Recolouring vintage photos

I just found this website where you can download a free trial version of some really cool software which makes it east to add colour to black and white photos.



Its really useful for me as I like to use vintage images and portraits in my altered art and collage projects. However I'm always drawn to those which were hand tinted as that touch of colour really makes a difference.



I'm not very skilled with digital imaging and not patient enough to teach myself properly however in just a few minutes I managed to turn this

Into this - ok its not perfect but not bad for a first go.

Smokey the literary cat

I thought my cat Smokey was a bit quiet, so I went into my lounge to see what he was doing and found him lying on the book I'm reading, looking for all the world as though he was going to begin reading it.

It was closed when I left it so he'd opened it himself.

Doesn't he look as though butter wouldn't melt? Don't you believe it - he's a little devil even though he's calmed down a lot now he's getting on in years and is a more mature gentleman - though he's still my baby.

For those of you who wondered what type of cat he is he's a Devon Rex.

The book, in case you're interested is by Bear Grylls, and is called across the frozen Ocean.

I've promised myself that I'll add something to my blog at least once or twice every week.

Trouble is I sometimes wonder what I can put (such a boring life I lead)



I've been staying indoors quite a lot, its so cold outdoors Brrrrr. Had to nip into town today for a few essentials but didn't stay long.



I was glad to get back to my warm home, a good cup of coffee, my computer and my cat. I've been playing scrabble on Facebook with several friends.

If anyone reading this is on Facebook heres my profile why not join me in a game of scrabble?





I saw this lovely image on Photobucket, isn't it cute?

Vintage altered art cds

After posting a couple of my cards yesterday, Treez's lovely comment reminded me of the altered cds I make also on a vintage theme.

I usually give these as small gifts to friends who need cheering up either in with a card or in place of one.

They have been well received and much admired.

I include a ribbon or cord hanger or a clip so you can hang them on your wall.

I had a stack of those old free cds you get given with Sunday newspapers and decided to make them into something pretty.

I cover them with pretty vintage paper, then add images, words, slide mounts ribbons and buttons all to add to the vintage feel.

I enjoy searching out vintage images to use in my art.

Vintage style cards

Just thought for a change I'd show a few vintage style cards I've made.

I love using these old photographic images.

They look so pretty and romantic.

Hope you enjoy looking at them.

Snow today

Well, I now know its winter. We had a good overnight layer of snow and some of its hung around all day. Its only the beginning of December and I'm sick of the cold already - I don't DO cold! I'm such a warm weather person it makes me wonder why I live here in Northern England where its often cold.

Having arthritis means when the temperature drops I AGE overnight and ache all over - creak, groan. Oh well the snow looks beautiful and brings out the artistic side in me so what better excuse than to stay indoors reading and crafting with a nice mug of hot chocolate.

Heres a picture of my back garden covered in snow.

What I made today

It was my morning at bead group today.

there are about 12 of us in it and we get together once a week to do some beading, share patterns and techniques.

I've made these 2 donut pendants which I've suspended from a ribbon and cord thong necklace.

I think they're really pretty - what do you think?

I'm going to sell them for just £6 each.

Earring things

Thought I'd show you a few of my easy to wear dangly earrings which are really popular.

You can buy these and see many more styles at

http://beadyjan.fotopic.net/

Sizzle bangle

This is what I made yesterday - for sale at £7.


Its another memory wire bangle which fastens with a Tibetan silver S clasp.

It will fit a medium wrist - approx 7.5" but I can remodel it on request to fit a little larger or smaller.

I just love the hot pinks with a hint of black to stop it being too girly girly.

Christmas shopping anyone?

I've been busy making some more items for Christmas presents and got carried away as usual and made far too many, so if anyones looking for a few stocking fillers how about
Beaded bookmarks.

at just £4 each they are the perfect stocking filler for any book lover. Made from strong flexible Silver plated wire and pretty beads they keep your page marked in the prettiest way.

I have begun to make memory wire wrap bracelets again, after several people begged me to, they really are the thing to be seen wearing right now.

They fit most sized wrists snugly and are priced at £12 for multi coil with 4 coils .

or £7 for single coil wrapover as shown below.
(worn singly or several together these really are the easiset bracelet ever to wear) no clasp or fiddly fastener to mess with.

Email me with your requirements now.

I can make them up in different colourways of your choice ( subject to availability of beads which I have in my current stash.

I accept payment by Paypal or uncrossed postal order.