I love a decent crackle effect, but it’s a notoriously difficult thing to get ‘right’ and nigh on impossible to get the same results every time. I noticed I have collected a number of different crackle effect mediums over time and thought it was time to do a side by side trial.
The other stamp pack I have been sent to work with this month for the Creative Expressions Design Team projects is their unmounted ‘Antique Dressforms’ set. This card features a decoupaged background which I hope is reminiscent of tissue paper dress patterns, and is a relatively quick and easy make.
Just a quick note to say that I have added workshops for the rest of the year to my list – some are subject to change (especially later in the year), but save the dates as they won’t change! Those workshops with a Buy Now button can be booked now.
I’m also keen to arrange bespoke workshops for families/groups of friends during half term or holidays – starting at £100 per day (10-4) for up to 8 people including use of equipment and basic materials, I’d tailor the programme to your specifications and age range of those attending. At least two adults will need to be included in your group. Some projects will be more expensive due to the materials used, but this will be agreed in advance. Email me if you are interested 🙂
It’s 12th night, all the decorations are down, and the Christmas cards are destined for the recycling bin. But wait… what else could you do with them? Here are three ideas I came up with for making next Christmas’ cards with last Christmas’.
I’m delighted to share that I have been invited to join the fabulous Design Team working with Jones Crafts in Nottingham – and I’ve accepted. Keep a look out for brand new projects using kit from Graphic 45, Marion Smith Designs and 7 Gypsies amongst others.
Now I’m not entirely sure why I appear to have googly eyes in this photo… but I was the nominated driver, so it wasn’t the butterbeer! This is me, as Voldemort, at a Harry Potter fancy dress party last night. I started the makeover by using a Pritt glue stick to stick down my eyebrows – several layers, drying between each. Next was eye liner and eye shadow – doesn’t that need practice?! Then copious amounts of white face paint, with added red round eyes, and hints of green. Finally veins and general grot were added with eye liner or black face paint and a fine brush before being smudged in. And then came the fun part of trying to not itch, brush, scratch, bump or otherwise remove any of it!
The nail are artificial and though supergluing them (that was the included glue) was good for security, not so good for quick removal later… Cover with a layer of white nail polish, follow up with dabs of grey in the bottom third, and then dab green on the cuticle line. Add dry brushed brown lines for texture, smudging with a finger tip as it dries. Finally, mix a little black nail polish in a clear top coat and brush over the lot. White/green face paint over fingers and wrists to blend in, and emphasise the length of fingers using black paint in the the webs between the tendons towards the back of the hand and blend in.
Top tip – apply your black tooth wax BEFORE you lengthen your nails.
I’ve never done any sort of make up before, and the moving canvas created particular problems – like my eyebrow covers peeling off when I was laughing…
And a handy tip – much the same make up job seems perfect to be The Emperor from Star Wars or Uncle Fester from the Addams Family. That’s the next couple of fancy dress parties sorted. I just won’t use superglue next time.
Welcome to my blog, in which I aim to keep you up-to-date with my new career in art and design and showcase my work. Let me know if you want to purchase any of the artwork on display, all offers seriously considered. Please leave comments – I’ll need to moderate your first comment on my blog, but any future comments you make should appear straight away.
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Welcome to another year on my blog, and we kick off with a card featuring the latest Creative Expressions Singles stamp – Rose Blossom Purse. The Singles range are rubber stamps pre-mounted on cling foam and cut out ready for slapping onto acrylic plates for stamping. I’ve done a simple card, concentrating on using lots of different colouring techniques for my tutorial…