Eclectic Storm

Barbara's Ochre and Kingfisher Journal Page 1 to 5.

2012-01-14T03:48:00.004Z

Hello All

Well as promised here are some more pages i created in a collaborative Art Journal last year.

These pages were done for Barbara's Journal and her chosen colours were Ochre and Kingfisher (not colours i would usually use together so a bit of a challenge for me too.

I chose India as my theme and used lots of Ripped and torn Indian news papers i collected on my last visit to that Beautiful country.

I tried to give the pages a used almost trashy and treasure look as some places in India are full of mess and rubbish and then you will see a beautiful coloured bird or a gorgeous sequinned sari in the middle of it all and it really does make a dismal scene look magical.

Here is Page 1

On this page i have used Gesso, Claudine Helmouths Studio Gloss Multi Medium and Studio Acrylics Lumiere Paints, Rubber Stamps by Elusive Images, A piece of ochre coloured netting held in place with Copper brads.

Page 2

For this page i used ripped and torn Indian Newspapers, Gesso, Claudine Helmouths Studio Gloss Multi Medium and Studio Acrylics Lumiere Paints, Spellbinders dies to make the flowers,

Grungebord and flat backed pearls.

Page 3

On the third page i drew a Mehndi hand in the centre and then used a stencil on the left hand side of the background.

On the right hand side i wrote a quote from Mahandas Ghandi.

Page 4

I had great fun and printed onto the newspaper background with my hand and filled the prints in with Stencils using Studio Acrylics and Lumiere paints I then drew around the hands with a Black Gel Pen and wrote quotes from Ghandi around them.

Page 5

For the final page i really went to town and had fun.

I wanted the page to look like a wall in India that had been used to put on and rip off Bollywood Film Posters and stuff.

As well as the Materials had used on the previous pages i added Pattered paper napkins, Acetate,

Bottlecaps , Angelina Fibres and Friendly Plastic .

Below is a close up of the Peacock Lady in the acetate frame.

Barbara really loved the pages and i enjoyed the challenge of those colours.

More soon

Love and smiles Rob xxx

Cherises Purple and Teal Journal Page 1

2012-01-10T04:53:00.003Z

Cherises Purple and Teal Journal Page 1
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

Hi Everyone.
I know its been a while but i am going to try and get here at least once a week to keep you all up to date with the arty bit of my life.
Starting with an Art Journal collaboration with 6 more artists who i was doing a college course with last year.
I will start with The pages i did in Cherises Purple and Teal Journal.
This is the first page i did in Cherices journal and i used all different shades and hues of Purples and teals on all of the pages.
My themes for the first two pages was
In a Fairy Garden ( with a twist on the Fairy bit ).
For this page i used Claudine Helmouth acrylics, gesso,gel pens,fabric,canvas,Alcohol inks,Friendly Plastic, rubber stamps and Spellbinders dies.

Cherises Purple and Teal Journal Page 2

2012-01-10T04:53:00.001Z

Cherises Purple and Teal Journal Page 2
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

Now on this second page you have the fairies ( the males of the species ) and one has been caught in a jar.
The Fairy Queen at the bottom left is actually a photo of myself when i was a female impersonator many moons ago and yes that was all my own hair.
Cherise thought it was nice that fairys had drag queens too.

Cherises Purple and Teal Journal Page 3

2012-01-10T04:52:00.001Z

Cherises Purple and Teal Journal Page 3
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

For the second spread in Cherises Journal i chose a Mermaid theme as i knew she loves them.
For the first page i drew and painted a mermaid face.
Then i drew seaweed with a black acrylic paint and cut each piece out and painted them in different shades of Teal.
I then stuck one piece onto another to give a three dimensional effect which looks great in real life.
I added another mermaid to the bottom right of the page just because.

Cherises Purple and Teal Journal Page 4

2012-01-10T04:51:00.001Z

Cherises Purple and Teal Journal Page 4
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

For the final page i used a carp stamp and 3 sisters mermaid stamp which are my own designs available from once upon a stamp.co.uk.
I made a frame from cardboard and embellished it with acrylics,and gems.
I then added a mermaid i painted into the frame then added the words.
Cherise was really happy with her pages and i really enjoyed creating them.
Thanks for dropping by and i will post the next set of journal pages in a few days.
Love and Smiles.
Rob xxx

MADAME BUTTERFLY Another Altered Book Spread

2010-08-26T17:48:00.006+01:00

Hi everone.

We were making paper dolls at the last class and it was real fun .

Heres another spread in my altered book which i have really enjoyed doing.

For these pages i used Red and Black acrylics sponged manically onto the pages.

I then took a large tag and painted it with Studio Acrylics and Distress inks.

Then applied a stencil and highlighted it in places with a white Ranger Pen and when it was dry cut it in half Length ways to form another layer and also a background.

I then made a paper doll to represent my version of Madame Butterfly.

Her Head dress, Ruff and bodice is made entirely from butterfly rubber stamps and Images that i manipulated in various ways until i had the effect i wanted.

I glued her to another paper doll that i never got round to finishing and then attached her to my page.

Heres a close up of Madame Buttetfly in all her glory

I hope you like her and i will post the finished spread later as i am going on to start another couple of pages and then come back to madame when i decide what to do to the other page.

Smiles Rob xxx

Altered Book in Progress

2010-08-13T11:54:00.008+01:00

Hello all

I have been attending a brilliant mixed media class on Mondays as i needed to just have a day of doing art stuff for myself as i was getting edgy and had hit a brick wall as far as my art was concerned .

As well as learning new techniques i have also made some great new friends and we all splodge paint around eat naughty food and laugh a lot which is the best art therapy in the world as far as im concerned.

I am working on an Altered Book and my theme for it is Things with Wings .

So here are a few pics to let you see how im getting on with it.

The first pic shows the book after i have glued pages together and then used paints and inks to add some colour

The next pic shows how i have built up the depth of the pages using more inks and paints using Rubber Stamps and Stencils.

And finally heres the first spread i have done and its almost finished and its supposed to represent Bingo Wings. It just needs a bit more doing to it but i will leave it for now until i decide what to add.

So as you can see i am having a fabby time and will keep you all up to date with how the book is getting along.

Smiles Rob xxx

Renaissance Topper

2010-05-09T23:12:00.001+01:00

Renaissance Topper
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

Here is what i like to do with peices of scrap paper i have used to glue and ink things on.
If its a decent size i decorate the other side like i have here and now i have a topper for a card without wasting paper.
On this topper i have used Graphic 45 renaissance papers and made the frame in the middle using my Metric Scor-Pal which i adore.
Hope you like it.
Love and smiles Rob xxx

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-14T23:58:00.003Z

Just had to make a valentines card today.

I based it on the vintage valentines cards and ephemera that i saw in the antique shops in Los Angeles. ( You can see those pics on the Once Upon A stamp blog )

I loved the colours and the victoriana and i just had to try and get that look.

Anyway this is a valentine to all who come and see.

Love ya all loads

Rob xxx

Journal Page using New Graphic 45 Papers

2010-01-28T09:51:00.004Z

Hi all sorry for not posting in ages.

I made this with the Perfect Gentleman papers i was given by Graphic 45 two days ago at the CHA. I didnt bring many craft products with me but i just had to have a play and came up with this journal page about how time and i just dont get on.

Hope you like it.

I will probably add to this when i get back from the CHA but im happy with it and enjoyed the process.

Smiles Rob xxx

The Klimpt Method

2009-11-15T12:48:00.002Z

Here is a new technique i am working on based on the old caught in crystal technique (but not messy) and the use of geometrical shapes as in some of the works by Gustav Klimpt.

So far i am really happy with the effect i am getting but i just want to try a few more things before i do a workshop with it.

Here are a few pics.

The flamingo stamp on the right is onto watercolour paper and painted with watercolours and the one on the right is using the Klimpt method onto stampbord and is much more textured and sparkly than my camera could pick up.

Techniques used were the same as the flamigo above and i love the way the lady looks as if she is wearing a mask in the Klimpt sample.

Here is a close up of the Deco lady but again my picture doesnt do her justice.

I will post more samples as i go along and please tell me what you think.

Smiles, Robert.

Made these last week and my new finds in Norfolk

2009-08-06T00:18:00.008+01:00

Made these two necklaces while i was down in Norfolk last week.

I just did a few hours a night beading while chilling out in the caravan and i love how they have turned out.

The daisy one will be a birthday present for one of my neices and the Egyptian looking one will be for my sister as i know she will just love it.

I bought this bust from a car boot sale in Scotland (i love car boot sales) for £1.00 and its ideal for showing off my jewellry.

Heres a close up. I must admit they are much more shiny in real life.

Anyway we took Harry for a little Holiday to Norfolk in the caravan last week and the weather was really kind to us and we all had a great time.

Harry went in the sea for the first time and i will put a video up of it when i figure out how to do it as it is really funny.

We always go to a few car boots while we are down there and these are some of my finds from this trip.

A gorgeous victorian photo album thats just itching to be altered for 50 pence. Heres a pic of it open and look how the pages are all aged and grungy.I love the Gothic arch shapes of the windows to.

A bag full of vintage glass beads for £3.00

6 cabinet cards for 50 pence.

A bag of semi precious stone pendants for £1.00

A silver plated double frame for 25 pence.

A pair of reproduction art nouveau frames for 50 pence.

I also got a huge bag of assorted seed beeds and findings for £2.00, a really unusual and weird doll for £3.00 and 5 paper back novels for £1.00.

So i am going to have fun now this winter when the gardening season is over and do some altered art projects.

Playing with the Pendant Dies

2009-07-14T00:31:00.005+01:00

I Have been playing around with the pendant dies for a few days and these are a couple of things i have done with them.

For the card above i have used K&Co papers, Distress inks, Shrink Plastic, sticky backed pearls,Fleur de lis pendant die, Fleur de lis Borderabilities die.

The next peice isnt finished yet as im not sure if i should use it as a card, a box top or the cover for one of my altered books ??? What do you think.

For this sample i used Labels 1 Nestabilities, In Spades Pendant Die, Distress inks, Copper, Tim Holtz Ornate Plates and Keyholes, Pinata Inks ,Distress Stickles and Sticky back pearls.

Hope you like these as much as i enjoyed making them.

Smiles Rob

What ive made since the last post

2009-06-18T00:33:00.002+01:00

Well ive been going to beading classes now for 3 weeks and i cant beleive the fab things i have made.

Cant wait for tomorrows class to see what i will make next.

For My Sister in Law to be

2009-05-29T01:39:00.003+01:00

My brother gets married in September to his girlfriend Sharon.

I wanted to give her a little keepsake from me as we get on so well and i love her dearly.

So today i made her this little blingy bracelet and i am going to ask her if she will wear it on her wedding day as her something Blue.

If she already has something Blue i will say No Problem Darling just wear it as something borrowed and give it me back later haha.

This is the first beaded bracelet that i have ever made and i have really enjoyed the process.

Hope you all like it.

Smiles.

Robert.

ATCs I Just Cant Part With

2009-04-16T23:53:00.005+01:00

I know how sad is that but sometimes i make an ATC and just dont want to part with it.
Sometimes its the colours i have used others its the image and sometimes i have just loved the process and discovered new ways of using things.
So now i always make a second one and that way it doesnt hurt when you have to say goodbye to a beloved ATC haha.

Here are a few of my favorite ATCs and they may not be everybodys cup of tea but i loved making them.

Its the little things like mona lisa leaning out of the window to have a quick puff of her cigarette and the smoke trailing away in the wind ( i wander if she really did do that can you imagine hehe).

So there you go a few of my favorites and i bet im not the only one who makes duplicates or am i.

Marc Anthony

2009-03-25T04:51:00.001Z

518584185_8cb5b5c4dd_m
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

An Atc i made ages ago and made 2 because i wanted one to keep.
Its supposed to symbolise Marc Anthony in one of Cleopatras rooms of her palace waiting to see her reaction when she see's a large emerald he has left on her pillow as she sleeps.
The stories we weave when making ATCs haha

Another Challenge from Lori

2009-03-25T03:16:00.004Z

My friend in Australia Lorri asked me if i would join in the challenge again on her blog http://auslorri.blogspot.com/.

This time its a photo of her mom and dad in the 1950s heres the pic

So i thought id send them both off on a little trip to Italy and add a bit of colour to them.

I really enjoyed this challenge and hope Lorri likes what i have done.

Heres the pic after i altered it

Let me know what you think too.

Smiles.

Robert.

My Gran

2009-03-11T00:36:00.003Z

Heres a page from a memory book i am doing about my family history.

My Gran was an amazing woman and i didnt get the time i would have liked to have had with her.

She was the UKs top woman stilt walker and apparently had a pair of stilts she had to get out of the bedroom window to use (how amazing is that i just love it).

Her Mother and Father eloped, as my great grandma was a lady and my great grandpa was a shepherd and couldnt read or write.

And her uncle came and gave her a bag of sovereigns to keep her and her 7 children going.

I have used the new spellbinders wizard dies to make this page.The flower i have made using the nested Peony die and the pages that tell her story are made using the negetive parts of the grand 12" heirloom scroll border.I have done it so that each layer opens as a page and you can read my memories of my Gran.

Valentine ATCs

2009-02-11T22:11:00.003Z

Heres a few Valentine ATCs i made today.

The stamped images are by invoke art stamps get them here http://www.onceuponastamp.co.uk/

I also used distress inks acetate and gold flake.

I am going to put them on my flickr site later for trade so if you would like to trade go here

www.flickr.com/photos/thornycourt/

Thanks for looking.

A GOOD READ

2009-02-11T21:55:00.003Z

i read this book in one sitting on the plane to America.

Its not really the kind of book i go for but the first few words just got me curious and i had to buy it

These are the words that start the story.

'Excuse me sir, but may i be of assistance.

Ah i see i have alarmed you.

Do not be frightened by my beard.

I am a lover of America...'

As soon as i had read the first page i was hooked. It is a very gripping story and it really stopped me from being bored on the plane. I recommend this to anyone who loves to see into other peoples lives and loves a book they just cant put down.

Here Come The Girls

2009-02-11T00:52:00.003Z

My friend Lori from Australia has put a photo up on her blog asking her visitors to change it any way they choose.

I decided to do a digital collage and this is how it turned out.

I did it all with paint shop pro ultimate x2. It is a brilliant programme if you are new to photo manipulation and a good price too.If you buy it at the moment you get a free 2 gigabite flash drive with it.

Back to life and snow and jetlag

2009-02-10T22:56:00.008Z

Well today is the best ive felt since coming back from L.A as i have had the worst jet lag ever.

Its the first day i havnt had a fuzzy head and have done everthing right without making mistakes and feeling hungover without having a drink haha.

What did we do on our day off in L.A ? we decided to go to the zoo in the morning and then Santa Monica in the afternoon.We had a fab time and the weather was gorgeous.

Arrived home on Thursday evening and went and collected Harry from his aunty Margarets, the welcome we got was wonderful as i had really really missed him so much.

Spent eleven hours on Friday catching up with internet orders and sending them all out and then we packed the van with goodies for the Stevenage show.

So the weekend saw Gordon at the show and Harry and i at the shop how we did it i just dont know .

Then on Suday the snow started and Harry was fascinated by it.He absolutely loves it and you cant keep him in.

The pictures above are of the entrance to the Zoo, Santa Monica Pier and Santa Monica Boulivard.

Harry in the park,Pleasley Nature reserve which is a two minute walk from the shop and a snow scene in the cemetary just up the road from where we live.

So i think ive caught up with everything now and am going to have a very large Gin and Tonic (hic)

Another Fun Day

2009-01-27T09:02:00.009Z

Its just gone 1.00 in the morning and i am still buzzing from the fabulous day we have had today,meeting new people and finding some fab new and unusual products that i know my ladies and gents will just love.

Yesterday i met a fab ladie called Misty and i had to go and ask if i could take a few pics of her Junque Journal which she had made using scraps and envelopes,music sheets etc and heres a pic of Misty and her journal The papers and embellishments are by K & Co and we will definately be having some

Now the next collage is of some friendly plastic samples made by a Jana Ewy on the Amaco stand.She shared some wonderful tips and techniques with me and i cant wait to share them with you when i get back.The Jewellery and book covers were just amazing.

Not far from Jana we met two more ladies who inspired us no end with their creativity and knowledge here is another collaged photo of what they were making and wow this stuff is amazing but its a surprise and i will tell you more about it when it arrives here in the UK.

We found some more interesting things but i am not going to put everything up or you will have nothing to look forward to when we get back to the shop and also at the shows.

Finally we went and had a natter and some fun with the girls at Spellbinders.The new dies are just wonderful and the girls are so creative with them they are always coming up with fabulous ideas.Heres two fun photoes to finish off tonights entry of Gordon and i on the Spellbinders stand

Well after two gruelling but interesting days we have finally looked at all of the trade show and placed our many orders.Tomorrow we are having an exploring day but not quite sure what we will do yet.I would like to go Whale watching but Gordon wants to go to San Diago Zoo so depending on the weather and what time we get up anything is possible.

I will try and post tomorrow and tell you what we eventually decided to do then.

Smiles Robert

Hi From Anaheim

2009-01-26T07:47:00.008Z

Well happy new year and here we are in Anaheim at the CHA trade show to see all the new goodies that are coming our way in the papercraft world.

This was part of my walk to the CHA yesterday morning and it really made a change from the weather at home.

These are the 24 new lites and brights alcohol inks from Ranger plus a pen to let you paint with them too.I cant wait to play with these.

These were a few samples on the ranger stand that caucht my eye, Grungeboard and other inksential items done Tim style of coarse.

And heres the bigger picture showing some of the other things on the sample board.

We have found some interesting new items today to go with things we already sell and i think our customers are going to love them but we are going to keep them all a surprise until they arrive at the shop sometime next month hopefully.
Tomorrow we are going to see our friends at Spellbinders and have a good natter with them as they were a little busy today as you can imagine.
See you tomorrow with more pics and gossip from Anaheim.
Smiles Rob and Gordon
P.S we are reallllllllly missing Harry and cant wait to get home to him.

Altered Mirror

2008-11-30T18:12:00.001Z

Altered Mirror
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

Made this mirror for the big craft show at the NEC i the UK.
Its made of all odds and ends i usually put to one side or throw away.
Anyway lots of people commented on it for the two days i was there so i am making a few for Christmas presents.
The NEC was amazing this year considering there is suposed to be a recession.
Anyway we have been so busy since then getting the new shop ready for our grand opening next weekend i havnt had time to blog till now.

Musical vamp

2008-11-12T02:05:00.001Z

Musical vamp
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

THis is the ATC i have entered for TMTATC challenge.
The theme this week is Purple which is one of my favorite colours.
Hope you like it.

Nestabilities Board 1

2008-11-12T02:01:00.001Z

Nestabilities Board 1
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

Myself and two of my dearest friends Di and Jean have been working hard for the past week designing some sample boards for the paper craft show at the NEC Birmingham UK as the other boards were getting a bit shabby looking with all the travelling around they do.
This is the first Christmas board we made up and it shows how you can use the spellbinders dies on their own or combined with rubber stamps and scrapbooking papers.
If you come to the NEC you will see how fabuluos they really look in real life.

Nestabilities Board 2

2008-11-12T01:58:00.003Z

Nestabilities Board 2
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

This board combines samples that our customers have sent in and isnt their work terrific.
Thank you ladies and your names will be put under your cards tomorrow so that people at the exhibition can see who made them.

Nestabilities Board 3

2008-11-12T01:58:00.001Z

Nestabilities Board 3
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

Third board shows work by Di and Jean and other customers who have sent us sample to the shop.
Thank you girls and your names will go under your cards tomorrow ready for the exhibition.

And the winner is

2008-11-10T22:49:00.001Z

blog candy winner is
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

Lucky Dolls 123.
You are the first name to be pulled out of the old ciggy tin.
The blog candy is yours and i will contact you straight away.
Thanks to everyone who joined in and stay tuned for another giveaway soon as we have the NEC craft show at the end of this week and i am sure to have more blog candy after that.
Thanks again for joining in and three cheers for Luckydolls 123.
Smiles Rob xxx

Goddess Art Pin ATC

2008-11-08T00:47:00.001Z

Goddess Art Pin ATC
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

THis is my entry for both TMTATC and Wednesday stampers.
The theme this week is Angels so i thought this was quite fitting.
The instructions to make this is on the artquest website as i was asked to be artist of the month a while ago.
Art pin ATC made using Rubber stamps,stampbord,Metal,inks coloured pencils ,gel pens,lumieres,brads and rhinestones.
THe Background is a Stampboard ATC which i have painted and then rubbed distress inks onto.
I left it unstamped so that the art pin is prominant.

Queen of the Nile

2008-11-08T00:33:00.001Z

Queen of the Nile
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

My entry for Tuesday Challenge.
The theme this week is Black and Brown tones.
I made this ATC some time ago but it fits the theme.
hope you like it.
Will post more pages of my moulin rouge boook soon as this week has been hectic with new deliveries,getting things ready for the NEC craft show in Birmingham.Making lots of new samples with the new frameabilities,nestabilities,borderabilities and grandeborder dies for the wizard and getting everything written down on paper for our two day grand opening of our new shop on December the 6th and 7th.
I will tell you more nearer the date.

Blog Candy give away

2008-11-03T23:12:00.001Z

Blog Candy give away
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

Hi everybody no moulin rouge page tonight as i am still tired after the papercraft show at Doncaster yesterday.These are some of the embelishments i was making on our stand.They are made with friendly plastic,shrink plastic,pinata alhohol inks and krylon pens.
If you would like the chance of owning them then just leave a comment and i will randomly select the person next monday.
You dont have to live in the UK this is open to everyone in blogland.
smiles and good luck
Robert

la moulin rouge 3

2008-11-02T00:52:00.001Z

la moulin rouge 3
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

second page of the book depicts one of the artistes just putting the finishing touches to her makeup before her evening performance.
Still not completely finished but i will add more to it later.
I am really enjoying doing this and keep thinking about the next page while working on the current one.
Im off to demo at a papercraft show in Doncaster tomorrow so it will probably be Monday evening before i can do another page but i will put it up as soon as its ready.
Thanks for dropping by
Smiles Robert

la moulin rouge2

2008-11-01T00:14:00.001Z

la moulin rouge2
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

First page in the book
This depicts one of the showgirls performing her act.
Used Nestabilities and cutlebug dies through the wizard machine.Grungeboard,distress and pinata alchohol inks,friendly plastic moulded keyhole,peeloffs and krylon gold pen.
Its not completely finished but i will add to it as and when.

la moulin rouge grungeboard book

2008-10-31T01:00:00.001Z

la moulin rouge grungeboard book
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

OK i havnt posted in ages but i really have been busy.
Have just been enjoying having a dog again and of course we are moving our shop to bigger and better premises so that is taking a load of our time and i am enjoying every minute of it.
Loads of new things arrived at the shop today and when i saw the grungeboard books i just had to have one and start playing.
Used grungeboard,oval nestabilities,distress inks,cuttlebug folders,krylon pen.
Good to be back in blogland.
Love and smiles Robert

Meet Harry our new baby

2008-06-29T00:36:00.003+01:00

This is Harry who has come to live with us and we are so happy.
Harry is a Cockapoo a cross with a cocker spaniel and a poodle.
He is 12 weeks old and we have had him for almost two weeks.
Our lives have been so empty since we lost Barnie last December and now having Harry around its just brightened our world up and we are all getting along just fine.
He is a lovely little charactor so playful bouncy and loving.
We named him after Gordons grandpa who sadly passed away a few weeks ago.
I have just put our names down for puppy training classes which we start in two weeks time
so i will keep you informed on how we are doing

What ive been doing

2008-06-28T15:23:00.004+01:00

Havnt posted since April as ive been really busy gardening.

Wanted to grow my own veg this year so in March i turned the conservatory into a greenhouse and started all my seeds off.

As you can see from the picture they all did really well and had sprang to life by mid April.

Last October Gordon made me three raised

beds on the walled side of the garden as it was a bit of a mess and needed something doing to it. We also took the old paving slabs up and made a pebbled area and behind the beds we made a woodbark area so we could add fruit bushes.
As you can see in the pictures its really looking good and im so proud of my little veg and fruit patch,I have used one bed for strawberrys only and next month they should be ready for eating.

The middle bed has runner beans,kidney beans,French beans,peas,carrots and mooli a large indian radish that is fab raw or cooked.

The last bed has pac choi,lettuce,brussels sprouts,brocoli,radish,oions,garlic and beetroot.

In front of the kitchen i have tomatoes,courgettes,and herbs growing.

Witches ATC

2008-04-28T13:10:00.001+01:00

Coven
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

The theme this week on TMTATC is Walpurgisnacht which i think in English means Night of the Witches,but im not sure.
I just love these old crones swapping spells over a nice cup of tea they look as if they wouldnt hurt a fly.

3D Mermaid ATC

2008-04-25T00:09:00.001+01:00

Mermaid ATC
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

Made this for the TMTATC challenge
This weeks theme is Mermaids and Water Sprites.
My ATC background is made using card,twinkling H2os,and deep image crystal clear glazing crystals.
Although the back is wavy it is still ATC size and looks like the ocean floor.
The Mermaid face is made of friendly pastic,with beads,charms and rayon threads.
A little different i know but i was in a 3D collagey mood and i hope you like her.

Monas Cat

2008-04-21T02:07:00.001+01:00

Monas Cat
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

Made this for the tag you r it challenge group.The challenge this week was to make a tag using no stamping.
Ive used clipart,tassels,peeloffs,bindi,s and ive used one of the air dry clay molds i made earlier today,Its the one that came out all raggedy which i love.
The background is a peice of card that i have used Pinata alcohol inks on and i much prefer the colours of these to the ranger ones they seem to stand out more,
Anyway thanks for looking and i hope you like it.

Molding Madness

2008-04-20T18:05:00.003+01:00

Found some old molds i made ages ago as i was rumaging round this morning, so got my Makins Clay out (terracotta) and pushed some in the molds.

As you can see i started to run out when i got to the chat noir mold so two of them are going to look nice and tattered.

I will show you how they come out when they are dry and i have coloured them.

LAST WEEKEND AT ALLY PALLY

2008-04-19T21:36:00.009+01:00

SATURDAY
Gordon and i were at the Ally Pally papercraft show selling our wares and we had a great time as usual.A big hello to Marina and Mary it was lovely to see you both again.

The samples above were made by our friend Jayne using our Rubber stamps,Twinkling H2os and twinkling H20 solution that enhances the colours even more and enables you to paint onto acetate plastic glass and other shiny surfaces.
Jayne demonstrated this product for us and we sold out of the 200 bottles we took with us in a day and a quarter.
Thanks Jayne for helping us this weekend we really enjoyed your company.

SUNDAY
Another great day and the highlight of it for me was meeting Linda and her friends.
Linda was really upset because she couldnt get her friendly plastic to do friendly things and always ended up in a mess.
So i sat her down in front of everybody and took her through it step by step and she was fabulous and so was the brooch she made.
We worked out the problems she had been having was caused through overheating the plastic, which i dont think she will do again now shes got the hang of it.

Moulin Rouge

2008-03-07T00:02:00.001Z

Moulin Rouge 2
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

Paris is the challenge this week for Theme Thursday so i chose the Moulin Rouge as it was a place i would have loved to have visited when it was first established.
I have used rubber stamps and ephemera.
The dancer in the center is one of the original showgirls and i love the way the curtains are flowing around her.

Button Doll

2008-01-26T02:28:00.001Z

Button Doll
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

This is my entry for the Wednesday stamper challenge.
This weeks theme is Button Dolls.
The buttons and beads are made from friendly plastic.
The youth,wings and background stamp are from Once Upon a Stamp.
Finished it off with rhinestones.

New Product FLEXI MAG

2008-01-17T03:44:00.001Z

New Product Board
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

Happy new year everyone.
This is my sample board for our new product, FLEXI MAG a paper (gloss or matte) which has a flexable cuttable magnetic backing.
It takes all inks and can be run through an inkjet printer .
You can use it as a backing for shrink plastic,stampbord etc to make magnets too its really good fun and has put me back in the mood to craft.
We are launching it in Farnborough this weekend and it will be on our website early next week.
Smiles Robert

Alphabet fairy

2007-12-11T23:02:00.001Z

Alphabet fairy 01
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

This is my contribution to Created by hand tuesday.
Im not up to making much at the moment but this is something i made a few months ago.
Im very slowly coming to terms with what has happened and hope you all like
Thanks Robert

SAD NEWS

2007-12-10T04:42:00.001Z

SAD NEWS
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

Sorry i havnt posted or joined in any challenges lately
On Friday at 4.10 pm our liitle boy Barney sadly died peacefully and suddenly with us by his side at home.
After 3 weeks of tests and x-rays he was finally diagnosed with Addisons disease which he has probably had since birth or contacted years ago.
This horrid virus is virtually undetectable and slowly Very slowly takes your life without you knowing it.
By the time the symptoms are recognised it is usually too late.
We are both devastated and so upset he was only 10 and such a happy little chap.
Barney thank you for coming into our lives and being such a lovely friend,giving us so much LOVE and making us so happy.
We love and miss you terribly and our hearts are broken
from your 2 daddys
Robert and Gordon xxx

Headware ATC

2007-11-26T13:30:00.001Z

Ave Maria ATC shrine
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

Selected this ATC for my entry in this weeks TMTATC challenge.
The theme is headware.
Ive used lots of celtic rubber stamps that ive made into a kind of shriney background ephemera a transparancy and a couple of rhinestones.

Flower Spirit tag

2007-11-24T03:53:00.001Z

Flower Spirit tag
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

Created by Hands challenge this week was also tags.
This is the one i entered.
The quote stamps are from Invoke,papers are from Basic Grey,the flower and scalloped ovals are wizard die cuts and the little face is made of friendly plastic.
Thanks for looking Robert

4x4 Challenge Lace

2007-11-24T03:27:00.001Z

4x4 Challenge 02
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

The theme for 4x4 Friday this week is lace.
I decided to do my first bit of digital art and here it is.
The background with the leaves and lace is a print i made a few months ago.
Really enjoyed doing this and may do more when i have time.

4 x 4 Friday Challenge

2007-11-24T02:36:00.001Z

4 x 4 Friday Challenge
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

This is my first 4 x 4 peice.
The theme for this week was trees.
Hope you like it
Used Rubber stamps from Sunday International inks and watercolours.

We 3 Queens ATC

2007-11-24T01:31:00.001Z

We 3 Queens ATC
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

My entry for Inspiration Muse
The first theme is Crowns so i thought i would give this rubber stamp its first showing.
Its by Grunge Gallery Artstamps and will be available from Once upon a stamp from mid December.
I used coloured pencils in a manic way and like the carefree feel to it.
I can see this stamp becoming one of my many favorites.
By the way Rubber Stamp sheets are sent post free all over Europe
from Once Upon A Stamp.
http://www.onceuponastamp.co.uk

Through Cleopatras Window

2007-11-22T00:07:00.001Z

Through Cleopatras Window
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

My entry for Wednesday Stampers The theme this week is Diamond

A peek through the window of Cleopatra as she ogles the hugh blood diamond sent to her by her lover Marc Anthony.
Mixed media ATC using rubber stamps,transparancies,assorted ephemera,glitter pens and rhinestones (theyre a boys best friend haha)

Sing and rejoice door closed

2007-11-21T15:02:00.001Z

Sing and rejoice door closed
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

This is my entry for Thin Mondays ThinkATC.
This weeks theme is Houses.
I used ruber stamps and ephemera to build my house just enough room for one person haha

Gothic Arch Friends

2007-11-19T20:57:00.001Z

Gothic Arch Friends
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

The theme is Friends this week.
I used Rubber stamps from Grunge Gallery at Once upon a stamp (little boy little girl and william Morris Background),Distress and blending block inks and a transparancy.

Train Travel ATC

2007-11-17T13:34:00.001Z

Train Travel ATC for trade
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

My entry for tone on tone for Saturday Stampers
Clipart background,Rubberstamped Train (once upon a stamp)
Clipart figures.
Used distress and blending block inks to colour it all in brown tones.

THeme Thursdays - Boys

2007-11-16T23:18:00.001Z

Wanderer ATC
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

My first contribution to Theme Thursday.
This is an ATC using stamps from Once Upon A Stamp (boy, clock and Gothic text background) and Invoke Arts (quote)
Hope you like it.

Saturday Stampers Tag Challenge

2007-11-16T17:45:00.001Z

Saturday Stampers Tag Challenge
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

The challenge this week was tags.
This is my contribution using stamps from Once upon a stamp and Invoke Arts
Papers are from Basic Grey

First Gothic Arch Card

2007-11-14T23:57:00.001Z

First Gothic Arch Card
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

Done for the Gothic Arch group Challenge.
This weeks theme is TEXT so i used ripped pages from Indian newspapers and rubber stamps from Once Upon A Stamp.
This is my first Gothic art card and i have used FlexiMag for a base so that i can use it as a magnet to put on my filing cabinet.
Hope you like it

What Ever Happened To Hollywood ATC

2007-11-13T00:32:00.001Z

What Ever Happened To Hollywood ATC
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

Done for Think Mondays Think ATCs
The Theme for this week is Hollywood
Hope you like my entry

Floral ATCs

2007-11-07T03:48:00.001Z

Floral ATCs
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

Here is a set of 7 ATCs i made using my own designed floral rubber stamps which you can buy at once upon a stamp,email Gordon at http://www.info@onceuponastamp.co.uk for prices etc.
These were all made differently with various multi media that were lying around on my craft table at the time.
They are for trade on my flickr site.

Fur and Feathers Mask ATC

2007-11-06T21:54:00.001Z

Fur and Feathers
Originally uploaded by Eclectic Storm

THis was done for a fur and feathers swap,i used fake fur,feathers and rubber stamping

Contribution to TMTATC theme Birds

2007-11-06T19:21:00.000Z

These are my two contributions to Think Monday Think ATC

The theme this week was birds, i hope you like them.