My Market Stall

Each market I go to has a different space and layout, and I am constantly trying to make the best of the given space. My stall last weekend was quite small and so many people just walked past without even noticing it because it was adjacent to the entrance of the hall. Encouragingly, one fellow remarked on how beautifully my stall was presented. If given this space again, I will need to make the effort of greeting everyone that walks by! It was not a good day for sales, even though countless people did come to the market. Here are a few photos, taken as the sun was going down...

Glitzy Pink Card!

As a child, I was never one to go gaga over the colour pink. But over the years I've actually become more of a girly girl! I own pink blankets, jackets, tops, perfume bottles and a scarf (acquired this winter--made from hand dyed and spun wool). I think this card turned out more girly than I planned! I've owned the embossing folder to make this card for about a year and have only now had the chance to use it. Can't wait to use it with a whole different colour scheme--like green or blue. This card took quite some time to make, so I will be selling it for $5.00. Do you want to know what goes into making a card like this? Then keep reading...

1. Cut metallic silver cardstock to A5 size. Fold in half.

2. Run front half of card through embossing machine using Cuttlebug Tiny Bubbles embossing folder. Adjust folder and run through again to emboss bottom section that was missed.

3. Cut pink cardstock to size. Run through embossing machine using Cuttlebug Friends Forever embossing folder (looks a little like arty dandelions). Attach to silver card.

4. Draw over the embossed (raised) lines with a metallic silver pen. Add self adhesive rhinestones in different sizes to some of the florets of the dandelions.

5. Stamp a sentiment on a coordinating piece of paper (Stampin' Up! stamp used here). Cut to size and mount on silver paper. Mount again using double-sided foam tape to give sentiment a 3-D effect.

6. Hand draw a border around the pink cardstock and sentiment box. Even subtle borders give definition to the different layers of a card.

7. Adhere metal dragonfly. Voila!

Love is in the air...

With my sister's wedding pending (well, in a year from now!), I felt inspired to make some wedding/love cards. It's been a while since I've made some that don't just say 'Congratulations'. I once spent all night making the most intricate wedding card and regret not taking a photo of it before giving it away. The first two photos above are of a card I made today, the last two are of cards made quite some time ago.

Hand Drawn Cards

Quite often, I put the stamps aside and draw my own designs. It takes longer, but there's more love in it! I usually charge $4-$5 for a hand drawn card because each one's a unique mini work of art! I will be posting more hand drawn and coloured cards in the future. This notecard is priced at $2.00.

Super Cute!

From: 'Crochet with Raymond' blog on wordpress

From: 'Mel P Designs' on madeit.com.au

From: 'MonkeyTravelClub' on etsy.com

I love these crocheted cup, teapot and plunger cosies. Crocheting and knitting is no longer confined to the beanie and scarf-making of the winter months!

Post Comments - Thank You!

Thank you to all the people who have taken the time to write comments on my blog thus far! You have all been very encouraging. I first started this blog because it is a necessity to have a 'website' in order to apply for some markets. But I have been pleasantly surprised to find that some people have stumbled upon my blog and actually looked at my posts :) If you have asked a question and would like to check my reply, click on the 'Post Comments' link under 'Browse Blog' on the right sidebar. All posts which have been commented on will be listed.

"How does your garden grow?"

I really love how this card turned out. I'm always seeking to buy tools, stamps and embellishments with a botanical theme. As I continue to create cards from week-to-week, I feel like my techniques and colour choices are improving. As I live in the Blue Mountains, my aim is to promote nature to the people who visit, so I will be focusing more on creating nature-themed cards as time goes on.

New Notecard

In the future, I will begin preparing to sell my handmade goods online. To start with, I will focus on selling cards including, greeting cards, photographic cards and notecard sets. So, I thought I'd better start honing my skills at taking appealing photographs of various products. It's really all about getting good close-ups in the right light. N.B. The morning light (above) probably didn't provide the best illumination for this notecard.

I love the butterfly on this card. It came from a piece of junkmail! I get a real kick out of upcycling unwanted things into something new and vibrant. The wings have been embellished with clear resin to add texture to the card.

Dimensions: 9.8 x 7cm; Cost: $2.00 with white envelope; Materials: 'Whisper White' cardstock and envelope by Stampin' Up!; 'Little Leaves Sizzlits Die' by Stampin' Up!

Recent Handmade Greeting Cards

Leaves Design: This card is hand drawn, titled, cut and glued.

Embossed Design: This card is hand drawn, cut, coloured, glued and dry embossed.

Beach Design: This card is hand stamped, cut, glued and inked. 'Seaside' stamps by Stampin' Up! (c)

Frangipani Design: This card is hand stamped, drawn, cut, coloured and glued.

Another Little Notecard

Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.5cm;  

Cost: $2.00 with coordinating envelope. Great for attaching to gifts!

I really love working with a small 'canvas'. This notecard is filled with little odds and ends I found whilst cleaning my coffee table. (Plenty more where that came from!) It's fun creating a mini card from bits and pieces I've stamped, coloured, cut and hoarded! That's the beauty of collage--you never know just how it will all come together until it's done.