Hello again
Just a quick note to say don't forget to check out Jo Capper-Sandon's blog - she is giving away a set of the stamps used on her cover project last month, and rather yummy they are too!
http://jocappersandon.blogspot.com/
Plus just a week left to enter the challenges, so get crafting!
Katy
Friday, 30 January 2009
Inspired by me (blushes...)
Hello
Oh dear, I have been a very bad blogger...been very busy at work since Xmas - that'll teach me to have two weeks leave!
Just had to show you this which has been done by Minxy - http://thealteredinker.blogspot.com/2009/01/magazine-inspiration.html.
It's based on my Book of Promises from the Feb issue and it's gorgeous. I love how Minxy has put her own identity firmly on the piece, which is quite different from my version.
Enjoy!
Oh dear, I have been a very bad blogger...been very busy at work since Xmas - that'll teach me to have two weeks leave!
Just had to show you this which has been done by Minxy - http://thealteredinker.blogspot.com/2009/01/magazine-inspiration.html.
It's based on my Book of Promises from the Feb issue and it's gorgeous. I love how Minxy has put her own identity firmly on the piece, which is quite different from my version.
Enjoy!
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Reader Artwork
I'd just like to share with you this lovely work done by reader Nathalie Lucas, inspired by Lana George's lovely candle in the January issue. Here's what Nathalie told me about her project:
"I did not wrap the candle completely in tissue but cut around stamped images (stamps from Clarity, I love her 'sketchy Lady') and adhered them as per Lana's instructions. I coloured the pictures with some chalks and cheap powder eye shadows I bought ages ago, thinking I'll find a use for them.
Then of course I had to make a box. I chickened out of making it entirely out of acetate but just made the window from acetate, with the rest made from card. I used the See-Ds Morsels I bought so cheaply before Christmas with Adirondack inks (Butterscotch, Caramel and raisin).
And finally the card to match - a smaller version of the Sketchy Lady, with PaperArtsy stamps to set it off, and a Spellbinders die-cut made from an aluminium roasting tin (the kind roasts come in at Iceland)."
Then of course I had to make a box. I chickened out of making it entirely out of acetate but just made the window from acetate, with the rest made from card. I used the See-Ds Morsels I bought so cheaply before Christmas with Adirondack inks (Butterscotch, Caramel and raisin).
And finally the card to match - a smaller version of the Sketchy Lady, with PaperArtsy stamps to set it off, and a Spellbinders die-cut made from an aluminium roasting tin (the kind roasts come in at Iceland)."
Thanks for sharing Nathalie - lovely work.
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Submission guidelines
I've been asked a few times for submission guidelines for folks who are interested in contributing to Craft Stamper. I have finally put some together! Below is a sample of the content, if any of my readers thinks they would make a good contributor, I can email the full version over. My email address is cs@traplet.com.
Craft Stamper encourages submissions from new artists, including those who have not been published before. We accept both one-off contributions from people with a specific expertise or technique to share, as well as seeking more regular contributors to join the Design Team.
How do we find contributors?
Many contributors join Craft Stamper either as a result of putting themselves forward or by recommendation – for example one of the current additions to the team telephoned me out of the blue and was hired a few days later! Also, new contributors are sometimes approached directly on the strength of artwork that has appeared on the internet or in other publications.
Winners of our Readers’ Gallery, competitions, or ATC swap who submit outstanding work may also be considered for publication or asked to participate in challenges, so it is worth submitting to these features.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding stampers in all areas of stamping. The magazine is eclectic in content, so any kind of style is appropriate – from cute, to modern, to vintage, to altered art. All submissions are considered on the basis of a) quality and; b) the value added to the magazine. On the whole, new contributors will be those who can bring something unique or different to the magazine.
Experience of publication is not important – in fact we positively encourage artists who have not been previously published, or whose work might be too technical or too unusual for the more mainstream UK craft magazines. What you will need is experience of papercraft / stamping / mixed media work; a flair for design and eye for colour; a good standard of written English and the ability to explain processes and techniques in a clear and concise fashion. The ability to take good quality photographs for our step-by-step features is an advantage, though not essential as these are done in house for some contributors.
It is also essential that you are committed and reliable and can meet deadlines. It is imperative that your work shows good attention to detail and is finished to the highest standards.
I hope that answers some of the questions about magazine submissions for you.
Take care,
Katy
Craft Stamper encourages submissions from new artists, including those who have not been published before. We accept both one-off contributions from people with a specific expertise or technique to share, as well as seeking more regular contributors to join the Design Team.
How do we find contributors?
Many contributors join Craft Stamper either as a result of putting themselves forward or by recommendation – for example one of the current additions to the team telephoned me out of the blue and was hired a few days later! Also, new contributors are sometimes approached directly on the strength of artwork that has appeared on the internet or in other publications.
Winners of our Readers’ Gallery, competitions, or ATC swap who submit outstanding work may also be considered for publication or asked to participate in challenges, so it is worth submitting to these features.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding stampers in all areas of stamping. The magazine is eclectic in content, so any kind of style is appropriate – from cute, to modern, to vintage, to altered art. All submissions are considered on the basis of a) quality and; b) the value added to the magazine. On the whole, new contributors will be those who can bring something unique or different to the magazine.
Experience of publication is not important – in fact we positively encourage artists who have not been previously published, or whose work might be too technical or too unusual for the more mainstream UK craft magazines. What you will need is experience of papercraft / stamping / mixed media work; a flair for design and eye for colour; a good standard of written English and the ability to explain processes and techniques in a clear and concise fashion. The ability to take good quality photographs for our step-by-step features is an advantage, though not essential as these are done in house for some contributors.
It is also essential that you are committed and reliable and can meet deadlines. It is imperative that your work shows good attention to detail and is finished to the highest standards.
I hope that answers some of the questions about magazine submissions for you.
Take care,
Katy
Monday, 19 January 2009
I hope you enjoyed Cath Wilson's concertina holder for ATCs in the last issue of Craft Stamper? Here is another version Cath submitted, which we unfortunately did not have space for in the magazine. This would make a perfect card for a man on Valentine's Day as well as a great way to present ATCs. I think the monochrome scheme is really stunning!
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
A pretty card design
Just a quick card I made recently for one of my partner's work colleagues.The image is simply stamped and painted with my favourite Twinkling H20s. I didn't have any card that matched to mat it onto, so I just took a piece of white card and painted just the edge with the same H20 paint. The border is simply the same stamp turned on its side.
The stamp is from Lavinia Stamps - pretty isn't it? I am very impressed with their clear stamps and the level of detail they have - they stamp beautifully too. Check out their designs (and watch out for an article in a future issue by Tracey, the talented owner of Lavinia Stamps).
Hope you like :)
Katy x
Monday, 12 January 2009
Free Stamp Makes - Cup Cake Birthday Stamp
Hello again,
You seemed to enjoy seeing the strawberry creations, so here's a few reader makes with the Happy Birthday stamp which came free with the September 08 issue of Craft Stamper.
A suitably yummy card by Amanda
A lovely pink creation from Joey
Three ideas using the Cuttlebug from Olive
A really cute card by Jenny
A really clever idea for using the stamp differently from Cathy
Please enjoy the artwork but respect the artist's copyright over their creations. If you've made something lovely with the stamp, pop a link in the comments for us to share :).
See you soon!
Katy
You seemed to enjoy seeing the strawberry creations, so here's a few reader makes with the Happy Birthday stamp which came free with the September 08 issue of Craft Stamper.
A suitably yummy card by Amanda
A lovely pink creation from Joey
Three ideas using the Cuttlebug from Olive
A really cute card by Jenny
A really clever idea for using the stamp differently from Cathy
Please enjoy the artwork but respect the artist's copyright over their creations. If you've made something lovely with the stamp, pop a link in the comments for us to share :).
See you soon!
Katy
Saturday, 10 January 2009
Challenge reminder
Just a reminder that we have TWO challenges this month, both with great prizes up for grabs:
Our project-tie in challenge here: http://craftstamper.blogspot.com/2009/01/happy-new-challenge.html
And sketch challenge here: http://craftstamper.blogspot.com/2009/01/sketch-challenge.html
Enjoy!
Our project-tie in challenge here: http://craftstamper.blogspot.com/2009/01/happy-new-challenge.html
And sketch challenge here: http://craftstamper.blogspot.com/2009/01/sketch-challenge.html
Enjoy!
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Altered my shelves!
In a moment of madness this weekend I decided to alter some shelves! These little shelves were just £5 each in Morrisons but pretty ugly, so I thought I would decorate them a bit. Here's what I did: I stamped a border (Prima) along the edge of each and some small flourishes on the uprights (Autumn Leaves) using StazOn ink. Then I inked six panels of cardstock, using Antique Linen and Brushed Corduroy Distress Inks and blending them with Cut n Dry foam. I overstamped the panels with a script stamp (PaperArtsy). I added Crafty Individuals flourishes to the left and right panels and a Fancy Pants flourish to the central panels. Each has been stamped with a Hero Arts butterfly too. I ran them through my Xyron to stick them to the wood.
These are now home to my inkpads and are situated right next to my desk. Part one of Project Craftroom - I sooooo have to get organised in there!!!
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
Sugar Nellie challenges you
If you love Nellie's check out the new Sugar Bowl challenge blog for a regular sketch challenge! There is also a linked blog called Sugar Sugar, which will have monthly tutorials, the first of which is paper beads by our very own Marlene.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Monday, 5 January 2009
Quick challenge update
Thanks for the comment Sue - wax paper can be purchased from the Craft Barn - here is the link; http://www.thecraftbarn.co.uk/product.php/11613/wax-paper-sheets/588c2e2e75a5ed43a0c03808ad765bb1
You have until 6th Feb to complete the challenge. Have fun!
Enjoy!
You have until 6th Feb to complete the challenge. Have fun!
Enjoy!
Sketch Challenge!
Play along with our Sketch Challenge!Here is the sketch Craft Stamper designers Isabelle Norris, Lana George and Rachel Ward used for their artwork in the February issue. In case you haven't seen it, the Sketch Challenge is a new feature, where three artists produce a card, altered item and scrapbooking project using the sketch provided. Simple idea, but it's great to see what the different designers come up with.
I'd love to see what you guys can create with the sketch! I do hope you'll play along and I'll send a little
bit of candy to one person who joins in, selected at random.The candy up for grabs is this lovely set of swirly stamps kindly donated by Jennie from the Artistic Stamper. Just leave a comment here with a link to your sketch-based piece (or email me at cs@traplet.com if you don't have a blog).
Take care and see you soon!
Katy
PS - I am contemplating another challenge feature and have put a poll up so let me know your thoughts. xxx
Sunday, 4 January 2009
Share the joy!
I hope Santa was kind to you and got you lots of stash for Christmas? Like many people, we had a more frugal affair this year (mainly down to demise of our boiler in mid-Nov, not convenient timing!). But I did get what a wished for this Christmas - a lovely Bind-It-All machine. Here is a very unattractive picture of me caressing it on Christmas Day! I also got two new Cuttlebug folders and a lovely Penny Black flower stamp too.Share with us what crafty loveliness you got for Christmas this year.
Saturday, 3 January 2009
Feb Matchbook project - step by step
In case you fancy making the matchbook I created for the Feb issue of Craft Stamper with the free 'Love you more tag' cover mount stamp, here are some detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for you (forgive the less than perfect pictures - they are all my own work! LOL).
Step 3: Cut along the top edge of the border and colour with a pink Sakura pen.
Step 4: Cut a piece of black card just smaller than the front cover, and a piece of patterned paper slightly smaller than that. Stick these to the cover.
Step 5: Stamp the tag once onto purple card and once onto patterned paper. Cut out the patterned paper tag inside the border and layer onto the purple tag. Colour the heart with a pink Sakura pen.
Step 6: Stick the tag to the cover with a bling brad (I didn't use glue as I wanted the tag to move).
Step 7: Cut a strip of patterned paper from a 12x12 sheet, measuring 2 3/4" wide. Score and fold to create sections as follows: 2 3/4"; 2 1/2" (x4).
Step 8: You'll have a small tab at the end. Cut another piece of the same paper 2 3/4" square and glue it to this end tab.
Step 9: Stick the centre 'pages' together (just put the tape at the fold end to allow the pages to open a wee bit at the base and allow the book to be flexible). Attach the book to the front and back covers of the matchbook, aligning the inner pages with the spine.
Step 1: Cut a strip of card 3" wide from a 12x12 sheet of silver cardstock. Score the card so you have sections of the following sizes: 1 3/4"; 3", 1/4", 2.5". Cut off the excess. Fold as shown to make a matchbook shape.
Step 2: Stamp the heart border along the edge of the short flap.
Step 2: Stamp the heart border along the edge of the short flap.Step 3: Cut along the top edge of the border and colour with a pink Sakura pen.Step 4: Cut a piece of black card just smaller than the front cover, and a piece of patterned paper slightly smaller than that. Stick these to the cover.Step 5: Stamp the tag once onto purple card and once onto patterned paper. Cut out the patterned paper tag inside the border and layer onto the purple tag. Colour the heart with a pink Sakura pen.Step 6: Stick the tag to the cover with a bling brad (I didn't use glue as I wanted the tag to move). Step 7: Cut a strip of patterned paper from a 12x12 sheet, measuring 2 3/4" wide. Score and fold to create sections as follows: 2 3/4"; 2 1/2" (x4). Step 8: You'll have a small tab at the end. Cut another piece of the same paper 2 3/4" square and glue it to this end tab. Step 9: Stick the centre 'pages' together (just put the tape at the fold end to allow the pages to open a wee bit at the base and allow the book to be flexible). Attach the book to the front and back covers of the matchbook, aligning the inner pages with the spine.Step 10: Stamp heart stamps (Blonde Moments) onto patterned paper and colour parts with the Sakura pen. Cut out.
Step 11: Print out 6 pictures 1 1/2" by 2". Cut out and stick to the pages with a heart on each. On the final page, rather than a heart stamp some journalling lines to add a personal message.
Step 12: Staple along the bottom edge to allow the cover to tuck tightly into the flap. Cover the staples with ribbon (or if you like them, leave them showing).
Hope you've enjoyed this tutorial. See you soon.
Step 11: Print out 6 pictures 1 1/2" by 2". Cut out and stick to the pages with a heart on each. On the final page, rather than a heart stamp some journalling lines to add a personal message.Step 12: Staple along the bottom edge to allow the cover to tuck tightly into the flap. Cover the staples with ribbon (or if you like them, leave them showing).Hope you've enjoyed this tutorial. See you soon.Friday, 2 January 2009
Happy New Challenge!
It's the new year the February issue of CS is out on sale today, so it's time for a new challenge! YAY!This challenge relates to Isa Norris' beautiful Vintage Valentine article and is called GET CREATIVE WITH CUTTLEBUG! The challenge is to have a go at Isa's gorgeous 'cuttle-wax' technique or you can use your Cuttlebug in combination with stamping supplies in other ways.
You could win this fab prize - three Cuttlebug folders plus two gorgeous new Crafty Individuals bird stamps (as used in the article) - which has been generously donated by the wonderful folks at The Craft Barn. The Craft Barn website is now fully operational and they are a fabulously well-stocked store so do take a look!
NOW FOR THE WINNER OF THE GLIMMER MIST CHALLENGE - WENDY!
Here's her lovely card http://craftblog.craftybutterfly.co.uk/2008/12/glimmered-iris.html - thank you to everyone who played along. I hope you had fun!
I hope everyone had a happy and relaxing Christmas - I certainly did. Here's to a creative and crafty 2009.
Other content linked from the mag will be posted in the next few days for you.
Katy xxx