COMPENDIUM OF CURIOSITIES - 'THE 'FINALE'

Hi, we have come to the last challenge from the book, Compendium of Curiosities by Tim Holtz this week and it has been such an adventure, trying out new techniques and making loads of new friends along the way who all have that sense of adventure. We have learn't from each other as well as Tim. Linda of StudioL3 has totally organised this event and has been with each and everyone of us every step of the way, always encouraging us and giving us such great support. An awesome job for just one woman and yes Linda you are totally awesome, thank you heaps and heaps. Loads of thanks also has to go to Gloria (Yahoo), Tim and Mario for some terrific prizes.

My piece is a combination of Challenge 34 (fragment) and Challenge 35 - Design Details. For once I followed instructions completely, well almost....... There is a bit of Tim, Linda and myself in this piece, wonder if you can guess which is which, no probably not, as it more than likely only makes sense to me..............lol This is going to be a box cover (once I have found a box the right size) to put all these various projects in.

Again there are some wonderful creations entered on Lindas Blog so if you get the chance to pop over you certainly won't be disappointed.

Am so happy my very first Drill thingy arrived today all in a splendid box with 102 accessories, heaven only knows what they are all for, its all double dutch to me and whats the Flexible Drive Shaft for.......dahhhhhhhhh Oh well sounds like another adventure coming on.......and maybe numerous visits to Casualty.........oops.

Thank you for all your encouragement with my adventures........whats it like following a Nutter - nah don't answer that.........lol Have a great evening and will catch up with you all later, Annette x

CofC33 and a Doodlezect !!

Hi, once again the lovely Linda of Studio L3 has given us another challenge from the Book of Curiosities - Altered Metal Alcohol Inks (page 56). For me it had to be another card as am still playing catch up this month.

The paper is by RLB, the CD has been alcohol inked in various colours (which doesn't really show up all that well in the photogaph) and so has the butterfly. Used a circle shaped piece of chipboard and painted it and cut out a Flower from the RLB paper. Mmmm I think thats it, hope haven't missed anything out. There are some beautiful examples over at Studio L3 and Linda's example is just gorgeous.

Have you seen all the Zectangling going on in blogland, wow they look terrific. So last night while watching the TV methinks to myself why not have a go at this. This is more of a Doodlezect and my first attempt, but will definitely do some more as its so interesting......Did I have a plan.......heck no, just went with flow.......and had fun. It amused me and hope it amuses you.

Feeling a lot better today and thank you again for all your lovely messages wishing me well. Take care and enjoy the day. Hugs Annette x

Compendium of Curiosities 32 'Whispers in the Wind'

Hi, sorry have not been around much since Sunday, but have a lot of things going on at the moment, boring things like visiting the hospital for various tests before my 'op' on Thursday. Its only a small 'op' so should be back in circulation by Saturday and hopefully feeling like a new woman............lol

'Whispers in the Wind' was made for the Compendium of Curiosities Challenge using the technique shown on page 59 - Inking and Stamping Masks; hosted by the lovely Linda of Studio L3. Normally I make tags for these challenges but as I have to make some cards this month (sob sob) thought I had better incorporate the technique into this card.

My mask was made from the plasticky bit in a Chocolate Marshmallows Box. Stamps used are by Inkadinkado and Crafty Individuals. Distress Inks, Dusty Concord, Spun Sugar and Broken China. Flowers cut out from a punch after being distress inked and gloss modge podged then stickles for the centres.

'Best Wishes', is for the Less is More Challenge, http://simplylessismoore.blogspot.com/ make a one layer card using flowers or trees. Stamp used by Inkadinkado; Distress inks, Peeled Paint, Shabby Shutters and Broken China.

Now this was going fine until I spilt some curry on it, how this happened......not a clue.........so had to chop the end off the front and dry emboss the inner back part (if you know what I mean) and ink that. Not sure if this is acceptable, but am sure the girls will tell me.........lol

Both these terrific blogs have some amazing entries and well worth a visit if you get the time. Thank you for all your support and good wishes. Am off to blog hop now and see as many of you as I can. Take care and have a great week. Annette x

The Charm and Destiny of Rusted Enamel

'The Charm and Destiny of Rusted Enamel'.......yep am talking about two challenges in one this time.

The CofC Challenge is Rusted Enamel (page 41) hosted by the lovely Linda of Studio L3. Never tried this technique before and can honestly say I love the effect it gives, so much so I have made a large piece of it (in a different colour) for future use. Hope you will be able to see the pitting in the photograph.

Also am entering this into the Gingersnaps Charms Challenge. The charms are made from molds and hopefully they look a bit like wood and bronze which is the effect I was trying to achieve. Hmmm maybe a bit too ambitious of me.........lol

There are loads of wonderful entries for both these challenges, plus great examples from the Design Team; well worth having a look at if you get the time and hope you will join in and have some fun.

Will catch up with you all later as I love seeing your wonderful creations. Take care and have a lovely evening. Annette x

CofC 30 - Altered Metal with Paint

Hi, this week dear Linda of Studio L3 had us turning to page 48 of the Compendium of Curiosities which turned out to be Altered Metal with Paint.

The piece I chose to alter was a bit of a minefield to do as it has so many nooks and crannies, plus just couldn't make up my mind which colour to choose, sigh sigh.........lol It has had 4 different colours on it until I decided on this last one........... The pendant was bought from the Junk Market for 10p, it was originally a very shiny silver colour. Am leaving it as it is for the moment until I can find the right ribbon/material to thread through it to turn it into a necklace as it is way too big to go on a card. In case you are wondering about the background, its one of my acrylic paintings, well splodgings actually........thats a technical term for a mess...................

Thank you for all your congratulations on the birth of my first Great Grandson, Lewis. I have 10 grandchildren altogether. My ever growing family are determined to keep us poor........but rich in so many other ways, so am counting my blessings and hiding my purse.....................lol

Thank you for popping in and seeing me plus all your great support. Have a lovely evening and will catch up with you all later. Take care, Annette x

CofC 29 - WEATHERED GRUNGE

Hi, thought I would have a go at doing something a little different for me with the lovely Linda's Compendium of Curiosities challenge 29 Weathered Grunge (page 50).

Stamps used, BLine and Craft Lounge; Tim Holtz Die, Sizzix Die and a TH Texture Fade. Other products were Gold Paint Dabber, Tea Dye Distress, Aqua Paint Dabber, Baby Blue Stickles.

As yet not sure whether to put this onto a Valentines card or make it into a Hanging or Magnet etc, so leaving it as it is at present. There are some fab examples of this weathered grunge over at Linda's StudioL3 so if you get the time pop over and have a look you will be amazed.

Thank you for popping in and for all your great support, wishing you a happy day and take care, Annette x

PS. Am having problems with blogger at the moment. Cannot follow a new blog with my photo enclosed, think it wants me to be incognito.........and also some comments are not being allowed even though they are not spam. Will try and fix it, but not sure how. If anyone has any ideas please email me I would be grateful.

CofC 28 and a Tile

Hi, dear Linda of StudioL3 who is running Compendium of Curiosities has given us page 57, Colourful Layered Fragment........whoopee I said, I have a fragment (of sorts) yay then turned to the page..........oh no, haven't got the other requirement, but with a bit of nosing around the other entries I found another way of doing it.........tried it...........result utter mess, so cleaned it all off and started again and again and again......ooh am so fed up by now........then I thought I would try something else just in case it would work.........well it did, but trouble is I only had one colour.........so dropped a bit of gold in and by accident it also went onto my dragonfly. This is obviously Not the way to do it, but you can see the gorgeous effects of some the others over at Studio L3. I also had a tea bag left over from the Gingersnappers Tea Bag Template Challenge so used this as well, plus a spare small book cover; so put it all together and this is it........lol

Frustrated with it all decided to use a couple of the alcohol inks on a spare kitchen tile and see what happened.........wow am really pleased with this, such a great effect and wanted to show you in case you had thought about having a go. I saw this first on A Penny for Your Thoughts - Penny Benningtons Blog, oh wow she creates some fab things. If you have these sort of inks and a spare tile have a go, its such fun.

Sorry this is a long post but had so much to tell you. Have a great weekend whatever you are doing and take care, Annette x

Hanging My Head in Shame.........CofC-27

Yep am coming to you hanging my head with shame at my example for the Compendium of Curiosities No 27, Distress Misting Masks. Its so naff...........but after covering this and myself in Terracotta and Heirloom Gold Perfect Pearls I was not in the best of moods, especially as I had to go for some special XRays yesterday covered in this stuff, not a good look, no wonder the doctor and the nurses looked at me strangely....lol

To see some wonderful examples of this technique from page 60 of the CofC you need to visit dear Linda of Studio L3 and believe me there are some fab examples there. Will try and do better next week.

Thank you for popping in and hope the visit didn't make you feel too sick....... Take care and have a happy day. Annette x

CCC26 & The Artistic Stamper ' SUGAR AND SPICE'

'Sugar and Spice and All Things Nice' was primarily made for Lindas Compendium of Curiosities (Studio L3) - Rusted Grunge and then saw Jennie (The Artistic Stamper) was doing Wings, so wow two for the price of one...........

I used an old Postcard for this tag and stamped a Lace Background and then dragged Betsy kicking and screaming onto it, she was not happy having rusty wings.......So we did a deal and I told her she could bring her dog along, anything to shut her up.......

Now for the truth.........yep have to own up......not got the required colour for the rust, only black and pale blue. So had to improvise and no I didn't use Gravy Granules, although tempted......lol

For all the instructions on how to do it correctly go to Page 45 of the Compendium of Curiosities, then upload yours so we can all see. There are some fab entries again this time and also Lindas' wonderful tag.

Once I have uploaded to the challenge sites I must get dressed as overslept this morning and still in PJs, but will be back later in the day to check out all your wonderful creations. Thank you again for all your wonderful support and kindness and have a happy day whatever you are doing. Annette x

CofC 25 - SCRIBBLE STAIN DISTRESS

Hi, back again with another Compendium of Curiosities, this time Scribble Stain Distress, chosen for us by the lovely Linda of Studio L3. I am never quite sure why I keep having a go at these as so rarely do I have the proper requirements.

With this one I don't have the Scribbler........what on earths that I hear you cry.....its all revealed on page 34 of the CofC.........lol Anyway not going to give up so I tried a wooden stick dipped......mmmm not quite the same and doesn't really get the right effect, but its not too bad........possibly............!!!!

Distress Inks Used were Fired Brick and Tea Dye, also White and Gold Paint Dabber, Inka Gold and Perfect Pearls Heirloom Gold and of course the Trees embossing folder by Tim Holtz. Will try and link this to Jennies tag challenge at The Artistic Stamper.

Thank you so much for popping in as am sure you are all extremely busy at the moment getting ready for the big day........ we are going to our youngest daughter Wendy for Christmas Day and she is the most brilliant cook and serves terrific wine..........and has the best sense of humour... yep just like her mother......lol

Stay safe and Warm and be Happy. Hugs Annette x

Compendium of Curiosities 24 - Rock Candy Stickles

Hi,

Managed to get a lot of the Christmas preses wrapped today .......phew and at long last managed to complete Cof C 24, Rock Candy Stickles (page 47) hosted by the lovely Linda of Studio L3. With a miniscule amount of Rock Candy left in my bottle I had just enough for this tag. Not exactly how Tim Holtz has demonstrated in the book as I wanted to try it out on fabric to see what happened. Unfortunately the picture does not pick up the lovely gentle sparkle, but it really glistens beautifully so will definitely use it on fabric again.

Products used... White Paint Dabber, Inka Gold and the stamp is by Art Journey......ooh I love that stamp.

I hope it will be OK for the challenge, will just have to wait and see. After making the 12 Days of Christmas tags I have set myself a challenge to make a tag for each month of the year and then mount them. This is my one and only resolution for 2011; have you made any yet? Will catch up with you all later this evening. Thank you again for popping by and your great support. Take care, Annette x

CofC - Double Distress

Hi,

The lovely Linda of StudioL3 gave us page 40 of the Compendium of Curiosities this week, Double Distress. So off we go, embossed on Grunge - fine.... and then it went wrong! Reason: far too heavy handed.... Result: a total mess, so reversed the grunge and did the technique on the leaves instead - Now was this a 'cop out' or being resourceful? Either way a lesson learn't.......Yep most definitely an adventure into this amazing book. Distress Inks used were Worn Lipstick and Dusty Concord.

Also will enter it into Simon Says Stamp - Distress Inks

The picture on the right is my entry for the Gingersnaps Challenge GC80 - Vintage Hues, its a small book cover 3.50 x 3.50 which has a little bit of decoupage on it and some Fimo mouldings plus Distress Inks, so it could go in for Simon Says as well, couldn't it!

Studio L3, Simon Says Stamp and Gingersnaps are terrific places to visit as the craftings are just amazing and full of inspiration, so if you get the chance they are well worth a visit.

Thank you for popping by and for your great support and kindness. Have got to start clearing out my kitchen ready for a new one to be fitted starting on Monday.......or shall I get on with some Christmas stuff.......yea......forget the kitchen can always do it at the weekend..... Take care, Annette x

CofC 22 - Alcohol Ink Spatter

Hi,

Challenge 22 already.......time does fly when you are having fun and it thanks to dear Linda of Studio L3 who is taking us all on an adventure. This time its page 52 of the Compendium of Curiosities.

Made mine into an Easel card for a change.....and am quite pleased how its turned out. Using a straw with the technique caused a lot of laughter as my husband thought I was ill when he heard all the huffing and puffing.......stupid man..........lol

My wonderful prize arrived from Linda yesterday and I cannot thank her enough, as have great plans for the Configurations.

I shall not be around for a couple of days as am going to visit my Uncle and Auntie in Swindon, unfortunately he has cancer and is a bad way poor man, so its going to be heartbreaking as some of you will know who have been through the same thing with a dear friend or relative. But on a brighter note I will be back on Saturday and be able to catch up with all your wonderful work.

There is already some wonderful examples of Ink Spatter at Lindas' Studio L3 Blog so if you get the time its well worth a visit. Take care, hugs Annette x

CofC 20 - Industrial Grunge

Thank you so much for all your congratulations on my birthday and the many cards and brilliant presents. I was overwhelmed by your generosity. Since then we have some sad news within the family and everything has been very topsy turvey and my phone has not stopped ringing so am afraid I just haven't been able to keep up with all your wonderful craftings, so sorry, but will try to catch up as the week goes on.

Didn't feel much like crafting either, but Terry, bless her gave me some great advice so here I am with the Compendium of Curiosities Challenge - Industrial Grunge (page 54). I tell you this was a real tough one and had to improvise with the vital steps with a cork with pins stuck in........ and think I overdid it a bit.........

Products used were Tim Holtz dies and embossing folder. Silver paint dabber, Silver metallic cream, Fired Brick Distress Ink, Frosted Lace Stickles and Snow Tex.

Well at least I have a Christmas card made now.........

To see all the wonderful creations using this technique go over to the lovely Linda at StudioL3 and see a feast of art.

Am also entering this into the Everybody Art Challenge - Non Traditional Christmas

and The Stampman Challenge 9 - Christmas (see link on sidebar)

I have just received an award from Andrea of Smudgetastic 'I GOT THE ATTITUDE' Blog Award will have to enter all the requirements later as it really needs thinking about.... but how cool is this. Its going to give me great Kudos with the children and grandchildren, so am going to learn to talk the talk and walk the walk......lol how brilliant, thank you Andrea.

Thank you for popping by and for all your great support. Take care, Annette x

C of C 19 - Extreme Masking

Hi,

I was so excited to win last weeks challenge over at dear Lindas' StudioL3 especially as it will be just in time for my birthday, brilliant. Thank you so much Linda.

Challenge 19 is on Page 61 of the Compendium of Curiosities - Extreme Masking. So no expense spared with this one, I used the pull off top of an old Tissue Box, completed the technique then mounted it on a card that had been masked in the ordinary way. It wasn't until it was completed that I could see the real difference in the two types of masking......

The masks used were by Tim Holtz plus his distress inks, worn lipstick, dusty concord, weathered wood and peeled paint, finished off with some black paint dabber. I hope you like it as am not a natural cardmaker, but it wouldn't fit on a tag so had no choice........lol

There are already some brilliant creative examples of this technique over at StudioL3 not to mentions Lindas' terrific example, so if you get the time pop over and be amazed.

A few of you lovely crafters have shown an interest in my Art Classes and wonder why I get myself in a tizzy with my homework. Before I started Art Classes had never drawn a thing that you could recognise.........lol. Our tutor is totally brilliant and is now teaching us watercolour techniques and honestly I never knew there were so many.........dumb or what.......... so am showing one of my latest homework pieces, yep one eye at a time........please be kind and if you fall off the chair laughing can you do it quietly so I cannot hear you............

Thank you for popping in and giving me such great support and encouragement.

Take care, Annette x

COFC No: 18 plus THE THREE MUSES

Hi,

Compendium of Curiosities this week is Dabber Resist (page 37) which the lovely Linda of StudioL3 has asked us to do. I have to admit I had a few problems with this, in that choosing the right stamp is the key to a good result, needless to say it took me three attempts to get there, blooming typical...........lol

'A Perfect Day' is recycled card from a paper tissue box and as the back was so pretty I just stamped on that. Have included a picture of the back just in case you wanted to see.

The next one is an ATC for the Three Muses Challenge - Wings, which really needs no explanation as you can clearly see the various bits I used to produce The Sunset Diva....

Lastly am sorry I haven't been around for a couple of days visiting everyone but have been working on loads of homework for my Art Class and at last there has been a breakthrough... Hooray.....

Thankyou for popping by and for your great support and if you get the chance to pop over to Linda at StudioL3 and The Three Muses you will see some fantastic work.

Take care and have a happy week, Annette x

CHALLENGE 17: Fragment Charms

and these are what the backs look like

Hi,

The lovely Linda from Studio L3 has directed us to Fragment Charms.

This is what I did: Chose 2 Fragments then went to Page 64 of Compendium of Curiosities and said the magic words 'Abracadabra' and this is the result..........Well not quite.....I used Crafty Individuals pictures and backed them both with Aluminium Tape, rolled the herringbone wheel over them and rubbed in Metallic Creams, the rest you can see, a bit of stamping and a cut out picture, last of all I sealed the backs with multi medium matte.

One of them is going to be turned into a Pendant Necklace and the other is going on a Wedding Card I have yet to make. They are so difficult to photograph because of the shiny veneer, but have tried my best to get a clearish picture. Some of the reflections make them look a bit lumpy but honestly, cross my heart they are not.........

There are some totally amazing creations submitted at Studio L3 so please go and have a look, just brilliant.

Thank you for popping in and supporting my efforts. Take care, Annette x

CHALLENGE 15 - COMPENDIUM OF CURIOSITIES

Hi, my husband has gone to Belguim for the day - Woo Hoo - so can catch up with some crafting, brill.

The lovely Linda from StudioL3 has give us Page 53 from the Compendium of Curiosities - Alcohol Ink Agate on Grunge!! So I turned to Page 53 and Tim Holtz says you can apply this technique to Wood or Fabric as well..............mmmmmm, so being a bit naughty I wanted to try it on Wood. I altered a Childrens Wooden Book Page with this technique, what do you think, is it OK? Have shown it in its original state so you can see the difference.

There are some wonderful examples over at StudioL3 by some fabulous crafters so please go and have a look, you will be amazed.

Am also entering this in the Stampmans Fortnightly Challenge 6 - Altered

Thank you for popping by today and for all your support and encouragement. Enjoy the weekend. Have to go and get some more crafting done, but will be back to check out your great blogs later. Take care, Annette x

CHALLENGE OF CURIOSITIES WEEK 14

Hi, this week the lovely talented Linda from Studio L3 chose page 58 from the fabulous C of C book which is Masks Basics. This week the challenge is sponsored by the generous Daisy at Eclectic Papers - and wow what a brilliant prize is being offered to the lucky winner. It reminds me of the song from Cabaret........ 'Maybe this time I'll be Lucky', me and a zillion others would love to win this prize and there are some brilliant crafters out there so pop over and have a look if you get the time and see their great artwork.

I die cut my Mask from Acetate as I wanted to do the Birdcage and I haven't got that mask so had to improvise. Both pieces are done on gloss card with Tim Holtz Distress Inks and the Backing sheet of the Bluey Greeny one is the Splish Splosh Technique, cut with Tim Holtz die cut. The birds have been clear embossed and stamped flower has been bronze and gold embossed. Plus I have a new stamp Two Sticks by Stampotique which I had to use......lol

Unfortunately there are no words on either of these pieces as couldn't make up my mind, so any suggestions are most welcome.

Thanks for popping by and for all the wonderful support you give me. Take care, Annette x

COMPENDIUM OF CURIOSITIES WEEK 9

Hi,

Another exciting start to the week for me with Linda's Compendium of Curiosities, just my most favourite of challenges. Am just like a child on Monday.....ooh what adventure are we going to have today ........ and this week its Distress Crackle Technique, Page 42 of the C of C. Linda always shows a terrific example over at StudioL3 to wet your appetite and its always yummy.

For my tag I used Tim Holtz Distress Crackle Clear Rock Candy, Distress Inks and a Mask. Stamp was by B Line Designs. One of cracklings didn't work out all that well and that was on the black flourish, not sure why. So please any of you experts out there I would be grateful for advice on this.

Being a bit naff, as I tend to be.... It was supposed to be a Mask within a Mask.......but somehow that has not really come off. Another bright idea out the window........lol

Ooh just realised I can enter this also in the Drunken Stampers Challenge... brilliant

Thank you for popping by and all advice re above and comments are gratefully received. Am off to my Art Class shortly to see what a disaster I can create there as well....... Enjoy your day, Annette x