Hi

Hi, Thanks for dropping by.

My name is Eileen but to friends in the card making world I'm known as 'ikki'. (which is pronounced I-KEY) From where or how this came about I'm not sure - it just got shorten from my original craft name of Ikemo by various friends along my crafting way! I started crafting whilst recouperating from an accident, and from my first attempts with peeloffs and paint - I was hooked! Now my passion is my BUG! and now BEADING!

In the Cupboard you will find ideas, news, tips and techniques to help you get more from this fab little machine. So come in - join the fun and Cuttle with me!


Tuesday 31 January 2012

New stamps from Chocolate Baroque

Hi from a very cold North Staffs.   I know many of you  have been visiting the CBDT blog and I'm sure you've been impressed with the artwork displayed there.  Today I have another card to show you using stamps from Wisteria Lane (flower)  and The Rose Tree (butterfly)

This is a one layer card which I felt suited this silhouette stamp.  To achieve the band I used a low tack tape and a masking technique - first colouring the broader band and then replacing the tape top and bottom to get the narrow contrasting colours.  The distress inks used:   tumbled glass, crushed olive, bundled sage. I used a black pen to make the lines between the colours and this worked out well because although it's only one layer the lines added depth. The flower was also stamped in black again using a mask. 

I can see that the new stamps are going to be a firm favourite with many because they are so versatile and useful for so many occasions.

Take care and keep warm.

Monday 23 January 2012

Shaped Cards with Nestabilities Grand Labels 4

Hi, at last I hear you say - where have you been?  Well I do have to say sorry for being away for soooooo long - a number of events have been going on in my life - illness, reaction to medicines, a wedding commission, DT work, Christmas, New Year and to top it all a family funeral.    I have had to make a few changes and I will tell you about some of them over the week, but for now I would like to show you the new stamps that have been released this week by Chocolate Baroque.  Florals!  Always a favourite and so useful for so many occasions.  The DT have produced some stunning artwork and you will be able to view thier samples over the next couple of weeks.  You will find the link on my sidebar and I really do hope you pop over there for some fab inspirational ideas. 
 Rose Tree
Honeysuckle
Wisteria

I have been working with the stamps and this is one of my designs......


I have used stamps from the Wisteria and Rose plates.  I love the way the butterfly seems to be hovering and the shape of the flower lends itself to a vertical sentiment. The Grand Nestabilities Labels 4 are great for making shaped cards.  If this is a new technique for you check out this link from way back in March 2009!


To make this card you would need:

Cardstock: A4 white texture
Decorative paper: CB Essence of Italy
Nestabilities: Grand labels 4 (3# and 4#)
Mega rectangle (3#)
CB Stamps: Wisteria Lane, Rose Tree
CB Sentiment: Birthday words
Inkpads : DI dusty concord
Clear embossing powder
Ribbon, foam pads

Thank you all for your support whilst I've been away - I'm hoping to get back to a more structured blogging and catching up with visits to your blogs.   Although we are now way into January and it's a little late to wish you a NHY, but I'm going to say it anyway - I hope you are all well and that 2012 will be a good, health and prosperous year for you.

Back soon.