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Crafty hugs to all!


Monday 10 October 2016

Claritystamp October Challenge

Hi Folks!  Hope this month of October finds you all keeping well.
I hope wherever you are that you are all safe.
There is a new challenge started on the Claritystamp Challenge Blog

The theme for this months challenge is to use
CIRCLES and SQUARES in your design!
 This is my design sample

I have had a busy time these past few weeks.
Just about everything electronic that I use on a daily basis decided to either pack up or go haywire.  I had a hacking attempt on my Facebook Account so had to change my password, which took forever as my laptop keyboard decided to play up....even as I write this post my letters T and B either stick or type double...don't get me started on the numbers!!!  I was then blocked out of my Google account  which took even longer to sort.  This meant that I could not comment or post to my blog aagggghhhhh!
So I apologize for not responding or commenting on other crafters blog posts.

On a happier note I am now a very proud grandmother to a lovely Grandson.  Born on the 16th August.  Our Little Logan is such a cutie...but I don't think he will stay small for long...he has grown 4cm in 6 weeks!  He is bringing us a lot of joy.

I also had the pleasure of being one of the Demonstrators at Leyburn in Yorkshire with Barbara Gray and the Claritystamp Design Team.  It was so very lovely to see everyone again from Claritystamp (they are a very special bunch of people).  I was especially chuffed to get to finally meet Tina Cox and Josie Davidson, such talented ladies in the Parchment world.   Thank you to everyone who came to Leyburn for the day and for all your lovely comments about my parchment work.  We are so happy that you are all enjoying getting Groovi with us.

Enough of me nattering away, time to get on with my Challenge Sample
 As you can see from the picture above, I have used time for my design.

I began by taping around the edges of my card which gave me a blank SQUARE.  I then taped the Clarity Clockwork Stencil in place, then attached the 'innie' from the Clarity CIRCLE Stencil over the top. 

Using a Clarity Stencil Brush and Artistry Ink I brushed around the exposed clock workings.
I removed the Circle Stencil and went back into the design with my Stencil Brush....mainly removing what ink was left on the brush.

I then added Distress Ink - Frayed burlap.  I kept to the outer part of the design to darken it up then using what was left of the ink on the brush I added ink to the inner circle.  after removing the Stencil 
I added more ink to my brush - coming in off the Stencil Tape I added shading to the outer edges to define my Square. 

Next step was to add the points for the numbers.  I have a circle cut out of tracing paper which is evenly spaced for the hours of the clock.  I used a needle to 'mark' the exact points for the hours

I used a distress ink to stamp the numbers and then gave them more definition with a distress marker.
I also went around the outer edges of the clockwork design.

Next it was time to add bit of bling with some flat backed pearls. 

After removing the Low Tack Tape, I cut down my design leaving a smaller outer white square which, using a ruler and the distress marker I gave it a small edge to it.
Then all that was left was to add a bit of ribbon to the opposite corners and add a die cut tag with my hand written sentiment....not the best of handwriting I must admit!
This was then mounted onto an 8 x 8 card blank

I hope you like my offering and I also hope you will take part in the Challenge too.
There is a £50 Claritystamp Gift Voucher for the winner
There is also the Claritystamp Calendar Challenge that you can enter too...
details on the Claritystamp challenge blog 

Finally I would like to say a great big thank you to Heather and Len for your wonderful hospitality, Barbara Gray for your generosity, Jilly and Amanda for looking after me (Jilly...I found it....on my bed at home lol). Jo, Jane and Linda for your lovely support and to everyone for all your very welcome hugs.
I also have a very special Thank You to my two lovely companions for the weekend at Layburn Fabulous Fiona and Super Sandra
They brought me down from Scotland and drove me back home......not before kidnapping me and taking me to see Barbara Gray and Linda Page on the Sunday, who were both appearing at Crafters Companion Flagship....I got to meet Sarah Daves too.  We also hit another craft shop before we got back over the border into Scotland.......and they insist that they didn't hear any snoring from the back of the car when I fell asleep  either...how kind!!!

Happy Crafting!!!
Emma xx