Christmas in black "n" white

I think that black and white designs always look stunning and it's nice to find one that's suitable for a man too.

I printed the silhouette on to white copy paper. This was then attatched to some thin black card and cut out with a craft knife. The copy paper was then removed leaving a white as well as a black image .I took an A5 card blank and added a black card matt. I stuck the white tree to the right of the card (using the black image to help me to position it.)I attatched a circle to the left-hand side for a moon.

I then took a piece of vellum and stuck it to the card. The black silhouette was placed over the other 2 layers and glued in place. I added 3 peel-off stars to the centre of the image, a silver edge and a Happy Christmas sentiment.

I think that the effect is quite magical and with the current spell of foggy weather, very appropriate too. Looks like I've made my husband's Christmas card as well!

Till next time,

Happy crafting,

Pat x

Haunted woods?

I don't consider myself to be a very good photographer, but we've had a new camera recently and now that Ive had the chance to have a little play with it I've become quite keen!

This photo was taken above Bakewell a couple of weeks ago and I feel that it really captures the mood at this time of year. Perhaps it has its own "Headless Horseman" Whooooooooo!

Sorry it's a bit late for halloween but I'm not THAT much on the ball!

Until next time ........

star over Bethlehem

I love the "Starform" peel-offs and this was an ideal opportunity to show one of them off!

I took a midnight blue card and made a 14cm square card blank. I then cut out an apperture on the right-hand side, slightly longer and wider than the star.

I embossed a swirly pattern on a piece of white card and cut out a square on the right (to correspond with the one on the card blank.) I then rubbed chalk over the embossing to colour it. ( The chalk can be sealed with a fine application of hair spray to stop it comming off)

I stuck 2 of the larger peel-off stars, 2 of the medium size and 2 of the smallest ones onto white card and cut them out. I then decoupaged them in sets of 3, so that I had 2 complete stars.

I attatched some fine silver cord to the back of one set of stars, (with masking tape) I applied glue to the whole thing and stuck the second set of stars on top. The silver cord was then stuck

above and below the apperture in the card blank so that it was fairly taught. The white matt was then applied using double-sided tape.

"Bethlehem" was taken from a magazine but there are other possibilities here. You could take one from a book yourself , draw one, or even use something from an old Christmas card! If you are cutting it out from black card (as I did) photocopy the pattern onto paper, stick the paper onto the card and starting with the windows and any small details, cut it out. Be aware, however that the image will be in reverse when you turn it back to the right side.

Apply "Bethlehem" to the bottom of the card. Tare a small strip of card or paper and attatch at the base. Glitter the town and strip as required.

Hope this explanation hasnt been too confusing!

Till next time

Happy crafting

Pat x