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Sunday 20 December 2015

That Craft Place Challenge ...Mixed Media

Hello lovelies!

I can't believe Christmas is just around the corner. Time has absolutely flown this year!

We have another fabulous challenge over at 


The theme is 

Mixed Media - Anything Goes

As it is Christmas I decided to make something with this theme.

I have used a set of the MDF coasters from That Craft Place. I have decorated them using 
Craft Consortium Decoupage Papers.



I used acrylic paint to paint the base. The curved edges are painted with Cosmic Shimmer Gold Pearlescent PVA. I used sparkle spray on the base too.

Finally, I added the golden embellishements to finish.

I love this coaster set, it will match all my Christmas tableware. 

We would love to see your projects for the challenge.

Don't forget to hop over to


You will see lot's of gorgeous design team inspiration!

Merry Christmas to you all, have a lovely time.
Lots of love
Nicola 
XXX

Sunday 22 November 2015

That Craft Place Mixed Media Challenge...

Hello lovelies!

It's time for another challenge over at 


The theme this week is 

Mixed Media - Anything Goes

For my project this time I have used an MDF Christmas sign from



I love this sign, it makes a lovely Christmas decoration.


I painted the words using a red acrylic paint.

The stars are painted using Cosmic Shimmer Crackle Paint in Saffron.

The snowflakes I have used Cosmic Shimmer Sparkle Texture Paste Icicle Blue. 

I also used Distress Ink Fired Brick, to rub over some of the stars.

I embellished with berries, santa hats, twine and mini pegs.

My finished sign is now hanging in my Christmas window display at work.

We would love to see your mixed media creations for this challenge.

Hop over to 


to see lot's of gorgeous design team inspiration.

Have fun and happy crafting,
lots of love
Nicola 
XXX



Sunday 25 October 2015

That Craft Place Mixed Media Challenge...

Hello lovelies!

It's time for another challenge over at 


The challenge this time is Mixed Media 

As it's nearly that 'spooky' time of year, I decided to decorate one of the fabulous MDF Haunted Houses from 


Now, Halloween isn't really my thing lol, but I tried my best! I even added the dreaded spider. For someone who has a spider phobia, this is a massive achievement lol. 
I hope it look's spooky enough!


The lovely crafty goodies I've used from


MDF House - Halloween Grab Bag - Witches Hat - Greyboard Skeletons - Graphic 45 Rare Oddities Paper Pad - Stencils - Cosmic Shimmer Gilding waxes - Cosmic Shimmer Colour Cloud Inks - Acrylic Paints - Cosmic Shimmer Cosmic Twinkles - Cosmic Shimmer Texture Paste

I've used Skeleton leaves draping over one of the roof's and I've used Angelina Fibres to the grassy effect at the base and to drape over the house to give an eerie look to it.

I usually do pretty, not scary! LOL 
I hope this is scary enough for halloween...OOoooooooOOoooo SCREAM!

Don't forget to hop over to 


and see the rest of the gorgeous design team inspiration.

Don't forget also That Craft Place have a group on Facebook where you can shop for your gorgeous crafty supplies...


There is also a group for you to share your creations using items from That Craft Place


You will also find lot's of new release digi stamps at 


Hope you have a happy and not too scary halloween!

Have fun,
lots of love
Nicola
XXX



Sunday 11 October 2015

That Craft Place Etsy Shop Discount.....

Hello lovelies!

I just had to share this fabulous offer with you all.


is kindly giving you a WHOPPING

25% DISCOUNT

for

THIS WEEK-END ONLY!


There are lot's of gorgeous digis to choose from and some stunning new release halloween and Christmas too!

Don't forget, it's only for THIS WEEK-END!

So, hop over to 


and grab yourself a bargain!


Happy shopping,
lots of love
Nicola 
XXX

Sunday 27 September 2015

That Craft Place Mixed Media Challenge...

Hello lovelies!

It's time for another challenge over at 


The theme is

Mixed Media.

I love making mixed media creations as it gives me the opportunity to try so many techniques. Also it allows to experiment with certain techniques too. The great thing about mixed media work is not only can you alter things and create beautiful pieces of art, you can also show off some beautiful treasures you may have.

I went to a vintage fair a few weeks ago, while there I bought some beautiful vintage brooches. So, for my design team project this time I have used two of them. I have used the MDF shrines that I bought from 
The shrines show of my brooches perfectly!




The materials I used from That Craft Place are...

MDF Shrines ~ Gesso ~ DecoArt Chalk Paint in shades Primitive and Timeless ~ DecoArt Ultra-Matte Varnish ~ Stencils Butterfly Flourish, Diamonds Drain, Abstract Circle ~ Cosmic Shimmer Texture Paste Silver Pearl ~ Glamour Dust ~ Metallic Gilding Wax in shades Pewter and Midnight ~ MDF Hearts ~ Resin black flowers ~ Black Stamens ~ Collall 3d glue ~ Cosmic Shimmer Acrylic Glue

and of course my two lovely vintage brooches. 

I painted all the mdf with gesso. I then painted with the chalk paints. Once dry, I used the stencils over the shrines with the chalk paints. This was then sealed with the varnish. 

I brushed on the silver texture paste in various places and along the edges of the shrines.  While wet I sprinkled over some Glamour Dust. This needed time to dry thoroughly.

I then rubbed over the gilding waxes, and also rubbed them onto the resin flowers. 

I glued the brooches into the centres of the shrines. I used 3 black stamens with one of the resin flowers.

I love these shrines, there are so many ways you can alter them.

I am entering my shrines into the following challenges:

Don't forget 
also have a group on Facebook where you can buy lots of gorgeous things
The selection of MDF is fantasic!

There is also the group 

We would love to see your mixed media creations for this challenge.

Hop over to the challenge blog
to see lots of stunning design team inspiration!

Happy crafting,
lots of love 
Nicola 
XXX





Sunday 30 August 2015

That Craft Place Mixed Media Challenge...Anything Goes

Hello lovelies!
It's time for another challenge over at the

 Today is my birthday. So, with this in mind, my design team mixed media project is a little gift to myself for my craft room. My favourite colour is pink, so I have made a gift set using this as the dominant colour. 

Sssh...let's whisper quietly, I'm 44 today! It's just a number, who cares? LOL

Anyway, I have made this gift set, which would be ideal for any of your crafty friends to make for. You could just enjoy making it for yourself too, like I have done!





The lovely products I have used from 
are...
Cotton reel ~ Gesso ~ Texture Paste ~ Cosmic Shimmer Paints in shades Pink Plum & Gold Lime ~ Petal Lu Flowers..Pinks ~ Pink Stamens ~ Imagination quote from the Graphic 45 Once Upon A Springtime Collection ~ Large Peg ~ MDF Butterfly ~ Cosmic Shimmer Sparkle Texture Paste ~ Cosmic Shimmer Colour Cloud Blending Ink Decadent Grape ~ Tag from the Graphic 45 Once Upon A Springtime Collection ~ MDF Ovals ~ MDF Heart ~ Letters from the Graphic 45 Once Upon A Springtime Collection ~ 6x6 Stencil ~ Collall 3D glue ~ Cosmic Shimmer Acrylic Glue

Other materials from my crafty stash...

Pink Straw ~ Pink Lace ~ Selection of pins ~ Pink Beads - Pink Satin Ribbon ~ 3 gems

How I made the...

Cotton Reel ~
I painted with white gesso. Then painted with the Cosmic Shimmer Paints. I cut the straw down and then poked it into the middle securing into place. Then wrapped lace around the reel, glued the pink stamens into place along with the beads and flowers. Finally tucking the pins into place and finishing off with the 'Imagination' quote.

MDF Ovals ~

Paint both ovals with gesso. The larger oval paint with the pink paint. Lay the stencil over the smaller oval and brush over Texture Paste. Lift the stencil off carefully and leave to dry. Once dry, use a small paint brush and paint over the raised pattern using the Gold Lime paint around the edges and the Pink Plum in the centre. Leave to dry.
Once dry, paint over the whole thing with the Sparkle Texture Paste. Leave to dry. Ink around the edges using the Colour Cloud Blending Ink. Glue the ovals together. Colour the MDF heart with the paints and ink. Glue to the centre. Glue the letters LOVE to the bottom of the small oval. Tie a ribbon and lace bow and glue to the top of the oval. To finish add a flower and secure some ribbon at the back to create a hanger.

Peg ~

Paint with gesso. Paint all over with the Pink Plum. Leave to dry. Paint on the Gold Lime paint using sweeping brush stroke motions to create a random contrasting look. 
When dry, paint over with the Sparkle Texture Paste. Leave to dry thoroughly. Glue pink lace and ribbon in place to create a cascading effect. Glue the pink stamens to the bottom and add a flower centre. Glue two flowers at the top. Paint the MDF butterfly with the paints, apply sparkle texture paste, then when dry ink with Colour Cloud ink. Add 3 gems to the middle. Glue onto the ribbon. Finally thread the small fairy tag with ribbon and glue into place.

I'm over the moon with this gift set!


It is now sitting pretty in my craft room!

Thank you for stopping by, I hope you have enjoyed your visit.

Don't forget to hop over to 


to see lot's of gorgeous design team inspiration! We would love to see your entries for the Mixed Media Anything Goes Challenge.

also have a FaceBook group called
We would love you to join. Lot's of crafty inspiration in the group.
 Don't forget also you can buy from That Craft Place on Facebook too. Lot's of lovely product's to choose from.

Happy Crafting
lots of love
Nicola 
XXX





Sunday 16 August 2015

Crafting Musketeers Midway Reminder...

Hello lovelies!

It's time for the


This time we want you to follow a sketch.

The sponsor this month is

Delicious Doodles

Here is my card with my interpretation of the sketch...


I've used this cute Turtle which is a House of Zandra decoupage sheet.

Hop over to the 


You will see lots of gorgeous design team inspiration.

Happy Crafting!
Nicola 
XXX


That Craft Place Challenge....Feeling Blue...

Hello lovelies!

The weeks are flying by, I can hardly believe we are halfway through August already. 

It's time for another challenge over at


Now, I know I'm usually on the mixed media team, but I also enjoy making cards. So, I do love to jump on board the card challenges too!

The challenge this time is the theme...

'Blue'


Here is the colour palette to follow...


I have used a cute stamp by Saturated Canary called
'Chasing Butterflies'

Ingredient's I used are...


Saturated Canary Chasing Butterflies Stamp ~ Broken China Distress Ink ~ Blue Pearlescent Card ~ Scalloped Card Blank ~ Blue Stamens

Crafty goodies from my crafty stash...

'Dear Friend' stamp by Hampton Art ~ Promarkers in shades Pastel Blue, Powder Blue, Denim Blue, Blue Pearl, Rock Pool, Capri Blue, ~ Flexmarkers in shades Glacier Blue, Blue Grey 3, Blue Grey 1, Dolpin Blue, Surf Blue ~ Docrafts Papermania Capsule Collection Parisienne Blue Papers, Die-cut Notelets & Big Bloomers ~ Blue Cotton Lace ~ Blue Fabric Butterflies ~ Fancy Stapler ~ Blue Gems

We would love to see your 'Blue' creations. Hop over to 
and see lot's of gorgeous design team inspiration!

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges...


Happy Crafting,
lots of love
Nicola 
XXX


Sunday 2 August 2015

That Craft Place Challenge - Mixed Media...A Little Bit Of Love...

Hello lovelies and welcome to my blog, I hope you enjoy your visit today!

It's time for another great challenge over at 


The challenge theme is

'MIXED MEDIA - ANYTHING GOES'.

The perfect opportunity to get all inky and messy!

I have used an MDF heart for my project from 


I love using MDF pieces, the quality from That Craft Place is just amazing. I love also how you can take a plain shape and turn it into something beautiful!



So, here is a list of the fab goodies I used...

Available from That Craft Place 

MDF Heart, 3 small MDF hearts, MDF Love banner, MDF Love tag, Gesso, Texure Paste, Stencils, Cosmic Shimmer Crackle Paints in shades Jade Mint & Heather, Distress Inks in shades Cracked Pistachio & Shaded Lilac, Cosmic Shimmer Embossing Powder Ancient Copper, Cosmic Shimmer Acrylic Glue

From my own crafty stash

Metallic Gilding Wax in shades Patina & Vintage Plum, Distress Embossing Ink, Mica Flakes, Various embellishment's..I've used a metal heart charm, Prima flowers, string, pearl string, and 3 purple flowers that I made for a previous project using UTEE and a mould, Sakura gelly roll pen, Pearl Ex Pigment Powders in shades Sparkling Copper, Antique Copper, Duo Green Yellow, Spring Green. 

Paint the MDF pieces with Gesso, leave to dry.


Use the texture paste with the stencils over the heart. Leave to dry.



Use the small diamonds stencil with the texure paste over the small hearts. Leave to dry.




Paint the larger heart and banner with Jade Mint, wipe excess paint off the word LOVE with a cotton bud. Paint the other pieces off MDF with Heather paint. Leave to dry thoroughly until the cracks appear.


Use a sponge to blend Cracked Pistachio onto the larger heart and banner. Use the same technique with the Shaded Lilac on the small hearts and tag. This will show off the cracks even more.



Randomly rub the gilding waxes over the heart and other pieces. Use kitchen roll to buff the waxes.


Dab the embossing ink over areas of the MDF pieces, sprinkle over the embossing powder and heat until melted.




Apply glue to areas of each of the MDF pieces, then sprinkle over the Mica Flakes. Press into the glue and leave to dry.



Thread the tag, banner and heart with string and pearl string. Glue the banner and tag into postition. Use the gelly roll pen and go over the LOVE word. Glue a Prima flower at the end of the banner and use an embellishment in the middle. Thread the heart charm with string and pearls and glue into place. Glue the UTEE flowers and hearts as shown.


Add the powders into 4 ink sprayers and carefully spray random areas of the heart to create a slight shimmer. Then use a small brush to pick up the Pigment powders and use at the bottom of the heart and around the top edges. Use a larger brush to lightly brush away excess powder.


Finally, here you have your finished result!


I hope you have enjoyed my tutorial on how to create this beautiful mixed media altered heart.

Hop over to the challenge over at 


to see lot's of gorgeous design team inspiration!

Have fun creating,
lots of love Nicola 
XXX

  

















Sunday 19 July 2015

That Craft Place - Words Challenge

Hello lovelies!

It's time for another challenge over at


Now I'm usually on the Mixed Media design team, but I couldn't resist joining in with this challenge too.

The theme this time is

'Words'.

I made a card for this using the gorgeous Candibean Little Darlings Stamp 'Shop Till You Drop'.
I got this little cutie from
That Craft Place


I've used MDF banners and paper flowers which I got from That Craft Place 

The papers are Papermania Capsule collection.

The Promarker shades I've used are...

Skin: Starfish, Peach, Soft Peach
Hair: Blush, Vanilla, Saffron, Caramel, 
Rest of image: Pineapple Crush, Pastel Yellow, Spring Lilac, Iced Pearl, Antique Pink, Dusky Rose, Pastel Green, Frosted Jade.

I am entering this card into the challenge over at 

We would love to see  your creations for this challenge.

Hop over to the 


to see lot's of gorgeous design team inspiration!

Happy crafting,
love Nicola 
XXX



Thursday 16 July 2015

Crafting Musketeers - Midway Reminder...

Hello lovelies!

Half way through another month can only mean one thing...it's time for the midway reminder for the 


The challenge this month is sponsored by 


The theme this month is

'Anything Goes'.

I've made a card using a gorgeous image from 


called Chillax Sugar


I've used Letraset Promarkers to colour her.

The shades are...
Wild Orchid, Champagne, Canary, Dusky Pink, Apple, Soft Aqua, Cool Aqua, Honey dew, Duck Egg, Sea Mist, Watermelon, Aniseed, Pink Pearl, Shocking Pink, Soft Khaki, Buttercup, Blush, Cappuccino.

The Happy Birthday greeting is an MDF banner from That Craft Place. 

We would love to see your creations for this challenge,
hop over to the 
to see lots of gorgeous design team inspiration!

Happy crafting,
lots of love
Nicola
XXX

Sunday 5 July 2015

That Craft Place - Mixed Media Challenge...

Hello lovelies!

We have another fantastic challenge for you all over at the 


The theme for this month is

'Mixed Media' - Anything Goes...

This means we would like to see anything that you have used Mixed Media techniques on. This is a perfect chance to get all inky, painty and very messy if you wish. Or you can alter and decorate something using gorgeous papers.

I have decorated a printer's tray for my Mixed Media project. I've used gorgeous papers by Graphic 45, and used a combination of Crackled Paints and Gilding Waxes.


The lovely list of ingredient's I've used are...


Large Printer Tray ~ Grapic 45 8x8 Couture Paper Pad ~ Gesso ~ Cosmic Shimmer Crackle Paints in shades Saffron & Vanilla ~ MDF Ticket, Tag Beautiful, Hearts & Dress form ~  Resin Flowers ~ Cosmic Shimmer Acrylic Glue ~ Collal 3D Glue ~ Red Beady Spirals ~ Tim Holtz Distress Inks Tea Dye & Vintage Photo

From my crafty stash I already had...

Red Paper Roses ~ Red Stamens ~ Jute ~ Sequin Length ~ Lace ~ Satin Crinkly Seam Binding ~ Mini Cotton Reel ~ Tape Measure Ribbon ~ Mini Jar ~ Seed Beads ~ Various Ornate Buttons & Beads ~ Diamante Ribbon Slider ~ Red Organza Ribbon ~ Self-adhesive Crystals ~ Gilding Wax in shades Deep Red & Cast Bronze

I absolutely loved creating this Mixed Media project. The printer tray is so easy to decorate. I used the gorgeous papers to decorate the sections, crackle paint for the panels of the frames, and the ornate corners. I then finished the look with Distress Inks and Gilding Wax. Finally adding lot's of pretty embellishments.

I am entering my Mixed Media Printers Tray into the following challenges...


Hop over to 


to see the rest of the design team inspiration.

Happy Crafting,
lots of love
Nicola 
XXX

Sunday 21 June 2015

That Craft Place 'Lot's of Layer's' Challenge...

Hello lovelies!

We have another fabulous challenge for you over at


The theme for this challenge is

'Lot's of Layer's'.

I'm on the mixed media team, but as I also love making cards too I've joined this challenge. I've used a gorgeous new digi stamp from THAT CRAFT PLACE - ETSY SHOP called 'Daddy's Little Helper'.


I've coloured this little cutie with Letraset Promarkers in shades:
Skin: Soft Peach, Oatmeal, Sunkissed Pink, Almond, Dusky Pink
Hair: Cocoa, Henna, Terracotta, Cinnamon
Clothes & Splats: Dusky Rose, Antique Pink, Mandarin, Peach, Pastel Yellow, Yellow, Meadow Green, Marsh Green

The lovely products used from 
Quality Paper Pad PPSL10 ~ Pearlescent Card ~ Tim Holtz Distress Inks Abandoned Coral & Cracked Pistachio ~  Ink Splat Stencil ~ Greyboard Drips ~ MDF Banner ~ MDF Word Circle ~  Cosmic Shimmer Acrylic Glue ~ Cheesecloth ~ Patterened Ribbon ~ Flowers 

I think 'Daddy's Little Helper' is so cute.

We would love to see your creations for this challenge, so don't forget...Layer It Up!

Hop over to 


to see lot's of wonderful design team inspiration.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:


Happy Crafting,
lots of love
Nicola 
XXX

Tuesday 16 June 2015

Crafting Musketeers Midway Reminder....Shades of Summer

Hello lovelies!

We are halfway through June already, which means that it is time for the


The theme for this month is

'Shades of Summer'.

We are sponsored by Hobby House who are kindly giving the winner of the challenge a voucher to spend on their website.

My 'Shades of Summer' card just had to be a cute digi that is just perfect for this theme.  

Meet 'Sunshine Bubbles'


This little cutie is available from 


I have coloured her with Letraset Promarkers in shades:

Skin: Sand Dune, Putty, Almond, Pastel Pink, Cocktail Pink
Hair: Saffron, Gold, Vanilla, Mustard, Ivory
Hat, Bikini & Glasses: Iced Pearl, Spring Lilac, Frosted Jade, Pastel Green.

The Happy Birthday tiles are also from That Craft Place. 
The lovely dots around the card are Nuvo Crystal Drops by Tonic Studios.

I love using straws too, so they just finish it off perfectly.

We would love to see your creations for this challenge.

Hop over to the 


to see lots more lovely design team inspiration!

Happy crafting,
lots of love
Nicola 
XXX



Sunday 7 June 2015

That Craft Place Mixed Media 'Anything Goes' Challenge....

Hello lovelies, well I am loving my time as a design team member over at 


Such a lovely bunch of girls to work with, and they are all very talented and inspirational too. 

It's time for another challenge over at 


'Anything Goes' Mixed Media.

I altered a canvas for my project this time...


The ingredients I used ...


Betty Boots Clear Stamp Set, Cosmic Shimmer Acrylic Glue, MDF Cogs & a scrap I had left from the Mr & Mrs MDF sign, Heart Stencil, Peach and Pink resin flowers, Greyboard Feather

Already in my crafty stash...

10"x10" square canvas, gesso, watercolor card, Rich Cocoa Memento Ink Pad, Distress Inks Tattered Rose, Victorian Velvet, Tea Dye, Waterbrushes, String, Scrap Negative Grunge paper from a flourish die cut, Acrylic Paints Linen, Rose Garden, Victorian Rose, Distress Crackle Paint Tattered Rose, Tim Holtz Bubble stencil, Sea sponge, Metal findings and cogs, Wax paper, 3 brads, Stazon Ink Timber Brown, Glamour Dust, Beads, Diamond Stickles.

How I made it...

Paint the canvas with gesso.


Stamp Betty onto watercolor card using the Memento ink.


Dab the ink pads onto a brown craft sheet.


Use the water brush to build up colour.


Build up the colour gradually, until completed. Glue string to the canvas to create a criss cross pattern and a loopy border. 

  
Trim the negative from the flourish die cut.


To fit the bottom left corner, glue onto the canvas.


Glue the MDF pieces to the canvas.


Paint over all of this with the gesso, apply it over the edges of the watercolor card to blend them into the canvas. 


Paint over with the Linen Acrylic Paint.


Use a sea sponge in a dabbing motion to apply Rose Garden and Victorian Rose Acrylic Paints. Also use the stencils in various places.


Paint the Distress Crackle paint in the criss cross squares, in the loops and on the MDF pieces.


Once dry you will see the cracks that have appeared. Use a soft sponge to apply Distress Tea Dye ink to the cracks. 


Use the stazon ink to stamp elements from the Betty Boots stamp set onto the mdf pieces and parts of the canvas. Cut circles from wax paper, attach together with a brad. Scrunch up then pull apart the edges to separate them. Add glue and sprinkle with glamour dust. Colour the greyboard feather with Victorian Velvet Distress ink, add Diamond Stickles. Glue the embellishments and beads onto the canvas. 


I really enjoyed making this. I hope you have enjoyed seeing how I made this.

Don't forget to hop over to 


to see the rest of the fabulous design team inspiration.

I am entering my Mixed Media Canvas into the challenge over at 

Altered Eclectics  - Anything Goes
Eclectic Ellapu  - Steampunk
Rhedds Creative Spirit  - Anything Goes

Have fun and happy crafting,
lots of love
Nicola 
XXX