Hare – The Art of Cobwebs

I bought these beautiful craft papers a short time ago, and knew that I’d definitely be using the Hare papers to make a particular Birthday card – and, I did, and … this is it.

Actually made in August, I saved the photos and couldn’t find where the darn I’d saved them … but a bit of a search (of around an hour long! tsk tsk) and I found them again today, so sharing a couple of photos here with you.

The papers are made by Craft Consortium (I’ll add a link to their website at the bottom of this post for those who might be interested), and are truly beautiful papers. The images are so crisp and bright (although my photography skills are useless – forgive me), and the papers are a joy to work with. As you can see in the photo, I used four images from the same ‘Hare’ selection, which I matted and layered onto card-stock I already had.

I used a little muslin square behind the main image, which I laid on top of some deep purple grosgrain ribbon. Some assorted stamens, in 3 colours of purples, are peeping out from behind the medium image. There are two tags, made from two smaller Hare images, which I tied with (hairy) string. And I finally added some paper flowers, which I finished with some buttons for the centres.

Turning my attention to the inside of the card, I stamped an image of a Post Card, and gave it a vintage look with inks, then layered it onto some of the deep purple card which I’d also used on the front for matting and layering – so that the ‘theme’ was carried through into the inside of the card.

I stamped a couple of images, which I then water-coloured. After the above photograph was taken I went back with the water-colours and painted a little more, and just brought the whole thing more ‘to life’. But … I then forgot to take another photo, so this sadly is the only one I have of the inside.

This was a really enjoyable make, mainly I think, because I’m kind of in love with the beautiful papers. I have another of their collections, and can’t wait to make some cards with those too.

For those who would like a peep at what they make and who they are, I recommend their website. It’s easy to navigate and has a great selection of images, if you’re low on inspiration. You can visit their site here: https://www.craftconsortium.com/

Thank you so much for coming to share this card with me. It feels like FOREVER since I shared a card. I’ve been enjoying myself with the clay for far too long! (and I’m still hearing it calling to me! lol).

I know that posts are a little infrequent at the moment, but this bloomin’ bout (or flare up) of ‘poorly’ is knocking the stuffing out of me, and I am so thankful to you for all your lovely messages of support, and am so genuinely grateful for your kindness and friendship.

I’ve been thinking about …. (brace yourself) …. Christmas… and I’ve started to make my version of something I found on Pinterest, which I think you might like. I still have to finish the project though, so although I’m not quite ready to share it yet, I’m giving you a warning that Christmas is on its way! EEEeeek! lol.

Again, thank you for coming. I love seeing you. Have a blessed day, my fabulous friends.

Now I’m not here to show off or brag … no, … actually I’m going to be the biggest show off in the class, so just bear with me and let me be the leader in todays Show and Tell as I stand at the front of the class, with me Hare tucked under me arm . . .

This, is Heathcliff. . .

I won him! Yes I honestly, truthfully, cross my heart, really, really did! This is quite an exciting occurrence for me because I never win anything.

There was a programme on Create and Craft last week, and I had the TV on while I was in my craftroom. I glanced up at the TV and was enthralled by two fabulous ladies, Stephanie and Mary, who make the most adorable crochet and felted animals. From Foxes to tiny birds; needle felted baubles to embroidery designs, ALL made in Britain, and all in kit form which come with the instructions so that you can make them. (link to their website coming up…)…

Those of you who know me well, know I can’t crochet. But … I do needle felt. I love to sit during the cold Autumn and Winter evenings and needle felt little things. (I also have a needle felting machine and I’m waiting to produce my masterpiece on that … any day now. [yeah right!]). So those beautiful animals (kits) which were shown on Create and Craft really caught my attention.

I heard the presenter of the programme say to email into the show to go into the ‘cup of chance’ to win something which the ladies had made … so I did. But I knew I wouldn’t be picked out so I didn’t think about it after I’d pressed ‘send’.

The programme ended all too soon. I wanted it to go on for another hour! And then the Cup of Chance was brought in … a hand went into a whole bundle of printed out emails, and suddenly I heard my name being called out! I shot out of my chair like someone had pressed the EJECT! button. I hooted and yelled “Oh! I WON?! I WON! I WON!“. My hands clapped to my cheeks and my eyes wide as dinner plates. I honestly couldn’t believe it. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world.

A large box arrived at the end of last week, and I opened it carefully, all the time holding my breath with excitement. Out came the white paper packaging. And there, nestled inside was something wrapped in pink tissue, and a beautiful card (the card with the two little birds on it, in the photos), hand written and signed by both of the girls I’d seen on the Create and Craft show Stephanie and Mary. He’s absolutely BEAUTIFUL! And such a tall chap too. I’ve measured him (because I knew you’d want to know) and he’s roughly around 12″ tall and I love him to pieces. It’s taken me a few days to finally decide upon his name, but Heathcliff seemed the right one, and when I suggested it to him he ‘tried it on for size’ and, with a nod of his head, a shake of his ears, a smile, and a wee kick of his heels, I knew we’d found the right name for him. So Heathcliff it is.

I just had to share him with you, excitement made me want to bring him to my blog and show him to you, and show all of you to him too! At the moment he’s living on my dressing table, but to be honest, I really do want to have him in my craft room … so I know that he’ll be making his way there within the next day or two.

If you want to take a wander around Hawthorn Handmade click here, and that link will open up in a new tab for you. You can have a look at all their different kits by clicking on the ‘SHOP’ tab along the top of the home page.

Just so you know . . . Other than winning Heathcliff, my Hare, I have no connection with Hawthorn Handmade. I do not sell for them, or work for them, neither am I recommending them or promoting them in order to garner any payment of monies or goods. But I shall be forever thankful to them for giving me the chance to win Heathcliff.

Right then … now it’s time for … HAPPY TUESDAY! I like Tuesdays. They’re not Mondays – who want to be Sunday. Tuesdays aren’t Wednesdays – who want to be Friday. Tuesdays are definitely not Thursdays – because they too want to be Friday, but they can’t because they need to keep Wednesday from racing along and Friday from getting giddy too quickly. Of course Saturdays and Sundays are the weekend, so they can’t be counted in the same way as they are somewhat of a moveable feast in so far they can be for anything, anyone and lots of difference occasions. So yes, I like Tuesday. Tuesday doesn’t want to be anything it isn’t. It likes being Tuesday. And as far as I’m concerned, that’s perfect, and a good example to us all. Let’s all try to be like Tuesdays, shall we?