What’s On Your Workdesk this Wednesday?
I’ve actually spent quite a bit of time in the studio this week, making cards. Wonders will never cease.
More Florabunda Drawings
This week I have completed another set of Florabunda drawings from the three drawings I made which I scanned into the computer.
This is the set with the Distress Oxide backgrounds done.
In the centre column are the ones with the white gesso, and the outer columns are with the clear. I did go over the outlines of the white ones with a fine permanent marker to make them clearer. After colouring them with my Tombow Dual markers, this is the finished result.
There was a finishing touch that I added – some highlighting with some new paint. More about that later.
Cards
I have started a production line of card making, using my recent small drawings (Celtic knots and mandalas). I began by matting and layering some of the drawings. This took a long time because I went through a lot of old stash and found some paper and card that I’ve had for ages and won’t ever use for normal purposes, but which with a bit of sorting and experimenting, proved ideal for this purpose.
I cut and folded a dozen 5-inch square cards and made envelopes with my envelope punch board.
This week I have also worked out a much better way of making template grids on the computer for mass-producing whatever I want. It was always a time-consuming job designing these grids with my desktop publisher, but it is a doddle in Inkscape (vector drawing program). I made up a grid and imported it into the desktop publisher, where I added some sentiments. These can be adapted and printed out at will.
Here they are after I had cut them up. They can be filed away in readiness for future use, which should save a lot of time. I am planning on making a whole lot more.
Last week we had two deaths in our extended family (both very elderly) and I needed to make cards for the relevant family members. I chose four of my Celtic knot designs for this. I decided to keep the sentiments simple, and I inked the sentiment strips in each case to co-ordinate with the card.
The white card base was inked with Distress Ink in each case, using an ink blender brush, and then spattered with water and blotted off. The edges were distressed with the co-ordinating colour. I inked the envelope fronts with the two colours in the same way but didn’t spatter them because the paper was rather thin and it buckled too much when it got wet.
I inked the central part of the inside of the card with an ink blender brush and then spattered it, before attaching the sentiment strip, which was done with the same co-ordinating colours. The envelope was lined, either with a spattered inked piece, or with some patterned paper to match the matting and layering of the card.
I had a job to photograph the colours accurately and had to fiddle about on the computer to try and get them right, so in some cases these photos don’t show the subtle colours as I would like.
I found a brilliant YouTube tutorial on how to make envelope liners using the envelope punch board. This speeds up what was a really fiddly process, and also saves paper.
New Stash
Dr. Ph. Martin’s Bleed Proof White
Thank you, Shaz (Silverwolf) for giving me details of Dr. Ph. Martin’s Bleed Proof White – this is a wonderful, completely opaque white paint which, as the name suggests, does not allow the colours underneath to bleed through. This is what I used for the highlights on the latest batch of Florabunda drawings.
I have tried endless different white markers, white acrylic paint etc etc, but could never get the result I wanted, even after applying fixative first. This new paint is quite expensive, but absolutely worth it because it WORKS! Also, it is quite thick, and can be diluted with a little water, so it goes even further. You don’t need much, and I can see this little pot lasting me a lifetime! I also have a pot of his metallic gold paint on order as this has also received excellent reviews. These paints/inks are used by calligraphers and other artists.
ChiaoGoo Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles
These are my hubby’s (early) birthday present for me! I always knit with circular needles. Many years ago, I bought a set of interchangeable ones which were plastic, and the different sized knitting needle points were attached to the cord by a bayonet-type fitting which would sometimes come undone when you were knitting (disastrous!) and also, there was a tiny gap between the needle tip and the cord, and the knitting yarn was always getting stuck in it. In addition, most of the needles in the set were of larger sizes which I rarely knit with, so you can imagine that this set has mostly sat at the bottom of my knitting equipment box, not being used. I’ve always liked the idea in principal, because when you buy circular needles, the cord length and needle size is set, and if you want to knit something in the round that’s a different size, you have to buy another circular needle. With the interchangeable ones, you simply attach the desired sized needle tip to the cord of the required length, and you are ready to go. You can also join the cords to make up the length you want.
Things have moved on a lot over the years, and there are now some fantastic sets. I did some online research and came down in favour of the ChiaoGoo brand. These are stainless steel tips with a screw attachment, and the cords are plastic covered metal cable, so they do not kink, break, or spring about like the usual nylon ones. One lady reviewing them on YouTube said that these cords were the first ones her cat had been unable to chew through! You use a little key to tighten the screw attachment, and the tips remain secure, with no gap for the yarn to become trapped.
There are various different sets available in this brand, and I opted for a small set, with sizes in the range that I would use the most. I also ordered a couple of extra pairs of needles and some more cords to fill the gaps in the set. The set comes in a beautiful little zipped fabric pouch with space to add more needles as required, and it comes with a set of accessories.
The accessories.
Clockwise from left: needle size gauge; one pair of knitting needle points with screw ends; assortment of flexible cords; row markers (I think!); cord connector (very small!); 2 end caps to screw to the cords to keep the stitches in place when not in use; two keys. All the accessories can also be purchased separately in case you lose any, or need more of them.
I have already transferred my current knitting project onto this system and it is an absolute dream to knit with! I have never used nicer knitting needles. The angle and length of the points on the needles is absolutely correct, and the cords are lovely and flexible and I feel really confident that they are securely attached. They are better than any other circular needles I’ve ever used. The set is quite expensive, but considering how versatile it is, and what good quality it is, and how little space it takes up, it is worth every penny. I shall now get rid of all my other knitting needles! I no longer knit with straight needles anyway, and my complete set of old Imperial sized needles which I have had for at least 40 years has also remained idle in the knitting box. There is room in the new little case for scissors, a crochet hook to pick up dropped stitches (essential for me, I’m afraid!), tape measure, etc etc. It is fabulous.
Kitties
Lots of lounging about this week, but not together! They seem to have abandoned each other – maybe it’s because it’s been a lot warmer recently. Ruby’s latest favourite place remains the little house on the cat tree, and Lily’s is on the back of the settee on my blanket, and I keep having to disturb her because I want it.
Ruby lounging on the garden table under the umbrella.
Ruby indoor lounging – on the back of my hubby’s chair. She looks like a sugar mouse.
Lily lounging on my blankets.
Garden
My hubby has been hard at it, repairing stuff left right and centre! First of all, he finished repairing the garden seat. The treatment on the new wood at the top is still soaking in.
Next, he repaired the sundial, on a nice sunny day so we could set it to the correct time! The metal part is now firmly glued to the concrete base, so there’s no longer any danger of it blowing off in a storm and getting broken again.
This week I decided I would like to get a whirligig clothesline so I can actually dry stuff out of doors this summer. Our predecessor here had one, and my hubby said he would get his metal detector out so he could find where the metal hole was on the lawn. Guess where? Only a few inches away from the sundial! Typical. We either have to move the sundial, or make a new hole for the clothesline, or move the house.
Finally, he has at last managed to get the correct pump for the water feature and has fitted it. After this photo was taken, he found a different nozzle for it so it actually produces more of a fountain, and it looks better. Now we’ve just got to wait for the poor little hedge to recover!
The rockery beginning to come into flower. This is where the waterfall is. I can see this from the kitchen window.
Apple blossom.
The first of the montana flowers coming out on the garage. I can see this from the kitchen window, too, and it’s magnificent when in full bloom.
Sorry it took me so long to visit everyone last week – the time seemed to slip away, and I was quite busy with different things, including cooking. but no recipe of the week this week because I haven’t cooked anything new that you haven’t seen before!
Have a great creative week everyone, and stay safe and well as we continue with the lockdown.
Happy WOYWW. I definitely need to go back and catch up on reading your posts. Looks like you have been very crafty recently. I absolutely adore your flower cards, and the mandala/Celtic Knots are stunning. We haven’t been able to do anything else with our back garden due to issues with the hired rotovators (and now hubby is too busy with the farm to get out there). We are lucky to have fields to look at beyond our mostly bare patch (just a few weeds determined to outlive the weedkiller spray!). I am doing an online course which is about floral/nature designs (with the ultimate aim to use them for surface pattern designs), and had to collect up flowers to photograph this week. I will be doing a blog post about my progress so far soon. As we have very little in our garden, I went out in one of the fields and gathered from the hedgerow. Milky the Cat has been hunting even more recently (she is 13 next month). I had to close the catflap yesterday to stop her bringing mice into the house. She does like to sleep for most of the morning – a variety of places, but often wherever sunshine falls in the house. Hope your health is reasonably ok. Ali x #1 ps Those knitting needles look like a fantastic present.
The garden is looking great Shoshi, you can tell the hard work that has gone into it. Your cards are fabulous and the print offs must be such a time saver. I will have to look at getting some of that ink (I have it in lots of other colours but not the bleed proof white). Meow to Lily and Ruby, stay safe and happy WOYWW. Sarah #2
That florabunda is gorgeous, well done. Your garden is amazing, puts mine to shame lol
Stay Safe
Bridget #5
Wow Shoshi you have been a busy crafter this week along with your DH. Love the cards and colouring. But, most of all pictures of your garden in bloom is just beautiful. Have a safe and crafty week.
Those flowers are lovely but my favourites are still those Celtic cards, they are gorgeous and work for so many situations.
Hugs LLJ 11 xx
Hi Shoshi. Thank for your visit and being so polite and not saying my post was in such a muddle. I’m afraid word press wasn’t playing properly this morning – and wouldn’t alter things when I tried to edit!
Great card toppers all lined up there today – loving the use of all the “spare” card found when hunting! Your garden is looking really lovely and colourful now. Well done hubby.
Take care. Stay safe. God bless you both.
Margaret #3
As predicted, they’ve all made lovely cards…and if you’re using up odds and ends for mounting, that’s so much the better, very satisfying all around, well done you! Great garden work by the hubby, I love the little fountain just overflowing like that, although of course, you need a bit of a squirt to see it from the window! And I have to congratulate your hubby again, those knitting needles are obviously a great find, my word he did well!!
What great photos of your garden, love that sundial so if you need to find a new home for it…..
Well done to DH for finding all those small jobs that have made such a bit difference.
Love those cards, the liners certainly add a good finishing touch.
Take care and stay safe
WOW – you have been busy 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing. Happy WOYWW
Such fabulous photos and makes. Take care Zoe xx 25
I love all the cards you have made and sorry to hear about your losses.
Great cat pictures and loving your garden it sure is pretty,
I have finally stopped work (bit of a long day, and the end of the month is our busy time) and getting round some desks whilst dinner cooks…. my phone is fixed, hurrah the screen arrived and they fitted it for me. Hd to leave it and go back later though which didn’t help with work. but hey; it’s fixed. Great post – love the sympathy cards, always a hard one to get right but you did well. Take care and stay safe. Helen #4
Dr Martins has given just the right amount of highlight to your florabunda’s Shoshi it will be your go to paint now you know it does just what you want it too. Your garden is blooming, so nice to see those odd jobs completed and new shoots coming to life.
You’ve been very very busy this week i’m surprised you had anytime left in the day to visit folk, never worry about getting to me, I know how life can take hold. I like to take time to read so get to people when I know I have the time to correspond properly.
Beautiful cards, you’ve got lots of sentiments to hand now.
Loved the pics of your lounging cats, I can imagine them cosying back up as the temperatures drop down again.. So sweet & lovely to see how they have grown.
Sending condolences your way regarding your loss’s Shoshi take good care & keep safe Tracey #14 xx
Hi Shoshi –
What a great post! I haven’t had time to blog today, so am just visiting, but so glad I did! All that meticulous attention to detail on your cards has really paid off – they all look wonderful when they’re mounted and assembled and complete. I think it’s a brilliant idea to print off the designs and then just play with different effects and finishes – you end up with stacks of beautiful cards but never get bored. You must be so pleased with them!
I also have a set of the ChiaoGoo needles (Iasked for the complete set for my birthday last year) and agree that they are really good quality – well designed and easy to use. I especially like the fact that the wires don’t bend or twist, and as you say, the tips are just the right angle and length too. I’m a terrible hoarder, so I won’t go so far as to get rid of all my other needles, but they are definitely my go-to set nowadays.
Love the picture of Ruby with her paws tucked under her. My little dog adopts the same position. Nothing like cosy paws is there?!
Have a lovely week.
Amelia
There is just so much going on here today. The cards are lovely and your kitties too. Garden looking really nice too. Have a very happy crafty week and lovely belated woyww, Angela x15x
I love the latest flower drawings and your cards are all stunning! Thank you so much for your kind comments on my sermon. I was so pleased that you enjoyed it as it was one I was very nervous about. Happy belated WOYWW. Stay safe and take care my friend. With love & God Bless, Caro xx (#29)
Your cards are amazing – the sympathy ones are perfect, it’s always so tricky to get them just right I find. The Distress Oxide ones are lovely and the white highlights really do look good – the Dr Martins stuff is good isn’t it – I also have Shaz to thank for the heads up on it!
Lovely pics of the kitties and I also meant to say earlier in the week that I really appreciate the offer of putting my friend in touch with your hubby about kitty proofing her garden – I don’t think it will come to that as they are very DIY people but you never know – thank you very much for that.
Hope you have a good week
Diana xx #21
There’s a lot to see and read in this blogpost Shoshi, the cards are amazing! I’m not the ‘mandala-type’ but I love those celtic knots and the way you coloured it all, just awesome! And I love the pics of your garden, I hope your little hedge will soon grow and recover, and that ‘rockery’ (as you call it) is wonderful! Sorry I’m late with my visit this week… it’s already Saturday, wow! Enjoy your weekend! Hug from Holland, Marit #20