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

Portrait of an Icon

Hello lovely people,
Hope you had a good weekend and start to the week.
Over the weekend we were really spoilt with the weather here in Kent but the rain appeared again yesterday.

On Saturday I organised using the function tea room at mum's care home to do a surprise afternoon tea for her with my daughter, my big bro and my sister in law.
Mum did really well and it was lovely to be able to have some of the family together and catch up.
Then on Sunday I started to prep my work area for jobs I need to do this week and I cooked a curry before settling down in the evening to watch the long awaited last series of Downton.
Oh I was in my element, it was the start of the happy endings!

Yesterday my lovely daughter is took me to The National Potrait Gallery to see the exhibition - Portraits of an Icon The Audrey Hepburn Collection.
A fabulous treat!
Then we went to Jamie Oliver's Union Jack restaurant in Covent Garden and enjoyed a lovely meal.

Below I'm sharing a crafty collection I created featuring Audrey Hepburn.
She really was so captivating and inspiring and I hope you like the projects I created.
There's some further pics of postcards I picked up yesterday that I have crafty plans too.

Now it's back to work today, lots to do this week.
Hope you have a good day and I'll be back soon.
Crafty Hugs xKx

700+ Likes Giveaway

Welcome to Sunday Evening,

How's you're weekend been...
I'm missing my Wimbledon tennis fix today but not long until the excitement and anticipation builds again tomorrow!
I've had plenty to keep me occupied never the less.
Mind you with the showery weather this morning I guess it was good the players had their day off today.
Anyhow I promised a ***GIVEAWAY*** when my Facebook Page reached 700 Likes, so here we are.
All you need to do to be in a chance of winning is to comment on this blog post, leave a comment on my Facebook Page, like my Facebook page and share the post, simples!
The winner will be chosen at random and will receive a
BoBunny stamp set and a selection of Mixed Media items from my Website, this may include Rustic ribbons, Rose Petals, Mount board die cuts etc...
I would like to share with you some eye candy and something I've made which will be on sale at a local gift shop.
This is from a selection of gift and home decor items that I will have on display and for sale.
I've used an Oval MDF Plaque with the Large Ornate Lamppost along with some Vintage Collage Ribbon, white Webbing and Rose Petals.
The Vintage ribbon has a wired edge which can be easily removed as I've done for this project.
I painted the plaque with Americana Chalky finish paints and used one of my all time old favourite stamps from Art Journey called Dance.
I've also used various scrapbook papers and embellishments along with a harlequin stencil and texture paste.
Rustic string and lace finish off for hanging the plaque.
The GIVEAWAY will be open until 8pm tomorrow eve (Monday 6th) and I will announce the winner on Wed 7th.
A million thanks for all your wonderful support, comments and feedback, I can't tell you how much it means to me to have such a lovely craft support network.
Enjoy your evening and thank you for popping by.
Love n Crafty Hugs xKx

Stunning Sweet Poppy Stencils

Hello many thanks for reading today,

Hope you had a lovely weekend,
I had a great one and the weather yesterday was glorious in Kent.
The forecast is looking great for this week too!

Today I have two MDF plaques to share with you using the wonderful Sweet Poppy Stencils.

The stunning Tiger is stencilled with Gold paste on a black painted background, I've also used the Leaf Border and Freedom from the Angelic Words stencil.

The Tree of Nature is on a lilac and mint painted background with tissue and medium for very simple texture and interest and Dreams from the Birthday Words stencil.

I'm off to do some chores and crafting before I retreat to the garden...
Have a lovely day.

Crafty Hugs xKx