Thursday, November 5, 2020

Mr. Foxy

I have a new obsession.  I was fooling around on Pinterest one day when up popped the most intriguing stamp image on a card.  Turns out it was a Woodware Lino Cut.  I followed the link and found a whole bunch of them at Frantic Stamper.  How did I not know about these stamps?  Where are all the samples?  After much searching I finally found a Woodware blog and from what I can tell, the company owners retired in 2016.  I think they're no longer making new designs, but the existing designs are still on the market.  I'm really not sure.  Does anyone know more about these stamps?

I now have six of the lino cut stamps and more in my wish list.  Once I started stamping with them I didn't want to stop.  Perhaps their style is not for everybody, but I'm totally smitten.  I started with Mr. Foxy because I wanted a fall card, and he seemed right for that.  Somehow the cards ended up with a vintage look, which is something I rarely do these days.  Things happen.  I tell you, I don't always have control of my own stamping.



I made two cards, both 5" square.  Frames are Core'dinations cardstock, sanded for aging.  The stamped panel on each is smooshed with Versamark and embossed with ultra-thick embossing enamel, two coats.  The image panel for this first card was put in the freezer for a short while so it would curl up and then crack when I straightened it.  When I learned this technique it was called "cracked glass".  I rubbed ink into the cracks, wiped off excess.  Vintage-ish paper behind it.  All part of the aging process.




The next card is similar, but different.  Frame is smaller, designer paper shows on the outer edges, different die cut in the corner.  Brushed ink around the edges of the image panel while the die was still in place.  Most significant is that I used a sponge dauber to ink the image in two different colors.




I knew these cards would be difficult to photograph because of the glossy coating, but it was even more so than I imagined.  While I was able to avoid the harshest glare, there is a haze over some areas that diminishes the crisp awesomeness I see with my own eyes.

Okay, I've taken too much of your time already, so I'll wrap up here.  See recipe below and have yourself a beautiful day!



Stamps:  Woodware Mr. Foxy  Paper:  Whisper White, Core'dinations brown, 7 Gypsies Conservatory designer paper  Ink:  Versamark and SU Really Rust (both cards), Apricot Appeal (1st card), Close to Cocoa and Creamy Caramel (2nd card)  Other:  Ranger Ultra-Thick Embossing Enamel, Die-namites Ivy Corner (1st card), Poppystamps Hampstead Corner (2nd card), Spellbinders Grand Classic Squares (both cards)



21 comments:

Viv said...

Hi Leslie!
These lino cut stamps are just lovely and Mr Fox looks fab!
Woodware is a British company that has been in existence for a long time and is still going strong!
Many craft outlets here in the UK sell their stamps. A company called Crafts4Less have quite a big range as does Craftstash and Hunkydory to name but three! (I have no connection to any of these companies except that I have bought from them in the past)
If there is a particular stamp that you see that you cannot source in US give me a shout and I will see if there is one here that will not charge you a small fortune for postage!xx

Cat Craig said...

There are groups that covet the Woodware stamps, and your fox is a prime example. Love the rustic look and feel of your card. Fabulous.

Darnell said...

I've known of them and seen others use them, but I don't think I've ever purchased their stamps. It's wonderful that you have found something fun and new to sink your teeth into, Leslie, and I can't wait to see the next ones! These Mr. Foxy cards are outstanding! As always, the execution is immaculate and everything fits together perfectly when you give over control to the Muse! Hope all is well, considering! Hugs, Darnell

Yogi said...

Lovely. I didn't know about them either... Have a great day

Margaret said...

Wow! Both cards are stunning in your design. I have never heard of Frantic Stamper before, but the image you used is fabulous. Love your techniques in putting it all together.

Judy Woodland said...

Okay, Leslie, you are a BRAT!!! I had to go over and look at that line of stamps, didn't I? Now I want them all. They are so unique and different, I LOVE them!!!! And I LOVE your card, thanks for the inspiration......I guess. LOL! XOXO

crafty-stamper said...

Both stunning cards love the beautiful fox and vintage look
Carol x

Verna Angerhofer said...

Beautiful card using the combination of those two stamps. Your work is always amazing!

Bonnie said...

I'm afraid to go look, Leslie! What I see here are amazing and I know I'll be wanting some! Love this image, the vintage look and awesome framing! I'm loving the die cuts in the corners too! What fun to find something new to let your creativity flow!

Christine Alexander said...

I have heard of them and seen a few. Lino cut block printing is so cool, such different stamps/printing blocks.
Cracked glass, that brings back memories, it's been a while since I pulled out my UTEE :)

Lynette said...

So cool, Leslie. I can see why you're smitten. Love the cracked glass technique. I do know what you mean about not always having control over your stamping! :)

Nanny's Pansy Patch said...

What an interesting technique! I never heard of them before but the outcome looks great! The combination of the fox and the vintage look is amazing! I do know what you mean as sometimes what is in my head does not transfer to the paper! LOL! Have a great weekend!

aussie aNNie said...

Wow love this, that is one foxy card and love the lino cut.... never heard of them .xx

Conniecrafter said...

they are both so cool, I just love the look of them both, the cracked glass technique worked great with it, and like both dies you used for the corners, they go great with the stamped leaves. I don't think I have seen these stamps either, so fun when we find some new stamps we like and great that you can still get them :)

Cindy Beach said...

What beautiful cards! The technique and vintage style bring back great memories of past creations. The style is timeless and classic and you've captured it so well. I love how you've used the images and your obvious pleasure derived from that.
I've noted that Mary Rose, a blogger shared about her discovery of these stamps recently. https://maryrosescafe.blogspot.com/2020/10/nostalgic-for-stamping.html

pam said...

Fabulous card Leslie, see someone already mentioned the UK for these stamps.
Hugs Pam x

Pauline said...

Oh my these are both amazing! Love them both, the image is beautiful. I love how you did each differently, my favourite is the 2nd card. The cracked glass is a great technique, been years since I've done it, but it really adds to the rustic, vintage look. The corner additions just complete both perfectly. I have heard of this company, in fact I have a couple, but well you know how it is, gotta have them and now they are just sitting here . someday I'll get to them! Lately I haven't stamped much at all, been forcing myself too, just haven't felt up to it, and I have a large order to fulfil, really need to get at it! Anyway enough about me, have a wonderful day Leslie. Thanks for sharing these two beauties!

laurie said...

Awesome cards! Such great designs. Love that fox!

Ros Crawford said...

I have this stamp too and I get them from the one Viv mentioned, In fact I've quite a few Woodware stamps as they are good quality and not expensive.
All that said your cards are beautiful... I love the texture of the cracked glass.

Pam Sparks said...

So classy! Love it!

Ida said...

Both of these are quite nice. The stamp is pretty cool and wow I haven't done the cracked glass technique in years but it still looks fabulous on your card. I also like your corner dies.