Thursday 29 January 2015

Hare today and hare tomorrow.

I am sad I know but my passion for the big bad bunnies just continues. From watching winter watch to having a hare Pinterest page, I just find them such an interesting animal. I bought some hare stamps from Clarity. I would stamp them everywhere like a graffiti artist, leaving a trace of artistry here and there if I could get away with it. So I have stamped them in my notebooks, journal,project life album and made this:

The floral stamps are also by Clarity and are so versatile. There are also some lovely fox silhouettes I might just have to have.
I haven't been to the NEC show so if I get myself motivated me n Joan are going to try and get there in March so I am trying not to buy too much crafty stuff between now and then. Anyone else been? Will it be worth the journey from County Durham. Will I spend too much on things I don't need.
A crafting dilemma.
It's been snowy here but not too much disruption. I don't mind it if I can stay at home, but getting to work in it is just an ordeal. Roll on springtime.

Catcha later
Katalytic

Saturday 24 January 2015

Wolf Hall and Washi tape.

Well the long awaited Wolf Hall started on Wednesday night. I had to watch it though I did feel a certain sense of defeat because.....it's taken me two years and I still haven't finished Wolf Hall and I have already bought bringing up the bodies, it's waiting on my kindle. I don't know what it is but I just can't read it, it's like wading through treacle. I've seen Hilary Mantel on TV and heard her on the radio and she was enthusiastic about art and this new TV series. I am so sorry but my brain just can't take the style. It's only the second book I've given up on. I just got to Liz's death on my kindle and we got to that bit in the TV in the first half hour. But I promise, yes I promise I'll watch the whole series. Thanks to sky plus.
On the crafting front, I am still liking the idea of fabric but I am no seamstress. I wish! But I bought some sticky fabric and made this card. Do crafts fabric plus washi tape, which is my staple craft diet at the mo.

Next job was a card and wrapping for my sisters impending birthday. I've sealed the card and I wrapped the present and put it in a plain brown bag and decorated it. I added a little badge from Waterstones and some luscious burlap and chalkboard embellishment. I am quite pleased with it. At least I have not yet succumbed to buying any cards, but it's still only January.

Catcha later
Katalytic

Friday 16 January 2015

To boldly go.....

Lately, the cards I have made have been pastel, clean and simple. That might be out of my lack of motivation. But On Monday I bought 2 packs of textured cards in the sale in the Works. £8.00 for 160 cards. They are small but I think small presents interesting design challenges. So I made a few thank you cards, I use them at work to acknowledge peoples hardwork and team work. So here they are, with added toppers from the Range. The black doggie peel offs are from Little Claire and I dug into the old stash for the mini tools. Late resolution, make cards for folk instead of spending a fortune on arty cards from Waterstones. Next venture....Susy's birthday card.






Thursday 15 January 2015

Resolution started

Already half way through January and the first snowfall has appeared. Winter is here at last. I did quite bit of crafting for Xmas, partly because I chose to make tags and fancy wrapping instead of a production line of cards.
My resolutions are simple, be grateful and try a new craft.
I have had a bit of a hare fascination for a while and spotted some lovely, but expensive cushions on Not on the High Street. I sue sited to Emma, that given her sewing skills, she might make me one for Xmas. But best laid plans, she is in the early and sickliest stage of a pregnancy. However I did get a lovely NOTHS one instead. Still, it niggled, so armed with some material and buttons I got from Joan, I decided to give appliqué a go. I just started by doing the panel and buying a cheap Cush from BHS and I am so pleased with the results.  Even the blanket stitch looks ok. So, there's the finished result. I reckon it cost under £10.00 so job done. Hope you like. Finished item plus initial preparation.





Sunday 4 January 2015

New year, new kattitude

OK, so it's not easy going into a new year and trying to change things, especially your approach. But when the going gets rough, breathe deeply, have pride in your resilience and get creative with your time.
I haven't been down, I have just let time run away with me and neglected my creative duties with the exception of the festive cards and labels. But this year I expanded the repertoire into some fancy wrapping.
In addition, the positive focus is on new life because we are expecting our first grandchild in 2015. So much shopping, so little time.
My hare and woodland fascination is carried into the new year with the addition of squirrel cushions and a lovely hare cushioned gift via not on the high street, and a larger Miho deer head.
So, creative efforts:


Introducing.my hare. Copied from a copyright free image and used as a stencil. I covered him with different Xmas papers and added him to a card. My resolution is to cut from fabric and add appliqué to a cheap bought cushion cover. Watch this space.
And the other is a journal come smash book from TK Maxx, which I have altered and promised to fill.
So here's to 2015. May it be peaceful and healthy.
Catcha later.