Pink Ink

Finally Another Post

2008-10-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

More slacking on the blog front. I just can't seem to make myself sit in front of the computer these days. Soon enough the weather will turn colder here in Atlanta and I will be cooped up inside for the duration of the winter months so I will probably post more regularly. I have been busy making Christmas cards. I have about 8 cards made so far. I need a lot more than that so I better get busy! The first card is a stamped card with a little rhinestone star on the top of each tree.

The colors are non-traditional, but I do like the combination.

The tree stamps are from Hero Arts.

The next cards are made with die-cut fabric and vintage and new trims. They are very simple but festive.

Friday Favorite

2008-09-05T10:47:00.001-07:00

I have been a total slacker on the blog front lately. The weather has been so nice here that it is hard to sit in front of the computer during the day! I have been in my office creating on and off for the last month. I find that

my creativity is more sporadic during the summer when the weather is good and I am out an about more. I did create a pin cushion that I think turned out rather well. I found the silverplate creamer at the thrift store, sewed up the fabric into a round shape, stuffed it with batting and then stuffed that into the opening of the creamer. Before I stuffed it into the top of the creamer, I sewed a vintage button on top of the pin cushion. I did not want to permanently affix the pin cushion to the creamer because I know the creamer will tarnish and I will want to polish it when that happens.

Friday Favorite

2008-08-08T08:47:00.000-07:00

Summer has been flying by and I have not spent much time on the computer. I guess that is why my last post was almost a month ago. My Friday favorite today is another thrift store find. There is a story behind this one. I was in the thrift store and saw a lady carrying this silver champagne or wine cooler in her cart. She kept picking it up out of her cart and looking at it. I could tell that she was undecided about whether or not to purchase it. I am normally not a stalker, but I stayed in the aisle hoping that she would put it back on the shelf instead of back in her cart. She did put it back on the shelf and I waited about 3 seconds until she had gone into the other aisle and put it in my cart. It did not look like the photo you see here. When I purchased it, it was black with tarnish from top to bottom. I spent about an hour and a lot of elbow grease polishing it up and I think it was worth it.

I also made a card for my friend's birthday and I like how it turned out. I love the bright colors.

Friday Favorite

2008-07-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

I love vintage linens and try to purchase them whenever I can. I especially love linens with embroidery and monogramming. I have lots of hand towels monogrammed with an initial other than my own. I just love the look of them so it does not matter what initial these towels feature. Here are two photos of some of my favorite pieces of linen.

I also worked on some cards this week. Here is a photo of a thank you card I made for my in-laws. The flower pot in the photo is reading red, but in reality is pink. It looks funny in the photo with the pink rick rack. It definitely does not clash like that seen in person. This is the first time I have made a card using fabric. The flowers are made with a Moda quilt fabric and the flower pot is made out of felt. The stems and leaves are stamped. I also used Fiskars new border and corner punch to make the green mat piece. It was much easier to get a decorative edge on the

mat using this new punch.

Friday Favorite

2008-07-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post today before starting the Fourth of July festivities here. Today's Friday favorite is a shadow box filled with vintage costume jewelry. I don't collect vintage costume jewelry, but do have a few pieces from my Grandmother as well as some pieces picked up at antique stores and flea markets from time to time. I bought this shadow box at the thrift store for $2. It was stained brown and was a little beat up. I loved the size of it and just gave it a few coats of white paint and used some pretty paper to fill in each of the niches. Lastly, I selected the pieces of jewelry to go in the case which now sits on a desk in a guest room. I like the fact that I can see the jewelry now and it is no longer hidden away in a box under the bed.

Friday Favorite and Other Stuff

2008-06-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

My Friday favorite this week is a hand towel I purchased in Barcelona, Spain. It has my initial and flowers embroidered on it in shades of blue and white. Blue and white is probably my favorite color combination. We found the towel in a linen shop near the main Cathedral. The shop was filled with all sorts of lovely vintage linen. This towel is not vintage, but I love it just the same.

I have been experimenting with Glimmer Mist and have to say I really love the subtle sparkle this product provides. The tag pictured has a background of mustard Glimmer Mist (back and front). On the front of the tag I used a copy of a William Morris designed wallpaper as the background for the vintage photo. I also made the pompoms and the crepe paper rosette

The back of the tag features another crepe paper rosette and is stamped with a Stamper's Anonymous damask pattern stamp. I will probably use this on a gift at some point.

New Camera

2008-06-25T12:01:00.001-07:00

We bought a new digital SLR camera and I am learning how to use it. The photos are so much better than the photos taken with our old camera. There is a lot to learn about using this camera and I know it will take quite some time for me to really use it the way it was meant to be used. Hopefully the learning curve won't be too steep.

Recently I won some vintage lace and trim on ebay. Pictured is only a small portion of what I received. I love all of it and will have to think about how I want to use it.

Back in the Swing of Things and Friday Favorite

2008-06-13T10:27:00.001-07:00

I have been a little behind in updating this blog. I had the flu for over a week and did not feel like doing much of anything. I did manage to finish making a gift presentation box for my niece's graduation present, but just did not have the energy to photograph it. I wish I had as it turned out really great.

My Friday favorite this week is a small painting I purchased

at the thrift shop.

There was something really

appealing about the whimsical owl painting positioned in this formal

frame. I just love it!

Here's a tag with a gift card holder I made for

my husband for Father's Day. Something really quick and easy, but

it does the trick

for presenting the gift card.

My assistant Sierra is in a playful

mood today. She loves to throw herself down on the bed and roll around.

Friday Favorite

2008-05-23T12:24:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it is Friday already. Where did the week go? I did not have time to create very much this week. Lots of errands to run, dogs to bathe, shirts to iron and other sundry things kept me on the go and out of my workshop. I did manage to create a card for the lady who cuts my hair. She is having a baby in two months and I had a gift for her and needed to make the card to go along with it. The photo is not the best quality (I took it on a very cloudy day so conditions were not optimal for a great photo -sorry about that).

Today's Friday favorite is a French compact purse I purchased from a seller on Ruby Lane. I love the size and shape of it. Inside it has a powder well, mirror and a lipstick. It is in perfect condition so I imagine this sat in someone's drawer for many years without being used. Such a shame - I can imagine a lady taking this to a fancy cocktail party and looking tres chic!

Friday Favorites

2008-05-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

I was in sunny Florida enjoying some time at the beach so it has been awhile since my last post. No computer or e-mail at the beach just sunshine, sand and surf. Heavenly!!!

Today is Friday so I thought I would share a few of my favorite things. The first is a set of petit point coasters I purchased in a Blue Ridge, Georgia antique shop about a month ago.

I love anything that is hand stitched because I know the time and effort that goes into making things like this.

The second are embroidered postcards. I purchased several of these on ebay and I just love them. I cannot imagine them going through the mail, but I guess they did.

Friday Favorite

2008-04-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

Today's Friday favorite is a jewelry casket I purchased at an antique show for $20. Someone had damaged one of the hinges in the back (you will notice the top sits a little askew) so it was reduced from a price of over $100. I did not care that it was damaged. I have never seen another one like it although I am sure there are more out there. I especially love the cherubs sitting on the top blowing horns. I have a collection of these jewelry caskets which hold some of my compact collection. As I was photographing this one I noticed it was dusty - oh well!

I did manage to finish the file drawer project mentioned in a previous post. I primed it, painted it and then used several stencils to decorate it. The drawer now holds some of my ribbons.

This first photo

is a view of the top of the drawer. I used a

swirl stencil on the front and a decorative scroll and damask stencil on the top and sides. On the back

I used a scallop stencil.

Friday Favorite

2008-04-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

This is a cross stitched and embroidered wall hanging/quilt I completed about 10 years ago. It is four feet square and embroidered in shades of blue and white. It is one of my favorite projects and hangs in a guest room in my house. It took me about a year to complete it.

My grandmother taught me how to embroider and I really enjoy it, but go in spurts with projects.

I am now working on another quilt/wall hanging of the same size and it is taking me far longer to finish because I don't work on it consistently. I have a goal to try to complete this project by the end of the year. We'll see!

LOVE THIS BOOK!

2008-04-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

I just picked a copy of the book Vintage Vavoom by the editors of Romantic Homes Magazine. I have thumbed through the book at least three times in the last week to look at the wonderful photos of vintage finds shown put to use in all areas of the home. The photos really are pure eye candy. I think this book has been out for about a year now so I am late to the party, but I am really enjoying it.

It has been nice here in Atlanta the last few days so I have been able to take the book out on the deck and read it there in the sunshine.

My two four legged assistants have also been enjoying the nice weather. Assistant 2 is napping on the job again.

Friday Favorite

2008-04-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

I just love this fingertip towel holder. It could be because it has a cherub as the base. I got this on ebay some time ago and absolutely love it. It sits in the master bathroom with four white on white embroidered fingertip towels. I look at it every day and never get tired of seeing it. I can't remember how much I paid for it, but I do know there were other people bidding on it. I am glad that I was able to buy it because it is one of my favorite, favorite things.

No cards this week. I did make a ribbon holder out of a coffee cup holder I bought at the thrift store. I removed the center piece that would have held the

coffee mugs and drilled holes in the base for dowels. I then painted

the dowels and the base in green, blue and of course pink!

Friday Favorite

2008-04-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

Another trip to the thrift store this week yielded a few things that I could not pass up. One of these things was a little brass bowl with a cherub leaning over the side. Something about it just made me want to take it home . I love anything with a cherub on it so I guess that is why I was attracted to it. Right now it sits on a glass plate (also a thrift store find) with silk flowers in it. It is on my work table and I really like looking at it as I work.

The card pictured is one I made for my sister's birthday. I really like the simplicity of it and the soft colors (pale blues and yellows).

Spring is Here

2008-04-03T11:07:00.000-07:00

Spring has definitely arrived in Atlanta. Flowers are blooming everywhere. Even in my yard. I confess to not having a green thumb. I think plants are allergic to me and not the other way around. I do enjoy plants and flowers - I am just lousy at trying to grow them. This may have something to do with over watering or under watering which seem to be my main problems with things that grow in the yard or in a pot.

It seems that I can't get the watering issue right. And by the time I figure it out, the plant has keeled over never to be revived. Anyway, despite my lack of gardening skills we have a

beautiful Swamp Jasmine (horrible name for such a pretty plant) vine that is just thriving. The Clematis is also doing well. And don't even get me started on the Phlox. It is lovely as well.

Okay enough about stuff (gardening) I know little to nothing about. I went to the thrift store and purchased this metal file drawer.

Hmmm what to do with this?? Here is a before photo. I think I will start by giving it a nice coat of white paint and go from there. I will post after photos when I have transformed it. After I have given it its facelift - I think I will store rolls of ribbon in it.

My assistants, Woody and Sierra are pretty lazy today as it is rainy here today. Woody is fast asleep. Sierra is a bit more alert.

My Assistants

2008-04-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

I have two assistants who help me when I am in my office/studio space. They are very helpful and work for food and treats (not quite peanuts). They do have a tendency to nap on the job and drop balls on projects, but other than that, they are wonderful to have around.

Assistant one - Woody (aka Big Boy) is a 98 pound male golden retriever. He is very sweet and loves the color pink (my husband disputes this, but he always selects the pink toy out of the pile to play with).

Assistant two - Sierra (aka The Princess) is an 80 pound female golden retriever. She is high strung and playful and wants what she wants when she wants it (breakfast, dinner, playtime, etc.).

Assistant one (Woody) likes to nap in the guest room which adjoins my office. Assistant two (Sierra) naps on a loveseat in my office. There is quite a bit of napping with these two and not a lot of work, but I think I will keep them anyway!

Friday Fun

2008-03-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

This week I have been making cards and tags for birthdays. There are several Spring birthdays in my family and I am trying to get a jump on the card making so I am not scrambling at the last minute to pull something together.

This is a card I made for my Aunt's birthday. The flower on the front is from a Dollar Store lei that I pulled apart so I could use the flowers on cards and other projects.

I read quite a few blogs and really enjoy reading the Craft Addictions blog at: www.craftaddictions.blogspot.com. She has a favorite Friday post each Friday in which she posts some of her favorite things. I thought this was a great idea and wanted to share a favorite of mine each Friday as well.

I love to go antiquing and thrift store shopping whenever I can. I also love ebay (who doesn't?) and I have a collection of vintage compacts and vanity purses. It is a fun collection

that I have added to for the last twenty years. One of my absolute favorites out of this collection is a petit point compact that is just stunning. I love the stitching on it and I can imagine the lady who carried it must have been quite elegant.

On another topic the iPod elves (see March 12 post for an explanation) selected some great tunes for the morning exercise on the treadmill. One of the selections was by the Corrs called Would You Be Happier:

Have you ever wondered where the story ends

And how it all began, I do - I do, -

Did you ever dream you were the movie star

With popcorn in your hand, I did - I did -

Do you ever feel you're someone else inside

And no one understands, you are - you are

And wanna disappear inside a dream

But never wanna wake, wake up

And then you stumble on tomorrow

And trip over today,

Would you be happier if you weren't so un-together

Would the sun shine brighter if you played a bigger part

would you be wonderful if it wasn't for the weather

You're gonna be just fine - You're gonna be just fine -

Don't You Just Love the Dollar Store?

2008-03-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

Okay - I admit it - I really like the Dollar Store. Every time I go in I find something I can use to create with. These tags are an excellent example of that. The yellow and green centers on two of the tags are lucite buttons I found at the dollar store. When I saw them, I just knew they would be great to use as the center of a flower. I would love it if they were glass and vintage, but these have a nice look to them and will do nicely until I do find some lovely vintage glass buttons.

I found the crepe paper at Hobby Lobby. Three rolls for $1 which is very reasonable. The cashier told me that this item will be increasing in price (2 rolls for $1). Perhaps I should have purchased more!

The tags will go on packaging for birthday presents. Now I need to make the cards and buy the presents!

Happy Easter

2008-03-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

I made another of the pom-pom bunnies and hope to send it off as a thank you gift soon. This bunny is wearing a hat and is all ready for Easter festivities.

I worked on a thank you card as well this week. I love this patterned paper - I am not sure who makes it, but the colors are really soft and beautiful.

The iPod elves (see previous post) were in a rather melancholy mood today. Most of the songs they selected were rather slow paced. One of their selections was "Life is Sweet" by Natalie Merchant:

...Oh, they told you life is hard

misery from the start,

It's dull, it's slow, it's painful

But I tell you life is sweet

in spite of the misery

There's so much more, be grateful

Well, who do you believe

Who will you listen to

Who will it be

'cause it's high time that you decide

in your own mind.....

Welcome Spring

2008-03-12T08:14:00.001-07:00

We have had glimpses of spring here in Georgia. March has featured some wonderful sunny and cool days and then will turn back to winter with gray, cold and rainy weather. Most of us don't complain about the rain here because we need it to make up for last summer's drought.

I made the rabbit pictured here to welcome in spring. The idea for the project came from the Martha Stewart website. The pom pom bunny I made is a little

different in that I made it with a pom pom maker so it turned out larger than the sample project. I also could not find any black beads that did not have holes in them or looked right so I improvised and used an eyelet with a brad inserted in it and that looked perfect. I stamped the cupcake

liner (her skirt) with polka dots and used the same stamping ink to dye the rick rack pink. I also used the white nylon bristles of a whisk broom for the whiskers (instead of thread as used in the Martha Stewart project instructions). The nylon bristle whiskers were added after the photo of the project was taken.

Random thoughts for today: Every morning I hop on the treadmill with

my iPod to get my exercise. I usually set my iPod to the shuffle mode and (apologies to technology here and all those 0s and 1s) the iPod gnomes or elves pick the songs that will play. This is how I envision it: there is a long line of iPod elves perhaps 50 to 100 and the last elf in line selects a track and hands it to the elf in front of him, who hands it to the elf in front of him, and so on and so on until it reaches the elf at the front of the line who puts the track in the slot to play (sort of like the concept of an old fashioned jukebox). This first elf goes to the back of the line (he will select the next track that plays) and this goes on ad infinitum every day. Sometimes I like what the elves select and sometimes I don't. My husband just asks me why I don't create a playlist, but I like the randomness of the shuffle and the iPod elves! Today the iPod elves selected some great songs. One of my favorites is "This One's For the Girls" by Martina McBride:

"This is for all you girls about 42,

Tossing pennies into the fountain of youth,

Every laugh, laugh line on your face

Made you who you are today"

"This one's for the girls

Who've ever had a broken heart,

Who've wished upon a shooting star

You're beautiful the way you are

This one's for the girls

Who love without holding back

Who dream with everything they have

All around the world

This one's for the girls"

Done, Finished, Completed - Part 2!

2008-03-07T13:42:00.001-08:00

Here is another page from the heritage album. This is a photo of my grandfather as a young man.

I don't usually plan my projects out, but this one required a lot of pre-planning. For example, I had to figure out how I was going to bind the book and where the photos needed to be placed on the page so that they did not overlap into the crease where the page bends. Lots of measuring and thinking about how it would look even before I printed out the first photo. Even though I am pretty detail oriented I did mess up a few times and had to reconstruct a few pages. Thank God for inkjet printers - that exercise would have been most painful if I had to run to the copy shop each time I made a mistake.

The numbers on the photo correspond to a legend I created and placed at the front of the book. The legend indicates who is in each photo and any other details about the photo that would be of interest (dates, places, etc.).

Done, Finished, Completed!

2008-03-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

I have finished the heritage album I wanted to create to give to my brother for his 50th birthday. It turned out fairly well for my first attempt at creating such an album. It has been sent off to him today and should arrive on his birthday which is great. I really hope he likes it. The process of creating it was fun. This project spurred me to ask questions about my grandfather's life that I had not thought to ask before.

The photos of children posted here are of my great grandfather

and my great grandmother.

I am still learning how to use my digital camera to take photos that will translate well to being posted on the blog. I have learned to use the macro setting and the timer which I

think will help the quality.

Tagging Along

2008-02-29T09:58:00.001-08:00

I am a little late to the whole tag creating craze. I always admire these wonderful embellishments to packages and pages, but have not created too many of these little pieces of art. Here is a photo of one I created recently. I don't have a particular use for this in mind right now, but it will be nice to have it on hand next time I need to present a gift to someone.

Another project is moving along. The heritage album focused on my grandfather

is now in process. I don't know if I will complete it in time to give it to my brother for his birthday, but I am going to try! Here's a photo of the cover of the album. It is not a great photo, but the best I could do with my camera right now. The frame is made with polymer clay. I stamped the clay with a frame rubber stamp and then covered the raw clay with Pearl Ex gold powder. I then baked the clay.

Leaning Tower of Paper

2008-02-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

My paper stash keeps growing and is wildly out of control despite my best attempts to organize it. It is a rainy day here today and I thought I might tackle this perilous paper tower, but decided to go eat a piece of chocolate cake instead. Much more enjoyable.

Here is another simple card I made for a friend who is ill. I stamped the sentiment across two layers of background paper. Next time I will stamp it on one layer so it looks a little better.

Valentine's Day Card

2008-02-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

This is a Valentine's Day card I made for my husband. I used the Cuttlebug to emboss the hearts in the white two-inch squares. I then used the Cuttlebug again to emboss a piece of red cardstock and cut a heart out of that for the center image. I raised the center heart with a pop dot. Fairly simple layout, but I like the way it turned out.

The art of paper cutting

2008-02-08T09:26:00.000-08:00

This week I wanted to try my hand at Scherenschnitte - the German art of paper cutting. Martha Stewart featured a demonstration of this art on her TV program. It looked interesting so I decided to see if I had enough patience to complete such a project. There was a template and instructions available on the Martha Stewart website so I downloaded these, grabbed my craft knife and started cutting. The instructions indicated that you should place the paper template over another piece of paper folded in half. Basically I was cutting through three layers of paper. If I do another of these projects, I think I will transfer the pattern so I am only cutting through two layers of paper. This project was time consuming and my results were mixed. Some of the cutting looked a little rough. I tried to clean this up a little bit after I finished the project and unfolded the paper underneath the template. I don't know if it would have been easier and smoother looking if I had used small scissors. Next time I might try that.

I am reading all of these wonderful artist blogs and really enjoying it. I probably would be better off spending less time at the computer and more time creating, but I tell myself that the blog reading is an activity that stimulates inspiration.

This and That

2008-02-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

I tried the block printing and found that I needed to use stamping ink for the print to take. The acrylic paint was just too thin. I also had to put a lot of pressure on the block for the print to be fully visible. I ended up putting a piece of rubber shelving liner on the floor with the paper on top of that and then stamped with the block putting all my weight on it to get a good print. One sheet of paper took me 45 minutes to block print. Pretty labor intensive!

I have also discovered quite a few artist blogs and am now addicted to reading them which definitely takes some time. Time seems to fly when I sit in front of my computer to read them.

I have not started on the heritage album yet. I want it to be something special and have been thinking about how I want to approach it. The light bulb moment has not come as yet. I hope to have a concept and start executing it soon - otherwise I won't make my mid-March deadline. I work slow!

No stitching on the lap quilt this week. I go through periods where I get a lot done on it and then not so much. At this rate no wonder it is six years and counting and still not close to completed!

Cool Tool

2008-01-24T08:33:00.000-08:00

I am really in love with the Cuttlebug from Provo Craft. It is a die cutting and embossing tool that is easy to use and the embossing is the best I have seen from any of the other products out there and I have most of them ( Sizzix Big Shot, QuickKutz Revolution and the Wizard from Spellbinders). I really like all of my die cutting machines, but the Cuttlebug has become my favorite mainly because it embosses so well. The A2 size embossing folders are really terrific for creating small, professional looking cards in nothing flat.

I have a few projects on my list right now and will start on some of them this weekend. I purchased some antique wood printing blocks on ebay a month ago and I want to try to print some wrapping paper. The blocks are hand carved in interesting looking patterns and I am curious to find out how well they print. I have never printed with wood blocks so it will be interesting to see what I can do with them. I am going to experiment and try printing first with my inexpensive craft store acrylic paints. If these paints are too thin, then I will have to purchase some heavy bodied acrylics and see if those will work.

Another project I want to work on and complete in the next few weeks is a mini heritage album featuring photos of my grandfather. I have photos of him that my siblings do not and I think this would be a great way to share the photos so they will have this remembrance of him as well. My goal is to create four of these albums before my older brother's birthday in March.

I also want to learn how to upload photos to this blog. If I can figure this out - I will post photos of my foray into block printing.

Following through on projects

2008-01-18T08:04:00.000-08:00

One of my new year's resolutions is to follow through on projects. I have a talent for starting a project and then putting it aside to jump to the next project. This blog has also been victim of that syndrome - finishingprojectsitis. My new goal is to post once a week and stick to that schedule through the end of this calendar year. I think once a week will be more manageable than every day. I just don't seem to have the discipline to sit at my computer and post every day.

This resolution has also encouraged me to pick back up an embroidery project that has been languishing for 6 years. It is a lap quilt that is about half completed. My goal is to finish this project in the next three months. I think it will be a beautiful piece when it is finished.

Tissue Paper Texture

2007-05-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

Crumpling up a piece of regular gift tissue paper is a great way to add texture to your projects. I usually add a layer of glaze over the paper to give the project an aged look. A diluted walnut ink or brown wax shoe polish will also give the the tissue a vintage look.

Happy Crafting!

Water-Soluble Oil Pastels

2007-03-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

Water-soluble oil pastels are great for creating backgrounds. You can scribble on a page using several different colors of these oil pastels and blend with water to create backgrounds with a nice depth of color. I have been using the Portfolio brand. This brand is inexpensive and can be found at most craft and/or office supply stores.

Happy crafting!

Magazines

2007-03-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

I think one of the best magazines for sparking creativity is Legacy published by Stampington & Company. This magazine is full of projects submitted by very talented artists. From artist trading cards, to altered objects, to scrapbooking and collage, each month brings a breathtaking array of art for enjoyment and inspiration.

Every time I pick up an issue- I read it from cover to cover and then go back and use post-it flags to mark projects or techniques I would like to try.

Every issue of the magazine is a feast for the eyes and I am always eager to get my hands on the next issue as soon as it hits bookstores!

Happy crafting!

Faux Tile Look

2007-03-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

I recently tried a technique that gives a faux tile look to a stamped and water colored image. First I stamped a design with Staz-on ink. Next, I filled in the design with watercolors. After that, I ran a clear embossing inkpad over the entire image and sprinkled ultra thick embossing powder over the image. I melted the powder with the heat gun. I repeated the inking, embossing powder and heat gun process two more times. The image does look glossy like a tile, but I think that probably two thicknesses of the embossing powder would have been enough especially since I was using the ultra thick embossing powder.

Happy crafting!

Scor-It Board

2007-03-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

I recently bought the 12-inch Scor-It board to crease (score) cards and envelopes. This tool is fairly pricing running about $50 retail. I decided to invest in this product because I am always making cards and want the cards I create to have a very polished look. Using the Scor-It board really makes the crease down the middle of the card look ultra crisp. It is also excellent for creasing the folds of your handmade envelopes. Anyone who makes cards on a regular basis should look into purchasing the Scor-It.

Happy crafting!

Gesso and Gel Medium

2007-03-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

Gesso and gel medium are two things I use quite a bit in my projects. I use gesso to add a nice smooth primed surface to canvas and paper. It is a great base for acrylic paints. I use gel medium as a glue and sometimes a sealer as well. I have mostly used gel medium for paper-to-paper projects. I have found that vellum papers are a little trickier to glue with the gel medium, but otherwise have not had any problems using this medium as an adhesive.

Happy crafting!

Embossing Powders

2007-03-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

Embossing powder is something I have experimented with on and off. I like the Distress embossing powder by Ranger Industries. One of the problems I have encountered in using the powders is scorching the paper. I think the trick is to keep the heat gun moving. I attempt to do just that, but sometimes end up scorching the paper even when I am careful with the heat gun.

I want to try a project I recently saw demonstrated on the DIY Network that involved melting several layers of embossing powders to create a faux tile look.

Happy crafting.

Embossing

2007-03-08T14:05:00.000-08:00

I love the look of embossing on hand-made cards. I usually use one of the die-cutting machines with a brass stencil to emboss, but sometimes really enjoy doing it the old fashioned way with a light box. This is fine if you are embossing on a piece of white, cream or other light colored paper, but does not work well with darker hued papers.

When I want to emboss on a dark piece of cardstock, I will use the aforementioned die-cutting machine and a brass stencil or use Fiskars texture plates. These plates come in a wide variety of patterns and allow you to emboss as you please no matter what the color of the paper.

www.fiskars.com

The embossing adds an elegant touch to your cards as well as adding texture to an otherwise flat surface.

Happy crafting!

Templates

2007-03-07T12:41:00.000-08:00

When I make cards, I usually work off a template to help me create the size and shape of the card. I have found that templates from Anna Griffin work really well. The kit from Anna Griffin includes not only templates for the cards, but for the accompanying envelopes too.

There are also websites that offer free templates including:

www.bydonovan.com/templates.html
www.stampington.com/html/tempting_template_index.html
www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/templates.htm

These websites feature all sorts of interesting templates for cards, bags and boxes.

Happy crafting!

Polymer Clay Transfers

2007-03-06T15:51:00.000-08:00

Recently I tried another method for transferring images to polymer clay. This method entailed the use of inkjet transfer paper available in most craft stores. The process for this transfer method is to print the image onto the transfer paper. If the image has text on it, you will need to mirror image (flip) the image so that it reads backwards when it prints out, but will read correctly when transferred onto the clay. Place the image face down on the clay (I usually use white or translucent polymer clay so the image comes out crisp and clear). Burnish the image down with your finger several times, making sure to burnish the sides well. Bake the clay according to manufacturer's instructions. I let the clay cool in the oven and peel the paper up after it cools. It is fun to see the image revealed on the clay. I use these clay image tiles on boxes, journal covers and as embellishments in my art journal. I plan to experiment with using them on a card very soon.

Happy crafting!

Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter

2007-03-05T12:48:00.000-08:00

I purchased a Cricut (www.cricut.com) personal electronic cutting machine recently and am really enjoying cutting shapes and letters with it. This machine operates without a computer. I have had cutting machines that use a computer and software to operate, but recently switched to a Mac computer and the software for my previous cutting machine is not compatible. This is frustrating because now the machine and the cartridges I purchased are just gathering dust! What a waste.

The Cricut is easy to operate, but it did take me some time to figure out how to put the blade assembly piece into the machine. I read the instructions and studied the diagram, but it still took me a few tries until I got it right. I wish companies like Provo Craft would test their instructions out on directionally challenged people like me. If I am able to understand and follow the directions correctly, then they are definitely goof proof.

The font and shape cartridges are on the pricey side, but it is worth it to have a machine that cuts shapes and letters that you can customize to meet your needs.

I have heard that the cutting mats lose their tackiness fairly quickly. Since I just purchased the machine and have only used it a few times, I don’t know if my opinion on this will coincide with what I have heard.

Happy crafting!

Tin types

2007-03-02T12:49:00.000-08:00

Today I am going to experiment by scanning several tin types I have of my grandfather to make a card for my brother’s birthday. I have never scanned any of these images before and was afraid that I would damage the tin type by scanning it. I did a little research online and found that it is actually a good idea to scan these delicate photographs as they can be easily damaged. By scanning these images of my grandfather, I can ensure that I will preserve them for a lot longer than the tin type may last. I have an idea for how I want the card to look – the hard part is actually executing on the idea! I have about a week before I need to get the card in the mail. I think that will be enough time to make a few versions and come up with one I think is presentable.

Packing Tape Transfers

2007-03-01T10:09:00.000-08:00

I love making packing tape transfers and including these images in cards or my art journal. I wish this method would work with print outs from my inkjet printer, but it only works with copies (color or black & white) or with images from magazines. Clear shelf paper works in the same way as packing tape to make a transfer and is great to use when you have an image that is larger than the width of the packing tape.

To make a packing tape or clear shelf paper transfer all you have to do is select a copied image or an image from a magazine, place the packing tape or clear shelf paper over the image and then burnish the tape/shelf paper down well over the image. Next, soak the taped or clear shelf papered image in some lukewarm water for a couple of minutes then rub the paper off the back of the tape or shelf paper. Your image will remain on the tape or shelf paper. It is interesting to place these images on different types of backgrounds to get different effects. Be careful not to place the image all the way down on a background until you are ready to adhere it for good because the tape/shelf paper retains some of its stickiness and will likely be permanently adhered once you place it on a paper surface.

Happy crafting.

Shoe Polish

2007-02-28T13:39:00.000-08:00

I have discovered that shoe polish is a great product to make new ephemera look aged. I am not referring to the liquid polish, but to the solid wax-like stuff that comes in a tin. I have found that wiping it on with a makeup applicator sponge is an effective method for applying it to your project. It also seems to stay put even when covering it with gel medium or other finishes. Since the polish has wax in it, it gives whatever you apply it to a nice matte finish. It is also translucent. I have applied it over text without it obscuring the letters.

I purchased every color polish my local grocery store carries and have used the browns and the burgundy colors to date. I also have the polish in black, but have not applied that to any of my projects as yet.

Happy crafting.

HGTV and DIY Networks

2007-02-27T09:18:00.000-08:00

I really enjoy watching the craft shows on HGTV and DIY. The Carol Duvall Show, That’s Clever and Craft Lab are a few that I watch regularly. I think the Carol Duval Show is no longer being produced, but the other two are fairly recent additions (the last two years or so) to the programming line-up. I get hooked on these shows and then it seems that these channels air nothing but re-runs for quite awhile before airing anything new. I don’t know why the head honchos at these networks think we will enjoy seeing the same episode of Craft Lab or That’s Clever several times each season. I did send an e-mail to HGTV about this, but received some standard answer back that really did not address the question.

HGTV and DIY should really get with the program (pun intended) and stop continually re-airing the same episodes or they run the risk of losing some of their viewers!

This and That

2007-02-26T09:02:00.000-08:00

I have been staring at a blank art journal page for the last several days. It seems like starting a page is the hardest part about keeping the journal. After I get over the hurdle of actually creating a background, other elements of the page come along a little more easily.

I am still not confident in my color choices. I have a color wheel and I do consult it sometimes before putting certain colors together. However, I have found that looking at magazines and books as well as various scrapbook papers inspires color choices and provides a visualization of how certain colors play on a page. I think that if I just keep looking at examples, some day I will have soaked up enough color theory to confidently put color down on each page I create.

Happy crafting.

Book Look

2007-02-23T10:20:00.000-08:00

I am currently enjoying a book called KALEIDOSCOPE by Suzanne Simanaitis.

http://www.amazon.com/Kaleidoscope-Ideas-Projects-Spark-Creativity/dp/1581808798

This book bills itself as containing ideas and projects aimed at sparking your creativity. I am about ¾ of the way through the book and have really enjoyed it. It is basically a compilation of essays and project instructions from a variety of artists. I found it particularly interesting to learn how these artists overcome creative block including some of the strategies they use to jumpstart the creative process.

It is comforting to learn that even the pros deal with self-doubt and have their days when they just can’t seem to tap into their creativity.

If you are looking for an inspirational read and a book featuring some creatively challenging projects, this is the one to get!

Happy crafting.

Directionally Challenged

2007-02-22T10:36:00.000-08:00

I admit that I don’t follow directions very well. In fact, I often skim the directions to get the gist of the thing and then dive right in. This is not always a good idea in crafting. Some may disagree with me here saying that is how “happy accidents” occur and new craft techniques are discovered. Maybe for some – but not for me. Take, for example, my recent foray into making liquid polymer clay transfers. I heard about this technique on HGTV’s Carol Duval Show. I went to the HGTV website and accessed all the directions for the project. Although I did thoroughly read and follow the directions for the project, I found that sometimes my transfers came out perfectly and sometimes they did not come out at all. I kept plugging away at it and kept experiencing the same inconsistency of results. Finally, I realized that while I had followed the directions for the project to the letter, I did not read the directions for the matte photo paper I was using. Who knew that there was a right and a wrong side for printing on this paper (probably most people who make a habit of reading directions)? The difference between the two sides is subtle with the matte photo paper (it is not like the glossy paper where even directionally challenged people like me can’t go wrong). Printing on the wrong side of the matte photo paper caused my transfers to fail. The transfers that did come out well were the ones that I serendipitously printed on the right side of the paper. Now when I make the transfers I always make sure to print on the correct side of the photo paper.

I still like to skim the directions for most things, but now I skim a little more carefully!

Beginnings

2007-02-21T05:43:00.000-08:00

February 21, 2007

This is my first attempt at blogging. I don't know if there is a right way or wrong way to do this - so I am just going to jump right in.

I would like to use this blog to share experiences in crafting and craft techniques. I am one of those people who when they hear about a new technique or new product in the crafting realm just has to try it. This has led to some interesting results - some good and some headed straight for the trash can.

Collage, cardmaking and polymer clay are the crafting areas that interest me. I have started an art journal which has been slow going because I keep ripping out the pages I don't like. I think the point of an art journal is to let freedom reign, but I am much too critical of myself to keep all my creations.

I have had a little more success with cardmaking and have actually sent/given my creations to people. I have not received much feedback on these creative endeavors. I don't know if that is because the recipients can't tell I made the cards or if they are just too polite to tell me what they really think!

My experience working with polymer clay has yielded mixed results. These creations have mostly been tossed. I do love working in this medium and am determined to keep trying until I make something that is a keeper.

In subsequent posts to this blog, I will share some experiences related to craft products and techniques as well as provide some thoughts on craft books in my library (according to my husband I have every craft book ever published).

It is a rainy day here in Atlanta today. A perfect day for crafting! I think it might be a good day for having another go at polymer clay. Happy crafting.