I've just loaded up a third 'How to Guide' that will guide you step-by-step to make the lovely 'Edwardian Beauty' card featured below this post.

One thing you soon learn with mixed media arting and crafting is that you have to get your 'adhesion strategy' just right or your fabulous creation will just fall to bits. When I first moved into this style of work I actually produced some 'test pictures' that were framed and hung on the wall in my kitchen over a radiator for a year - when nothing peeled or fell off I knew my adhesion strategy worked and then made another set of pictures for exhibition (I'm thinking of showing a couple of these 'test works' as part of my Bucks Open Studios offering in the Summer).

Adhering petticoat netting to paper is one those combinations that always proves to be a bit tricky on the glue front, well at least for me.  If the net can be stitched into place that is much easier, but when creating this card I couldn't face getting my sewing machine out for such a small line of stitching . . . now just think, if I had a bigger kitchen table I could have my sewing machine out all the time - imagine the 'adhesion' possibilities then - lol!

I'm pleased to announce the addition of a second 'How to Guide' on my website that will show you step-by-step how to create a pretty 'bunting' easel card pictured below. This card has been designed for the Make and Take at Emerald Framing this Saturday.

This is a really versatile project and one that can easily be adapted in a number of simple ways to change the look and feel of the card completely. I'll be adding some 'variation on a theme' ideas on my cards page in due course.

Please take a look, or even better have a go - I think you may be surprised what you can create with a few materials and a little time. After all, what could be prettier than some cheery bunting sitting on your craft table?

Nearly everytime that I start a new project I take photos as I go along with a view to developing 'How to Guides'. I have photos saved on my computer for projects going back to 2009 . . .

I have finally 'extracted a digit' and written my first one and set up a new page on my website to house it - you may have spotted it already next to the Blog tab.

The reason for doing this is twofold. As a seasoned crafter I like looking at demonstration items in magazines because even if I am not too keen on the finished product, I always get ideas on techinque, product placement or colour use that I can try in my own work.  The second reason is that making such lovely art and craft items is not as difficult as you may think - and I would love for more people to get inspired and have a go (just don't blame me if your crafting stash takes over your home!)

The first guide takes you step-by-step through the stages to create the lovely Vintage Beauty card shown below. Have a look and let me know what you think - or even better, get your paper, scissors and glue out have a go and share the results with me!

I will be demonstrating cards like this at the Make and Take at Emerald Framing and Gallery on Saturday 3 March so if you would like to have a go and use my crafting stash and equipment I would love to see you there! (there is a link on my Blog entry for 14 February where you can get more info re location and timings and the like).