December challenge- time to finish any creative unfinished project before the year ends!

Unfortunately I’m in too much pain to manage to put together my usual inspiration board at the moment. However, it is not particularly relevant as this month the challenge is to finish a unfinished project. You know the type of thing….it’s been sitting around taking up space for a while and it is time to get it done before the year ends…or maybe to give to someone for Christmas.

You can complete any type of creative project. Please link up your project at the end of the post.

The Creative Loops challenge is for all types of creatives and is truly anything goes- art, mixed media, sewing, knitting, quilting, card making, paper-craft, cross-stitch, photography, altered art, creative writing, graphic design, floral design……if it is creative and inspired by the challenge theme you can join in. The idea is to connect and inspire creatives. We are a local group that meet weekly but anyone is welcome to join the challenge and link up their project.

Feel free to add any ideas and to chat about inspirations in the comments. I always appreciate knowing someone is reading.

All you need to do is

  1. Get inspired
  2. Create (original and new creations only, please respect copyright)
  3. Take photos of your creation
  4. Link up
  5. Check out the other linked projects, comment on them etc. We want to build a community.
  6. I’d be grateful if you spread the word on this challenge by pinning the inspiration board or letting other creatives know about the challenge.

If you have a blog please write about your inspiration, how it links to this challenge and include a link to this post. Add a photo of your project with your name and a short description below. If you do not have a blog post you can upload and share your photo or email me a copy of the photo and details. If you have any problems linking up there is a how to video and tutorial here.

 Loading InLinkz ...
Lighting up Christmas with my Christmas card centrepieces- Let it snow

Lighting up Christmas with my Christmas card centrepieces- Let it snow

Over the last few years I have been making light up Christmas cards but I’m always too busy to blog them! I alter the designs so that recipients can build up a little collection if they want. Friends and family always love them and they are used as decorations or table centrepieces and brought out each year.

This card is called Let It Snow. This is the card front.

Light up Christmas card centrepiece let it snow 1

 

A close up of the embellishments on the front with the Christmas tree and robin scene I designed digitally and printed.

Light up Christmas card centrepiece let it snow 4

 

The back of the card with space to write on the silver bauble.

Light up Christmas card centrepiece let it snow 5

 

The card comes with the light and box.

Light up Christmas card centrepiece let it snow

 

I would like to enter the following challenge

Creative Loops- something beginning with C (Christmas and card)

Save

Save

Save

Save

Lighting up Christmas with Christmas card centrepieces- Snow angel

Lighting up Christmas with Christmas card centrepieces- Snow angel

Over the last few years I have been making light up Christmas cards. They always go down well and get used as decorations or table centrepieces and brought out each year. I try to alter the designs so that my friends and family can build up a little collection if they want. Unfortunately I am always so busy in the run up to Christmas that I never seem to get around to blogging most of my makes.

The first card I’ve made this year is called snow angel. This is the card front.

light up christmas card snow angel 1

A close up of the embellishments on the front with the snow angel scene I designed digitally and printed.

light up christmas card snow angel 2

The back of the card with space to write on the gold bauble.

Light up shristmas cards snow angel33

The card comes with the light and box.

light up christmas card snow angel 4

I would like to enter the following challenge

Creative Loops- something beginning with C (Christmas and card)

Save

Save

My new art work- Pride and Butterfly Paradise

My new art work- Pride and Butterfly Paradise

butterfly-paradise-and-pride-s

I’m trying to remember to post my artwork on my blog. Hopefully I’ll add more photos later. This is a style of art I’ve developed using acrylics with some gold leaf, glitter and mica. It is difficuly to photograph as the background contains layers of paint and is very glossy. The focal image is made using acrylic and specialist oil paints and has a stained glass feeling.

The first is called Butterfly Paradise.

butterfly-paradise-1s

The second is Pride.

pride-1s

I’d like to enter the following challenges

Creative Loops- Animal Magic

Artistic Impressions- Anything goes

Get Creative Challenges- Anything goes

Sparkle and Sprinkle- Use loose glitter, embossing powder and/or flock.

We Love To Create- Anything Creative

Crafty Friends Challenge- Anything Goes

Creative Fingers- anything goes

CRAFT challenge- add ribbon, sparkle and shine

 

Save

Save

Save

November challenge is anything starting with a C

November challenge is anything starting with a C

The challenge for November is Things beginning with C so you can produce any type of creative project with that theme. The challenge topic just needs to be a starting point for your inspiration so you could do a creative project using crochet, collage, clay, crazy quilts or cross stitch or related to cakes, chocolate, coffee, cards, circles, chevrons, caps, cups, candles, cats, cuffs, combs…….you can do anything you think is linked to something beginning with the letter C. Please link up your project at the end of the post.

This month I am Celebrating the relaunch of my Etsy shop including my Calendars and light up Christmas Cards.

The Creative Loops challenge is for all types of creatives and is truly anything goes- art, mixed media, sewing, knitting, quilting, card making, paper-craft, cross-stitch, photography, altered art, creative writing, graphic design, floral design……if it is creative and inspired by the challenge theme you can join in. The idea is to connect and inspire creatives. We are a local group that meet weekly but anyone is welcome to join the challenge and link up their project.

Feel free to add any ideas and to chat about inspirations in the comments. I always appreciate knowing someone is reading.

Here is an inspiration board of ideas you could use with the links listed below. Some of the links are tutorials. Please add your finished projects at the bottom of this post.

creative-loops-challenge-things-beginning-with-c

By members of Creative Loops

    1. New 2017 colouring calendar by Elaine Nicholls www.achelois.co

  1. Knitted cushion cover by Susan.
  2. Floral circles by Annette.
  3. Grumpy cat cross-stitch by Kristina of Haith’s Handmade.
  4. Winter Wonderland light up Christmas cut paper by Elaine Nicholls www.achelois.co
  5. Textile art featuring circles by Alison Ripley.
  6. My first Christmas puzzles by Melanie Ridgeway at Fox puzzles.
  7. Chanel art by Lee Robinson at Creative Debuts.
  8. Cake by Christina.
  9. Alliums embossed, painted and light up copper art Elaine Nicholls www.achelois.co
  10. Chevron card by Kristina of Haith’s Handmade.
  11. Wearable embroidery circles by Jocelyn Leigh.
  12. Sewing machine covers made in class taught by Carrie Trigg of Cut’N’Sew.

Inspiration from others

  1. Free unicorn crochet pattern from hobbycraft.
  2. Free  collograph tutorial with Lynn Bailey.
  3. Free chiffon flower tutorial at Sugar and Charm.
  4. Free mermaid crown tutorials at The Blushing Mermaid.
  5. Free circle skirt tutorial at Made Everyday.
  6. Chain-maille tutorial for Celtic weaves for sale at Chain Maille Jewelry Patterns.
  7. Free tips on composition for photography but applicable to art and crafts as well on Women Triangle.
  8. Free homemade chocolate truffle recipes on Buzzfeed.
  9. Free tutorial making a castle from boxes on Be A Fun Mum.
  10. Free tutorial to paint a cat using watercolour on eHow.
  11. Free tutorial for dandelion clock sun print on fabric at Garden Design Magazine.
  12. Free cap pattern and tutorial at Mushroom Villagers.
  13. Free tutorial for felt owl cone ornaments by Lia Griffith.
  14. Free calligraphy tutorials for beginners at Hobbycraft.
  15. Free couching tutorials by Sarah Whittle.
  16. Free circle stepper Christmas card tutorial by Cards and Scrap blog.
  17. Free fat quarter ideas for Christmas at Hobbycraft.
  18. Free cat door stop tutorial at Wee Folk Art.
  19. Free concrete planter tutorial at Flea Market Gardening.
  20. Ideas for Christmas decorations at My Life and Kids.
  21. Free pattern for crochet teddy hat at Love Crochet.
  22. Free sugar paste unicorn tutorial would be perfect for clay as well as cakes from Crumb Avenue.
  23. Free tutorial on textile collage techniques by Carolyn Saxby.
  24. Free mixed media tutorial for calm in the storm by Heather Greenwood.
  25. Buy elven ear cuffs by Craetions of Starlight on Etsy.
  26. Free tutorial for sewing cuff at Feeling Stitchy.
  27. Free tutorial for floral comb at Bride and Breakfast.
  28. Free tutorial continuous line contour drawing by Anna Stump.
  29. Free coffee tag tutorial by Live and Love Crafts.
  30. Creating cross-stitch Christmas ornaments at Carrie Actually.
  31. How to do crazy quilting on Craftsy.

Hopefully that provided enough ideas to inspire you. Now all you need to do is

  1. Get inspired
  2. Create (original and new creations only, please respect copyright)
  3. Take photos of your creation
  4. Link up
  5. Check out the other linked projects, comment on them etc. We want to build a community.

I’d be grateful if you spread the word on this challenge by pinning the inspiration board or letting other creatives know about the challenge.

If you have a blog please write about your inspiration, how it links to this challenge and include a link to this post. Add a photo of your project with your name and a short description below. If you do not have a blog post you can upload and share your photo or email me a copy of the photo and details. If you have any problems linking up there is a how to video and tutorial here.

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

 Loading InLinkz ...

Save

October challenge is Animal Magic

October challenge is Animal Magic

The challenge for October is Animal Magic so you can produce any type of creative project with that theme. The challenge topic just needs to be a starting point for your inspiration so you could do any creative project linked to animals. Please link up your project at the end of the post.

The Creative Loops challenge is for all types of creatives and is truly anything goes- art, mixed media, sewing, knitting, quilting, card making, paper-craft, cross-stitch, photography, altered art, creative writing, graphic design, floral design……if it is creative and inspired by the challenge theme you can join in. The idea is to connect and inspire creatives. We are a local group that meet weekly but anyone is welcome to join the challenge and link up their project.

Feel free to add any ideas and to chat about inspirations in the comments. I always appreciate knowing someone is reading.

Here is an inspiration board of ideas you could use with the links listed below. Some of the links are tutorials. Please add your finished projects at the bottom of this post.
creative-loops-challenge-animal-magic

  1. Free knitting pattern for penguin bunting bag.
  2. Scrapbook page tutorial by Gabrielle Pollacco
  3. Pet photography tips for Christmas you could use to make Christmas cards.
  4. Easy watercolour silhouette tutorial
  5. Tutorials for lots of different woodland animal cakes
  6. Tutorials for wire and stone keyrings (translated from Spanish. With video)
  7. Animal pom pom ideas
  8. Elephant floss bobbins
  9. Thumbprint Christmas gift tags. Great for children to make.
  10. Drawing tutorial for drawing fur using graphite
  11. Mixed media collage tutorial
  12. Buy felt owl ornaments
  13. Quilled hedgehog card on Etsy
  14. Christmas nail art designs including penguins
  15. Tutorial for faux taxidermy Rudolph
  16. Tips for wildlife photography
  17. Free pattern for fox quilt
  18. Owl chocolate apples
  19. Floral inspiration- peacock
  20. Card inspiration for Hobby Arts Nature stamps
  21. Christmas Robin bunting using applique with free motion embroidery. Downloadable free tutorial.
  22. Tilda reindeer free pattern and tutorial
  23. Crazy cats and dogs card with video tutorial
  24. Tutorial on painting a robin in watercolour
  25. Christmas card inspiration
  26. Free felt bird pattern

Hopefully that provided enough ideas to inspire you. Now all you need to do is
1. Get inspired
2. Create (original and new creations only, please respect copyright)
3. Take photos of your creation
4. Link up
5. Check out the other linked projects, comment on them etc. We want to build a community.

I’d be grateful if you spread the word on this challenge by pinning the inspiration board or letting other creatives know about the challenge.

If you have a blog please write about your inspiration, how it links to this challenge and include a link to this post. Add a photo of your project with your name and a short description below. If you do not have a blog post you can upload and share your photo or email me a copy of the photo and details. If you have any problems linking up there is a how to video and tutorial here.

 Loading InLinkz ...

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

A hexie pattern

A hexie pattern

My friend Kristina makes beautiful paper pieced bags. She was working on one this morning at our craft group as a commission piece. She was arranging the paper pieced hexies (you start by tacking them to paper hexagons) in different patterns to work out how she will stitch them. I took a photo of her hexies and then used CraftArtist 2 Professional to manipulate them digitally by

  1. Using a hexagon punch to ‘cut out’ each of the hexies
  2. Copy and arrange the hexagons into a pattern
  3. Add a wood background

Hexagon pattern achelois

 

Feeling Blue- the Creative Loops Challenge for September

Feeling Blue- the Creative Loops Challenge for September

Sorry but I’ve had a break so I didn’t realise the link up wasn’t working. Thanks to those of you who have left a link anyway. I will sort out the link up and extend it by a week in case anyone revisits!

The challenge for September is Feeling Blue so you can produce any type of creative project with that theme. The challenge topic just needs to be a starting point for your inspiration so you could do a creative project linked to feeling blue or something blue …….you can do anything you think is linked to blue (family friendly please!). Please link up your project at the end of the post.

Being creative is a great way to improve your wellbeing. This infographic focuses on the benefits of sewing but it applies to all arts, crafts and creative pursuits.

The Creative Loops challenge is for all types of creatives and is truly anything goes- art, mixed media, sewing, knitting, quilting, card making, paper-craft, cross-stitch, photography, altered art, creative writing, graphic design, floral design……if it is creative and inspired by the challenge theme you can join in. The idea is to connect and inspire creatives. We are a local group that meet weekly but anyone is welcome to join the challenge and link up their project.

Feel free to add any ideas and to chat about inspirations in the comments. I always appreciate knowing someone is reading.

Here is an inspiration board of ideas you could use with the links listed below. Some of the links are tutorials. Please add your finished projects at the bottom of this post.

Creative loops challenge feeling blue

By members of Creative Loops

  1. Treasure test by Elaine
  2. Bokeh card by Kristina
  3. Coat by sewing teacher Carrie for a class she is running this Autumn at Pottery on the Parade London SE9
  4. Dolphin puzzle by Melanie at fox-puzzles
  5. Memory making frame for a 16th birthday by Elaine
  6. Art by Annette
  7. Art by Jocelyn
  8. Card by Elaine

Inspiration from others

  1. Delft wedding cake at Bellaria Cake Design
  2. Painting the blues- a video tutorial for art journaling when you are feeling blue
  3. Shibori designs tutorial
  4. Blue iridescent stained glass heart by neilsglass on Etsy
  5. Blue floral card by Klaudia
  6. Embroidered Delft pattern brooch tutorial
  7. Blue moon nature photography on Etsy by FizzStudio
  8. Tutorial using bleach and a stencil to add designs to denim by Orly Shani
  9. Knitted blue tit at Ravelry- free pattern
  10. Tutorial for polymer clay bracelet in Delft style by Cara Hayman
  11. She wore blue velvet….tips on sewing with velvet at By Hand London
  12. Cookie monster cupcakes at I Am Baker
  13. Bridal brooch bouquet by Rubybloomscom on Etsy
  14. Tutorial for lighted bottle by Ian Anderson
  15. Tutorial to refashion jeans into a pencil skirt by Lisa Maybe
  16. Free pattern for amiguri blue bunny
  17. Delft blue glass magnet set by AKADecorativeArt on Etsy
  18. Blue hydrangea floral arrangement at Wedding Chicks
  19. Blue velvet cake by Laura
  20. Tutorial on painting a hydrangea in watercolour by Leslie Fehling
  21. Tutorial on using jeans legs to make a clutch by Jessica Rebelo
  22. Beautiful crystal headpiece by LuluSplendor on Etsy
  23. Tutorial on drawing blue eyes with colouring pencil by Matt Fussel

 

Hopefully that provided enough ideas to inspire you. Now all you need to do is

  1. Get inspired
  2. Create (original and new creations only, please respect copyright)
  3. Take photos of your creation
  4. Link up
  5. Check out the other linked projects, comment on them etc. We want to build a community.
  6. I’d be grateful if you spread the word on this challenge by pinning the inspiration board or letting other creatives know about the challenge.

If you have a blog please write about your inspiration, how it links to this challenge and include a link to this post. Add a photo of your project with your name and a short description below. If you do not have a blog post you can upload and share your photo or email me a copy of the photo and details. If you have any problems linking up there is a how to video and tutorial here.

 

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

 Loading InLinkz ...
Day 7 of my Pattern A Day challenge

Day 7 of my Pattern A Day challenge

The seventh day of my 100 day challenge today over at the 100daysproject. There are lots of interesting projects over there. Find out more about my individual challenge on my day 1 post here.

Today I drew more patterns that I will be using in my colouring calendar I sell. This time I was drawing a buddleia pattern. I had a look at the flower in my garden and then worked out a pattern based on it. It took me a couple of hours to complete a flower spike. This is just a sneaky peak for the calendar. For the sake of this challenge I’ve taken a photo of a section of the flower and then manipulated the colour digitally using CraftArtist 2 Professional.

Pattern a day 7

I used my Sakura Micron pensfor the drawing .

Please cheer me on with my challenge and follow me on instagram if you are over there (any pointers are welcome as I have no idea what I am doing on Instagram at the moment!!).

I’d like to enter the following challenges which are all anything goes (and I think O.K. with a drawing project). Do go and check out the amazing blogs…

Digichoosday

Stamp Art Papel

Sunny Day Crafting

Throught The Craftroom Door

Save

Save

Save

Day 6 of a pattern a day (my 100day challenge)

Day 6 of a pattern a day (my 100day challenge)

Another drawn pattern for day 6 of my 100 day challenge today over at the 100daysproject. Do head over there and look at the various projects (just click the looking glass icon to see the projects).

My challenge is PAD- a pattern a day. My aim is to spend time every day on a creative project involving creating or using a pattern. I am also using this as a chance to get started on instagram elaine_achelois. At the moment I feel a bit lost with how it works so any help is welcome.

Today my pattern is based on eyes- it took me about 2 hours to finish the pattern in the initial shape. I used my Sakura Micron pens for the drawing. I used CraftArtist 2 Professionalto copy and tesselate the shapes and add the backgound I made a couple of days ago (tinted black).

Pattern a day 6 100day challenge

Please cheer me on with my challenge and follow me on instagram if you are over there.

Challenges

I’d like to enter the following challenges (I’ve checked the rules and I hope they are happy with drawings being entered)

Come and Get It Challenges– Black and white (plus one)

Robyn’s Fetish Challenge Blog– Anything goes

Love to create– Anything creative/ mixed media goes