PaperPlae, the artwork

Altered Book Swap Theme: Advice

2009-02-24T13:08:00.001-06:00

I love... minibook swap

2009-02-17T12:12:00.003-06:00

Along the lines of a little fat book swap, we used 8 1/2 x 11 cut in 4. Each player had to complete the phrase: "I Love...." There were a total 11 players and for each I made the cover. Thanks for playing ladies, they will be on their way to you today. See www.paperartistsonline.com for photos of everyone's pages.

Round Robin ATC- Rain Dance

2009-02-12T12:01:00.004-06:00

Again, I was the last one to work on this one. Thanks to Hope for the Alcohol ink background and Holly for the focal.

Round Robin ATC- Kokopelli

2009-02-12T11:47:00.004-06:00

I was the last to work on it. Thanks to Cheryl for the background and Dani for the focal.

Bead class: Success!

2009-01-24T21:38:00.004-06:00

First, I would like to thank Tim at Ranger!! Second, kudos to everyone who attended! How much fun was that!?! Sounds like everyone was happy with the result and plans on making a lot more! If you missed it, here are the class list and video links:
craft sheet
melting pot
clear UTEE
Colored UTEE
bamboo skewers
Bedazzles
any small embellishments you have handy
Paper scraps
Paper trimmer or scissors

Here are the links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH5BLfqOwxM -Gather Supplies and cutting instruction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX-C5d3EpCE -Rollin' rollin' rollin'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utCPMHqiQuo -Clear and gold
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh-E7dr5r_k -Beginning color
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MozkSopTSA4 -Color part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8gEo0hZ6Jw -Extra stuff, end.

Enjoy! Please post a link to your beads in the comments!

Bead class tonight 7pm CST

2009-01-24T15:44:00.002-06:00

You can find the class and it's links at: http://www.paperartistsonline.com/PAOChat/beadclass.php

You must be a registered member to have access to the chat. I'll be posting video links starting at 7:30 CST, and I'll get them over here in a few days. Hope to see you there!

Special thanks to Tim at Ranger for making things possible!!

Bead Class preview

2009-01-18T22:23:00.002-06:00

Here are a few of the beads (let's be honest, just the good ones) I've done so far to prep for next weekend's class. Gwen came over last night and we played and played. When I first learned to make them I was taught using the embossing gun, but after some trial and error I simplified the process immensely and really believe I've got a foolproof way for everyone to be successful and have a lot of fun.

If you're planning on participating Saturday night, I suggest you roll a bunch of beads ahead of time, so you're ready to go and not held up by the mundane. Don't worry, I'll go over it in class, but to get you started: roll strips of paper around a bamboo skewer securing with a dab of white glue. Text weight works best 1" x 3" or 1 1/2" x 3". If you're going to use patterned scrapbook cardstock it'll be trickier, but still work.

Cold weather + too many sweaters = the best blanket ever!

2009-01-15T19:24:00.004-06:00

When I woke up this morning, I had dreams of the children at school and I have the entire day to FINALLY clean the house. I had motivation, I have good reason to get it clean, and I had the time....poof!

Reality, today was one of the coldest days in history and schools were closed. I went into my studio and tripped over a big box. What I found must have been part of a bigger plan. My collection of felted wool sweaters cut into workable pieces of felted fabric. Mittens? a Pill box hat? a blanket!

I spent the day cutting 6x6 squares, sewing them together and finishing them with some yummy Irish wool. I backed it with polyester fleece, so it's not so itchy and now am in love with my blanket! It's extremely heavy, incredibly warm and all mine! I was proud that I actually made something for myself, not a swap, not the kids, just for me. Then Allison found it. No worries, I'll take it back once she falls asleep, and sit down with a nice hot cup of tea. She got a new headband out of it, though.

Thanks for looking!

Little wooden pieces swap

2009-01-10T19:55:00.005-06:00

A few months ago I was in Habitat for Humanity and saw boxes of little wooden pieces. I believe they were intended for finishing wooden furniature, but they just called to me. I thought they could be put to alternate uses.
After sending 10 boxes to friends I knew would enjoy the challenge, I was stumped. Today inspiration hit! I have destroyed the house rummaging through supplies that were packed away back in the end of November...remind me never to go that long without making anything...and this little girl was born. She will be on her way to Miss Lynn J. tomorrow. Thanks for looking!

Christmas card ATC speed swap!

2009-01-08T19:26:00.001-06:00

OK, here we go, a speed swap!

Take those christmas cards you just got, and cut them into interesting ATCs. DO NOT EMBELLISH just send me cards 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches. You will receive as many as you send Maximum 18.

Since there is no embellishment, just backgrounds, you can mail flat and regular envelope, please include stamps to return them to you, and an address sticker would be great!

I'll swap right away and get back to you before February.

I'm cleaning up after Christmas, thinking it's a waste to throw these cards away, but I don't have space to keep them.

If you don't have my address, pm me and I'll pm you back.

Stop the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act

2009-01-06T15:35:00.002-06:00

What are we coming to when Grandma's baby quilt is considered controband? This is not only vulgar, but obscene. Here is a video from Youtube giving a synopsis:

What can you do? Formal complaints against must be lodged before January 20 2009 Comments must be labelled: Section 102 Mandatory Third-Party Testing of Component Parts'. Please send your complaint HERE

The BILL is located by clicking on this sentence

I'm teaching an online paper bead class January 24

2009-01-05T10:14:00.004-06:00

It's paper fondue! I'm so excited, and hoping you'll join me!

This will be a really fun, freeing class! Try to get a few friends together, have each bring a few supplies and you'll really have a good time. We will be making paper beads and decorating them with UTEE. This is not intended to be a costly endeavour, rather use up your itty bitty scraps to create awesome chunky beads you can make into jewelry or decorate your paper creations.

Time of class will be determined closer to the date and I'll let you know. Class format will include videos via youtube, directions via PAO Forum and I'll be live and answering questions inPAO Live chat All class info will be available during and after class, so don't worry if you miss it, it'll be around for awhile.

Please collect and have the following materials ready to go at class time:
Mandatory: a melting pot, ultra thick embossing powder (UTEE), heat resistant craft sheet, skewers (metal or wooden, wood is easiest), varied paper scraps, scissors.

Optional : Colored & metallic embossing powders, micro beads, pearl ex powder, colored thread/fiber, anything itty bitty, colored markers, old book pages, markers, newspaper, magazines. Collect things that are very small and might be easily encorporated.

If you are not already registered at PAO, I suggest you do so before the day of class, and look around a bit to familiarize yourself with it. There is a lot of talent there as well as a gazillion active swaps and inspiration. Passwords must include numbers, little letters and big letters, it's tricky but keeps the spam out. You will need to be registered to have access to the links and videos.

I hope to see you in class!

time for a clean slate

2008-12-31T08:56:00.001-06:00

I wish everyone a little more Sanity
a touch more Motivation
and moments of pure Joy
Have a Healthy 2009!

*photograph Copyright 2008 Tree-Nation

December is Lisa Vollrath month...

2008-12-28T22:56:00.003-06:00

...at least at my blog it seems to be! Earlier this month she asked bloggers to tell her their Christmas wish, and 2 lucky people would be the winner of some lovely altered Altoid's tins. Guess what? I won! woo hoo! The best part is that I also got 6 months of her ezine too...hoot hoot holla! Thanks again Lisa!!! You really were my inspiration for December!

Now go visit her and go make something!

A great mixed media, quilting blog

2008-12-09T13:33:00.002-06:00

Don't misunderstand, I do not quilt, but mixed media, now there's something that interests me! Pokey Bolton Editor of Cloth Paper Scissors, has a really great blog. I haven't looked at it in a while, but I reminded to today, and I have missed so much. Go check her out.

2008-12-08T20:39:00.004-06:00

Lisa Vollrath, the creator of the awesome paper shoe pattern from an earlier post, has come up with possibly the best giveaway of the season this year! A FREE, and ya gotta love free, page of vintage ephemera every day from December 1st through Christmas day! Go visit her at TenTwoStudios to pick them up, and do look around while you're there. She posts a new project every Monday in honor of "Make it Monday" and of course the best deal going in the mixed media world is signing up for her monthly newsletter "The Monthly Muse" where she gives lots of great step by step directions for fun projects and of course extra ephemera pages!
Lots and lots of generosity and talent there!! don't miss her!

Tim Holtz and the 12 tags of christmas

2008-12-04T20:12:00.002-06:00

Ah yes, the leaves have fallen, the heater has been turned on, snow is dusting the ground and Tim Holtz is at it again! Go see what he's up to Tim's blog and leave a comment. You never know, you just might win the supplies he's giving away!

On the 3rd day of Christmas, Tim taught me...

2008-12-04T11:51:00.005-06:00

---that even an Emo Christmas can be fun!

On the first day of Christmas, Tim taught me...

2008-12-02T15:13:00.005-06:00

How to use masks and grungeboard to make some festive tags!

sticky snowmen

2008-11-21T09:55:00.003-06:00

Inspired by the cover of Cloth Paper Scissors November/December 2008 issue, these little snowman came to life. Aren't they sweet.

I tried to make 'regular' snowmen, but something unintentional made them look like skullys. hehehe

Christmas shoes

2008-11-20T20:19:00.003-06:00

I was turned on to Lisa Vollrath and Ten Two Studios this week. She has a monthly e zine with projects and ephemera. Good stuff! This month includes the template to make these awesome little paper shoes. Go check her out, lots and lots of talent there.

Revitalize your spirit...altered book

2008-11-19T22:03:00.010-06:00

Finally, I finished another journal that came to me. This time the theme was "What to do in Retirement?". I went with 'Revitalize your spirit'. Thanks for looking!

When life closes a door...

2008-11-16T12:32:00.004-06:00

...you start a website!

Well, this is a full circle moment for me. So unhappy about losing my favorite place on the internet, a friend of mine contacted me and we made our own. Thinking we could host our swaps there, we would get a handful of friends to join us. Well, it's been 5 days and we have over 100 members, over 250 topics and over 3500 posts! I know, I know!?! One member created the banner for us (thank you Marianne)by digital collaging images from the first posts to our gallery, and another named us PAOists.

We have Scrapbooking, card making, altered arts of all kinds, a ton of swaps already in all catagories. There are a few online challenges to get you motivated if you're stuck, and a gallery filling up with great work from great people! We have a place for you to list your blog or the site of someone who inspires you and already there is talk of getting together for a PAO-WOW. The members have even started to inspire each other in a weight loss challenge! I couldn't ask for a better group of awesome, creative people!

If you want to come play with us paperartistsonline is where we hang out. Obviusly it's very new, and we're still working out kinks as they come up, but so far wow! The energy there is buzzzzzin'. At this time of year, when we stop and think of the things we are thankful for, I am unbelievebly thankful for my friends!

Hey Puzzle swappers...

2008-11-09T17:31:00.005-06:00

I just got my paws on 36 puzzles. I know I said I wouldn't do it again, but so many of you asked me to and today I got a great deal on the blanks. I haven't figured out the cost yet, but it shouldn't be more than a few dollars per puzzle, I'm thinking $3 for each blank, which includes shipping to you. They are 8 1/2 x 11 and have 12 pieces each.

There will be 2 themes: 'Ode to Tim Holtz' and 'Anything goes'. You may use ANY supplies you have laying around, just no food products, please.

Once I have all 32 spoken for, I'll send them out. The deadline for these will be February 1st. I ask you include payment when you send them back to me in a reuseable padded envelope with enough loose postage stamps to cover shipping back to you.

I'm handling this same as before. If you haven't participated in one of my swaps, feel free to leave me your questions in the comments section of this post. If you would like to post a spoiler, please add the link in the comments section as well.

How do you sign up? I am now hosting this at paperartistsonline So feel free to hear over and join in. There are a few places left.

Fabric ATC swap

2008-10-28T09:27:00.003-05:00

Here are my entries on their way to Australia this afternoon...I so hate to say goodbye! I started with some thin dyed cheesecloth. I attached a variety of fiber, thread and string, embellished with embroidery floss, glass beads and copper. I left one blank because I love the background as is. Already I have some ideas swirling around about a wall hanging. Thanks for looking, comments always welcomed!

Witchy box

2008-10-07T13:08:00.003-05:00

While wandering the aisles of the thrift store the other day looking for a rack to store some new jars on, I came across an old spice rack. It was brown, but instantly I knew it held potential for a witchy box filled with potions and prized momentos!

Thanks for visiting, please leave a comment or constructive criticism!!!

a mime's nightmare

2008-10-07T12:38:00.002-05:00

hehehe... he's in a box, get it? A box! bwahahaha. This silly little guy will be heading to live with Rachelle for a one/one altered tin swap. I'll have to make another to sit on my shelf.

Thanks for visiting!

What's in your envelope ATCs

2008-10-07T10:14:00.002-05:00

Remember that cool pile of swag I received last week? Here are 3 ATCs. Thanks for looking!

Crusade No. 18

2008-10-04T22:22:00.003-05:00

I decided to join the Green Pepper Press Street team this week by looking back and beginning the crusades from week one, spooky, halloween art. Fed up with my usual stamps I decided to carve some skullies. Oh how much fun is this! Allison was looking on all night, and finally asked if she could make one. Obviously I can't let a 6 year old carve erasers, but I had her draw on one and I carved it for her. Can you guess which one???

I received a book this week from my friend Ink-Pattie called Puro Muerto, Day of the Dead art and I decided to make some DOD skullies. Then I realized, carving stamps was Crusade #18, so here we are! I can see how addicting this could be, thank god I only bought one sheet of eraser today!! Excuse my inky fingerprints, I was obviously really excited to get these posted, all the ink schmeeeeeeerrd. Stay tuned for some ATCs with these this week. Please visit The GPP Street Team Crusade 18 and see what everyone else came up with.

Thanks for stopping by if this is your first visit here, and welcome back if you've been here before! Constructive criticism is always welcomed!

Green Pepper Press

2008-09-29T19:31:00.003-05:00

Yummy yummy yummy! Green Pepper Press has the most amazing crow images anywhere! Go check them out for some good goodies! Look for a swap using these birds soon........ Tell Michelle I sent you!

Vintage Halloween ATCs

2008-09-29T10:00:00.002-05:00

Ah yes, the leaves are beginning to change, the morning air is crisp and clean, Fall is upon us! I love Fall! I especially love Halloween! So what better way to welcome my favorite season than host another swap. Here is my take on Vintage Halloween.

Click image for a larger version and feel free to leave constructive criticism.

Lookie what I got!

2008-09-25T13:41:00.002-05:00

In a great swap of Pass It Forward. All this awesome stuff to play with!!! I'm going to make ATC's all afternoon and see how much I can use up. Thanks Farley!

Use this foto ATC swap

2008-09-25T12:38:00.004-05:00

Hey people out there...you wanna play a game?
Make 5 ATCs and get 4 back.
Keep them the same, or not.
I prefer you back them with chipboard to keep it sturdy too.
You MUST use the attached foto. If you click on her a new page will open and she'll be nice and big to download to your computer.
Due November 1st.

I think she is so beautiful, I can't wait to see what you come up with!!

English bulldog altered book page

2008-09-25T11:46:00.003-05:00

hehehe.... I think I was channeling Traci Bautista on this one! I'm pseudo hosting a round robin for altered books, each with a new theme, and this is my take on "English Bulldog"

Constructive criticism always encouraged!

I broke my bone folder!

2008-09-24T23:00:00.003-05:00

CRAP! That's not suppossed to happen! If you know what a bone folder is (and I'm going to assume you do if you're reading my blog) it actually snapped in half! the worst part: I got it so long ago, I can't find one the same size!

Someone please help....... I need a bone folder! Not bamboo, not the huge one, not the itty pitty one, the good one, made out of bone! ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!

Now doesn't that look like a great set of tools! I snagged the foto from Studio 5 book arts

Don't give up!

2008-09-05T08:27:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was a HUGE day for my family!!! Emily, the youngest, has been blind all her life. Everywhere we go, she keeps her eyes closed, because she has nothing to look at. She keeps her head down, with no reason to hold it up. People always comment, "Awwww, she's sleeping". 'No, actually she's blind, but she can hear you' has always been my response, then they shudder away in some asinine attempt to avoid catching blindness.
I took her to yet another vision doctor, one who specializes in muscle disorders to get a final opinion, and hopefully some therapeutic advice, or the final confirmation of her diagnosis. Well, apparently, the other doctors wrote her off so quickly, they didn't bother to test her for nearsightedness. They looked for a medical anomaly to explain the lack of vision, always blaming it on Optic Nerve Atrophy, or Cortical Visual Impairment (Translation: I dont know why she can't see). Yesterday an incredibly patient, intelligent doctor took a look at her, asked me if we had a history of nearsightedness in the family, and when I said 'Yes, very much' she smiled and said "Well, she has some random muscular movements, but she is also very nearsighted!"....... WHAT?!?!?!
She said she wasn't going to guarantee glasses would help 100%, but she was sure that without them, there was no doubt Emily wasn't able to see!!!!
As if a miracle happened, my little babe put on her glasses, opened her eyes WIDE and started looking around and smiling!
The moral to this story: Don't give up! Unless there is no heartbeat there is hope! Things change, the brain begins to repair itself, people heal, emotionally and physically! This news couldn't come at a better time!

New ATCs

2008-06-08T16:13:00.004-05:00

"Sunflower": Leafing pen resist with gold pen, yellow and red liquid watercolor on untextured side of watercolor paper blended with a watercolor brush. ribbon from stash and image from National Geographic.

"Go Fish": Intuitive watercolor with Yellow, red and orange liquid watercolors on the textured side of watercolor paper. Words with my DYMO, dry cleaning ticket, fish from a magazine.

"Peace": Intuitive watercolor. I wanted some darker colors, so I played around with mixing colors to get the darks I so love. Club Scrap roman numeral stamp over the liquid watercolors with pressure embossed copper flashing and magazine image. I so love this, I think I'm going to make it my new 'business card'.

"Harmony": This background came from night 1 with the colorwash and glossy paper. I added a DYMO tag, some copper, jumbo eyelet and Image from Art-e-zine.

"Cheap Monkey": hehehe-isn't he funny! Liquid watercolor baby wipe. Rather than coloring a baby wipe just for this, I took one out and have been wiping my craft sheet with it for a few days. Now that it dried, I adhered it to the cards and instant random background! Look closely you'll see the giraffe from Club stamp Serengheti.

"Tick Tock": More of the colored baby wipe with Rhapsody stamp over it in background, magazine images and DYMO.

"Angel lady" More colored baby wipe, highlighted with gold leafing pen. She's not quite done, but I am so here she is for today.

Please leave comments or constructive criticism...I love to hear what you have to say!

Paper quilting

2008-05-23T13:39:00.005-05:00

Quilting as in a nice puffy quilt for your bed, instead these are made of paper and put on cards as embellishments. A friend of mine (Gwen) came over and gave me some awesome pointers the other night as we worked on all the teacher cards A&E are giving this year.

The pattern and red paper are from Hanko design, the other stuff came from a grab bag, so who knows. Gwen made the awesome little house and I did the Apple and T-shirts. Comments and constructive critiques always welcomed!

Art dolls, turned monsters

2008-05-22T11:03:00.004-05:00

Well, this is not at all what I was thinking of when I started the art doll swap, but this is what I ended up with.

Here are the ones I'm actually using for the swap:

You know the drill: leave a comment or constructive critique and one could be yours.

Tutorial: How to make an Altered book- Stage 1 Find and Prepare

2008-05-08T13:57:00.015-05:00

So, you want to delve into the world of Altered books, but have no clue how to begin... good thing you're here! First, find a book to alter. You can use anything to make a 'book': cardboard, bookboard, an old children's book, licence plates. We're going to recycle a hardcover from the Library in this tutorial. Not the good ones you check out, silly. Most libraries have an area where they sell books; duplicates, old, dammaged ones. Look for a Hard cover book, and I suggest you start with a 'Bible-size' book. In this tutorial, I used a Readers Digest Hardcover of about 600 pages. They usually sell for less than $1 and you can feel good about giving life back into something long forgotten...

Once you get it home, get used to the fact that you are about to destroy a book. All your life you've been told not to tear the pages, don't fold the corners, guess what....you're going to do both. Woooo Hooooo, I love breaking the rules

I begin by deciding how many sections I want to end up with, then tear out a few pages between the sections. How many pages you tear depends how thick your book is. Once you tear out a few, you've gotten over your fear, and now we're ready to 'tear with a purpose'.

Go grab some white glue or gel medium, get a foam brush...get a few so you don't have to make a lot of trips, 'cause you'll use them later on...and get your book.

Apply a healthy, but not gloppy coating of glue/gel medium to the back of the inside page of your book (let's call it page 2) NOT THE SIDE THAT FACES THE COVER and press page 3 against it.

I use my bone folder to get a really stuck, flat surface, but you don't have to.

Continue gluing the next 4-8 pages, depending how thick you want your reinforced page to be.

Now you get to tear some more! woo hoo! Start tearing, and keep going until you get to the next section. Your book will no longer sit flat. The top cover will be a little floppy. This allows you to add dimentional objects to your book, and still fit on a shelf!

Begin your gluing again, until you have 5-10 pages stuck together for reinforced page #2.

Tear until you reach section #3, glue....continue until all sections are finished.

If you are not tired of looking at your book yet, we can move on to priming the surface. Depending on what you want your final pages to look like, you might be ready to start altering. If you want the text to show through, leave the book to dry overnight, before you begin. We'll get into altering the book in a future tutorial. But, if you don't want to see any text, you'll want to prime the pages.

Since this book will be involved in a swap which ends around Halloween, I decided the theme would be Magic! To enhance the Magical theme, I painted each section, and the torn out remainders with Black Scrapbooking paint. I like scrapbooking paint, because it dries very very quickly, and the consistancy is easy to spread.

Set your book up on it's edge, fanning the pages out, so they dry completely, and don't stick together.

At this point, I decided to add a custom leather cover with heat embossed grungeboard hinges to enhance the theme as my book travels around the country. If you are making a book for yourself, I suggest waiting until the end to make the cover, so it doesn't get destroyed.

I was going to include some magic spells for the swappers to play with, then remembered there is black magic, and white magic. Hmmmmm.... So I went back, and applied Gesso to the pages, giving them an eerie white tone. The theme has now transformed to "White Magic".

At this point, the book needs to dry for 24 hours, then it will be ready for color, focal images and fun spells. I placed wax paper between the pages so they don't stick together while it dries. I'll play with a page or 2 before I send it off and keep you posted.

To get to this point I used : A Recycled Reader's Digest Hardcover, foam brushes, gel medium, black paint, white gesso, wax paper.

Comments and constructive criticism always wanted!!!

Fantastical Creatures ATC swap

2008-05-07T20:37:00.002-05:00

Little known fact.... I adore flower fairies! These were made for a swap titled "Fantastical Creatures" I hope you like them. I do, so much I don't want to give them away...
Click on the foto, it'll get bigger so you can read the words.

Charm Bracelet kit- giveaway

2008-04-23T11:59:00.003-05:00

Wanna see what I gave away for the Earth Day challenge...... this awesome charm bracelet kit! I shamelessly copied the idea from Belinda CrazyArtGirl who has inspired me for a long time to really challenge myself, eventhough she didn't know it. She also sells her kits on etsy! I feel like my artistic direction is leaving paper farther and farther behind these days, and moving toward metal and assemblage. I've always loved natural materials: leather, linen, bronze...combine that with rock and roll and age it a bit. I think that's where I'm headed...hang on, it's gonna be a bumpy ride!

By the by, my friend Neith, who is incredibly talented in her own right was the clever one who won the prize. Congratulations Neith! If you're looking for awesome paper...she's the one to visit. Please tell her I sent you!

Comments and constructive criticism always welcomed!!

BCGLM Pendant

2008-04-22T09:39:00.002-05:00

Birch bark
Copper
Leather
Glass Bead
Mica
Pendant.

I really enjoyed a copper weaving class taught my Mary Hetts a few weeks ago, and dug out the leftovers from class. WOW, great leftovers, right! I thought it fitting to celebrate Earth Day by playing with materials I already owned, and keeping them all natural! Everything in this pendant comes from nature! Minerals, trees, leather, glass. Sure there's a bit of manipulation by us, but noting artificial added! I have to go find some suppliers for this stuff, loving loving loving this technique!

Earth Day Bracelet

2008-04-21T09:25:00.003-05:00

What a better way to celebrate Earth Day than recycling odds and ends meant for the garbage into a wearable piece of art! I'll tell you how I did it a little later on...can't ruin the HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ME! gift I got over the weekend. I can tell you I used some scrabble tiles, felted wool, funky glass beads, some Czech glass, UTEE paper beads, bingo chips...just about anything I could find within reach. I guarantee I'll be making many many more of these now that I have my ....new toy.....ooooooooohhhhhhhh I'm so excited!!!!

Remember, if you entered the Earth day Challenge over at CS, you'll win enough charms to make your own bracelet!!!! Go enter, go play, be good to others and have a great day!

A friend having a rough day...

2008-04-18T12:38:00.005-05:00

This song is for you!!

"Pretend the water is champagne, and fill my glass up again and again..."

I'd send you a flute, but I lost it at band camp! So, go dance and smile.

Transparency is a good thing.

Out of the box with Vanessa

2008-04-16T13:05:00.005-05:00

I was given this card and supplies from Vanessa with the theme Birds and Butterflies. I made a little mini book I learned over the weekend. It says:
Better days
Bristling with reeds and thistles
Spread flowers downhill
in leisurely circles
towards the distant gleam of the sea.

Made with UTEE paper beads and dragonflies.

Make it University with Cloth Paper Scissors -Chicago

2008-04-15T09:02:00.010-05:00

The International Quilt festival was held this past weekend in Chicago, about 15 minutes from my house. I am NOT quilter, mind you, but WOW WOW WOW! The quilts shown did not come from your grandma's quilting bee! Really neat stuff!
Quilting Arts Magazine and Cloth Paper Scissors are run out of the same publishing house, so they had an awesome booth there, and what they called "Make-it University". They invited many of their frequently published artists and a few local artists to come teach mini (1 hour) classes, and participate in their 'virtual studio'. The 'virtual studio' had the artists demo-ing various things all weekend! Time to drool, and stare, and learn so many techniques....a ha, so THAT'S how you did that!
Friday, I couldn't get there before noon, so I missed a few classes, but when I did show up, I put my name in the fishbowl for all the remaining ones. Each class is decided by a random draw, so maybe you get in, maybe you don’t...I think it's all Karma, or the pathetic pleading look on my face each time Barbara went to draw names, that I did get into all but one class.
The first class I was not in was a mini, no-sew, book out of muslin! so so so super cool, and easy peasy to make! I brought along my studio-in-a-box, sat on the floor, and followed along with my own materials. Just then, I ran into someone...I'm so sorry I forgot your name, but you were soooooooooooo nice!!!!!!...who is a club scrap member! She noticed I was monkeying with paper, and picked "To you with Love" right out, saying "I see you use Club Scrap papers."...see, we're everywhere, like a secret society, bonded with Bookbinding glue and waxed linen.

Class #2-Greeting Cards with Angelina fiber, Betty Blais instructor. I deviated from the path, because the saying I was given was "I'm sending a little sunshine your way..." too bright and cheery fro me, so I started my little Asian boy tag. He needs a bit more, and some words, but a good start. *there is a local artist I've been a long time admirer of, Belinda Spiwak sat next to me in this class...Hi Belinda! I'd like to think we've become friends, and pal'ed around a bit during the show. She made the Mahjong tile and dyed the fabric all the stuff is laying out on with colorwash.

Class #3-No-Sew Mica Tag Book, instructor Kelli Perkins!!!! Really, in the flesh, Kelli Perkins! Librarian by day, amazing artist by night. White as snow hair, with a gigantic blue streak in it! She make the cupcake book in this month's issue of CPS.

Saturday-
Class #1-Woven copper Jewelry-Mary Hettmansperger (author)...If she comes anywhere near you TAKE HER CLASSES!!!! So funny, so talented. It was early in the am, but so worth it! Learned a ton about working with copper sheeting and wire. Belinda & Gwen, I'll get the directions out to you this week.
Ran into Miss Gwen Jaeger during this class, unfortunately she arrived after class had started. Class #2- didn't take it, buy Gwen did. Another working with Angelina class.

Class #3-Storyboxes (Altered tins)- Leilani Pierson, instructor. Gwen, Belinda and I got into this one. The kit was so full of goodies, we both went nuts! Leilani was great and super laid back, and very pregnant with her 4th!!! The outcomes were fabulous tins with mini books.

Class #4-Needle-Felted pincushion, Tracy Stillwell (Artgirlz), instructor. Needle felting is a secret hobby of mine. I love love love it! And the Artgirlz are possibly 2 of the coolest, REAL, people I’ve ever met. We were to make a pincushion slap bracelet, but again I deviated and made a hand grenade keychain…ode to Green day…

Class#5-Surviving the runway, 80’s style with Pokey Bolton, owner, editor, everything Cloth Paper Scissors. Can I tell you, speed crafting is the BEST!!!!! I can’t tell all the secrets of this one, because they’re going to do it again in Houston, but let’s say it was so much fun. You’re given basic materials, and a goal, no samples on this one. To earn embellishments of any kind, you must do things….very very silly things….even for time! I proudly took home 2nd place with my ‘Clash mask’, earrings and necklace. So silly, an amazing way to relax and if I ever host a party or stay-at-home retreat, I guarantee this will be on the agenda…after a few cocktails, I can’t imagine where it would go!!!! Photo from Pokey's blog.

Sunday- I schlepped myself to class in sweats and a t-shirt.
Class #1- Mixed-Media Brooch, Betsy Shannon, Instructor. Poor Betsy, she didn’t know she had a Sunday class too, and had run out of materials so she was panicked, and her coffee hadn’t kicked in yet. She did come up with some great stuff for us, and another booth donated pins, That’s where my heart with wings pin came from.

Class #2-Mixed Media Fabric, Judy Perez Instructor. Oh my, holy Christmas!!! This woman is not only beautiful, kind, incredibly creative but patient, and just one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. She is on the Cover of CPS this month with her birdhouses. Once I knew she was there, I asked her a few questions about techniques and she said she was teaching the class on Sunday, so I was absolutely crossing my fingers for this one. I got in! It was an amazing way to finish up the weekend! PS- She posted a foto of us after 'Surviving the runway!"

One of my favorite moments was recognizing Bernie Berlin, and watching her work. She is tuely a great individual. If you don’t have Bernie’s book on ATCs and Techniques, you are missing out on a lot of stuff. She kindly signed my book, and helped me work an ATC I was stuck on. Finally, after almost 1 year I was able to hand her the baby scale I had been promising for her shelter. Hopefully she'll no longer call me "The Crazy scale lady!!!"

The International Quilt show will take place again in Houston, and I think California later this year. If you’re in the area, and put your name in the fishbowls, you might get some of the same, maybe other awesome classes. The greatest part is that class fees were only $10 each!!! What a steal!

Well, that’s my weekend, if you have any questions, let me know. I guarantee you’ll start seeing a lot of these techniques on my ATCs and Cards in the near future!!

Think outside the box...

2008-04-10T10:18:00.004-05:00

...is a swap I've been hosting over the past few weeks. Each player makes something, then sends enough materials of the same to someone else, who in turn makes 2 things, and sends one back to player #1. Confused? Yeah, there's really no way to explain it without going into a gazillion details, but here are my entries for 'Vintage'. My partner Rachelle sent me this amazing pocket tag:

In turn I send her back this card:

the portable studio

2008-04-09T14:50:00.004-05:00

I picked up a copy of Sommerset Life, and fell in love with the Vintage Train case Rebecca Sower transformed into her traveling studio. Immediately, I knew I wanted, NEEDED to do the same.
I've been looking for an old wooden briefcase for a few months with no avail, then my Mom offered me one of hers. Woo hoo! Perfect. It's covered in a worn vanilla lizard skin type material of some sort with a yummy felty inside.

I've spent the day collecting my favorite things...stuff I never use, but love to look at...and filled up my case! Vintage fabric swatches, some amazing lace which belonged to the 92 year old grandma of a friend, natural twine, silk flower petals, handmade paper and a bunch of buttons from my own grandma's sewing box. I even included a needle my maternal grandmother used to use and my paternal grandma's sewing scissors!
It's going to be so hard to actually use these treasures, but I know that whatever I create will be filled with kindness, love and legacy.
Now that Spring is apon us, I know my briefcase will spend many hours outside!

and the winner is.....

2008-04-08T14:07:00.004-05:00

"You are so clever! I enjoy everything you do. Keep it up. Pat F." Congratulations Pat! Please email me your address, so I can send you your tag!(luanneiwan@hotmail.com)

To everyone...Thanks for stopping by, and the comments & compliments. Allison picked a random number and Miss Pat is our winner!

I had a lot of fun doing this, so do look for more in the very near future! -luanne

My first tutorial!

2008-04-06T09:27:00.011-05:00

I love to find inspiration in the work of others, and I have to say I am a HUGE fan of Tim Holtz, as an artist, and as a person. Now, I've never met the man, but I stalk his blog a few times a day hoping for some insight into his latest, greatest stuff, and to see if he has a new tutorial up. Today, I watched his Cosmo Cricket tag tutorial, and wanted to give it a try. Also, over at Club Scrap they are having a stencil challenge this week, so I thought I would combine the two, and give you a glimpse into just how I make stuff. Ready??

I grabbed a big tag and used it as a template to make a tag out of patterned paper and regular cardboard. *notice how clean my workspace starts out, that'll change quickly!

Tear the patterned paper on an angle, not too much, but enough for the cardboard to show through.

Tear the top layer of the corrogated cardboard open, exposing the wavy bumpy stuff underneath. I like to use my scissors (closed) to start the distruction.

Hold the patterned paper against the cardboard to see if you've destroyed enough of the top layer. Once you're happy, it's time to get our fingers messy!

Place your stencil over the paper and apply clear embossing ink, covering the stencil too. Don't try to get it in the little spaces, you can wipe it down when you're done pouncing.
I have yet to find an embossing ink I like, so I use the Palatte glue pad, not that I'm thrilled with that either, but it has worked the best for me. I pounce it over the stencil, and don't bother heating it, since it's wet already.

Cover the wet areas with CLEAR embossing powder. I use this so often, I was sick of sticking it back in the jar, so I dumped it into a plastic container with a lid (and secure with a rubber band) Works soooooooo much easier!
Gently tap off the excess.

Using your heat gun, moving it slowly, but constantly, heat the powder until it melts and begins to shine. Not too much or you'll burn it up. You want it to remain raised.
If you're new to heat embossing, notice how it changes from white to clear...oooooohhhhhh.
Give it a minute to cool before you touch it or you'll burn yourelf.

Done embossing for now, and it's all pretty and clear.

You've done all that work, and now you're gonna paint over ALL OF IT!
Find a paint you like and cover the whole thing.
*Please trust me on this

Now, some people wait until it's totally dry, but I get so nervous I can't wait. Use a towel to rub the paint off the surface of the tag. The embossed areas act as a RESIST, and literally resist the paint. the paper is dry and soaks it up 1-2-3, so the color stays on the paper, but not where you used your stencil...oooohh#2! I used a damp cloth, because I wanted some of the paper to show where it wasn't embossed.

Paint: With a dry brush
In one direction
Not overlapping
with black.

Buff again, to get the effect you want.

Take your handy-dandy distressing tool and roughen up the edges. I run it a few times over the blades, but keep an eye on it. You can go from distress to destroyed in no time. Oh, please make sure the tag is dry when you do this, or big big problems and tares and bad stuff ...

Hurray!!! Finally time for some ink. Since I used black paint, I grab some Black Soot distress ink, and apply it to the distressed edges of my tag. I try to make the edges the darkest part of the tag, to indicate shadow. Since I used black as a shadow on the tag, I need to stick with black for the edges.

Ok, go put that aside for awhile, it's time to give some attention to the cardboard. Cardboard is an awesome, practically free medium to work with, and so often we overlook it. 3 cheers for the cardboard!!!! Hip hip hurray, Hip hip.... ok ok. On my craft sheet I drop some brown paint next to the black. Dab your brush into both, but don't mix them. You want the randomness. Paint your cardboard tag where you tore it.

Paint the edges as well, and when that dries, paint the back. I often spritz the paint when it starts to get low with water, to stretch it for the back of the tag. Gives it more of a wash than a paint. Whatever you like, it's your tag.

When the paint is dry, lightly sand the tops of the ridges with a fine grit sandpaper.

Adhere both tags together.

I know you don't need to see me apply adhesive to the tag, but I love the little skully's with their rhinestone eyes, I had to show off my ATG gun, and the camera was right there. Staz-on will keep them there indefinately.

Grab the manilla tag you used as a template way back in step 1, and use it again as a guide where to punch your hole. *The pink thing is a crop-a-dial *Look at the desk now, messy messy.

I painted a bit of the torn cardboard that came off when I was destroying it, and placed it over the hole. I like to use the end of a paintbrush to widen the hole, and roughen it, so it doesn't look lik a clean punch.

I set my tag next to the background paper it's going to go on for my layout. Turns out, it's way too bright, so I have to tone it down a bit with some pale yellow.

I want to add an image to the front, as a focal point, and decided on a stamped, heat embossed image which matches the 12x12 background paper. I stamp with clear, because it's right there, &this time I sprinkle gold embossing powder, shake off the excess, and put it back in the jar. Grab the heat gun and melt away until it's very bright and raised. I gotta say, I love the way gold embossing powder smells when it melts..mmmm

Just like before with the blue, cover the entire image with black paint.

Buff as before, and the gold will come out of hiding. I love this part because I convince myself every time I've messed it up, then I realize it's fine, and so cool.

I set the tag against my 12x12 and decide the colors are great, but we need a little bit more.

I add wooden beads with glossy accents, and paper rolls tied with beading thread. A few strands of ribbon and fiber from the stash, and Voilla! Now if you've stuck with me this long...leave me a comment, and in honor of Tim, I'll pick a name at random and send you the tag!

The joys of a new computer

2008-03-27T19:08:00.002-05:00

Where do I begin with this one??? I'll leave the nightmare story in the past, but I can start posting again! We are now on Vista????
Did ya miss me? I missed you.

Cupcake Cones for charity

2008-02-28T21:03:00.001-06:00

Suzie-frickin'-homemaker...yeppers, that's me! Actually,they are for the bake sale at Emily's school this weekend. Cranked out 100 of these puppies...ate a few, dropped a few...all in a day's work.

They were little, once

2008-02-26T12:35:00.002-06:00

Remember when.....

Stars on Ice 2008

2008-02-25T13:32:00.007-06:00

Another year, another suprise from Smuckers! This year our Stars on Ice tickets came with the ability to watch warm ups and meet some of the skaters. It was truly a great event!! Thank you Smuckers!!

Seeing Sasha do this on television is one thing, up close and personal it is truly amazing! (and she was suffering from the flu!)

Sneek peek

2008-02-19T13:39:00.014-06:00

Arrrggggggggggg......I came home to a nice letter regarding copywrite. Don't worry, I'm working on it. The 'Superhero' set will be coming to you as soon as we work this out.....
*******************
Ok, a lot of people have been asking what I'm up to....here's a sneek peek. Deep Etched pink rubber 3"x7", unmounted. You cut them and mount any way you like. New sets released 15th of the month. Here's the Superhero series. Available soon.........

Apple picking 2007

2008-02-18T12:44:00.004-06:00

Digital Layouts?

2008-02-17T22:12:00.002-06:00

IF this works, I'll cut down on the clutter, and be able to scrap wherever...hmmmm
Here's some of my favorite B/W of Emily

Trains at the Garden

2008-02-17T15:48:00.002-06:00

"Grandma was lucky o get an entire day alone with the grandkids, and took them to see the outdoor train exhibit at the Garden one Summer's day."
This was a fun one because of all the flowers and rhinestones.

Animal Kingdom

2008-02-17T13:39:00.003-06:00

Let's just say the OCD took over this morning....The forearms, upper arms, head, necklace, legs and calves all move independently....yeah, don't try this at home!

Mardi Gras Layout

2008-02-16T17:55:00.004-06:00

Apparantly I'm on a roll! Emily made the stars, which came off her wheelchair, I made the little mask, and there is a ton of jelly roll pen, but it didn't scan very well. I don't know who makes the alligator paper, but it's awesome!!! The raised bubles feel just like the leather. Yes, that is a Webkinz Unicorn!

Cookies and carrots

2008-02-16T17:49:00.004-06:00

The cookies were for Santa, "But mommy, what about the reindeer? They have to fly all night too, they'll be hungry." So I give her a few carrots..."Mommy, I need one for EACH of the reindeer". She practiced counting to nine alot on Christmas Eve!

note: the scan is all wonky from photostitch

Valentine's layout 12x12

2008-02-15T22:58:00.003-06:00

I took the photos below added :
Papers are from: Asian Artisen, To you with love, Academy, Ivory Elegance
Stamps are from VAlentines 2008, VAlentines 2007
Chestnut & Rouge colorbox chald ink
Bronze Judikins embossing powder
Zig pen for doodles
Sticker letters doodlebug designs

Grungeboard and leather keychains

2008-02-08T15:01:00.000-06:00

I'm in a card swap called 'OCAM', One Card A Month. I decided to add a little gift this time around, and make an extra for a friend.

Valentines for Kids

2008-02-08T12:37:00.000-06:00

These little 'dolls' are for Emily's Valentine's day swap. I was trying to encorporate as much texture as I could, while still keeping it safe for children with disabilities. I backed them with manilla tags so they can hang on the wheelchairs or from a hook for a fun whimsical decoration.

"Laissez les bons temps rouler!"

2008-02-05T21:04:00.001-06:00

I can't believe today is Fat Tuesday! Earliest it's been in 25 years! wow! Let's see...12 years ago I spent it in the Big Easy...don't remember much of that, but I still have the beads and pull them out every year! We made a yummy looking King Cake, which we will have for breakfast, since it's already bedtime for the girls, and danced around the kitchen to the Mardi Gras Mambo.

Emily went to school with beads on, and came home as a float! Apparently all the wheelchair kids are decorated as the 'Kirk Krew'! Who knew?? Streamers, and flowers, and glitter and feathers....too funny!
I hope you had a safe, fun holiday too!

Tim Holtz

2008-02-01T07:03:00.000-06:00

Early on in blogging days I mentioned my admiration for Tim Holtz's innoventive approach to stamping and paper arts. I thought it time I gave him his own post. Besides traveling year-round teaching workshops and promoting ranger Industries, Tim has designed 3 series of rubber stamps (3rd set to be released at CHA in a few weeks)that are quirky with out being sugary sweet. He is the master of Grunge with a new product called 'grungeboard', a paper based product, that to me smells like leather. He has an entire line of crackle paints, ink pads, new cool tools...and it doesn't look like he's going anywhere for a long time! woo hoo!
Beginning in December, he started 'The 12 tags of Christmas', where he posted step by step instructions how to make 12 awesome Holiday tags to add to gifts. He is continuing to share the love and awesome tutorials each month with a new technique demo with his products. Appropriately, he just posted his february technique making a Valentine tag with paint, ink and grungeboard.
If you're looking for a place to visit, go check out Tim's blog! Be sure to leave him a comment, he likes that, and tell him Luanne sent you!

vintagepaintworks.com

2008-01-31T09:18:00.000-06:00

This morning I discovered an AMAZING website! Please go visit them, and join for free ephemera, and workshops, tutorials....just really really great stuff! They specialize in Vintage and have quite a good set of tutorials from beginners in card making, to advanced in mixed media and altered books.
If you look around, you'll be taken away from the main site and introduced to some really incredible stuff! there are personal challenges, and weekly tutorials...wow, I'll be really busy here!

Ydia-an art doll muse

2008-01-29T12:58:00.000-06:00

A what???
In Greek Mythology there are 9 muses responsible for artistic inspiration in:
Calliope (Epic Poetry),Clio (History),Erato (Love Poetry),Euterpe (Music),Melpomene (Tragedy), Polyhymnia (Hymns), Terpsichore (Dance), Thaleia (Comedy), Urania (Astronomy). See Professor Graves, I did pay attention!
I wanted to make a series of inspirational dolls to remind me why I make art, and give me inspiration when the well has gone dry. This is the first in the series. she is named Ydia (pronounced 'idea'). She is my personal reminder of 'worth'.

She was made with materials given to me by several people from around the world, filling her with tons of generosity & creativity. If you click on her picture you can see the shine, irridescence and depth of her feaures. In real life, everything sparkles.

Here's a fun quiz to find out which Greek Muse is most present in you, don't worry you don't have to give out any personal information.
Muse Quiz I'm Euterpe (Music), no shock there!

I have a few more dolls waiting for the right finishings, so please come back and meet them soon!

Mixed-media paper quilt

2008-01-25T13:41:00.000-06:00

So, I picked up a copy of Cloth Paper Scissors and found some instructions on making a "Paper quilt". I thought I'd give it a shot, and have to say I loved making this!!! For a first time attempt,I'm really happy with the results.
Of course there were a few tense moments along the learning curve as always, but I let the quilt dictate what it wanted to become. Thanks for looking!

Materials used: Crepe paper, blue jean material, microbeads, fiber wrapped pipe cleaners, Adirondak color mist "Bottle", Club Scrap Stratosphere stencil, CS Refresh paper, ribbons to bind edges (doesn't show up on scan, Pearl-ex powder, Lumiere metallic paints, rubber stamps, various stencils and my sewing machine.

I've been making stuff again

2008-01-17T14:27:00.000-06:00

some background paper:

a birthday card

(not my usual style, but it's not MY birthday)

and a funky Giraffe

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T20:16:00.000-05:00

Hooooooooot!

Tag, I'm it

2007-10-17T12:19:00.000-05:00

My passion for altering manilla tags is well know to many people, if not, let it be known. I also love anything vintage or distressed. I have been playing with paint again lately, and turned my creativity toward collage for my latest set of cards. I wish I could decide on one style of card making, but I'm into the One of a Kind, not easily duplicated. Enjoy!

I'd love to credit the stamps and paper, let's just say it's mostly Club Stamp/Club Scrap with a bit of stash mixed in. Ephemera was taken from National geographics and an old dictionary.

I've been busy...really busy!

2007-09-30T22:27:00.000-05:00

Here's some of what I've been up to lately. Between a retreat in Wsconsin, and some local classes my artistic direction is very confused and out of whack! Here's what's coming out of it: ps-the lady christmas cards were designed by scrapologychicago with Dolly Mama's stamps.

Caardvarks- Beads micro challenge

2007-09-02T12:42:00.000-05:00

I had to take some time away from cleaning up to play with my new witchy hats...boo! All paper Club Scrap, stamps Sunday International & Stampendous, polka-dotty tape Heidi Swapp, ink Nick Bantock, Vintage Seed Beeds from my Grandmother's stash!. Click on the image to see a close up. Happy Halloween!

Level 1 Hurricane in Chicago?

2007-08-26T21:26:00.000-05:00

Seriously! Thursday pm, about 3:15 as all the school busses had just left the grade schools, Grade 1 Hurricane force winds blew through our neighborhood north of Chicago. The sky and air were white with whipping rain. 100 year old trees were falling like toothpicks, the ground was so waterlogged, as the trees blew, they were uprooted and blown over. It was Armaggedon!

Allison was suppossed to be on the school bus, but I had picked her up. Good thing! An electric pole was torn out of the ground and wires smashed into the bus as the pole lay on top of it. Emily's bus driver tried to take her wheelchair off the bus...moron! I shouted for him to keep her on until things calmed down. Insane!

Crackle....Crackle...Snap...Crash! One of the huge 50 foot Maple Trees which Canopy my house cracked in half and came crashing down on Utility lines. Buzzz....buzzzzz.....the power went out.

OMG what is happening?

The streets were beginning to flood...think Louisianna. It's time to get out of here!

Off to Mom's, where they have lights, electricity, air conditioning and food.

We call my sister who lives nearby, but got hit harder. She's out of town, her basement is flooding, no power and the sump pump doesn't work.......

72 hours later...

We are all safe. Power was restored earlier today,and tomorrow we attempt to go home. No food in the refrigerator or freezer...no fresh fruit...everyone wanting to stock up too. It's crazy, simply insane. Tomorrow I will begin to put together an emergency kit, even if I never use it. When the world is spinning out of control, you don't have time to think, but you have to! You have to stay calm. You have to protect your family. You have to protect yourself. We made it through this one, I don't want to do it again!

1-2-3-Simplicity

2007-08-15T21:26:00.000-05:00

1 Embellishment = Fence
2 Patterned papers
3 Flowers

a few cards for Fall

2007-07-27T12:16:00.000-05:00

I know July isn't even over, but I got this great paper and wanted to do something with it. All paper is from WeRMemory Keepers (Available at Archiver's for Limited time), Stamps are Club Scrap/Stamp & Rhonna Farrer's"Flurishes v:1", Vintage ribbon from stash, Vintage button, Other supplies Flavia & Tim Holtz Distress inks in Mustard Seed, Tea Dye & Vintage foto. Black is Staz-On.

ATC Art Dolls

2007-07-08T21:44:00.000-05:00

Details to follow, I wanted to get the foto up while I had a minute.

Happy 4th of July!!!!!!!

2007-07-04T17:35:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone out there had a fun, safe 4th of July!!

Back to the paperplaeing

2007-06-19T19:02:00.000-05:00

Life has a way of hitting me upside the head until I've fallen over and forgotten everything I was doing.
Actually, my scanner broke. Since I was unable to upload stuff, I lost motivation to make anything. The good news is that the slump is over! The scanner is still caput, but I've found the time, and a little motivation to crank out some ATCs, and begin 2 really neat board books. I'll post as soon as I get fotos.

an artist at 4 years old

2007-05-11T23:14:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I made a scrapbook layout. Tonight I decided to try out the UHU glue roller,(which is really a two-sided tape mechanism)and play with some pictures I took yesterday of Allison painting her 1st canvas.
Supplies: Stratosphere paper, Paint: Making Memories 'daquiri' & Anita's Acrylic 'steamed milk', Stratosphere UMs, Versamark ink-Amethyst (came with Jr kit) heat embossed with Stampendous 'Kaleidoscope' transparent embossing powder. Fibers & eyelet from stash.
Adhere foto to light blue cardstock, then dark blue, then to 12x12 Fuchsia paper from April's Club Scrap Stratosphere kit. Apply paints, alternately to brayer, roll onto paper in one direction. Refill brayer, repeat. Stamp Phrase to tag cut from light blue cardstock with ink & heat emboss. Punch hole and place eyelet with crop-a-dile, tie fibers through hole, put a dab of UHU roll-on to paper, press down fibers in a jaunty fashion.

a bit of metal tape

2007-04-23T22:42:00.000-05:00

I don't remember where I saw this, but somewhere out in cyberspace I learned to use metal tape as a background. I like the industrial look of it, I'll have to experiment with aging it.

anatomy of an ATC Tim Holtz

2007-04-19T19:58:00.000-05:00

I adore everyhing this man invents! Here is my ATC offering for Art Techniques ATC group. ATC created from a sheet of aluminum, inked with Tim's Alcohol inks. I added the Harlequin from Stamp Camp with Black Staz-on. Transfered some bingo stuff onto seriously old paper (thrift store find) as well as one of Tim's newest stamps from Stamper's Anonymous. A bit more alcohol inks on some metal thing-a-ma-jiggers. Voilla.

a life in mixed media

2007-04-13T21:45:00.000-05:00

This piece is my entry in the April Challenge "wrapped fiber art" for arttechniques. It is my 1st attempt at a few techniques in my journey into the 'dark side': Fiber wrapping, art dolls, found metal collage, and mixed media. I'm really enjoying the freedom that comes from this! I guarantee there will be a whole lot more to come!!
I'm working on a set of shrines...oooohhhh

an exerpt from Lee Iwan Acumulated Experience

2007-04-11T22:28:00.000-05:00

I am away from home, unable to create today, but wanted to share one of my favorite thoughts taken from Lee Iwan Accumulated experience. A fantastic blog that makes you think about the world we live in, the the quality to which we live.

Frustration
January 17th, 2007
Frustration can cause bizarre behavior and out of proportion reactions.

When we are frustrated we get angry or apathetic. Our responses become magnified or diminished.

The perfect example of how strange we can react when frustrated is reflected in the “mosquito in bed” scenario.

We lie in bed just dozing off. We have a planned a perfect long nights uninterrupted sleep.

Then the thin piercing buzzing begins, seemingly inside one of our ears. A mosquito.

A quick pass of our hand seems to frighten away the mosquito, and we close our eyes again and drift toward dreamland.

Again the mosquito appears. Exactly in front of our ear. This time we move quickly and with more vigor in order to squash the tiny insect before it can fly away.

This happens several more times.

By now we are angry, frustrated and bent on killing that bug.

Each time we slap at the mosquito we are increasing our velocity and the force behind each swing.

By the 6th or 7th swat all we are really accomplishing is increasing our frustration level and repeatedly hitting ourselves about the head harder and harder.

The apathetic approach calls for us to cover our entire head with the covers and pillow.

This successfully prevents the mosquito from entering our ears and has the added benefit of increasing our body temperature and reducing the oxygen level, eliminating every possibility of breathing normally.

After 10 minutes we throw back the covers gasping for breath, sweating at the temples and find our nemesis in our ear again.

We don’t stop, sit up and turn on the light and track down the tiny bug in a well lighted room. No, our frustration has driven us to absurd behavior, boxing our own ears or suffocating ourselves in the attempt to eliminate a tiny problem from our lives.

Now think about your day at work.

Can you identify your “mosquito” that’s preventing you from fulfilling your real mission?

What the best, most efficient way to find and eliminate your “mosquito”?

Lee has been to or worked with: Russia, China, India, Taiwan, Philippines, South Africa, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Holland, Turkey, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Canada, USA, Mexico, Martinique, Barbados, Aruba, American Virgin Islands, Grenada, Panama, British Virgin Islands....and the list keeps on growing. 35 years in the USA and 15 years in Mexico. What's next?

Mosquito image courtesy: desktopexchange.com

a new e-zine & free download

2007-04-10T16:01:00.000-05:00

New & Free...anything better? There is a great group of smart ladies out of Australia who have just released a new website: Go-make-art.com and e-zine: Astarte's Mega-Zine, for your artful enjoyment. If you follow this link Astarte Mega-Zine: you'll be able to sign on to their mailing list, and download:
"A three-page "Saucy Ladies" clipart-and-quotes set
Two pages of high resolution butterfly clipart
Issue #1 of Astarte's Mega-Zine - nearly 40 pages long with 17 fantastic articles to inspire you to create art AND to work with creative processes like reflection, goal setting, art journaling and more."
Ooh la la. I used some of the ladies in my nightlight below. They are offering the free-limited time- sign up in hopes you will subscribe, so don't just take and run! Look over the magazine, and you'll realize there are a ton of tips, projects with step-outs, and fotos!! Instant :Inspiration, Instruction and Gratification. Go visit them & sign up!

a saucy nightlight

2007-04-09T18:49:00.000-05:00

March ClubStamp project was a nightlight...and here it is. The vintage images came as a bonus for signing up for a new e-zine (details soon to follow), Beads and twill from stash. This was an incredibly easy project! The difficulty was deciding on images and where to put them, then I photocopied the group onto thin paper, attached it and voilla, done!
I did notice the other day at the LSS there were similiar nightlights for sale, but in bright colors.

Caardvarks Stars Challenge

2007-04-07T13:39:00.000-05:00

The month kicks off with the theme of stars. MM scrapbook paints in spotlight, asphalt & red wagon on CS cardstock. My mind's eye paper inked with Walnut Distress from Ranger, Flag um Sunday INternational, staples from MM & ribbon from stash. Vintage image.

an art-e-zine

2007-04-07T09:56:00.000-05:00

Ok, my life is now complete. What will those wacky girls from the UK come up with next? art-e-zine ! This web zine (like a magazine but it's online) has the most amazing collection of altered artists I have found in a long time. The art is not for the squeemish, and definitely not mundane. It's edgy, bold, funny, sentimental, bright...everything you could imagine and more. If you stop by, you'll get entranced, and lose hours of time there. If you're looking for "paperarts, art stamping, collage, altered books, art journals, assemblages, digital art, polymer clay etc etc in fact any art medium you like playing with and experimenting and being creative, no limits, just enjoying your art" that is how they describe themselves.
The owner of the site asks for a $10 yearly subscription, if you find yourself using the information. a very very small price to pay for a wealth of stuff!
Finally, if you still haven't gotten enough, there is a yahoo group to join for swaps and information...guess where I'm gonna be all day!

a great clip art site

2007-04-07T08:50:00.000-05:00

Clipart ETC. is an off shoot of the Florida Educational Technology Clearinghouse, where they house thousands of fantastic clipart images. I'm not talking everyday childish designs, these are detailed black and white drawings and etchings like the flies above. Fantastic to print out, color & collage or use as a focal point for a card. This is not your mother's clip art page. Enjoy!

a coffee cozy

2007-04-06T19:46:00.000-05:00

Apparently one of the latest crazes in paper crafts & knitting is personalized insulated beverage cozys... Hmmmm, not a trend I'm going to rush out and buy a bunch of, especially since I make excellent coffee at home, and can make the cozys myself. So here is my take on it. I used the pattern below (feel free to use it, just send me a scan of what you make). Fortunately I had a corrugated cardboard box sitting around (always recycling) and cut the pattern out of it. I stamped some great images from the Original Club Scrap Mocha Java kit, as well as images from the new MJ-remix on the cardboard & harlequin pattern from Stamp Camp. Clear embossed over colorbox brown chalk ink an image from StampCamp, and words from the MJ-remix on Manila folder paper, which I then color washed with my own washes. To secure the back, I punched holes set eyelets, threaded a thick brown yarn and tied with a bow. If you're going to use eyelets, remember you want the smooth side against the inside of the cup so it doesn't tear when you insert a beverage. I also added eyelets to the outside for the finished touch.

a beverage cozy pattern

2007-04-06T19:40:00.000-05:00

Click on the image, save it to your computer (the foto, not the link). Either embellish digitally or print and decorate, or print and use as a template on very thin cardboard. I use very thin cardboard boxes so it actually has insulation.
I'm offering the pattern here for anyone to use, but please send me a scan (in the comments section)if you actually use it!

Anatomy of an ATC

2007-04-06T15:05:00.000-05:00

This swap is titled "Rhapsody". It is the March swap from Club Stamp, using papers and stamps from the monthly kit. Stamp images from Unmounted rubber on Orange and beige paper with Superior Navy ink. Cut out phrase. Ink edges of all pieces. Dip the quote into UTEE, covering both sides. Attach confetti with white glue, and quote with pop up foam adhesive. Attach an eyelet to the side and thread with fibers.

a little mona lisa

2007-03-30T23:25:00.000-05:00

So here's the deal: Last weekend I spent time making the "Mona Lisa" card fronts for a Coffee themed swap. Thinking I was incredibly creative, I used actual espresso and coffee grounds for the ink and embossing powder. To my chagrin, the final list was posted, and in a round about, polite way, it was hinted not to use actual coffee due to it's high acid content! Well, now I have a ton of coffee embossed Mona Lisa card fronts, not to mention the culls.
Here I have placed one, stamp by Tim Holtz for Stamper's Annonymous, on brown Club Scrap paper, as well as the phrase from the CS Reaching out Unmouunteds. I used a moldable blue foam stamp with patterns I created from an urn on another CS paper. Embossing powder in Gold and chalk inks from colorbox.
Since I have a ton of 'Lisa's', just send me something, leave me a comment, or email your address & you'll get a Mona Lisa in the mail!

a little sister

2007-03-29T22:54:00.000-05:00

Here is Emily. Paper Club Scrap, flowers Prima, Ribbon Michael's, Buttons from my grandma.

a break in the action

2007-03-27T22:26:00.000-05:00

Actually I'm working as mad as a Hatter on an ATC swap, and can't make up my mind! Every time I decide to take the cards in one direction, they just don't look right. Grrrrr. The theme is Tea party, and the extra challenge is to make a Triptych rather than an ATC. What is a Triptych? I'll explain it all once the cards are done. The mod podge is drying right now, or I'd scan one in. Homework for today: look up definition for Triptych...hopefully I'll have a yummy post ready for Wednesday!

a great program

2007-03-26T11:20:00.000-05:00

The Font Thing is a free download to help you manage your fonts. Why would I need that you ask? Well, once installed on your computer you can type your journaling into a little box and it will show you how it looks written in all the fonts installed on your computer, especially since you have probably downloaded everything you could off Urbanfonts last week. How cool is that! No more time spent trying out each font, and going back and forth figuring out just which will work with your layout or project. I have a gazillion 'dirty' fonts installed, and never know just how much dirt I want on the page, now it is so super easy!
If that hasn't convinced you to get it, then this will: It organizes your Dingbats too! Woo hoo, everyone loves organized dingbats, right? What is a dingbat? Imagine you type the letter 'A' on your keyboard and instead you get a flower, or a moon, or a goat. Dingbats are little itsy bitsy designs in place of letters. Just enlarge them and you can have some great cut outs for your artwork. Dingbats, although super easy to use, just type, can get confusing when you don't remember what letter stands for which dingbat. With The Font Thing you see all of them in one place. I suggest you type the alphabet in the little box that pops up when using dingbats.

It doesn't look like it works with Vista yet, but I'm sure it will soon.

a sense of self expression

2007-03-25T23:11:00.000-05:00

This layout is for my BOM (Book of Me). Although it sounds arrogant to make a book all about yourself, it's more about why I am the way I am, where I came from, where I hope to be going and what is important right here, right now. I've just started it, and haven't decided on 12x12 format, or 8 1/2 x 11. This layout is 12x12. Paper from Club Scrap Refresh (Feb. 07) but I'm afraid the kit is out of stock, Retired, as CS puts it, but you can still get individual sheets. Mosaic tiles from CS- Refresh also. Stewart Superior ink in navy, Eyelets every month Refresh pack, fibers and ribbons from my stash & the font is 'Artstamp Medium'. Fotos of Nicole Richie and Janet Leigh are Copywritten images, and not by me. The Gorilla resides in Disney's Animal Kingdom, Florida.

a fish story

2007-03-25T20:31:00.000-05:00

First I snap the foto, then she hears the click! And that's the secret to making your child look so sweet on film!
Paper from Club Scrap Rhapsody (March 07), ink Stewart Superior which came with the Jr. Kit this month. Brads from eyelets every month Refresh pack, and fiber & button from my stash.
If you visit EEM, eyelets every month, and decide it's as great as I did, please use me as your referal! She gives away free stuff for that kind of thing, and you know I love free stuff!