I'm glad 2010 is on its way out.......

Well, 2010 is nearly over and thank heavens for that. It has been such a roller coaster ride this year, I've been so stressed and worried but December has been a kinder month, so I leave this year feeling a tiny bit more positive. I want to say a BIG 'thank you' to all my blog friends, those I have met, those I have yet to meet and we will meet one day. The encouragement, support and love from all like minded souls has kept me from falling apart totally (as well as taking the tablets!) so from the bottom of my heart I wish you all a CREATIVE, HEALTHY, BEAUTIFUL 2011. Hugs Olive xxx

Birthdays!!!!

This is for my Mother's birthday in January... thought I'd get a head start this time. All I have to do now is put it where I can find it:) I also have my OH birthday on the same day! life is cruel sometimes.... so I have to decide what to do. Males are so hard to design for when they are not interested in any kind of sport, or hobbies. Ah well...... For the card I used flower punches, coloured card, Tim's Enamel Accents for the centre's, Tim's bird die, ribbons and flowers. Not sure whether she will appreciate the card or not but I enjoyed making it. Ciao

WOYWW

Well its the last one for 2010.... hope it continues for 2011.
These are presents I bought for myself, the green tree is for photos (the flowers are magnetic holders) and the other white tree is for jewellery but I think I will find another way of using it.

WOYWW is a great way of meeting new friends, finding out what's going on outside in craft land and knowing there are other mad people out there. Makes you feel 'normal'...... thanks for taking the time out of your busy lives to visit my blog and read my ramblings... love and blessings to everyone. Have a great 2011. Ciao

Normal service will resume!

Hope you all had a great Christmas..... I did. Ate a little too much, but normal service resumes tomorrow:) Sometimes Christmas is over whelming for some and has sad memories for others, so we must remember those in our blessings.

Keep warm and safe dear friends in this terrible cold weather. Ciao

Merry Christmas - Olive Style

Merry Christmas to everyone..... here is my tree for 2010. We have even less space now so it was branches in a vase.
I wish you all a great time, with good company, food and presents. Thanks to everyone who has taken time to visit my blog and specially leave comments. Have a good one. Ciao

Son's Christmas card......

What kind of card to make my son? Stampotique was the answer. With a bit of glitter card, gold card and tiny red hearts I was sorted. He loved it!
The weather here is great if you don't want to go anywhere, the trees are looking great dressed in white snow, but the cold is aching , I'm wearing 5 pairs of socks! Mollie (our dog) is also loving the snow, but it's not deep enough for her (she needs at least 2-3 feet to jump around in). I hope where ever you are you are safe and warm.
Ciao

Dem bones........

Well skulls actually.... as you know I have a real 'thing' for skulls and from this picture you can see that I've added a few (!) to my collection. My friend Jo brought me the skull/crossbones cookie cutter from Germany this month, the smaller skulls I ordered on ebay to use as embellishments for crafting and the AMAZING necklace I bought from a stall at a craft fair. The skull has lots of bling AND the mouth actually moves as it's hinged, how cool is that!!! so it will go with my skull bracelet, just need skull earrings to match the necklace....... Ciao

Still here...

Well yes where else would I be!!!! This working outside the home and trying to fit everything is definitely OUT OF THE QUESTION..... and going out, thats a laugh:)! Making some personal cards, so will blog those later. Hope everyone is blog land is safe and well and keeping warm (if you live in a cold climate)...... Ciao

Christmas stockings..... not like that!

My neighbour asked me to decorate these Christmas stockings for their girls.... so there won't be any fights they are all the same. I had some fabric pens so I put their names on, drew holly/berries and then hot glued black pom-poms on the top for a flourish. I know Mum and Dad are really pleased with the outcome, hope Father Christmas is too!!!! Ciao

Vicky Stampers .....

Here the hardy souls that ventured out in the horrible weather to our Christmas 'do'... a riot was had by all (8 of us!) wearing the hats we made in the morning. So many were unable to attend at the last minute due to illness, weather. We had a secret Santa so we all got a gift and a card. The generosity of these ladies is tremendous and I am thrilled to call them friends.

Wreath....my version!

Here's Barbie's Christmas Wreath.... the base is cane sprayed white, with pink beads on a string wrapped around with pink ribbon (for a change), metallic pink and purple baubles hot glued on.
To finish the ends I just got plain white organza ribbon and glued them on as well. Unfortunately, the camera doesn't do Barbie's wreath justice it is truly blingy!!!!

Please forgive my tardiness in posting as I am 'working' outside the home for a few weeks, I've forgotten how hard it is trying to fit in everything else. I don't know how I used to work full time and have a life (such as it was!) Keep warm..... Ciao

Wreath....

I made this for a present, when I purchased the items I wasnt sure what I was going to do with but thought it would make a lovely pre-Christmas gift. I bought a synthetic base, a box full of baubles, got a hot glue gun and away I went. I just glued everything to the wreath and the design came to me as I went along. The wreath will now hang on the front door of a grateful family member.... I really enjoyed the making and giving of this gift. It will last for a while (I hope!!!) The alternative one will be posted tomorrow.... Ciao

A little card.....

Here's the card for out lovely tutor, Vicky for making our course so interesting.....I thought the baubles would add a festive touch. The stamp used is Hearts from Stampotique with a little bling (you know how I love my bling)..... and a plain insert for folks to write on. Not sure how I'm going to get the card in the envelope! perhaps make a package instead.
My posting could be somewhat haphazard for the next weeks.. as I am outside the home doing stuff, but I have finished my 'Barbie' wreath (colour give you a clue!), also made a traditional one (my interpretation) for a present and still working on cards. Oh yes, I have my alternate Christmas tree in the planning. Though to be honest it isn't as alternative as last years, but we are even shorter on space this year, how you can fill up a house is scary. So in this really cold weather (its still -1 at 12.30apm, yes I know its even colder in other parts of the world, been there ,done that) keep safe and warm..... Ciao

WOYWW.... where does the time go!

Where does the time go?....... another Wednesday. I'm going to make a wreath from this old cane one I found, spray paint it white, add pink & silver baubles with ribbon. The next issue will be, where am I going to hang it (no rude suggestions thank you!).... we have a snow weather warning here for later in the week. So wherever you are in the world of blogs, keep safe, keep warm. Ciao

PS I've been asked to make a Thank You card for our tutor for next week as its our last lecture (thats what the stamps are for). Its been a great group and Wednesday's will feel strange with us not meeting up.

Shadow boxes.......

This is from the workshop at AFTH from Saturday..... looking at the pictures you'd think I'd completed 2 boxes, not 1! My box was more green/blue (below).... we made background papers, doodled on which part we wanted in the box and then put the elements together.

The papers were from the magic Graphic 45, Dy's downloads, paints and spray inks. It was a fabulous day and I thoroughly enjoyed making the box. I stayed with Clare on the Friday night and we both attended the class, then Clare dropped me off at Huddersfield on Saturday evening to catch the train home...... thanks for all the driving. As on Sunday I was out for the day with only child to attend a Christmas Bingo outing at Bromborough on the Wirral. It was hilarious and I didn't win a thing!!! Ciao

Finnished........

Well thats the first batch done... thought I'd get some more hearts and alter those too. It was difficult to get the pom-poms to stick but as you can see they did. I had some punched snowflakes from a play day last Sunday, gold bling punch papers, used a stamp for the white 'snowflakes'. On the back put a label and I signed them...... so I hope the recipients like them.

I'm away for a couple of days staying with my crafty friend Got Paint in My Hair, going to AFTH tomorrow for a workshop, can't wait. Ciao

WOYWW

Thinking of using these hearts as cards for family as an alternative.... I bought some cheap wood hearts from a supermarket and covered them with card. Painted the sides with pearlised pink paint, so now I have to think of further decorations to put on. Ciao

Hello Dolly.....

Well here's Dolly..... I love making dolls from paper and then transforming them with paint, stamps, beads and all things glittery. I got the templates from The Enchanted Gallery.

I normally go to Harrogate (AFTH) and attend Journalling once a month, but as I'm off there next weekend for a workshop, I couldn't make my pounds s-t-r-e-t-c-h (actually its OH money!). So I went to an Open Craft Day that a friend was holding locally, it was supposed to be make Christmas Cards, but I didn't feel like doing that, so I made Dolly instead.

I cut her 'face' from Instant Art by Suze Weinberg for quickness, next time I will paint my own see how that turns out. Dolly got finished today, as there was much gossiping, eating, making hot drinks, making new friends and plenty of loud laughter. A great day all round..... Thanks Jayne. Ciao

WOYWW

Well its Christmas cards, bit of trim (for the cards) and corner chompers.....not sure 'bout the cards, but they are what they are. Hoping you are all having a great WOYWW or whatever your doing. Ciao

Rainhill Stampers...... Workshop

Its hard to see the detail of the glass pebbles before and after..... I stamped an image, used watercolours,glossy accents as a glue. I loved the way the glass magnified the image and slightly smeared the paints.... I used nylon wire behind one piece and wire with beads on another.

The brilliant Jo took the class and we played all day... if you would like to come along to a class and see what goes on, it is held the first Saturday of the month in the Victoria Pub, Rainhill just off the M62... You can come as a guest then make up your mind... we have guest teachers and members of our own talented group also teach... just let me know. Ciao

And the winner is......

There can only be one winner (unfortunately) and the other half picked out Beverley's name out of the bowl (how technical). So many congratulations Beverley, please send me your address either via message on Facebook or my email account.... thanks to all the ladies that took part and for all your support..
the above is called a hinged piano book (made at a workshop when living in USA) and was rather a challenge to make....... Ciao

WOYWW.... 3 November

My table is such a mess a bit like the inside of my head at the moment!.... wishing you all a great WOYWW...take a look at some more, go to my sidebar and find the icon. Ciao

Had to do it......

No idea why, but I had to do a journal page when I saw these pictures..... first word into my head was poison......

It's a bit different for me, but I couldn't wait to get going on these pages. The backgrounds are Dylusion Inks, Tattered Angel Inks, Adirondack Inks, stencils and downloads from The Graphics Fairy and website, Getty Images.

Looking at them, the images look as though they have been painted on the pages, not just stuck on (to me anyway). I actually printed the images on to thin card, make it easier to stick and be more substantial. All I need now is to print off the word poison a few times, add some other elements and its done...... Ciao

Graffitti......

This was my contribution to an art workshop for 'kids' on Thursday... kids of all ages!! I had an absolute blast as did my friend Lesley... the one covered in blue pen:) I could have stayed there all day, but. I suggested that there should be an art wall everyday so we could colour in.......dont think anyone heard me!!!

Lesley enjoying herself, covered in blue pen. By the way, they were POSCA pens, no rubbish!
It was MAGIC.... ciao

WOYWW

Here's my contribution for the day.... as you can see got a bargain at Hobbycraft.
Don't forget to enter the giveaway..... Ciao

Here it is...... giveaway!

I always put the photos on in the wrong order, doh!.... this is to show you the heart is free hanging (if there is such a term!).....

Well this is it...... a frame re-invented with a hanging heart. There is no back to the this piece, so that the heart can reflect the light wherever it is placed. I'm not sure what the protocol is for giveaways, so just leave your comment and a winner will be chosen at random. The closing date is 6th November at midnight. So spread the word....... and Good Luck! Ciao

A giveaway... if anyone is interested.

Its been a year, (can't believe it scary..give or take a few days) so in blogging tradition I am going to have a giveaway. Don't get excited you might not like what I'm giving away, an altered piece done by me, myself & I! So tomorrow I will upload photos and take it from there. Ciao

AFH Circle Journal......

This is a page from one of the Circle Journals that have been doing the rounds (sorry) from the Journalling group. It started out as something completely different, but this is how it ended up.. I used some of Dy's downloads & stamps, magazine letters, some prints of my own, crepe paper and art freebies. As its about being a 'diva' there is a bit of 'bling' with crackle paint and gloss..... Ciao

WOYWW..... it soon comes round!

1 canvas, 1 frame being recycled...... I definitely love the cutting up paper and sticking process, just like they used to do on Blue Peter! I'm not putting a back on the frame just ribbon across the back and hang something on that...... hope everyone is enjoying the WOYWW. Ciao

I can show you now......

This was made for my crafty friend Pat..... I gave her the canvas on Sunday at journalling class at AFTH. I supposed to be going to her house for lunch at the beginning of the month but unfortunately the friend I was going with was poorly and as money is in short supply here, I wasn't able to make it. I know I missed a first class lunch, conversation and fun. I started making the canvas as a gift to take with me for Pat as a thank you. Anyway, I still gave the canvas to her as a thank you for being my friend. I stamped the dress on stiff card and was actually able to 'curve' it to make the dress part stand out from the canvas. I used Dy's downloads, tim holtz enamels, promarkers, beads, old bits of jewellry, alphabet stamps. The paints were sample pots from B & Q in a chalky emulsion which worked really well on the canvas and with stencils. I printed definitions from the computer....... Had a blast making it. Ciao

Just to let you know...

For those attending Journalling on Sunday, at last your goodies have arrived from USA, so I will be bringing them with me........ Ciao

A different kind of brooch...

I made this brooch from air dry clay...... I found the heart shape whilst looking for something else and wondered what I could do with it. A brooch, a small brooch. I painted the shape with green metallic paint, put crackle stuff on it, let it dry. I found an 'ear' I had made with the clay, painted that metallic purple, stuck it on the heart, printed the words listen on some paper (very small) cut it out and voila.... a brooch with a difference. I think I will make some more....... Ciao

WOYWW........ghosts & ghouls!

I fancied making something for Halloween, a holiday I don't really go for... the canvas is sprayed with Dylusions Graphite Ink, Tim Holtz stamp cut out (a fiddly job but worth it) painted with some glittery stuff, some friendly plastic in a wreath like shape (accident). It isn't finished yet as I have bats to cut out and find the correct words..... Ciao

Blackpool Illuminations..... of a different type!

We went to Blackpool yesterday to see the Illuminations...... 2 dogs, 3 boys (men!) and me! What glorious day, the sun was warm, not a cloud in the sky and miles of beach to walk on... the dogs thought they were in doggie heaven, lots birds to chase, other dogs to play with and both Mollie and Troy loved being in the water and I couldn't believe I was by the sea (a favourite place of mine). As the evening was so balmy we were able to have our picnic sitting on the prom on the bench enjoying the setting sun.... these are some of the photos. Didn't get to see the comet though that was passing through our solar system, even though the sky was so clear and the stars were blinking... felt as though you could just reach out to to touch them.. it got cold and dark quickly so we all piled into the car, drove down the front, saw the lights, bought a flashing wand (in pink with feathers) for me and then off home. It was a truly amazing day....... Ciao

WOYWW....

Well... I've actually got to take and upload a photo for WOYWW. As I attend a class on Wednesday mornings by the time I get back my brain (yes I do have one), is in overload, I just want to think and do nothing for a while. I've actually covered up this canvas with a gesso wash and will use it for another project.....my table is quite tidy for a change! Ciao

PS Loving the POSCA pens.

Las Vegas .... October time

This is what it can be like in Las Vegas at the end of October... bright sunshine, warm and inviting. These pictures were taken in 2005 on our 'honeymoon' albeit 5 months late. What I would give to be able to be there now, feeling the sun's heat on me, feeling alive. I look outside and see rain, rain and more rain. Makes you wonder how such dry places manage to keep green lawns, though they don't seem able to make an English Garden, which I know a few Americans love... I could do with another trip there to recharge my batteries which are extremely low if not dead, at the moment. So much life and vibrant, that's what I need:) Ciao

Vicky Stampers .... Pt 2!

This is the front cover of the 'books' we made yesterday at Vicky Stampers... I found some papers that I had downloaded from the net and decided to add them to the front page and make a split cover, I had punched some shapes out of the paper, thought it would look different. Ribbon added for decoration with german scrap.....

This page is a copy of a collage I did for a City & Guilds course I was doing..... you can use anything to cover the brown pages...

Again with this I used up an image I downloaded, I had punched shapes out for another project and thought it would look different to show the brown paper underneath, you put quotes or drawings in these 'gaps'...

More scraps of paper I had used for other projects plus a background page I made myself using the wingdings font on the computer (using glossy paper).

At last ... the end page. Used printed vellum I had again, from another project. As it was a split cover I used ribbon to cover the join. The finger nail is mine own..... Ciao

Victoria Stampers...

Had a great day at Vicky Stampers yesterday we learnt how to make mini paperbag books and the backgrounds on various types of paper to decorate the books..... we got real messy with paint, inks, sprays. Lots of great ideas, lots of chat and many laughs. Ciao

Memories...... good times

Yes that's me with long hair... don't I look different! This was the night before we left Michigan to come back home. It was a new super Borders which had just opened a few minutes from where we were living... typical. It was a great night, though one of our friends wasn't there as she was flying back to Michigan from England with her son (she had gone back for something cant remember what). Most of our group have moved on to new ventures in Australia, back home to Pennsylvania with great jobs and others just moved one with their lives. I do hope we get to see them again.... I miss them all:) Ciao

In the middle of something.....

I can't show you what I'm in the middle of making at the moment... as it maybe gift for someone:) So here is a piccy of the fabulous book I got when in Liverpool with Jabberwocky (Sue Roddis) it's unfortunate that the book fell open at a song "Death on the Hill" perhaps it was a well used song by the person(s) who used the book... I've loved books ever since the time my parents used to take me to large department stores, wherever we were living, at Christmas and I had to pick which book I wanted. It had to be a classic title and I remember one year getting "Treasure Island" which had illustrations, absolutely fabulous. I love the feel of the pages, I don't think anything electronic could give me the same satisfaction..... It has to be the right typeface or I won't read it... I have no idea why, but thats how it is... don't we have some strange ideas! Ciao