Back at last

It's been a long time coming, but at last I feel like crafting again, and joining in on the couple of arty crafty forums I belong too.

The first thing I tried was creating a postcard - for a monthly swap.

It really was like trying to learn how to stamp and paint again.  I was quite pleased with my effort at the time - but with hindsight, there is a lot of room for improvement so I won't show it on here.

I also decided to join in a decorated beer mat swap.

As I haven't joined in for so very long, I took my theme from one of my favourite Jo Capper Sandon's sentiment stamps - which is 'Even Silence Speaks'.  I have it on display all the time and read it every day.

So, although the stamp does not appear on the front of the beer mat - it is stamped on the back

The stamp for this image I have had for years - but don't remember the manufacturer.

The lady looks so sad and thoughtful.

The butterfly is symbolic - said to be sent by a loved who's passed to cheer you up!

I have coloured the lady with pastels - it's a bit hard to see her pale pink face in the photo, and she has brimming eyes and tears running down  her face.

The butterfly I painted, and glossed too.

My 'take' on "Even Silence Speaks"