Friday 26 November 2010

Yummy new Polka Doodle rubber stamps

Nikky has been working her little socks off for you all again and produced some gorgeous new rubber stamps. Yes proper Delicious RED RUBBER stamps.  Knowing who manufactures these stamps I can tell you they are top quality and deeply etched.  I'm sorry to all you clear rubber stamp lovers but rubber is definitely better in my humble opinion and far more versatile and long lasting. 

There are a few exceptions I grant you, one of which being Clarity Stamps which are far superior to other clear stamps and on a par with rubber.  They will withstand heat and permanent inks with ease, and there are so many designs to die for it's hard to choose.

I also have to say a big thank you to Kuretake UK for sending me some fabby Kurecolour alcohol inks. The colours are amazing.  If you have never used any of their products then give them a go. You really won't be disappointed, again the quality of their Zig pens Etc is second to none.  I'm using the inks for a Magazine set, so unfortunately I can't post any pictures of them till they have been published, but as and when I get some time (ha ha) I will use them on a project and post some pics.

I digress so back to Polka Doodles. This weeks challenge on the the PD blog this week was to make a card using the Poem 'Twas the night before Christmas ..........' as inspiration.  The design team have made some wonderful inspirational projects so hop over to the Polka Doodles blog and have a butchers.

For my DT challenge card I used the Paper Boutique Vol2 Creative Christmas CD for all the elements and backing papers. Santa and Rudolf won't be going hungry or thirsty this Christmas eve.
Below are four sample cards I made for Nikky with the new stamps.  I so wish I had had more time to play further, but alas other work was waiting to be done (nothing new there).  These little houses are so cute and all the little elements work so well for making up little scenes.  And I love the sentiments, some quirky, some standard but in gorgeous fonts and just so usable.
I used bog standard colouring pencils on the above image and I coloured the one below with Sakura stardust pens.
 I used a mixture of Copics and ProMarkers on the below cards
If your squeamish then go no further, I injured myself this week.  The table bit back and tried to rip my index fingernail off.  Oooooouuuucccchhhh is the polite version of my reaction!  It's been a real pain since, It's amazing how much you miss a finger when you can't use it. And boy does it sting when you get alcohol ink in it, I nearly hit the roof I can tell you, lmao.
That's it for now, feel free to feel sorry for my poor finger!

Wednesday 24 November 2010

Almost forgot

Slapped wristies for me, I forgot to tell you all that Nikky from Polka Doodles will be on Create and Craft TV next Friday 26th November at 8am and she has some brand new lovely products up her sleeve that she will be launching on the show - make sure you watch, record, Sky+ or Internet watch - they're lush!

Tuesday 23 November 2010

Samples galore

Before I get involved in uploading my sample cards, I'll just remind you all of the blog hop over at Polka Doodles.  Fabby prizes galore so pop over to the PD blog and follow the instructions
Right onto all the samples I made for my Creative Expressions Demo last Saturday.  I had a lovely day, it was very busy in the morning, which made the day fly past.  There was Christmas cake, mince pies and mulled apple juice on offer to everyone.  I have to say I thought Witney was a very beautiful little town.  They certainly had some very nice eateries there.  Anne the owner of the shop (Artbox Witney) was lovely, although being her first demo day she was very excited and very nervous.  I'm glad to say it was a success so big phews all round.  You can never tell before hand just how it's going to go, so it's always a relief that it goes well.

Monday 15 November 2010

Not much to say, but plenty of pics!

Hello all, I'm here at last. It's going to be a quickie though as I'm going mad making samples and prepping for a demo for Creative Expressions at Oxford on Saturday.  I don't know the address yet, all I know is its in a shopping centre area on the outskirts and the parking is free (big plus, lol).

A peek of one of the samples using one of the new Creative Expressions embossing folders.  I embossed the design onto acetate, then alcohol inked it and carefully added bronze glitter to the embossed areas. It was a bit of a labour of love, but worth it.  It does make quite an impact in real life. 
Polka Doodles News ; 
Blog Hop and oodles of candy - Make sure you check in on the Polka Doodles blog next Friday for news of the Polka Doodles Blog Hop - There are over £400 of goodies to give away to lots of lucky people and it's a hop with a difference!!  Be there or be square!!
 My DT cards from the last few weeks (sorry slapped wristies for me, been neglecting my duties again)!
As always they are all made from Polka Doodle products, I'm sorry I don't have time to list the individual products for you, but if you like the look of something leave me a comment and I will get back to you with the relevant info.

Magazine card sets for Making Cards November issue ;
The above was made with one of the Polka Doodles templates and the Crimbo rubber stamp plate.

Wednesday 10 November 2010

Polka Doodles DT call

We are looking for creative talent to join us here at the Polka Doodles challenge blog.
So if you'd love to get your work seen and have fun please follow the instructions below:

Criteria for Team Members:
You must be able to enter at least 3 weekly blog challenges a month and have a blog. 
It is part of your duties to leave comments on the challenge entries on a weekly basis.
You must be able to contribute fully to the team and be able to commit for at least 6 months. Please make sure you really consider this - many people jump in without really considering the commitment we are asking for and what is required. 
An important part of your duties is to create samples for Polka Doodles products which will be seen on the website, shows and Create & Craft TV. The deadlines for these samples are very short and are a pre-requisite for the DT members. From time to time you may also be asked to make additional samples as and when required.
Payment: there is no payment for this work, but you will receive Polka Doodles products to enable you to make the samples and your projects and obviously these are free for you to keep and use.
The Design Team call is open to anyone and everyone, no matter what your ability. We have a diverse pool of creative talents and are looking for individuals who can complement the team. This does not necessarily mean we are only looking for advanced crafters, we have a variety of reasons for choosing new members. If you feel proud of your work then please let us see it.

To enter please email Nikky here with a link to your blog and tell us why you want to be on the team. 
Closing date for entries is Sunday 14th Nov at 6pm.
Good Luck!! x

I'll be back soon with a new post and piccies.