Locks and Keys

Hello everyone, gorgeous Nature projects last week thank you for joining us.
This week I think this week we have a fab theme of Locks and Keys it really lets you use your imagination. I have chosen to alter a matchbox it has been waiting to be altered for ages. First gave it a coat of gesso as I wasn't sure where I was going with it I ended up covering it with paper which had some pattern on it and stamped in grey some text and dots. I then added in small areas some rock candy crackle once dry I rubbed with copper treasure gold, added torn paper. The topper is chipboard and has been painted metallic gold then stamped with a romantic text heart stamp and a couple of jewels to finish. I painted the ends in gold metallic paint and added a gold bead for the handle. The inside has been metallic painted has the same paper as a liner and a piece of tea stained lace. The lock and key is chipboard and has been painted black then crackle glazed and painted over with the metallic gold. I have punched out two images and placed one under a fragment and the other has been glossy accented. Each side has tissue which I stamped with the word secrets. This someones secret assignation treasure. Now if you have not fallen asleep with all the details and still reading. well done. I confess I am quite pleased with this little treasure I am putting this matchbox up for a swap so if you fancy a swap with your Lock and Key project let me know, first come gets it oh I am happy to post anywhere. Do be sure and check out Florence, Janet and Chrissie lovely projects. Take care and thanks for joining us. Hugs as Always. Sandra XXX PS next week we have a special prize on offer.

Christmas Present

 Lovely Christmas decorations makes last week ladies Thank you for joining in with us. This is the last week of Christmas at the Hatters and we would love you to make a little present or stocking filler. I have decorated the front and back of a 8 by 6 ins book in vintage style. The book is suitable for a photo album or art journal, the inside has been left blank for the recipient to do with as they please.
 I painted around the edge of the front and back cover in brown and then covered with patterned  paper I then edged with gold paint and gold leafing pen. The tag has been distressed inked with bundled, dried marigold and tea dye. Stamped with clock faces. I cut a square of crinkled up brown wax paper and a crafty individuals image. these have been layered up with vintage fabric and lace. The swirl has been die cut in felt and decorated with mother of pearl buttons and black bling. The title I have painted the cardboard oval with gold and stamped as swirl on to it. Thank so much for looking and your lovely comments are always much appreciated.
 Do be sure and check out Florence, Janet and Chrissie lovely projects. Take care and thanks joining us. Hugs as Always. Sandra XXX

A Little Bit of Sewing

Hello All, fabulous Time projects for last weeks
Out of A Hat challenge. So lovely to see you all joining us. Just to remind you that Janet has a special prize which will be randomly drawn at the beginning of August.
This week is a personal favourite of mine "A touch of sewing" it does not have to be much just a little to enhance your project.
I am just starting a fabric book, well really it is mixed media sample book with lots of fabric as I want it to be a place where I can try out lots of techniques. The heart is my front page and below the second page.
I have assembled this piece using,
Hessian, paper, painted used colour catcher sheet, sequin waste, patterned fabric, calico, and vintage lace. I have machined sewn around in several different colour silk threads hand stiched little crosses and beaded with pearl beads and a paper bead in the centre. Finished with a metal key. Do make sure you visit Florence, Janet and Chrissie to see there lovely projects. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs Sandra XXX 

Postcard from Paris

I am so thrilled at the response for last weeks challenge over at Out of A Hat fantastic work Thank you all for joining in and those lovely comments. I do hope you can join in this month as Janet has arranged a summer surprise.
This week we are Postcards, mine is from Paris now is it a secret assignation or an under cover spy note?, I wonder. I have used a 4 x6 ins card and cover it with paper from a Crafty Individuals pack then stained it with DI Antique linen and tea dye.The edges of the card have been stamped and heat embossed with gold then stamped with a postal stamp from Kaiser craft. The tag is again DI stained and stamped with a TH and then stamped the Eiffel tower again and cut out. I finished off with lace and buttons and a secret message. I also stained the back and used the KC postcard stamp again. Do make sure you visit Florence, Janet and Chrissie have a lovely weekend whatever you do and thanks for stopping by. Hugs Sandra XXX

Music

The Craft Room Challenge is running a Music themed challenge and for this I have cut out a 4 x6 ins arch shape and used DI victorian velvet, bundled sage, dried marigold and antique linen. Stamped with my new swirl stamp in purple, torn some music sheet and rubbed in antique linen added gold leaf and a few punched out butterflies (the paper I used  had music notes on them) the mage is from paperwhimsy download which I cut around, highlighted with a white gel pen and added gold leaf on her wings and placed slightly raised. I added the saying (please excuse my grammer) a rolled flower and a few pearls and lace. Thanks for dropping by. Hugs Sandra XXX

Artful Times Challenge 1

A new challenge blog has sprung into action called  "Artful Times"  run by the lovely Von, Neet and Sam. Good Luck Ladies :) the blog looks great. The first challenge is make a tag.
As it is spring and we have had some lovely weather and all the blossom is out (I just love it) I felt all flowery. Tag cut out of a lovely piece of paper inked over to tone down, decorated with vintage lace a flower made out of a pinwheel and small Rosette mixed with a bought flower and leaves. The butterfly is chipboard embossed, I stamped the words. Clean and simple unusual for me.
Also a quick plug for another new blog where you can take part in a challenge Out of a Hat Creations. There will be something for everyone so do check it out if you have time.
Thanks for looking and hugs all. X