tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294997328960512702023-11-16T07:19:04.382-06:00Art RocksA blog about a little of this, and a little of that, and lots of artsy and crafty stuffMonicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-61912934789778755622014-02-22T15:52:00.001-06:002014-02-22T15:53:41.789-06:00And let's not forget St. Patty's day…I liked working with the word/letter art so much that I made a set for St. Patty's day too. Same thing again, I painted large paper mâché letters and then chalked the edges with a deeper green. I created the rainbow and assembled a variety of objects to create the pot if gold. I think it turned out how I had anticipated it to so I was happy with the end results. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98qLwo8PNu_HI7YjDOcX0y7cuMdnRyvp5XTrFm5H4TMM8t93n_OlsHaUSYDOqYuu_Rr3Tt_BoRoT_tYv_if7pyVAS7Hb3Y0RTnLzsqEnvojQzIVr-9zmMslEUfqysn0LasLK86qYm1TvB/s640/blogger-image-1136795216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98qLwo8PNu_HI7YjDOcX0y7cuMdnRyvp5XTrFm5H4TMM8t93n_OlsHaUSYDOqYuu_Rr3Tt_BoRoT_tYv_if7pyVAS7Hb3Y0RTnLzsqEnvojQzIVr-9zmMslEUfqysn0LasLK86qYm1TvB/s640/blogger-image-1136795216.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-9934070829878600832014-02-22T15:45:00.001-06:002014-02-22T15:45:34.507-06:00Valentines day decorations<div><br></div><div><br></div>I had a few extra days I got to spend at home this past month or so because of the weather we've been having so I decided it was a perfect time to get my craft on! I had pinned some valentines decorations from Pinterest and I wanted to make my own versions of the ideas. I have in the past created my own paper mache letters, but for convenience this time I decided to go ahead and use the pre-made versions from the craft store. Here's what I ended up making and they fit pretty nicely on the mantel. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLclfMPdgwHYpsSSQaHLYA1wV16ocxjsF4yNP3Rm-IcQmYcAVcnUipzO23ljfsukPI3FzOXl4q8MqWsgC6xB-qk-36Eje1tY_gwC5gO9g32BJpkGCN85V1EEIrs6soRhMgRYNBXa36o0Ei/s640/blogger-image-2053164440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLclfMPdgwHYpsSSQaHLYA1wV16ocxjsF4yNP3Rm-IcQmYcAVcnUipzO23ljfsukPI3FzOXl4q8MqWsgC6xB-qk-36Eje1tY_gwC5gO9g32BJpkGCN85V1EEIrs6soRhMgRYNBXa36o0Ei/s640/blogger-image-2053164440.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The XOXO has valentines themed scrap paper covering them and the smaller LOVE I painted a pale pink and chalked the edges with a darker pink. I also was inspired by a cute banner I saw and here's my version of that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwEYZar-lDYuE26yVKZOFkNe5sJWuBGaGfaWgTbFKWVbFH3w36uTnwOt3awpRIOBfIBwzn3vvsACbBZeBPqCBgvjhl_7LDmisLrw6pSiW9U4pRi0_Wdxk51xufjcOQrIqWsXXsXtPMDKJ/s640/blogger-image-2000164338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwEYZar-lDYuE26yVKZOFkNe5sJWuBGaGfaWgTbFKWVbFH3w36uTnwOt3awpRIOBfIBwzn3vvsACbBZeBPqCBgvjhl_7LDmisLrw6pSiW9U4pRi0_Wdxk51xufjcOQrIqWsXXsXtPMDKJ/s640/blogger-image-2000164338.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Overall they I was happy with how they turned out, but would definitely change how I had strung the pieces of the banner. They ended up getting a bit unruly and didn't hang as nicely as I would have hoped. </div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-24929009527983680572014-01-04T23:50:00.001-06:002014-01-04T23:51:49.176-06:00My Pinteresting BreakSo I decided to be productive with my winter break, for once. :) I have been, over the past year, pinning a lot of great things on Pinterest and I figured it was about time to get down and dirty and get a couple of them accomplished. <br />
<br />
It all started out with trying to do a snow globe. My attempt was absolutely pathetic and not even worth taking a picture. One of the pins I read suggested using tinsel glitter. I must have used too much or something because it just did not at all work out. So back to the drawing board on that one...<br />
<br />
I did however, have a couple of other attempts at my replicas or own modified versions of pins that I felt to be much more successful and I would like to share them with you. <br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Success #1 -- A growth chart measurement ruler</b></h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMgvmheLFex603Wr7hJ7b4v4SZcHWp5I4fZIIhbAZbCUGdtEOGuyjA28KA6qqBYDtctfKT_stRoHKL0nfM5ix1ILim74SBBcFP71PCNol_TRko9SK6xDRyoD_zYeMmAJdqYKpR5bA849l/s1600/growth+ruler.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMgvmheLFex603Wr7hJ7b4v4SZcHWp5I4fZIIhbAZbCUGdtEOGuyjA28KA6qqBYDtctfKT_stRoHKL0nfM5ix1ILim74SBBcFP71PCNol_TRko9SK6xDRyoD_zYeMmAJdqYKpR5bA849l/s320/growth+ruler.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Above, you can see the example of my finished work. The original pin can be found on my "Cute Stuff for Kids" board. (user name should be found under Monica Light-Dase on Pinterest if you'd like to see the original pin)<br />
<br />
I pretty much followed the plan that was linked to the blog identically in the layout of the measurements and even down to the font style that was suggested. I really like how this one turned out and I can't wait to start using it with my little guy now that it has been mounted to the wall.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Success #2 -- Shirt bleached with negative shape/masked shape</b></h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExYwXjOSQyrckYvt4KQ8jyuLVRedrzQLNxL5HkfpoRxcznQkSu_QsB4AUydIeKE9XK-QFD4LeDWZIMr9r2iRxXFxc5BVWSbvEyHTJyWMzm1rr8oZJ3tYWfJ_RN5nE33YrlmwOxyv5rDSG/s1600/bleachshirt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExYwXjOSQyrckYvt4KQ8jyuLVRedrzQLNxL5HkfpoRxcznQkSu_QsB4AUydIeKE9XK-QFD4LeDWZIMr9r2iRxXFxc5BVWSbvEyHTJyWMzm1rr8oZJ3tYWfJ_RN5nE33YrlmwOxyv5rDSG/s320/bleachshirt.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The original pin that inspired me for this is found on my "Crafts" board, pretty far down on the board because this is something that I pinned nearly a year ago.<br />
<br />
The original image was associated with The Hunger Games, but i decided to go much more simple. I drew and cut out a heart from a piece of heavy weight card stock to use to block the negative space on the design. (as an art teacher, I am choosing to call the shape the "negative shape" for terms of reference but I do know that an argument can be made for the reverse...)<br />
<br />
I used a dark heather grey t-shirt that I've had for quite some time and used bleach to create the distressed coloring effect. Bonus that it looks reddish (because of the color of the shirt) on a heart shape... <br />
<br />
I was so pleased with the outcome of this, that I tried my own variation on it...<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Success (to be determined) #3 -- Shirts with negative space color splatters</b></h2>
<br />
Being an art teacher, I just had to try my hand at creating this idea that I had...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8kYbwqsgvCioXYILht4RiY718xMLw1KKZFUSjw5Bci2TScm8YZfPbikGI8McaS0q1cGDHqEXHxshowli1LflCJYTI2G8iSvLysbIcZLyt-J6GnIoGz9elRC9HJvH_EzSuUUORf3Zbsgq/s1600/color+shirt1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8kYbwqsgvCioXYILht4RiY718xMLw1KKZFUSjw5Bci2TScm8YZfPbikGI8McaS0q1cGDHqEXHxshowli1LflCJYTI2G8iSvLysbIcZLyt-J6GnIoGz9elRC9HJvH_EzSuUUORf3Zbsgq/s320/color+shirt1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I wanted to try the idea of the negative space with a simple word and instead of bleach, use color. I pick up some MDF letters from Michael's along with a pack of neon colored fabric paint spray bottles. Initially I was pleased with the results, but once the shirts dried (the picture above is them just after spraying and removing the letters), I was a little disappointed in how much the color had faded on the grey shirt...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gCSepEl8gUP5u_1zJ03Ew8bzYSEJ1T8br4mMEKMUYzW_bQDtJfRNFGTsgaD_gITZsz5LkfJozbuW1mIrczzPyhK-lFhsdBZff1UwCb2RnRyj-GVkOtyEaJM5VEMXlQBqpDKVch1zggxc/s1600/color+shirt2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gCSepEl8gUP5u_1zJ03Ew8bzYSEJ1T8br4mMEKMUYzW_bQDtJfRNFGTsgaD_gITZsz5LkfJozbuW1mIrczzPyhK-lFhsdBZff1UwCb2RnRyj-GVkOtyEaJM5VEMXlQBqpDKVch1zggxc/s320/color+shirt2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
...so I repositioned the letters and sprayed again on the grey shirt. So this is it now with two dried layers of color. I also felt the white shirt, once the color had dried and faded a bit, that it was lacking a bit, so I outlined the letters on this one with sharpie in a very rough style to make the letters pop more. I will see how well the color sticks once I'm able to wash them. The directions say to wait for 72 hours after applying before you do so. <br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Success #4 -- Word Art on Canvas</b></h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaX3XZFKTIu5efPEAmDB3UeTV8g7J_7xHHNDsGIDZvlU2WYq4oNZz2OfMUXYJxCmFgAXedGjPY1FN718k4eqt9MjyotuhE45P2doB618ANTq2lRE9F9GvWl9SryiJGV38La6Zacpi9gPkH/s1600/wordcanvases.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaX3XZFKTIu5efPEAmDB3UeTV8g7J_7xHHNDsGIDZvlU2WYq4oNZz2OfMUXYJxCmFgAXedGjPY1FN718k4eqt9MjyotuhE45P2doB618ANTq2lRE9F9GvWl9SryiJGV38La6Zacpi9gPkH/s320/wordcanvases.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The last project I will share with you today are these three word art panels. I believe the original pin can also be found on my "Craft" board. The idea behind this project is to choose a word and a color and paint the word and background the same color.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had a couple of varieties of sizes of canvas available for me to use and I purchased the precut words from Michaels. Originally I had wanted to use individual wooden letters, but the selection they had was definitely lacking and I wasn't able to complete a single word I was looking to do, nor were they of the correct size, so I went with these pre-cut words. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I painted the canvases separate from the words and then adhered the two together. I changed the location of the word on the canvas for some visual interest, rather than have them all lined up in the same spot on each surface. I like how this turned out, the orange looks a little garish in this picture, but it works in this combo.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, that's all I've got for right now. I would say that I had a pretty productive break this time around!</div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-3552140138848239652013-07-28T00:54:00.002-05:002013-07-28T00:54:39.284-05:00Tunnel Book is DONE!!!Ok, just let me start off with a disclaimer. The swap for this month's (July) COF was a tunnel book. I will state up front that I realize that this is no longer a tunnel, nor a book form. But whatever right, it's art and art likes to break rules. The host of this month was inspired by some tunnel books that Alpha Stamps had posted recently and a handful of us were excited to give it a try. This is a one on one swap this month, and I was very excited to have the wonderful Caroline at <a href="http://cmoh.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Glitter Tart Designs </a>as the person I am to send to. I really wanted to step everything up a notch, or two, or three with what I ended up sending her, so I really pushed the boundaries of tunnel book. I chose a circus theme (obviously I hope?...) and made it 3-dimensional like a tent. I really struggled with how I wanted to put the top of the tent on, and after a few trial and errors and some Google searching, I decided on this shape. Again, a lot of my images are from collage sheets from Alpha Stamps (I really need to branch out don't I?...) and I used a variety of scrapbooking paper for the interior of the tent. I painted the outside, papered the back and the bottom and used my favorite mix of glitter (Blaze) for the floor of the tent. (Caroline, if you're reading this, I have a nice coating of glitter all over my work surface :) ) Here's a look at the front, head on...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-cbB111SUERvt_7MwM85rptQj_Or9MCF854qQZse7kfi1lfrCK355QowswXWCazzyiuit5fMLl9GF-HzAJFQB2ZJ7FXZd_kemQ9wJR-XEmt02YA_49pKVhZrgYTCxc2lekrf4TM0UI6F/s1600/circus+tunnel+front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-cbB111SUERvt_7MwM85rptQj_Or9MCF854qQZse7kfi1lfrCK355QowswXWCazzyiuit5fMLl9GF-HzAJFQB2ZJ7FXZd_kemQ9wJR-XEmt02YA_49pKVhZrgYTCxc2lekrf4TM0UI6F/s320/circus+tunnel+front.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
I actually had plans to go a bit more elaborate with this, but I am running out of time and frankly, I think that if I touch it anymore I'm just going to ruin it. The top of the tent was made out of a paper substructure and then I paper mached the top to the sides and back onto the bottom to make sure that this piece would be solid and survive transport and be able to be displayed easily. Here is side view look at the piece so you can get an idea of the dimensions...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Z5zR_dXKlm_wt6E3OhWavJ4dXK6fdPChmLFtJUF_ctoN5SIvkrrwknbTMAJjNcIk4LZXPIV_gWqln79NEcf4w5xlvKvXZDdDyM8QhOWX5vxv1_ls55oJRc9fs-KUc8GA895lvoIPGOKX/s1600/circus+tunnel+side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Z5zR_dXKlm_wt6E3OhWavJ4dXK6fdPChmLFtJUF_ctoN5SIvkrrwknbTMAJjNcIk4LZXPIV_gWqln79NEcf4w5xlvKvXZDdDyM8QhOWX5vxv1_ls55oJRc9fs-KUc8GA895lvoIPGOKX/s320/circus+tunnel+side.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Overall, I really had a lot of fun working on this piece and hope to do another one for myself maybe in some time of ocean theme. I just picked up a really great set of ocean collage sheets that I think will work great, so we'll see! Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-71070209481503382332013-07-28T00:41:00.001-05:002013-07-28T00:41:19.718-05:00Mermaid BookmarkAs I mentioned in the previous post, the COF is working on another journal go-round. I just finished up Andrea's and will be sending it on soon, and her theme was fun to work with, Mermaid Bookmarks. Fortunately, I had just taken advantage of the sale that Alpha Stamps was having on their sea themed collage sheets and I had picked up a mermaid sheet, so it all worked out! The images on the sheet are gorgeous, and I had no trouble picking the ones I wanted to work with and enhanced the subtle colors in the image with metallic and glittery papers. Here is the front side of the bookmark, and I didn't take a picture of the backside. Andrea, it will just have to be a surprise for you and Sandi M., sorry, I didn't get a chance to take a pic of the work I did on your journal that I sent on already! It too will be a surprise for you when you get it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpubrgqtZ-I7B5hnhKSGwg54pT0MQ-fDKWn5_LjkXKXvUWbfKly_zXfbjUhES09lOy3RReCxAPJtuNeB_chbFKSqPd36yzfsmMukgTlzgar4g2yQzfrtf_Ue21uHv1udwLXXmgxJSQV6E/s1600/andrea+bookmark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpubrgqtZ-I7B5hnhKSGwg54pT0MQ-fDKWn5_LjkXKXvUWbfKly_zXfbjUhES09lOy3RReCxAPJtuNeB_chbFKSqPd36yzfsmMukgTlzgar4g2yQzfrtf_Ue21uHv1udwLXXmgxJSQV6E/s320/andrea+bookmark.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-9863541748427593672013-07-07T11:28:00.001-05:002013-07-07T11:28:09.430-05:00COF Journal SwapI am participating in the latest round of the COF "journal" swap. I am using journal in quotes because my contribution this time really isn't a journal, but instead a set of empty boxes that each participant in this round is tasked with creating an inner world in. The outside of the box (and sorry, I don't have any pictures of them) is just a plain rectangular, approx 4"6" white surface. The inside and the outside can be designed/decorated/embellished in whatever way each person would like to. I chose to keep my outside pretty plain, not really giving away any of what you would find in the interior...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPH0lSZ5PscU1RL_NMlSfoBwrI7aYKDmRruvGig9QgLTeg_fjxMPRIIeQg_Qdrb5hYrYQIYYgGleLqwmdFnYvIFHayIymrSUpYphnivpssA3g2qGDwKZvozmeMb8SwJzj7RSLiAM1w9nco/s1600/outside+lady+box.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPH0lSZ5PscU1RL_NMlSfoBwrI7aYKDmRruvGig9QgLTeg_fjxMPRIIeQg_Qdrb5hYrYQIYYgGleLqwmdFnYvIFHayIymrSUpYphnivpssA3g2qGDwKZvozmeMb8SwJzj7RSLiAM1w9nco/s320/outside+lady+box.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is a picture of the outside with just a litte peek into the interior. I chose a contrasting/complementary color scheme for the outside vs. the inside and used some leftovers I had from some collage sheets from Alpha Stamps and Art Chix. And here is the inside...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaP8CmYuXcTTVX-zvD3iOgTUULUM0O1te-IA6k2GIdMuKBWM3q29pnTZTTucA8tTQIhT_lwlNK0JoUq5G2IlZT4v0AhLZtujVhi_HGY5iB0s0_NxMpp0UZSHFXW7bd7llG-KZr8gPHLV5/s1600/inside+lady+box.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaP8CmYuXcTTVX-zvD3iOgTUULUM0O1te-IA6k2GIdMuKBWM3q29pnTZTTucA8tTQIhT_lwlNK0JoUq5G2IlZT4v0AhLZtujVhi_HGY5iB0s0_NxMpp0UZSHFXW7bd7llG-KZr8gPHLV5/s320/inside+lady+box.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Again I used the central image and text/supporting images from an Alpha Stamps Collage sheet. She is from a Paris Showgirls sheet I believe...? I've been really into using feathers lately, so I wanted to integrate those somehow and I used a lot of blingy paper and glitz. The outside of the box seems demure, but inside this is an explosion of glam. (the picture isn't doing that great of a job of capturing it...) Here's another angle...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKBGCT6sbYlKjOwlO4xzQjz7iSYtn-O6Yz1o_gxIHkMuH1fqRTmWIEvw_GaxSwDCd1xlDaTVXY1KaaoqygkJtSc3AMI-oQkJjXtkBf32CeMFrhdDAEB3alyz5RwoBI0Wc3E0tCxoBbvJK/s1600/inside+angle+lady+box.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKBGCT6sbYlKjOwlO4xzQjz7iSYtn-O6Yz1o_gxIHkMuH1fqRTmWIEvw_GaxSwDCd1xlDaTVXY1KaaoqygkJtSc3AMI-oQkJjXtkBf32CeMFrhdDAEB3alyz5RwoBI0Wc3E0tCxoBbvJK/s320/inside+angle+lady+box.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
I wanted the central image to really take the stage, so I put a good thickness of dimensional foam behind her and also on the phrase plate at the bottom too. I rimmed the inside of the box edges with a holographic paper so it acts almost as a mirror ( you can see that effect in the picture above this one) and extra light catcher.<br />
<br />
So....I enjoyed working on this one a lot and think I will do a few more of these. When I get the other pieces back from the participants in this round, I will post all of them for viewing! Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-15995603467318873212013-05-28T22:08:00.003-05:002013-05-29T00:53:09.189-05:00COF Altered Altoid ATC SwapThe May swap for the COF group was an altered Altoid tin with ATCs (one for each participant) inside. You could choose your own theme and look for both components of the project swap. This time only 4 people participated, so I felt I could embellish the ATCs a little bit more "thickly" lets say! I had a lot of fun doing this one and I am thinking I'd like to take and make a spin on this for my Round Robin journal which will be starting again next month. Here is a picture of the outside of the altered tin <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCE8twzj7JReKIoEr6runmjT_QcHsZYjyHXHl_7rC3E-O3elp9wy8ywHoVznTtYKyRezNNCzcpe3qrabjheKlKUrrCXdSjIQ8kqg_VvTMY-fcxXqcivlo65JZPMTZFJ14JamLvhYupnUU/s1600/tin+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCE8twzj7JReKIoEr6runmjT_QcHsZYjyHXHl_7rC3E-O3elp9wy8ywHoVznTtYKyRezNNCzcpe3qrabjheKlKUrrCXdSjIQ8kqg_VvTMY-fcxXqcivlo65JZPMTZFJ14JamLvhYupnUU/s200/tin+front.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And here is the tin open with most of the cards displayed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJzpaJo2llq6mPb_VVksyntSFShfEbRhizvrKRaoMwOw32AnfrLu72Rdr2YL_8kNVhhoTrGBy0lwIxX1Iour0l5FH1wlma7Q-3VfppLU2y2b0zfdGJ4a1AHEre72MY8ZXaqrbJCAtWgia/s1600/tin+with+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJzpaJo2llq6mPb_VVksyntSFShfEbRhizvrKRaoMwOw32AnfrLu72Rdr2YL_8kNVhhoTrGBy0lwIxX1Iour0l5FH1wlma7Q-3VfppLU2y2b0zfdGJ4a1AHEre72MY8ZXaqrbJCAtWgia/s320/tin+with+cards.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-73706112704963566392013-04-23T22:03:00.004-05:002013-04-23T22:03:48.957-05:00Altered TP Roll SwapApril's theme for the COF swap is hosted by Jess and is an altered TP roll theme. I have been seeing ideas for altered TP rolls while perusing Pinterest, and was excited to join in on the swap this month. I liked the idea of it so well, that if I have/had time I plan/planned to make two separate pieces. This one that I'm sharing a picture of is my first piece (my second is still under construction). Like is so often the case with me, I had to sit and think for awhile about what exactly it is that I wanted to do, I knew I wanted to cut it up in some way, but beyond that I didn't really know. Recently however, I bought a digital collage sheet from Alpha Stamps of Vegas girls, and BAM, figured it out. I made my version of a vegas showgirl reference. It also gave me an excuse to buy some feathers, which I don't use often enough! I went with a complementary theme so there would be extra punch and then some glitter that I created by mixing three different shades I own. Some embellishments, and fussy cutting the image and voila! Here she is! Now on to the second one I plan on doing, I only have a few days left to get them out the door!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1ZsDlpRXSHZNZajYmKxprHEYgOpYxmU-wb72fH68e5zUFsa9OEuzjEQBeG_bPBpWbKVdbzmCMBdCQUucPZKkzsAN4Ofg03ky3z3C6VDvSQcWWtbLRrVaYh2dFSKO1x40cCQiQxn8P8rw/s1600/alt+tp+swap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1ZsDlpRXSHZNZajYmKxprHEYgOpYxmU-wb72fH68e5zUFsa9OEuzjEQBeG_bPBpWbKVdbzmCMBdCQUucPZKkzsAN4Ofg03ky3z3C6VDvSQcWWtbLRrVaYh2dFSKO1x40cCQiQxn8P8rw/s320/alt+tp+swap.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-33840820741213273682013-03-27T11:54:00.002-05:002013-03-27T11:54:32.837-05:00Little Man's First Large ArtworkSo, it's spring break for me this week and I've been trying to find things to keep me and my little man busy. I don't know what inspired me to do it, but I had a flash of a thought and told little guy that we were going out to get him some paints. (Yes, I had to go out and buy paints for this. For anyone that knows me, yes, I do have a ton of paint, but nothing that was childsafe...so....off to Michael's we went!) And living in the art realm, you would think doing a painting would be an old hat for us, but it wasn't. I guess because I do art all day long for my job, that by the time I get home and get wrapped up in whatever's going on, well, I forget or run out of time. And that includes any art for myself too...:( Anyways, little guy thoroughly enjoyed making his first large scale work, but didn't really care to get his hands messy, so there was a LOT of hand wiping going on, but I think it turned out GREAT! And now we have a piece of artwork of his own to hang in our living room on a bare spot that had been begging to have something new go up there. Maybe I will make this a yearly event for us! <br />
<br />
Here's how we did it...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJrN1CE3rfYszp5_AmukW5uQYgEV30nFIHeGnjDwiJdm5U9DenwfjgNrLMivD6qq2VfSHHsYKlJQM38hF-rn5E44qWui1NvFI9qhmRx1-UqbbENa63Hfmb-vSEzd44ODb3cUjGXhrWc3L/s1600/Riley+paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJrN1CE3rfYszp5_AmukW5uQYgEV30nFIHeGnjDwiJdm5U9DenwfjgNrLMivD6qq2VfSHHsYKlJQM38hF-rn5E44qWui1NvFI9qhmRx1-UqbbENa63Hfmb-vSEzd44ODb3cUjGXhrWc3L/s320/Riley+paint.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
I picked up 9 sheets of identically colored scrapbooking cardstock paper in a 12"x12" size. Very gently on the backside of the paper, I taped them together along the seams with removable tape. When flipped over, it created a 3'x3' large paper space to work with. Because I think mixed media is great, I had him work with crayons first. Because it's a large paper and he's a little guy, I kept rotating the paper so he could have equal access to all areas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQy7TuWAFWrV7qrBapdo7vBtxht5Hw5DQU-q0ZuqI9yuQ_suT62brd5O0dfSRR3KjR9scimVhMS5m6xypdmdJMc_EB2Xz9fORtNOooHGtOSP14DU91_T0TciP5vdjHlpSoyki_-EA2ddy/s1600/Riley+paint1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQy7TuWAFWrV7qrBapdo7vBtxht5Hw5DQU-q0ZuqI9yuQ_suT62brd5O0dfSRR3KjR9scimVhMS5m6xypdmdJMc_EB2Xz9fORtNOooHGtOSP14DU91_T0TciP5vdjHlpSoyki_-EA2ddy/s320/Riley+paint1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
He used a variety of colors, all his choice, and drew "pictures" and created lines. As a side note, I really like the tin I'm storing his colors in. It's a metal Crayola tin with an attached flip lid that stays shut pretty well. I picked a couple of them up from Target. I cut pieces of paper sized to fit into the tin, so that way it's easy traveling and you've got everything you need.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdylziX__1Lk_GiWjtr96HXHydokAKo0ketACADkJk0TvYqKJlz8wuZF4FeUmAo3MFy4I0q-SflXIaSxwF6OjePYgeIxOoYw2wbUro1iZUPrc_AuINR7_xNxGuFgvINJK1uoFp-rS7xYQy/s1600/Riley+paint2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdylziX__1Lk_GiWjtr96HXHydokAKo0ketACADkJk0TvYqKJlz8wuZF4FeUmAo3MFy4I0q-SflXIaSxwF6OjePYgeIxOoYw2wbUro1iZUPrc_AuINR7_xNxGuFgvINJK1uoFp-rS7xYQy/s320/Riley+paint2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Next, once he was done with the crayons, we moved on to the paint. Again, Crayola, washable paint. It's true, most art teachers really do love Crayola. Even the ones that teach middle school and don't usually get the opportunity to use the more simplistic materials on a regular basis. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmMSTxqgYV1VWal8_yaDvNqjCy_K6wL2yWZdspnBySOqw-ZCF19J03R_AQDSJoqtMvbHo0kNPDxHF1ft0fsDsIfvOJ4X8iYBms5LDEMNdb1Eah7CltXGKu0B0SCdNBY9Wws0NDm07-mkL/s1600/Riley+paint3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmMSTxqgYV1VWal8_yaDvNqjCy_K6wL2yWZdspnBySOqw-ZCF19J03R_AQDSJoqtMvbHo0kNPDxHF1ft0fsDsIfvOJ4X8iYBms5LDEMNdb1Eah7CltXGKu0B0SCdNBY9Wws0NDm07-mkL/s320/Riley+paint3.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is the last stages of the work. He's nearly done painting, and again, I kept rotating the work so he could reach all sides. He's standing in something called a Learning Tower, it's a safety ladder/platform that they can safely stand in to do stuff like this. I love the look on his face here, he's concentrating on what he's doing...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFK23A4qdyeFvGvCMdcWJk7lyfbI_U-I9l4dU9uGVJQ3h8MTJwVsgJR6M9od9ofJBIYRCdRzTh8bKE0lLLM0-Im5YFWhfBo5E1cKQtV55JqiJ5ubo1g_92_bDhpRgQhuheI53gpngPJ6s4/s1600/Finished+Riley+paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFK23A4qdyeFvGvCMdcWJk7lyfbI_U-I9l4dU9uGVJQ3h8MTJwVsgJR6M9od9ofJBIYRCdRzTh8bKE0lLLM0-Im5YFWhfBo5E1cKQtV55JqiJ5ubo1g_92_bDhpRgQhuheI53gpngPJ6s4/s320/Finished+Riley+paint.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
And here is the finished work. I already had 9 12"x12" gallery style canvases (they have a deeper profile), that had previously been in this space. I had taken them down awhile ago to change the images on them, and then never had a chance to put them back up. After he was done painting and it had dried completely, I carefully pulled the tape away from the backs of the paper, and mounted each square individually. I used good ol' Mod Podge Matte to adhere. MP on the canvas and then the painted work on top and pressed into the MP paying special attention to the edges to make sure it wasn't going to peel off. <br />
<br />
The finished work looks great I think. Here's to hoping that he grows up to love art! <br />
<br />Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-57476171563540046332013-02-18T14:40:00.000-06:002013-02-18T14:40:02.629-06:00Winter Jar SwapCaroline, over at <a href="http://cmoh.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Glitter Tart Designs</a>, hosted her first jar swap, with a winter theme. I love everything that this super talented girl does, so I of course had to join in! Plus ever since seeing an artist at Alpha Stamps (Nicola, I'm sure I probably spelled her name wrong, sorry!) do small little jar scenes (and I'm talking small), I have been utterly fascinated with trying it on my own. <br />
<br />
Here is an overall look at what I created...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyjEh16WzRQ7SwXz28H-uvLDB4LvmOjX_hyP3BMbJEBcmcSjxWYTdMcy44L8dAK6VX59TWa3QcdXlxtjKTSg0B7XdjJ59nDxolTWmTCjohyphenhyphenaPF4aHSS11WKGFPYwjHUisj4jUUEgjP4Ax/s1600/winter+jar+swap+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyjEh16WzRQ7SwXz28H-uvLDB4LvmOjX_hyP3BMbJEBcmcSjxWYTdMcy44L8dAK6VX59TWa3QcdXlxtjKTSg0B7XdjJ59nDxolTWmTCjohyphenhyphenaPF4aHSS11WKGFPYwjHUisj4jUUEgjP4Ax/s320/winter+jar+swap+3.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
I ended up using a rather large sized jar, in fact I purchased the Ball Art Jar just for this purpose...but honestly I would say that I was disappointed with the quality of the jar, and won't be using another one for something like this in the future. It wasn't poured very well and is very wavy and warpy, which I didn't realize until I started putting my image into it and by that time, it was too late to do anything about it unfortunately... (live and learn right?!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1y0HoCFSBrAHg9Uph9npDVgMHKaTH20uUouGlx73IEINDu6Ym6ryYEIFiZYm56_VepVzefuMarrZeHZuA5HQOKpesU0OM_ReCN-nvEaHc852CcG7ssjX3QRhM9rwy259OBnCUVLgsKc8c/s1600/winter+jar+swap+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1y0HoCFSBrAHg9Uph9npDVgMHKaTH20uUouGlx73IEINDu6Ym6ryYEIFiZYm56_VepVzefuMarrZeHZuA5HQOKpesU0OM_ReCN-nvEaHc852CcG7ssjX3QRhM9rwy259OBnCUVLgsKc8c/s320/winter+jar+swap+2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wanted to add some pizzaz to the top of the jar, so I adhered some white felt, painted and glittered a chipboard snowflake and rimmed the top with a sliver braided fiber.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1A-fI1wOFzPz5wzikGOeu4veKJCRZ34f8q02YWQNjqcaBF_e3at3I9AFqxeVlWZ0_bcByJFKNvntnBXOQJRs9ue_IA0Y_6TnhLz_dVamideTIj0IqPtNW9Hr6Ru2GLYTz-WaageD1x3nW/s1600/winter+jar+swap+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1A-fI1wOFzPz5wzikGOeu4veKJCRZ34f8q02YWQNjqcaBF_e3at3I9AFqxeVlWZ0_bcByJFKNvntnBXOQJRs9ue_IA0Y_6TnhLz_dVamideTIj0IqPtNW9Hr6Ru2GLYTz-WaageD1x3nW/s320/winter+jar+swap+1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Inside of the jar, I put a vintage image of a lady decked out for the cold weather that I found and emphasized the feathers in her hat through the addition of tall white feathers in the background. I used some iridescent buffalo snow on the base inside and also on the fluff around her neck. I added some pearl stick pins to add a little variety to the colors and textures found inside. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lyuHoeG4uMAIyaAfYIL97imcRic8BxHxoicdGlUtYVzatyWIxy2L54UFkav92vB7rHpsu8Je2884jBR5Wj8TZiKKsZeForniJwQf-5mDr6e13Cph7QqVpquyl3ad8MgJKdmeTVjBF_dB/s1600/winter+jar+swap+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lyuHoeG4uMAIyaAfYIL97imcRic8BxHxoicdGlUtYVzatyWIxy2L54UFkav92vB7rHpsu8Je2884jBR5Wj8TZiKKsZeForniJwQf-5mDr6e13Cph7QqVpquyl3ad8MgJKdmeTVjBF_dB/s320/winter+jar+swap+4.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The bottom of the jar on the outside, I used the more of the fiber and another added another snowflake, accented the snowflake with a pearl (to tie in with the inside) and instead of white felt, used a white gathered crepe paper to finish the bottom of the jar and to disguise the lid. I have really been fond of using crepe paper lately, I think it really adds a lot of nice volume easily. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was partnered with Tabitha who can be found at <a href="http://www.kluckingbear.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kluckingbear</a>. She created this wonderful jar scene for me that I absolutely LOVE. The pictures just do not even do it justice, but I will let her explain her work on her blog, but I wanted to give you a sneak peak of it! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FoiZ2Mo4g-D7AGBMPsibQliYbkqIwBzXFnEIKEIAU-U8lp4CqcvIZczB_KvzkWmsxOe2U2JX3zfv29g-I4rGM1Drkp7FuVxgyCw5pcwJGF2hT5jY09X4NMEU_4t1z_AXBaEDZper7jee/s1600/winter+jar+received+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FoiZ2Mo4g-D7AGBMPsibQliYbkqIwBzXFnEIKEIAU-U8lp4CqcvIZczB_KvzkWmsxOe2U2JX3zfv29g-I4rGM1Drkp7FuVxgyCw5pcwJGF2hT5jY09X4NMEU_4t1z_AXBaEDZper7jee/s320/winter+jar+received+1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ckfo2fYdhOxp6j8q_TQphS06ACxPzvWozfCVomS07m7FbI-PP6qEo4oYAfC7eO_N8a4A5-4OSADhnluPdnBsh9zZNFdZho9xQUkJV-ZGk-JOn1XeZf0aEZ1lmhWsogWOnBaiSkVgtW4o/s1600/winter+jar+received+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ckfo2fYdhOxp6j8q_TQphS06ACxPzvWozfCVomS07m7FbI-PP6qEo4oYAfC7eO_N8a4A5-4OSADhnluPdnBsh9zZNFdZho9xQUkJV-ZGk-JOn1XeZf0aEZ1lmhWsogWOnBaiSkVgtW4o/s320/winter+jar+received+2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-46457359475615971712013-02-12T21:40:00.001-06:002013-02-12T21:40:57.861-06:00Valentines Day Cards -- 2013 Edition<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52Y61XbonWKWy2HzbzLlfUC7fiZqJAvt67bkxvB95QjHhQk6kHSHmGD5xw-2Acnj_oxKms6LyNsgKp9YegOfeFSSNuvXQ3CTdU_KKlDK7CcpkEzyMuYtgf_di5V6cNSZ3IrMTiv7cPHBq/s1600/2013vday+cards1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52Y61XbonWKWy2HzbzLlfUC7fiZqJAvt67bkxvB95QjHhQk6kHSHmGD5xw-2Acnj_oxKms6LyNsgKp9YegOfeFSSNuvXQ3CTdU_KKlDK7CcpkEzyMuYtgf_di5V6cNSZ3IrMTiv7cPHBq/s320/2013vday+cards1.jpg" width="239" /></a>Hey all, it's been awhile since I've posted on here. Don't ask me what I've been doing because I can't even tell you to be honest. And whatever it was, I don't really feel like I have anything to show for it. BUT, I did manage to squeeze out some time over the past week or so to make my valentine cards. I do try and make cards for all the major holidays, and birthdays (although, I'll admit, I've REALLY been slacking on the bday cards...), but I'm really serious about getting back on track. <br />
<br />
I just need to learn some serious time management skills...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMnFwOaKvT6nb8yhQSkwM6KsxL-WyUwtGTbvAiKp5RKy9KD5Ua-gHMTPpS7qZHF8XUqmaM3zXwhY8ni6jkxFlAgjboB3P6IOJrm2InPUvOPoyKfMD56Uwe-ZVqJw1KMeNFB1E7WalI950/s1600/2013vday+cards2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMnFwOaKvT6nb8yhQSkwM6KsxL-WyUwtGTbvAiKp5RKy9KD5Ua-gHMTPpS7qZHF8XUqmaM3zXwhY8ni6jkxFlAgjboB3P6IOJrm2InPUvOPoyKfMD56Uwe-ZVqJw1KMeNFB1E7WalI950/s320/2013vday+cards2.jpg" width="239" /></a>Anyways, here are the cards that I made this year and sent out to my friends. I hope they enjoy them! I honestly was not really inspired by the product that I saw in the store this year. The lines that the stores around me were carrying were just not that exciting, or they were the same exact stuff as last year...boring! So, because I'm a classic overbuyer of materials, I had plenty to work with this year even though I had nothing significantly new that I purchased. The only new item was some American Crafts foam letter stickers. I have always admired these and really wanted to have an excuse to use them. You can see how I integrated them on the "Sweet" and "Love" card in the top photo. All of my stamps are from a variety of sources, as is the decorative paper. If you have any questions about where I picked something up, please do ask and I will be sure to share my secrets...<br />
<br />
I ended up making 8 different designs, so I had to split it into 2 pictures. Enjoy! Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-54296894606402064682012-11-21T18:58:00.002-06:002012-11-21T18:58:52.949-06:00COF Matchbox Ornament SwapThe theme of November's COF swap was a matchbox ornament with some goodies (or a scene) stuffed inside. I had never worked with altering a matchbox, so I thought it would be fun to try. It is a refreshing change working with a small format and I enjoyed the challenge it presented. I also decided to go a little crazy and mix some silver and gold! Wowza, I know to some of you out there, but I think it worked out alright! I wanted to put a scene on the inside of my box, but when I went to look for some images, I realized that I really only have crazy off the wall stuff and nothing that would even remotely relate to Christmas, soooo, I just decided to go ahead and stuff the box. I put in about a yard of eyelash fiber yarn, a couple of buttons and some silver sequin stars, the same that I used on the front of the box. You can see the back of the box (on the red one) I chose to put a little extra bling back there too. I can't wait to send these off and see what great creations I'll get back. <br />
<br />
PS. The clean art room that I posted a couple of posts back...is a total disastrous mess. Not only have I covered all work surfaces already, but my two year old son has discovered it as well. Ah well, it was nice a clean once and I even have pictures to prove it! :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisO77sZPUH4gwKKsxg_lxxK7KCYrz2nsbEsLLIQo7-oqqdxhzhmuPg5eQcKAmwsy2sUl0aF715KhzVNHIhA3UcYYptnm9RKFjTzDlL5U7lLVIMiASwF9i3h_RV1PyGNadQRJMX9qRfhkU1/s1600/matchboxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisO77sZPUH4gwKKsxg_lxxK7KCYrz2nsbEsLLIQo7-oqqdxhzhmuPg5eQcKAmwsy2sUl0aF715KhzVNHIhA3UcYYptnm9RKFjTzDlL5U7lLVIMiASwF9i3h_RV1PyGNadQRJMX9qRfhkU1/s320/matchboxes.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-6596806370870503362012-11-21T18:49:00.001-06:002012-11-21T18:49:28.884-06:00Snowmen for a friendOne of my good friends loves snowmen. I was at a total loss about what to get her for the holidays this year (as I pretty much am with everyone on my list...) so I decided to make her something this year (which really I should probably be doing with the majority of people on my list...). I had attempted to do a single snowman head ornament a couple of months ago, think I listed in some earlier posts, and it went alright, so I decided to do a full body, well, actually two full bodies. One I went large and did a graduated size and the other I went smaller and kept the body the same all the way up and down. I had a lot of fun making these and personalizing them with the details. I have already given these to her, so it's okay to post the pics now! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD982HarezLO1dhJT9YLxJAyxJy5am4xpCw7hto2coHCA3MM6k-K_1tDW3cIlijGVf_VQfbVZy9H59Dt4lt39ITZFbh8nsaLdFteXoFl_fXc-qXFBFviOMVT7ylAmHlnnVEQ-tqCcl9V58/s1600/snowmen+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD982HarezLO1dhJT9YLxJAyxJy5am4xpCw7hto2coHCA3MM6k-K_1tDW3cIlijGVf_VQfbVZy9H59Dt4lt39ITZFbh8nsaLdFteXoFl_fXc-qXFBFviOMVT7ylAmHlnnVEQ-tqCcl9V58/s320/snowmen+front.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0bK_jAMWdKMiuLisXqF5TGKwanJtKaVI78wLmkf8T4CfN-t7x8rD9kUwWAN3sHTs4VoIgSq_Dii0ajotvPgwW2f2ERwaEjohq7UjxaQVE3Hhcc2b0oUHnWNTwNkJMSkPfmoDeYPmxY8E/s1600/snowmen+side1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0bK_jAMWdKMiuLisXqF5TGKwanJtKaVI78wLmkf8T4CfN-t7x8rD9kUwWAN3sHTs4VoIgSq_Dii0ajotvPgwW2f2ERwaEjohq7UjxaQVE3Hhcc2b0oUHnWNTwNkJMSkPfmoDeYPmxY8E/s320/snowmen+side1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfCGrpN7RC0WNc0Omy8yib2pJ2qfYpCm3H-cTk9jh2mAS5O1RVGg5M9Yp23ahIYkZ87aFQqfaWMPg4vyGwUqKf4XkZY47tlgQCLG2H4XoJPueXOCuEpZhWJpfy8gzrh21CAlqLsxW1JUN/s1600/snowmen+side2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfCGrpN7RC0WNc0Omy8yib2pJ2qfYpCm3H-cTk9jh2mAS5O1RVGg5M9Yp23ahIYkZ87aFQqfaWMPg4vyGwUqKf4XkZY47tlgQCLG2H4XoJPueXOCuEpZhWJpfy8gzrh21CAlqLsxW1JUN/s320/snowmen+side2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-73039982262983942602012-11-01T23:00:00.002-05:002012-11-01T23:00:35.857-05:00It's DONE!!!!!!What's done you might ask?!?!?! My art/craft room, finally! It's been a long couple of months, with really no clear space to do any work at, but whooo hooo, it's DONE! I've got everything moved in and now it's all ready to get messed up with work! Here are some pictures of the finished room. Look now, while it's clean. Won't be like this after I get my art on! :) Lots and lots of storage, some of the storage is even empty, for now. Won't take me long though!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9D8rjyk7VqK_AcJ5PZXW7kzfc1GUB1FakkMIAwHjzIaqa_uU1AUKIsEfgoOB01G2a1UF__ARirskuFkg4V9qC4C3kYOZ2uVXlidOg0LIRQsVHXxIV5NyTwxsagjuLvdMYeT5BQ20GiEg/s1600/room+view+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9D8rjyk7VqK_AcJ5PZXW7kzfc1GUB1FakkMIAwHjzIaqa_uU1AUKIsEfgoOB01G2a1UF__ARirskuFkg4V9qC4C3kYOZ2uVXlidOg0LIRQsVHXxIV5NyTwxsagjuLvdMYeT5BQ20GiEg/s320/room+view+1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lbxka5UZ_xXz-OXgEn2VnM3QZH7sjYPdBm9qCYIoUXKM4C9Fk-J0OWHCHRa9TOMkkKc1hyHaw1hz7uGBBZ1aSw3bgqOcv2SggOr0ljNBRsgLUMX21Jk3jJG7yhYHH-nAg0rXo71jtstu/s1600/room+view+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lbxka5UZ_xXz-OXgEn2VnM3QZH7sjYPdBm9qCYIoUXKM4C9Fk-J0OWHCHRa9TOMkkKc1hyHaw1hz7uGBBZ1aSw3bgqOcv2SggOr0ljNBRsgLUMX21Jk3jJG7yhYHH-nAg0rXo71jtstu/s320/room+view+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuqNKBx2nesEfiV7Vgw9cJdNILEr45efBrnLTtdZsGBVUDd5e4zWQqI3rKW2IPhrH0g7ibpH0WJwot2Jo3JgBpLukbnRxVF6OPEYBZHdLbi868Yxm2NmhF4klOX0cVLy8OcgUYZQMQH-9/s1600/room+view+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuqNKBx2nesEfiV7Vgw9cJdNILEr45efBrnLTtdZsGBVUDd5e4zWQqI3rKW2IPhrH0g7ibpH0WJwot2Jo3JgBpLukbnRxVF6OPEYBZHdLbi868Yxm2NmhF4klOX0cVLy8OcgUYZQMQH-9/s320/room+view+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVe1-xwikCisO1DuJnhGqcgWTjsXs0RcHYGiec-sjxcj7U2IPM73HWv29bw9ACb_x7vcyk0UGQnIIla05ixyTIhrF67tvxDtip-OINXS2mPih3wAYnR8rE7-0kBVsU95wRaV3djfMrb4m/s1600/room+view+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVe1-xwikCisO1DuJnhGqcgWTjsXs0RcHYGiec-sjxcj7U2IPM73HWv29bw9ACb_x7vcyk0UGQnIIla05ixyTIhrF67tvxDtip-OINXS2mPih3wAYnR8rE7-0kBVsU95wRaV3djfMrb4m/s320/room+view+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-82679808809237869452012-10-29T20:20:00.002-05:002012-10-29T20:20:30.117-05:00Altered Cabinet Card SwapI joined in on an altered cabinet card swap hosted by the wonderful Caroline at <a href="http://cmoh.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Glitter Tart Design</a>. We signed up for a particular genre of card altering and then were partnered up according to our preference. I of course picked traditional Halloween colors/palette because I HEART HALLOWEEN! I didn't have a true cabinet card, so I created my own by using a large format vintage image, shown below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1UGOd1C3TBb8lQmsnyoqtd7-7NYg22fTkf2dZ6YE7Ptgf24pIS6qocy-aX8sBlcKXoVd5gHa1itG0rw7TGH9foqBGGWxgjtHKdIY1TfFibWMTKYNOFxyDb-8v186sEs5T-rtREk0Cy7Z/s1600/cabcardoriginal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1UGOd1C3TBb8lQmsnyoqtd7-7NYg22fTkf2dZ6YE7Ptgf24pIS6qocy-aX8sBlcKXoVd5gHa1itG0rw7TGH9foqBGGWxgjtHKdIY1TfFibWMTKYNOFxyDb-8v186sEs5T-rtREk0Cy7Z/s320/cabcardoriginal.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
There was just something about this girl that really called to me to be used for this project, so I agreed! To who, I don't know, but I agreed. Initially, before I even found my image, I wanted to do a type of zombie image (probably heavily influenced by my new favorite show The Walking Dead), but when it came down to it, I just couldn't bring myself to alter her in that manner. We were also to create a pocket or envelope for our card to be housed in, here it is...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZGdehNefKl5JZI-SKq26ohspcxneB0BHK0w4ZYhTnYf-bte8s0VQZpYy0-4YhOLVSrs49F0G3_qUt9_F5_jCeePBFb74u9gOw9VQ_1el2k707m_aktj4UUq0ao3vNmG5f5cJ4mUpdB87/s1600/cabcardpocket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZGdehNefKl5JZI-SKq26ohspcxneB0BHK0w4ZYhTnYf-bte8s0VQZpYy0-4YhOLVSrs49F0G3_qUt9_F5_jCeePBFb74u9gOw9VQ_1el2k707m_aktj4UUq0ao3vNmG5f5cJ4mUpdB87/s320/cabcardpocket.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I created it from a larger mailing manila envelope, and cut it so that you would see a hint, or peek of the cabinet card contained inside. I used decorative paper with a spider web pattern, taped the edges with spider web decorative tape and put a skull accent near the top opening. Contained within this envelope is my altered card...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMj7AsI-AvO0Toia6PUDD5966ZFAWQeD_rOQFxp9HYij-mmPcz8tiRU7hs-ZRphzgjWvIjMcT-5ZK9US6BNd6X1pfbKjIArZzD0RZy9baxgCP5jbTj5ggvy2kUCHHb-OcrEDmzh98aWIq/s1600/cabcardfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMj7AsI-AvO0Toia6PUDD5966ZFAWQeD_rOQFxp9HYij-mmPcz8tiRU7hs-ZRphzgjWvIjMcT-5ZK9US6BNd6X1pfbKjIArZzD0RZy9baxgCP5jbTj5ggvy2kUCHHb-OcrEDmzh98aWIq/s320/cabcardfront.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
...and here she is! I went with a witch motif in the end. I double printed her image and used pop up dots to raise her up for some dimension. Gave her a witches hat, painted a black robe, and put a fun crepe paper collar on her. Accented with a skull and put lots of glitter pen in the background. It's hard to see in the picture but I added a fun purple hue to her shirt and glittered up her belt too. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgxEexJWzmlZaE8ESz5FwGCO7zeF5H0GZ7Vians8yBcsimVONGQ45Lr-bi7QtBrCWy3Yv4Xnt_kZqawEE9CWs-UNGfJ3sTUGS4gmUCACPZeCUsL02CUyJVWyYToigZ-5MfGry4XUTU-KL/s1600/cabcardcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgxEexJWzmlZaE8ESz5FwGCO7zeF5H0GZ7Vians8yBcsimVONGQ45Lr-bi7QtBrCWy3Yv4Xnt_kZqawEE9CWs-UNGfJ3sTUGS4gmUCACPZeCUsL02CUyJVWyYToigZ-5MfGry4XUTU-KL/s320/cabcardcloseup.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
I also tried my best to add a witchly green hue to her skin using a variety of Prismacolor colored pencils (my favorite pencils). They are rich and creamy and blend well. Here's a closeup of the side view of her too, so you can see some dimension.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4pyAhpgB4BOlILLep95IXeMYof97chftym0-x2slnW7EFAGWSlrkEPaRBMlsQCNoiNAuPtsbUU7s94JSrdfPXzVG1rIGQ94KD3oIhKDsp1t6VpJA3_dGkmxKZZQwe4fYU3mEnoJVDqAz/s1600/cabcardside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4pyAhpgB4BOlILLep95IXeMYof97chftym0-x2slnW7EFAGWSlrkEPaRBMlsQCNoiNAuPtsbUU7s94JSrdfPXzVG1rIGQ94KD3oIhKDsp1t6VpJA3_dGkmxKZZQwe4fYU3mEnoJVDqAz/s320/cabcardside.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Overall I had a lot of fun with this swap and I want to thank Caroline for hosting such a fun theme! I'm definitely in the market to try another altered cabinet card in the future! Can't wait to see what the other ladies in the swap have created!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-43320068257182015172012-10-14T11:22:00.001-05:002012-10-14T11:22:53.891-05:00Halloween Cards 2012I had an opportunity yesterday to sit down and work on creating some Halloween cards. I really LOVE Halloween, so I always look forward to making cards every year. There is just soooo much fun stuff that comes out at this time of year, and it's really hard for me to resist most of it, although I was a very good girl this year and didn't buy too much at all beyond the stamps I wanted to use this year. Speaking of stamps, the majority of images I used were from Inkadinkado's Halloween releases. I also incorporated crepe paper into the cards this year to give a ruffley texture to them. I've really been into using it lately, I need to curb myself! :) I made 7 different designs this year, here's the first batch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnsSfPQdSEvdoW19AJxd7AoUF7DC-EU7uN0yAljONyUtO9RlvLfSFPcgsBv6T7-XuQibvwFki7fVESSXPuRWVq3hBy-Yhse84e4rXCMuheDrFk7uHQ3VJLzmPQbUnLPg3j4PJFb9ijufs/s1600/halloween+cards+2012+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnsSfPQdSEvdoW19AJxd7AoUF7DC-EU7uN0yAljONyUtO9RlvLfSFPcgsBv6T7-XuQibvwFki7fVESSXPuRWVq3hBy-Yhse84e4rXCMuheDrFk7uHQ3VJLzmPQbUnLPg3j4PJFb9ijufs/s320/halloween+cards+2012+1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
I made some of the cards vertical, and some horizontal. I went with really bold colors this year and had fun coloring the images with my favorite Copic markers. All images were stamped with Memento dye ink so the alcohol in the Copics does not make the stamped lines bleed. Here's the second half of the batch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOKFqDMWc1P8XkxoZ5TD4ZFmZi6L75ywLTh73j1w6txFmLO-RjX2mmxUobzZYMxHGr5CgmdRgRGg4-sIBZzyZfdnhxTfAgDk2emT_js8d_U0WdktRIA2Ls2qHEPz86qEqYAB1WEPUx-PM/s1600/halloween+cards+2012+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOKFqDMWc1P8XkxoZ5TD4ZFmZi6L75ywLTh73j1w6txFmLO-RjX2mmxUobzZYMxHGr5CgmdRgRGg4-sIBZzyZfdnhxTfAgDk2emT_js8d_U0WdktRIA2Ls2qHEPz86qEqYAB1WEPUx-PM/s320/halloween+cards+2012+2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The pumpkin card in this second set uses some fun eyeglass and mustache brads that I found this summer. He's an angry pumpkin in disguise! The web card used an embossing plate for the Big Shot machine that I also picked up this summer. I am going to have to watch the quality of card stock that I use in that thing because it almost ripped the paper inbetween the pieces of the web. I didn't have a spider punch to put a spider in the web, so I decided to use a variety of other items to have caught in the web and the inside sentiment (not pictured) says "Gimmie the candy and no one will get hurt!" Cute I thought. Overall, I had a great time making these and I could have kept going and made a whole bunch more, but didn't have the time. Maybe I'll find some time later this week (doubtful though!). But a girl can dream right?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-22510695506204258792012-09-23T21:38:00.000-05:002012-09-23T21:38:04.707-05:00Halloween Hanger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOD0u8fQ3Vif9R7mM31wSqHcvbwOAYM7i3Yk5DdVRB5oDdCFb5cSA4H2w0UmcQPKCAj38XB2fk6icD-fvtZeu2SN1fAg35DAZW2J3jYE7tMA8VMUVXwjiDsNSkbjv47W-wvnjYPd8wYL0/s1600/Halloween+hanger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOD0u8fQ3Vif9R7mM31wSqHcvbwOAYM7i3Yk5DdVRB5oDdCFb5cSA4H2w0UmcQPKCAj38XB2fk6icD-fvtZeu2SN1fAg35DAZW2J3jYE7tMA8VMUVXwjiDsNSkbjv47W-wvnjYPd8wYL0/s320/Halloween+hanger.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
For the month of September, I'm hosting the COF swap and I of course picked Fall/Halloween as my theme, as I do every year! And as I will for every year that I get to host this month for the years to come! :) ANYWAYS... I really am in love with the new stamps from Inkadinkado that I got for this year's images, so I of course used them for this swap as well. This image, the Madam Fortune, is what gave me this idea for what I created for COF. I went with a square format this time and because I've been really liking the crepe paper (thanks Caroline for calling my attention to it!), I used it again, but really jazzed things up. Used my copic markers (which I LOVE!) to add some subtle color to the stamped image and then I rimmed the crepe circle I created with some of my new favorite Martha Stewart Glitter paint in Peridot. I attached all of this to a piece of chipboard painted black with a layer of Obsidian glitter paint (MS as well). And because I decided I wanted to make this into an easily hang-able piece of art, I had an excuse to buy a new tool that easily punches through heavier materials. See, totally justified...!;) Can't wait to send these out to everyone! (also can't wait to get my permanent spot set up so I can have much better lighting for pictures! sigh...)Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-78564738934080170652012-09-21T16:57:00.002-05:002012-09-21T16:57:31.509-05:00Halloween Tags<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPRr0o_YpLBGn2j1rtlo49AZbmHYpEHNYrzL5nFXY_JaifSaSAOYpWI-5Fsuq8qd9xZJM-DVQKQ7QEEVP4kSTKGbBQ5QRk_Ro9w7UCkNzW8imaUx_zJHiu-PxbUQ0h9N3kspoDfRXayxQ/s1600/halloween+tags+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPRr0o_YpLBGn2j1rtlo49AZbmHYpEHNYrzL5nFXY_JaifSaSAOYpWI-5Fsuq8qd9xZJM-DVQKQ7QEEVP4kSTKGbBQ5QRk_Ro9w7UCkNzW8imaUx_zJHiu-PxbUQ0h9N3kspoDfRXayxQ/s320/halloween+tags+1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
I recently found a Halloween-themed tag swap to join, where the challenge was to create 5. I just got these new stamps from Inkadinkado and couldn't wait to use them. They are smaller stamps, so they are just perfect for a tag-sized image. I used a office supply cheap manila tag based, attached cardstock to both sides to give it some strength, inked the edges and stamped on the backs (not shown). I used crepe paper and glitter glue to rim the edges of the oval and attached everything together with some pop dots to give it a little extra dimension. I also glazed the image with a paper glaze and it didn't do what I set out to have it do originally, but instead it created an aged effect on my stamped image, so it was okay with me, a happy accident lets say. I added some fibers to the hole and voila, all done! I had a lot of fun making these and I can't wait to see what I get back in return!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6Be40wHvbK8RDohOYkdFzz8xkpebmCet_5xgXe-a-GKhtN27WGKF_1HTG0L91tUlDHdGlO4vCkcqYVK9jvULBknbfZXTnj2x_Xzu6lMOvPvCM2WJoBrCAHo7nfQxx1XXUiVtLAv6mJ4J/s1600/halloween+tags+all.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6Be40wHvbK8RDohOYkdFzz8xkpebmCet_5xgXe-a-GKhtN27WGKF_1HTG0L91tUlDHdGlO4vCkcqYVK9jvULBknbfZXTnj2x_Xzu6lMOvPvCM2WJoBrCAHo7nfQxx1XXUiVtLAv6mJ4J/s320/halloween+tags+all.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-8208264576980635672012-09-18T22:35:00.004-05:002012-09-18T22:39:11.572-05:00Holiday Fun with Paper Clay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYT7hrsWEyNgUsDenKtOBIGQiiLHYqyCrofnnpsQQr_jQ5rm_KtYzxkeWPL39pWVkYNyq7INrxHBsVK7RJyCEVQ2K39w729NFMb27SXrvi5mQKJ9otNcwXnGdhciHR3nq_yNFU_PobcSH/s1600/snowman+and+pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYT7hrsWEyNgUsDenKtOBIGQiiLHYqyCrofnnpsQQr_jQ5rm_KtYzxkeWPL39pWVkYNyq7INrxHBsVK7RJyCEVQ2K39w729NFMb27SXrvi5mQKJ9otNcwXnGdhciHR3nq_yNFU_PobcSH/s320/snowman+and+pumpkin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In an effort to find some easy to do crafts for kids to make, I tried my hand at working with some paper clay. A friend at work let me look at a magazine she had that had an example of the snowman on the right. I went ahead and tried my own version and then I decided why not try a pumpkin as well because as you may have figured out, I heart anything Halloween related. I worked pretty closely with the instructions the magazine had for the snowman and it turned alright. Next time I make it, I would use a stronger wire for the loop if it is to actually be hung up as an ornament. Couldn't find my good wire as everything is packed up in the basement (which I will use the lack of good lighting as my excuse for the not so great quality of the photo as well because I'm not in my regular spot and my lights are also packed up...), but when I dig everything out again I will give it another shot. <br />
<br />
I already have plans to make some more pumpkins, definitely designed with a flatter bottom as I wasn't thinking about that aspect as I made this one and it tends to roll a little bit. I'm going to try some different shapes, faces and finishes, so we'll see what comes out of it. I'll be sure to post the results! Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-78927382633424705462012-08-29T22:05:00.002-05:002012-08-29T22:05:56.339-05:00Gypsy Swap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fyH1rYSj0ptY1focN6pe-Yski4gwmYmwli2utfFiXJORMpTLdn0ppKGJFBAVJCihFEIX02CbRcFaCIKv1U9CXGW6xQilWiGrVX2i0LvLyMZOaNdyyBOWd2cZ_9JJGIeDOknxvjBU3Euy/s1600/gypsy+swap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fyH1rYSj0ptY1focN6pe-Yski4gwmYmwli2utfFiXJORMpTLdn0ppKGJFBAVJCihFEIX02CbRcFaCIKv1U9CXGW6xQilWiGrVX2i0LvLyMZOaNdyyBOWd2cZ_9JJGIeDOknxvjBU3Euy/s320/gypsy+swap.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Last month, I signed up for Alpha Stamps Gypsy themed swap and I've finally finished my pieces. I had fun working on this swap and I'm excited to see the returns I receive. All of the work I've gotten returned from the swaps there has been fabulous! Here's a picture of the pieces that I'll be sending out in the mail tomorrow first thing! On another, but related note, a design team member at AS is having a blog tutorial on building a mini apothecary shop and all of the goodies to go in it. I am SO EXCITED for this. I've never participated in anything like this, but can't wait to give it a try. I was literally drooling over her work, it's so awesome! Go <a href="http://artfullymusing.blogspot.com/2012/07/pretty-potions-and-poisons-apothecary.html" target="_blank">here</a> to see what I'm talking about!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-67532103373958407322012-08-07T16:06:00.000-05:002012-08-07T16:08:25.417-05:00Creeper and Cute...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnB2xmBwmXWM-C2MZJaD0qagYsVN88DkIDtaz-2thIRNtauQtk6NuXXAFkgPx7sF3k2lzlrBYb9Zs2ASQCp5MQy0z3AFiamyAhwlfgk3LuUee-Ps49lMPlezYyXYrgsgTfm3ht_EtySV5/s1600/creepy+felty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnB2xmBwmXWM-C2MZJaD0qagYsVN88DkIDtaz-2thIRNtauQtk6NuXXAFkgPx7sF3k2lzlrBYb9Zs2ASQCp5MQy0z3AFiamyAhwlfgk3LuUee-Ps49lMPlezYyXYrgsgTfm3ht_EtySV5/s320/creepy+felty.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So, I am continuing working in my latest media obsession of choice, felt. I made two more creatures. One scores pretty high on the creepy scale (but I still really like it, I think the doll eyes really push it over the top), and the other is a cute little robot. For those of you that know me, it was only a matter of time before I made a robot. Think I will probably do another one, but I think this time I'd make it more dimensional to be more boxy like a robot. I'm sure I'll come up with some more creepy ones too. I've been hitting the internet looking for some inspiration, so I'm sure something will strike my fancy soon enough! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc31zK-Ia9LbM5nVIENugsXidQjeFO79eOmi2gG5Q4jfKZ8_R8iBcl8FkfIGI85dFe-H9LQbIRvDpnP7BCBuJSpNtof4v_aKJ_TpVhKZZxwKphtxkRezYIG5ElgLZcR_K4-1HHf5Edqw1Q/s1600/robot+feltie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc31zK-Ia9LbM5nVIENugsXidQjeFO79eOmi2gG5Q4jfKZ8_R8iBcl8FkfIGI85dFe-H9LQbIRvDpnP7BCBuJSpNtof4v_aKJ_TpVhKZZxwKphtxkRezYIG5ElgLZcR_K4-1HHf5Edqw1Q/s320/robot+feltie.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-44150102599201631202012-08-04T21:31:00.001-05:002012-08-04T21:31:35.663-05:00What I did on Saturday...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sXVY5dCDKWi6EtgORe6TO01ViCYYW7zpRtXR4IwtDUO9wb7jbZcaz6HGrveho-Uz4ieBaPKbMCLXTfHD-YzfMuzEKN43rD2WS1mE4DMg-AjL1wqrSRIDC35MEMr7-dPmr1sOfbf64Ypg/s1600/felties+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sXVY5dCDKWi6EtgORe6TO01ViCYYW7zpRtXR4IwtDUO9wb7jbZcaz6HGrveho-Uz4ieBaPKbMCLXTfHD-YzfMuzEKN43rD2WS1mE4DMg-AjL1wqrSRIDC35MEMr7-dPmr1sOfbf64Ypg/s320/felties+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So I have had a high interest in creating "creatures" from felt lately. So what did I do pretty much all day today (and part of yesterday) in any spare time I had...? I had a first attempt at creating some felt creatures inspired by the book Zombie Felties. I love everything Halloween inspired, so this book was definitely right up my alley! I had a lot of fun making these and maybe I'll try to create a robot one next. Oh yeah, I've decided that I do not like to use craft glue for felt. It really doesn't stick very easily, or hold very well either.Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-23626095971613262852012-07-25T10:40:00.000-05:002012-07-25T10:40:14.428-05:00Alice Themed ATC SwapI have been looking for new groups and or swaps to participate in and was told about an Alice in Wonderland themed ATC swap through a friend in one of my groups, so of course I had to sign up! My COF (Circle of Friends) Group is also doing an Alice themed challenge this month. I did the COF project first so I took some of those elements that I used in my work for that and made it into a smaller format. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9ST1M_q3MvEcGSdOzT8lj24za1-ycOM3OsEuHqlUCK4NGe24JM5hEiysiFU6hDBvpvniqGsoogfv1FEIM6XfBmN-MKpFZWXuVgtTVXQXHIaUxA5Dh5q3sndwNwJZnqib6_dZdpFzspDC/s1600/Alice+ATC+swap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9ST1M_q3MvEcGSdOzT8lj24za1-ycOM3OsEuHqlUCK4NGe24JM5hEiysiFU6hDBvpvniqGsoogfv1FEIM6XfBmN-MKpFZWXuVgtTVXQXHIaUxA5Dh5q3sndwNwJZnqib6_dZdpFzspDC/s320/Alice+ATC+swap.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXHj66ZTU2il2PTur8WzgZplB-wtVBo27TkmmB-gqnQlzgVnezXId7-ibI3T3Z8QsE9ThNR3sVSvrCFghyphenhyphenvkpnSotC5nLbNLtLt8sLT5a8jUySJ_VOsi-OLZ3hIh3CNefBcK56XtIfmGl/s1600/full+sheet+Alice+ATC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXHj66ZTU2il2PTur8WzgZplB-wtVBo27TkmmB-gqnQlzgVnezXId7-ibI3T3Z8QsE9ThNR3sVSvrCFghyphenhyphenvkpnSotC5nLbNLtLt8sLT5a8jUySJ_VOsi-OLZ3hIh3CNefBcK56XtIfmGl/s200/full+sheet+Alice+ATC.jpg" width="149" /></a>The rabbit is a stamp I picked up from Lost Coast Stampers and I have been trying hard to push myself into some different materials, so I even used some "bling" and glaze too. I really like how the finished ATC turned out and I'm jetting to the post office today to mail them out. I also took a pic of the 9 finished ATCs in the card sleeve because I just like the repetition of all of them arranged neatly together.Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-36552902162517277082012-07-13T15:06:00.002-05:002012-07-13T15:06:55.583-05:00AS Birds in Hats Swap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMWI31uaT-sGXnnktPIK1XQir76Texc1DMzwR_E-_MjCVhaS5HaWb7zk-9y7_Rup77aPPnlaITWor_kM8H3m178xs1mpy0U3N8dExqMr2W8QRU1_tBPKmmboavG4BcVTEZJONGHBI8yQl/s1600/bird+in+hat+swap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMWI31uaT-sGXnnktPIK1XQir76Texc1DMzwR_E-_MjCVhaS5HaWb7zk-9y7_Rup77aPPnlaITWor_kM8H3m178xs1mpy0U3N8dExqMr2W8QRU1_tBPKmmboavG4BcVTEZJONGHBI8yQl/s320/bird+in+hat+swap.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
I have just completed my Alpha Stamps Birds in Hats Swap entries. The challenge was to design a set of 3 finished works, and you could do a second set if you wanted. Originally I was all gung ho to do 6, but I was really struggling with my ideas once I sat down and actually started to work, so I decided to just stick with 3 in the end. Overall I like how they turned out, and can't wait to see the fabulous works I get returned to me. (The postcards I just got back in the previous swap were AWESOME! I have them posted up in my workspace already.) There are a few things I would change about my creations, but I know better than to point out what I think are flaws, so I'll just keep it to myself! Thanks for stopping by! :)Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029499732896051270.post-17521408756317317722012-06-08T21:58:00.002-05:002012-06-08T21:58:44.588-05:00AS Beach Postcard Swap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YoQNtZyTutHJutXoLqBS6AA0AQKYXNPrMIygqPz2bCVU-BIfO6DXffSk94oVInhwJNRNn6bUBZtlLlZDeC6d6FtpdPsiOsErWhTztPjZ3z8goMVHBcpQYfVXWrML2DRY87p8nV0o3nwQ/s1600/AS+beach+swap+postcards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YoQNtZyTutHJutXoLqBS6AA0AQKYXNPrMIygqPz2bCVU-BIfO6DXffSk94oVInhwJNRNn6bUBZtlLlZDeC6d6FtpdPsiOsErWhTztPjZ3z8goMVHBcpQYfVXWrML2DRY87p8nV0o3nwQ/s320/AS+beach+swap+postcards.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Okay, so it's been too long since I've posted, but Alpha Stamps has been having some fabulous swap challenges that I couldn't resist joining, so I've been inspired to find the time to sit down and create! The one that is due soon is the Beach Postcard swap, we were challenged to make 5, and I think I'm done. There is one, won't mention which one that I think I might do a little bit more work on, but overall I think I'm ready to send them off. These are just pictures of the fronts. The backs have a little bit of pizzazz (spelling??) on them, but I didn't take a picture of those. I can't wait to send these off and see what wonderful work I get in return. Thanks Alpha Stamps for inspiring me to get my butt in gear again! :)Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699277113140678252noreply@blogger.com7