Circle cluster plaque for SamanthaKGifts

Here's a quick step by step for the circle cluster plaque made for SamanthaKGifts, Hochanda debut shows.
Using the medium long plaque and one of the circle clusters, both of which I quickly primed with gesso.

Then using a favourite technique I added some distressing, simply using the scourer part of a washing up sponge, far better than the use they are intended for!
The scourer is used to "dry brush" a couple of colours of DecoArt chalky finish paint, firstly in Yesteryear  and then Relic, drying in between colours.

I use and teach this technique frequently and find it produces great results for distressing effects.
The circle cluster and plaque edges were then coloured with a gold gilding wax before gluing the circle cluster on to the plaque.

These clusters just shouted out to be filled with various beads, gems, glitters and embellishments.
It was a fun project to create and makes a lovely decorative piece that would look great in any colour choices.

I finished with some twisted soft wire and threads to hang the plaque.

Sam will be back very soon with more amazing goodies and I will be blogging the rest of the pieces I made for the shows.
Do take a look at her website and blog for amazing MDF pieces and inspiration from the rest of the team.
xKx

New and Old

Good evening all,
What a gorgeous day it's been for being out and about as I have, absolutely glorious.
Since I started making CD clocks a few years ago now I've been selling them in various outlets and online as well as sharing the techniques with crafter's at demo's and workshops.
Their popularity never ceases to amaze me and I'm so grateful for the wonderful support and feedback I continue to receive about them.
So what's "New"...
Today I set up "shop" in a new venue that helps support small businesses, I've always enjoyed selling my craft as well as teaching which is a more recent approach I've taken.

Now for the "Old"

At the Ali Craft weekend retreat the project on Saturday was a DecoArt project bought to us by Barbara Nicholson.

We used DecoArt techniques and inspiration to create this aged and rusted piece.

Lots of layers went into this and I was very happy with my result.

I'm already buzzing with ideas to put my own spin on this in lots of different ways.

That's all for now, thank you for calling in.

Love and Crafty Hugs xKx

Shabby CD's

Evening everyone,
Thanks for stopping by, I really appreciate your visit.

We had sun here this morning but rain this afternoon, luckily managed to get some washing done and then some admin stuff.

I've also been playing with samples for our September workshop, altered CD's.

This one uses my favourite DécoArt chalky finish paints along with Andy Skinner's French Elements stencil.

Really enjoying creating these.

Hope you have a good evening.

Back soon, crafty hugs xKx 

Texture Triangle

Good morning,

Can't believe it's Friday already.

It's looking like tomorrow is going to be glorious, I do hope so as Mum's care home have a BBQ event and I'm going to be selling a selection of giftware during the day. Then we're heading off out to a birthday party in the evening.

Yesterday I had fun playing with textures on a triangular canvas, another sample for November's workshop.

I used DecoArt mediums and paints along with some Art Ingredients, fabrics and various string and threads.

I love the lush colours, it feels quite rich and opulent.

Anyway here's the result of my playtime...

Hope you have a good day.

Crafty Hugs xKx

Getting Folky!

Morning,
Hope you all enjoyed the weekend, did you do anything nice?...
On Saturday I did a few chores and decided to bake a Mary Berry Victoria Sponge for our crafty session yesterday.
It seemed to be a success as the tin is now empty!
I do love GBBO!
Anyhow we had a super Sunday all inspired by the lovely ladies over at Folk It and for my involvement with Déco Art Helping Artist, which was quite appropriate as we have invited new members to the group recently and yesterday a young new member and her mum who are very keen to come along and join in again next time.
That's what it's all about a mixed ability group of all ages, getting together, having fun and enjoying crafting.
So with the help of my other half Paul, whom I couldn't do this without and I thank enormously for always supporting me in every way, we got set up for the day in our bright, all mod cons hall.
I bring along and set up a "mobile shop" we all love to add to our crafty stash!
The early birds are already tempted!

As a bit of a Thank You and a gift I supplied the crafter's with a plain journal book and some black and Kraft card to practise their "Folk Art" and use as a class book for jotting down hints and tips shared on the day.

After a catch up and a coffee to get us started it was down to crafty business before lunch and cake and finishing off in the afternoon.

I was so impressed by all the wonderful results, I know it was really out of the comfort zone for some but hey here's a glimpse of some of the results and works in progress.
We all loved Dotting!
Thank you all for a wonderful day and creating such stunning home decor pieces.

 

Below is my demo sample MDF box which uses Americana chalky finish paint in Timeless and Relic for my base coat.

I sponged Relic on then used the scourer to distress with Timeless.

Americana acrylic colours used, Tomato Red, Warm White, Baby Blue and Hauser Light Green.

The Tall Gift Box is from Candy Box Crafts

 

Further projects and ideas

We practised techniques for our Folk Art Journals

and used a whole host of DecoArt products...

Our next session on September 13th is Altered CD's.

October is our Christmas project 

November and December are brand new projects...

We've started our project list for next year which will include by request

Triple Beach Huts and revisiting Tarmac!...

Have a good Monday, I'm off to make a start on a new project! 

Love and Hugs xKx

Colour Burst Canvas

Good Morning,
Midweek already, another week whizzing by...
An early start for me today with an errand to do and then another journey on the infamous M25!
Before I head off I'm sharing a 15" x 8" canvas I did while watching tennis yesterday afternoon.
I'd had a busy morning getting washing and chores done so really enjoyed creating this easy project.
I used a selection of Decoart paints and mediums for this.
I'll be back later this afternoon to announce the winner of the Giveaway.
Thanks for popping by.
Have a lovely day.
Crafty Hugs xKx