Friday 7 July 2017

Butterfly Frame!

Good Morning Crafting Friends and Visitors, I hope you are , but sending kind thoughts to those of you who are struggling just now, and I know there are a few of you.

Well, it's an awfully wet day, fine smirry rain and dull, I think a day for indoors and a bit of crafting. I don't have the pups to mind as Damian is working from home, so I think we will have a little lunch out as a wee treat.

Second episode of Outlander last night, and the latest comment from Alistair, after having promised to keep quiet..., was.. they're not speaking Gaelic, if this is meant to be Inverness everyone would speak that. I went on to explain that, if that was the case only Gaelic speaking people would understand the dialogue and everyone else would would need subtitles.   I further explained that Jamie does use Gaelic when speaking endearments.  However, Alistair was so pleased when indeed  there was a scene where Gaelic was spoken.  He turned to me as asked, what are they saying. Honestly, I am sure he does it to wind me up. Neither he nor myself speak that language, though I would love to, and I think Alistair knows only swear words.  

Anyway, enough of all this, here is my project for today, it's a little frame and the inspiration is taken from the very talented Marianne Fisher  who creates the most beautiful little projects, along with wonderful cards and you can find Marianne's blog; here do pop in for a visit , you'll not be disppointed.

Frame from and fabric from Hobbycraft, Sizzix butterfly dies, little ones are Xcut and a beautiful crochet one from my stash. Starlight Paints for the butterflies and also the vine which is an Imagination Crafts stencil. I also cut the butterflies out with acetate, gosh that was a chore, and then added Sparkle Medium. That is unfortunately not showing up, finally some sequins.  This is for a gift, so wanted it to be good.

It's good to try something different, and I'm begining to like mixed media more and more, although, some of what I'm trying to do is really trial and error, for example I found it very difficult to cut out acetate and the main butterflies dies were meant to be cut out of the lovely fabric that I'd bought. I don't know if my die cutting machine is the problem, it's a Big Shot and had it a while, but I love it, but maybe the rollers become a bit loose over time.
  I've been looking at the Gemini and wondering if I should invest, but it's very expensive and I have to question if I would get a lot of use from it as I'm not really a die person, and although I do have EFs I don't use them all that often. 
  
 Before I go, just wanted to thank you all for the lovely comments on my last card, you are all so very  kind.

Have a lovely day doing whatever you do and see you all soon,
 

25 comments:

brenda said...

This is just beautiful Kate, something about circles that always appeals and the Butterfly are so pretty. I find acetate difficult to cut as well, I've tried differetn weights on my e.bosser, big shot express and grand calibur and always have to finish off with a pair of scissors.

B x

Valerija said...

That's beautiful Kate, very creative!
Have a great weekend.
Valerija xx

aussie aNNie said...

Stunning design Kate, I so love what you have done here with the butterflies too. Yes Marianne has some fabulous projects and I do admire them at all times. Overall, I just love this.xx
Have a lovely weekend.♥
[aNNie]

Dortesjs said...

SOOO very pretty and beautiful ;O)) love love

Marlene Atkinson said...

This is stunning Kate, the design is gorgeous. Do you fancy meeting up on Monday for coffee, I know it is bit short notice. Marlene

Marianne's Craftroom said...

Oh Kate how kind of you to credit me with the inspiration. The design is all your own and very pretty. Love the butterflies. I find using dies with fabric trial and error. Some work brilliantly, cutting theough two layers at once like my Spellbinder hearts and some of the mag freebies. Others won't cut fabric at all. I replaced my old Bigshot a few year ago as it was getting a bit worn and is now my spare. I replaced it with a Bigshot! I have loads of dies as you know so use min almost every day. I also use a metal shim for delicate dies and with the fabric very often. As for Outlander have two to watch now as hubby out Thursday nights and we have been Way for a few days. Will let you know what we think, Alistair does make me smile x

Linda Simpson said...

This is gorgeous Kate, love the frame and your wonderful design.
Hugs
Linda xxx

Wendy L said...

It looks gorgeous Patricia. Love the shiny butterflies, just like Mica paints, xx

meg said...

A beautiful plaque Kate,the butterflies and leaves look really delicate and the shimmer is wonderful. Your hubby sounds a bit like mine, luckily I am able to go off to the bedroom to watch any programmes I don't think he'll enjoy, (saves me from his comments).

Flo Langley said...

Gorgeous project Kate. Love the mix of butterflies. The paints and sequins give it a real magical touch. I would love to be a fly on the wall when Outlander is on! he he! :)
Take care, hugs Flo xx

Cara said...

Absolutely stunning work of art. Have you tried using a precision base plate with your big shot for intricate dies? There seems to be some debate across the Internet that it can damage your dies, but I wouldn't have thought so if it's only for the occasional die that is hard to cut. I bought one a couple of years ago just before I got my cut n boss, so I'm happy to post it to you if you'd like as I never use my big shot these days. Just email me via the form on my blog if you'd like it x

Sandy said...

Loved reading your post today! Big smile on my face!!!
Dear Heart - your make is fabulous and I am sure the recipient will love it!!
sandy xx

Mac Mable said...

Had a chuckle about Outlander and your DH x What a pretty frame you've done. Well done persevering with the acetate. Such pretty mediums you've used with the starlights and sparkle medium. Yes its good to try something different and you really should keep with the mixed media too x I have the big shot and love it too and it definitely has a better side to cut than the other side x

Jenny L said...

Hi Kate,
what a very beautiful creation.
Love the wonderful butterflies and the gorgeous design too.
Acetate is very horrible to die cut and most of the time it won't cut, but make a mark so you can use a scissors for the rest.
So if it's a filagree design you have no chance.
I have a big blue die cutting machine and that won't cut it.
Mind you mine is quite thick and Crafters Companion heat resistant one so maybe that is the problem.
Have a wonderful weekend and I hope your weather improves as we in the South are having another heat wave.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Patricia said...

Good evening Kate, I love what you have done on your beautiful project.
Something different, well worth the time and effort.
John bought me a Gemini for my birthday last year, it's the best machine I have.
I had very painful wrists, found turning handles difficult.
The Gemini has certainly helped, could not do without it now.
Have a great weekend
Patricia xxx

cotnob said...

This is gorgeous Kate, beautiful butterflies - it is good to try something different and this was very successful.
I have a Gemini, I was very fortunate to be able to get one when I was on the Crafter's Companion DT - I have to say that I have yet to find anything that it doesn't cut first time - the only thing is you can't put any of the Sizzix thicker dies through it as the opening is quite a lot narrower than most other machines.
Pauline - Crafting with Cotnob
x

rachel said...

gorgeous frame Kate - really pretty. I loved Outlander last night - you sound as though your viewing was much less peaceful than mine!!! Ha ha! Hugs rachel x

pam said...

Beautiful project Kate, love these pretty butterflies and foliage.
Hugs Pam x

May said...

Gorgeous creation Kate, I would not have thought about using a embroidery hoop... It's fantastic... Love the butterflies and stunning background... Have a happy weekend ahead... May x

Jennifer Johnston said...

What a gorgeous project Kate, the butterflies show up so well coloured with the Starlight paints and the background stencil works really well with the butterflies. A lovely idea to put this into a round frame. Have a relaxing Sunday and I hope the weather cheers up for you. We have had a beautiful warm, sunny day today and another is expected tomorrow.

Hugs Jennifer xx.

Mrs A. said...

This is beautiful Kate. I just love all those different butterflies. We have been away so I have espisodes to catch up with the Outlanders. Hugs Mrs A.

Mrs A. said...

This is beautiful Kate. I just love all those different butterflies. We have been away so I have espisodes to catch up with the Outlanders. Hugs Mrs A.

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Kate
This is stunning. What a unique idea.
Your tales of Milk Tray man do make me laugh.
I think acetate is a pesky bugger no matter what machine you have.
Can Alistair tighten your rollers? (Sorry if that sounds rude lol!)
Ang x

Sue said...

What a unique and creative piece, Kate. Love the design reminds me of hand embroidery, which my dear Mom did when we were kids. Lovely.

Hugs
Sue

Barb said...

A really stunning piece of work Kate. I love your butterflies. What a lovely gift this would make. Barbxx