Saturday 18 July 2009

DU2DS Challenge Anything but a Card!

You've probably been thinking that I've left the country, or even eloped with that blonde guy from West Life or even plunged the depths and been surgically removed from my Mojo. Well actually its the second of those options ...........(I wish)

In truth I've spent quite a few days languishing in bed trying to shift this throat/ ear/ chest thing not very successfully! Still feeling really naff but thought I'd better get this posted or Christine and Sandra over at Dare you 2 Digi Stamp might think I've given up altogether.



The remit on this one was to create anything but a card and after our weekend retreat in Claxby I am well into preparing for Christmas. Every year it gets to November and I start worrying about getting the presents done so this year thought I'd start early! Being a poverty stricken crafter I try to make all my own presents rather than spend a fortune buying them so this is an idea I've had nattering at me in the back of my mind for a while. I came across this canvas for printing on in Netto's (I do pop in there from time to time and have found some great crafting bargains) I printed Christine's Oriental Blossoms. Filled in the background in a faded out lilac and sat down to paint the blossoms with my poundland water colour pencils (I do so love a bargain) After masking the blossoms I stamped the oriental text and then got stuck!


I was late posting this on DU2DS Admin site so put a couple of ribbons on with an embellishment from the Stamp Man and posted it but was not very happy. In between the boring, uncomfortable hours in bed, I managed to play about a little more, removed the ribbons and put some other bits and pieces on including the butterfly which I stamped and embossed onto acetate.



Now I'm Happy!

It's a great challenge on DU2DS this week, I've really enjoyed the chance to have a play and try some different things. Have a go at using some of those fab digi stamps in unusual ways. The DT have come up with some very different ideas all of them fantastic. Take a look HERE.


Jill at Stamp Man suggested I use some mizuhiki cord to embellish the canvas so I had a play after a search on U Tube for a tutorial and thoroughly enjoyed creating these embellishments. Didn't use them on the canvas but I know I'll use them on something!


Well I've run out of steam now so 'm off back to lay down and rest my weary head!!!!!!

Have fun All
x Michelle

16 comments:

Unknown said...

Hope you're feeling better - it's not been the dreaded swine flu has it? Just love those knots you've made with the cord - very effective, just like celtic knotwork :o)

katy said...

What a beautiful gift for one lucky person ! Is there anything you cant do ? lol. Hope you feel better soon, Katy x

jo-in-oz said...

Blimey Michelle even when you're unwell you still create fantastic works of art. love what you've done, love the knots as well. Get well soon mate. love Jo x

Donna said...

your canvas is so pretty Michelle and beautifully coloured, love the acetate butterfly too it looks so delicate. I hope you are feeling much better now :) Donna x

Bee and Dee said...

Hi love the canvas, Debbie and I are down with the same bug, I am managing to potter around today, but not feeling good, Debbie has taken to her bed. Hope you are starting to feel a little better. Bee

Unknown said...

Michelle I love this gift idea, I too have been thinking off making "gifts" this year instead of buying, it helps me out off trying to suss out how I am going to get to town, as I have become very housebound, not being able to drive my car anymore... I hope you are feeling better soon, these bugs are dreadful at this time of year, and seem to take longer to go away, be kind to yourself and allow for some pampering..Hugs Avril xx

Question of Identity said...

Michelle

Hope you are feeling better.

Luv from your Bruv and Ash

deifen said...

What a lovely gift to give someone! Sorry to hear you've been under the weather- hope you're feeling much better!

Caroline said...

this is a stunning piece of work Michelle, hope you are well soon Hugs Caroline xx

lisa said...

Sorry to hear you're suffering Michelle. I've been sniffing all weekend too but thankfuuly feeling better today.
Your canvas is gorgeous. What a great idea for a Christmas pressie. You've got me thinking now. I agree entirely about bargain hunting. Netto is great for craft items when they have them. I shall be looking out for these canvases now.
Your cord embellishemts are intriguing. I shall be investigating these too! You are such an inspiration.

Lisax

Larissa said...

Your canvas is really pretty Michelle. I love how you coloured the blossoms.
Hugs,
Larissa

Lexxie said...

What a fab fab gift idea Michelle. And your cord creations are amazing, I bought some approx 6 years ago and have never used them as I didn't know where to start. I shall be stalking You Tube for the tutorial now!! I really love how you are always able to turn your hand to anything crafty.
Thought you would like the Stempelglede stamps-we have similiar taste methinks! Beware though the P&P is extortionate, but for a one off purchase for something I really wanted I took the plunge! Soo glad I did as I will use them on so many of my creations. I would say they are well worth the investment,
Love Sarita xx
PS: My hubby has what you've got so I expect I will get it...hope you're feeling better soon xx

PatR said...

Hope your feeling better, I've left you something at my place

Beccy said...

Hiya Michelle - hope ur feeling better soon. Love that acetate butterfly. and those knots are brill.

The wings on my card are dead easy to make just need a bit of patience . Shape thin wire,seperate pieces is the best. Then I melted ultra thick embossing powder and UTEE Flex and waggled the shapes in. This is where the patince bit comes in it takes for ever to be able to get the UTEE out in one piece it kinda pops like bubbles. But once you got it leave to cool and there you have your wings - I have also made flowers like this - much easier if you have a melting pot.

Hope that makes sense

Beccyx

Chris said...

Really beautiful canvas Michelle, the flowers look amazing and I love that butterfly, it really adds to your wonderful design. The cord embellishments are superb and I look forward to seeing what you'll use them on. Also love that you make your own presents and I'm sure that whoever receives this will love it and all your creativity. Chris xx

Debbie Dolphin said...

just seen these michelle Im having a catching up hour and they are fab.I know how fiddly they are to do.love them.The dragonfly is ace
debbie xx