A Piece of Sky:

Since I haven't updated for a while (naughty me, sorry!!) ...

I have actually been flat out - between designing and teaching classes, running the shop, being mum ... need I go on?

Here's a bit of my artwork since my last post. After the Tissue Paper Tile Class (pictured in my last post) I taught a Fabrics and Fibres Tile Class. Here's a few pics of that one:

I love adding fabric to my papercraft projects - it adds another dimension of texture and depth to a piece. For this piece I have used calic and dyed it using the EZ Tintz and Glimmer Mists for extra shimmer. Gauze and lace (two favourites of mine!) can also be dyed in this way. I have also used Sticky Back Canvas on this piece which I have painted with Lumiere paints. Once the Sticky Back Canvas is adhered to the chipboard tiled, it can be embossed in the Cuttlebug. I have used one of the new Embossing Folders which I think is just stunning!

Last Saturday we used the new Opals Embossing Enamels to create particulary wonderful effects on the tiles. Here is my class sample:

This was a fairly full on class to teach! Opals are just like UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel) and can be stamped in to to create glorious textural effects. I have found that one secret to getting a great result is to use a very well inked embossing pad. You simply cover your surface with embossing ink and pour on the embossing powder, shaking the excess off back into the jar. Heat this using a Heat Gun until it melts. Whilst this layer is still hot, pour over another layer of embossing powder and heat again. Repeat this step so that you have three layers of embossing enamel on the surface. While the last layer is still warm, ink a rubber stamp with embossing ink and press into the hot UTEE. When you left off the stamp, it will have left an impression. Once the UTEE cools you can finish with a little paint or Rub n Buff to highlight the textured effect.

All of the chipboard used on this piece is from Collections. The stamp used on this piece is Diamond Mosaic by Stampers Anonymous - available at Scraptivate now.

With Christmas fast approaching Mel and I are teaching a series of Christmas Card Making Classes starting the first week of November. The first class in the series is with me and is "White Christmas" ....