirondack ink sprays - donkey's years old now - you don't get bottles that big now days!

What's on your work top Wednesday

I don't know what happened!  I only cleared and polished it last week!

Saturday is journal day

When we were at school- the last day of school we were always given graph paper to colour in pretty patterns.

There you go you see -you never thought that things you did at school would be useful ;-)

Saturday journal page

Saturday has always been my quietest day of the week - so today I have had a good old clear up this morning.  I actually got one of the boxes that was full of bits left over from the move sorted and emptied - only 2 boxes of bits left now - and we have been here 2 years!

This afternoon I got my journal page done.  Izzy always asks me  what I am going to do on the page - and I never really know what I am going to do when I start out - don't think she really understands that ;-)

I have been experimenting with H2Os and spritzing.  A small bottle is defiantly much better than a larger one - personally I find that the Radiant Rain bottles are too big for me - but it could just be that I am working on a very small page and H2O is best made up in small batches.

This one is called ' Set yourself free' - the dolphin is stenciled with my calligraphy ink and the 'sea' is Memento Inks just the side of the Dew Drop pressed on

Love
kitten

www.princesskitten.co.uk
www.thekittenandthegoat.co.uk
kittenandgoat@gmail.com