PINK SATURDAY - TOOL KIT PREZZIE

Decoupaged tool kit for the geek in your life (or your DIY drawer)

I'm sure everyone is like me: frantically busy, just a little broke, and therefore looking to give handmade prezzies (that don't look HOME made - there is a difference). So I thought a quick and easy project might be just the job! Perfect for anyone, and unusual too! It's a TOOL KIT!

This was inexpensive, but doesn't look too cheap (although the plastic case was a dead giveaway, hence the decoration)

This is just a cheap basic tool kit you'll find in most hardware stores, a good size for changing plugs and other small electrical stuff (women need to be able to do this too, lol) also poking holes in signatures for books, levering out staples, prising drawing pins out of walls etc.

Front and back prepared in exactly the same way - just change the positioning of the decorations

PREPARATION

As it's plastic, it's rather slick and not good for gluing, so sand a little first, just enough to roughen the surface (use an emery board if you don't have sandpaper).

DECORATION

• Couldn't be simpler: leftovers of scrapbooking paper for the front and the back, cut to size. 
• Collage the ticket on first, then overstamped some text (using Staz-On ink).
• The dots were Punchinella (sequin waste) used as a stencil, stippled with acrylic paint. Move the stencil and stipple again, creating a drop shadow using a metallic paint. 
• Finally, decoupage a vintage scrap image of a clown's head.

 I used PVA (white glue) throughout. Mod Podge is also good.

Next step: glue to the tool kit using a good quality strong glue such as Crafter's, Gorilla, Aleene's Tacky Glue or use double-sided tape. You don't want this peeling off at a later date.

Finishing touches: I ran a metallic gold pen round the edges, then applied a single coat of clear acrylic varnish for protection.

TIME TAKEN

Very fast - took around 2 hours including coffee and biscuits, and drying time!



Finally, please visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound to see all the other wonderful Pink Saturday posts!

CARVE YOUR OWN STAMPS

I like carving my own stamps - it's easier than you'd think, and you can happily make things for sale or for digital products without any worries about copyright issues (as long as you draw your images yourself or use images from copyright-free sources).


Here's one I made, and the stamped image:

I did this some time ago, using an old lino cut set I found in a junk shop, using a (used) plastic eraser - Mars Staedler, if I remember correctly. Basically, I drew the image with a biro then started cutting! Took me around 10 minutes, start to finish. And things are much better now, with some really good ergonomically-designed cutters and "rubber" which cuts like a hot knife through butter. So no strain on the hands etc.

Here's a lovely little video by Vanessa Spencer for Stampington (she's one of my very favourite artists):





Sweet, simple and to the point! And some rather nice background music too.

Why not get carving?

GLIMMER MIST - TATTERED ANGELS

Copyright Susie Jefferson

I've been playing with my new Glimmer Mist sprays - any excuse, really!

Copyright Susie Jefferson

I sprayed a background, then overstamped just a little, added a bit of shading on the edges... just playing but oh! what a beautiful result. I love the glimmer and the shimmer - subtle, not over-the-top, but definitely there.

I also used the stamps from the Tattered Angels butterfly set, and the large heart from their Glimmer Screen pack. The butterfly is stamped on the background, stamped again and cut out then mounted with a little silicon gel, and finally stamped for a third time (and embossed) onto acetate. Very dimensional!

Here's the link for general tips and advice, and my new class using all the Tattered Angels goodies is on Saturday 18 September.

BRAG TIME - FAME AT LAST

Fame at last... I can't help it - sorry - I've just got to brag about the freebie stamp on the cover of the current issue of Craft Stamper magazine.

It's a Blade Rubber stamp (and designed by me)!




There are also some samples of artwork inside, using the freebie image: some by Katy Fox (editor of Craft Stamper) and the rest by Yours Truly. It's all rather exciting!

MORE STUFF ON EBAY - RUBBER STAMPS!

Just to let you all know, I have started listing the stamps for sale.

Altered book page copyright Susie Jefferson.

There are also 4 issues of Teesha Moore's Studio zine.

I will be putting up a lot more stuff, including grab bags of stamps, so do keep checking if you are interested.

My eBay seller ID is: sandpjefferson

Thanks for looking!

NEW STAMP DESIGNS - SAMPLE CARDS

Thank Heavens tag trio. Copyright Susie Jefferson

I just put the card samples (made with my new stamp designs) onto the Blade Rubber blog

I just got them back from Craft Stamper magazine, where they featured two with the stamp plates for the subscription offer in the August issue.

I have also given instructions for two of the projects (including the one here) should anyone feel like inclined to go and look.

NEW TUTORIAL & SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION

I have put a tutorial on how to change that boring little icon in your address bar (the favicon) to one that suits YOUR blog.

It's on my Computery page, along with lots of other bloggy stuff like adding tag clouds, blogger buttons, making your own email buttons etc. Just look for the links in the sidebar.

Now for a bit of shameless self-promotion (if I don't, who will?)


Magazine ad copyright Craft Stamper
Stamp images & card samples copyright Susie Jefferson


These are my latest stamp designs for BladeRubber Stamps, and you are seeing them for the first time here!

I hadn't realised the magazine was even out yet (bought mine yesterday) and there the stamps were... I have to say I was thrilled...