Introducing Crafty Cow Creations

I've been feeling a bit shabby this end of the week and haven't been up to creating much. So, it's a perfect opportunity to borrow someone else's idea and introduce one of my Stampin' Up! team members to you, the very creative Clare McIllhatton.

Some of us come to paper-craft with no history of craft and without a clue as to how to create a work of art. Not so with Clare who can actually draw (unlike me who stamps for that very reason). Since meeting Clare in January this year, I've noticed she comes at her paper-craft quite differently from conventional stampers. With unique and admirable results.

Back at our team weekend away in August, we were set a colour challenge to make a card using Groovy Guava, Blush Blossom, So Saffron and Wild Wasabi:


Here's my card using True Friend from the SU! Spring Mini Catalogue:


Adequate you might say but a definite "Ho Hum", bordering on "Yawn Yawn". Far too much So Saffron for my comfort.

And here's the card Clare made:


Much more interesting and fun. Clare created her own template for the fish bowl (just drew it up) and, used some sponging with torn paper and blue and green ink pads, to give the rippled water background. The black outline is made with the Stamp Write Journaler and the white accent is from the White Uniball Signo Gel Pen. The stamp set is Fishy Friends and you can't quite see it from the photo, but she has used Crystal Affects over whole cut out image to give it a shine, allowed it to dry and then adhered it to the bowl using Stampin' Dimensionals. If anyone who can't draw would like a copy of the template, please email me .

I'm excited that Clare is going to be demonstrating her talents at the upcoming Get Ready For Christmas Craft Event on 25 October 2008. She is based in South West Sydney so if you're out that way and would like a local demonstrator, please contact her by email . Otherwise, keep an eye on her new blog for great ideas, especially for all things kid-related. She has three cherubs of her own and in another life, taught art to children at school.

Just one more of her creations to finish off:


Who doesn't remember Cookie Monster from Sesame Street? A great use of the Stampin' Up! scallop punch (you need one, trust me). For more details on how to make this card, please email Clare .

Hopefully I'll be back on track with more creations to share soon.

Love from Crafty Kim