Sin City Stamps.. DT Post.. :)

Happy Friday.  Posting a great card I would love for you to check out on the Sin City Stamps blog.  

It can be used as a non traditional save the date card! I did this one for my brother and his fiance and their up and coming wedding on June 14th, 2015.  I have the Clockworks Inspired by Terri Sproul Rubber Plate and I was convinced that my first post using this stamp set WOULD NOT be a CLOCK as it is perfectly geared for, ::chuckles at pun:: 

Here are a list of the supplies used to create the card front. Finished project can be found by CLICKING HERE! 

• Sin City Stamps- Clockworks Inspired by Terri Sproul & Pattern 2 Stencil by Terri Sproul
• Liquitex Matte Medium
• Deco Art- Media Line Titanium White Fluid Acrylic and White Gesso
• Deco Art- Americana Multi-Surface Satin- Canary, Flamingo, Iris, Deep Turquoise
• Strathsmore 400 Series Mixed Media Paper (not seen)
• Stazon Ink Pad-  Gothic Purple
• Beacon 3 in  1 Adhesive
• Stabilo ALL pencil in black
• Misc. - brayer, paint brush, (Tim Holtz Tissue paper bits from my stash not seen)

Hope you come over to see my creative process by CLICKING HERE.. Leave a comment and let me know you came by!!  Your comments and time is ALWAYS APPRECIATED and NOTICED!!  Thank YOU!!

MIU AUG-SEP Challenege

This was the Aug-September Challenge for our Facebook Group

called Mixing It All Up.. Great group of folks.. You can find us by clicking here.

The challenge that Sandee.. our fearless Artist Leader gave us.. was to tell her where we were.. during 9/11/01 and create a journal page about it...   In this case it was easier for me to talk about than it was for me to draw.  I saw so much! Hard for me to ONLY create one page.  So I will begin with  with this...

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On 9/11/2001 .. I worked for an airline.. and I had just worked a lot of OT because we had cancelled all of our overnight and first flights departures.. due to some flight regulations issues.. which could be a number of things.. they never told us what.. Then I was up the next morning ONLY to see this.. across my TV screen.. A skyline I recognized so well.. up in smoke and flames.. and it wasn't some marvel comic movie trailer. It was real.. very real... The only thing memory that surpasses the planes exploding as they crashed into the buildings.. were the thousands and thousands of faces that came across my screen.. wondering who they were.. what their story was.. if family saw them long enough to know they were ok.. Power was down.. phone lines were down from Manhattan Area.. for a longggg time.. all we had was the media.. I volunteered and went right back to work and almost lived there. We prayed with panicking people over the phone. We sat and talked and talked and 3wayed phone calls. As I worked I thought of all my friends who lived there and wondered if they and their loved ones were ok. I found out my godson was on a trip.. so every little black boy I saw...I looked to see if it was him.. well after he got someplace and called his mom and told her he was ok.. and would have to walk home.. and would take a few hrs.. but he was ok.. My friends who drove trains..were finally home and safe.. It took weeks to hear from everyone I could think of.. Anyway.. a year later.. and for a few years after that.. coworkers and I..use to fly to NYC.. to show people we we not afraid to fly.. we were not going to let an incident, although traumatic as it was.. keep us.. closed from the world. Nothing wrong with being an alert traveler and ALL TRAVELING is serious business.. although the reason to travel.. may vary..

SEFARINA - Fairy page...

Very emotional week on the news.. in the media.. and with dear friends and family.. While I wish a simple hug could cure what ails each and everyone that's hurting right now.. I know it's not enough. :( 

My friends, please know you are in my thoughts constantly.  My personal fairies are working overtime to find ways to reach each of you.. and let you know. you are not alone.. you are loved... and my silence.. is only my way.. of listening.. to see what you REALLY need during this time... 

Ok.. On to my post.. which is dedicated to you..

 I saw a series of great techniques on how to use gelatos with Amber Button and I tried some, when I used my gelatos today.. so if you are afraid of gelatos.. or have some and have never used them please check her out here, she's great!  I am in a facebook group where he post blog was posted.. great group of ladies.. you can find them here.  The admins are Tara McGuire and Angela Blake.. both very talented!

Well here she is..

I  created a background by using a coldpress notebook page by Cottonwood Arts and wet it with water with my Ranger misters.  I then took my gelato, wet the tip in my water bowl and proceeded to slather colors- creating my base, for my background, directly from the stick. Then I took my finger and wet it with water.. and rubbed the color across the page.  I let it dry (while getting a cup of coffee.. lol)  I came back drew with my mechanical pencil from my Pigma Sensei set.. love that pencil and eraser.. had no problems erasing on top of the gelatos. 

After it was dry.. I took my sensei pens, which are waterproof and traced over my pencil lines and erased. Then I took my water brush and pulled pigment/color directly from tube and painted my images.  I still went back with my white Sharpie (water-based) paint pen, Moonlight gelly roll pens, and Faber Castell Big Brush Pitt Pen which I use to add dept by smudging and adding a lil' accents here and there. Oh and don't let me forget her *shimma*.  I am a *control* shimma freak!  So I use a Wink of Stella brush pen in *clear* to add shimmer to my fairy!

Last thing were my quotes.. with Brave Wings, She flies...  U R NOT ALONE... for me.. that means KEEP GOING.. just when you think you can't.. YOU CAN..   your wings will carry you as long as your willing to fly.. u r not alone.. simply means what it says.. you do have people who care and of course.. whatever higher power you believe in.  :) ((hugs))

Here are a few other pictures...

and thanks for stopping by...

Its STAMPENDOUS & DecoArt PLaYTiMe!! :) - MM Card & Treasures Box

In the mail I received some products from STAMPENDOUS and I was elated at the opportunity to play with them!!  I got a Creative Palette and mono printing plate,  a large acrylic handle, and two cling stamps!  They couldn't have come at a  better time.. because I am now, all set to play, with some of my favorite DecoArt paints and stencils!

Loving the idea of creating my own prints.. I leaped into the idea of playing with the Creative Palette and generating some fun backgrounds.. :)  I love the idea that's slender and it space in my bag, which makes it easy for me to grab it and go!  This is a mixed media card I made using an Artistcellar Stencil from the Sacred Heart Series and my favorite DecoArt Neon Acrylics.

Loved the how the stencil was imperfectly perfect on the monoprinting plate.. I think next time I will add some DecoArt Drying Time Extender to my paints and see how that goes too.. :)

My message to myself for the month of June... Live Creatively...

I mean.. the possibilities are well beyond what I have done.. but I plan to check out some other ways to utilize my new friend!  After creating some more pages and  backgrounds..


Then I decided to play with the STAMPENDOUS Face stamp called the Cling GLANCE- CRR200.  She was totally fun.. as I have NO large face stamps to play with!!  The lines from the image are clear and she is just the right size to do a little envelope art..  I was sending my friend Tamie some Happy Mail, and well Tamie loves Sugar Skulls.. So I decided to Sugar Skull my image.. Here is how that turned out..

Excuse my thumb.. (smile) I was debating posting this picture.. and decided at the last minute.. What the heck!  I am playing with a wonderful stamp and this is only a few of the possibilities!!  Oh Yeah.. Tamie.. YOU GOT MAIL!!  :)

Now for my last project.. It was something I had never done.. :)  An altered cigar box.  I actually received one from my dear friend VON for my birthday earlier this month.. Von makes me smile! She is a warm and beautiful lady.  I thought what she had given me was sooo dainty and lady-like.  I knew I wanted to make one too!

To be honest with you.. I looked at so many YOUTUBE videos and blogs on the topic, I couldn't tell you who's idea it actually is.. :)  But I do know I went to Andy Skinner and Made by Sannie 's blogs and CreaBoeTiek Channel on YouTube for inspiration for my first box.

Took a plain wooden cigar box and painted it with DecoArts MultiSurface Satin Acrylics in Coca bean and Chocolate and covered the whole box...

I don't know why.. but I always keep my DecoArt gesso nearby! (smile)

Then I added a thick layer of DecoArts Modeling Paste to the cover.  Then I smooshed a wide piece of lace and some of my favorite trinkets into paste on the lid.  Flowers, charms, and all kinds of metal embellishments.. :)  I let it air dry for 24 hours.

Then I covered the ENTIRE thing in yet more acrylic paints!  Even the metals!.  It was rather dull so I then added some of my favorite Dazzling Metallic Renaissance Brown and Bronze by DecoArts.  Let see some better pictures of the finished box in some pictures below...

decided I wanted some little feet so I glued these one with some help from Helmar's Glue that I got at Frosted Designs.. whew that Barb sure does send quick!!!  :)  

this is a side panel..

I loved painting her face and then adding glaze so her image was not flat.. since the box had so much shimmer now.. :)

this is a close up after adding some of the dazzling acrylics I mentioned.  :)

Here is another side panel...

Well that's it for me.. I hope you guys enjoyed viewing my page and watching me play with my fantabulous paints from DecoArt.. and those outrageously fun Stampendous products!  I am sure it won't be the last time I pick them up  and it wouldn't be for you either!!  :)

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Since I am a part of a blog hop.. I thought it might be nice to let you know there are bunch of talented people out here this week playing with paints, brushes and stamps.. I hope you can take a moment to check them and don't forget to comment, pin and like our sponsors for this event!  It also helps to make you eligible for the prize package. :)


Visit each blog, leave a comment! • Like Stampendous, DecoArt, Princeton Artist Brushes and inspired by Willow Wolfe on Facebook! • We've also got a Pinterest Board started!

Please repin our projects on to your boards and be sure to tag us when you do (#Stampendous, #DecoArt, #PrincetonArtistBrushes, #byWillowWolfe) - we'll be tracking. Your comments on the blogs are your entry into the drawing! We'll randomly choose three blog posts from all the designer posts this week and then choose one commenter from each with a U.S. Mailing Address to receive a prize package. THEN we'll choose three international commenters to receive a generous sample pack courtesy of DecoArt, so everybody can play this time! AND I have a few bonus goodies hanging around my office for some lucky people who SHARE our Facebook posts and Pinterest Pins! Ready for your trip around the world??? Let's get Hoppin!

DecoArt Blog

Stampendous Blog

Claudia Neubacher (Vienna, Austria)

Kristine Reynolds (California, USA)

Iliane de Fockert (Elly) (Niedersachsen, Germany)

Julia Stratford-Wright (near London, UK)

Julie Robertson (UK)

Jamie Martin (Oklahoma, USA)

Debbie Cole (California, USA)

Shannon Moyer-Szemenyei (Canada)

Tamiko McCurry (Illinois, USA)

A few of the bloggers this week are new to hopping, so if you have an issue with any of the links, here's a little tip! If you get a page that says "Sorry that Page is not here" or something similar, try clicking on the header picture at the top of the blog, or look for something that says Home. The hop page should be near the top of the day's posts. We will fix broken links as the day goes on, as well, so check back here if you are really lost.

The Official Rules are here.

Enjoy the rest of your Week and thanks for stopping by! :)

Mother's Day _ May Challenge w/ Susan Weckesser

I created this page with Susan Weckesser's May Challenge in mind.  The colors for this challenge can be seen here :

Now to be honest with you when I initially saw these colors.. I immediately though of spring.. trees grassland, new flowers, birds's nest and  few eggs.. Then I thought of new life.. something you could only get from a mother.  It was in fact Mother's Day and I had a quiet moment to hangout with my art and watch my daughter sleep.

I took those colors with my gelatos and Koi watercolors, well most of them anyway.. and came up with this.

  The quote says.. Life doesn't come with a manual, it comes with a mother.

Anywho.. had fun creating this profile of a mother, although she does not look like me.. lol  She still has kind eyes and a gentle face a smile any child would adore!  Happy Mother's Day to all you out there with 2 legged or four legged children that you see about..

Watercolor Cards- Koi 24

 Today I am posting some cards I finally got a chance to finish!  They are some water color painted cards, with all original artwork done by yours truly! Ha! I think they came out cute, although I can think of dozens of ways to improve the next batch!  I only did eight!  I will concentrate on eight at a time!  Don't ask why, because I don't know! LOL  No really.. it's not as intimidating as perhaps a dozen might be/sound ?  Ok that works for me!

I know it would be better if I was doing 12-15 at  a time, it's easier to divide and small gift sets to dispense to friends and family that forever always want a card!  I just hope that the people who get my cards, aren't so super quick to throw them away!  It doesn't take me 3 minutes to whip it together! ::shrug::  Many of these cards were inspired by Tracy Weinzapfel.  She got my me to using my first watercolors, feeling comfortable behind a brush and using my own drawing capabilities as images.  You don't have to be a Fine Artist, to be a well learned, skilled and disciplined artist!  Forever thankful for that!!

With these cards I used my Koi 24-color pan water color set.  I love them!  The colors are very vibrant and you don't have to be an expert watercolorists (yep its a word today!) to use them and make pretty pictures.  I know with practice, I will only get better and I have plenty of time and room for both!!  (smile)  I also used my Pitt pen by Faber Castell, Sakura Sensai ,Identipen, or  a Deco Arts acrylic pen for all my black writing and details. My Sharpie (water based), a Faber Castell Pitt pen, a Deco Art paint pen and Unibal Signo gel pen provided me with additional markings I needed in white. (big smiles)

Thanks for looking... :)

EGGzackly DecoArt NEONs ... for Easter!

Hey guys.. I originally saw this idea on old blog post years ago so I can't give credit to the original person I saw do it :(  I have since tried it a few times, but never blogged about it.. or used my neon paints.  Although Easter has come and gone.. We all use pinterest and I plan on pinning this! :)

My supplies began with DecoArt Americana Acrylic Neons..
Uh like I would try this.. while I am sick.. with any other paint?
There is also an orange and a red but these were the colors I grabbed.  I also grabbed my most fave black pens that allow me to write on all my mixed media surfaces, Sakura Identi Pen, Faber Castell Pitt pen and forever faithful DecoArt Acrylic paint pen.

Boil some eggs!  I usually got for the quick dozen and store them right back in the container from where they came!  Grab the aluminum foil too.. Yes aluminum foil..  Enough for each color of paint and double it if you have cheapy foil like I did! (big HA-HA)  Hey I use neon acrylics.. why would you be suprised to see aluminum foil?  I {heart} mixed media!  lol

I also like to keep baby wipes nearby, not just because I have a cold and it feels good on my nose!!  I also apply.. well you will see shortyl!!

Take the foil and scrunch it up.. come.. scrunch it!!

Then open it up.. and spread it out.. :) 

Then take some paint of your choosing and place it on the baby wipe and blot if all over the foil!!  Yes blot it.. BLOT IT REAL GOOD!! :)  Oh.. blot it kinda thin like though, because if you apply in areas too thickly it will make your speckles like paint rub or more like you applied it directly to the egg!

Place the egg in the foil and crinkle the foil around the egg again, open and repeat, till you have covered it enough and then place it in the carton cradled above the opening to air dry before repeating the process again, if you like.. with the next color...

I of course wanted more colors.. one color? nah not me!

See how they came out?  See how I also kinda cradled them above the egg carton slot.. Mainly so the paint wouldn't just puddle up in the bottom like they did when I use to dip and dye eggs. The air kinda gets a chance to whirl around the eggs and dry it.. rather quickly too!  Especially when the paint is thinly coated!  The colors are ALWAYS VIBRANT.. Hence my love for NEONS!!

Here are some closer shots!

I like them!  Hoping Brook does too.. Since she isn't into coloring eggs.. but she likes to see artsy things!

They need more.. I thought at first.. I would NOT go further.. but since Brook does read.. I decided to put some inspirational words on them and a message for her on a few!

I think she will like this one the most!!

Thank you for visiting & hope my pictures were helpful..
Late for Easter 2014.. on time for NEXT Year!!.. lol

March Challenge for Mixed Media Mondays with Tracy Weinzapfel

This is my entry for March 2014 Creative Dare.  Decided a the last minute to do this.  Frankly I am so sleepy, I should have passed! lol  But it's done!  This was done in one of my small journals it's actually only a 5 x 7.  I will do it again on canvas once I get those artistcellar sacred heat stencils I am so inspired by!  I like hearts anyway.  Anything and everything I do.. is from the heart these days..  I haven't always been that way but I have gotten better at it and I am a lot more conscious of it.  I no longer care if it the popular, politically correct or acceptable thing to do.. I only care if it feel right to me and if I can live with my decision.  Anyway.. let's avoid a sermon, shall we?  thanks for stopping by.. ::waving::  :)

OMGosh  I forgot to mention my Glatos and Pitt pens that helped me complete this page from Faber-Castell Designer Memory Craft!!  

Each month Tracy challenges us to  use what we have and create!  On Facebook we gather here!  Then on most Monday evenings at 8pm cst we gather here

Make sure to sign up for a FREE Ustream account user name/password to participate in the LIVE Chat.  Feel free to ask questions and be ready for some fun.  We recommend logging in early to avoid a delay.

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Dress Swap 4x6 for Arsty Mail

Today I am sharing with you a 4x6 post card I did for a group.  I had to have a dress on it and it had to be 4x6.  You could put the dress on it any kind of way you wanted to and believe me I thought of at least 2 dozen ways to do so. :)  I told myself to use what I had!  Don't go out buying things.  You have more than enough supplies to pull this off.. Now sit your behind down and figure out what method you plan to use.  I thought about painting directly on the page and collaging papers; I thought about origami folks since I had just done over 80 dresses courtesy of a video I just watched by Michelle aka The Paper Addiction, but I also decided to just attach them to the backs on my postcards and envelope my cards instead sending them like postcards.

 

 

 Anyway.. I decided to do some mixed media painting on a watercolor paper with my DecoArt Acrylic neon paints..  A little lightweight stenciling with some punchinella with black Stazon and high lighting with my white Signo gel pen. added bling and adhered to a black dress form, with my favorite Helmar Craft Glue, then I  also added more doodling on it..

I placed it on top of a book page I gessoed with DecoArt Gesso and again using the neon paints, black stazon stamp pad, and white gel pen, in the background.  I also added the black Gloss Enamel paint on the edges to  loosely {frame} it where I again doodled!  This was fun to work with!!

My swap partner Terri .. I didn't know much about her.. so I looked on her FB page and saw she spent a lot of time at BSU.. (colors are Blue and Orange; adhered this dress with Helmar's Craft Glue to back of the other dress)  Hope she likes this.. :)  Especially since I am soooo not a dress chick.. lol!

Thank you.. for stopping by!!

DecoArt CanvasBoard: Blooms!

 

I had these canvas boards a while now.  I wanted use them and for some reason I hadn't.  Well today was the day I planned on doing just the opposite!  I had just had a Mixed Media Monday with Tracy Weinzapfel.  Where she had taken some acrylics and and baby wipes and created a beautiful pieces of artwork and I was going to do the same!  :)  I gessoed the canvas board with Deco Art's Gesso and then with a baby wipe I applied the acrylic paints from lights to dark.. (of course my neons were in the line up) :)

Did the same process for the bottom half with even more acrylics from Deco Arts..

Then I prepared some flower petals from a book I was DEFINITELY not going to read and had been using the pages as background scraps.  I even make some heart shaped Tulips.

I then got out my Golden soft gel medium and plopped a smidget on my craft mat so I could adhere my book pages to my acrylic background.  I would normally use decoupage, but I am trying something different and I want to be able to write or journal over it later.. if need be.. I painted over my book pages and added some splatters.  Splatters are just watered down acrylics for me flicked from my paint brush (smile).  I couldn't think of a quote.. wasn't a lot of space.. and once again.. we were in the middle of yet another snow storm.. So I decided to keep it simple.. and say BLOOM!!  Added some purple to the edges and called it DONE!

At the last minuted I editted this post and decided to add some additions.. :) to my Blooming Hearts!!  Enjoy!!  

Hope you enjoyed the finished product!!  Thanks for looking!!  :)