ORSA - July Swap - water

I received 3 wonderful cards in the mail on Friday from the July SOT M.  This month's theme was water, and I'm always intrigued by how people interpret that theme and come up with a card.  All 3 cards I received had a boat as an image, but  after that they were truly unique.
This card was done by Jean Bircham.  I love the way she did the sky.

Julia did an Iris Folded sailboat.  This is one of my favourite techniques and seeing this card reminds me that I haven't made a card using this technique for quite some time.  Love the little birds in the corner.

Yellow and blue - such bright colours.  This sailboat was done by Julia.  T he sails were stamped twice and then superimposed on each other. Some glitter on the water and the boat is sailing on a sparkling windy day.

This is the card I submitted for swapping.  This distressing technique is a favourite of mine.  The image is a Stampscape stamp.

Another passion - Making my own paper

Gail U taught me how to make paper last weekend and I've been busy making paper ever since.  I've been trying hard not to get obsessed in this process as I have a tendency to do that, but I do make some paper every day. 

Above you'll see some paper I have made.
I'm still very much a novice, but I'm having fun and starting to make some projects.

Here is a box I made using the Bitty Box and Envelope die.  The tissue paper flower on top was made using the Big Flower punch the same tissue paper which provided the basis for the new paper and the leaf is from the Big Bird punch.
 Glitter and real dried flowers (purchased) have been added to this paper, but I am going to incorporate my own flowers. So  I have started drying the flowers from my garden using a flower press.  Already I have a batch to use.  I've dried geraniums, petunias, verbena, cosmos, zinnias, marigolds, clematis, and the leaves from cosmos, ferns,  yarrow, and summer phlox (blue, red, and white) Stay tuned for paper made from these.
I've made a card, but will post it later.

Stamp:  Loving Daisy, Impressions Obsessions
Paper: Pear Pizzaz, Whisper White, hand made paper
Ink:  Wild Wisabi, Memento, Copic markers to color main image
Accessories: Scallop edge punch, polka dot and vintage wall paper embossing folders, rhinestones, sheer ribbon, word window punch, modern label punch

Stampin UP Workshop

I've been doing some training with Stampin' Up and part of this training is to book a workshop.  I made the decision to have the workshop at my home in Peterborough on August 15, from 1 until 4.  If anyone from this area would like to attend the workshop please contact me via emai\;  mariavanderform@yahoo.com
In this workshop I will be featuring the latest Stampin Up products and of course making cards - stamping, colouring and using the Big Shot