Strawberry Girl

Hello all! I'm sorry I've been MIA for a few days - just soooo much to do at the moment and, unfortunately, I haven't yet found a way to squeeze more hours into my days! Life has simply got in the way of my crafting this week and, of course, I have quite a few design team cards to work on at the moment so I also have stuff made that I can't post yet!

Today's project is my Mo's Dream Team weekly card and my entry for this week's Papertake Weekly Challenge, which is a sketch challenge this week, set by the mega-talented Dawny P of Pink Piggy.

(Dawny's sketches are some of the best you'll find in Blogland, I promise, and she has her own sketch blog, Simply Sketches, if you're in need of sketch inspiration.  You should also check out Dawny's blog, Pink Piggy - you won't be disappointed.)

So here's my take on the sketch:

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Strawberry Girl'

Papers: A selection from October Afternoon

Other: Ticket - made by me; charm, flowers, buttons, etc., from stash.

Actually, the flowers are made up from a big bag of mulberry paper petals that I bought around three years ago from Lakeland Plastics, who used to sell crafty supplies at one time.  Heavens knows how may petals there are altogether - but three years on I'm still using them up!

Isn't she a sweet little darling?  I love her strawberry-shaped bag - how cute is that?!  Unfortunately, the closeup photograph is a little dark - obviously didn't process it properly - and the colours are supposed to be like the ones in the main picture.  Oh hum - gotta get me some photography lessons sorted. 

Anyway, coloured her up with my Copics, of course, and added some 'glow' with my Prismas (watch out for the tutorial).  I also added some little flowers around her feet, mainly to try to disguise a horrible pink blob that had appeared from somewhere (probably from my Copics when I took the lid off too quickly!).  Still, it adds a certain something!

Although I love Dawny's sketch, I don't think I've really made the most of it, but I think this was because my mojo has a touch of summer cold and wasn't really feeling like playing at the time.  I should really have embossed the background cream, to give a bit of texture rather than colour.  Oh well, next time maybe.

Yup, it's not only my mojo that has a summer cold - I'm sniffing and sneezing like crazy today and, just between you and me, not even being surrounded by my stash has got me in the mood.  Still, that's how it goes sometimes - hopefully my mojo will come home soon.

Have a good weekend and don't forget to watch out for my first Karen's Doodes DT post on Monday!

Happy crafting.
xx

It's Isabella Time!

Happy Wednesday all! It's time to launch another Isabella's Sketchbook Challenge and this week we want you to chill out by using the colours green and blue.  Hopefully, you made the most of  Isabella's sale last week and stocked up on her beautiful images, so we're hoping for lots of entries this week and can't wait to see what you all come up with!

So, here's my contribution:

Image: Isabella's Sketchbook, 'Suitcase Stack'

Papers: A selection of digipapers, downloaded free over the last year, plus 'map' page from October Afternoon.

This is a perfect image for this time of year.  The schools have just broken up for the summer and it's time for that well-earned holiday in the sun.  So what better than to wish dear friends 'Bonnes Vacances' ('happy holidays', in case you were wondering) as they set off on their travels.

And that little piece of map really sets it off, I think. 

This is also a brilliant image for paper-piecing.  As you can see, I've paper-pieced each suitcase with a different paper, then added co-ordinating corners and handles.  I've used a silver pen to add the hardware and a white pen to add the highlights, then I've used a mid-grey Copic to add some shading for a bit of depth - see the slight shadow under each lid, and below each handle? It's barely visible but it really does the trick, I think. 

So, it's over to you now. We're looking for lots of blue and green, as bright or as subtle as you wish.  Please remember though that you must use an Isabella's Sketchbook image for your challenge entry - sadly, entries that do not use an Isabella's Sketchbook image cannot be considered and will have to be removed from the challenge, which we don't like having to do.

Don't forget to check out the rest of the DT's creations - with such a talented bunch of ladies, there's bound to be lots of wonderfulness to inspire you.

I look forward to seeing your fabulous creations.
xx

Paper Piecing with Mo

Aaah, back in Mo land for a while, Crafty Bloglanders, and ready with my card for this week's DP2 Challenge, which is 'paper piecing'. 

I'm rather fond of paper piecing: it is a simple, stylish way to get colour and pattern on to an image without having to colour, for a change.  Some of you may remember my paper-pieced Shaker-style box, which was also for a Mo's Digital Pencil challenge.  This was a real labour of love - some of those pieces were reeeealllly small!  But it just shows how far you can take paper piecing and the results you can get.

This time, I've not gone quite so far in my devotion! But I have pieced quite a bit of this image:

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Bronte Wants It Now!'

Papers: Not really sure - they've been in my stash for ages!

Tools: EK Success Retro Flower Punches; Floral Punch leaf spray.

I quite like the simplicity of this card - although there are flowers and a bow, the overall look isn't cluttered and it's quite pretty. 

I love this image too - I think it was one of the first Mo's I bought, actually.  It was for a friend's birthday in January this year, so it must have been.

Obviously, there was very little for my Copics to do this time - just a little skin colouring, and Bronte, of course.  Other than that and the tiny details that required inking in, Bella and her parcels and wrapping paper have been paper-pieced. 

You will see that although I've paper pieced everything here, I've used my white pen and my Prismacolors pencils to add some highlights and some shade.  I like to do this as I think it gives a little more interest to the finished project - although for simple images, i.e. not as detailed as the images Mo produces, it works perfectly well without the extra work.  (Pure Innocence images work really well with paper piecing, for example.)

So, as I've spent my night doing housework and then escaped to the study to post, I've not yet eaten and my tummy thinks my throat has been cut!  Off to link up and then .... mmmm.... beans on toast maybe?!

Happy crafting.

xx

Christmas in July!

Now, just so that you know, I'm a bit of a grouch when it comes to Christmas.  Not that I don't love the festival itself, it's just that I hate, with a passion, that we are dropped kicking and screaming into it soooo early by retailers - everything turns Christmassy by September these days and I really object to it.  Just the same way that I used to object to being 'forced' to buy school uniform in June (when the current academic year wasn't even finished!) rather than in August, after Daughter had done her summer growing.  Try to buy it in August and it has all sold out! (Breathe, breathe ....) And I'm pretty much the same with Christmas, it has to be said.  I shout at the first Christmas TV ads; I scream at the first 'White Christmas' muzak in the shops; and I positively hate not being able to buy everyday goods as the shelves have been commandeered for the latest Christmas craze.  So, that said, why, oh why, am I making a Christmas card in July? 

Well, when it comes to card making, I must admit I'm quite happy to overlook my grievances and get cracking.  As we all know, my Crafty Blogland friends, there is never enough time in the day, week, month or year to make all the cards we want to make, as well as all the cards we have to make, so starting early is the only way to make sure Chrimble is sorted, isn't it?  And with this new image from Mo Manning, well, who could resist getting started?

I'm entering this card in this week's Friday Sketchers challenge:

and also into the current Allsorts challenge, the theme for which is 'Baby/child'.

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'I Even Love the Box!'

Papers: Cosmo Cricket, 'Jolly By Golly' range.

Isn't this the sweetest?  And don't we all know that no matter how much thought you put into a present for baby, the box is always the most interesting part?  I have a couple of wonderful photographs of Daughter doing just this - sitting in a box, playing with wrapping paper, happy as can be, whilst the toy sits neglected in the corner!

I was going to colour this image in pale and lovely colours but then I realised - babies love bright colours and if this card is for a baby, I want him/her to be able to see it! So I chose a bit of a half-way house - no primary colours as such but enough colour to be interesting to a little one.

I coloured with my Copics and then, after adding 'glow' with my Prismas, I glittered the background with Glamour Dust.  You might just be able to see some of the glitter in this close-up shot.  It actually looks really pretty IRL - honest!

I love the detail in this image - in fact, I love the detail in all of Mo's images! And the box and wrapping paper provided just enough colouring challenge for my poor brain! I adore the over-sized Santa hat - how cute - although it reminds me, once again, to buy new inks for my grey Copics!

So, today will be filled with chores, I'm afraid - I've not been feeling tip-top for a few days so I've neglected the house somewhat.  And no matter how tightly I close my eyes, the housework fairies don't seem to want to visit, so it's down to me!  Off to link up before breaking out the dusters!

Happy crafting.
xx

Moo-vellous News!

I'm delighted to announce that I have been asked to join the Design Team for Karen's Doodles and, of course, I have said 'yes'! So, look out for me on the DT from 1 August 2010 and don't forget to catch up with me each week when I post my regular Monday Karen's Doodles post. 

Here's one to be going on with:

Image: Karen's Doodles, 'Bovine Beauty'

Papers: Basic Grey, 'Wisteria' collection

Ain't she darling?  I just love this image - and I couldn't resist using this sentiment!

The card is probably a little busier than I set out to make it, it has to be said.  I must have been 'having a moment', I think but, hey, she's gorgeous anyway.

I paper-pieced her dress with one of the co-ordinating sheets from my Basic Grey 6x6 pad - such a useful size, don't you think?  Particularly as the patterns are smaller and perfect for paper-piecing.

I coloured the rest of her with my Copics, adding grass and 'glow' with my Prismas.  (Lots of you have asked how I do that, so I'll be putting together a short 'how to' video shortly - keep popping back to check!)

Everytime I look at her I giggle - I just love that pose! 
Very Mae West, I'm sure!

Anyway, can't stop long - dinner is in the oven and it'll soon be time to eat.  Fish tonight - under duress!

Happy crafting.
xx

Birthday Girl

Today is a special day - it's Mo Manning's birthday and I thought it only fitting that she should have a card dedicated to her. Thanks to Mo's wonderful illustrations, crafters like me have the opportunity to become artists and I can think of no better way of whiling away a few hours than colouring up my favourite Mo images.  So, a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY goes out to Mo and here's her card:

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Penelope's Party Wagon'

Papers: Cosmo Cricket, 'Material Girl' collection.

Well, Mo, you've done it again - another super image - so adorable.  I could hardly wait to get my hands on my Copics for this one - and a flurry of pinks was just the thing.  I had originally intended entering this card in last week's Charisma Cardz challenge but, unfortunately, for one reason and another (life being what it is!), I missed the deadline.  So pink you got, Mo, and I hope you like it!

This image is also available pre-coloured, by the way - but please check Mo's Angel policy regarding her new pre-coloured images. 

So, as mentioned, I used my trusty (and increasingly dry!) Copics to colour up this little gem, adding the grass and background glow with my Prismacolors.  I have intentionally stuck to Mo's original colouring with this one - pink was just the right colour but it is also good to get a feel for how the illustrator sees the image.  Next time she'll change colour - maybe a pretty sea green?

Having missed the Charisma Cardz challenge for which this card was originally intended, I have decided instead to enter Penelope into this week's Papertake Weekly Challenge, for which the theme is 'cute' (and she sooo is!) and also this week's Project Tuesday challenge, which was to 'incorporate hand-made flowers'.  As you will see, Penelope is adorned with hand-made paper roses, which I love making because they're so easy.  Take a look at this tutorial here, for easy-to-follow instructions. I have chosen not to distress or fold the edges of my flowers this time as I quite like the clean edges on this card.

Anyway, I've got to go and link up and then let Mo have her birthday card via her Facebook group.

Happy crafting.
xx

I'm Not Bossy ....

... well, actually, I can be, just a little.  I like things doing properly so I do tend to take over a bit at times, but self-awareness is a good thing and I do try hard to keep myself in check.  Mind you, it must say something that I have a mug in the cupboard that says: 'I'm not bossy - I just have better ideas', which was my inspiration for today's card, as you will see:

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Bossy'

Papers: October Afternoon

Tools: EK Success Retro Flower Punch (medium); Floral Punch leaf spray; Martha Stewart double loops corner punch.

Oh how I laughed when I saw this little one!  Isn't she darling?  So it only seemed fitting that my mug should come in handy for the sentiment. I had such fun colouring her - I just can't help but smile at some of Mo's images - she captures childish characteristics so well!

The layout is this week's Unscripted Sketches challenge sketch and the colour scheme was inspired by this week's The Pink Elephant challenge, which was to 'use brown'.  

I coloured this little lady with my Copics - which, seriously, I have to buy inks for as they are beginning to run dry!  Not bad though, I've been using them constantly (yup, almost every day) since I got them so I've done well, particularly as I like to work big sometimes, which takes a lot more ink.  Then ... (wait for it .... all together now ...) I added grounding and 'glow' with my Prismas.  (You must get as sick of reading that as I do of typing it!)

I am trying very hard to make more effort to capture folds and pleats properly when colouring, which, let me tell you, isn't easy!  But I feel I must continue to progress my colouring, as that's part of what it's all about, isn't it - learning, practising, achieving.  So I hope this little one's clothes are slightly more dimensional than I've been colouring in the past.  Not to say that every time I colour I'll be so motivated - but, hey ho! Gotta try, ain't ya?

Anyway, here she is, in all her bossy glory and I love her. 

Tonight I'm going to my DD's salsa class, so that I can keep Boyfriend company whilst DD dances (and shows off a little I guess!).  So as I only have 90 minutes to make myself presentable, I'd better get linked up and jump in the shower! 

Happy crafting.

xx

It's Isabella Time!

At the risk of being repetitive, once again I can hardly believe that Wednesday has come around again!  It has been a full and somewhat hectic week in York, culminating in my computer throwing a major wobbly last night and me having to borrow Darling Daughter's laptop to post this.  Oh hum! Technology is a great thing, except when it doesn't work!

Have you checked out Isabella's new look Challenge Blog yet?  Not only is it beautiful, but Isabella has introduced lots of new links at the top of the page, so that you can access everything Isabella from one page.  And, of course, that's where we always love to see your challenge entries - we really enjoy seeing your creations each week. 

Additionally, this Wednesday only, Isabella's Sketchbook will be having a ONE DAY SALE, with all images at $2.00 so it's a perfect time to stock up on Isabella's images ready for your challenge entries.

This week, we are asking you to "Cut It Out" Use 3-D, paper tole or decoupage on your card.  I can't wait to see what my Teamies come up with - here's my 'take':

Image:  Isabella's Sketchbook, 'Seed Catalogue Cover'

Papers: October Afternoon.

 This is a really lovely vintage image, don't you think? I coloured the image with a mix of Copics (for the flower spray, border and title) and Prismacolor pencils (field scene). I printed the image out twice and coloured the flowers on both images, using one of the images to cut out the flowers and layer them, decoupage-style, over the bottom image, for depth. I apologise for the lack of detailed photograph this week.

 So, it's over to you now.  Please remember that you must use an Isabella's Sketchbook image for your challenge entry - sadly, entries that do not use an Isabella's Sketchbook image cannot be considered and will have to be removed from the challenge, which we don't like having to do.

Don't forget to check out the rest of the DT's creations - with such a talented bunch of ladies, there's bound to be lots of wonderfulness to inspire you.

I look forward to seeing your fabulous creations.

Happy crafting.
xx

Dude with 'Tude!

As promised, here's my second post today, so that I can keep up with my challenge posting this week.  Tonight's card is for Mo's Digital Pencil's DP2 Challenge, which, this week, is to 'Make a masculine card'.  Don't we all worry when we see those words?  But, thankfully, with Mo's help, I'm no longer worried about 'man cards', as you can see below. 

I'm also entering this card in the Get Sketchy challenge this week, which, of course, is a sketch:

So, here he is, a little dude with attitude:

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Little Dude with a 'Tude'

Papers: October Afternoon.

What a dude, eh? Although I think maybe his teddy bear gives a lot away about him, don't you?  He was a dream to colour - I couldn't help but smile.  He's coloured up with my Copics, with grounding and 'glow' in Prismas, as always.  

I loved this sketch too - not my usual layout at all but it really works with these papers and this image.  These are some of my favourite 'guy' papers of the moment - mind you, I just love October Afternoon papers, anyway.

I nearly couldn't post tonight as my 'puter seems to have thrown a wobbly for some reason.  Thankfully, Darling Daughter has let me use her laptop! 

Right, I'm off to link up before I turn into a pumpkin!  Back to work tomorrow after a bonus day off and lots of colouring!

Happy crafting.
 xx

Racer Boy!

First of a double post today because I so wanted to show you this card but I've still to post my DP2 Challenge card too. Anyway, I'll make this a quick one so that I can get on with my colouring, given that I've a bonus day off work today.

Yesterday I introduced you to Flossie Bumblethorpe, a brilliant new image from Just Inklined, Jak Heath's new digistamp venture. And I promised you 'Albert', who I reckon could well be Flossie's 'boyfriend'!  Here he is, complete with go faster stripes:

Image: Just Inklined, 'Albert',

Papers: October Afternoon; Cloud Nine Designs.

I absolutely love this image - Jak and her team have done so well to bring us something different and humorous.

Can't you just see him, 'speeding' down the street, on his way to meet his 'girlfriend', Flossie?  I can!  I love the way he has customised his walker - what a brilliant bit of thinking, eh?

I coloured him up with my Copics, of course, and added 'glow' and grounding with my Prismas.  I thought all that metalwork would be a challenge but once I got into it, it was really quite straightforward. 

I wanted to give him typical 'old man' clothes (although I'm thinking of doing the next one with him wearing really 'funky' clothing - such fun!) but his yellow back-to-front cap shows his wicked side.

So, that's Albert - just wanted to show you - and now I have to get back to my colouring table, ready for the next post!

See you later

Happy crafting.
xx

I Was Just Inklined!

Yup, I've been Just Inklined my crafty friends - and in case you think I've finally lost my marbles, I'm talking about Jak Heath's new digistamp venture, 'Just Inklined'.  Jak has teamed up with a group of talented artists to bring us some brilliant new images and you need to hop over there and see for yourself.  The images can be seen on the Just Inklined blog, with purchases through http://www.imag-e-nation.com/. 

Follow the 'Challenges' link at the top of the JI blog home page and you will see that you could win the opportunity of being a Guest Design Team member for September. So what are you waiting for? (No, no, wait just long enough for me to finish posting!)

I particularly love 'The Wrinklies' and this little lady had me cracked up:

 Image: Just Inklined, 'Wrinklies', 'Flossie Bumblethorpe'

Papers: Basic Grey, 'Wisteria' collection; Cosmo Cricket

Isn't she a hoot?  She reminds me of my darling mother-in-law, with her handbag and her hat.  It's so good to find such humour in a digital stamp: sometimes we don't want cute, do we?

I also couldn't resist the sentiment, which I printed out on my PC: 'Hot to Trot' - it's soooo Flossie, I've decided.

She would also make a wonderful illustration of Jenny Joseph's brilliant poem 'Warning' - see if you agree.

Warning

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple

With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.

And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves

And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired

And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells

And run my stick along the public railings

And make up for the sobriety of my youth.

I shall go out in my slippers in the rain

And pick flowers in other people's gardens

And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat

And eat three pounds of sausages at a go

Or only bread and pickle for a week

And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry

And pay our rent and not swear in the street

And set a good example for the children.

We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?

So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised

When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

And just wait 'til you see her companion, 'Albert' (who is currently FREE on the side bar here) - but that's for another day.

I had such fun colouring up this image.  I paper-pieced her dress and the band around her hat: everything else was done with my Copics, with a little Prisma glow, of course.  I kept the colour combo quite subtle and I think it's worked well, actually.  I can't wait to send this one out!

So, I hope you will feel 'Just Inklined' to enter the GDT challenge and I look forward to seeing what you all come up with.  Entries must be in by midnight (GMT) on 26 August 2010 to be counted.  You can find the rules and requirements here.

Happy crafting.
xx

One-Day Sale at Isabella's Sketchbook!

Just thought you would like to know...

http://www.isabellassketchbook.com/

FOR ONE DAY ONLY!

Wednesday 21 July 2010

All images on sale for $2.00! Scoop up some fabulous digis at a great price and be ready to join us for our new challenge on Wednesday!

Happy crafting.

xx

Come Into The Garden

... or rather, bring your weeding gear, please.  Our back garden is very jungle-like at the moment as we have a terrible problem with the convulvulus weed (hedge bindweed) that is raging everywhere and is seemingly impossible to get rid of!  It has wound itself around every possible plant it can find, and delights in taking hold of any structure it can find and hiding it!  The flowers are pretty enough, in its defence, but, my, it is a devil of a plant!  (Worse still, it smells faintly of dog do-do if you break the stems whilst pulling it out - yeeeeeuch!)  There's nothing for it but to done suitable hand protection and painstakingly rub the leaves with a systemic weedkiller, which I am assured will do the trick, although not at the moment, obviously, because it is raining like the clappers!

So, I was very pleased to find that the Papertake Weekly Challenge theme this week is 'In the garden', and making a garden-themed card is just about the closest I like to come to anything green.  Add to this that Project Tuesday require an easel card this week and I thought it might be quite nice to combine the two. 

Image: Heather Ellis, 'Pure Innocence 017'

Papers: My Minds Eye, 'Quite Contrary' range - 6x6 pad, which was free with 'Cardmaking and Papercraft' magazine this month.

Tools: EK Success Retrol Floral Punch; Floral Punch leaf spray; Tim Holtz hitch fasteners (for drawer knobs)

Other: Brilliant tutorial for a 4-drawer easel card from Kristine Breach at Ink Something 2
Because I'm not really a lover of easel cards, I liked the idea of making
it into something more gift like and Kristine's brilliant tutorial was my starting point.  It was very easy to follow and is open to lots of variations once you've got the basic idea. 
 

It's an awfully long time since I used my Pure Innocence digistamps but this one is so appropriate for anything garden-related so she was first choice this week.  I paper-pieced her dungarees and shirt and then coloured up the rest of the image with Copics before adding the blue 'glow' with my Prismas.  I couldn't resist using a little heart gem on her dungaree pocket, though!

As this would be given as a gift, I saw no reason not to go to town with the bow and I used a wide, wire-edged organza to make a large but pretty bow.  Then I punched out and made up a few flowers to co-ordinate with the papers and attached them to the front of the card. 

I trawled the web for a suitable sentiment - something not too profound, though - and found this one, which I absolutely love.

It just about sums up my approach to gardening and as my back never gets used to it, well, you can guess the rest! 




Just for completeness, here's a side view of the finished article - you can see how the drawers are placed one per side, following Kristine's original tutorial. 

This was a thoroughly enjoyable project to make - you should give this version of an easel card a go because it has all sorts of potential, particularly as a multiple gift box for Christmas, for example.  Each little drawer could hold a little trinket, a pot of cream, chocolates, jewellery, whatever you like.  Just a tip, though:  I have mounted my drawers on to stiff board to give them a little more rigidity and I did the same with the base of the easel, just for stability, particularly if you need the drawers to hold something a little heavier than a necklace or a few chocolates.

Once you've got the basic idea, experiment by making different sized drawers too - mine were made with
8 x 8 cardstock instead of 6 x 6 and I intend to try with 12 x 12 very shortly, to see what size the drawers would be.  And if you do decide to have a go, I'd love to see what you come up with!

Happy crafting.
xx

Mo's Dream Team Project of the Month Blog Hop!

Yes, dear Crafty Bloglanders - it's time for another fantastic blog hop and this month our projects are inspired by Fairy Tales.  If you've arrived here from Liza's blog, you're on the right track.  If not, why not hop over to Elaine's blog and start from the beginning, 'cos' you won't want to miss out on all that wonderfulness!

So, once I'd recovered my mojo from under the sofa, where it appears to have been hiding for a few days, I had a good old think about this one. Mo has some wonderful fairy tale images in her store, so it was just a case of which one to use and how.  Now those of you who are regulars here might remember that I was once a bookbinder and fairy tales come in books so ...

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil, 'Grim Red'

Paper:  Hand-printed paper, bought some time ago at a bookbinding conference.

Tools:  Gold tooling stylus and gold foil.

This image is a perfect image for a book of Brothers Grimm fairy tales so I decided to make a slip cover for just such a thing.  This isn't a bound cover, just the sort of protective paper cover you find on hardbacked books, so it was easy to make. 

Because of my time as a binder, I'm lucky to still have some beautiful hand-printed papers and this one had just the old-fashioned feel I wanted.  I measured the book top to toe and then cut a strip of paper to that height, making sure it was long enough to wrap around the book and tuck into the front and back covers.  It's that easy!

I coloured the image up with my Copics - I had thought that maybe my Prismacolours would be a better bet but I wasn't sure I'd get the strength of colour I needed.  So Copics it was and, actually, it has come out better than I had hoped.  I was worried how to cover the immediate background (the bit behind LRRH) without the whole image becoming too heavy so I used random dots of various greens to cover the area, with the odd dot of red and white to suggest flowers.

I bought my gold tooling stylus many years ago, at a large craft fair at the NEC, if I remember rightly.  It's useful for addiing a touch of gold foil to all sorts of surfaces and, of course, when I was binding, it was very useful for tooling titles and designs on books.  So I brought it out of retirement and added the title 'Grimm Tales' to the cover.  ('Grimm' is spelled with two 'm's as it is 'Brothers Grimm' - I haven't forgotten how to spell, honest!)

It was really difficult to catch the light properly on the title, particiularly as I'm not the world's best photographer (as you may have noticed!).  (Note to self: must do better!)  You may see it better on this photograph, though.  I chose an old-fashioned font for the title, in keeping with the paper and the image, I hope.

So, that's my project today - a fairy tale dust cover. Now you need to hop off to Cheryl's blog, where I know you'll find something scrumptious to feast your eyes on. 

In case you get lost along the way, here's the full hop list:

Elaine Hughes
Rosette Camilleri
Lori Boyd
Jak Heath

Liza Carruthers
Peri (that's me!)
Cheryl Rowley
Debbie Pamment
Mina Hartley 
Michele Seward

Happy hopping!
xx