Holidays for The Artistic Stamper

Thanks for sharing all your "Circles" creations for last months challenge :)
So....this month we are sharing

"Holidays" :)

That's the theme for the challenge for August over at The Artistic Stamper Creative Team ;)


I love holidays....I love seeing new places...I'd love to take off on a bicycle and pedal down quiet country lanes staying overnight in atmospheric pubs along the way...discovering new things around every bend in the road.......there is only one problem...
...I've never learnt to ride a bike!!! LOL


I made this little card using stamps mainly from the Ephemera 1 plate and the Open Road plate.

The front has the addition of the sentiment from Travelling Words and the cute little heart from Journaling Words II stamped in Distress Ink aged mahogany.


Inside I stamped the bicycle, the map front and the cycling knickers in Archival coffee adding the words using Distress Markers to colour in fired brick and chipped sapphire.

The card was then aged with Distress Inks in tea dye, wild honey, weathered wood and vintage photo.


You really must take a look at the "Holidays" creations the rest of the team have made as inspiration for you.

So don't forget.............the monthly challenge is "Holidays"

The rules are simple... all you need to do is make a piece of art, be it a card, ATC, wall art, altered art, scrapling ;)... just remember that it must include some rubber stamping and the theme... and... if you use Artistic Stamper stamps on your entry you will be entered into the draw twice! The prize is £15 worth of stamps from the Artistic Stamper shop... along with the KlingOn to mount them onto.

I hope you get chance to play at the challenge... it is open until August 31st and the winner will be chosen by Random.org shortly after :)

Thanks for looking and happy stamping

xoxo Sioux

Home from Florence

Happy Sunday!

I am back from my short break to Florence, Pisa and Siena.

Would you like to see some photo's?

How many photo's would you like?

I have 694 to choose from! LOL

We arrived back on Friday to learn that the weather here had been hot...and I was greeted by my friends who had been holidaying in my house and had fixed my shed roof...thanks so much...love you lots ;)

I've only been gone 5 days but everything in my garden seems so much brighter :)

My red rose had two blooms...

...and my clematis had flowers too.

Besides the goodies I bought in the first photo....two gorgeous small journals...one leather bound and the other with a Florentine paper cover....some hand made Florentine paper....a new pen....two masks.....I could not resist and at only 2 euro each they were a bargain ;)

All three of us could not resist buying an ice bag and I chilled on Saturday in my garden with happy memories of Florence that I will share with you over the coming days.

...I just need to choose my favourite photo's but at the moment that is looking like erm.....694!!!!!

...give me a little time to get myself sorted and I'll be back :)

This was our room with a view.....sigh!

Thanks for looking

Ciao, ciao!

xoxo Sioux

Pearl of a Tiny Journal

I was watching Girl with a Pearl Earring last night.....again!

How I love that painting.....and the book.....and the movie! ;)

And how I love that I have some rubber (Stamp Fransisco) to be able to do this little page in my tiny journal when the muse got me late last night. :)

It's a little Moleskin 9x14cm with a kraft cover....the pages seemed quite thin but they do seem to hold up to the ink being spritzed all over them! :)

Stamp happy......thanks for looking

xoxo Sioux

It's not what you think! SSS&S and SS

Reading the "Fifty Shades" trilogy was a bitter sweet experience for me as so much of it brought back memories of Pip.....now, now, now.....don't even go there! LOL

As is so often said in the books "It's not what you think"...it's the romance side I am thinking of ROFL ;)

I felt the need to channel my negative thoughts into a positive piece of work to remind me of the sheer joy of the read that also left me bereft when I finished the last book as it coincided with what would have been my 35th wedding anniversary.....strangely it felt like I'd lost Pip all over again....and I don't care what anyone says I gain no comfort what so ever thinking about him and remembering the good times....it makes me feel rubbish.....I'd rather hope my future is bright.....life is for living...and not getting upset about something I cannot change and if I think about him I get upset...
...sooooo...it may sound bad...
...but not thinking about him seems to be the only way I can do this unless I want to spend the rest of my life getting upset and I most definitely do not want that !!


My darn imagination is just too powerful sometimes....then I get maudlin and forget to concentrate on the good things! LOL

Anyways.....instead of the journal page I might have done (might still do) I wanted to make something to look at on my wall for a change that would make me happy :)

Using my favourite guy stamp by T!m and one of my favourite lady images by Stamp Fransisco.

There is one of my favourite quotes around the edge by Wilde....he would definitely be on my guest list for dinner ;)

"One's real life is often the life that one does not lead"

To which I added


"Which person behind the mask will you reveal today?"

my imagination keeps me sane........just about........most of the time! LOL
So the canvas is full of favourite stuff that makes me happy just looking at it :)

I love the patina I've managed to get on the metal bits with paint dabbers in gold, juniper and espresso. :)

Thanks for looking and coping with my emotional outburst and moans today...my excuse...
..if I need one...is the red hair...it takes over just occasionally!
I'm hoping my spirits will be lifted on my trip to Florence...it's been an emotionally difficult last week for me ;)

Ooh! I've just realised Simon Says is "No Rules" this week so I am linking it there ;)
Who knows it just might be my lucky week to win the fabulous prize from the generous people at the Simon Says shop of $50.oo how cool would that be? :) Although if I do I'll be on holiday and then I'll probably be too late to claim the prize!!! Hey Ho LOL ;)

Also there is "Bits and Pieces" use embellishments, and there are plenty of them on my canvas so I'm linking it to Hels Sunday Stamper too thanks for looking :)

Sorry for the marathon post!!! LOL Life's too short...spend your time happy ;)

xoxo Sioux 

Moth to a Flame for The Artistic Stamper

I'm sharing a tag again today over on the The Artistic Stamper Creative Team Blog

Curious? Then just hop on over to The Creative Team Blog for all the details.

Thanks for looking and happy stamping
xoxo Sioux

P.S. I appreciate each and every comment here but time is short in all our lives so please do not feel obliged to comment both here and on the creative team post.
...I'll see your comments and share the feed back all at the same time if you use The Artistic Stamper Creative Team Blog post ;)
Thanks

My World is Grey!

Yep....my world is definitely going to be less colourful having finished the last book in the Fifty Shades trilogy ;(

I think I had better re-read Jane Eyre again next....

...so that I can cool off a bit!! LOL

I smiled when the title was mentioned on page 339 of book three.....I just knew ;)

I am having a fabulous fantasy at the moment imagining RA being cast as Mr. Grey.....even though....in theory.....he is too old for the part and has dark hair...

...I'm also too old...in theory....for the leading lady but I wonder if they could ignore my saggy bits and let me audition? !!!!

ROFLIA :D :D

It's a good job I can escape to a fantasy world....I don't know how I'd get by without it! ;)
xoxo Sioux

Dream for The Sunday Stamper

I was enjoying being outside in the sunshine today.....crikey that's been a long time coming!! LOL (But not for long I fear!)

I had this thought as the sun caressed me and had to put it down on paper....you know what I mean ;) It was a dreamy day.

In a million years I would never skinney dip but the thought is quite beguiling :)

Thanks for the inspiration Hels....why not join in here?

Nude lady available from The Artistic Stamper.

Thanks for looking

xoxo Sioux

It is not written!

35 years ago it was the Queens silver jubilee...

...35 years ago Virginia Wade won Wimbledon...

35 years on, in the Queens diamond jubilee year, Andy Murray was not destined to be the winner.

35 years ago tomorrow I married Pip...

...we were not destined to be together forever!

Life can be shit sometimes can't it?

Wishing you a lifetime of a love shared...

...I'm off now to continue reading the Fifty Shades trilogy...

...life is not all bad!!! ROFL

xoxo Sioux

My, My, My Mr Grey!

Yep....I finished reading Fifty Shades of Grey (in double quick time I might add LOL) and....

...Yep....I'm now reading the next one! ;)

Heavens Mr Grey you are fair wearing me out!!! ROFLIA

I have enjoyed the read so far...

...I can see why she walked away at the end of the first book...'cos I certainly would!!

...I can also understand why she has returned to him at the beginning of the next book.

It's those darn pheromones you see....and the fact she wants him to be something else more to her...which is proving quite difficult for him but bless him, he is trying...

...will it all end in tears again?!!!

xoxo Sioux

P.S. As I read it I can't help but compare it to Jane Eyre..........my all time fantasy and IMO theeee most sexy book of all time.....I know, I know....there is no sex in Jane Eyre but in some ways Fifty Shades shares the same principles..........older, charismatic and richer man. Younger, inexperienced.....not afraid to speak her mind woman, sexual chemistry and playful flirting....I do like a bit of flirting ;), man who is basically decent but life has thrown a curved ball at him...the more I read the more I see the similarities.

I'd go so far as to say that Christian is the new Mr Rochester.....well he is to me anyway, hopeless romantic that I am! ;)

Time Tag for The Artistic Stamper

I'm sharing a tag today over on the The Artistic Stamper Creative Team Blog

Curious? Then just hop on over to The Creative Team Blog for all the details.

Thanks for looking and happy stamping
xoxo Sioux

P.S. I appreciate each and every comment here but time is short in all our lives so please do not feel obliged to comment both here and on the creative team post.
...I'll see your comments and share the feed back all at the same time if you use The Artistic Stamper Creative Team Blog post ;)
Thanks

Dance with me?

I've been playing with these pages on and off for a few weeks ;)

I had to get something off my chest this weekend and wrote down the side in India ink. I hope next door were not looking when I did this in the garden as it made me cry...but my goodness it does not half help transferring the thought to paper instead of having it whirling around in your mind!!! LOL

If I do say so myself.....I'm very pleased with the bright fire like border made with Croco bronze crackle ;)

I'm not....for once....going to write here what it says....if you are desperately interested I'm sure you can get the gist of it if you enlarge it!! ;)

This was made in my large A4 journal.... ballerina stamp available from The Artistic Stamper.

Thanks for looking.

xoxo Sioux

Sods Law!

I took these pictures late on Sunday evening after my friend Jacquie went home from sharing some of the tapas I still had and the beer and wine!

It had been a fine and sunny afternoon as opposed to a damp and soggy one on Saturday!

Sods law huh?!!!

This was how I wanted us to carry on partying with the oil lamps burning and the fire pit taking off the chill!

Hey.....I'll just have to do it all again one day!!!

(I do it all the time on my own...I love it...but it does get a little lonely)

Have I mentioned before that I lurve my garden?!!! LOL

xoxo Sioux

Garden Presents

I had my garden party to say thanks to people who have helped me in one way or another over the past two years since Pip died...

...I'll have to come up with another plan for the people who could not make it this time round! You know who you are.....and you were missed ;(

I thought I'd share the thoughtful gifts I received seeing as the sun decided to come out today....

A shrub, a plant, a tealight holder (love my candles) and a very pretty colour changing solar light.
I shall enjoy them.......if we ever get a Summer to enjoy them in!!! ROFL
ooh! I also had some M and S vouchers ;)

Thanks a bunch my friends ;)

xoxo Sioux

Are you ready to party?

I was ready to party.........are you ready to share with me today?

The day started fine and sunny in my garden.

My hibiscus decided to bloom :)

The redcurrants decided to ripen,

My geraniums by the back door looked good....it helped that they survived the winter so have grown on really well.....can you tell I like the colour red btw? LOL :)

I love this allium...

I'm very happy with this little combo of plants too...

Drink anyone?

Tapas?

The weather stayed dry for most of the afternoon......there were a few small showers but we toughed it out under the parasols...

...and a number of brollies, broken or otherwise!!! LOL...

...until the real downpour started about 6.30 but everyone helped to bring all the food indoors and we carried on regardless! ;)

Glad you all came on down and joined in the fun.....Cheers :)
Love you dearly...you are the best friends ever ;)

xoxo Sioux


Apologies for not posting this yesterday....I was not hung over...honestly...I was just rather busy tidying up everything...but thanks to some sterling work by friends who did some washing up on the night there was not as much to do as I expected! Thanks a million. :)

A George sort of chap for June Guys

Why not create June Guys and play along with Ayala?

I did and I am amazing myself at every turn! LOL

Soooo.......with big apologies to George Clooney.........here is my next June Guy!!!

I don't think I will ever make fine art, and have embraced the fact that none of my guys are that close to the original photo I am sketching from....I just hope to carry on practising and creating faces in the future that look like faces....that's all I ask ROFL! ;)


Tomorrow is my garden party....I've been having kittens all week about the weather! LOL
But there is nothing I can do to stop what will be will be on that front...
...I had this romantic notion when I chose the date as it's Midsummer's Eve and I thought there would be a balmy night in the offing!!!
Anyways........join me for plenty of wine, cava and sangria.....meet my friends.....enjoy the food....dance to the music...and most importantly party like this is your last day on earth! ROFL.


I've taken a holiday day today to prepare food and set out stuff....I'll try and post something tomorrow but I am going to be a tad busy so it might not be until Sunday (if I'm not feeling too worse for wear) !!! ROFLIA

Thanks for looking

xoxo Sioux

Tim is a June Guy

No.....not that T!m ;) !

Tim as in the character that Mel Gibson played in the movie of the same name....way way back... when he was fresh faced and not yet famous for the Mad Max films.

I'm sure I've said before here that Tim is one of my all time favourite movies......soooooooo romantic ;) It's a Colleen McCullough story and she wrote the Thorn Birds....says it all really! :) sigh!

Thanks for looking.

Hope this guy thing is not getting boring for you but I am loving it :)

Why not create June Guys along with Ayala and perhaps surprise yourself just like I have?


xoxo Sioux

T!m to the Rescue

I managed to have a dummy run on Sunday for the placement of chairs and tables for the garden party this weekend. (Thank you weather).

I am working my way through the list of to do stuff and found I did not have enough coasters for the drinks....so T!m came to the rescue and I stuck some sticky backed cork to some grey board and cut it out with one of T!m's dies.....sorted! LOL

I really need some positive thoughts folks 'cos today the forecast for Saturday is rain...

..I'm sorry but I'm not having it!!! ROFL

This is a big thing for me...as Pip was the cook and entertainer supreme for these sort of  things and whilst I know I cannot match him for gregariousness I do so want what I do to be just right...my friends won't care I know but I do!!! LOL

xoxo Sioux

Its raining June Guys

We have had so much rain that I thought this guy might feel at home here!

He was based on Gene Kelly whose films I love ;)

My dad could dance...
(I always saw him as a cross between Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra!)
...he was ace at doing that athletic Cossack dance that involves whizzing one leg under the other in a circle and other energetic stuff...you know the one I mean don't you? LOL


Speaking of rain.....can I ask you all to perhaps send positive vibes for the weather to turn out sunny for next Saturday when I'm having my garden party? I'd really appreciate it :)

It will still go ahead indoors but it's not the same is it?


Why not create June Guys along with Ayala and play along?

Thanks for looking

xoxo Sioux

Wish your Life for The Artistic Stamper

I'm sharing a tag today over on the The Artistic Stamper Creative Team Blog

Curious? Then just hop on over to The Creative Team Blog for all the details.

Thanks for looking and happy stamping
xoxo Sioux

P.S. I appreciate each and every comment here but time is short in all our lives so please do not feel obliged to comment both here and on the creative team post.
...I'll see your comments and share the feed back all at the same time if you use The Artistic Stamper Creative Team Blog post ;)
Thanks

Whistle for the June Guys

That is create June Guys thanks to Ayala if you fancy playing along!

Well of course if you know how to put your lips together and whistle...

...then you will know who this latest June Guy is based on!


I have noticed that I seem to be drawing everyone with thinner faces than they have in reality! Why is that? Must try to concentrate more I suppose! ;)

You know what I find most enjoyable about discovering that I can actually draw a face?

The fact that all it takes product wise, is some pencils an eraser and some paper...no getting out loads of stuff to make something and then having to put back all that stuff again afterwards...
...I just can't stand the untidiness of it all or I'd leave it out honest I would LOL!!! Bliss ;)

Thanks for looking

I'll be back with more....I can't seem to stop myself!!! ROFL :)

xoxo Sioux