ABC Primer

ABC primer papers from Graphic 45are perfect for recording a childs progress through school.............or as I have used it to show the final stages of my daughter's education when she graduated as a Doctor of Philosophy

I used a cheap ring binder cut down to 8x9 and covered it with 12x12 papers adding various trinkets to the spine and an image from the papers printed twill tape scrabble lettersand mini pull handle on the cover

The inside pages are 7x8" and have various pockets and pull-outs for photos and journalling

this page shows a fold out section which includes pockets for tabs and keepsakes

the final page has an expandable pocket to hold a mini pamphlet book which holds more photos ( the proud mum takes many photos)  I used an image from a 12x12 sheet for the cover of the mini book

the ABC Primer pages can be bought from Calico Crafts here

Shabby Chic tray

This tray is the middle sized of a set of three trays from Calico Crafts

I wanted a romantic summer theme and started by painting the tray in pink acrylic paint

When this was dry I dabbed petrolium jelly in places I wanted to look worn then painted two coats of cream acrylic I rubbed the tray with a cloth when it was dry to reveal the pink undercoat giving me the shabby look I wanted

The base of the tray is covered with letters paper, tea-stained doilies, pictures,  rub-ons sentiment and german scrap roses, stuck down with mod podge   Then everything is painted with outdoor mod podge to give it protection   Supplies from Calico crafts

Felted Picture

A felted bird eating a berry!  My friend Lorraine showed me a book 'Felt & Stitch' by Moy Mackay and  this picture is copied from that book I started off wet felting the background then needle-felted the details finishing off with machine and hand stitching  It's almost 3d so wont go in a glass frame so I am not sure whether to mount it on a wooden frame or make it into a cushion

Arty beach bag

I needed a large bag to keep sandwiches and drinks cool and leave room for a towel book etc with pockets for keys sunglasses etc

 

so made this bright striped bag with insulated lining

but on the reverse side I included fabric arty embellishments so I now have a duel purpose bag for shopping or the beach (if summer appears) large enough for everything I need

French Travel Journal

This is the journal I made from the 7 gypsies journal covers  The covers are fabulous and didn't need much adding and I made some signatures in black card for the inside  I used the fabulous lace trimming between the cover and the fly sheet and decorated the pages ready to add photos and journalling  The products used are from Calico Crafts Here

Meandering fabric book

I enjoyed a day with Lin and Leandra from Paperartsy making this fabric book  There are a mixture of techniques including fabric transfers and removing organza with a soldering iron - a great experience 

Curiosity book/box

This chipboard box designed as a book leant itself well to the graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe papers and stamps  I started by painting both inside and out in black acrylic paint then used the back cover of the 12x12 album with its small diamonds for the cover    The keyhole cover is die cut from grungeboard painted black and stressed before attaching with brads  I used various papers and embellishments from the Curiosity shoppe range to decorate the box  stamping with the bottles and labels stamps for the bottles  and labels on the inside which I coloured and embossed before adding them with foam to raise them slightly  The eye attached to the spine is cut from the papers and stuck to a Tim Holtz fragment with glossy accents

Supplies from   Calico Crafts