Crafting Mad: paper crafting from a male point of view

Scallop Punched Flower Card

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:01:00 +0000

This is a birthday card I made a few weeks ago, I had this idea of using an almost opaque plastic material and stamp on it with stazon, using the same stamp for the card (in the middle) and the petals using a different ink. Finally I made some holes in the plastic sheet and threaded a ribbon through it.

I like the effect of it.

Our Anniversary Cards

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:02:00 +0000

I thought it would tickle you to see the cards we've made for each other for our 10th anniversary ! I just burst out crying when I saw Vince's as the drawing is so cute with the heart balloon. I just love Vince's card. For mine I went very modern with a criss-cross heart.

Thank you for my card, I love you baby !

Sizzix Scoreboard Blog Hop by Eileen Hull

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:49:00 +0000

Just a quick post to let you know that Eileen Hull has started a blog hop on her very own blog about the new Sizzix Scoreboard Dies she designed. So have a look as it's going to be fun !

Brenda Pinnick is a regular guest on Inspired at Home, Blog Talk Radio Show

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:34:00 +0000

Brenda on blog talk radio show : Inspired at Home ! Just a quick note that brenda is going to be on this internet radio show more info on my Brenda Pinnick fanatics blog.

Hazel the Witch Halloween Card - Dare U 2 Digistamp Challenge

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:37:00 +0000

This week's challenge on Dare U 2 Digistamp blog is Orange, purple, yellow, black or white ! So it was a no brainer used Sandra's digistamp named 'Hazel', a printed sheet from Sharon Duncan's Embossibilities Everyday CD and Fine Art Lightly Textured paper sheets from Ran's Photopaperdirect.com (notice how it picked up the purple versafine ink giving it texture).

Jak Fabulous Blog Candy !

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:51:00 +0000

Jak from La Pashe...generous Blog Candy ! You need to be quick though, it ends on 29th of October !

I so want this......I can almost taste it ! LOL

Get Well Soon Forever Friends Card - MacMillan Charity do by Leonie and Carley !

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:24:00 +0000

Wow what a day ! Another one to add to my book of moments to remember ! :)

I was a bit nervous to attempt the journey again as the last time I was a bit shaken (but not stirred) by the tube ride. This time I thought it would have been easier to travel over(it wasn't) because my mother in law gracefully invited us to sleep over at her place. So we had a lovely afternoon and I've finally tasted the lovely bacon and liver with dumplings (puddings in the corner), that was always so famous in the family. So thank you Joyce, the dinner was delicious.

Come 7pm we started to get prepared to go to the Church of the Redeemer, we also asked my sister in law, Heidi, to come over so she can have some fun making cards with us.

The first person to greet us was Carley she was at the entrance and it was so nice to finally meet her. She seems so happy and full of positive energy by her photographs and I was right ....she's even more so ! So Carley if you're reading this, I'm making you a special ATC tomorrow so I can send it on Monday.

It was almost surreal to see Leonie chatting away with a lady in the middle of the room so I thought I wouldn't be a pest and waited until she was free so I could say hi to her so we carried on chit chatting between Carley...Vince, Heidi and myself. I turned around to check if Leonie was finished but she was actually next to me smiling and said 'You've made it' ! LOL

Leonie was amazing, and she's as lovely, loveable and as much fun as she seems on the telly. We had a few minutes chatting then Leonie started a workshop on one of the two areas (she would start with one group and then move to our table later on). I was really impressed how she gives equal attention to everyone, and she seems to be everywhere at once making sure we're ok and checking on our card making progress.

Another highlight (and they were many) of the night was that I was able to try first hand the Slice. We had two make-and-takes: one from the papermania Forever Friends range and a very cute snowman from Personal Impressions. You can see our output above. It was fun using the slice and I think Vince kinda got the hint I want one for Xmas now! LOL

We also met a lovely couple Tracy and Paul ! You gotta check Tracy's blog, especially her singing (she's got a fabulous voice). Paul actually crafted with us to Tracy's amazement. I really believe paper crafting is for everyone so it's really nice to see more men card making.

Heidi (my sister in law) had a wonderful time and her cards were beautiful, she kept saying she's a total beginner but was really a natural. So Heidi you need to craft more ! ;)

There was so much to do during the night: a lady giving massages, cakes and tea (wine too), clothes and jewellery being sold too and finally the raffle. I was really lucky and won so much; stamps, papers, adhesive...it kept coming ! Thank you Carley it was so much fun and hearing people 'that's me' while we were crafting when they won something.

I also forgotten Leonie's book and I was gutted because I wanted her to sign it for me...well she had brought some books from Search Press to purchase and spotted her book so I bought it again. I said to Leonie, that's proper dedication...we both started laughing. I also got Paula's latest book 'Celtic Cards' ! I've got to have Paula sign her books too.

I had a wonderful time, well worth going through panic attacks. The biggest thank you, I want to give to Vince as he's always there for me, so without him I couldn't have enjoyed the night the way I did. So thank you Vince !

Another big thank you is for Carley and Leonie as they made us feel so welcome and all the organisation for creating those workshop and making that night possible. Also thank you to Heidi for coming over and having fun with us and finally thank you to the lovely Paul and Tracy as they were so friendly, we really enjoyed your company.

Me and Leonie

Me and Carley

Me and Vince (took the picture myself to be very Web 2.0)

Carley tallying the raffle tickets (they made 200 pounds for MacMillan which is great)

Carley let me have one of her ATC and I really liked this one, gorgeous !

Leonie posing for the camera while the flash 'shocked' some crafters.

Another one for luck, with suspicious looks !

Lovely cakes and tea where all lovingly prepared by those ladies (sorry guys I can't remember your names)

Full view of the room it was a full house yet comfortable and not overcrowded

Vince chatting away with Heidi

Leonie kept on going all night (She's got rechargeable batteries - that's her secret LOL)

'Now you use this ickle bottle of glue...'

Despite Leonie's best effort ....no comment ! wink

Leonie caught whilst she was shimmering around the room and Tracy getting her camera ready

My lovely SIL, Heidi, making her snowman card, she also 'discovered' Stickles so used them to great effect on her card, gorgeous work Heidi !

Best for last, Paul and Tracy ! Lovely to meet you guys !

Meerkat 'Simples' Card - Dare U 2 Digistamp Challenge (Brenda Pinnick Chipboards)

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:01:00 +0000

I've been crafting in the middle of the night last Wednesday as I had this idea of using Brenda Pinnick Initially Yours Chipboard die-cuts to spell 'Simples' and plonk the Meerkat as the 'i' ! It seemst to have worked. I like the miriad of colours on this card and I coloured the digistamp with shimmery chalks (you can see it better in the close-up image).

I hope you like and have a look at Dare U 2 Digistamp to see what my fellow crafters have created for this week challenge which is Die-cuts and Shapes.

Watering Can with Hearts Card - Dare U 2 Digistamp Challenge

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:09:00 +0000

Have a look at this week Dare U 2 Digistamp challenge, it has a lovely sketch and I decided to use (yet again - LOL) my beloved Hearts Watering Can from Chris Dark.

Papers are Papermania and Brenda Pinnick, Pearl red gems Kanban.

Watercolour Effect Bouquet Card - Laura Ashley flock and velvet paper

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:55:00 +0000

I've been blue for a few weeks now, I felt I lost my craft mojo again ! :(

Received these lovely two packs of Laura Ashley papers that very textured with velvety/flock feel. I had to use them and made this card for my neighbour's birthday. I'm going through a phase of tying bouquet and flower with ribbon. LOL

You can see the rest of my blog posts either by clicking the HOME link (Top Left) or this LINK

A scrapbook layout for a change using Slidemount to step up the picture

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:07:00 +0000

My lovely niece adorn this layout using the Friendship 8X8 by HOTP, I've used a ribbon that was from another kit but it doesn't seem to match on the picture but it looks ok in real life. Everything is from that pad.

You can spot the slidemount a bit better on the second picture. I made a few cards with that lovely paper pad.

You can see the rest of my blog posts either by clicking the HOME link (Top Left) or this LINK

Rose Card - Dare U 2 Digistamp Challenge Recipe

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:19:00 +0000

Nearly forgot to upload this as I'm all excited today because of the new Apple OS Snow Leopard....but I digress. This week card I made for the Dare U 2 Digistamp Design Team is to follow a recipe so get yourself on their blog and give it a go !

I've used two patterned K&Co papers and stamped on with the French Signature Stampin' Up stamp (I love this one) and Taffeta ribbon (SU too). Used the Rose digital image from Chris Dark and finally three paperflowers from Hot Off the Press !

You can see the rest of my blog posts either by clicking the HOME link (Top Left) or this LINK

Chocolate and Teal Card - Craft Telly Swap

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:01:00 +0000

Well my card is done for the August monthly swap at Craft Telly. Macey will get this card of mine, I hope she likes it. I've used DCWV Blossoms and Butterflies mini stack cut off the lower border and created those folded strips I tucked unded the smaller flower. Big chocolate flower is HOTP, smaller flower is from a flower kit I bought from QVC. Punched a circle from the leftover I trimmed to use as a faux brad in the middle of the flower.

You can see the rest of my blog posts either by clicking the HOME link (Top Left) or this LINK

Owl ATC - CraftTelly Swap

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:01:00 +0000

Last ATC of the three I made for the CraftTelly swap. Again Personal Impressions acrylic range, this time I used the owl. Papers are from stash and I inked all round the edge. Trebble stamped and covered in perfect pearl powder for interference effect. Dotted the eyes with Sakura in black.

You can see the rest of my blog posts either by clicking the HOME link (Top Left) or this LINK

Love Birds ATC - CraftTelly Swap

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:01:00 +0000

Here's the second instalment of my three ATC (last one tomorrow). Stamps are from Personal Impressions acrylic range. Papers are from a Christmas pack (HOTP). I double stamped to give it a shade (Versafine and Brilliance lightning black with a hint of gold). Corner gems that look brads are Kanban.

You can see the rest of my blog posts either by clicking the HOME link (Top Left) or this LINK

Pearly Birdie ATC - CraftTelly Swap

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:17:00 +0000

I made three ATCs for the CraftTelly forum swap, I'll share with you in the next few days. All made with the Personal Impressions Acrylic stamps I purchased from QVC UK. The first one I used some leftover vellum and paper from HOTP and the Pearl gems are from Kanban. I highlighted the upper stamp with Sakura glitter and the lower half with Sakura gel in black.

You can see the rest of my blog posts either by clicking the HOME link (Top Left) or this LINK

Bee Monster - Dare U 2 Digistamp Challenge

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:09:00 +0000

Green and Blue is the theme this week for the Dare U 2 Digistamp challenge. I've used one of Vince's Monsters digistamp, dunno why but that image makes me chortle all the time. Papers are from stash, ribbon American Crafts, coloured using Coloursoft (Derwent) and Sansodor. I also used a transparent glitter Sakura pen to edge the design but the camera didn't pick that up.

You can see the rest of my blog posts either by clicking the HOME link (Top Left) or this LINK

Indian Buildings Map Card - Dare U 2 Digistamp Challenge (Distressed)

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:01:00 +0000

I've used Sandra Dry lovely digital image of Indian buildings and thought it would look nice as a folded map like piece of paper. I coloured the image with pastel pencils and blended with low odour mineral solvent. I also used some metallic rub ons to age the edge and give a gold sheen to the rooves on the buildings. Metallic copper brads of four corners and epoxy clock stickers from stash. K&Co vintage sticker and papers. Have a look at the other gorgeous creations my DT mates have created this week on Dare U 2 Digistamp....you'll be impressed !

You can see the rest of my blog posts either by clicking the HOME link (Top Left) or this LINK

Marvel Comics Cards - Hobby Habit Design Team

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:19:00 +0000

Very excited that I was asked by the lovely Catriona Watt (yep Nancy Watt's daughter) from Hobby Habit firm to create some samples for the Sunday show on Ideal World (2pm).

I was given permission (thank you !) to show you the cards I made on my blog. You can visit Hobby Habit website but it's a Trade website although they do have a list of retailers where you can purchase their products.

These decoupage papers (also pyramage and invertage) are perfect for teenagers and younger children as Marvel characters are so popular with them. But I trust that cards made using these sheets will span a few generations too ! wink

I was worried that my card making was not up to standard but have been asked to join the Design team for Hobby Habit so I feel really honoured they've asked me. Thank you Catriona !

I'm so pleased Nancy acknowledged Vince on the show despite him not wanting to be included (I know, I know, he's very shy). Vince created the first three cards for the samplers. My favourite is the first one with the stars going across.

You can see the rest of my blog posts either by clicking the HOME link (Top Left) or this LINK

Watering Can of Heart Card - Dare U 2 Digistamp Challenge

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:18:00 +0000

This week's challenge at Dare U 2 Digistamp is a lovely sketch mady by Clarissa. Well I had only one hour to do my card and I thought I would use Chris's lovely Watering Can digistamp image. Papers are papermania. Flower done using the flower flips template from Hot Off the Press. Image coloured using Coloursoft and Sansodor.

You can see the rest of my blog posts either by clicking the HOME link (Top Left) or this LINK

Purple Rose ATC - Dare U 2 Digistamp Challenge

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:10:00 +0000

This week challenge at Dare U 2 Digistamp is 'Anything but a Card' so I made an ATC with Chris' lovely digital image and used the HOTP Jewel Pack for cardmakers, I also laquered the rose with crystal liquid laquers. I hope you like it !

You can see the rest of my blog posts either by clicking the HOME link (Top Left) or this LINK

Fluffy Monster Card - Dare U 2 Digistamp Challenge

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:40:00 +0000

This week's challenge at Dare U 2 Digistamp is 'Embossing' so I push through my cuttlebug a Fiskars textured template, then covered the embossed are with rub-ons metallics from CalicoCrafts.co.uk and edged it with brilliance lightning black. The tag, brads and paper (flower too) are HOTP jewels cardmakers pack. The fluffy monster is a design that Vince made and I coloured it with Coloursoft and Sansodor.

You can see the rest of my blog posts either by clicking the HOME link (Top Left) or this LINK

Robot Greeting Card - Vince Design

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:05:00 +0000

Vince was playing with some designs and came up with these lovely robots. Very cute and fun !

You can see the rest of my blog posts either by clicking the HOME link (Top Left) or this LINK

Elegant Lady card - Kanban retro ladies

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:01:00 +0000

Another card from Vince and he's been using Kanban retro ladies kit (well I think it's called like that), you can purchase the kit either from QVC UK or single sheets from foilplay.co.uk . The ribbon is actually a christmas one from Brenda Pinnick kit of ribbons (that was a right bargain at little over at tenner for so many ribbons).

A lovely elegant card !

You can see the rest of my blog posts either by clicking the HOME link (Top Left) or this LINK

Fairy Card - Dovecraft and Nancy Watts papers

craftingmad@aol.com (Fabrizio) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:01:00 +0000

A stunner of a card here if I may say so combining Dovecraft background paper and Nancy Watts lovely fairies that were given out free in one of the Making Cards (one of the best kept secret with all the monthly free papers) recently. Love the green bling and the Sakura stardust work on the plants and fairy.

You can see the rest of my blog posts either by clicking the HOME link (Top Left) or this LINK