I have two confessions to make this week. The first is that I have not been doing much crafting at all, aside from catching up with the photo stitch, so I will not be posting any new stuff this week. Rest assured, I will make up for it next week.
The second is I broke my ban! In a major way. To be honest, I lasted longer than I thought I would but I woke up one morning last week, took a look at my craft stuff which is currently strewn across my room, and bought a Raskog trolley . I also bought my mum a pair of Fitflops, as she has plantar fascitis and is having trouble walking, and a few new craft supplies for myself.
I was thinking a good challenge for future posts would be to randomly pick an item out of my stash, and use that as a focal point for an item. What do people do with the items they have made? Some people seem to make new stuff every day, so do they gift it, sell it, or keep it for themselves?
Anyway, although this post will be pic-free, I have decided that it will not be craft free. Here are my top five craft blogs, in no particular order:
Tim Holtz - this one should be no surprise to people who read my blog, especially as I have made attempts at two of his challenges now. The master of all steampunk, grunge, and altered art, his pieces inspire you to get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to new techniques. He also has developed many different products that are absolutely fantastic to use, and addictive to buy! My favourites are the mini distress pads. I'm really hoping that one of these days he does a class anywhere near me.
Louise's crafty cards - one of my best friends from uni and an amazingly gifted card maker, she works predominantly with Some Odd Girl images and enters, and wins, a lot of challenges! She is far braver than I am, and one of the inspirations for beginning my own crafty journey. I love the fact that each card has a digi or stamped image as the main focus - who knew you could become so adept at colouring? I still have trouble keeping within the lines! Check out this and this to see what I mean.
The cobweb emporium - I first came into contact with cobs through the stash busting challenge on money saving expert (it's like alcoholics anonymous for crafters) and she has been a constant support to me when I was starting this blog. Her comments never fail to make me smile, and her work is simply amazing! She works with polymer clay a lot, be careful though because she will make you hanker for a ranger's melting pot when you see her work with that. For examples of her work, check out the angel wings, each feather is crafted separately. My favourite piece of her work so far, and it was hard to choose, is this scrapbook page ; the use of the tin and lid is ingenious!
The Classroom - these women have been crafting for a long time and boy does it show! Every piece screams professionalism, and they take you through it step by step. I love crafters who are willing to share their experience and their talent to others who are less experienced. My favourite post so far has been this flower soft tree .
Artfully challenged - a blog I came across whilst looking at the other entrants for the Tim Holtz challenges, there is something about every piece that I love. Her use of layers is incredible, something which I am currently lacking. She also has got the art of the masculine card down pat! It is so difficult to make cards for guys, so to see someone doing it successfully deserves a round of applause!
Next week I will be back to my normal posts, but do check these blogs out. They are my favourites for a reason!
Until next time,
Emma x
The second is I broke my ban! In a major way. To be honest, I lasted longer than I thought I would but I woke up one morning last week, took a look at my craft stuff which is currently strewn across my room, and bought a Raskog trolley . I also bought my mum a pair of Fitflops, as she has plantar fascitis and is having trouble walking, and a few new craft supplies for myself.
I was thinking a good challenge for future posts would be to randomly pick an item out of my stash, and use that as a focal point for an item. What do people do with the items they have made? Some people seem to make new stuff every day, so do they gift it, sell it, or keep it for themselves?
Anyway, although this post will be pic-free, I have decided that it will not be craft free. Here are my top five craft blogs, in no particular order:
Tim Holtz - this one should be no surprise to people who read my blog, especially as I have made attempts at two of his challenges now. The master of all steampunk, grunge, and altered art, his pieces inspire you to get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to new techniques. He also has developed many different products that are absolutely fantastic to use, and addictive to buy! My favourites are the mini distress pads. I'm really hoping that one of these days he does a class anywhere near me.
Louise's crafty cards - one of my best friends from uni and an amazingly gifted card maker, she works predominantly with Some Odd Girl images and enters, and wins, a lot of challenges! She is far braver than I am, and one of the inspirations for beginning my own crafty journey. I love the fact that each card has a digi or stamped image as the main focus - who knew you could become so adept at colouring? I still have trouble keeping within the lines! Check out this and this to see what I mean.
The cobweb emporium - I first came into contact with cobs through the stash busting challenge on money saving expert (it's like alcoholics anonymous for crafters) and she has been a constant support to me when I was starting this blog. Her comments never fail to make me smile, and her work is simply amazing! She works with polymer clay a lot, be careful though because she will make you hanker for a ranger's melting pot when you see her work with that. For examples of her work, check out the angel wings, each feather is crafted separately. My favourite piece of her work so far, and it was hard to choose, is this scrapbook page ; the use of the tin and lid is ingenious!
The Classroom - these women have been crafting for a long time and boy does it show! Every piece screams professionalism, and they take you through it step by step. I love crafters who are willing to share their experience and their talent to others who are less experienced. My favourite post so far has been this flower soft tree .
Artfully challenged - a blog I came across whilst looking at the other entrants for the Tim Holtz challenges, there is something about every piece that I love. Her use of layers is incredible, something which I am currently lacking. She also has got the art of the masculine card down pat! It is so difficult to make cards for guys, so to see someone doing it successfully deserves a round of applause!
Next week I will be back to my normal posts, but do check these blogs out. They are my favourites for a reason!
Until next time,
Emma x
Oh Emma,a big hug to you! What a lovely,thoughtful thing to do,it never ceases to amaze me how kind and generous we crafting people are!
ReplyDeleteAs for the ban,hmmm well,the problem is other peoples blogs! In the last week I have ordered stuff that I would not have seen otherwise,I think you need new stuff every now and then to give you fresh ideas. I love that trolley by the way, I looked at myself but was too mean to pay the money for it then I regretted not doing so!
As for all the things we make,I give some away but keep most it in various storage but I think you should display your favourites,if you like it then show it off with pride!
Have a great weekend Emma,keep on crafting,it's a happy place to be.
Hugs,Donna.x
Ohhh Emma!!! I didn't see this last post of yours - (I've been a little poorly for a few days so I haven't kept up to date with my blogs that I follow and am just now catching up again) ... I cannot thank you enough for mentioning me and my blog, and for saying such wonderful things! Bless your heart, my dear crafty friend. You are just incredible.
ReplyDeleteWith regard to the ban .. I fell off my wonky donky about three weeks ago and have been trying to clamber back on since - so you're not alone. I'm a magpie and can't resist new crafty things when they're dangled in front of me. (It's The Range. I really should stop myself from going into that shop - but it's like a drug. I'm addicted to The Range craft section.)
I not only bought a big die, but I also bought some adornments and a stamp. Am I banned for good, I wonder?
On the plus side ... I've nearly finished putting together that 'thing' {wink wink, twinkly smile} that you and I have been working on secretly - and I'll be sending you my side of 'that thing' this weekend so that you can check it over. So far ... it's looking rather nice! It's giving me fun bubbles in my tummy because I'm so excited about it.
Speak (email) you soon, love ~ Cobs. x
I hope you're feeling better Cobs x
DeleteThe ban is over completely so i have decided to allocate myself pocket money every week, to spend on what i wish with no guilt! However, stash busting rules from mse still apply so it wont be craft supplies.
Look forward to seeing that 'thing' soon!
Em
Oh Ems, you are just as brave, if not braver than me!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for featuring my blog alongside such other talented crafters - I am honoured :)
I do tend to craft primarily for myself so will admit to having (hoarding!) quite a bit of it lol!! Though if I can I will try and match up pieces to people and pass on a bit of crafty happiness - at least I hope it's happiness lol!! ;)