Queen Kat Designs

So I was browsing through Scrapbook Calls and Contests the other day, when a call came up for Queen Kat Designs. Now, not one to go past a stamp store without looking (well it doesn't hurt to look does it?)  Wow, was all I could say.  They have the most b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l stamps hiding in there.  If someone is looking to buy me a present, don't hesitate to go and look here for some grunge or here for some fab fantasy stamps.

I don't know about you, but I do find male cards a bit of a challenge, especially if the recipient doesn't have any particular hobbies.  For this card, I wanted to make it grown up and have included a favourite stamp of mine from Paperartsy - Clocks Plate 5.  You can create this card for any occasion and the faux 'rusty' texture makes it very tactile.

Faux Rust Technique

The gears and chipboard gears are embossed with Distress Powder to give a lovely rusty texture. Firstly, stamp using Black Soot Distress Ink. Cover with Vintage Photo Embossing powder and heat set. You may need to heat it for a very long time but you should get a lovely dark rust texture. You can scratch at the rust when cold to reveal the darker crystals.

To Create the Card:

1. Stamp and emboss the gears on the left hand side of the cardbase as described above. Ensure that some of the stamp hangs off the page.
2. Stamp and emboss more gears across the base in a loose diagonal.  Be sure to turn the stamp to avoid repetition. 
3. Using some sequin waste as a mask, apply Broken China Distress Ink in a circular motion using cut and dry foam.  Tip: use a light touch to avoid lines and streaks.
4. Mask around the stamping leaving plenty of space.
5. Using cut and dry foam, apply more Distress Inks to fill in the gaps created above.  Tip: start on a craft mat and move sponge in a light circular motion.  Practise on scrap paper first.
6. Apply 2-3 colours in this manner until you get the blend you're looking for.  I used Faded Jeans, Marmalade and Shabby Shutters.
7. Using a collage stamp, stamp a square panel of card (2 1/2" square).  Colour with inks as before.
8. Mount collage square onto card stock mat and adhere to card base as shown.
9. Stamp script text lightly onto small shipping tag.  Colour with Distress Inks. 
10. Crumple tag and colour again to highlight creases.
11. Emboss chipboard gear (Maya Road) using faux-rust technique above.
12. Attach gear to tag using twine. 
13. Emboss message using a Dymo (you can use cardstock with a white core.  Cut 9mm strip and sand after embossing).
14. Assemble as shown.

I hope that I've inspired you to create a card for the man in your life!















For a change of style, I couldn't resist this Tilda card I made for my friend Nicki.  She loves everything pirate - it's so easy to see why.

Tilda is perching on a treasure map (distressed with inks).  This is laid over an old map page.  I added some tiny shells, beads to the corner before adding copious amounts of glitter.  A tiny string of pearls finishes off my treasure.

Tilda is coloured with Copic Markers.

Hat & Boots: C-3, C-5, C-7

Skin: R00, R11, R20

Top: R81, R83, R84, YG11, YG03, YG67

Jeans: B91, B93, B95, B97

My last card accompanies a project that is is this month's Craft Stamper Magazine. I created a travel wallet to store all those lovely tickets and ephemera as well as a notepad for those reminders or your journey.

I love old books and maps and they look wonderful on vintage cards.  This card features stamps from 7 Gypsies (travel), Tim Holtz (Car, tickets and Message).

Thanks for popping in. 

Morag x

Adding a little Sugar

You may have noticed that I have gone crazy with the glitter recently. I've have 'sugared' everything from brads to flowers. I thought I'd share this fun technique with you so you can add a little sugar to your life.

Supplies: I use a Snow Writer which is a thick white paste - this works better than glue as the texture and colour will give that extra bling to your project. Glitter - sparkly white works the best and is the most versatile.



Add the 'snow' to your flower using a stick (the coffee stirers work a treat!) I keep to the centre and don't be too neat - a little mess looks much more funky.



Add your glitter and allow to dry.



Don't forget to dip your big brad in the snow and glitter.



VOILA! Gorgeous blooms. You can layer and mix paper and silk blooms together for a great look.



I've had fun playing with papers from We R Memory Keepers this month. These gorgeous papers and flowers are just right for all sorts of occasions.



I hope you'll try this out for yourself. I can't wait to see the results!

Morag x