Play Day

Preparing for an upcoming project to present to the Designing Divas art club, I ran across a few things that have gone unnoticed or buried for a very long time.  One was the Pansy stamp issued way back when by PSX and the other was a stack of puzzle card parts that I purchased when one of our local stores closed two years ago.

So . . . I decided to create a card using both and this is what I came up with. I sponged and stippled color on the puzzle pieces and stamped the image in black dye ink on top.  Separated the pieces and rearranged them on label paper sticky side up.  When the puzzle pieces were all in place, I sprinkled the open areas with glitter and attached the puzzle to a red card.  I decided it needed a little extra so I enhanced some of the image with a white gel pen.  Easy and fun for a change.





2011 Resolution

My resolution is ongoing -- finish projects; use up items left from previous ones; use stock in my stash; AND, I added the following which I received from my friend, Donna, because they will help me be more organized and do a better job not only in my craft area but also around the house:
1. If you take it out, put it back.

2. If you open it, close it.

3. If you throw it down, pick it up.

4. If you take it off, hang it up.”

ONLY THREE MORE DAYS TO BE MESSY.

Last Project for 2010 - Designing Divas

Each year for December, Lynn Stevens, provides a project which is one of the highlights of the year.  For December, she brought vintage baubbles and lots of embellishments for us to create  an "old fashioned" ornament similar to the ones Martha Stewart featured in one of her magazines.
Below is my completed ornament.  Like always I didn't get it finished at the meeting because the top red ball wouldn't stay in place so I brought everything home and finished it up a couple of days ago. 

This is a view of the bottom of my ornament with the angel standing in a metal basket with bells hanging from the bottom.

We are truly blessed to have so many talented and creative members in the Designing Divas group.

At left is the full length view from the opposite side featuring a different angel and trimmings .    You can view more of Lynn's Victorian ornaments on her blog.  

Oriental themed holiday cards

I made very few Christmas cards this year because the holiday swept me away before I was ready.  Sound familiar?  I did make a few cards for the oriental group as RAKS and most of them were similar in design.  I used Far East background papers and a Tim Holtz die cut over some Kanji stamped paper for the deer.  For some I made the rosette and attached a verse.  Below is a sample using the deer and a mere circle punch with the verse, "peace."

November Designing Divas Project

At the November meeting our project host, Renee, provided us with wood frames, 3D images and decorative papers to alter the frames.  I never seem to finish mine at club but wanted you to view my completed project.  The butterfly is layered 3D style and I covered the wings with resin.  Some of the butterflies were also covered with resin.  Hubby said, "That's a lot of work for one word."

CCC#25 - Scribble Stain Distress

I stained my tag per Tim's instructions in A Compendium of Curiosities and then I applied a napkin over the top using gel medium; added the image and bling for the berries.  You can find all of the details for these challenges over at Linda's blog, Studio L3.

CCC#24 - Rock Candy Stickles

I can't believe how I get the challenge numbers all mixed up.  I do believe the current challenge is #24.  I used a darling little angel from Altered Artifacts for the main image.  I ran out of rock candy distressed stickles so had to add a bit of the straw color to finish my card.  I hope you like this little angel.

CCC#24 - Double Distress

I created a holiday card using the challenge Linda posted at Studio L3.  Tim's paper rosette die was perfect to coincide with one of his embossing folders, and I used Worn Lipstick and Shabby Shutters for the double distress.   The green shade combined with the grunge created a more tan appearance, don't you think?

Alcohol Ink Splatters

I had so much fun with the alcohol ink splatter technique that I created a second card and also cut it up to embellish a tag.  Wish you could see it in person because the silver really shimmers on this one.

CCC#22 - Alcohol Ink Splatter

I used my alcohol ink splatter card and turned it into embellishments for a tag for this week's challenge at Studio L3, Compendium of Curiosities by Tim Holtz.

CCC#21 - Perfect Distress

Linda, who I was fortunate to finally meet in person this week (a very delightful and talented young lady) posted the latest challenge on her blog, StudioL3, for Compendium of Curiosities by Tim Holtz.  I used two different shades of Distressed Inks and three colors of Perfect Pearls.  This was a fun technique.  The three little angel image was from Altered Artifacts.

Holiday Cards - Scrolls Work

Last night I hurriedly photographed a couple of cards to give to Jacque at Stamp Club.  The light didn't do them any justice, and they really are more attractive than they appear on my blog.  I used images from Scrolls Work Rubber Stamps.   Corey on the sleigh is a favorite image of mine, no doubt because I returned home with very icy, cold feet after sleigh riding on a sled very similar as a youngster.

For this card, I used a free standing card format giving a 3D effect,  allowing the bells to hang down freely.  The gingerbread boy stamp is one of three that is available from Scrolls Work. 

CCC#20 - Industrial Grunge

I can't believe how fast the weeks go by.  For the last two days I have spent the mornings doing fall cleanup in the yard so by afternoon my energy is lacking.  I did finish the challenge over at Studio L3 for the Compendium of Curiosities book.  I selected a Thanksgiving theme.

CCC#19 - Extreme Masking

It is back to my normal routine today after spending a very fun week with my daughter, Lynne, and granddaughter, Jillian.  Even our dog misses them today!  United Airlines is in the process of merging the company with Continental and every flight they were booked on either got changed or cancelled so it took them an extended time to arrive and a much longer time to get back to Santa Barbara. 

Today, I started working on my delayed projects and the first was the extreme masking technique from the Compendium of Curiosities challenge posted by Linda at Studio L3.  I used Scrolls Work stamps to create my masks and add the additional stamped images.  I wasn't paying attention when I replaced my Xyron cartridge and wondered why the protective paper wasn't lifting from the card . . . wrong cartridge so I laminated my project.

A new week - a new Challenge at Studio L3

The challenge that Linda posted for this week for the ongoing Compendium of Curiosities is DABBER RESIST,  and with Halloween on our heels I selected it for my theme.



Thank you Card

Puplished - Haute Handbags Autmn 2010

Our circle of friends, ARTISTIC SOULS, participated in a club challenge to alter wooden clutch bags and Barb submitted them to Stampington for possible publication.  IT HAPPENED!  Below is a copy of the one I submitted along with the writeup, naturally it is oriental.  Pick up a copy to view the numerous handbags, be inspired and see what the other gals did with their purses -- steampunk to elegant.  If you click on the magazine cover on the right side bar, it will take you directly to the issue in which our purses were published.  Also click on "see what's inside" and scroll down.

Mad about YOU

Made a long card using Humble Harry from Scrolls Work Unmounted Rubber Stamps.  He's a kick and our son will enjoy this one.

Scrolls Work has new unmounted stamps

Jacque is offering some fun new unmounted rubber stamps on her site, Scrolls Work, so jump on over there and see what she has to offer.  I used a few of her new images to create two masculine cards for the special men in my life.  It is always fun to step away from the norm and create something different.  My guys will enjoy both of these.  One is indeed an inventor and hubby comes up with unusual 'thingamajigs' that actually work.



CCC#16 - Wringle Free Distress

I missed Linda's posted challenge last week at Studio L3 for A Compendium of Curisities, so was eager to get back and do the one for this week.

CCC#14 - Masks

The challenge this week for the Compendium of Curiosities at Studio L3, is masks.  You can obtain a striking contrast using them in your art or a more subtle effect like the one I created below.  They are one of my favorite items to use with paints, sprays or ink pads.

It's that time!

I plan to see Jacque, owner of Scrolls Work Rubber Stamps, on Monday and finished up two more cards for her holiday gallery.  Every year I promise to make my Christmas cards early but never seem to get started. Not just that, I also planned to can peaches this year and almost forgot abut them until my sister mentioned  she had been busy canning fruit. Yesterday, I went to the produce stand and purchased two boxes of fresh peaches.  Only a few were ripe enough to can this morning so I only did four quarts.  Lots more to do this coming week.  It must be the weather to be so forgetful...it can't possibly have any thing to do with my age.

Are you preparing for fall and the holidays?

CCC#13 - Grunge Paper Flowers

The Compendium of Curiosities challenge for this week was "grunge paper flowers" over at Studio L3.  I went patriotic for this week's design. 

SCROLLS WORK HALLOWEEN CARDS

I have been extremely neglegent to complete my obligation to Jacque at Scrolls Work Rubber Stamps and decided to make two very special Halloween cards as my repentence.  More holiday cards are in the works because fall has arrived and the holidays have a way of sneaking up on me.    (Check out her website and you will find the rubber stamps I used plus a lot more for Halloween and Christmas.)  Hope Quinton likes these Jacque.

August Meeting - Artistic Souls

Our little circle of friends continue to bring shoebox projects for each member to make or learn a technique.  Below are the projects:

Barb's Project

Judy's distressed technique (also see my previous post where I used some of my tags for the CCC challenge)

Merine's Project

Inka's ATC project

My project (Some of the gals highlighted the pedals in yellow which was stunning.)

CCC#12 Chipped Enamel

Linda at Studio L3 posted this week's challenge for Compendium of Curiosities.  Again, I made tags because they come in so handy to enhance cards, use as bookmarks or attach to a gift.

I think I had my head in a cloud because I just realized Linda resides in Boise, Idaho, not more than a few miles from Eagle where we have our home.  We have more in common than our love for art.

CCC#11 - Blended Batik

The weeks go by so quickly and time for another challenge for Compendium of Curiosities over at Studio L3.  All of the images including the tree in the background are from Scrolls Work.  Here's my tag:

CCC#10 - Distress Stickles

Linda at Studio L3, posted this weeks challenge for Compendium of Curiosities and this is my take on it.

CCC#9 Distressed Crackle

Another weekly challenge piece for Studio L3, Compendium of Curiosities.

CCC#8 - Inkling Grunge

Completed this week's challenge at Studio L3 for Compendium of Curiosities.  Below is my card:

CCC#7 - Tinted Fragments

My weekly challenge piece for Compendium of Curiosities at Studio L3 is below. 

CCC#6 - Compendium of Curiosities

Another weekly challenge at Studio L3. for Compendium of Curiosities.  I incorporated the technique along with images from Scrolls Work. 

PENQUINS

I've been in the processing of cleaning up my craft area, putting away the numerous items that have filled my desk and work table to the brim.  After the table was cleared, I found a small textured gingko background that got missed so decided to make a card for Scrolls Work.  This is a card that I ran through my Wizard  using a highly textured plate and colored it with chalk to bring out the design.

I'm also attempting to use stamps that haven't surfaced for a long time and found the cute Penquins which I stamped on vellum for an overlay.  Now that the card is scanned I'll fill the holes on the metal embellishment with matching glitter glue.

RAK for OSA Member

At one time I attempted to do some sumi ink background papers but never did much with them.  I'm still using up items in my stash and found the pink sumi background for this card.  I love some of the old prints that are available for download, and this one seemed perfect.  The ART image is from About Art Accents.  (I wish more companies would create oriental themed verses horizontally.  I realize that Chinese/Japanese is written vertically but there are times when it would be nice, like at the bottom of this card.) 

Compendium of Curiosities Challenge 5

I created two tags for this week's challenge at Studio L3.  It was my first time to use this product.

"You are Going Places Baby"

Donna from her blog Flying Solo Traveling Light nominated me for the Going Places Award,basically, asking each nominee where they would like to be in ten years.  Before I even attempt to answer that let me tell you a little bit about Donna. 

When I first started rubber stamping and making cards I heard about artists altering books. One of the Yahoo groups that I joined was organizing an altered book round robin and I jumped at the chance to participate.  That is where I met Donna almost ten years ago.  She also signed up to participate and her spread in my book is one of my favorites.  She knew I liked oriental and she did my pages in an oriental theme.  I was thrilled!

We continued to stay in touch and much more frequently this last year.  She has been in the process of relocating to San Miguel Allende in Mexico to persue her art studies.  I hope you will read her blog because she has documented each step, both the heartaches, challenges and love for her new city.  She is an inspiration and I admire her so much.

Now for the award...where woud I like to be in ten years.

1)  Alive and living in our home with hubby both in a healthy state (ouch...I'll be well into my mid 80s so that's asking a lot.)

2)  Bask in the comfort of knowing that all of our children are doing well, are healthy and pursuing their dreams.

3)  Would love to hold a greatgrandchild.

4)  Continue my passion for creating art and becoming an advanced digital artist.

5)  The ability to work in my flower beds

6)  A clear mind to read the latest novel

7)  Continue to spend time with my friends

8)  Live in freedom with less government controls, less greed and a healthier world that strives for peace.

When you get up in years, your priorities change and I am content to lead a quite life doing as I please in a beautiful home with my best friend.  We just have to look around and know we have it all.  Our family members are our number one priority.  If they are happy; we are happy.

TO MY FELLOW BLOGGERS....I know most of you do not accept blog awards; however, I hope you will stop and ask yourself, "Where do I want to be in ten years?"  in response to the award YOU'RE GOING PLACES BABY.

Divas June Project Completed

Linda Stokes was in charge of the project for the month of June and provided unpainted shadow boxes with theme papers, paints, stamps, etc.  I decided to use her pink and green music paper for my theme knowing that I would do something for my sister who is coming for a visit. 

As a child we had numerous tea parties and as we got older, my sister Donna always had her nose in a book while I was outside playing.  We both liked to sew, made our own clothes and we both played the violin in the Utah Junior Symphony.  We love flowers and Donna has a vegetable garden.  Books and music are still a big part of our lives.  Donna reads two or three books a week and I'm lucky to read two or three in a month.  The photo bottom left was taken of the two of us in 1949. 

Tomorrow is our July Divas meeting and I hope I don't take a month to complete it.  Some of the gals finish theirs the night of club.  It takes me longer to figure out what I want to do and often I have embellishments at home to compliment the project.

ATCs to Celebrate TEN TWO STUDIOS 5th Year

Lisa Volllrath suggested a swap using a collage sheet she put together to celebrate year number five for TEN TWO STUDIOS.  The images were a blast because all of them had a count of five either in a postage stamp denomination or the number of people in the image.   It was fun to come up with five ATCs to trade.  We had the choice to make them the same or all different.  It was more of a challenge to make mine all different.  Now that I'm finished with my cards to swap, I noticed Lisa put no restrictions on how we could use the images.  We can upload them into PhotoShop and cut and paste or whatever.  I see more things to come in digital creativity.

Wolves - Monoprint background

Back on June 30th I posted my CC challenge which was to create a monoprint background on glossy cardstock.  I had remaining alcohol inks active on my craft mat and decided to swipe a matte card.  It produced a totally different result, more subdued.  Oddly, the bottom of the card was grounded and perfect for the wolf image.

CCChallenge #4 - Shabby Chic

The challenge for this week over at StudioL3 is Shabby Chic for Compendium of Curiosities.  I was at Hobby Lobby today and saw a string of beads and they were perfect for my shabby chic creation.  I used a background image by Scrolls Work along with turquoise and silver paints on a piece of grungeboard that I cut with the ornamental die.  My dabbers seem to be drying out so I had to substitute some of the colors I originally selected.

Check out Anika's Blog Candy

Anika is a very talented artist living in London and she is offering a wonderful packet of goodies as blog candy.  Her goal is to have 50 followers.  It will be worth your time to check out her blog for the details.  She has made some fantastic frame pieces of art and numerous others which will inspire you.

Monoprint card for Scrolls Work

"Play on!" a verse by Scrolls Work Rubber Stamps was perfect for this monoprint background which included stamp #5501, Stallions.