A blog devoted to the cards I make in my tiny upstairs space. When my sister stays there, she calls it an "artist's garret". I'm not an artist, but am an enthusiastic cardmaker - hence the title "Cardmaker's Garret".
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Wednesday 23 May 2018

Eat Sleep Craft Repeated

Last year four of us got together for a craft retreat at Christine Alexander's house and Loll Thompson made us all aprons saying "Eat Sleep Craft Repeat" so that formed the name for the posts we all did last year - see this post.

This year two more joined our group, so we're calling our posts "Eat Sleep Craft Repeated".  The six of us crafted our hearts out, ate great food that we took turns cooking, drank wine, talked and talked and got to know each other better.   Here's the group:

 
From left to right: Nancy Littrell, Trina Pham, me, Loll Thompson, Christine Alexander, and Darnell Knauss. 

We had a long list of techniques that we took turns leading.  One of them was the encrusted jewel technique.  I made quite a few pieces for focal images on cards, but couldn't wait to turn my favourite piece into this card:


In an old griddle pan, we layered a piece of teflon crafting mat, then a piece of parchment paper, and then our die cut.  For mine, I sprinkled on one of the new Seth Apter embossing powders (Fractured Ice), a bit of a Lindy's Desert Blue Turquoise embossing powder, then some shaved ice and glitter, then a layer of UTEE to seal it all.  I put the lid on the griddle pan and let it all heat up and melt together, then removed it and cooled it.

I kept the card very CAS to allow the dove to take centre stage.  Just a simple dry embossed background popped up on fun foam, and the dove and a white heat embossed sentiment on black cs layered on top.

Here's a close-up of the dove so that you can see all the lovely encrusted glitter and shaved ice (it seems to turn a beautiful iridescent green when heated):


We also took a little break and went over to my house (20 minutes away) and had tea and scones in my garden - it was heavenly as it was sunny but not too warm, and a nice break in the middle of all the crafting time!


If all works out, we hope to do it again next year!  And you'll see cards in the future using other pieces made during this retreat.

To check the blog posts of the rest of the group and see some of the other techniques we did, go to the May 23rd posts on their blogs:

Loll Thompson - Stamping with Loll
Christine Alexander - It's a Card Day's Night
Nancy Littrell - scandinancy creates
Darnell Knauss - djkardkreations
Trina Pham - My Crafting Closet

And to make it even better, we skyped with Bonnie Klass (Stamping with Klass) and Nance Salkeld (soulstampin') during some of our techniques.  It worked really well and made it even more fun!  Here they are participating in our retreat via Skype:


It never ceases to amaze me that a simple craft can bring so many people together and forge wonderful new friendships!





Supplies:
Stamps - Paper Smooches sentiment
Ink - Versamark
Paper - white and black cs
Size - A2
Accessories - Impression Obsession dove die, embossing powders (white, Seth Apter Fractured Ice, Lindy's Desert Blue Turquoise, UTEE), glitter, shaved ice, SU embossing folder, fun foam



12 comments:

  1. Your dove turned out beautifully, Susan! When we'd hear you oohing and awing we had to stop and make you show us! What fun to craft with your guys! Crafting with friends is the best!

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  2. Thank you again dear, sweet friend for sharing your crafting talent, supplies, stories, gorgeous gardens and wonderful tea party:-) Your scones were so delicious. Love and Hugs to you, Will and Tess.

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    1. P.S. Your dove was even more stunning in real life. I love how the simplicity of your design makes your dove the shiny, glittery star.

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  3. I had such a wonderful time in your garden Susan, I really wish I had your green thumbs :)
    The retreat was so informative, I loved it even more than last year if that's possible.

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  4. Oh, my word, that dove is gorgeous! A fantastic result from the technique you used. You all had such a good time and look so happy! I'm absolutely in love with the looks of your garden, what little bit I can see.

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  5. That dove is AMAZING Susan. Even though the close-up picture is beautiful ... in real life, it is even more AMAZING! Thanks for hosting a wonderful afternoon tea in your beautiful garden. It was such a special time together, along with our time crafting and living together for the week. Love you. Loll

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  6. WOW Susan! This is so incredibly gorgeous! Love all the sparkle and texture on this. Just beautiful. Thanks for the lovely photos of your retreat too! Looks like so much fun!

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  7. Sounds like you've had a wonderful retreat, Susan! Everyone looks happy and relaxed in your garden in the picture.
    Your encrusted jewel bird is gorgeous and looks like a real jewel! The colors and the shine of the encrusted glitter and shaved ice are amazing. The simple card design really shows off the beauty of the bird. Hideko xx

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  8. This is one beauty. The simple dry embossed base is just perfect for that perfect jewel dove. Such a terrific event for you all. Can see all the happy faces and glittering eyes fille with excitement and creativity. Beautiful pic, glad you ladies had so much fun xx

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  9. You all look like you had so much fun and also learnt lots along the way. How amazing to be all together and so much talent to share....Loving the tea party and those wonderful hats too x What a stunning card and the encrusted technique on the bird is wonderful, unique and so eye catching x

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  10. It was so fun to meet you and your beloved spaniels, Susan! (Give Will a special hug from me, please!) Your homemade scones and tea in your incredible gardens was a highlight of our week! And you did all that with a broken toe! Thank you so much for the treat and tour and all I learned from you back in the craft room! Your dove is utterly brilliant, more so in real life, but you have showcased her perfectly to let her take center stage on your card! I hope to see you next time in the Playhouse!! Hugs, Darnell

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  11. So much fun celebrating our one year meet up at this year’s retreat, Susan! I’m a little bummed I missed out on your scones and afternoon tea in your beautiful garden. 😔 Love your gorgeous encrusted dove and you turned it into a stunning card! Love it. 💙

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