Lucy's Crafty Life

2011-09-01T08:23:00.033-04:00

September 1st seems like a good place to start.

Start nurturing some creative ideas.....
Start playing with my photography......
Start (restart) healthier habits.....

My plan is to do that by.....

Start incorporating photography and painting together. Feeling so inspired by an amazing artist I have seen on Etsy and on Pinterest: Mae Chevrette

I've picked up a serious Pinterest addiction over the summer....lol, anyone else?

Playing with my camera some trying to learn to shoot in manual. Here's a first share of a full manual shot I got of Em yesterday. I had to lighten it a little and played with it a bit in PS but I'm pretty pleased.

Feels good to be here with you today. I've missed my creativity and sharing with you all. :)

Hello, again....

2011-06-06T08:15:00.000-04:00

I thought it would be nice to drop by keep my blog up a bit. I'm completely tapped out creatively and not attempting anything at the moment. But it actually feels ok right now and I know that it will be back. Cleaning mode has set in, so that's a good sign....lol.

Some cute pics of Emma and one of her friends from a couple of weeks ago. Editing these pics was the most creative thing I had to share. The actions are by Paint the Moon. Summer is here so we have lots going on....I'll be back. :)

Thanks for stopping by! It's nice to be here today. :)

just an encouraging word

2011-04-07T06:28:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you read an encouraging word that reminds you of what you are doing it all for. I really needed this one today from the Brave Girls daily emails. Hugs my friends.

Dear Irreplaceable Girl,

It might feel like the progress has stopped, like things have been stuck for a long time, or like they might not ever go past where they are now. But, beautiful girl, if you are working towards the life you yearn for, or even just focusing your attention on what it will take to get there....things are happening to get you there that you don't even see.

Don't lose hope now...you have come so far, done so much, and created such beautiful pictures of it all in your head. If there are roadblocks along the way, just go around them, move them or find another way.

If your heart is telling you the way to go...GO! Even if it seems impossible, or terribly difficult, or futile. Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy...and the way something hard-earned feels and tastes has no comparison...it is worth it!

You can do this...keep up the great work and remember that tomorrow is a brand new day to wake up with a new attitude and a new commitment to do whatever it takes!

You are so loved!

xoxo

a little serious

2011-04-01T08:23:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you don't need a smile, a serious look will tell the whole story for you. This look reminds me of so many things......

she's growing so fast
understands too much at times
is so lovely it hurts my heart
not a baby anymore
her emotions are so deep for an almost 6 year old
I would do anything for her

The colors were inspired by The Color Room 1 Year Anniversary!!! Thanks for inviting me back to celebrate with you this week, ladies!! :)

Amazing how color can set the theme, isn't it? When I first saw this palette for The Color Room 52th Palette, my heart sank......pastels are so not me. But, I thought, I'm going to go with the shabbiness and dusty feel and just embrace it. A little editing made the photo work perfectly with the colors and then it all flowed together.

I drybrushed some Antique White DecoArt Americana Acrylic on the edges to soften and give a more vintage feel to the paper. I added the beads to the center of the flowers by blobbing some glue in the center and then pouring on the beads.....I let a few scatter that had fallen in the glue.

Here's the inspiration and palette, hope you can play along! I linked the photo to get you started.

It's looking like a gorgeous weekend ahead. Spring break is almost over, it's been nice but I think we are all ready to get back on schedule, at least I am. ;)

More Hambly

2011-03-28T07:14:00.005-04:00

Here it is almost the end of the month.....so I thought I would share my last Hambly projects as their March Guest Designer. Thank you again, Hambly and Allison!

Lots of bits and pieces in this one and I added in some stickers from Sassafras.

These cameos brought to mind a vintage feel. The rose is an antique from my garden and the chipboard butterfly by Imaginarium Designs.

Love the gorgeous intense colors that Leeann dyes her crochet pieces from the Chip Chop Shop!

It seems I haven't made my way here as often this month. So what have I been doing?

mental adjusting

laying in the sun

laughing with my daughter

playing with puppies

being inspired on pinterest

realising that I don't have to fill every moment with busy-ness

thinking about my personal identity

you see, for a long time in my mind I have been

the fat girl in the room

tried to be the popular scrapbooker

the perfect mother

and now I want to be

the healthy girl inside me

an artist that shares from her heart

the most loving mother I can be

I'm making good progress.

2011-03-25T07:33:00.001-04:00

It's been a bit of a crazy week.....finishing up some projects and thought I would share a peek from the studio, since I can't reveal anything yet. ;)

Many, many layers of fabric, paint, stitching, beads.....love the textures.

It's amazing what a little paint can do......just dry brushed to distress and add a vintage feel. And more beads...something I'm liking right now.

We've got spring break next week and we're heading to the river for a few days. I'm looking forward to enjoying some family time. Thought I would just pop in for a minute to wish you all a wonderful weekend! :)

Upcoming Class with Bethany Kartchner

2011-03-21T08:05:00.000-04:00

I just have to share an incredible project and class with you all today! My very dear friend, Bethany Kartchner will be teaching this class next month........for only $5......yes, that's right......$5!!!!!

An unbelievable value for the content and her amazing talent that she shares......here's a peek:

If you aren't familiar with her work....I can't say enough about how I love her and her whimsical style. She has graced 2 recent covers of Somerset publications and is a frequent contributor. Beth is an amazing woman that I truly admire, both artistically and personally. She has taught me a lot about balancing personal and artistic goals.

See you in class!!

Collage and Paint Video

2011-03-14T07:44:00.000-04:00

I created a video tutorial for my March Guest DT for Hambly Studios.....a mixed media background and painting techniques that can be used for art journaling or canvas. Hope you enjoy! :)

I used some of my favorite DecoArt products in this video.....their new collage glue called DecoPage is coming soon to stores.....I adore it!!

Telling an old story

2011-03-12T08:30:00.000-05:00

Recently Emma pulled out the home movie of her first birthday and it reminded me of all of the funny things that happened that day. I realised there are so many stories that I haven't written down.....so here's one for our memories. :)

like how I snapped her chin with the elasic strap of her birthday hat

how tiny she was and I thought she was so big

she burned her finger on the flame of her candle

her little cheeks just made me want to kiss them, over and over

she loved her cake

wonderful and funny memories

This is a mix of Emma's Shoppe and Neighborhood with a floral stencil by Crafter's Workshop over the yellow gingham - I painted it with Chalkboard paint by DecoArt. I love the really flat black.

The story is written out on a couple of the cute new journal cards from Crate and tucked behind the photo.

I'm looking forward to looking back through more old photos and deciding what stories I want to record......I worthy endeavor, I think.

Right now I'm playing with a new camera a D7000......so, so excited and thrilled my husband treated me to an upgrade. And I was able to sell my beloved D40 to a friend. It looks like a gorgeous sunny day, so I'm going to try to capture a bit of spring with my lens.

Have a fabulous weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Hambly Studios - March Guest

2011-03-09T05:59:00.000-05:00

Hambly's screen printed overlays have been a fave of mine for a long time, so guest designing for them this month was a real treat for me. :) Thanks, Allison!!

They sent me a fun mixture of papers and transparencies to work with - old and new product, so mix and match was in order.

Love their new printed washi tapes!! This layouts also has a canvas back by CanvasCorp that I misted over a template by Crafter's Workshop.

Stitching through the transparencies and fabric holds it all together and adds a design element as well.

Sweet baby.....look at that tiny face.....I had to do a couple of baby projects with the adorable baby carriages transparencies.

Crochet from The Chip Chop Shop added some great texture and went with the subtle layering of color and designs.

And a mixed media tag....I collaged tissue paper onto the back of the tag for a pop of transparent color.

And more stitching.

I have a couple more projects and a video to share that I completed with the Hambly products....see you soon with those. And spent some time in the studio painting......some backgrounds and a few sketches so nothing to show yet....it felt really good. :)

With One Palette - Somerset Studio

2011-03-07T06:35:00.001-05:00

For a very long time, I've had a goal......to be published in Somerset Studio. Somerset Studio is the first mixed media magazine I ever purchased years ago and I've dreamed of one day showing my work on their pages. A few months ago I was contacted by the editor, Christen Olivarez, to see if I was interested in putting together a collection for Just One Palette - one of their monthly colums. It's a dream come true.

Thank you, Somerset Studio......another goal met and I couldn't be happier. I believe this issue is now available.....it's a great one! ;)

Crate March Color Challenge

2011-03-04T07:56:00.000-05:00

Working with color is one of my favorite things and I so enjoyed putting together this color palette and layout for Crate Paper. I invite you to play along - you can see all of the details and other inspiration from the designers here: Crate Paper Blog

Love this cool circle template from Crafter's Workshop.....I used some silver metallic paint from DecoArt and it glows!

I can't thank you all enough for your kind and encouraging words about the changes I am going through. I'm feeling good about it all and have been painting in the studio some this week. :)

Changes

2011-03-02T07:55:00.000-05:00

Design teams....they have been a huge part of my life the past 3-4 years.

The past few months it's been really difficult for me to keep up with my monthly commitments and deadlines. Life's just become busier. And my personal art is calling to me. I haven't picked up my paintbrush for 2 months and that isn't ok with me. It's probably obvious to anyone who knows me that I can't do anything without going all in - one extreme or the other. haha

Also some personal issues.......as you know my dad had some heart problems last month. He's doing much better, thanks for your comments. :) I've been dealing with some health issues myself, as well. Hypoglycemia - the result of yo-yo and extreme dieting most of my life. I started working on making my health more of a priority last year and I want to continue that journey. I'm actually excited about it. Imagine me.......exercising....eating healthy. Kind of funny, if you know me at all.....lol. But those things take time.

My family. My heart - time with them is the most valuable thing to me.

So, a few changes for me to keep up with my goals of art and health. I've resigned from my design team comittments.....I love Crate Paper and am so thankful to Lisa and Christine for how wonderful they have been to me. Sassafras Lass......what a dream of mine for so long, I'm so sad that I had to say no. Webster's Pages.....I didn't reapply, but still will always love and support Brandin and the girls there.

I'll still be doing free-lance work and guest spots. Also some fun things coming up in future Stampington Publications, so don't think I won't still be here and sharing.

Change is something I often fear and this time it is no different. But with my goals in mind, I know I can work through this transition. Thanks for listening to me today.

Somerset Apprentice Feature

2011-02-28T08:33:00.000-05:00

From the Pros?!? Seriously.

I'm flattered.....really flattered. Thank you, Somerset Apprentice!!

Sweet Shoppe - Studio Calico

2011-02-13T08:41:00.000-05:00

I meant to post these pics earlier this month - these are the layouts I made using the Sweet Shoppe kit from Studio Calico. Crate Paper designed some exclusive papers for Studio Calico and I was lucky enough to get one of the kits to play with!
The colors in this kit were so much fun - thank you, Studio Calico and Crate Paper! :)

I've been missing a good part of the week.....my dad has been in the hospital with heart problems. The doctors put some stints in his heart and he is doing much better. We are hoping he gets to come home today. I'm so thankful.

More CHA projects - Webster's Pages Country Estate

2011-02-07T07:13:00.001-05:00

I so enjoyed working with Country Estate by Webster's Pages for their CHA booth....thought I would share my layouts with this gorgeous line. So soft and feminine.

Some new faves in this release - the canvas tags and the return of the cameos.

Check out these adorable little birdies and the new pins.....

I pleated the fabric ribbon and layered it with the bloomers, a nice combo, I think. :)

Love this one so much....this was a so-so photo and a little photoshop and wowsers!!! I'm showing the new netting and transparencies here in this layout.

I was so proud - this one made it into the Webster's Pages product catalog!

I did a little scrapping this weekend and hope to start a new painting soon....I've really missed painting with the CHA craziness going on. I'll share some more CHA projects this week. See you soon.

CHA DecoArt Projects

2011-02-04T07:05:00.001-05:00

I have returned! What a great time I had a CHA......I have a little confession......is it bad that I was secretly so proud to see so many people walking around with their version of my cupcake canvas from the DecoArt's booth. I was so excited to design their mixed media make and take and Beth and I designed mini canvases for their booth. Sorry these pictures aren't the best....they were rushed because I had to mail them out quickly. Thanks to DecoArt for wonderful product to work with!!!

Dimensional Cupcake Canvas......this uses so many wonderful DecoArt products! The thickening medium through a stencil tinted with Glamour Glaze Paint, DecaPage the new decopage glue, SnowTex for icing with more Glamour Glaze drizzled on top.

A sweet little girl canvas with Americana Acrylics and dimensional flowers, made with book pages painted with Glamour Glaze paint - the finish is really nice - Triple Thick Glaze mixed with Gold Metallic paint......so gorgeous!

A bit of mixed media collage using paint, thickening medium, gesso and DecaPage glue.

Some leftover letters on canvas - a layer of Texture Fine with Glamour Paint. The heart is Texture Crackle with a bit of Glamour Paint to highlight.

Lots of texture here - my little cupcake nest. I attempted to pipe some leaves by mixing some Texture Fine with Americana Acrylics - they blended together a little more than I wanted but it still works. The tree bark is Textured Stucco.

Americana Acrylics with Texture Crackle through a stencil.....embellished with a chipboard teacup. I used the DecaPage Glue for the doily.

I met so many friends, old and new at CHA.....it was awesome....I'll share some more about that later. I'm still so tired...lol. See you soon!

Pages of my Book.....GDT

2011-02-02T07:54:00.005-05:00

*****pre-posted while I'm away at CHA*****

I was delighted to be invited to guest with these lovely ladies this month......Pages of my Book......absolutely wonderful inspiration!! Thank you, Poki and Kaori!!

I created this layout from the prompt and sketch inspiration:

I used my water soluable wax crayons to color the resist paper.....it gave a rich pop of color.

I adore mix and match.....my favorite combination......just bits and pieces from my stash.

I hope you check out the Pages of my Book site for more inspiration!

Can't wait to see......

2011-01-28T07:53:00.005-05:00

With the CHA reveals showing up everywhere this is an exciting time in the scrapbook industry! I'm loving the trends I'm seeing.......handcrafted elements, collage look and sewing type embellishments....silhouettes are huge, as are cameras.....and circus themes.
Thought I would share some of the ones I'm most excited to see in person this weekend.....

Sassafras Lass......a long time fave of mine.....so, so gorgeous......loving everything from them this release!

Really loving Glitz's new lines - a great vintage grunge look. Their circus themed line looks beautiful, too.

Pink Paislee and House of 3.....love the eclectic look - travel, art journal...all combined....gorgeous colors!

Mistables...by Prima....pull out your paints and sprays!

And also from Prima....vintage inspired florals.

Pretty much everything from Maya Road...did you see they have kraft die cut doilies coming out?!? And these zipper strips.....omg!

Cosmo Cricket's new lines are really special, too....

I can never get enough of Webster's fabulous trims....and you already know how I love the new collections!

But I still have to say that Crate has blown me away once again......I've shown a lot of their stuff on my blog already....but this has to be my favorite: Emma's Shoppe

Hmmmmm....I'm noticing a trend here......my favorite colors...lol. Maybe that's why I'm so excited about CHA this season? Ok, so I'm heading out this morning......I've got a long flight ahead - all the way across the country.....let's hope I don't forget anything urgent. ;)

See you when I return! Or, be sure to say hi if you see me on the floor.....I'm looking forward to meeting everyone! :)

ChipArt Angel

2011-01-26T07:35:00.002-05:00

I did some free lance work for GCD Studios recently. I had the opportunity to create some videos demonstrating their ChipArt Tool. There are 5 total if you are looking for tips or want to learn more about the ChipArt Tool....which is great, btw!

ChipArt Tool Videos

My favorite piece I created was for the video Beyond Chipboard - I used a wooden board and embossed wings to decorate my angel painting. I thought I would share the process and some photos with you today. This piece was inspired by Tam's class Art, Heart and Healing......she worked on an angel in the last week of the class with dimensional wings - hers were created with texture pastes and paint....really gorgeous.

I used lots of DecoArt products here - Americana Acrylics to paint the angel. Her face feels a little sad to me, but I didn't really intend it that way. ;)

Beyond Chipboard - GCD ChipArt Tool - Angel Painting from lucy edson on Vimeo.

I embossed the wings with the ChipArt Tool first and then painted with gold metallic paint and then mixed glazing medium with dark brown acrylic paint to antique the wings. (all by DecoArt)

Check out the fabulous shiny finish.....this is Triple Thick finish by DecoArt.....it reminds me of an epoxy finish.

Emma loved this project and asked if we could put 'her' angel in her room.....high praise, indeed.

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by! :)

In the Neighborhood

2011-01-24T06:06:00.001-05:00

We have some lighted deer that we put out in the yard every year at Christmas. Emma is entranced by them and goes out to chat with the mama and daddy deer. This isn't the first time she's asked for me to photograph her with them......telling them little secrets...lol.

The Neighborhood collection from Crate set the scene perfectly for this whimsical photo and theme. This paper will be great for any season. If you haven't seen the entire collection you can check it out here: Crate Blog.

And.....I feel amazing!! I'm all caught up with CHA projects - everything shipped.....whew, it's been a busy month. Can't wait to share pics of all I've been creating. :)

I think I'll go rest now...lol....before I have to start deciding what to pack for CHA.

Crate's CHA Lineup

2011-01-22T08:24:00.000-05:00

Let's just say there was some jumping up and down and squealing at my house this week......presenting Crate Paper's new collections:

My Personal Fave

I can see this for more than just boys for sure.....love the vintage brights!

So, so cute.....those little houses and the bee!!

So very elegant and my favorite colors...this is not just for weddings.

There you have it......I know I'm impressed....what do you think?

More Webster's Peeks - Country Gardens

2011-01-21T07:54:00.000-05:00

It's been a wonderful kind of insanity in my studio lately.....like Christmas with packages arriving and new colorful papers and embellishments to drool over.

I've got a couple of peeks of some CHA layouts for the Webster's Pages booth - this line is Country Gardens.....really shabby, romantic, lushness.....yum!

The new design team was announced today - so happy and proud for my friends who made it! Brandin is doing something wonderful for the leaving girls, an Alumni Team.

You know it's funny.....closing a chapter is always hard, even when you make that decision.....thank you, Webster's Pages and Brandin for a incredible 2 years!! But you'll still be seeing me work with their papers, of course....lol.

And some personal exciting news for me................after much inner debate and struggle, my husband told me to buy my tickets for CHA or he would buy them for me......lol. I love that man!!! So, if you see me wandering around, be sure to say hi! ok.....back to the studio.....

A little more news and a peek....

2011-01-19T07:47:00.000-05:00

Isn't this exciting?!? I've been a long time admirer of the Studio Calico kits - so wonderful to have the opportunity to work with the February kits this month!! If you want to get your hands on any of the exclusive papers - head over to Studio Calico and subscribe.

Loving that rainbow.....pulling out some umbrella photos to get started! :)

Crate Girly Line Peek

2011-01-18T07:35:00.000-05:00

I think the title and author says it all.......maybe Lisa created this one for me?!? lol

Could the colors be any better???......yum, yum.

And for the boys......I'm going to pull out some of Mark's little boy pics - I haven't scrapped many of those. So adorable! Him and the paper...hehe.

Off to print some photos.....see you soon!

This week is so exciting with all of the new lines showing up!