Catching Up - Photo Heavy

It's been a busy week with lots of new artwork made for trade, to sell and collaborations.  Those of you who have been following me for some time will know my passion for challenges especially if they are art related.  Why do I join these challenges and put myself through the stress of coming up with something that would be acceptable?  Well it's mostly to stretch myself and see if I can make something outside of my comfort zone.

So my latest challenge started last week on Twinkle Twinkle Like A Star (also see my previous post) called Summer of Colour 4.  I came across this on facebook (as you do) and I knew I had to join.  The colour challenge last week was Aqua, Yellow with a dash of Pink.  

The first photograph shows what I did initially but I wasn't happy with it as it just needed 'something'.  The second photograph is the finished piece.  I'm much happier with that version.  I can't wait to see what this weeks colours are going to be. 

  

1st Version

Finished piece

Finished piece but upside down - I like it this way up or should that be down :)

The other items I made are some Artist Trading Cards for trading in a swap I am hosting at a gallery in Altrincham Manchester UK.  I'm a volunteer there and have been given the grand title of ATC coordinator.  I've found that ATC's are not so widely known in the UK and not something that is known in the art industry - the concept of "trading" art is not understood and 'artists' don't seem to be able to grab the concept.  I think it's a great way of owning an original piece of artwork and the best thing is it is open to everyone and doesn't require lots of expensive tools.

Here are a couple of the ATC's I made this weekend.  The one in the middle I made into a Father's Day card for my dad as they are the perfect size to put onto a card.

And finally I'll leave you with a picture of a canvas I finished this week.  It's not very big and the colour is more minty green than blue/green.  The hearts and 'follow your heart' are both made with air drying clay.

Apologies for the long post but I wanted to do a catch up.  I promise my next post won't be as long.  Hope you've all had a good weekend.

I'm linking this post to Handmade Monday over on Handmade Harbour and Creative Monday's it's been a while since I participated in any blog hops.

Look What I Woke Up To Today

These earrings now live in the USA.  This morning I woke up to find this lovely message waiting for me.  I LOVE it when my creations bring so much pleasure to their new owners.

This was the message -

 I just wanted you to know that these lovely little drops have been my go-to baubles 

the entire holiday season. They mix nicely with everything from pearls to silver to diamonds,

 dressing up jeans and leather or velvet and lace. 

I just LOVE them -  Lorien Shaw

If You Wear Red Today

These necklaces are for a raffle at a Forward Ladies event – “If You Wear Red Today” as part of National Red Dress Day on Friday 3rd February – raising awareness of heart disease in women.  Money raised from the raffle will go to the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.  For more information and to book your place pop over to the events page on the Forward Ladies website

These beautiful red Swarovski hearts are embraced within a silver wire (non-tarnish silver plated) frame that has been hand-formed.  Each heart is individual and unique the only similarity being the swirls that finish of the loose ends.  Both necklaces will be attached to a faux suede 18 inch cord.

I also made these to list on my Etsy shop but I am letting my facebook, twitter and blog followers first refusal before I list them and add postage and Etsy charges to the price listed.  Full description of each necklace can be found on my facebook page.

£25.00

£30.00

I know it's rather late but I'm sure Wendy won't mind me linking to her Handmade Monday post as it is still Monday.

Oh, what do you think of the new look?

You Lift Me Up

Just a quick post today showing one of my cards with a sassy corset.  The corset is a rubber stamp design by Pink Cat Studio - Lingerie set.  I've painted it with my favourite Derwent Inktense watercolour pencils and added some jewels to the front.  The tiny flower stamp is also part of the set and makes for a great border and as we all know you can never have enough bling I've added the tiniest of gems to the centres.  I like this set of stamps as they are sassy and quirky and make me smile.

Cupcake Cookie Tags

A few months ago I was commissioned to make some tags for a bride who was having cookies made for her guests.  The spec was that they were to be vintage style & colours.  The tags were attached to the cookies which were then put into containers on the tables.  I don't have any photos of them insitu but here are the pictures I took before I sent them off - 

This is the lovely email I received from the couple -


Anita 
Well, what can I say. Amazing, amazing, amazing......

The cakes and cookies went down a storm and the guests absolutely loved their name tags on the cookies. It was such a special and personal touch.

I cannot thank you enough for your help.

Carla & Mark.