Killing Kits: Stitched Backgrounds

Hello lovelies! I'm back with a new video for the Killing Kits Series and today, it's a little short and sweet (because I lost the last little bit of video!) But, better short and sweet, than not here at all!

I've used the leftovers from the 'Rose Garden' Counterfeit Kit that I made in October 2011. It was, and still is, one of my favourite Counterfeit Kits and I must have wanted to save every last bit of it. I can't remember exactly why I decided to reduce it all down to little squares but, since I've been known to make a 'Patchwork' or two before, I can only assume that I believed I'd make one a little sooner :)

I must have, at some time, added to these leftovers with some from other kits - as there's Basic Grey and, what looks like at least one other kit (that I don't remember) in here too!

I'm afraid that the video doesn't include the machine stitch, as I lost this little bit in the edit, but the main idea is there - and, hopefully, it's one that you may decide to use on your own projects!

Please feel free to leave comments here, on YouTube, or find me over in the Counterfeit Kit Facebook Community. I would love to hear from you!

The 100 Day Project - A Rethink!

I've had to have a serious rethink about my #100daysofstitching. After several injuries in my twenties, I used to suffer terribly with tension in my neck, shoulders and back - and, unfortunately, after only a few attempts at hand embroidery, that tension returned and I was dreading the next session of stitching! There was no way that I could continue for #the100dayproject!

But, I do love to machine stitch - I use it a lot in my scrapbooking - so instead of embroidery, I'll continue my #100daysofstitching with my lovely machine. I'm intending to learn more about the stitches I don't use at the moment and maybe, just maybe, I'll do more than re-hemming!

If you have been struggling with #the100dayproject, consider rethinking those aims instead of lapsing entirely. It's okay to admit when something isn't working!

The 100 Day Project: Stitching!

I've been a little bit daunted by the idea of #the100dayproject, but over the weekend I hauled out my embroidery threads, cords and silk ribbons; then took an entire afternoon to wind them all into bobbins. It was lovely, just sitting in my craft room; listening to music; and doing something with my hands!

Yesterday, as the #the100dayproject started, I took a little more time to sort them - and thus started my #100daysofstitching. You can see me sorting, over on my Instagram Feed (@obstinatepursuit)

And, today, I received this beautiful Butterfly and Flower Embroidery Kit (I treated myself!) and I can't wait to make a start. It's ridiculously pretty and I think it will keep me motivated!

Is anyone else taking part in #the100dayproject? I would love to follow along!

ATC Shaker Set {Rinea Foiled Paper}

Hello folks! I'm back today with a tutorial for an ATC Shaker Set made with the beautiful Rinea Foiled Paper found in our special 'Love Foiled Paper Variety Pack.' 

At standard ATC size (3.5 x 2.5 inches) these little lovelies would also make a fantastic addition to a special Pocket Letter, or simply use the idea to make additions to your layouts, cards, and diaries. 

Wild Hare Kits: Little Cards

While I'm busy trying to finish off my Project Life album for 2017 (the end is so very *not* near) I took a little break and made some mini cards with the little bits and bobs on my desk. Sometimes making something simple is just what I need to motivate me for more!

I'll be back to share more makes with my latest kit from the Wild Hare Kits a little later in the month! Stick around!

Wild Hare Kits: Let Your Heart Be Free Layout

Scrapbooking really became 'me' when I discovered 6x8 layouts. I adore these little canvases. I've already made six (and some other bits) with my kit from The Wild Hare Kits - and my next kit is on the way!

Yay! Love having all of these memories out and in my albums! Has anyone else been busy scrapping this weekend? 

Pennant Banner Tutorial

Today, I have a little tutorial for you all, inspired by The Counterfeit Kit Challenge, where I'm this month's Guest Designer. September's Counterfeit Inspiration Kit contained some of Maya Road's Canvas Pennants. They're a little bit too big for my style, so I created my own, much dinkier version using the Bannerific Stamp Set by Lawn Fawn. I can highly recommend purchasing this little lovely. It really is one of my favourite sets because each of the elements is adorable - perfect for cards and scrapbook layouts; and most especially for counterfeiting your own embellishments.

Your first step is to gather up some scraps in a colour combination which will suit your finished project and I chose colours that would compliment September's Counterfeit Kit. I then stamped directly onto my little pieces of patterned paper scraps - sometimes managing to fit on all five of the little pennants, sometimes only one or two. It's doesn't really matter, because you'll be cutting them out individually, so use up as many of those small scraps as possible!

Cut out all of your stamped pennant images and arrange them roughly into the order you'd like them to appear in your banner. Now it's time for some machine stitching. (If you're not a confident stitcher, try working your way through my recent series of tutorials Stitching On Paper.)

Start by setting your sewing machine to straight stitch and adjust the speed to it's slowest setting. Now place your first pennant piece under the presser foot, with the needle in place just above the outside edge of the pennant. Sew three or four stitches - aim to leave a little bit of space between your last stitch and the edge of pennant.

Ensure that you leave the needle in the 'down' position - then lift the presser foot and slide the next pennant into place, so that the edges of your pennants are close but not overlapping.

When the pennant is in place, drop the presser foot and continue stitching. Repeat until you have completed your banner - stitching to the very edge of the last pennant piece. Now remove the banner from your sewing machine, pulling on both working threads.

Knot the working threads at each end of your banner - this will stop the pennant pieces moving around - and use a needle or paper piercer to ensure that the knot is tight up against each end. Now display your banner proudly on your cards and layouts!

Stitching On Paper - Inspired By String Art

In today's installment of Stitching On Paper - Inspired By String Art, I'm joined by Guest Designer Jemma Sharrock, who has created the most amazing layout using nothing more than some shimmery thread as an embellishment. It's phenomenal, here's a sneak peek!

Check out the Stitching On Paper - Introduction to see some of the projects that have been linked up so far, or link your up your own project using stitching to have the chance of winning a pretty little package of paper-crafting supplies. I'll be randomly drawing a winner on Saturday 8th September, which gives you another couple of weeks to start putting your stitching talents to the test!

And one last thing, I'd really appreciate some feedback so that I can make future classes even better. Please take this small survey to let me know what you've thought of the prompts and the class as a whole.

Thanks once again to everyone who has contributed, visited, commented - and especially to everyone who has linked up a project -  it’s made all the hard work worth it! Clair x

Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Cross Stitch

After spending most of the evening fiddling around with manuals, plug sockets and wiring, I have internet again. Hurrah! How did anyone cope before Google, Twitter and Facebook? Maybe I have a little bit of a problem?

And, moving on! Who's ready for some more Stitching On Paper? In today's installment, Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Cross Stitch, I'm joined by Guest Designer Sian Fair, as we take a look a contemporary twist on a traditional craft. 

I've been so amazed and gratified to see people starting to create their own Stitching On Paper projects this week, based on some of the earlier lessons in the class. It really makes all of my hard work seem worthwhile, so thank you so much!

Check out the Stitching On Paper - Introduction to see some of the projects that have been linked up so far, or link your up your own project using stitching to have the chance of winning a pretty little package of paper-crafting supplies.

Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Quilting

Hello! Hello! I'm so sorry that today's prompt is coming to you a little later than normal! First I spilt a cup of tea on my own projects for this weekend's classes (at least they were mine) and then our internet went out! So, I'm currently sat in an internet cafe with a cup of tea (no paper projects are close by) waiting for today's downloads to upload. That sounds a little weird, right? 

Anyway. Can you believe that we’re over half-way through the Stitching On Paper Series? Today we’re going to be Inspired By Quilting, with Guest Designers Lisa Hausman, Kim Dellow and Tricia Simmons. You are going to love their amazing projects!

If  you are only just joining in with Stitching On Paper, you can find all of the class materials in the Stitching On Paper Collection over on Scribd. And, while I'm on the subject of downloads, a few of you have let me know that Scribd doesn't support downloads for the I-Pad. So, I've happily set up a little 'mailing list' of people that would prefer me to e-mail the downloads. Let me know if you'd like to be included. I promise that I won't spam you, but I will let you know if you've won the lottery in another country without buying a ticket or if a random prince would like to send you some money.

Remember that if you've been inspired by the class, I'd love to see what you've created. You could win a little something! It's rather wonderful to see that people are starting to link up their projects - thank you so much for joining in! 

All being well, tomorrow's prompt will be with you bright and early, but whatever happens have a lovely weekend! x

Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Embroidery

In today's installment of Stitching On Paper, I'm joined by Guest Designer Lisa Hausman, as we expand our stitching credentials and get Inspired By Embroidery. There are inspirational projects, tons of tips and a collection of lovely links to help you learn. 

I'd recommend getting yourself a cuppa - and maybe a packet of biscuits - before settling down to read through today's download. You'll head off to look through all of the links and I guarantee that it could be hours before you resurface! Enjoy! x

Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Stamping

Morning! Ready for some more Stitching On Paper? We've learnt the basics of hand and machine stitching, but now we're going to start looking at how our stitching can be inspired by some more familiar crafts like stamping, embroidery and cross stitch. 

In today's part of the class, Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Stamping, I'm joined by Guest Designers Julie Kirk and Mel H. We've all interpreted our use of stamping and stitching a little differently, so there's plenty of inspiration. 

Remember that if you've been inspired by the class, I'd love to see what you've created. You could win a little something! Have a lovely weekend! x

PS Last week's Guest Designer, Jennifer Grace, has a little stitching template available on her blog. It's the cute cloud from last week's layout. Go get it!

Stitching On Paper - Inspired To Stitch By Machine

Hello! Hello! Are you ready for a little bit more Stitching On Paper? Today's element of the class, Stitching On Paper - Inspired To Stitch By Machine, we look at the basics of machine stitching, with lots of tips and techniques for getting started and a perfect finish. There are also inspirational projects from Guest Designers Jennifer Grace, Jemma Sharrock and Mel H - and let me tell you, they blew me away!

If you’re inspired by any of the techniques and tutorials featured in Stitching On Paper, please feel free to post your projects on your own blog, in your own online communities, anywhere! You can post a link to your projects using the Mr. Linky in the Stitching On Paper – Introduction - I would love to see them! And at the end of the month, I'll be randomly choosing one lucky participant to receive this rather pretty collection of papers, embellishments and stamps.

And one last note, I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who has commented, e-mailed, downloaded or joined me as a follower recently. It really does mean so much to me and makes all of my hard work (and endless worrying) worthwhile. I hope that you're enjoying the class! x

Stitching On Paper - Inspired To Stitch By Hand

Well, it's a little later than I expected but I'm having a little bit of a manic weekend - and am busy juggling house guests, far too many loads of laundry and ... um, a craft class. When I over-commit myself I really like to do it properly. Let's move on swiftly, shall we?

This morning’s Stitching On Paper - Introduction looked at all of the tools and supplies that you’ll need to start hand stitching. Hopefully, by now, you’ll have rummaged through your craft stash and will have everything that you need to hand.

If stitching on paper is something new to you, you might still be feeling a little apprehensive – so how about a little bit of inspiration to whet the appetite? In the next part of our class - Inspired To Stitch By Hand - you'll find projects from Guest Designers Jennifer Grace and Lara Watson. There's also a tutorial and template for creating your own hand stitched card. 

If you’re inspired by any of the techniques and tutorials featured in Stitching On Paper, please feel free to post your projects on your own blog, in your own online communities, anywhere!

You can post a link to your projects using the Mr. Linky in the Stitching On Paper – Introduction so that I, and all of the other class participants, can ‘ooh and ahh’ over your project.

And – just in case the recognition of your fellow classmates isn’t enough of an incentive to share – at the end of the class, I’ll be picking one participant at random to receive the rather splendid prize pictured above. The prize includes patterned papers from Crate Paper, Prima, American Crafts and We Are Memory Keepers,; American Crafts 'Fellow' Thickers; Elle's Studio Pink Pennants; Embroidery Threads; Organza Ribbon; Doilies; K & Co. Diecuts; A Clear Mini Frame; Floral Embellishment - and the latest edition of Scrap 365. 


Also included (but not pictured) is this super cute, Papersmooches Stamp Set - Summer Grooves - kindly sponsored by my lovely Design Team Co-ordinator, Emily from Make The Day Special.

So, what are you waiting for, get stitching!

Stitching On Paper Class - Introduction

Welcome to the first day of class! I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the response already. Thank you so to all of my followers - new and old - for all of the comments and well wishes that you've left me this week! It's so very much appreciated!

All of the class materials will be available via the Stitching On Paper Collection over on Scribd. You should be able to view all of the class materials without an account, though you may need to create a (free) account to print or download. I hope this suits everyone - there just seemed to be too much material for each part of the class to pack into one or two blog posts!

The first part of the class, Stitching On Paper - Introduction is a simple hunting and gathering exercise, to help you ease into the weekend - and the idea of learning - gently. I'll be back later on today with the first tutorial, some inspirational projects and the details of that prize I mentioned! Enjoy x

Notts Weekend Mini Book

For the last couple of weeks, I've been working on turning my July Counterfeit Kit into a mini book recording our beautiful Nottingham Weekend. Lots of cutting, corner chomping, stamping and sticking later and I've finally finished. There's a lot of pages packed into one little mini book, so I've only included a few photographs. (Here's the whole Notts Weekend Mini, if you're interested.)

I very much wanted the emphasis to be on the photographs and the journalling - and, I've included a lots of journalling cards to make space for those all important stories. There's still a few more stories to add in - and I'd especially like to have The Steve write a few of them. I'm conscious that I don't often include our stories from his point of view!

Because there's so many pages, I've kept my embellishments to a minimum, using my favourite Lawn Fawn sets - Bon Voyage, Bannerific and Say Cheese Too, along with some of the smaller doily shapes from the Unity set Blossom Stackers. There's some teeny bits of bling too, just to add some, but not too much, dimension and some continuity between the pages.

The Sassafras and Lily Bee Alphas from my Counterfeit Kit were also the perfect sizes to include mini-titles on some of my pages, highlighting important photographs and adding a little bit of texture.

Getting seriously excited by the idea of a new Counterfeit Kit which will be 'revealed' on Sunday. Between you and me, I become a little obsessed with the 'refresh' button on the 5th of each month!

Stitching On Paper Class - Sneak Peeks

The idea of stitching on paper might be nothing new, but I'm still amazed by the amount of e-mails that I receive asking me how I've managed to add hand stitching to my cards, or the people who leave me comments telling me that they wouldn't have the confidence to start stitching on their own layouts. 

Rather than reply to each and every one of those e-mails and comments individually, I started to think about the idea of hosting a class - for free - to share my own tips and techniques. It's been a long time coming, but I'm ever so proud to announce that Stitching On Paper will start on the 4th August, with tutorials every Saturday and Sunday throughout August.

I'll be exploring how to stitch on paper - covering the basics of hand stitching and machine stitching - then taking those techniques further inspired by stamping, embroidery, cross stitch, string art and quilting. Each element of the class will include tips, techniques and inspiration projects. 

Of course, I have a few Guest Designers joining me - Sian Fair, Mel H, Julie Kirk, Kim Dellow, Lisa Hausman, Tricia Simmons, Jemma Sharrock, Jennifer Grace & Lara Watston. Pretty amazing line-up, right? Each of these talented ladies will be sharing their own interpretation of my basic prompts - and I guarantee that you'll be inspired to start stitching on paper to create your own projects. Oh, and did I mention a prize?