Wednesday 29 February 2012

Just because

It's the first time for ages that I've had chance to make something just for its own sake, rather than for a particular occasion. Some of the ladies at one of the schools I work at are keen to set up a craft club, just amongst themselves to begin with, but with the intention of opening it up to parents and the local community once it gets going. They asked me if I'd like to join them. I said yes, of course!

They hadn't heard of teabag folding, so I made a couple of cards to show them what it is. I used to do a lot of teabag folding at one time, but that was a long time ago. I really enjoyed going back to it. There are many websites which have free papers to download, and one I really like is Derek's Teabag Tiles which has loads of lovely designs. The butterfly papers I've used here are from Derek's.

The first card has the teabag design backed with a Nestie Butterflies Circle.


I love the butterfly circle but it's very difficult to get it out of the die! I found that putting a layer of waxed paper between the die and the paper you're cutting works wonders! The butterfly corner is a punch I've had for years, in fact one of the first punches I ever bought.

The second card uses a simple kite fold, with the same papers from Derek's and a Nestie Lacey Circle. The corner stamp was from Elusive Images (now Chocolate Baroque) and the centre message from Craftwork Cards.


Having made my teabag cards, I started to put my things away and noticed the Butterflies Circle cut from the wax paper, still on my desk. Loth to throw it away I sat and looked at it for a moment, wondering what I could do with it. Then I remembered the faux batik technique. Very carefully so as not to tear it, I crumpled up the circle and smoothed it out again. Then I ironed over it on to a piece of glossy card so that the wax was transferred to the card. Next I brayered over the card with ink from a Big And Juicy inkpad (Spice). The wax resisted the ink and the pattern was revealed.


I finished the card with a banner stamp by Waltzing Mouse, sentiment by Chocolate Baroque and two of the tiny butterfly cutouts from the punched corners.

It feels great to be back crafting again because I want to, rather than because I have to. I had got out of the habit, I think, with all the upheaval of moving house and settling in to a new job, and indeed a new way of life, but I'm pleased to say my enthusiasm is returning. Watch this space!

5 comments:

craftimamma said...

These are all gorgeous Lynne and I'm so pleased you've had time for some fun crafting.

Teabag folding is something I've not tried yet but it is so effective.

Thanks for reminding me about the faux batik technique.. It's about 2 years since I tried that. You've achieved a wonderful effect here.

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Stella said...

Hello dearie,
To be honest; I've never been into tea bag folding. But looking at the magic you created with it I am blown away. You did an amazing job. That butterfly die is fabulous; I've never seen it before. Your cards are gorgeous. My favorite is the last card; that card made me sigh:) I love the way you repurposed the die cut from wax paper. Ironing it and look what you made!!!! Gorgeous with the colors from the juicy ink pad. And I have a place in my heart for gorgeous banners like this.
Good to see you back again. I missed a few posts but I enjoy being here.
Have a lovely evening!
Hugs,
XX

Sally H said...

Three stunners, Lynne! So pleased we remembered Derek! Love how the B&J spice complements those tiles perfectly! It is good to see you back and very much on form x

Jules said...

Hi Lynne

Wow!!!

Three stunners!!

I love them all.

I have never tried tea bag folding .. .. it looks great .. .. and I have never even heard of the faux batik technique in cardmaking. (I still have so much to learn!!).

Loving the look the melted wax leaves behind and your colour choices.

How nice to be getting a craft club together. Have fun!

Love Jules xx

lisa said...

It's great that you are finding some crafting time again, Lynne and a crafting group by the sounds of it.
Love your teabag folding. I haven't seen that for years. My MIL used to do it but I couldn't master it, origami has me stumped too!!
Your batik style card is wonderful, those colours really sing out don't they.
Have fun.
Hugs Lisax