A quick project for Mother's Day using Graphic 45 Mon Amour

Hi everyone and welcome back to my happy place

I have been busy working on gifts for Mother's Day but you could use them for any special occasion 

This one is an easy but pretty way to gift a bar of chocolate....

The first thing to do is make a template for your bar as they will be different sizes 

This shows how I found the size I needed by wrapping and scoring my fold lines to create an envelope shape...I hope that explaines the shape needed

Cut the papers you need to cover front, front flap and inside flap as shown 

Next let's create the gusset for each side to complete the pocket to hold our chocolate

Cut two pieces of matching card stock at 3 3/4" x 1 1/2" and score at 1/2" on both sides as shown below 

Fold the scores and add score tape or wet glue to the two hinge pieces and fit into the bottom of structure as shown here

Ok I hope that explains the building of this chocolate bar holder!

To hold it closed I created a belly band in matching collection 

To finish off the details I've added some clear Nuvo drops to the roses and stickles to the butterfly

Then some lovely pearl trim to pop the band....

Thank you for stopping by......

Vintage inspired Altered paper bag with a tutorial

Hi everyone

and welcome back to my happy place

Today I have been busy creating a special mini album that I can't show yet 

so I thought some previous projects to share with you would be a great idea!

As anyone who knows me knows I just love vintage inspired projects......

A quick tutorial for you......once you have chosen what type of paper bag you would like to alter

Start my laying down some cheese cloth ( I have tea stained mine ) 

Then place your picture where you would like it to be....I added mine central and up a little so I could add more trims at the bottom....

Next add trims and lace to surround and frame the picture....

Working your way outwards......I had the edge of a doily I dyed vintage brown so I added that on top of the cheese cloth ....

Next add your trims on the corners to finish off....the flowers I used were cut from a vintage doily 

Finally I added a dangle charm to the handle!

TIP! If you want to age your laces and trims ......make a strong mug of tea, let it cool then add your items.....the longer you leave the stronger the colour ....squeeze out excess liquid then heat dry items

Remember you can't use on items to be washed 

Thank you for stopping by ....... Happy crafting

Winter fun and classes

Hi everyone well winter is finally on its way out here in New Zealand with wet and windy Spring on its way in.....yay summer won't be long!

I just want to share a few of my projects with you all

First is my stack of letters keepsake.....

A beautiful vintage inspired baroque mini album

Sewing themed card for all occasions 

An altered cigar box

A mini journal using a to roll for the cover....thank you Ruth for the inspiration 

A lovely photo wallet

Mixed media canvas

Hi everyone and welcome back to my happy place

Wow life has been so full on the last year with classes going so well and the added challenge with surgery.

One thing that stays the same is my love of creating beautiful projects 

Today I'm sharing with you this mixed media canvas created using stencils, texture paste, crackle,chipboard, some pieces I made, flat back pearls, microbeads.....sounds like lots of product! 

Ok so next a couple of layers of gesso when dry I used mica powders spritzed with water to add some 

Colour to the piece 

A touch of pink to add dimension and white gesso to highlight 

I was very pleased with how my canvas turned out!

Thank you for stopping by

Hi everyone

Wow it's been a year since I last blogged.....

And what a very busy year it's been

Markets online and off 

My classes have been an amazing experience so very very busy, and a pleasure guiding people to create beautiful projects 

Some of my creations to share with you

 Oh my gosh I don't think I can fit them all......so I will be back soon to share with you all

Don't forget to check on Facebook to see what's happening...... 

Altered matchbox

Hi everyone and welcome back to my happy place!

Winter is here in my little corner of the world and of course that means snuggling up in the warm with my crafting supplies.

I have started a swap group with altered projects and ATCS if you would like to join in hop on over to 

Mystical touch on Facebook (Nz and Au only)

I just wanted to share what I created for my partner using a matchbox and a few little embellishments, some from a crafting friend (thank you Lainie) 

Mixed media tag

Hi everyone and welcome back to my happy place.....

I've been creating non stop with so many projects and not much time to share them all.

This is another tag I'd like to share, 

this one was such fun playing with products not easy controlled.....lots of mess!

Tim Holtz stencil and Lindys colours.....gorjuss effects!

Have a play....unpredictable fun....

Thanks so much for stopping by