RubyMay Days

Dropping by....

2011-03-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

Well its been more than a while since life got in the way of a normal day !
Fingers crossed I can blog again and get back into crafting.
So "Hi" to all you brill artists and dont faint when I get around to knocking on your bloggy door so I can catch up on all your latest artwork.
I can't wait to see what challenges you've done.
Love and peace all....RubyMay xxx

Thanks Carla... and Patty ....!

2009-10-10T05:57:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to my Carla for the use of her broadband as ours is off while we change broadband providers.
It has meant I could catch up with you all and find out about my wonderful surprise win from Patty ! I am delighted to have been chosen to receive one of her gorgeous canvases to celebrate her blogaversary.....Thanks Patty...I will treasure it x

We weren't meant to be left BB-less...but there you go....lack of communication...??? Lol.

Be right back....hopefully.......
...have a good weekend guys xxx

Altered Cutlery for SaWo

2009-10-03T03:22:00.000-07:00

This weeks challenge at SaWo is "altered cutlery" I've made a pendant by bending a spoon and embellishing it with "gems", glitter and a silver dauber.
This would probably look better on an old chunky silver chain...but I dont have one.... so here it is on an old necklace instead !!!!
I hope you like it !!!

Bubble Wrap...for SaWo.

2009-09-19T02:49:00.000-07:00

This weeks challenge at SaWo is to use bubble wrap to help make your background.
I scribbled over white card with pastels and rubbed it into the card...then I inked bubble wrap with Stazon and laid it on top and pressed down to "stamp" it.
I stamped the face stamp over the top of that and also stamped the face onto white paper which had also had the bubble wrap treatment !
I tore a piece of the white image to add over the main one and then added the words.
I don't know what's upset this poor soul but a few hours crafting should cheer her up !!!
I've been crafting since seven this morning so I must dash and get packed...we're going down to the caravan...hooray ! See you when I get back...have a good weekend x

Another Pocket for Ringbinder/Scrapbook

2009-09-18T12:37:00.001-07:00

Here's another scrapbook pocket (for a ringbinder) to pop photos in...... or tags...or little keepsakes.
Hope you like it x

Something Round for M.M.M.

2009-09-16T05:45:00.000-07:00

Here is my "Something Round" for Mixed Media Monday I used an old CD...some flowers and gems...an old pair of earrings... and the face stamp is from StampFrancisco
I used my Big Bite to make holes for the earrings and threaded them through the CD.
I hope you like it !

Passing on a Top Tip ....!

2009-09-16T02:45:00.000-07:00

I love blog hopping, and looking at everyones work, but sometimes I struggle with reading what's been written as my eyesight isn't what it used to be. However.... I was given this little tip and its made life so much more enjoyable when flying around blogland....and also viewing internet pages.
When viewing pages on your computer if you press your control button (Ctrl) and the + (plus) sign, the page comes up larger depending on how many times you do it ! (if you want to revert back just press Ctrl and minus).
I thought I would blog this tip as it may be that, like me, you'll find it really useful ! x

Fingers Crossed....!

2009-07-23T00:48:00.000-07:00

Well after my laptop decided to die on me I have finally scraped up enough to buy a new one.... so ...fingers crossed...I can get back to blogging again. Hopefully I can catch up with everyone now and join back in with some of the challenges....but first just a few more tweaks and I will be rocking and rolling ( not literally of course...lol!)
Bye for now.....hugs and stuff....x

Photo for ABAA

2009-05-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

A few days at the caravan with no stairs to climb seems to have sorted my bad back out, thank goodness....
....so I finally finished my piece for ABAA and, hopefully, I've made the deadline by the skin of my teeth !
We were challenged to make a piece using a photo of Jaqi's aunt. I dont know why but as soon as I saw the photo I had the old Marie Lloyd song "Don't Dilly Dally" buzzing around in my head...so I've written some of the words on the sides.
The fabric is Anna Griffin and the photo was tinted with a mix of stamp cleaner and pink acrylic paint as it was too glossy and I wanted to make it matte.
Darned if I could spot the bird so I stamped one...! (clever Patty spotted where it is though...!)
Hope you like it !

Free For you

2009-05-09T03:46:00.000-07:00

I own these cards and wondered if anyone can make use of them. If so please feel free to download them and use them. (If I've made a mistake and they can't be downloaded properly please let me know...fingers crossed as I'm not known for my computer skills ...Lol! )
I am still having problems with my back and I'm still struggling to sit crafting for very long, so as a thank you to everyone who has been so supportive through my year of blogging, I wondered if anyone would like one of the pieces on my blog and I will also send a little surprise with it.(Happy to post to anywhere!) Please leave a comment and if you would like something I will sort out addys and post an email addy to write to when I get back home. (We are at the caravan for the weekend)
Have a happy crafty weekend guys x

"On The Beach" for Mixed Media monday

2009-04-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

I'm afraid crafting is a bit slow and erratic at the moment as I've done my back in, so I've been spending most of my time feeling sorry for myself, and cuddling a hot water bottle....!
I've managed to finish a 4x4 for Rosie's "Beach" theme at MixedMediaMonday and hopefully I can get some more things finished soon.
The "sand" is silicone glue covered with gold dauber. The "waves" are strips of scalloped card, edged with ink and layered. And the image, which I tinted with ink, is from the Bill Blanton archives.
I was hoping to think up a witty caption for this but nope ...nothing...so I think my brain has gone the same way as my back...Lol!
Thanks for popping by x

"Glamour Girls" for Theme Thursday

2009-04-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

Here is my "Glamour Girl" for this week's challenge at Theme Thursday which is "glamour girls"
My girl was courtesy of Art-e-zine
The background was made with paisley stamps...stamped in black and gold on a "stone" backing which was scuffed with silver.
The scary thing is I remember using this make-up....but it never made me look like that!
Catch up with you all on Sunday...have a good weekend x

"Numbers" and "Altered Postcard Back"

2009-04-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

Here's my "Altered Postcard Back" for Wednesday Stamper
...and my "Numbers" piece for Lots To Do
I finally got to play with my TH clock mask for this one !
DH and I walked for miles last Sunday and woke up on Monday feeling like "death warmed up" so it wasn't long before we were wishing we were a bit younger and could put the clock back....heres my take on going back to the past....!
I used distress inks, gold dauber and "Paper Artsy" stamps.
I triple stamped (using sepia, mahogany and gold) on the words.... and double stamped (using mahogany and gold) on the numbers.
I hope you like what I've made....!
Many thanks to The Feathered Nest for the shared "postcard" download.

"Fossil Stone Technique" for SaWo

2009-04-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

Cleo is our GD at SaWo this week and has asked us to make a piece using the "Fossil Stone" technique.
There's a brilliant tutorial on Cleos blog showing us how its done so I thought I'd give it a try.
Heres what I came up with...I hope you like it !

I hope everyone's having a lovely Easter weekend x
...We're going to have a couple of days away so I'll catch up with you all on Monday when I get back home x

Crazy Background for SaWo and Tim Holtz for Crazy Amigos

2009-04-07T06:30:00.000-07:00

Heres an ATC for the challenge at SaWo which is "Crazy Background" and also for the challenge at Crazy Amigos which is "Tim Holtz"
I thought it would be fun to use an invoice from The Artistic Stamper to put my background on so I scrunched it up and scuffed it with Rangers Distress ink and then sprayed it with water. I added some drops of gold alchohol ink and then ironed the paper flat. (one of Tim Holtz techniques on his DVD)
I cut a piece of my paper for the ATC and put it onto cardstock and edged it with gold dabber. As the invoice had been for T.H. ideology masks I used one of the masks to make borders with a gold dabber.
The invoice printing (The Artistic Stamper) was showing through so I thought I'd do some stamping and colour it.
Thanks for looking !

"Art" for Lots to Do

2009-04-04T01:29:00.000-07:00

The challenge at Lots To Do this week is "Art"
....Well I'm not sure if this is art but I did enjoy doing it and there's been a lot of splodging around while I tried out different things !
... so here's another double-page of my altered bird book. This is double-page 4 so I'm slowly getting there. (The others are quite a few posts back...17th march-ish!)
I used dabbers, acrylic paints,sequin waste, stamps, pearlised glue and gold paint to build up the background.
I hope you like it...and thank you Sam for the challenge x

"Felt " for ABAA

2009-04-03T05:49:00.000-07:00

Well the last couple of days have been manic after getting a phone call to say our caravan had sprung a leak from the mains water pipe! As its down in Cornwall it was a mad dash to try to sort it out especially as we're hoping to go there for Easter. Fortunately its all sorted now so I'm glad to get back ....and get stuck into a challenge !
Heres my "Felt" pincushion for ABAA this week.
Basically its a square of felt, folded into a triangle, stuffed and stitched ...and the "ears" tied with ribbon. The flowers are stamped on felt and cut out....and then fabric-glued to the cushion. (Stamp is a "Home and Heart" one and ink was Rangers Distress in Aged Mahogany) A piece of lace and a few pretty coloured dressmakers pins for decoration, and there you have it !
This could also be made to hold lavender or pot pourri I guess.....anyway...I hope you like it !

Come on...Lets twist again......

2009-03-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

I've made two more pieces of altered cutlery for the ABAA challenge because I was determined not to be beaten at trying to twist a fork!
(See post below.)
I've also managed to twist the handle of a spoon till it was back to front.. Lol!
I've got four of the metal masks so theres only one more piece to go to make a sort of "set" of four.
Once the fourth piece is done I should have got this out of my system... (oh yeah?)
...off to finish number four.....Catch you later !

Altered Cutlery for ABAA

2009-03-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

The amazing Patty Szymkowicz is the guest designer at Awfully Big Art Adventure this week and she has chosen the theme "Altered Cutlery". Patty's altered cutlery is absolutely stunning so theres a lot to live up to !
Nothing ventured nothing gained... so I set about twisting a fork with a pair of pliers...the fork didn't budge...but the pliers twisted beautifully !
Then I tried making a hole in a spoon...which shot up in the air and landed in the sink...so not a good start ! Lol!
I finally decided to just go for embellishing an egg spoon while I was still in one piece !
I gold dabbered the spoon and heat embossed various colours of powder on the back and front of the bowl.
I then wired some beads...making a loop for the charm and threaded the wire back through the large bead to secure it. I wrapped the plain end of the wire around the base of the bowl and twisted the wired beads around the handle.
Finally I gold dabbered the mask and added it to the bowl with silicone glue.
This has got to be some of the most enjoyable crafting I have ever done...Thanks Patty ...and Thanks ABAA !

Card for "Truly Scrumptious"

2009-03-25T04:21:00.000-07:00

Here is my card for the Truly Scrumptious challenge which is to follow a sketch......and add something shiny. (My "shiny" is the gold embossing)
I stamped and embossed a piece of cardstock for my image...and then added the other things until I'd built the main card up to follow the sketch.
(The sentiment looks pale blue in the pic but its white in RL !)
Thanks for looking x

Oriental for MMM

2009-03-23T03:10:00.000-07:00

The theme at Mixed Media Monday this week is "Oriental" and Rosie has made two beautiful boxes to inspire everyone.
Here's my entry for this week.
This is a book I already had made....it hasn't been entered for any challenges so I thought it would be nice to enter it for this one
.... I hope you like it !

Sew an ATC for SaWo

2009-03-21T03:50:00.000-07:00

ATC Front

ATC Back

The challenge at Saturday Workout this week is "Sew An ATC"
Well its nice to do something different and making this ATC was a first for me. I must say I did enjoy myself !
I've made my ATC with fabric and added a pocket so that a small card (or photo) can be put in it.
I didnt have any stiffener so I placed a piece of card between the layers before stitching through them all. (I used my old hand Singer for this as it will stitch through virtually anything !)
The fabric on the back was stamped with Stazon.
I hope you like it !

"Birdhouse" for ABAA

2009-03-20T12:57:00.000-07:00

Well I was getting a bit stuck with the altered book I'm making and "Hooray" because the challenge at Awfully Big Art Adventure is "Birdhouse" ! ( My book is a birdwatchers pocket companion so I've been using a bird theme for it)
I've had a lovely afternoon playing again so here's another double page towards finishing my book.
Thanks for taking a look......
(More pages below...!)

"Red and Green" for Colour Create

2009-03-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

Colour Create have "Red and Green as their theme this week...with the option of adding wings. Well my bird has wings and so has the bee...so thats me covered twice!
This is another double page of the altered book I'm making.
Thanks for looking x

"Nature" "Doors and Windows" and "Paint

2009-03-17T13:53:00.000-07:00

The theme at Created By Hand this week is "Doors and Windows" which seems to fit in with one of the double pages I've done in an altered book I'm making.
...and as there are several layers of paint on these pages I would like to enter it in the Crazy Amigos challenge which is "Paint "
This also fits the theme "Nature" at My Time To Craft.
There's a song thrush hiding behind the door (window) as I'm altering a birdwatchers pocket companion.
Most of my craft time is being spent on this book at the moment so its nice to enter a part of it into these challenges.
Thanks for popping in x

"Mother and Child" for " Gothic Arches"

2009-03-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

The theme at Gothic Arches this week is Mother and Child. Our host this week is Jaine....so thanks Jaine for a lovely theme!
Here's my arch for the challenge.
I've probably gone way over the top with all the "pretties" but you can't overdo it where mums and children are concerned can you?
Thanks for popping in x

Altered Book Cover for SaWo

2009-03-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

The challenge at Saturday Workout this week is "Altered Book Covers" so here's the cover of the first altered book I ever did.
It measures four and a half by three and a half inches and was an old diary....so it became "My secret Diary" and holds lots of my "secrets" !
The wired beading on the spine was threaded through small eyelets.
Not much more to add except it was done with a combination of inks, stamps, brads and some little charms and swirls.

" Print" for ABAA

2009-03-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

Heres my 4x4 for the challenge at Awfully Big Art Adventure which is "Print"
I tore up strips of newspaper and junk mail and painted and stamped them.
Then I took the quote from one of the discarded pages of an altered book I'm making and edged it with ink.
I then glued the pieces at random onto cardstock.
When it was all dry I chose a square I liked and cut it out.
I covered everything with a thin coat of gesso, to even out the tones and finally I added the image.
I hope you like this bit of re-cycling...and thanks for dropping in !

"Flowers" for "Theme Thursday"

2009-03-12T02:32:00.000-07:00

Theme Thursday have chosen "Flowers" as the theme for this week so here is my entry.
I've turned a gothic arch upside down to make my piece.
The embellishments are strips of florist's ribbon rolled into "beads" and wrapped and tied with cord.
I hope you like it !

"Woman" for M.T.T.C and "Simplicity" for Crazy Amigo

2009-03-12T02:18:00.000-07:00

M.T.T.C. have "Woman" as it's theme this week and Crazy Amigo have "Simplicity" so here is my ATC for both challenges.
Just tearing and chalks for this one !
I hope you like it !

Bookmark for ABAA and Colour Create

2009-03-10T15:06:00.000-07:00

Awfully Big Art Adventure have a bookmark as their challenge this week so here is mine....showing both sides.....it's based on the Holy Grail tapestries designed by William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones.
I thought it would be amusing to put some words on the bookmark...just in case the book was boring !
The background is done with a copper dabber and the images are from a magazine.
I'd also like to enter this in the Colour Create challenge which this week has picked the colours "Orange,Yellow and Green"
Thanks for popping by !

Smile for Arty Girlz !

2009-03-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

The theme this week at Arty Girlz is "Smile" and has been chosen by our host Anna
Here is my 4x4 for the challenge. The frame is covered with an Anna Griffin fabric swatch and the image is from Gypsy Purse.
I've tried to make the frame so that the flower on the material looks like it's part of the lady's hat.
The frame was made from mountboard, which I cut a square out of, and I then covered it with the fabric. Then I lined up the image behind the opening and covered the back of the whole piece with card.
Its a simple piece but it turned out to be harder to make than I expected !!!

"The Written Word" for Mixed Media Monday

2009-03-09T14:40:00.000-07:00

Here is one of the pages of a mini book I've made using Laura Ashley papers.
The words are from one of Anna Griffin's books of quotes...laid on vellum.
This is my entry for this weeks theme (The Written Word" at Mixed media Monday
I hope you like it !

Fantasy... for Gothic Arches

2009-03-08T13:22:00.000-07:00

Here's my arch for this weeks challenge at Gothic Arches...the theme is "Fantasy" which was chosen by our talented host this week who is Lynn Anderson
It's been nice to do some crafting today as I haven't been able to do much this week as one of our staff was off sick and another was on holiday so it's been early mornings and late nights for me at our market stall to try to help out. I'm happy we are back to normal this week...whatever normal is...so craft room... here I come....!
I backed my arch with serrated black card tipped with gold...I'm afraid it doesnt show up much in the photo but if you click on it you may see it a bit better.
The background is gold acrylic dabber paint with pearlescent glue swirled onto it.

"Animal Magic" for CCT...and "Animals" for CC

2009-02-26T03:58:00.000-08:00

Here's my card for the Cute Card Thursday challenge "Animal Magic"....
and also for the Charisma Cardz challenge which is "Animals"
I've made a "New Baby" card which is for a lovely couple (Sophie and Jae) who are celebrating the safe arrival of their dear son "Leeland"
I coloured the stamping with watercolours.
Imagine if babies were really delivered "parcel post" by hedgies !
I hope you like it and thanks for looking x

"Silhouettes" for Wednesday Stamper

2009-02-25T13:54:00.000-08:00

Here's my ATC for this weeeks challenge at Wednesday Stamper which is "Silhouettes".
The stamps are "Fantasy Fairies" from Dovecraft.
When I'd finished I realised I'd put "Flowers and Fairies"...but theres only one fairy (duh!)...so you will have to pretend the rest are hiding!
Thanks for Looking x

2 Butterflies for Arty Girlz !

2009-02-24T08:52:00.000-08:00

This weeks challenge from Arty Girlz is "Butterflies".....and as I love butterflies I've made 2 pieces for the challenge....first a small altered tin ...and secondly an ATC.
The lid of the tin was covered with the gold foil that had originally been inside. I put the foil through a CB folder before I glued it onto the lid...the rest of the tin is covered with ribbons, flowers and butterflies.
To make the ATC I laid down blocks of colour then stamped daisies over them. I edged the flowers with gold pen and put black dots along the daisies and stamped "bliss" on one of the colour blocks.
And finally I added the ribbon and butterfly.
I hope you like them both... and thanks for popping in !

Sketch for Papertake Weekly Challenge

2009-02-23T11:52:00.000-08:00

Papertake Weekly Challenge have a brilliant sketch by Dawny P for us to follow.
Here is my card made using a Joanna Sheen CD.
The photo is taken at an odd angle again, I'm afraid, so that I could cut out the flare from the mirri board
.....I hope you like it !

"Elegant" for Think Monday Think ATC

2009-02-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

The theme at T.M.T.A. this week is the letter E...so here is my "Elegant" lady ATC for my entry.
The jewels are nail art ones and the rest is pretty much my usual inky thing !
I tried to make something that looked sepia....hope you like her !

Tea Time for Gothic Arches

2009-02-22T07:17:00.000-08:00

Our theme at Gothic Arches this week is "Tea Time".
It set me thinking about all the traditions surrounding the humble cup of tea...one of which, in our house, is " one spoonful for each person ....and one for the pot"
.....and woe betide anyone who forgets and makes tea like "dishwater"!
Of course, now we think "teabags" instead of "spoonfuls" so even traditions get updated !
Thanks to The Graphics Fairy for the image of the woman....
.....and thanks for dropping in !

Altered CD for SaWo

2009-02-21T04:59:00.000-08:00

Oooo I loved the challenge at Saturday Workout this week because we have to alter a CD.
I put an old CD on the top of a small heatproof (pyrex) bowl, silver side up, and blasted it with my heat gun pushing the softened CD down into the shape of the bowl with the end of a wooden spoon...its NOT a good idea to poke it with your fingers as you wont believe how hot this gets!
...then when I was happy with the shape I let it cool down.
I put a circle of card in the bottom to cover up the hole...and then heated up the dish again and embellished the inside with glue,embossing powders and beads.
When it had cooled down again I covered the outside with silver paint.
I hope you like my little dish!

Circles and Swirls forTag You're It !

2009-02-21T03:27:00.000-08:00

Heres my tag for this weeks challenge at Tag You're It which is to put some circles and swirls on your tag.
The flower is from a Shabby Princess free download.
I hope you like it !

"Labels" for "Theme Thursday"

2009-02-20T03:55:00.000-08:00

Well I was going to make a more conventional piece for the challenge at Theme Thursday ...especially with the beautiful labels download they have given us.. but a bit of news this morning sent me off on a different track. Apparently we have to stop throwing away so many clothes and I am of an age where NOTHING was thrown away...everything was rehashed and re-cycled to death !
With that in mind and remembering my mums sewing box, filled with every scrap she'd saved, I set about making a collage of my own bits and pieces. My pink and silver label is a clothes ones and is folded behind the threads (which I've put on the material I've used)
I put the padlock and chain on to remember the fun of punk fashion and I left loads of "threads" seeing as that is a slang term for clothes.
So.... "clothes are what you make them"....using all your bits and pieces.... a touch of ingenuity...and a dash of style !
(... One thing no one can accuse me of is having style Lol lol lol....!)

I hope you like this bit of fun....and please click on pic if you want to see a bit closer

Lovely Award from Pascale

2009-02-19T05:25:00.000-08:00

I am so chuffed to get this award from Pascale...thanks mate !
I would like to pass this on to Dawn, Rosie, Annette, Faye and Cynthia...yes I know some of you already have this award but I wanted to say a big thank you for all your help and support.....xxx

Card for "Truly Scrumptious"

2009-02-19T04:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome to a new challenge blog... Truly Scrumptious
Their first challenge is a sketch so here is my card.
Sorry aboout the strange angle but it wasn't until I finished it that I thought..gold? pearlescent? glitter?...uh..oh...what about taking a photo?...so this is the best I could manage !
Thanks for looking...!

"Wire" for "Arty Girlz"

2009-02-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

Here is my piece for this weeks challenge at Arty Girlz
The small pic shows the shapes used to make the necklace. (The silver spiral in the small pic is wire, wound round a pencil...if you cut in a straight line through the top of the spiral it makes jump rings.)
This piece is totally impractical...but fun to make !

"Mardi Gras" for "Gothic Arches"

2009-02-15T10:29:00.000-08:00

Here is my arch for this weeks challenge at "Gothic Arches" which is "Mardi Gras"
I made the background with a mixture of pigment and alcohol inks, and metallic paint.
The image (which I've altered with metallic paint) is courtesy of The Graphics Fairy
The "gems" are tiny nail-art ones.
I hope she has a good time at the carnival !

Tomato Puree (Paste) Tube Makes!

2009-02-13T13:51:00.000-08:00

A couple of people asked how I made my malagro heart so I hope this explains.
1 First pic shows what tools you need and a clean tomato puree (paste) tube(cut off the top and bottom and split up one side to open) stamped with a simple shape stamp
2 Use a 2.5mm tool to emboss (from the stamped side) in the middle of the stamped flower using strokes like you would when doing parchment craft...the metal will stretch and start to bulge
3 Make a groove with the smaller ball tool beside the stamping then turn over to the front and emboss in the grooves to make them deeper...this gives a ridge
4 Cut out your piece and fill the back with silicone glue to stop it from collapsing when you apply colour...or whatever you want to do.
5 I've also shown some strips of freehand work and pricking...the silver strip was gold but has been coloured with a silver pen.
6 Finally here is my milagro heart before it was cut out and coloured with permanent marker.
(All work was done on a mat similar to a mousemat)
Well thats about it then...I hope you enjoy having a go !
FOOTNOTE....I cut out using large scissors as I found small ones leave a jagged edge...but its up to you... whatever you prefer.
If your metal is crinkled when you open the tube out run a brayer over it and the soft metal flattens down nicely.

"Love and Romance" for "Tag You're It"

2009-02-13T13:13:00.000-08:00

Tag You're It have chosen "Love and Romance" for this weeks challenge so here is my "Love" tag.
The heart and background are stamped with "Layers of Colour" "Heart" stamps.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentines Day tomorrow x

"Fan" for "Rainbow Lady"

2009-02-13T05:11:00.000-08:00

Well I'm a great fan of Rainbow Lady...but I don't think Cynthia meant that sort of fan when she set this week's challenge....so here's my (birthday card) fan... made for a very special someone who has a birthday soon.
I made the flowers from some printouts.....which were courtesy of Shabby Princess
I used a sheet of glitter and a sheet of gold card, plus a few white peel offs,some pearl hearts, a sentiment and a tassle....the hardest part of doing this was taking a photo....!
....I'm off to make a box for it now !
Thanks for dropping by !
...Forgot to say this will stand up because I've made a stand for it...out of gold card and then run through a CB folder.

Gold ! .........2 Challenges

2009-02-11T05:47:00.000-08:00

Created By Hand and My Time To Craft both have Gold in their themes this week so here is a piece for both challenges.
Every time I hear the news it's all about money...so I thought I'd do a piece with that in mind !
The background is scrunched tissue covered with pearlescent glue.... then alchohol ink was drizzled on it and buffed when dry. The words are written on the computer.
The charm is a mix of bits from my "wotsit" box.
Thanks for looking !

"Flowers" for "Arty Girlz"

2009-02-10T06:29:00.000-08:00

The challenge at Arty Girlz this week is "Flowers"
I've stamped a card 3 times with a border stamp and added punched and bradded flowers.
I fixed the ribbon around the card and held it in place with the sentiment.
I hope you like this simple card !

"Romance" for "Mixed Media Monday"

2009-02-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

The theme at Mixed Media Monday this week is "Romance"..chosen and hosted for us by the talented Rosie
Here is my 4x4 for the challenge. I have made this from fabric,lace card and metal. I made the metal heart out of a piece left over from the previous challenge using my hand embossing tools.
I hope you like it and....thanks for dropping by x

"Milagros" for ABAA and" Metal" for Lots to Do

2009-02-09T06:41:00.000-08:00

The challenge at the Awfully Big Art Adventure this time is "Milagros" They are mexican religious metal charms and can be hearts, arms, legs...well all sorts really.
We are allowed to make them of any material and I decided to make mine out of metal (a used...and clean (!) tomato puree tube) I also used embossing tools and a permanent marker. I first drew a heart on the back of the metal...and then just kept playing until I was happy with it. Great fun and it cost nothing!
I would also like to enter this for "Marvellous Metal" which is the challenge on Lots To Do
(Please click on pic if you want to see it a bit better x )

"Hearts" for Gothic Arches

2009-02-08T10:50:00.000-08:00

With it being so close to Valentines Day it's nice to have "Hearts" as our theme this week at Gothic Arches.
I stamped the arch edges (and the heart) and then added the flowers and the ribbon....I finished off by edging with my gold pen (my fav thing at the moment !)
here is my arch for this week...thanks for popping in !

Borders for "Theme Thursday"

2009-02-07T08:10:00.000-08:00

Here is my entry for this weeks challenge at Theme Thursday
which is borders.
I made my border using a gold Krylon pen.
A friend of mine is expecting the arrival of her first grandchild any day now so all the talk of babies has been the inspiration for this piece.
I do hope the expected grandchild is a bit more cheerful than this dear little mite!
(I drew along the edge of a paper tearing ruler to make the ziz-zag shape of the border )

"Red" for Rainbow Lady

2009-02-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

This week Cynthia has asked us to pick a colour of the rainbow and, except for using black for stamping, we have to use only that colour.
Well nothing ventured nothing gained so here we go...get those sun glasses out guys.....!

Colour Create...#1 Challenge !

2009-02-04T06:04:00.000-08:00

Colour Create have their first challenge which is to use the colours "Brown, Pink and Green"
I have made a birthday money wallet.
The flap is tucked inside the top of the ribbon slider.
I've decorated the inside much the same as the outside.
Good Luck "Colour Create" .....great challenge !

Red and White for "Arty Girlz"

2009-02-03T15:08:00.000-08:00

Arty Girlz want us to use red and white this week so I thought I would make a card for a change.
I hope you like it !

"Distressed Gesso" for "SaWo"

2009-02-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

The challenge at Saturday Workout this week is to make a piece with a distressed gesso background.
Well I've had a go at it and added a transfer done onto clear sticky packaging tape. I really enjoyed sploshing around and making a lovely mess !
Here's my ATC....and thanks for the challenge guys !
The "distressed Gesso Background Technique" has a tutorial on the wonderful Trish Bee's blog. You can read it here

Tag Your Arch for "Gothic Arches"

2009-02-01T13:37:00.000-08:00

Here is my Gothic Arch for this weeks challenge which is "Tag Your Arch" and has been set by the wonderfully talented Gayle Page-Robak.
I put corrugated cardboard through a cuttlebug folder. I then scuffed the embossed surface with red chalk ink and then picked out the embossing (and the debossing on the tag) with a gold pen. I cut the tag to match the shape of the arch and then added the embellishments.
I hope you like it !

Photo Tagged !!!!!

2009-01-30T14:03:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by Ali, Beryl, and Rosie....and they all want me to find the 6th photo in the 6th file of my pics....so here it is....
This was taken at a friends farm where we quite often pitch a tent and chill out ....it would have to be a bit warmer than it is now though !
I have to pass this on to 6 others....who also have to pass it on...
Well I'll add to this post tomorrow when I've had time to think...so look out...it might be you.......! Lol x

Saturday----
Here goes then....I am passing this on to....Indybev,Kathy,Pascale,Kelly,Sue and Buffy.....I hope you all join in and have fun guys! No pressure though....remember this is just for fun so if for any reason you aren't able, to then thats ok...!

4x4 for "Theme Thursday"

2009-01-30T13:04:00.000-08:00

Here is my 4x4 for this weeks challenge at "Theme Thurday".
With Valentines day approaching, and love in the air, I have based this on the theme "The Key To My Heart"
I hope you like it !

"Gesso Transfer " for "SaWo"

2009-01-28T10:07:00.000-08:00

The challenge this week at Saturday Workout is to do a gesso transfer. I didnt have a clue what that was but not to worry as Hermine has given us a wonderful tutorial on how to do it. It was so easy to understand that I even managed it !
So here's what I've done...and I think I am going to be hooked on this !

Altered Canvas -- ABAA / Frame --- Lots To Do

2009-01-27T15:24:00.000-08:00

Here is a canvas I altered which fits two challenges this week.
Awfully Big Art Adventure --"Alter a Canvas"
and...Lots To Do---"Frame"...
I have turned over a canvas and used the back which I've covered with aged tissue...then PVA embossed it and added some embellishments.
I've put an old challenge piece in the frame but the colours of the frame were chosen to go with a lovely photo of my mum which I will put in after the challenge is over.
Thanks for dropping by x

an "ATC " for "Arty Girlz"

2009-01-27T05:26:00.000-08:00

Great challenge this week at Arty Girls which is to make an ATC ..... I love making these little pieces.
First I stamped on card using a set of Rubbadubbadoo stamps called "Testamentum"... I used versamark and then chalked over it....I masked the words so that they went at different angles
....when I'd done that I tore it up.... matted and layered...added brads and a sentiment....and finally....here is my ATC !

"Winter Sports" for...."Gothic Arch"

2009-01-25T09:33:00.000-08:00

I've had a go at something new for this one.
I found a picture and put gesso on it to make it look like snow.
I've chalked the couples clothing to make it stand out a bit.....and I mixed some gesso with powdered chalk and added some touches of colour here and there.
I dont seem to have much craft stuff to do with winter sports but I wanted to join in .....so here it is ....!!!
A big thank-you to "The Graphics Fairy" for the image.

"Numbers" for "Tag You're It "

2009-01-24T03:09:00.000-08:00

#1 Here's my tag(on the right) for this weeks challenge at "Tag You're It" ...."Numbers"
I have cut a 1 out of card and added paper, ribbons and mini round tags with the sentiments. The paper and ribbons are "Brenda Pinnick "
All I need to do now is find a soon-to-be one year old !

#2 My first tag was so like the lovely DT member Dawn's that I have made another one (on the left). I know how everyone feels about copying and although it was pure co-incidence (even the number !) I hope I have redeemed myself !

"Lace" for "Wednesday Stamper"

2009-01-23T10:33:00.000-08:00

Here's page two of my coffee filter book for the challenge "lace" at "Wednesday Stamper"
I hope you like it !

(Page one was posted on here at the end of last year ....and it's still an ongoing project ! )

"Peel Offs" for "Rainbow Lady" !

2009-01-23T09:19:00.000-08:00

Here is my card for "Rainbow Lady's" challenge this week which is "Peel offs"
I've made a landscape A6 card using plain white card and pink glitter paper....a peel off sentiment (best friend) ...and peel off leaves....which I am pretty sure are Dawn Bibby's ones...well they came from QVC for definite !
I have punched some strips and also made some punched flowers.... I ran the leaf peel offs over the bottom edge and trimmed the card with a deckle cutter.
I hope you like it !
Thank you to Hazel who is the guest designer for this weeks challenge. You certainly picked a good one Hazel !

2"x 4" for Theme Thursday

2009-01-22T12:02:00.000-08:00

This is a new size for us to try for the challenge on "Theme Thursday" this week.
It was nice to try something a bit different so I enjoyed it.
I think I may be doing a few more of these !
(I tore up strips of paper and overlaid them, then stamped over that and then put on the image and embellishments.)

"Gypsy" Gothic Arch

2009-01-22T01:58:00.000-08:00

Here is my Gothic Arch for this weeks challenge which is "Gypsies"
The image is from Art-E-Zine/Gypsy Purses by Lilla LeVine.
The background has a few touches of gesso (to make small patches of resist) and it's then scuffed with inks and brayered.
I added a little chalk to highlight the image.
Hope you like it !

Arty Girlz challenge

2009-01-20T09:45:00.000-08:00

When I read that Fabrizio had set the challenge "Transparent" I knew I had to have a go.
The hardest part was taking the photo!
The card I've made is 6"x 2.5" (6"x5" before folding )and made from thick acetate.
I have put a smaller version of the front image on the inside of the card,.... plus a strip of white paper to write on.
Hope you like it !

"Fashion" for "Rainbow Lady" challenge...

2009-01-20T06:55:00.000-08:00

Here's an ATC I've made for "Rainbow Lady's" challenge.
I haven't made an ATC for ages so I enjoyed doing a small piece. The stamps are from a set of hero arts "Quatres"
I hope you like it !

Altered Tin for "SaWo" and "Objet D'art"

2009-01-18T14:19:00.000-08:00

Here is a band-aid tin I've altered for the challenges on "Saturday's Workout" and "Objet D'art"
I sanded the tin and then painted it with 2 coats of gesso. When it was dry I put versamark ink on it and embossed it with an assortment of powders....then I added the embellishments.
I hope you like it !
(It is just right for holding ATC's !)

Sugar Candy Kisses ! .....TYI

2009-01-17T08:10:00.000-08:00

Here is my "Sugar Candy Kisses" tag for "Tag You're It "
Sorry the pics not good ...the tag's a lot paler in real life...but I hope you like it anyway !

(The hearts say..."sugar"..."honey"..."sweet"...!)

Grunge ....?

2009-01-16T06:24:00.000-08:00

I've no idea if this is "grunge" or not, as I'm not too sure what you are supposed to do....but here is my version for "Gothic Arches" where it's this weeks theme.
I hope you like it anyway !
(The background is a mix of inks and gesso and the stamps are Paper Artsy.

Edit....I've been looking at all the other entries(which are amazing!)and I'm relieved to find out I sort of got it right...!

Rainbow Lady....and... Tag You're It !

2009-01-13T13:50:00.000-08:00

Here is my piece for "Rainbow Lady"...which is "Black and Green" ...
and "Tag You're It"....which is "stripey".
I tore strips of green and black core paper and stuck them to the tag....then I ran the tag through a cuttlebug folder. I put gloss highlights on the black card (but wish I hadn't done that now!) I then added the rose,sentiment and ribbon. I guess adding the rose is stretching it a bit for Cynthia's challenge so I hope its ok Cynthia!
I hope you like it !

Love........xxx......!

2009-01-13T09:23:00.000-08:00

Here is my piece for the challenge at "Created By Hand" which has the theme "Love" We have been asked to make a piece using the word "love" on it.....
I hope you like it !

First BIA Book !

2009-01-13T07:30:00.000-08:00

Well I've finally got my BIA out of it's box and had a play.....just something simple to start with so I could get the hang of it ....
here it is then...a 4"x 3" little book in a sort of vintage style !
....hope you like !

Happy New Year Everyone x

2008-12-31T09:13:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has a brilliant crafty New Year x
I havent been able to craft recently but I have been thinking of you all....and remembering all the wonderful pieces you've made.....and the kindness you have all shown me.
Heres to 2009...May your Mojo be working non-stop !
Hugs and love....RubyMay x

Happy Christmas x

2008-12-24T13:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas Everyone

Have a good time and I am hoping to be able to be back crafting again soon. Love to all....xxx

Vintage...Two Challenges !

2008-10-30T22:39:00.000-07:00

Here is one of the pages from a "Coffee filter" book I am making. The shape is based on a coffee filter and working with it was certainly a challenge! It seemed a good idea when I started but all the different angles have proved to be quite difficult.
Anyway I've done six pages up to now so I'll stick with it and hopefully get it finished soon !
I am entering this page in this weeks "Theme Thursday " challenge which is "Vintage"
...and "Created By Hand" challenge which is "Ribbon and Trim"
I hope you like it !

"Arty Girlz"..."Fabric" challenge

2008-10-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

Here are two mini books I've made and I have covered them both with fabric....the smaller one with an Anna Griffin swatch....and the larger one with a small remnant. I am entering them for this weeks Arty Girlz challenge....which is "Fabric"
Thanks for looking !

"Card on a Card" for "Rainbow Lady"

2008-10-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

Sorry to be a poor blogger for the last week but my grandson has been in Frenchy hospital having bone grafts. The operation went well and he is fine and recovering well, so I am calm enough now to get back to some blogging!

I have started off with a "Card on Card" for "Rainbow Ladys" challenge this week. I have done one pic to show the front and the other to show the card standing up
I hope you like it !

"Orange and Blue"......for "Artygirlz"

2008-10-22T03:05:00.000-07:00

Well it's no secret that orange and I are not the best of friends !
....but I wanted to join in the "Artygirlz" challenge so ...here I go again...trying to come up with something that doesnt make your eyes water...Lol !
I hope you like this one !

"Patchwork"......" Gothic Arch"

2008-10-20T13:50:00.001-07:00

Here is my Gothic Arch for this weeks challenge which is "Patchwork"
Cora...our host for this week used a painting technique for her sample....so I thought I would give it a try.
I dont know if I got the technique quite right as you were meant to paint over pieces of paper covering the arch and then rub some off to reveal what was underneath....unfortunately my paint had dried too much and I had a bit of a job! I enjoyed having a try though and will definitely have another go at it in the future.
I hope you like it anyway !

"Autumn"..."Cute Card Thursday"

2008-10-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

"Can you see the Acorn Fairy hiding in the trees?
She's basking in the Autumn sun ....before the winter freeze!"

Just a simple card from me this week to try to capture some of the magic of "Autumn"....
I hope you like it !

Tag You're It....Pink Brown and Green.

2008-10-17T15:43:00.000-07:00

Here is my tag for this weeks challenge at "Tag You're It" which is "Pink, Brown and Green "
I used "Cosmo Cricket" for this one as I am going to use it in an album I am making.
I hope you like it !

"Think Pink".... and " Ribbons"

2008-10-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

Here is my card for the "Theme Thursday" challenge...which is "Think Pink"...chosen to highlight Breast Cancer Awareness month.
it is also for the "Rainbow Lady" challenge ...which is "Ribbons"
I ran the satin ribbon across my scissors to curl the ends and used silicone glue to hold the ribbon in place after letting it fall naturally onto the card. This card will be for a christmas day birthday ....hence the mistletoe paper !
I hope you like what I've done.

Thanks Rosie ...!

2008-10-17T06:17:00.000-07:00

I have to share this with you as I was thrilled to have my name picked for some blog candy from Rosie of "alteredartandstuff".
I was able to pick a piece of her artwork and.. wow...here it is ...an altered domino....made in Rosies own unique style.
Thanks Rosie...its a little treasure x

Please may I ask anyone visiting to respect that all Rosies artwork is copyrighted by her...thanks guys...!

"Mixed Media "..." Arch"... !

2008-10-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

Here is my "Gothic Arch" for this weeks challenge which is "Haute Couture"...
I would also like to enter it into Mixed Media Monday which is "Purple/Blue Background "
I started off with a piece of tissue from a pattern and then put the image on top....I then inked the background around the image taking off any excess ink by dabbing with a baby wipe....and then added the inked border.
I made holes where the buttons from the pattern showed through and stitched them and then placed the needle and thread on the side overlaid by the thimble button.
Haute Couture is usually made in miniscule sizes...hence the words !
....and finally I ran thread along the edges of the words by making a small nick to slot the thread into to stop it from slipping.
I hope you like it ...!

Buttons and Bows....2 Challenges !

2008-10-11T02:23:00.000-07:00

Here is my entry for "Cute Card Thursday" which is "Buttons and Bows"
....and "Rainbow lady" has a free theme this week so I would like to enter it for the lovely Cynthias challenge as well.
I have made a scrapbook style stand up photo frame, and after the challenge I will put a photo of my grandma in there...(the image I have used is from The Graphics Fairy)
The card has been covered with HOTP paper.
I hope you like it !

"Teddies"...and...."No Stamping "

2008-10-09T05:50:00.000-07:00

Here is my card for the "My Time To Craft " challenge which is "Teddies"
... and also the "Papertake Weekly Challenge"..... "No Stamping"
Happy Birthday to PWC who celebrate their first birthday this week !
I tried a bit of recycling to make this card but I can't say it grabs me ! Still....just goes to show not everything goes as planned !

Altered envelopes...UPDATE

2008-10-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

The vote is on for the best altered envelope at "The Paper Girls" blog.
There are some superb entries so its hard to choose just one !
The buzz is that there is going to be a monthly challenge soon and the first one is going to be altered CDs. Hmmm...wonder what DH will say if I alter his collection into little works of "art" Lol...!
I'm useless at links but if you want to pop over to "The Paper Girls" you can get there from "some real favs" over to the right-->

UPDATE.....congratulations to Femmy for your winning envelope...it is brilliant !

Now the comp is over here is the altered envelope I entered !

"Farewell" to "Layers of Colour " challenge

2008-10-08T05:31:00.000-07:00

The challenge on "Layers of Colour" this week is "Farewell" as Laura is extending her wonderful stamp selection and is starting on a new journey into the business world. As Laura puts it...she is following her star. I want to wish this wonderfully kind and talented artist my very best wishes.....and my thanks for her kind comments.
I made my card by writing the words and printing them... I then masked them and stamped around the edges with Lauras L.O.C. "Fleur" stamps...first in the darker colour and then overlaid with a paler one.
GOOD LUCK LAURA xxx
I hope you like it !

Clip art for " Arty Girlz"

2008-10-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

"Arty Girlz" have asked us to use some clip art in our challenge pieces this week.
Here is my piece...using a free download from "The Graphics Fairy ".
I have laid my flower lady onto a stamped, inked and gessoed background and chalked some colour onto the clip art. I then added the words and the large rose.
I hope you like it !
(the stamps I used were a script stamp... and the large heart stamp from Lauras "Layers of Colour" "Fleur" set )

Pink and Green Card for "A Spoon Full of Sugar "

2008-10-07T06:13:00.000-07:00

The challenge on "A Spoon Full of Sugar " is to make a card using the colours pink and green.
I won't bore you with how I made it as I think you can see what I've done !
The card is a prettier pink than it has photographed but
......I hope you like it anyway !

"Turquoise" Gothic Arch

2008-10-05T15:05:00.000-07:00

Heres my Gothic Arch for this weeks challenge which is "Turquoise"
I thought if I prettied up this dear little soul it would cheer her up a bit...but no....she's still got the miseries !...Lol !
Hope you like it .....!
thanks to "The Graphics Fairy" for the image

"Red" Card for "Arty Girlz "challenge

2008-10-04T06:05:00.000-07:00

Here is my entry for this weeks challenge at "Arty Girlz" which is "Red"
I hope you like it !