Sketchbook

Fish Tails ...

I just finished my "fish tails" art piece.  I was in a mingle entitled "fish tails".   We had to have a fish somewhere on the piece of hanging artwork.

This photo isn't the best, but you can see the basics of my piece.  I used a 4"x6" canvas and painted it with a glaze medium and paint.   I stenciled some random designs on the background using paint.   I gave the background some added texture by randomly applying some distress stickles with a paint brush.   I added an image of a vintage fish company label and used oil pastels around it for shading.    I glazed over the label.  It has almost a crackle finish to it.  I embellished the piece with an "F" game piece, some netting, small sea shells, and a wire/ribbon/bead hanger.

Purple ...

I was in a card mingle recently.   The theme was "purple".    Purple is not my favorite color so this was a bit of a challenge to me.   

I chose an Asian theme. The body of the card was stamped with several stamps -- asian face, ginko leaf, fern, coin, etc.    I used black ink and Versamark clear.  

I made the lantern by punching out two circles of the same size -- one black and one lavender.  I  cut an edge off of the lavender circle and repeated it on the opposite side.   I did the same to the black circle, but making sure the piece cut off was smaller.   After gluing these circles together, I attached some metallic mitzuhiki cord to the back.   Embellished the stamped floral image on the lantern with a glimmer pen.  Attached to card on pop dots.

 

Happy Birthday AJ ...

I made this card for my nephew who is turning 14 in just a few days.   Can't believe he is growing up so fast.   

I find it hard to make cards for teenagers.   I've never had one of my own, so I am never sure of what appeals to them (and at what age).

This is the card I made for AJ's birthday.   I cut the guitar from a piece of printed cardstock.   Stamped the sentiment.   Added "latte" colored pearls to the neck of the guitar.   Hope he likes the card.   If all else fails, I know he'll like his gifts!

Oh, what a beautiful morning ...

How beautiful can a morning be?   This morning was just gorgeous outside.   The air was finally a bit cooler and there was dew in the air.   So refreshing.  I love morning when it is quiet, still, and everything is fresh and waking up to a new day.

This morning as I was meandering around the yard with my cup of coffee in hand,the flowers just seemed prettier and happier than they have been lately.   Maybe it's because the temperature actually fell in to the upper 60's overnight.   What a pleasant relief.  

Look at this glorious perennial hibiscus.  I just love these.   When I spotted the dew hanging on the leaves and petals, I had to get my camera.  The flowers on this perennial hibiscus are about the size of a dinner plate -- about 10" across.

 

A newly opened dewey flower on my magnolia trellis.

     

Two of my other favorites.   Mandevilla and a scarlett Mandevilla.

       

Some pots full of vinca and sweet potato vines, summers snaps, and one of the last hydrangeas.

Now this is a dogs life!   My favorite photo of the morning is of my sweet Holly.   She loves to sit or lay by the pool and just gaze into it.   I think she is hoping to spot the occasional frog or bug.  No luck today. 

So, how was your morning?

Update on me ...

Well, I have been one busy little beaver this past month or so.   In addition to normal daily life... I have been "playing" in my yard vigorously; made a trip to Dallas for a long weekend of "arting"; had a "milestone" birthday; and had a wedding anniversary.

I won't say the age that I turned recently, but I think by the color of the big balloon, you can guess.  

I thought we were going out to dinner to celebrate my birthday with just one other couple.   It ended up that there were 5 other couples waiting for us at the restaurant for a surprise celebration.  How exciting!!!   I can't even begin to tell you how surpised and thrilled I was.  I can't remember ever having a surprise celebration with friends before.     Afterwards, we all went back to a friends house, where I found it decorated with ballons and other goodies.   Thanks to all of my friends, and especially Mike and Sany, for the wonderful day.  It was special and meant the world to me!

My brother and sister-in-law surprised me with some beautiful flowers on my birthday.  I love flowers.   What could be better than that, except that they were in shades of orange.   These were so unique.  I love the Gerbera Daisys and the roses... but does anyone know what type of greenery  was used in this?   Or, what are the ruffly flowers on the left side of the arrangement?  

My husband gave me what I had asked for.  I had wanted a DS game.  I finally have one of my own.  I don't have to wait to use his.   I found this to be a great remedy for insomnia.   Seems to put me to sleep like a boring book does.   lol. 

Anyway, thank you to everyone who helped to make my "milestone" birthday a special one.   It was indeed special.

Coaster Calendar ...

 

I made this cute little calendar using two medium weight chipboard coasters.  The background coloring on the coaster is a fun technique that I recently created and will explain late in another post.   Hint... it is made using Glimmer Mists.

I cut a slit and made a fold in the back coaster to create a "stand" for the calendar.   The two coasters were glue together and left to dry flat under a heavy book.

Embellished with ribbon and a 3D butterfly from K & Company (I believe).  The butterfly was enhanced with extra bling and glitter pen.

Mother's Day ...

Mother's Day is still a very special day for me, even though it is now full of remembrances and happy memories for me.  This is a day I still celebrate my mom, but also miss her terribly.

I can wish my mother-in-law a happy mother's day though.   She is an exceptional woman.  This is the card that I made her this year.

I stamped this image twice and colored both with prisma color pencils and blended using the MCP technique.   I cut out the two flowers and vase from one of the colored images.   I adhered them to the base image to give the card dimension.

 Hopefully these photos show the dimension and interest you can get  by simply adding a second layer.

   

Quilties ...

One of my art groups recently had a "quiltie" mingle.    We all made "quilties" - aka altered fabric squares.   These were a lot of fun and definitely something I had never made before.  I signed up twice and these are the two squares I sent off.  Each finished quiltie was approximately 6" square and mine were totally hand stitched.

The first one I made is obviously a spring flower.    The flower is premade (not sure of manufacturer).   I added wool felt leaves.  Stitched down some fluffy fibers and beads to make the stem.   Added buttons as more flowers, and beads to the sparkling sky.

My second quiltie is for the birds.  I used two coordinating fabrics.  Added wool felt leaves.  Stitched on a real wood twig and embellished with glass beads.  A rusted birdhouse sits at the top of the branch.  Square is embellished with glass leaf shaped beads.

Had a lot of fun making these!

Quick Cards ...

Just a few simple little cards I made a few nights ago.

The background paper is from Memory Box, as is the cute little squirrel and sentiment.  This photo is not very good, and doesn't show the nicely colored squirrel very well.   I used colored pencils and blender.  It is on pop dots.

I really like these asian girl stamps from Hero Arts.   They are sweet.  This girl is colored using Tria markers.   A very basic card.

This card uses the same stamped image.  She was colored with colored pencils and blender.  

 

Sorry about the poor photos. They don't do any of these cards much justice.

Altered Spoons ...

I actually had to dust my blog off so that I could make a post tonight!?   It has been awhile since I have added anything to my blog, but here is a project I recently did.  

One of my online groups had an Altered Spoon swap.   We each had to alter 2 spoons any way we wanted. 

Using a vintage spoon, I added wire and beads up the handle.   I added a silver "dream" tag and glass leaf among the beads.   In the cup of the spoon, I added moss and a half of a wooden egg that I painted to look like a birds egg.  I also used Sharpie markers to add just a little color to the floral design at the end of the spoons handle.  I made a wire loop on the back so the spoon can be hung. 

 

The second vintage spoon that I altered had a "sea" theme.  I used copper wire at the top of the handles and wired on beads and small shells.   At the lower end of the handle, I wired on beads using silver wire.  I hung a wired and beaded chandelier crystal in front of the spoons cup.   The cup is filled with sea colored micro beads, small sea blue beads, and another shell.    

I have altered a lot of items, but never any spoons.   This was a lot of fun to do.   If you have some old spoons laying around... alter them.

 

Signs of Spring ...

I decided to dust off some stamps I hadn't used in awhile.    Remember all of the Hero Arts flowers from a few years back?   Well, here are some current cards I made using a few of them. 

 

 

I apply ColorBox chalk inks directly to the stamps to get this effect (cats eyes are easiest to use for this).  I use several colors on each flower and stem.

Top cards uses Memory Box paper for background.   Added ribbons and felt flowers.

Easter

I know that I have been "missing" from my blog recently.   I guess life has overwhelmed me in some other ways recently.    

A couple of cards for Easter...

 

This is one of my favorite Easter stamps.  I love these little bunnies.    I colored this card with Tria markers (alcohol ink markers - similar to Copic).   Background paper is Basic Grey; tiny crocheted flower.

 

I am really liking this Easter card.  It is for someone a bit younger than myself.  I love the intensity of the colors.   Background paper is from Memory Box; felt flowers and ribbon.

Happy Easter

Every Buggie ...

Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone! 

Just a couple of quick mini cards.    I think this is a cute pair of stamps.   I believe that they are from Inky Antics.   It is true... every buggie needs some buggie!

Altered Wand ...

Okay... I'm back.   And, I have a fun project to share.

One of my online art groups recently had an "altered wand" swap.   We needed to make just one wand with a theme of our choice.   And, it had to have lots of hanging fibers and trinkets.

When I set out to design mine, I knew I wanted to make a "bird" or "nature" themed wand.   When I found the cute little wire birdcage, I knew exactly what my wand was going to be!!!     It came complete with a birdie, nest and eggs.  

Here it is....

 

                   

All of the fibers and trinkets hanging from the wand.   What fun to collect and assemble.  I wrapped the handle of the wand with a variety of wire and beads.    

                       

I even made a bird egg for the base of my wand.

Hope you enjoy...   spring is in the air.

Where does time go? ...

It  has been quite a while since I've posted.     I can't really say why I haven't posted.     But, I do have a couple of projects to post asap.   Just wanted you to know I have not forgotten about my blog!!!

Pocket Cards ...

I have made these before, and have probably posted samples on my blog before too. I like to make cards that are different from a basic folded card. This can be made using a library pocket as the base to hold the tag, or just from a cut up manila folder (like here).

I used Memory Box papers on the tag and pocket. Sentiments are from Hero Arts and Purple Onion Designs. A flourish design was stamped on the front and back of tag. I embellished it with small stick on hearts, ribbons, and a glitter pen.

Valentine Cupid

I made this special Valentine for a secret sister of mine. She like "cupids", so I aged and distressed a copy of a vintage postcard. Added crocheted lace and ribbon. The sentiment is from POD.

There isn't a whole lot of stamping on these two cards, but I did punch out hearts from "paint chips". You know, the samples you can get at the hardware/paint stores.

The first card is on a Hero Arts card base. Has pastel polka dots on it. I coordinated all of my layers with those polka dots.

 

 

The second card uses a pre-edged white card base. A vintage floral designed paper is behind the heart punch outs.

 

Both are embellished with ribbon scraps and little paper butterflies.

Hanglie Danglie

One of my online art groups recently had a Valentine's themed "hanglie danglie" mingle. If you are asking what a "hanglie danglie" is, you are probably not alone. If I remember right, when our group made our first hanging 4x4's we didn't know what to call them. Someone called them "hanglie danglies". The silly name has stuck with us.

In our mingle, we each made just one altered/collaged hanging bingo card with a Valentine's Day theme. Here is a full photo of the one that I made and sent to Cher.

Looking for a fun and unique Valentine's Day project to make?  Check out this "LUV-O-DEX".  How neat is this new product from Glue Art & Paper Studio?  

  

Look at all of the wonderful items included in this Limited Edition kit:

• 14 custom LUV-O-DEX cards
• mini card file
• 100+ plain cards
• ribbons
• embellishments

What a clever and fun-filled kit.   And, what a great deal. I just "LUV" this ! 

It is definitely a one-of-a-kind kit.  Such a value in my opinion.   I love the products from Glue Art and Paper Studio.   They make only quality items.   I have already ordered mine and can not wait to start working on my special Valentine's day project.   I have so many ideas running through my head right now.   But, you'll have to wait just a little bit to see my finished project.

   

Make sure you check back soon to see my finished "LUV-O-DEX".

 

Hanging Ribbon Storage ...

I had a brainstorm!!!

I know a lot of you are like me and are always in search of a better way to do/organize things.   For a long time I have been searching for the best way to store ribbons.  I have tried using ribbon boxes; stored ribbon rolls on a pants hanger (still a top choice);  winding ribbon on Cropper Hopper ribbon holders and placing in shallow drawers;  hanging ribbon on rings from the same Cropper Hopper ribbon holders and floss holders; and I'm sure some other ways that I just can remember at this point.  It has been a frustrating journey.

I have to admire the idea behind the Ribbon Ring.   When I saw this product, I took my Cropper Hopper ribbon holders that I had ribbon wrapped around (didn't like the wrinkles the ribbon ended up with) and floss hangers, and punched holes in them and hung them on a ring.   I was in effect hanging ribbon from a ring just as the Ribbon Ring was.  And,  I felt good that I was reusing something I already had.

Well, I didn't completely like this.   I liked having the ribbon hanging, but I didn't like using the rings or the Cropper Hopper ribbon holders.   The teeth in them was damaging to my ribbon.   And, I found the rings annoying.   It became a nuisance to me.

  (This is a sample of how I was storing ribbon on a hanging ring with the Cropper Hopper ribbon holders and floss spools.)

I seriously considered buying the Ribbon Ring, but it was just too expensive for my budget.   I'm not saying that it isn't a great product or that it isn't worth the money.  I just couldn't bring myself to pay $40-50 for another ribbon storage system that I wasn't sure I would even like (since the plastic tabs were still stored on rings).

So, one night it came to me.   I had a brainstorm!!!    I COULD USE "TIE HANGERS".   I thought that I would easily hang ribbon on them without the ribbon falling off, and I could hang the tie hangers on my current pants hanger that I have ribbon spools on.

I immediately got on the internet and searched for tie hangers.  On EBay, I found a package of 200 black/unmarked tie hangers for $5.00.   Yes... I said $5.00.    I was willing to try this for this price.

Well, the hangers arrived and I moved all of my loose ribbon to the new tie hangers.  I could hang ribbon that was up to 1 5/8" wide (which I don't have very much of).  The tie hangers comfortably hold two ribbons (3 narrower ribbons).

I hung all of the tie hangers from the bottom rung of my existing pants hanger.   My pants hanger holds approximately 125 of the tie hangers (most of which have at least two ribbons on them).   This hanger has always hung on the back of my door.   What a space saver.

It is working great.  I feel so organized.   I have all my ribbons sorted by colors family.   I can easily remove the individual ribbon/hanger from the main pants hanger and bring it to my work table.    And, most of all... I didn't spend fortune.  It is probably the cheapest organizational project I've done in a long time! 

I recommend trying this yourself!  

New Cards

Finally, some new cards!

The first two cards are variations of the same card.   I am using them as Valentine's Day cards.  This chandelier stamp is one of my favorites.   I can use it for so many different purposes -- celebrations, love and valentines, Christmas, Halloween, etc.

The white mat (with oval cut out) is a nice ribbed white cardstock. 

 

I also made these two cards... both just a variation of each other.  Stamped the flowers on printed papers and cut out.  Stamped the flourish image and tore/distressed.   Added ribbon/twill, stickles in cinnamon, and pearls.  

 

Happy New Year to you all ...

With another holiday season coming to a close (they come and go so quickly anymore) I wanted to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year.

 

We just returned from a few days at the beach - Orange Beach.   This is the view from our condo.   It was perfect weather on this trip.  We just love it there.   It is always so hard to come home. 

On another note, I just needed to post this picture for one of my online groups.   This is what my secret sister (Julie) sent to me.  Thank you.

Snowman ...

Recently, I saw these snowmen posted on Two Peas in a Bucket.  They were made by Linda Albrecht.   When I saw these, I was absolutely blown away.  I thought they were so creative, and so cute.   

I found myself thinking about Linda's snowmen a lot.   I knew I wanted to try to create one of my own.  One in my own style and theme.  I went ahead and this is what I ended up with.

  

My "snowperson" is made from a small bead jar which has a cork stopper and wooden scoop.    I had a wooden ball that I used for the head.   Just painted it and added pearls (with drawn pupils) for eyes and a red rhinestone nose.

The hat was made from some real wool felt that I had.   I sewed the back together to form a cone shape and cinched up the tassel at the top.     I covered the cork stopper with a red iridescent pipe cleaner.

I added a striped ribbon around the neck of the jar, and then a sheer ribbon was tied over it for the scarf.   Silver foil ribbon spirals were added.    Also, I added a clear button to the front.

Like Linda did with her snowmen, I added the pearl beads to the inside of my jar.   I used white and black rub ons on the outside of the jar.   There are snowflakes all around it, with "joy" in the front.

To personalize my snowman... I used the wooden scoop to form a safe place for my little birdy to live.   I took a little piece of green dyed cheesecloth and placed it in the scoop.   I perched my tiny little bird on top.

To complete the project... I made my snowman look as though it was actually out in the snow.   Around the neck of the bottle, I added glue and glitter.  This worked fine, but I found that my Stickles worked just as well... if not better... to make snow.   I could make it kind of thick and lumpy in spots.   I put snow all around the jar, on the arm, on the wooden scoop and on my snowman's hat.   I even gave the tiny bird a bit of snow on it's head and wings.

I want to thank Linda Albrecht for her inspiration.   I love my little snowman.  I am happy how this project turned out.  Maybe I will have to make more, so that my snowman has some friends.   The  more the merrier. 

Christmas Cards ...

I am actually very proud of myself as I started making my Christmas cards a bit earlier than I normally do.  I am completely done and they will be in the mail in the next day or so.   It is always a relief to get this done.

I also spent most of my day and evening doing wrapping, wrapping, and more wrapping.   Except for gifts to my husband and to local friends, all of the gifts we buy have to be shipped cross country.  Needless to say, it is always a relief to see the boxes go on their way.   They will be at the post office first thing in the morning... along with all of the others that are being shipped on the Post Office's infamous "Black Monday".

Now, back to this years Christmas cards.    A couple of years ago I found a lovely pack of Christmas card "blanks".     The blanks came in a box of 50 cards with 10 different designs that were themed together.   They worked out perfect for me, especially after getting them 1/2 price at Hobby Lobby.   I looked for them last year and only found a set from DCWV that I wasn't thrilled with.   I used a few of the designs, but the box still sits mostly unused.  

This year, I was in Hobby Lobby just after Thanksgiving and unexpectedly found a box of blanks by My Mind's Eye.   I was so excited to find them.   I instantly fell in love with the designs.   The designs went perfectly with the stamps I had bought and planned to use this year.  

I wonder if My Minds Eye makes these sets exclusively for HL?    Some patterns are obviously pieces from their old line "festive signature Christmas".  

This is my favorite card.   The ornament is stamp in Brown Brilliance ink.  The card is a patterned "blank", and the other printed paper is from Basic Grey.

 

  

These are two more cards I made.   I love this stamp.  I used Brilliance Olive ink, and colored the bird with a brown Tombow marker.    The first card blank vintage looking sheet music and the second one are deer.   I added striped paper at the lower edge.

I used a chandelier stamp that I had with this card that reminds me of old wallpaper.  I made the chandelier sparkle with bling.   The edge is a brown piece punched with a scallop punch, and some more striped paper.

 

I love this bird/nest stamp.  It is a two part stamp by Memory Box.   I just it was so sweet.   I did several variations of this design.

 

  

Here are a couple of variations of cards that used the same Memory Box stamps.   I like how the saying seemed to fit with the family of birds.

   

I really like the vintage feel of these.   I printed some copies of a favorite image and added it to the cards.   The first card uses a blank Cavallini label with a stamped sentiment.   The second is a printed Cavallini label.

 

  

These two cards were done in pretty much the same manner.   The first one just has glitter added to the snow covered branches.