Sunday, September 1, 2013

SSAJ9-September Art Journaling Challenge

Yes, it's September! I'm not really sure what happened to August.  I'm thinking a time vortex!

Since it is September that means it's time for another Soul Scrapper Art Journal Challenge...woohoo!  You can find all the details here.




For my page I channeled my inner Effy Wild and jut let the hair flow.  And I discovered the all that hair is a great place to journal.

Thanks for stopping by and happy creating!

Saturday, July 13, 2013

It's Time for Some Sketchables

Hi, Everyone!  Today I'm going to share what I like to call "Sketchables".  These are sketches that I do during my lunch break.  They're quick with very little fuss.  Since I like to draw art dolls in my art journal I've been practicing doing faces.  Here are a couple I did last week...

Then I found out that pencil will resist paint etc. so if I want to add any of these sketches to my journal it will create issues.  So I have switched to color pencils which is a totally different experience for me...

The most difficult part of using colored pencils is they don't erase like a regular pencil does...yikes!

Well, thanks for stopping by and letting me share my creative journey with you :-)

Until next time...Happy Craftin'!

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

My First Mixed Media Swap Page!

 
Everyone has received their pages so now I can reveal my first ever Mixed Media Swap page. What an amazing experience it has been, especially being a novice.
 
I used Golden's Fiber Paste for the first time and will freely admit I am addicted...haha.  I will add here if you use fiber paste and then dapple paint on to it after it dries Beware the Peaks! My index and middle fingers had some very tender spots after doing 21 backgrounds and 21 moons in fiber paste...but what great fun! 
 
I hand drew the girl (one of about 13 variations...it was hard trying to translate sketch to art doll for this project) and painted her, but I wasn't happy with the flesh color so I scanned her into my computer and added some zentangle patterns from Studio Sherrie and paper background from Tangie Baxter Designs. I then printed her out on some medium weight carstock 21 times :-)
 
The quote reads "follow your inner moonlight, don't hide the madness" which is quote from Allen Ginsberg. 
 
Originally I had glass stones where you see stars etc.  But when I started to pack the pages to mail the stones started popping off!  Apparently hot glue will not hold glass stones even when the bottom is sanded...PANIC!  I grabbed an old CM mini punches and Hubby & I punched our little hearts out...PROBLEM SOLVED.  Definitely a different look, but at least they won't pop off.  Did I mention I learned alot?  Haha.
 
I have returned the living room to the rest of the family, for which they are grateful :-)  I've warned them though that there is talk of a second swap in a few months so don't get too comfortable..heehee.
 
Thanks for visiting and I hope you have a chance to follow your inner moonlight today!


Sunday, June 2, 2013

It's Never Too Late to Jump on the Caravan!

Finally! I did a page for the Art Journal Caravan.  I mean we only started in January and it's now June, so it was about time don't ya think?  Haha.  Our first stop this year was The United Kingdom.  My journaling reads :                           Ever since I was a little girl I’ve been fascinated by the United Kingdom. I remember watching British comedies with my mother, like Keeping Up Appearances, Fawlty Towers and To the Manor Born.  Then as I got older I started watching Monty Python and of course, Dr. Who.  Tom Baker was the Dr. when I first started watching and he had this magnificent scarf that went on and on.  Then when I was a teenager I started reading the romance novels full of highlanders and celtic warriors. It was only natural that I would fall in love with my hubby when our first date ended at his place and we watched the Vicar of Dibley together! All these years later and we still enjoy watching
Brit-Coms and laughing together.  This year I even got him to watch some Dr.Who on BBC America. We talk often
of the magical retirement years when we will go traveling.  First stop:
The United Kingdom."
 
For a full list of digi credits click here
 
Thanks for visiting!
 

Saturday, June 1, 2013

SSAJ6-Perspective an Art Journal Challenge

Hello, Everyone! Welcome to June. I’m so excited about this month's art journal challenge over at Soul Scrappers. We’re going to have so much fun!

Did you know the archaic definition of perspective is "optical glass like a telescope"? This month we’re going to look at our environment through an art journaling telescope and see how our perspective changes. In other words we’re going to play with found objects!
 
I used some drywall tape and candy molds.  Journaling reads " I know there is beauty outside, I can see it if I close my eyes and look around me. I know there is beauty inside if I close my ears and stop listening. It's all about Perspective."
 
All the details can be found here.  I hope you join us.  Until next time...Happy Craftin'!

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

The Perks of Being a Wallflower From Screen to Scrap Challenge

Have you seen this movie?  I must admit that when I first heard of it I thought, Oh great, another teen agnst movie.  But I was so wrong.  This movie is such a treasure.  Great characters and the soundtrack rocks!  I down-loaded the movie and the soundtrack to my laptop.  If you haven't seen it, what's stopping you?

Okay, commercial over.  On to the challenge.  From Screen to Scrap's May challenge is based on the movie poster.  The criteria to follow: a bit of green cardstock, black title and bricks.  Of course I used a lot of green cardstock since it's my background paper :-)  Journaling reads:
Teenager meet Brick Wall.  Brick Wall meet Teenager.  You have a lot in common with each other.  For instance, when I ask Teenager a question he doesn’t vocalize an answer; when I ask Brick Wall a question it doesn’t vocalize
 an answer.  When I ask Teenager to do something he stands there; when I ask Brick Wall to do something it stands there.  See the similarities?  I know that time will erode some of  Teenager’s attitude just as time erodes away a Brick Wall.  But dealing with Teenager in the in-between years makes we want to hit my head against Brick Wall.

We've hit the teenage years hard in our home, can you tell?  We've been working through some challenges. And "talking to a brick wall" is not a cliche to a parent of a teenager! I can almost see my words as they hit him and then crumble to the ground unheard, unwanted <sigh>. But I'll keep talking and hope that some of the words get through.

Digi  Credits: Captivated Visions, Sissy Sparrows and Anna Aspnes.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Craftin'!

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Let Your Inner Child Out to Play with SSAJ5

Credits: Studio Tangie Baxter,
Studio Rebecca Mcmeen, Studio Rosey Posey
Ruccola Designs, Fine Crafted Designs
Eenas Creations
It's time for SSAJ5-May Art Journaling Challenge. This month is all about possibilities. And the best part...we're making art dolls! Do you remember when you were a child cutting up paper and magazines to make people? It's as simple and fun as that ;-) Or for those that aren't allowed to play with sharp objects (heehee) you can always draw one.

That's what I did for my page.  I cut out the clothes, but then painted the head and arms.  As you can see I'm still playing around with lettering styles.  Haven't quite figured that out yet.  Each page I learn a little bit more about myself and the materials I'm using.  Which is part of the reasom why I art journal.


When I started this page I had a prepped background of faded blue, white and purple squares.  I then inked up an old texture plate and pressed it on to the page.  It made me think of a wall so I added bricks to the page in a random pattern.  As I sketched my doll she seemed to tell me she wanted to wear pants, which led to pockets and that sparked the idea for my journaling.  That's one of the things I love about art journaling.  If you let yourself relax and just go with it there's no telling where you'll end up.  One thing I learned about my purple glaze pen: Let it dry completely or it will smear.

All the details for this month's art journaling challenge can be found here.


Also, don't forget all the NSD challenges are still going on over at Soul Scrappers. You have until May 12th to get at least 3 done to be entered to win a prize!


Thanks for visiting!

Saturday, May 4, 2013

iNSD Fun Going on All Week at Soul Scrappers!

Hi, Everyone!  Happy interNational Scrapbook Day!
Isn't it great to have a day where the whole scrapbooking community worldwide gets together to celebrate this wonderful craft.

Soul Scrappers is having 7 challenges for NSD. If you complete at least 3 your name goes in for a random prize drawing. The best part...you have until May 12th to get them done and uploaded to the gallery...Woohoo!
 I've added my challenge-NSD3 Sketch Challenge to the gallery.



And here's my sample LO using the beautiful My Sanctuary Kit from Captivated Visions.



So why not pop on over to Soul Scrappers and let the fun begin :-)

Have a wonderful weekend and I hope you have a chance to create today.
P.S. Tangie got her funding!  My thanks to everyone who helped get the word out and/or pledged. 

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Only 3 Days Left!

There's only 3 days left on Tangie's Kickstarter Campaign and she still needs some pledges.  The way Kickstarter works is it's an allor nothing program.  So if she gets $29, 999 in pledges by closing on May 4th she gets $0.00.

She plans on refurbishing a dance studio into an art studio.  She will host art/mixed-media classes there, summer camps for children, and have an area for filming her on-line workshops and even live streaming programs...woohoo!  I'd appreciate your help in getting the word out.  I know how much her on-line workshops have enriched my life and when I think of how many more people she could reach with her new studio I get warm fuzzies :-). 

Above is an intro video she did about her project.

Your pledge counts and she has amazing rewards available for a little as a $2.  Go check it out here.  Thanks!

Until next time...Happy Craftin'!

Saturday, April 27, 2013

The Secret Life of Embossing Folders Revealed!

Happy Saturday, Everyone!  I'm a guest Blogger today at Stamping in Columbus.  Come visit and discover the secret life of the embossing folder :-)

Have a great weekend and happy craftin'!

Monday, April 15, 2013

Anyone Looking? - NSC22 Challenge

A new Negative Space Sketch Challenge is up over at Soul Scrappers.  Here's the sketch.  I decided to change it up a bit this time around.  You can find all the details for the challenge here.

And here's my sample page...who says you can't use blue on a girl page? Not I and certainly not Miss Ashley you looks pretty on a background of pale blue.  Digi supplies used were Bluebird on My Shoulder by Chelle's Creations a kit that was part of the Digi Files this month.

I hope you'll join us for NSC22 or perhaps one of the other many fun challenges we have going right now.

And don't forget SSAJ4 is going on for the whole month of April.

Until next time...Happy Creating!
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Thursday, April 11, 2013

Wonder and Truth Sketch

This afternoon when I took a small break I felt the need to sketch.  Naturally, I didn't have my sketchbook or art journal since I was at work.  So I grabbed a steno pad and pencil.  It was so much fun and so relaxing to immerse myself in sketching even if it was just for 15 minutes.

I really like how she turned out <inner critic is screaming "Let me out!, but I say "No!!">.   I even tried to draw some flowers which is something I've not been keen to try.  For now, I'll tape her into my sketchbook for future reference.  And I'm going to start taking my sketchbook to work :-)

Thanks for visiting and I hope you have time to create today, even if it's just for 15 minutes.



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Sunday, April 7, 2013

Dreams Are Coming True!

I often reference Studio Tangie, Tangie Baxter and the Art Journal Caravan.  Well I am thrilled to share with you that Tangie is planning on opening a brick & mortar studio!  With the studio she will teach art journaling to kids and adults alike.  She will also have the space she needs to record more online workshops...yay!

She has opened a kickstarter campaign.  Details can be found here.  Here's a little blurb from Tangie, herself:

"This is one of those days that I will FOREVER look back on as one of the most amazing, incredible, memorable ever. This is the day that dreams are coming true. I am so beyond ecstatic to let you know that I'm opening a STUDIO here in Mesa, Arizona! A real classroom and workshop destination location! The really exciting part is that everyone can be a part of it! I'm launching a KICKSTARTER campaign today with some AMAZING AWARDS including a backer's only blog where you will get to be part of the Studio progress every step of the way! How cool is that? There are also collage sheets, workshops, online classes, original paintings, journals and so much more!"

Joy here again.  The kickstarter concept is that many hands make light work.  For as little as a $2 pledge you can help Tangie's start her studio.  Imagine the people she'll inspire to create!  But the pledge is not a donation, you will receive something in return.  She has really cool rewards set up to send all her backers.  Some levels even include orginal artwork!

Tangie is a wonderful and giving artist and I hope you will visit her kickstarter page and consider helping.  Thanks!
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Saturday, April 6, 2013

Rejuvenate Your Creative Self with SSAJ4

It's the first Saturday in April and that means it's time for our next art journaling challenge over at Soul Scrappers.

This month SSAJ4 is about renewal.  Here is one of the inspirational quotes highlighted this month-

"But what I knew was that the earth underneath was alive and that by tomorrow, certainly the day after, it would be green again."
Norman Maclean


Our featured technique is Lettering and we'd love to have you join in the discussion; share a favorite lettering style or pen that you use.  And while you're there why not share a project with us too :-)

This month's album cover credits: Studio Tangie/Studio Sherri Collab-Fashion Bee, Studio Tangie-AJF Rocking Horse Fly, Graffiti Papers, Studio Rebbecca-Pribble, Captivated Visions-Mish Mash Stamps 01, Sissy Sparrows-Project 19 Room1.  All these designers can be found at Scrapbookgraphics.com. "April" was created with a free font from DaFont.com called Orial.

Until next time...Happy Creating!


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Friday, March 29, 2013

Gesso Preparation Has Begun!

I'm part of a Mixed Media swap with the Art Journal Caravan this year.  Each person is doing 21 pages.  The only criteria is that at least 50% has to be mixed media (paint, watercolor, collage fodder, etc).

I found a wonderful quote I want to use (sorry can't share until after the swap...stayed tuned).  I've already sketched 7 different ideas and still more ideas are making their presence known.  So who knows where it will all lead.  I do know that I usually use acrylic paints so I decided to go ahead and prep the pages with gesso so they are ready and waiting.


Here's what my work surface looked like after I was done.  Doesn't it look awesome :-)

Hope you get some creative time this weekend.  Until next time...
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Thursday, March 7, 2013

Beyonce and Klimt - What a combination!

It's been a while since I did the Song Lyric Challenge over at Soul Scrappers.  And what a time I picked to get going again!  The song this month is Beyonce's "Single Ladies".  There is a line "I need no permission" which struck a chord with me right away.  ViVa Artistry has a kit called "Quirky Originals" with images of Klimt paintings.  I chose this wonderful woman, she seemed to say "I'm me, deal with it or not."

Using a wet brush from PSE's brush sets  I erased the background around her to get those wispy edges.  The word art and frame were from that same kit.  The rest of the background elements came from that kit and some wonderful kits from Sissy Sparrows now over at Scrapbook Graphics.

I hope you'll join us for the challenge and don't forget the Art Journaling Challenge is going on for the whole month.  Until next time.....
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Saturday, March 2, 2013

March Art Journaling Challenge Is Here!

Hi, Everyone! It's the first Saturday in March and that means I've posted the newest Art Journaling Challenge over at Soul Scrappers

The Soul Team had a great time doing inspiration pieces based on some Irish Blessings and Toasts that are part of the prompts this month.

Here's the page I did using part of this Irish Blessing-

May the friendships you make be those which endure and all of your Grey clouds be small ones for sure. And trusting in Him to Whom we all pray, may a song fill your heart every step of the way.

When I read it I had this vision of a girl walking down the road with a singing heart in her hands...which eventually transitioned into this. It was my first time drawing a person in my journal.  I was nervous about it but then I reminded myself that my art journal is the place to try new things.  And then I went for it :-)


I hope you will be able to join us this month.  Until next time...Happy Craftin'!
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Thursday, February 14, 2013

Meet Audrey

I recently took a "She-Art" self paced workshop by Christy Tomlinson.  She really helped me understand layering which is something I have struggled with in all areas of crafting. 

A friend asked if I could make a canvas for her daughter.  She gave me a wonderful quote from Audrey Hepburn and provided the color palette.  After that she let me do whatever I wanted.  

I started with some lovely rose tissue paper that had been used to wrapped an RAK I won a while back (thanks, Debi)-I'm sure you understand that almost compulsive need to keep everything for some project not yet thought of :-) 

After I added some of that beautiful tissue paper onto the canvas  I began painting and stamping, which is oh so much fun!  And then I added some rub-ons I won from a Soul Scrap Quest Challenge over at Soul Scrappers (thanks, Shazza).  Again, oh so much fun!  And here she is...Audrey. 

Thanks for stopping by and letting me share my crafting journey with you...Happy Craftin'!

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Achoo!

Mary's A-Z challenge has gone live.  What a fun challenge!  The challenge runs through February 20th, 2013 so there's plenty of time to join in :-).  You can find all the details here.  Because everyone can choose their own word there's  wonderful mix of inspiration popping up in the gallery.

I'm doing an 8x8 mini album for the challenge.  Each letter will represent something going in my life at that moment.  As you may be able to tell by my title, due to the unseasonably warm January we've had in Georgia my allergies have kicked into high gear!


Digi credits: Sissy Sparrows-Pollen and Snip and Snails- Eclectic.  Both designers can be found at http://onestorydown.com/.

Thanks for stopping by and hope you have a wonderfully crafty day!
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Monday, January 21, 2013

NSC19 Time Over at Soul Scrappers

It's time for another negative space sketch challenge over at Soul Scrappers.  It's a simple sketch that leaves room for lots of indiviual style. 

For my sample page I put hexagon stamps under the photos to act as the mat.  I then blended the lines using the Paperworn Action by Studio Tangie at Scrapbookgraphics.com to give it a more natural stamped look.  I must admit that I don't think I have one digi page that doesn't use that action in some way.  It's my very favorite :-).

Details on the challenge can be found here. Digi credits are Captivated Visions-You're Worth It, Studio Tangie Baxter-You Are Brilliant, Anna Aspnes-Artplay Pallette Ablaze.
 
And while you are visiting Soul Scrappers don't forget to take part in our birthday ccelebrations,  Soul Scrappers is turning 3!
 
Until next time . . . Happy Craftin'!
 
 
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Sunday, January 13, 2013

Destiny's Page

Here's a page I did for an art journaling challenge at OSD.  We had to use 3 provided elements ( one orange/white butterfly, ripped seed packet, and background text; a color from a specific color scheme; and a journal prompt re: destiny.

The seed packet originally had a blue flower, but I wanted to use yellow/green/orange so I had no room for blue on my pallete.  No problem for a digi-gal, ctrl-U to the rescue.  I recolored the flower green :-)

Challenges are a great way to get your mojo going.  Don't forget to stop over at Soul Scrappers and check out all the great challenges we have going on. 

Until next time... Happy Craftin'!

Oh and Digi Credits-One Story Down:The Loft Challenge 1
Sissy Sparrows:Beautifully Different, Ninety Mini Kit
Studio Tangie Baxter: AJF Asking Riddles
Beth Rimmer:Grungy Overlays

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Saturday, January 5, 2013

New Year-New Post-New Challenge


Hi, Everyone!  Been a while, I know.  I spent most of December being a sick person <ugh>!
But I'm back and raring to go for 2013, hope you are too!

Over at Soul Scrappers we have an exciting 2013 planned.  In addition to the monthly challenges we have 3 new year projects!  Jane Howden is hosting Childhood Memories a wonderful project to help you document well...you.  It hasn't started yet, but the link will take you to an introducttion.  Mary Steinmetz is doing an A-Z project that will be great fun.  As soon as it's uploaded I'll let you know.  And then there's my new project...Art Journaling 2013. January has been uploaded here.  Hope to see you there!

Happy New Year!

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