Whimsical Musings Magazine

"Scrap for Help" April Challenge

2012-04-01T10:16:00.014-07:00

This month of April at Scrap for Help, the challenge all month is to make something with buttons! I design for Scrap for Help and Shabby Cottage Studio. So, I made this piece with Shabby Cottage items!

First, I took a piece of corrugated board~

Then, I painted it with gesso....

I embellished the board with an image from Shabby Cottage Studio. I also used pieces from this fabulous collection of chipboard pieces, seam binding, coffee-stained cheesecloth, and faux flowers.

Here is the finished piece. (Yes, it probably looks familiar as it is on the front of my book Women: Blogging Can Give You Wings.)

If you need any art supplies, be sure to check out Shabby Cottage Studio and if you would like to join the challenge for the month of April over at Scrap for Help, just make sure that you create a project with buttons! The challenge will open in a couple of days.

I have included direct links to some of the items used in the piece down below.

Also, if you are looking for more FUN creative ideas, my ebook Mixed Media Art: Living Your Passion is filled with them and it is only $2.99. (If you click the flashing button on my sidebar, you will be taken right to it.)

Cindy

Chipboard:

http://www.shabbycottagestudio.com/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=Embellishing&isThumbs=Yes&curpage=2&Thumbs=200

Flowers

http://www.shabbycottagestudio.com/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=Embellishing&Sub=176&isThumbs=Yes&curpage=1&Thumbs=200

Seam Binding

http://www.shabbycottagestudio.com/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=Embellishing&Sub=174&isThumbs=Yes&Thumbs=200

Angels at My Door Promo

2012-04-01T10:03:00.000-07:00

Angels at My Door Promo Video

2012-03-29T12:57:00.003-07:00

I have a brand-new promo video for the book Angels at My Door--I hope you enjoy it! If you click the link, you will be taken right to it. Oh, and be sure to turn your sound up. xo Cindy

http://youtu.be/6p-Kfw_7CLc

God Can Send Angels

2012-03-12T19:18:00.004-07:00

In Psalm 91:11 we are told: "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."

Angels are as real today as they were during Bible times....You can read true, fascinating angel stories in my Amazon Bestseller--Angels at My Door.

You do not need a Kindle to read it. Just click the tab up above to download a free app. to read it on your computer.

Now you can find out how angels are impacting people today and making a real difference in their lives.

How to Link Up to a Blog Party!

2012-02-09T17:59:00.001-08:00

If you need to link up to a blog party and do not know how to put the blog's link in your post, this will help! If the pictures are too small, click on them to enlarge. First, go to your blog and go up to the top right and click on "New Post."

Next, you will see the space that you create the post in as usual. Type the name of the blog you want to link to. Then, highlight the name. (I DID NOT WRITE ANYTHING IN THE BOX. I AM JUST ILLUSTRATING WHERE IT IS ENTERED.)

Next, go up to the icon that is green. Click on it. (It is 2 icons to the right of the "b" for "bold." A drop-down menu will appear.

Put in the blog address of the blog and save it! Make sure that it reads: http://thenameofthefullnameoftheblog.com

For Whimsical Musings Magazine, I would put in (as an example) http://whimsicalmusingsmagazine.blogspot.com

That's it! You are done. Most people list the names of the link parties on the post at the bottom and then form the link for each one. (I will give you an example at the bottom of this post--It will be a link to The Graphics Fairy and Blogger's Bodega.)

Then, when you go to the blog where a party is that you want to join, click on their Linky and just join it!!

I hope that was helpful!!!

XO
Cindy

Linking this to:

The Graphics Fairy

Blogger's Bodega

Google Adsense

2012-02-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

Blogging Tip:

If you have ever considered making money from home, don't overlook the importance of putting Google Adsense to work on your blog. It's quick and easy--and you do not have to do much of anything to start hearing the sound of "Ka-ching" on your online space. Simply go to your template designer and click "Monetize" and go through the easy, peasy steps.

So, how does it work? Each time someone visits your blog and clicks on one of your ads, you will earn money--How cool is that? (Mine are actually underneath each post and on my sidebar.)

Savvy bloggers know that this can add up to "big bucks," so why not run ads that your followers would be interested in?

Give it some thought--and then, just do it because you may as well "get paid to blog!"

Cindy

New Link Party!

2012-01-31T14:03:00.000-08:00

<center><a href="http://cindyadkinswhimsicalmusings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> <img border="0" width="190" alt="Whimsical Musings" src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af199/cindyleeadkins/74e95ca4.gif"/></a></center> Hi Everyone~ I will be having a Link Party that will begin on Monday...I hope that you'll join me for the fun! You are welcome to link up a favorite post at my other blog at: <a href="http://cindyadkinswhimsicalmusings.blogspot.com">Cindy Adkins Whimsical Musings</a> XOCindy

Hi Everyone~

I am having a Link Party beginning this coming Monday on my Whimsical Musings Blog!!! You are welcome to link up a favorite post--If you have a business you'd like to promote, feel free! No need to get dressed up--You can come in sweats and a t-shirt with your hair up in a ponytail~We're just going to have a good time!

Cindy

Altered Journals

2012-01-29T14:58:00.000-08:00

I design for Shabby Cottage Studio. I just completed this journal using their amazing graphics and products, including the journal cover--These are very fun to make!!

If you click on the links, you will be taken to various products that I used to create this journal.

If you'd like to see a close-up, just click on the image.

Happy Creating!!!!

Cindy

Seam Binding

Flowers

Graphics

Chipboard Designs

Blue Tags

Book Cover and Back

I've Been Tagged!

2012-01-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

I was just tagged by Queenie at Queenie Believe who is an awesome blogger!! That means I needed to answer these questions...so, here goes!!!!

What is your favorite color? Pink and blue

2. What blog do you following that your followers would least expect you to follow? I can’t think of one.

3. What cherished article of clothing (excluding wedding gowns) do you keep even though it may not fit? Baby clothes.

4. Why? (Answer #3) They are my children’s.

5. Are you the one that rides the roller coaster or sits on the bench holding everyone’s packages/purses? Sit on the bench.

6. What was the make and model of your first car? A ’67 Firebird.

7. Did you give your car a name, if so what? (Answer #6) No, I didn’t. I was too busy driving it to the beach!

8. What is your favorite piece of furniture in your home? My white grand piano.

9. Why? (Answer #8) Because it was a dream-come-true from my mom.

10. What is your favorite dinner? Cheese enchiladas at Los Toros in Chatsworth, CA.

11. What creative adventure have you always wanted to try? Make stained glass.

Thank you, Queenie!!!!

Cindy

Tag Tutorial

2012-01-23T15:14:00.000-08:00

I design for Shabby Cottage Studio and just created these decorator tags....

It began this simple project with blue tags, flowers, and seam binding, all available from Shabby Cottage Studio.

First, I stamped the tags with this stamp...(Made by Stampabilities--from my own stash.)

I used this ink to ink the edges of the graphics from Shabby Cottage Studio.

You can catch a glimpse of the edges stamped...

But, my tags weren't done...

I added glue and then "frosted" them with German glitter glass...

Here are my finished tags....

I think you'll have fun making these....

I know that I did....

Thank you for visiting my tutorial...and if you need anything, just hop over to Shabby Cottage Studio!!!

Cindy

Pampered Chef

2012-01-13T20:18:00.001-08:00

If you love cooking and would enjoy getting some amazing free items from Pampered Chef, all you need to do is "host" a party--What does that mean? It simply means handing out a catalogue to your friends and based on what they order, YOU can qualify for free gifts!

Here are some delectable dishes that you can make....

Do they look delicious or what?

Yummy, huh?

My niece Tiffany and her best friend Christina have become independent consultants. You are welcome to email them and they can send you catalogues so that you can start on your way to free products...That's all there is to it!

Happy Cooking!!!

Cindy

Images Credit: Google

Blogging: It's a "Woman" Thing

2012-01-12T13:40:00.000-08:00

There has just been a brand-new promotion on Amazon for my book, "Blogging: It's a 'Woman' Thing" and emails have been pouring in. I want to thank so many of you who have been so supportive of my books and seminars--This is truly an adventure of a lifetime!!!

Cindy

Beach Cottage Decor

2012-01-10T11:13:00.001-08:00

My book Beach Cottage Decor: Life's Simple Pleasures is available on Amazon. As a mixed media artist, I love creating and also inspiring people to make things for their own homes.

To read more, just click HERE.

I also just created this Old World Style Book. If you would like to make one yourself, just join me at my Tutorial Tuesdays.

I am featuring Tutorial Tuesdays for 3 weeks in January~Hope to see you there!

Cindy

Moving a Blog Button

2012-01-03T12:35:00.001-08:00

To move blog buttons around on your blog, it is very simple. Start with your blog page. Go to the top right corner and click "Design." It will bring you to the template design page that looks similar to the one above. On the left, you will see "Layout." Click it.

Now you will be on your Layout page. Drag any of your buttons to where you want them to be placed. Click "Save." All done!!! Any time you need to move them,

now you can do it whenever you need a change!!

I am the author of 3 Amazon books:

Blog from the Heart: A Woman's Guide to Blogging

Blogging: It's a "Woman" Thing

Blogging: It's a "Man" Thing

The books are non-technical and filled with information about making your blog "come to life" and keeping people engaged and interested in what you want to share.

Happy Blogging!!!

Cindy

Blogging Women: How to Start a Blog

2012-01-03T00:09:00.001-08:00

Blogging is one of THE most exciting online opportunities available to women today. It provides a way for women from all over the world to reach out to others who share similar interests. And yes, it's fun, but it is also advantageous for sharing ideas and networking.

Since writing my 2 ebooks about women's blogging, I have met so many women who are excited about starting their blogs, continuing existing ones, or working toward improving them by taking a proactive approach.

"A successful blog does not happen by accident." If a blog is successful, it is because someone has taken the right steps toward getting it recognized. The person has made friends with other bloggers and visited people when linking up to blog parties. "Successful bloggers are virtual social butterflies." People sense their energies.

So many of us turn on the news and hear so much going on around us that is negative. The stories often resonate with fear.

While bloggers are aware that these events are happening, they focus on the positive and that is something that is so wonderful about the entire blogging experience.

Have you ever sat in a dentist's office and been nervous? Have you then picked up a magazine and begun reading about light-hearted subjects? It automatically begins to put you at ease. There is a shift in your focus.

A blog does that in everyday life. It is uplifting and inspiring. If you create something, you can blog about it. Remember, there is no one else like you and you have much to bring to the world of blogging--so, why not get started?

Cindy

Available on Amazon:

Blogging: It's a "Woman" Thing

Blog from the Heart: A Woman's Guide to Blogging

Inserting a Blog Header

2012-01-02T14:17:00.000-08:00

For purposes of this tutorial, I am using a pic of my blog. Just go to your blog. Up on the top right, click "Design."

You will be taken to your TEMPLATE page. (As pictured above.) On the left sidebar, it says LAYOUT. Click it.

Next, you will see the LAYOUT page. Near the top, you will see a gadget that has the name of your blog on it. Click "Edit."

A drop-down menu will appear where you can insert a picture. It will say CONFIGURE HEADER at the top of it. You can upload a picture from your desktop. However, if your blog header has writing on it, simply click the circle that says "Instead of Title and Description." The reason is that you do not want to see the name of your blog appearing twice.

Click "apply to blog" and you're done. Easy, peasy!

Cindy

Rock Your Blog in 2012!

2011-12-31T20:48:00.001-08:00

How would you like to "rock your blog" in 2012? Well, I have 3 Amazon books designed to help you do just that~

But, that's not all. I have a NEW feature on this blog. If you look at the tab above, you will see a new section entitled "Blogging Tutorials." From those, you can learn such things as centering a blog header, changing column widths on Blogger--and more!

In the meantime, if you want extra inspiration for your blog, my ebooks are availabe on Amazon--and no need to own a Kindle. If you want to know how to read them right on your computer, click the tab above that says, "How to read ebooks on your computer" up above.

Remember that each of us is unique~We each have much to share--Blogging is a wonderful vehicle to do just that. "I want to help you rock your blog in 2012!"

Cindy

Mixed Media Art Ebook!!!

2011-12-17T09:36:00.000-08:00

Mixed Media Art: Living Your Passion on Amazon!

A Special Shrine

2011-12-13T12:35:00.000-08:00

Recently, a friend of mine told me about her mother's passing that transpired years ago. But, right before her mother passed away, she had a dream about 3,000 butterflies. Well, my friend's sister started collecting butterflies and hopes to reach 3,000 in her collection to honor her mother....What a precious idea.

Well, I got to work creating this shrine from a book and, of course, I wanted it to feature butterflies...I can't wait to surprise her with it!

At City Crafter Challenge Blog this week, the challenge is to create something from a book or something for a book--So, I couldn't wait to display this piece.

Cindy

Linking this to: City Crafter Challenge Blog

Women: Launch Your Online Business

2011-12-13T01:01:00.000-08:00

I have a brand-new seminar that was created to help you launch your online business or super-charge an existing one. The seminar is at the top of my Whimsical Musings blog and you can reach it directly by going HERE.

It is fun and informative--I hope you have a great time!!!

Cindy

Easy Christmas Projects--Ooh-la-la!

2011-12-10T09:37:00.001-08:00

I am the author of Mixed Media Art: Living Your Passion available on Amazon for $2.99. In this ebook, you can learn about myriad creative projects and where to get images and materials at bargain prices for your art. No need to own a Kindle to read it! Go HERE to download a free app. ...easy-peasy!

I am a gallery artist and love teaching others about mixed media projects that they can make easily. Here are some that I just created on large tiles...

Paris Dreams

Fleur de Lis

Postcards from Paris

I purchased large tiles at Home Depot for under $1 a piece. Then, I printed out graphics, cut them, and adhered them with a foam brush with Mod Podge. I used a brayer to flatten the images....Let the pieces dry, and voila! I was done.

Images are from:

The Graphics Fairy--(Eiffel Tower & stamps.)

Shabby Cottage Studio (Postcards & stamps.)

Dezinaworld (Fleur de Lis.)

Linking this to: The Graphics Fairy!

Cheap and Easy Christmas Craft Project

2011-12-09T15:59:00.001-08:00

I am the author of Mixed Media Art: Living Your Passion, a new ebook on Amazon. In addition to learning about numerous projects, readers can find out where to buy some of the best items for mixed media art at bargain prices. The book is only $2.99.

You don't need a Kindle to read it...You can download a free app. HERE so that you can read it on your computer...easy, peasy!

But, I wanted to share a new quick and easy project to make~

I am also a gallery artist and design for Shabby Cottage Studio. So, using a sheet of their images of postcards, I created these coasters.

I adore images of vintage postcards, so I thought they would be perfect for this project.

One sheet was downloaded digitally and I can print it out as many times as I need it. For purposes of this project, I only used one sheet and I created 2 sets of four coasters.

The tiles for the coasters were purchased at Home Depot for 16 cents apiece. I printed off the graphic sheet and cut the postcards.

Then, each one was Mod Podged with a foam brush onto the tile. You can use a brayer to make sure that the paper remains flat...(It tends to lift or bubble after about 10 minutes, so you can either smoothe it with your finger or with a brayer.)

I let them dry for 2 hours and then, I took 4 felt pads and adhered them to the backs of each one.

No need to glue as there is already adhesive on the felt pads. This is what the back of each tile looks like.

Finally, I tied them together with a bow~All done~Easy, peasy!

But, this is not my original idea. I saw it the other day on Angela's blog at Sew Loquacious and decided to give it a try! Thank you, Angela!! Trust me, you'll want to see Angela's because they are amazing--and hers are done with letter graphics and look fabulous!

Start a Blog: It Gives Women a Voice

2011-12-08T09:11:00.001-08:00

I have made an awesome video to let women know just how special it is

to blog!! It's super-short--I hope you'll join me! (Oh, you'll want to

turn your sound up--the song is so cute.)

Over 1,000 women have attended my Blogging 101 workshop~Can you believe it?

And my book, "Blogging: It's a 'Woman' Thing" is available on Amazon. If you would like to read it, just go HERE.

The good news is, you don't need a Kindle...You can download a free app and read it

from your desktop. To download the free app. just go HERE. What I would suggest is, download the free app. first and then order whichever books you want.

In my book, I reveal how blogging opened up a whole new world of opportunities for me professionally and personally~I think that blogging is the most powerful social media tool available!!

Cindy

Amazing Art Adventure Free Seminar!

2011-12-05T18:17:00.000-08:00

Right now on my Whimsical Musings blog, I have a free seminar....It is all about the artist in each one of us! It is for anyone who wants to be inspired~I hope you'll come take a peek!!!

It's at the top of my blog on a tab. It's lot of fun! XO Cindy

Completely Beautiful!

2011-12-03T10:47:00.000-08:00

I received the most gorgeous surprise in the mail from my friend Jacira all the way from Brazil. Jacira creates some of the most beautiful and delicate art--and she is a true inspiration.

Each fold holds a different, specially made tag...When I opened it, I was astonished...and feel so blessed to have a friend that would create something so special for me. Thank you, Jacira!! You are so talented and loved by so many here in blogland.

Cindy