It was my friend's birthday recently, and I decided I wanted to make a special present for her. Her hobby is watercolour painting, and I remembered seeing a blog post from Elaine (Craftshedgirl.blogspot.co.uk) ) one of the Chocolate Baroque design team detailing a very simple water colour palette for Peerless Paints. This was accompanied by a link to a video, by Jane Davenport on Youtube whose  original idea it was.

I checked it out for myself, but decided to elaborate on the scheme somewhat, and the pictures below show the finished palette. I should confess however, that it took me several abortive attempts to make the basic folder, before I got it right.

The Peerless paints. as far as I am aware, can only be purchased from the USA, but buyers beware, the postage and insurance is very expensive and because of the wording on the customs form, I got stung with a hefty customs bill, so all in all it was not an economical purchase. That said, they will last me for a very long time.

I decorated the folder with a  paper line that had been in my stash for ages, embellishing the front fussy cut flowers with stickles and the spine with wide chocolate brown lace. The title was printed on an oval Nestabilities die cut with the edges inked with Vintage photo distress ink

I added a medium tipped water brush before giving my gift and my friend was really pleased with the whole idea.

 All that remains is for me to make another palette for myself, when I have the time.

Hello again!

Well hello again,

I know it's been a long time since I posted to my blog, but I have been out of action since returning from France on the 9th of July.
I underwent cataract surgery on my right eye on the 11th of July followed by similar surgery to my left eye 6 weeks later on the 22nd of August. Obviously my eyesight during this period was somewhat compromised and it is only of late that I have begun proper crafting again. I now don't need glasses for normal everyday living but I do need them for reading. So far I have purchased a cheap pair of readers from the local supermarket, but intend to visit the optician soon for an eye test as I have astigmatism which needs a little correction.

Since beginning to craft again, I have made a nautical themed card for a male friend using the Hobby Art Scene-it stamps coloured with Tombow pens used as watercolours on 300 gsm Daler Rowney watercolour card. I do admit to being pleased with the result, especially as I no way consider myself an artist.

My friend was delighted with his card and says he likes it so much, he is going to frame it.

I have done one or two other projects, but will leave those until another time.

Until then, keep on crafting.