Stamps Ahead

Yes 800 posts! I do not know if anyone reads blogs these days but I like to post as a  journal of my papercrafting journey. I was recently asked to see what I could do with some old unused wooden stamp mounts.  Here is what I did with them.  This is just a small portion I have completed more. I scoured Pinterest to find ideas on what to do with the blocks and these are the results of looking a many sources of inspiration.   Firstly I got a friend to put the screws on top.  Then used black gesso to coat the blocks.  The watercoloured paper was from previous experiments I have done with watercolouring  with a bit of dry white gesso added to soften.  Then added some lace and bits and pieces and then white gessoed chipboard and applied with gel medium.   Used up ribbon I had in my stash to complete. Here are a few of the above up close and personal! I love them and I hope readers you do as well.   They are off to fete craft st...

I had these 3 mini coasters around in my crafting supplies for some time now.  Thinking of the upcoming fete I decided to get them out and apply coats of chalkboard paint to them and make mini chalkboards.   Here they are: I have packaged them up with suggestions of how they could be used.  Two of the trickiest parts were - waiting for the paint to dry between coats, just as well I am a patient person and then applying the chalk to the twine.   I went with the "red" double sided tape and wrapped the twine around the chalk.  They are so cute...don't  you think? I also found a star shape on a stick so I am doing that one now.  I think I am hooked on chalkboard paint and have lots of ideas running around in my head. Thank you for looking, remember Be Happy and Smile,  Margaret :)

I have made these pin and needle holders to donate and raise funds for a friend's son who is a missionary in Kiev.  He and his family are largely self funded by his parent's here in Australia.   The doilies I find for usually a small amount of cash - I usually don't spend more than 75c for the small ones- often they have holes, marks etc on them.  A good soak in nappy wash and they are as good as new.  The one on the left is hand stitched and I have added beads and flowers from another old doily, the green leaves were the buttonhole stitch around the edge of that piece.  The one of the right is machine embroidered and I have added some silk ribbon (again rescued) and scissor charm I have had in my stash for YEARS. Inside - a piece of quilt wadding stitched.  I am sure quilters and embroiderers will love them. What do you think?  I loved them so much I went out to the local op shop and got a few more to be done before I deliver t...

Here is an idea I created to make as donations to my sister's church fete in May. I have put together a little pack of treasures sufficient to make one small 3" square note card and a tag - see my samples above.  Not all packs will have the same treasures as I am using up those little pieces and pieces and scraps that I save.   The purchaser will only have to supply their own tape or glue to complete - of course they can also distress etc if they so desire. Here are my samples close up.   I am going to make just not vintage/shabby chic but some birthday and holiday themed as well. Thanks for looking.    Margaret :)