27 Jan 2015

The following is a selection of some of the cards the class have made 



Today the class made a post-it holder (in the centre of picture) and a card in the shape of and decorated like a handbag.




No cards today. We decorated a jam jar with images of a sewing theme. We decorated the top of the lid with some charms. One of a sewing machine,a pair of scissors, a cotton reel, sewing needle and thread. WE finally filled it with a selection of cotton reels.

picture to follow

Today we made a simple card and altered a note book cover . A simple and cheap note pad can be altered to look more appealing and suitable as a gift by using good quality paper to decorate the front page and you can also add some embellishments and charms.  I made a hanging charm by adding  several charms and beads attached to a chain with a pin at the end  which could be added to anything.



I asked the ladies to bring in a photo which they were going to add to a frame once they had decorated it. The frame was a large paper mache one which could be decorated in several ways.  The first photo is Ally showing us her completed frame which she chose to decorate with my help, using paper decoupage by tearing up pieces of napkins. She then added the picture of her darling kitty.

Here is what Ally has to say about Craft2Distract

"Craft2Distract has really made a big difference for me. It's helped me get out of the house each week and have something to look forward to. To be able to focus on something fun, creative and enjoyable has helped me with my pain levels... And everyone understands each other when it comes to pain. On top of all of this, I've made some lovely new friends."

"Thank you for you comments Ally. I'm so happy you are enjoying the classes and its great to hear how much you benefit from attending the class each week".








Alison showing off a card wallet we made in class.

This week the ladies made some tags with a twenties feel, papers ad image by G45, which makes a change from giving cards.



This delightful card was made with a cutting die and verse added to the centre which was slightly raised by using sticky pads and finished off with some butterflies.  One of the ladies decided to put the large butterfly in the cernte and the verse inside the card. I like it when the ladies use their own initiative and finishes off the card with their own ideas.  It shows how they have gained confidence since joining the group

It was time we thought about mail cards. The one on the left I made in the vintage style by ditressing the main papers I added the top one was a piece of map which I had torn from an an old road atlas and topped off the card with die cuts of vintage cards. The next card I kept simple by cutting out a die of the umbrela man by Tim Holtz.






I get some scraps of tartan material from a local kilt maker which I used to make some brooches which could also be used to decorate handbags etc. This brooch was made by Sarah using my original design but she added her own style to make this beautiful unique brooch.  Proof that Sarah has now gained in confidence to develop her own designs. 
Sarah has also told me that she feels so much better, her health is improving and she is totally enjoying crafting. She's gained confidence and made friends which she puts down to coming to Craft2Distract.  I take this as a compliment and proof that Craft2Distract really does help people suffering from chronic pain find a way to manage their pain, gain confidence and a sense of well being. 
Sarah's condition improved so much that she has now returned to full time work. She's soarly missed in the class as she started to help others struggling but its the best thing that could ever happen for her. 
This is a note Sarah has written for us



I made 4 cards today. They are ok but not as nice as u the ones you make for us. I was feeling really tired, sore and a bit anxious but when I began crafting it all seemed to disappear :) Thank you for giving me something to enjoy and that actually helps me to feel better - its the best 'treatment' I have received to date.I have been enjoying your classes so much, they have really made such a difference to me both physically and mentally. I cannot thank you and Andrew enough. Unfortunately, I return to work on Mon 28th July :( However my first week back I will be off on the Friday so I will still be able to attend for two more weeks :) I am going to miss the classes and you and Andrew so much. Its ironic really that the only thing I enjoy and that really makes a difference to me I will have to give up."

Thank you Sarah its been a pleasure having your company here at Craft2Distract. We are all going to miss you but its great news for you.  I wish you all the best and may your good health continue.  If you ever have the time please feel free to look in.


Today were  back on to Vintage style themed  papers with G45 which we used to make this card and matching gift bag  Which is simple to make. First make a box frame which you then wrap the paper around. Make a crease on the sides and create a fastener for the top with a simple tab to keep the bag closed The ladies loved this selection which had beautiful ladies dressed in gorgeous dresses and huge hats.




Sorry Ive forgotten where I saw the template for this bag to give that person credit for but I will come back with the details once I find them again and will add the link to enable others to see the full details how to create this bag.


 



This week we used embossing folders to add some character to the card. Added some colour using chalk ink and added a topper with very few embellishments to create an easy to make interesting card. 
Unfortunately I cant tell you who made the embossing folders.
I bought an embossing storage bag which maent I discarded the wrappings so I dont know the details.  I have decided in future I will take note of the details for future reference.



More simple to make cards by using dies with lovely patterns


This was my sample and I used gold shimmer card under the cut out dies and I added a small topper purchased from Do-Crafts. I also added metal corners from Crafts u Love and finished with a sentiment from Stamping up which is part of a set which works well with matching punches also from Stamping Up . One cherry blossom on the corner. It was really difficult for me not to add any more flowers as  I generally like to add lots of flowers to my cards

The following is more cards weve made and I will be back later to give you the details and hopefully I still have some dies and embossing folders in their original folder so I will be able to give you full product folders