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I Need to Break Out my Tri-pod

I have been working on finding a job that will "pay the bills", but crafting is never far from my mind. In my breaks from the grinding effort of searching online for accounting/billing openings, I've been trolling through my supplies and half-finished projects.  Even started a few.  Obviously, I need to break out my tri-pod for photographing my current projects, but I just have to share these!

I love taking an everyday item and transforming it into something beautiful and useful.  These Journals started out as those black-and-white "Composition Books" that can be found at any discount store.  They're so plain and boring, and are just begging for a make-over.  Here's the finished project:

Sand the original covers of the books, removing most of the shiny coating, so your glue will adhere.  I use Gel Medium as a glue because it holds up to lots of handling.  I even repaired the laminate in my kitchen with the stuff!!  For these journals, a mid- to heavy-weight scrapbooking paper will offer additial sturdiness.  Stamp sources are available on request.  

Here are a bunch of Twinchies (tiny works of art, measuring 1x2 inches each) - Whoops!!  They're "Three-inchies"!!  I measured wrongly -  that I found in my stash.  I played around with these a couple of years ago, stashed them away, not knowing what to do with them.  I think I'll give them to my daughter, who teaches 3rd grade, to share with her students.  They would make fine mini bookmarks.

Oh my goodness!  Has it really been three years since I posted on my blog?  Yes, and it's been nearly that long since I've completed anything crafty.  Well, I'm back, and (I hope) better than ever.  Here's my latest creation:  A simple composition book that I picked up at the dollar store - and just in case there is any doubt, it boldly says "Journal".

Inside, I'll tell the tale of my journey into the business of art.  I'll also share the details of my journey here, so stay tuned.  Off to research business plans!

Happy Easter!

Easter is just around the corner, and I thought I'd share an Easter Egg book that I made for my Mom. I designed the template myself and cut the pages from chipboard that I snagged from claim form reams at my office. I attached scrapbook papers to the pages with Liquitex Matte Gel Medium. The medium gives the pages flexibility and strength, with minimum warp. Just a little is all you need, but be sure the medium extends all the way to the edges. It's perfect for adhering papers to board books, because these little beauties tend to get a LOT of handling!

One of my favorite faces stamps:

                                                               

A Retro-style page spread. This retro-style stamp (Polaroid Cutie) from Artistic Outpost is perfect for this bunny page:

Vintage-style spread with my favorite little girl stamp from Oxford Impressions:

Back to the Retro-style for this page. Love the Martha Stewart glitters & glue. The tiny point on the glue bottle lets you get the best detail! Look at the accents on the Paisley (left) and flower centers (right):

Back to Vintage-style. I found alternating styles on the pages made a cohesive book: That's it! The end! The back cover is covered with a coordinating paper, and contains a personal message to my Mom.

Artful Framing

Wow, I hadn't realized until just now how long it's been since I've posted to my blog. I've been so wrapped up in spending time with my son before he goes off to North Carolina and points beyond with the US Army. This is his last week home, and we're trying to make the most of it.

So, on to the crafty topic. My girls hiked up Piestewa Peak a few weeks back, and Brandi (my eldest) surprised Rach (my youngest) with this framed pic of them on that hike. Brandi wanted my touch on it, too (bless her), so I stamped up the white mat that came with the frame. The bright flowers reflect the vibrancy of both my girls' personalities. I used stamps from Stampington & Co., Hero Arts and Art Impressions. Inks are Tim Holtz's Distress Inks (who says "distressed" has to be brown?). Flowers are just some cheap-o fabric stems from the dollar store and brads are Memory Makers (I think). I hope this inspires you to create Artful Frames of your own.

Sharing Friendship & Altered Stuff

I have such wonderful friends at work. They all think I make such lovely things and I always enjoy sharing little gifts, made by hand and with love.

These are paper-clip containers that I've altered, one for myself and one for my dear friend Pat at work. They started life as a clear plastic container, just one of those throw-away cups that binder clips come in. Of course, I never throw anything away (husband sighing in the background), and I knew just what to do: alter and re-use as paper-clip holders!

I measured scrapbook paper long enough to go all the around the cup, with about an inch over-lap. Stamp on the paper, then attach with adhesive dots or roller. Then, you can gently poke holes through the cup and attach paper or silk flowers with brads.

I know Pat will enjoy her little decorative paper-clip holder, and I so enjoyed making it for her. And, if I've provided inspiration for your own creations as well, please let me know! It's such a joy for me to see what other folks are making and sharing.

Marking Time...

I am an avid reader, and my children and lots of my friends are, too. So, I've been playing around with bookmarks as little gifties "just because"...
These first two went to my daughter Brandi and her bestest friend Kiera. I love the designs on these two, and using flat embellishments add charm but not bulk, which is better for the books they are intended to mark! I used a face stamp that I'm not sure is still available, and added a strip of German scrap to simulate a crown. Brandi thought this was a clever touch, and she is my most truthful and supportive critic!
Some close-ups of the detail...

These bookmarks went to my sister, neices and my other daughter, Rachael. I just love the little girl image from Oxford Impressions, and the Inkadinkadoo birdies!

More Inkadinkado birdies in various colors and inks. These stamps are clear, and I find I get a really sharp image using Colorbox Chalks inks. But I do at times like the "pebbly" effect I get from a dye ink on the clear polymer.
Here's a close-up... Use hand writing to accent your pieces.