LoveLee Notes

Graduation, Wedding, and Retirement -- Oh My!

2013-03-28T15:47:00.000-05:00

Printibles by Wedding Chicks, Cricut Die Cut Birdcages (French Manor cart)

First of all...thank you for sticking with me, even though I haven't posted in quite a while. I thought last year was busy, but this year takes the cake! January & February I was working virtually full-time, during which we lost our beloved dog, Hercules, of old age (15 years), and a dear uncle on my husband's side unexpectedly. Then already in March we've made a college visit with Cody, our youngest son (almost 18) who is graduating in May, plus two separate poetry reading venues (by Cody); and my husband had foot surgery...of which he is now recovering.

Our year had already included Cody's high school graduation and his subsequent move to college in the summer. But then we added my DH Chris' retirement from the military towards the end of this year, which also includes a permanent move back home -- to Ohio. We haven't lived there since 1999, so it will be strange moving back...but also good to be back around family after so long. Of course with a move comes job hunting, and house buying. A crazy year to be sure.

But let's just throw something else into the mix...shall we?! Our oldest son Nathan (nearly 24), proposed to his girlfriend, Hannah, the beginning of March and the wedding has been set -- ** wait for iiiiiit** -- this year too. In fact, he will be getting married just two days before Cody goes to college -- and all that happens just one month before Chris's retirement ceremony (which will be a month before we move)! I'll barely have time to think about the whole "empty nest" syndrome. Yup...this is a CraZy year for SURE.

Which brings me to a glimpse of what I've been up to this month ... working on Wedding Samples! I had my year pretty well planned out until Nathan came to visit with his "finance". Surprise!! During their short visit they decided on a somewhat vintage "Birdcage" theme for the wedding with colors dark purple & blush pink. Nathan talked up the announcements I had made for his Graduation, so they asked me to put together some samples for wedding invites -- on a budget.

I started about by doing a lot of research for Birdcage themed weddings, and weddings with their color palette ideas. To keep track of some of my research, I created a board on Pinterest called, Birdcage & More Wedding Ideas -- which you can see HERE. I also found this fantastic website for printing invites, RSVP cards, table numbers, and much more. You can check out Wedding Chicks website HERE (you're gonna LOVE it!).

The following invites are all created from the Wedding Chick's free printables to which I added some stamping using Stampendous "Tweet Cages" set. The ribbon is white seam binding ribbon (Hug Snug) that I crinkled & colored using Spun Sugar distress stain & Antique Linen ink (which tones down the bright pink). For the more vintage ribbon look I added light touches of Walnut Stain ink. Since the color hues haven't been determined "exactly" there are a variety of shades used in the samples at this juncture.

Flat Bow (postage friendly)
stamped birdcages on chain
Pumice Stone ink, 2nd generation stamping

birdcage masked using Antique Linen ink
and ink blending tool
stamped birds

Bo Bunny brad holds cage in place
crinkled ribbon around cage only
This invite may cost more in postage with
the added depth of brad & bow

die cut birdcage from French Manor cart
smaller brad & dangly ribbon could help postage costs

showing cage moved aside
edges inked with Antique Linen

RSVP card printables w/envelopes
attached to back of invite w/photo corners
(they're on straight, just angle of camera is funny - lol)

Table Number printables from website
and die cut ideas using cage (French Manor cart)
and numbers from Heritage cartridge

with pink backing

with purple backing

Place Cards die cut from Thanksgiving cart
the two smaller ones show as individual name cards
The larger one is more budget friendly: one per table
and would include family names for that particular table

die cut with Fiskars Fuse: letter press plates for tags
these could be used for place cards, wrapped around the napkins,
or for a variety of other uses/ideas

battery operated tealight under dome

One of the PINS I added on Pinterest, was of over-turned decorated wine glasses (click HERE to see inspiration photo) using the base for a candle. I loved the idea, thinking I could use the dome of the glass to add the birdhouse theme. Generally you can find water globlets/cheap wine glasses at a dollar store or thrift store -- so being budget conscience (and since using birdcages to decorate every table would be pricey), I created this version using my Cricut (Sophie cartridge, & Gypsy to weld extra bird). There are several cartidges that have birdcages on them, so it would be interesting to make several variations of these for the table decs.

I also cut birdcages & lovebirds from random cartridges at 1 1/2" each for confetti -- any smaller and the birdcage bars are too thin to hold up. Other cartridges used were: Straight from the Nest (confetti), and Elegant Edges (for the candle mat)

I forgot to photograph the washi tape flags (Recollections birdcages) I made for cupcakes, and the cupcake wrapper of the lovebirds from the Cupcake Wrapper Lite cartridge...but they turned out cute too ... IMHO. =)

And that's about it for today. With all that's going on this year you'd think my blog would be severely neglected. But I've been so busy with all sorts of projects that I'm hoping to blog more often. The most time-consuming part of blogging is writing out all the technical jargon. So if at some point I don't give enough information, please leave me a comment with your questions and I'll be sure to get back to you.

Hope the birds are singing for you today -- and thanks for stopping by! Lisa

The Jesus Gift - Our Christmas Tradition

2012-12-24T17:27:00.003-06:00

I'd like to share a story about our Christmas tradition of the "Jesus Gift"; which first graced it's presence under our tree in 1992.

It was getting close to Christmas and I was feeling extremely depressed the closer it came. I had recently become a single Mom, and was having a hard time with the holiday festivities. The church we were attending was having a sit-down dinner and I had decided not to go, as my heart was just not in it. However, my mother kept encouraging me to go -- and finally I gave in.

I can still remember how lovely the table looked. As I sat down I noticed a simple package had been set at each place setting. The packages were wrapped in white tissue paper & tied with green ribbon -- the tag attached contained the following poem:

This is a very special gift,

You can never see.
The reason it’s so special,
Is it’s just for you, from me.

Whenever you are lonely

Or even feeling blue,
You only have to hold this gift
And know I think of you.

You never can unwrap it,
Please leave the ribbon tied;
Just hold this box
Close to your heart,
It’s filled with love inside.

- anon

The thought of that little package, at such a difficult time in my life, was a blessing to my soul -- and just what I needed. I brought it home and placed it under our Christmas tree, as the first gift of Christmas. And that was when I came up with the idea of the "Jesus Gift" -- Jesus gift of love to us being himself...the reason we celebrate Christmas.

And so our tradition began -- Each year the first gift under the tree is the "Jesus Gift". And it's also the first present taken out from under the tree Christmas morning. One of our family will read the poem attached, then we'll each take turns holding the "gift" and say what our birthday gift will be to Jesus for the following year. Instead of New Year's resolutions, we offer a gift to Jesus. It might be the gift of volunteering more, or reading the bible in a year, or maybe even something more specific.

This year I had to re-package ours as it was quite yellow with age, so I used one sheet of 12x12 white cardstock to wrap a small box. With the leftover card I stamped an image on the front of the manger scene "O Holy Night", by Northwoods, and printed the poem for the inside. The simple green ribbon is seam binding.

Every year I try to make a few of these gifts to share with others. I like to share the story of the tradition of the "Jesus Gift" -- but how they choose to use this gift of love is up to them.

I hope this story of our Christmas tradition will warm your heart, and give you a chance to invite Jesus into your Christmas celebration too.

Warmest wishes for a very Merry Christmas!
God Bless -- Lisa

Wintertime Paris Tag

2012-11-30T23:52:00.000-06:00

Just sneaking in under the wire for Tim Holtz' 12 Tags of 2012, for November. I bet you didn't think I could do it. lol. I've been remembering back to the time we went with some of our Aussie friends to Paris for New Year's 2003. We ended up at Versailles while it was snowing and had such fun building a snowman! I've got a picture around here somewhere...I'll have to dig it up sometime and add it to this post. It was very surreal...building a snowman at Versailles -- such wonderful memories.

Anyway...on to my tag! I used a variety of TH stamps from Shabby French, Winter Sketchbook, & Sketch stamp sets, then hand-wrote the sentiment, "Dreamin' of Wintertime in Paris." I used some mini Christmas tree pearls to tie onto the tag, and added extra clear embossing on the edges & on the snowflakes, and some dusting of stickles as well. The chandelier lights are tiny swarovski crystals. My colors of choice were Broken China & Peeled Paint Distress Stains, and Chipped Sapphire distress ink.

By the way...I didn't have a craft iron like Tim had in his post, so I turned my tag upside down on a piece of newsprint paper and used my heat gun to heat up the embossing powder while I used a brayer to flatten the tag onto the newprint. It took a bit more time than ironing would've done, but it still worked! Check out his post for all the details!

Finished it off with a gorgeous facet gem...and now...I think I'll call it a night. =)

Keep Dreamin'! Lisa

Catching Up After Thanksgiving

2012-11-24T15:03:00.000-06:00

The Thanksgiving sign can be "plucked" out of the wings
to find a message written on the back.

Hello friends -- Happy "belated" Thanksgiving! You don't have to celebrate the American Thanksgiving holiday to be thankful for family & friends all year round. And I'm definitely thankful to my friendly readers; I love to read your comments & emails -- thank you for stopping by. I sent out my Thanksgiving cards on time this year, most of them being fairly simple cards. But I found this fun paper by Echo Park called Fall Fever Owl, and somehow ended up sketching this fun card.

I started with pearlized tan cardstock & adhered the Fall Fever Owl CS to the front (the opposite side of the CS is the woodgrain print shown in the sign on the front of the card). I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it at first, but I was thinking I'd like to have owl eyes peering over the top -- and it just sort of evolved from there.

The eyes were cut out of black, white, & blue CS in 1 1/4", 1 1/2", & 1 3/4" respectively. I set brown cardstock between the card layer and lightly sketched a head with ears & an egg-shaped body (initially thinking it wouldn't be seen except over the top of the card). Then I cut wonky brown hearts out of scrap CS for the feathers, and sketched wings, feet, & a beak. I used a distressing tool to scrape up the edges to give them some fluff, and an blending tool with walnut stain distress ink to ink the individual pieces. These are all basic shapes, so I didn't overstress it.

I adhered the owl to the inside of the card with a banner strip of four owls to represent the four of us in our family. I needed a speech bubble with four points so I drew it onto ivory CS, cut it out and inked the edges. The sentiment, Elegant Beginnings by Stampin' Up, was heat embossed with Charcoal embossing powder.

QUICK & EASY TIP: The feet sticking out of the bottom made the card difficult to stand. So I used my Tim Holtz small easel Sizzix die to cut the easel for the back of the card from heavy cardstock. I LOVE this die for projects like this that need a helping hand to stand up, but also need to be mailed, because the easel lies flat for going into an envelope! Awesome! This die also cuts chipboard for a thicker stand, if needed.

NOTE: In hindsight, I wish I had made the easel from black cardstock instead of white for a more finished look, but I did use a black sharpie for the part that was showing through the feet (which is probably why you can't see the easel from the front).

Isn't it so cute peeking out of the envelope?!

Next on the list? Christmas Cards...mostly done, thankfully. But wish me luck getting them posted. Blogger is not cooperating at all.

If you're out shopping for Christmas, be careful...it's a jungle out there. =)
Lisa

Btw - I have disengaged the comment verification again, Thankfully, it seemed to help alleviate the spam comments...at least for now.

The Countdown Begins

2012-10-31T23:10:00.000-05:00

I don't think there's an "official" day to begin the Countdown to Christmas, but I figured today was as good a day as any. The little trick or treaters have gone to bed, and tomorrow will be here before ya know it. But as for the moment I'm writing this post -- October 31st, 2012 -- the calendar stands at 54 days before Christmas...which will be 53 days in just a couple hours. Time just seems to move fast that way. =)

The tag I created is for Tim Holtz' 12 Tags of 2012. Love the tutorial he has on his blog for this tag for blending the paint onto the collaged tag. It looks like I have a lot going on, but this tag was relatively simple to put together (check out Tim's website HERE for step by step instructions). I started with a manila #8 tag, which you can also cut using TH Tag & Bookplate die. I glued on the Melange Tissue Wrap collage paper -- LOVE this paper...and used Red Pepper & Pool paint dabbers as shown in Tim's tutorial, and edged the tag with the Pebble paint dabber for a slight shadowing effect. I used a blending tool to add a bit more color using Peacock Feathers & Festive Berries distress ink, before spraying Sunflower Sparkle perfect pearls mist over the tag.

The pre-cut grungeboard was painted with Snow Cap paint dabber before adding my custom colored glitter. The glitter recipe I used was: 1 Tbsp. Distress Rock Candy dry glitter, 5 drops Butterscotch, 2 drops Caramel, and 1 drop Latte alcohol inks. I wanted close to a golden "cheer" effect -- and I like the way it seems to brighten up the tag. I used the Snow Cap paint dabber to add bits of white "snow" color to the glittered pieces, and added a piece of snowflake tissue tape from the top of the tag...adding a bit more Snow Cap paint before stamping "countdown" in black archival ink. I used an old Dymo tape gun to print "Christmas 2012" on some blue stared plastic tape I found at a thrift store a while back.

For the ticket, I used a favorite technique of mine...Watercolor Embossed Stamping. First I inked the ticket stamp, from TH Odds & Ends stamp set, with Peacock Feathers and stamped it off onto scrap paper, then with the remaining ink left on the stamp I spritzed it well with water & stamped it again onto white, lightweight cardstock -- holding it in place for about 20 seconds so the water seeps into the fibers of the paper. It gives it an undefined watercolor look, and as it dries the water raises the areas the watercolor has touched giving it a faux embossed feel to the cardstock. After the cardstock was dry I overstamped with black archival ink, sprayed it with Sunflower Sparkle, cut it out, and distressed the edges. A piece of cobweb tissue tape was added to the corner, the date was circled in red ink, and the ticket was attached it to the tag with tiny attacher staples. Finally, the tag was finished with white seam binding ribbon & TH Tinsel Twine.

Now I guess I better get this posted before my countdown tag changes numbers...again (yep, I initially had the wrong number of days glued down -- but realized it before it could do any damage). Ha!

Thanks for stopping by. Lisa

Well Worn, Well Loved

2012-09-30T23:56:00.000-05:00

Just under the wire...again, for Tim Holtz' 12 Tags of 2012...for September! It's been so busy this month, that I've not had time to blog, or even visit my favorite blogs. October should be better, and a trip to Disney should help clear the "cobwebs" -- and since we're SO close to October, I thought this would be a good way to usher in October, and complete the month of September.

If you haven't been playing along with Tim's tag challenge each month because you don't have a particular product, don't let the lack of supplies stop you. Hopefully this tag will encourage you to use what you have, and just spend some time creating. I didn't have the sticky back foil or the alcohol inks Tim used in his tutorial, so I used a few different items instead...

Not only are they yummy with tea,

but the empty bag came in handy too!

I used a piece of the bag for the foiled insides, and embossed it with the Haunted Halloween embossing folder. I didn't have black alcohol ink so I used pitch black & sunshine yellow paint dabbers...mostly using the wipe on/wipe off technique. The Ideaology heart adornment was inked with Wild Plum alcohol ink and strung on ball chain and attached with TH tiny attacher. I just LOVE that pop of color from the alcohol ink.

You really can't tell too much now, but the top and bottom of the tag was covered in Brushed Pewter distress stain before lightly going over it with the black paint. Some cobweb tissue tape was added randomly and I used and old Dymo tape gun to add the phrase, "Well Worn, Well Loved".

Because not everything old has to be scary...=)

By the way, Did you know I was picked as a random winner on Tim Holtz' blog for my July Tag? How cool is that?! I won a set of the seasonal Spring Distress inks, & some wood game pieces. Mario was SO quick to get them sent to me too. Pretty awesome -- Thanks guys!

Guess I better sign off so I can get this posted in time. Thanks for stopping by! Lisa

You Make Me Smile

2012-08-28T18:42:00.006-05:00

I can't believe the summer has moved into the school year...already. And I just don't feel ready. My youngest son is now a senior and before I know it, he will be moved out and into college dorms. Where have the past 17 years gone?

Today I'm sharing the tag I made for Tim Holtz' 12 Tags of 2012 -- for August (what's left of it). I just used similar type products that I happened to have on hand. And you can too...he shares his ideas for putting together a variety of techniques, and it's all in how you're inspired to create. My creation is a reminder of our past visit to The Louvre, in Paris, France -- while we were stationed in England. The actual Mona Lisa by daVinci is really much smaller than I had envisioned (30" x 21"), and is encased by photo resistant glass -- yet still quite amazing to see in person...if you're actually able to get close enough to gaze at it. =)

My tag recipe includes: TH Sketch stamps (frame), SU Classic Captions stamps (Mona Lisa & sentiment), TH Damask embossing folder, Clare Ultimo poetry dog tags (inked w/caramel alcohol ink & black paint dabber), TH Ribbon Roses (colored w/weathered wood, vintage photo & fired brick (distress stains) DS), Pool paint dabber, Zing black EP, black Archival ink, white seam binding colored with Broken China DS, and Distress Inks: antique linen, tea dye, & vintage photo. And finally...misted with Sunflower Sparkle perfect pearl mist (my favorite)!

Not a great photo, but you can see the reflection of the people waiting in line to see that famous smile. The picture is encased in a much larger glass -- which is what you are looking through. This was back in 2000, but shortly after that photo was taken they declared no more photography. You can find quick facts on the Mona Lisa painting on Wikipedia.

Thanks for stopping by...
Don't forget to smile today! Lisa

Paradise Found

2012-07-29T16:32:00.000-05:00

On a hot July summer day...such as today...I can just imagine the mist coming off of the waves, while relaxing in a hammock at the beach, and sipping on a tall refreshing lemonade! It's been incredibly hot this summer with little to no rain to speak of (at least in my neck of the woods), so I was inspired to create this tag (and card) for Tim Holtz' 12 Tags of 2012 -- for July.

This month's challenge was all about using alcohol inks in a unique way -- check out Tim's amazing tag for July and his step-by-step instructions HERE.

A variety of alcohol inks were used. For the sand: caramel & latte; for the grassy bits: lettuce; for the sun & sunspots: butterscotch, & gold mixative (on the tag); for the waves: cloudy blue, & stream (on the card). The pants/sandals were colored with cranberry, using an Adirondack fillable pen.

The white seam binding ribbon for the tag was colored with vintage photo & broken china Distress Stains. The colors initially go on quite intense but as they blend with water, and dry, the colors lighten up quite a bit.

The stamp set is Paradise (of course), by CTMH. And I think this just might be the first time I've used it. But I love it!

You can see another tag I made using this same technique ---> HERE. It's one of my popular posts found on my sidebar...and is themed more towards winter.

Here's a TIP for cleaning up when using alcohol inks. First of all, use a craft sheet to protect your work surface. Nothing sticks to it, and it cleans up beautifully with....Hand Sanitizer! The hand sanitizer not only helps clean your hands, but add a little squirt to a wet wipe or towel and simply wipe off your craft mat! Love this stuff!!

And that's not all -- do you have one of those table that are made out of that hard durable plastic? If you do, and you like to use dye inks, sprays, and watercolors, you just might find that your table is holding on to some of that color. Simply add several squirts of hand sanitizer directly to the table and use a damp rag, or wet wipe to move it around and wipe up the mess. My table still looks like new! I use this method when I'm teaching classes as well -- a quick & easy way to clean up a lot of mess.

Well, that's it for today! Thanks for taking the time to stop by.
Stay Cool! Lisa

Time to Stretch My Stamps

2012-07-22T17:50:00.001-05:00

The past two weeks I've been taking an online class, "Stretch Your Stamps". I love waking up every morning to new class content with includes PDFs & videos...and lots of inspiration. This class is just finishing up, so the interactive portion of the class won't be available much longer -- but you can join in on the class anytime as an independent student and watch the videos, download the PDFs, read the forums, and look through the gallery whenever you choose to take the class. Find out more about it HERE. I took another of these classes, Creative Chemistry 101, earlier this year, and I think the classes are top notch!

The cards I was inspired to make for this class are shown below. The stamps used for the cards are listed directly below the cards.

Using Background Stamps ...

Tim Holtz Wallpaper Stamp, Fiskars Fuse die cut,
and Anna Griffin/All Night Media sentiment stamp

Using Collage Stamps ...

Correspondence Collage by Hampton Art Stamps
Festive Alphabet by CTMH

Using Alphabet Stamps (notecards 2 ways, masked/unmasked) ...

Precious Alphabet by CTMH
Flower stamps by Melissa Frances

Using Sentiment Stamps ...

Life in Pictures by Ali Edwards (Technique Tuesday)
Poetry Nostalgiques by EK Success, The Attic Collection (Rebecca Sower designs

The greeting is on back of the "Happy Anniversary" frame,
which clips to the front of the card.

Using Floral Stamps ...

Calla Lily, PSX 2001
Greetings Script by CTMH

Using Label Stamps ...

Annotations by CTMH
Doodle Alphabet by CTMH

Using Outline Stamps ...

Doodles & Nature, by Claudine Hellmuth
(can you see the clear embossed raindrops & Perfect Pearls sun?)

Using Border Stamps ...

Stitched Ribbon, & Double Scalloped Ribbon by Hero Arts

Quote - anon.

Using Reverse Stamps ...

Tree I, II, III, & IV by Hero Arts
Inside sentiment: To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose
under heaven. Ecclesiates 3:1

The only cards I didn't get a chance to make were using graphic stamps & stamps w/coordinating dies. I enjoyed this class immensely, and can't wait to take another one. I always learn something new, and the creative inspiration of the instructors & guests....not to mention the huge galleries, are amazing. A huge thank you goes out to Jennifer McGuire & Kristina Werner, and all the guest designers, for this wonderful class (click on their names to visit their awesome blogs)!

Have a Lovely Day! Lisa

Art Journaling From Partial Pages

2012-07-10T14:16:00.002-05:00

I thought I'd share some Art Journal (AJ) pages I've been working on, showing them from the partial page to the completed page. When I teach AJ classes I often use my own books as a "stomping" ground to show how a particular color looks, show a technique, or do a quick play-by-play. What this means is that I come home with several pages of miscellaneous chaos. However, I make sure my students see what I'm leaving with, and when I bring it back to the next month's class...it's transformed in some way for the start of another AJ page, or even ... dare I say, completed!

I think it's a rather good way of showing that you can still make something out of, what seems to be, imperfections. One of the things I love about teaching is that I can show an entire class the same technique, using the same stamps, etc., and not one of the Art Journals will look the same, yet they all have their own style of creative loveliness -- how much fun is that?!!

Here are a few of my page progressions...completed pages (at least for now), directly beneath the partials I began with.

Partial - showing Dylusion sprays on a dry page (color intensity/saturation)

Painted hearts w/black marker, white Signo pen, & Archival black inked stamps
Background resembles the look of tie-dye

I really liked the look of the tie-dye background, and could've gone in many directions...but I like the simplicity of the page layout, at this stage.

Playing with stencils, sprays, & ink (positive/negative imaging)
You can see the "tie-dye" page coming through on the right side.

A little Tim Holtz tissue collage, magazine cut-out, & black marker.

The stencils recede into the background with the boldness of the journaling and outline of the collage.

Partial - working with color: sprays, inks, & gesso

Background & Corner stamps, and black marker

Adding a gesso layout between the two pages helped bring the two colors together, as a temporary fix. Adding the stamps & journaling makes it into a simple readable page layout.

Partial - stencils, stamps, inks, gesso...randomness

Paint, gesso, Archival ink, distress ink, marker, stencils & stamps
Reverse imaging using the Claudine Hellmuth Nature bird stamp.

Many times I'll grab a random stamp for a technique -- the challenge later is finding a way to make it work into an AJ page. If nothing else comes to mind, gesso covers a multitude of mishaps...but what fun is that?!

Think about all the possibilities for your other projects, scrapbook layouts, & cards -- you might even surprise yourself, what you can come up with.

Have an Artful day! Lisa

'Never say, "oops". Always say, "Ah, interesting"!' ~ anon.

June Tag Challenge Photo Tinting

2012-06-29T07:13:00.000-05:00

Well, it's the end of the month and I'm back again with my June Tag for Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2012 (click the link for Tim's step-by-step instructions). It would seem that I do better waiting until the last minute...and so it goes. This month he has a video showcasing a technique for photo tinting. Did you know that Distress Inks were formulated for use in tinting photos?? I didn't...and so I gave it a try, and I'm sold! The photo of the girl & teddy bear is a free download on Tim's post -- and normally I like to venture off the path a bit, but I really liked the image and the design elements he used for his example, so I went with it.

LoveLee Details: I {slightly} matted my photo with a piece of brown paper gift bag with the phrasing, "Way Down East" showing slightly below. The marbled background is white picket fence & peeled paint distress stain, with a variety of stamps from TH lost & found, mixed media, & curiosities sets stamped in black archival ink. The photo tinting was achieved with victorian velvet (for the dress & bow), & gathered twigs (for the bear), finishing with antique linen & vintage photo. I didn't have the nibs mentioned in the video, so I used Fantastixs by Tsukineko instead...they worked great. To finish the photo, I over-stamped with a tiny journey word stamp with black soot distress ink.

The ribbon was colored with peeled paint & weathered wood distress stains, and the rose trimmings with fired brick. There's just a snippet of "script" tissue tape under the roses, and the film strip ribbon was stapled to the tag with my tiny attacher. Finally, I adhered the word band "Capture Life's Moments" (painted with Making Memories "celery") to the tag with the ribbon.

What a fun technique...if you haven't tried it before you might want to give it a try. I think it would make for some fun framed photos.

TFSB, and have a lovely day! Lisa

Organizing Clear & Cling Foam Stamps

2012-06-28T09:15:00.000-05:00

I'm popping in today to share how I store my clear & cling stamps. If you hadn't yet guessed, I love organization products...love, love, love them! Recently, I was a winner (out of 1119 commenters) of blog candy from Becca's blog: Amazing Paper Grace (APG). Oooo, if you haven't visited her blog before, you will just love her style of elegant cards & projects.

The blog candy she offered was provided by TapeOnline.com -- I received 20 clear "dvd type" cases and 20 magnetic sheets, for organizing Spellbinder dies & cling stamps. The cases are crystal clear, the price point is fantastic, and their customer service & shipping is simply amazing -- I received them within a couple days of winning! I know I was a winner, but check out the TapeOnline product links below to see what I'm talking about; and while you're there you can see what the reviews are saying as well.

Clear Stamp Cases
Magnetic Sheets

I don't have a lot of Spellbinder dies (the ones I do have were bought after seeing some lovely projects created by Becca on APG), but for the few I have I added the magnet sheets to the cases to store those dies. I wrote the die information on the case spine with my white Sakura Souffle pen, and taped the packing/"sandwich" info to the back of the case. For my dies, I like having the package information handy as it helps to see what the die should look like when cut. If you haven't yet seen an earlier post for organizing my other diecut packaging, you can view the "Packaged Die Organizer" HERE.

I do have loads of stamps -- especially the little clear stamps that get easily lost or misplaced once they leave their little protective sheet. So I used the clear cases for quite a few of my clear stamps -- obviously I'll have to buy more (you haven't seen my collection of Christmas stamps yet -- lol). I love how clearly the stamps show through. The clear stamps adhere to the plastic case quite well, and on many of the stamps I left top plastic overlay so I could determine what the stamped image actually was; in the case of no visible image for the clear stamps I intend to stamp the image on a piece of clear transparency to include in the case. And instead of keeping the paper packaging for the stamps (with the stamp company name/image names), I just wrote with a large sharpie on the spine of the cases. Some of the stamps packaging fit perfectly into the cases, so I included them with the stamps.

Originally this bin held my CTMH stamps, but I've since moved them --
so I guesss I need to re-label this bin. =)

I store my cling foam stamps in bins (they were part of rolling bin set but the frame & rollers broke) that I keep on an old bookshelf. The cling foam stamps are a bit thicker, & the packaging larger, so I store those in pocket envelopes. The refill pockets were originally made for Tim Holtz' Stamp Binder, but since I have so many of the cling mount stamps I find it easier to have the pockets in this bin as well, so I can leaf through them at a glance.

Since space is always at a premium, as often as we move, I have un-mounted some of my wood block stamps and put them on EZFoam to create a cling mounted rubber stamp. However, I do still have some wooden stamps that I keep in a labeled drawers that I don't intend on un-mounting...yet.

There's a lot you can do with these clear cases besides thin metal dies & stamps. Check out another cool organization idea that Becca used them for: Inky Nib organizer

Now I wonder...what would you use them for? TFSB! Lisa

Many, many thanks go out to Becca of Amazing Paper Grace, and Emily at TapeOnline.com -- I love my new organization goodies. You guys are absolutely lovely!

Apples for Everyone

2012-06-11T13:07:00.000-05:00

What do you see?

I thought I'd show an Art Journal page I created, step-by-step for the background, using The Crafter's Workshop (TCW) Wood Grain stencil. You might remember I like to look at things a bit differently...or upside down as in my Masks of the Manor post a couple years ago when I turned my cricut books upside down to find more interesting ideas. Anyway...When I was thinking about buying the large wood grain stencil I saw what looked like several faces in the design, which gave me lots of ideas ... and then just had to have it. =) I'm showing one of the ideas I had for this stencil in my art journal. Everytime I look at the stencil I see it a bit differently, so I'll revisit this again later down the road.

To begin...these pages started out as a place to wipe off my paint brush from another project.

Didn't have a towel handy so I wiped off my brush of purple paint onto these pages.

Adirondack pebble colored paint dabber to paint over TCW wood grain stencil.

Added a paint wash of Manila colored paint.

Thought it needed a second coat of Manila paint wash.

Added vintage photo distress ink over the pages, direct to paper.

With a blending tool, I randomly added walnut stain distress ink over the stencil,
keeping it slightly askew, to give it a bit more definition.

And now...the finished pages. I drew in where I imagined the face in the tree to be and stamped apples & leaves on the adjoining page. I created a notice on the tree using a watercolor black paint wash, distressed the edges, used the Tim Holtz distress hammer to indent the brads and wrote with permanent marker & Signo white gel pen the "Notice" sign. The apple w/leaves stamp is from Stampin' Up (Sun-Ripened II stamp set), and I used barn door & peeled paint Distress Markers for the coloring.

I just realized the green ink blot at the bottom...a carry over from another page of playing. I think I'll add another green leaf to that area to tie it into the page, but otherwise it really doesn't bother me. Just the perks of finding more ways to integrate "messes" into the "art" of the moment.

NOTICE: The Wicked Witch is dead ... Apples For Everyone!

Try looking at something a bit different and see where it creatively takes you...you just might be surprised! Lisa

Just a Note for the Graduate

2012-06-01T11:55:00.000-05:00

ConGraDulations!

I'm back today with some Graduation cards I've been working on. I used my Cricut Expression2 Anniversary edition (CE2) for these cards...which is important to note...since the cartridge for this particular type card is preloaded on the machine, and called "Just A Note". I also used the Wrap it Up cart.

The concept is fairly simple...which is basically cardstock folded into thirds...with the left side foldover cut off 1/3 way down, and the right side foldover cut off 2/3 way down for a tiered tri-fold card. However, using the CE2 to cut out the words and images did make it a lot easier -- except when you're making four of them in the various school colors. LOL. I'd have to say that took a bit more time, but I really like the way they turned out.

I actually made three, then had another grad announcement from a friend for her Bachelor's degree...so I made a fourth. The last one I made I used a German foil for the banners, celebrate, & tassel. It was a bit more delicate to cut, so I used a medium paper setting and cut it out at a slower speed. Speaking of the German foil, if you missed the post using it for faux Dresden, you can check it out HERE..

All the banner cards were cut at 5 1/2" including the layered features (card & card layers). When cutting the banners for the inside feature I used the flip feature to mirror the image. The Graduate w/Hat phrase was cut from the Wrap it Up cartridge at 2 1/2", but for the tassel I used the layer feature and cut it at 2".

I added a colored mat backing to give the cards a bit more depth & color (they just seemed a bit plain). I inked the banners on three of the grad cards according to their school colors -- that way I could use white deco paper for all the banner cuts, yet have them match the cards individually. I also added a quote, and used stickles to "bling" up the cards just a bit. To finish these cards up, I rolled up a check ($$) and tied it with hemp cord 4-5x then adhered it to the card (diploma style) by using 1/4" score tape on the back layer of hemp cording. I ran distress markers over the bows for additional color. The diploma (check) can easily be removed by pulling it out of the cording.

For the foiled card -- the foil was a bit delicate to cut for the wording and had to be pieced in some areas, but on the whole it turned out great. Because it's quite a thin foil I didn't even have to pull out my Cuttlebug to emboss the banner pieces. I just set them inside the Spots & Dots embossing folder and pressed with my fingers -- can't get easier than that. =) I added a sticker diploma that had red in the ribbon, so I used a Sakura Glaze pen in blue to change out the color. I left a slight shadow of the red on the edges for the look of dimension. Finally, I used photo corners to hold in a gift card...adding a quote just behind it to show once it is removed.

Congratulations to all the graduates this year...You Did It!! Lisa

Tissue Paper & Faux UTEE

2012-05-31T20:28:00.000-05:00

My finished Art Journal pages

You can still see the bursts of colorspray
I was covering up, in this photo,
but they're not so prominent in the
finished pages.

I'm just in under the wire to participate in Tim Holtz' 12 Tags of 2012 for May, with a completed a page in my Art Journal for this challenge...slightly bigger than a tag. =) Thankfully, the challenge doesn't have to be a tag, but to help inspire something creative in us...and that it did!

For my journal pages, I repurposed tissue paper from a store that had used it to wrap something breakable in. It already had a printed motif on it, but I cut the design pieces out and randomly adhered them to my already painted & stencil pages (up to this point, I had slightly covered up some random color sprays with gesso and Archival ink...and added a Dylusion stencil for the border). I added distress ink with a foam applicator over the tissue paper, then partially colored some of the images with distress markers. For added dimension & effect I also colored with Souffle & Glaze pens.

I didn't have UTEE (ultra thick embossing powder) readily available, so I added extra Glossy Accents to the flower embellishments, in its place, to create the faux UTEE effect. I finished off the pages with some stamped sentiments (CTMH) & a stamped compass embellishment using the same faux UTEE effect...which took an extra coating, and lots of drying time (one of the down sides of not having the UTEE available). I had made extra of the compass embellishments from a Tag Swap for ATT a while back, and it came in handy for this page.

Glossy Accents helped give these flowers the look of UTEE

So far I haven't missed one of the 12 Tags of 2012, but I sure came close this time. And with that, I'll say good-night to May, 2012.

Pleasant dreams! Lisa

Washi Paper Art Journal Page

2012-05-25T08:24:00.000-05:00

Thanks Mhel!

I was having tea with a friend the other day, on her birthday, and guess what she brought Me? Washi Paper! She bought when her family was stationed in Japan awhile ago, but since she hadn't used it she thought I might be able to use it my crafts. Wasn't that so sweet?! Since I've been working in my art journal I thought what's a better place to incorporate an artistic styled memory. I love having an art journal where I can incorporate things like that.

So this is my collage page of washi paper, combined with mini Sakura Glaze hearts, & a large glittered heart covered with Glossy Accents. I used a bit of antique linen distress ink to steer it away from a stark white page, but I left just bits of the white showing through for added variance. The collaged effect is great when you're trying to break up a busy design.

Hope you can enjoy today with friend too. Lisa

Gift Boxes Simply Repurposed

2012-05-12T21:53:00.002-05:00

I know I've been scarce the past two weeks, but I'm popping in today for a great repurposing project & quick gift idea. The other day I was drinking some tea my MIL sent me when I got to looking at the box, thinking it would make great packaging for the Dark Chocolate Edamame (from Trader Joes) I wanted to add to my Mother's Day gifts.

Now I should mention that I do have a Cricut that can cut quite a few boxes, but I really like doing things from near scratch as well...and repurposing/recycling projects are my favorite (if you hadn't guessed). So, instead of throwing away the tea box, I carefully opened it up at the seam where it was glued together and made a template by drawing around the box onto 12"x12" white cardstock, and cut it out.

Christmas Tea Box -- ribbon has been removed (and repurposed on another card)

12" x 12" white cardstock -- dotted lines are for score lines

Then using the original box as a guide, I used my ruler to make light pencil lines where the score lines should go and added darker dotted lines (over the lighter pencil lines) to show where to score. I used my score board to score the template and made sure it would form the packaging correctly (without adding any adhesive). This is now the template I'll be keeping for future boxes.

NOTE: I could have used the original box as a template, but I find the original packaging can be distracting when trying to follow score lines and cut lines. Also, I had already cut the panel off one side of the box -- I like keeping tea fresh in canisters, etc., and I include a snippet of the tea info with it.

Template cut out and ready to be scored

Template scored & folded - left tabs will hold the adhesive

Using the template, I drew around the deco cardstock (CS) I chose for the boxes and cut them out. Instead of drawing on the score lines, I laid the template over top of the deco CS and scored them both together. If you choose, you can draw light pencil lines on your deco CS and score them individually.
SCORING TIP: Because of the odd shape of the CS once cut, it makes it difficult to line up on your score board. I found an easier way to do this by laying down your ruler at the bottom of your CS, and lining up where you'll begin scoring with a particular number on the score board (ie. 4"), with where the score line should end on your CS set to the same measurement on your ruler (ie. 4"). I like to use Tim Holtz Ideaology Ruler because it is exact, without any lead-space on the front end of the ruler. I also use the Martha Stewart Score Board because I like the 1/8" spacing and the right side of the board being open.
(If this score tip doesn't make sense, I'll try to update this posting with a YouTube video this week.)

Note the 4" score line matches both top & bottom measurements

**If you look at the image above, the 4" score line at the top of the score board lines up with the 4" line on the ruler at the bottom. To make sure your ruler will give you straight lines and match up with the score board lines, hold the ruler flush against the top & left side of the score board -- your measurements should match up. This will help give you accuracy when scoring mis-shaped objects.**

For the boxes I made, I only glued the side seam together, and folded the bottom of the box without adding adhesive. That way, if they want to reuse the box later (more repurposing) for another's gift, they can open up the bottom, fold the box flat and store it for use another time. I forgot to take a picture of the contents, but I used cello bags for my Chocolate Edamame and added a tag.

The finished gift boxes

Other ideas you could fit in these boxes are mini purse notebooks, deco tissue packs, bath beads, soaps, jewelry, gift cards, etc. (if you use heavier items, I'd recommend adding adhesive to the bottom of the box). My Grandmother is diabetic but loves chocolate, so I found some yummy sugar-free chocolates to add to hers. =) Wouldn't these be great gifts to make just to cheer someone's day? I just think they are a "sweet" addition to any gift basket.

I hope all you Mothers out there have a LOVELY Mother's Day!! Lisa

Creative Passage Into Art Journaling

2012-04-24T05:30:00.000-05:00

"Go where your journal takes you creatively, taking your journal wherever you go --
and you'll find you're taking a creative journey, others will soon want to follow."
~ Lisa Sackett

I thought I'd share something a bit new today...something that I've been working on for a while, behind the scenes -- my Art Journal. If you're not familiar with Art Journaling, it's basically combining art & words into a personal journal (or just words, or just art...) -- it's a creative outlet of your own artistic impression. In other words, there are no rules -- you create the kind of art that you enjoy, and write what you like.

One of the best things I've discovered about keeping an Art Journal (or several) is that it truly helps the break-down of inspiration overload. You know what I mean? When you are overstimulated by SO many ideas going through your head and don't know where to begin -- I find that taking just ten to fifteen minutes to add some color to a page, adding collage elements, drawing, writing, etc...just helps to get that creative energy moving in a specific direction. And it works exactly the same way when I can't think of a thing to do. And once you get started, you'll be able to go back into your journals for some of your own inspiration! You'll also find it quite addicting...and dare I say...FUN!

Creative Passage Into Art Journaling

. . . the class!

Many of you already know I'm an instructor at our LSS. Well, I was thinking that an Art Journaling class would be a great opportunity to bring together students, who are both beginner & advanced artists, for the express purpose of having fun being creative without any rules. And if you don't think you're artistically inclined, not to worry -- I'll help you find your creative style.

Starting in May at our LSS (15 minutes from the St. Louis Arch), I'll begin teaching Art Journaling 101 -- you'll get your initial supplies, including a journal, and we'll jump right in. Then each month I'll be teaching new techniques you can try out on your own pages, or you can do your own thing. There will be a variety of supplies & tools to use while in class, & each month you'll acquire some new supplies too! Art Journaling is meant to be a fun, stress-free, relaxing way to get creative. Some pages you'll love, others you'll learn from. But most of all ... we'll just have fun!

To sign up for classes you can contact The Scrapbook Factory at 618-628-8877. Several opportunities for class dates in May: Sunday, May 20th 2-4pm; Tuesday, May 22nd 5:30-7:30pm; Saturday, May 26th 10am-12pm. Classes fill up quickly as there are only 12 spaces open for each class. If you have a group of five or more we'll create a class for your group...just let me know. Also, each month will include an Art Journaling 101 class for those that are just starting up.

Still unsure about this Art Journaling "thing"? Check out this link for some great inspiration --> HERE, featuring Dyan Reavely. We'll be using her Dylusions sprays & stencils in some of the classes. But that's only a sampling, there's so much more...

On my blog -- I'll be posting my journal pages from time to time, including tidbits here and there, as well -- so that if you're not able to join us in classes, you'll still be able to catch a bit of that inspiration.

So that's just a little something new I've got going on...and I thought I'd put you in the know. And now you know. =)

Have a cozy day! Lisa

April's Tag is a Birthday Card

2012-04-23T20:34:00.001-05:00

Today's birthday card is gonna be a bit late for my brother-in-law, but on time (finally) for Tim Holtz' 12 Tags of 2012 for April. I decided to make this into a dual purpose card, since I had a birthday to fulfill.

I followed Tim's blog tutorial with a few stylistic changes based on the materials I had on hand:

TH Distressed Frame embossing folder
TH Reflections script stamp
TH Lost & Found flying birds stamp
TH Shabby French bird stamp (fussy cut - which is just another name for spending a lot of time cutting something out =)
grungeboard bookplate & keyhole
TH trimmings inked w/frayed burlap & peeled paint
7 Gypsies key
Distress Inks: frayed burlap, scattered straw, peeled paint, stormy sky, & vintage photo
Archival Ink: black, cobalt
Jute, stapled with TH tiny attacher
variety of letter rub-ons

And here's a Tip about shadowing rub-ons: adhere rub-on to cardstock, then go over it carefully with an inked blending tool after it's secure -- this will give a shadowed look to your rub-on, as the overflow material on the rub-on acts as a natural resist. In my case I used white cardstock then went over it with stormy sky & frayed burlap. You can see where the letters have a white shadowed effect. Pretty cool, eh?

Hope you're having a fabulous day! Lisa

Easy Watercolored Spring Rabbits

2012-04-06T15:05:00.001-05:00

Spring Easter Rabbits

Hi guys! Popping in today to show a couple cards I made using the new Distress Markers on specialty stamping paper. I'm loving using these markers for watercoloring, and I actually like the stamping paper for this technique as much as watercolor paper, as it really gives such a crisp image. The stamps were picked up a few years ago at a thrift store -- The only name on them is "Imaginations!" (I looked online, but could only find them on eBay).

I'm not extremely neat when I "color", so using the watercolor method with these markers works really nice for me. I simply stamped the images with Archival black ink (any waterproof/non-smear ink should work) and colored over the images with a the markers. Then I used a water brush and "water-colored" over the marker colors (wiping off my brush on my hand between each color). I used a wet brush so there was extra water to move around in the ink, then I dabbed up the extra water with a towel when I was finished with that color. It helped give it the mottled look of watercolor. I corner rounded the image paper, and finished with my markers by going around the edges of the paper (and not neatly, I might add). I then used the water brush again around the edges, dabbed with a towel, & dried, before going over it once again with the water brush for a lighter, third coloring on the edges. Check out Tim Holtz demonstrating these markers, the stamping paper, and the water brush (at 3:45) , on YouTube ---> HERE.

I used Glaze pens for the extra pop of color on the watermelon, carrot, & tulip -- the Glaze pens dry slightly raised with a glossy finish...as opposed to Souffle pens which give a matte finish. I added the images to cardstock from my scrap collection, and tied on ribbon bows. To finish off the cards, I punched out mini envelopes (by McGill) from vellum and added a "Hoppy Easter" message.

I thought these rabbits were more spring-time than Easter, which is a bit more my speed. Growing up the first of six kids I remember my parents celebrating Easter on Saturday with our egg hunts & candy baskets, and Sunday was set aside as "Resurrection Sunday". We were able to have all day to enjoy our goodies instead of rushing off to church after we'd found them...plus it helped us keep in perspective the true meaning of Easter & Jesus' resurrection. We've followed that same tradition with our own kids, and I love the simplicity of a relaxed Saturday morning -- well, except when we can't remember where we hid the last boiled egg. =)

Today we're remembering Good Friday, but isn't it wonderful to know
...Sunday's a-comin'?! Blessings, Lisa

Tag Booklet Tutorial

2012-04-03T14:44:00.001-05:00

I recently posted "It's From Her Treasure" about a package of goodies I received, in which we were to use some of the supplies to make something. I ended up creating a Tag Booklet out of a manila folder -- and I'm finally getting around to posting the tutorial. =)

First to note, is that all manila file folders are not created equal...in size, that is. The size won't affect this tutorial, as it will work with any size, but it might affect the size of your tags, which you can cut accordingly. It's pretty simple to make, and easy to modify to your specific taste, should you desire to do so.

1. Open file folder so that it lays open flat & wide.
2. Fold the bottom edge up so that it is flush with the top edge. Trim off extending tab, so the file is flush on that side (my tab happened to be on the right side).
3. Starting with the left side, fold the left edge to the center fold line of the folder.
4. Fold the right side, so that the right edge is approximately 1/4" to the right of the center fold line (of the folder).

Click on the photo for a closer view

5. Using a ruler, draw a vertical pencil line to connect the top of the center fold line to the bottom edge. Draw a second line from where you left off (bottom edge) to the top of the right middle fold line. Draw a third line from the top of the same middle fold line to the bottom right corner edge. You should have a triangle drawn in pencil on the right side, plus a line down the center fold of the booklet.
6. Cut on your pencil lines and set aside triangle cutouts for use in another project.

7. Fold over center vertical cut approximately 1/4" to the left (you will need to scissor-snip 1/4" on the bottom to fold it without tearing). Complete Step #8, then staple or glue both 1/4" ends in place to create a micro-pocket (I used Tim Holtz' tiny fastener).
8. Open left side flap and adhere glue or double-sided adhesive strip (I used Scor-tape) down middle fold of left side, and complete across the top edge of the folder. Close flap over and press to seal. You will have two pockets for the left side -- one on the far left and one to the left of the center fold line. To finish your additional micro-pocket, see the end of Step #7.
9. Open right side triangle flap and adhere glue strip down middle fold of triangle -- fold back over and adhere to create two more pockets.
10. Fold both left & right sides toward the center, create extra pockets by cutting two **rectangular cardstock mats (mine were sized 3 3/4" x 5 1/4"), adding adhesive on three sides, and attaching to the folder.
**To create two additional "Sash" pockets, cut a shape of cardstock to fit the front of the mats (mine were ovals approx. 3 3/8" x 1 3/4"), attach ribbon to both sides of shape and attach behind rectangle mats before adhering mats to folder.**
FINISH -- Fold folder in half to create your booklet. Decorate & embellish as desired, and insert a variety of your favorite tags!

For more photos of the finished book, check out the original post ---> HERE.

Fully Opened Booklet -- center left shows micro-pocket

Booklet Folded in Half -- showing sash pockets

You could make this into an interactive greeting card with lots of hidden pockets -- great for both kids and adults alike. Or a gift book of tags, teabags, etc., to give someone a bit of a "Pick-Me-Up". Or fill it with pictures for the Grandparents. And so much more...

Give it a try, and maybe you'll make someones day today -- maybe even your own! Happy Crafting -- Lisa

March Mosaic Fly-Bye

2012-03-31T20:26:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it's the last day of March?! Wow...it seems like it just flew away. And -- no different than last month, I'm posting my March tag, for Tim Holtz' 12 Tags of 2012, on the last day. I'm just glad I made it. =)

I must confess, I wasn't too sure about trying this mosaic technique -- in fact, I had my doubts I'd even like it when I finished. But I'm definitely a believer now. I love it! It did take more time that I usually like to take (I'm rather impatient waiting for glue to dry), but the results are so cool -- it really feels like a grouted mosaic. Check out Tim's blog HERE for step-by-step instructions on how to complete this amazing transformation.

I changed mine up just a bit by using a pre-cut grungeboard butterfly, and black embossing powder for the grout (which I flicked off quite a bit to give it a gravelly look). I also added tissue tape after tinting it with fired brick stain -- wiping most of it off to give it a pink hue, and making a portion of it into a mini paper flower. The quote stamp I used is from TH Flights of Fancy.

Any plans for April Fools tomorrow? One year I put a rubber-band around the kitchen sink faucet sprayer and got my husband and both boys really wet when they turned on the faucet. I thought it was funny, but they didn't really share my sentiment. LOL

Ah well, life is fun -- enjoy it! Lisa

THCC101 Wrap Up

2012-03-30T19:53:00.001-05:00

Wrapping up Tim Holtz Creative Chemistry 101 with my last technique tag, and I love it. Got to play with Stickles, which I love. I actually had my tag finished this morning and only needed the Rock Candy Distress Stickles to finish it off. Do you know, it was no where to be found among my craft supplies...so I had to wait until after work, pick some up, and get 'er done.

Supplies used for this Tag: TH wallpaper stamp, weathered wood distress stain, iced spruce & walnut stain distress ink, & rock candy distress stickles

I hope you enjoyed these past two weeks look into the class I've been taking. I guess you never realize how much you can still learn (I'm sure I said that before). Tim Holtz has a look into the class if you'd like a peek "inside". You can check it out HERE on his blog...and by the way, it's never too late to take these classes. Yep, you can join at any time! There won't be any live forums as they will be closed, but you can read all the forum posts, look at the gallery, watch the videos, learn the techniques, and still download the PDFs -- all with continued lifetime access! Pretty cool, eh?!

I have a several projects on the back burner I'm hoping to get posted by next week, so I hope you'll come back again and visit real soon.

See ya soon! Lisa

An Imperfectly Perfect Day

2012-03-29T15:24:00.001-05:00

Perfect Pearls...if you didn't know by now...I love these shimmery powders! We're winding down with only one more day left of Tim Holtz Creative Chemistry class. Today is one of my favorites because we're playing with Perfect Pearls (PPrls), especially since once they meet water they're permanent --gotta love that.

Tim Holtz says to "embrace your imperfections"...and so here's a quick breakdown of my "imperfectly, perfect" tag elements:

Tag 1 - Re-inkers w/PPrls: Tumbled Glass w/Turquoise, Spun Sugar w/Berry Twist, Barn Door w/Forever Red

Tag 2 - Hampton Art Stamps-Correspondence Collage; distress inks: Faded Jeans, Fired Brick, & Walnut Stain; Blue Smoke PPrls; wild honey distress stain

Tag 3 - distress ink: iced spruce, evergreen bough, festive berries, ripe persimmon; PPrls: Sunflower Sparkle (no surprise there-my fave), Forever Blue, Forever Red, Blue Patina

I also made another Swatch Book for my Perfect Pearls, but I didn't see a swatch chart on Ranger's site, so I made one in Word. If I find that Ranger has a swatch chart and I just missed it I'll edit this post with a link. In the meantime, if anyone wants a copy of the chart I made emailed to them, just send me an email me, and I'll get one out to you.

On the other side of the swatch book I added my alcohol inks. I made it the same way as the others, but I did my color swatches on glossy cardstock instead and added it to the book.

Thanks for stopping back in today -- Hope you're having a "Perfectly" wonderful day! Lisa

All Cracked Up!

2012-03-28T19:41:00.001-05:00

I gotta tell ya, the Creative Chemistry classes with Tim Holtz have been great -- but today he added another side of his humor that "cracked" me up. Apropos considering we are working with crackle paints today, and paint techniques.

I've been posting tags throughout this course for the techniques we're learning, but what you don't see is that the backs of the tags have the quick-fire directions from Tim, plus I make sure to add the colors & products I used. I'll be keeping these in a specialty book I made for easy access & reminders. I hope to revist the book in a later post, but for now, here are the tags I made & what I used on them (tags listed from left to right).

Tag 1 - ATC size Sticky back Canvas (white), Scrolls Work Lighthouse stamp, TH Shabby French flourish stamp, TH City Central perspective stamp, Snow Cap paint dabber, Distress Stains (DS): weathered wood, & broken china.

Tag 2 - Broken China distress crackle paint, TH Air Travel stamp set, DS: picket fence, broken china, wild honey, fired brick, spun sugar, weathered wood; Distress Ink: walnut stain, and black Archival ink.

Tag 3 - TH grungeboard harlequin heart, crown, & butterfly wing shapes; Rock Candy distress crackle paint; TH retro stamp set, DS/ink: same as tag 2, snow cap paint dabber

Now, I better give my dogs some attention...or treats -- that usually perks them up!
Thanks for peeking in today. Lisa