MERRY CHRISTMAS!

This will be my last post until the new year.  I will be in Colorado with my son and his family for two weeks.  Will be following my blog list as I can from there; but will not be doing any art to post.

It has been quite an adventure to create my blog and learn the ins and outs as I go.  Still have some things to figure out; but I must say I have "met" some wonderful friends on my blog already!  Just a lot of fun and I hope to participate in even more challenges in 2010.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!!

TAG TUESDAY - Punch It!

The theme for Tag Tuesday is Punch It Out.

I punched a fleur de lis for my tag and used collage elements from ARTchix Studio along with some background stamping and German scrap.

PUBLISHED!

So happy to see my "Deep Purple Dreams" made it into the January/February2010 issue of Somerset Studio!!  Page 110 if you have a copy.  This is only the 3rd time I have been published in SS - the other two times were quite awhile ago.  But, I haven't submitted to them in years, either!!

One of my cards is also on Page 44 in Volume 16 of Just Cards!   There is at least one of my cards in all but two Volumes of Just Cards.  Probably because making cards (as in stamping) is my first love.  Collage is fun, too, but I love just making cards to send to someone!!

Several online friends are also in Somerset Studio - congrats to all of them!!

PAY IT FORWARD

A few weeks ago, Peggy at PEGGY'S MIXED-UP ART had a Pay It Forward event on her blog.  Three lucky people who responded were sent an adorable tag by Peggy.  I was one of those lucky gals!

In return, I have made the three Christmas ATC's shown above.  The first three readers to make a comment regarding this post will be sent one of the ATC's.  The only requirement is that you, in turn, Pay It Forward when you have the time and desire to do so.  No deadline or anything, just when you are ready!

Here is the tag that Peggy sent to me.  Isn't it sweet???

This is a fun thing to do!  It is always nice to get a little piece of art in the mail!  If you leave your e-mail, I will contact you for your snail mail address!

Have a great week everyone!

SUNDAY POSTCARD ART - HOLLY

Sunday Postcard's theme is holly/ivy. 

Image is from ARTchix Studio, background stamp from Magenta, old flash card , some Christmas stickers and punched dots in the border for "berries". 

Thanks for coming by!

TAG IT ON

Here is my challenge piece for the theme of Birds at the TAG IT ON site this week.  My first time participating in this challenge.

All images are stamped, just added lots of inks and a bit of German scrap plus sponged thru some punchinella.

Thanks for stopping by.

THEME THURSDAY

Vintage is the theme this week at Theme Thursday.  My image is from ARTchix Studio; flourish stamp Stampington (again), friends is an old PSX stamp and some Magenta dots here and there.  Photo corners, lace, ribbon.  I love this photo of the little girls with their cats!

And, YIPPEE, I finally figured out how to crop and get rid of the white space at the bottom of my scans!!  Took a while, but perserverance is the key to most things in life, isn't it?

Thanks for looking!

TAG TUESDAY

The theme for Louise's TAG TUESDAY challenge this week is to use the colors of blue, wine and teal to make the tag.

My background tag is a deep teal, but look green to me in this scan : (
I stamped my favorite flourish stamp from Stampington on it with platinum ink.  The light blue layer is from a DCW paper pack.  The stamped image is from Paper Inspirations and layer to wine mulberry paper.  A teal brad, some wine ribbon and snowflakes to finish it off.

Thanks for visiting!

SUNDAY POSTCARD ART

A day late with my SUNDAY POSTCARD.  German scrap is from ARTchix Studio.  Vintage image has been in my stash forever.  Dimensional sticker.

Thanks for coming by!

ARTchix Lottery

Since my computer has been down for over a week, I have not been participating in any of the challenges.  Today was the last day for the ARTchix lottery - theme was Winter Delights.  So, before I went to church, I did get mine into the mix.  The drawing was at noon!

Image and German scrap is from ARTchix, overlaid with snowflake-printed vellum and added some dew drops and glitter.  Blue and white is my favorite combination, so this was a fun one for me!

Thanks for visiting!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Happy Turkey Day to all my friends in the  USA.  May you have a wonderful day with family and/or friends.  I am thankful for many things, including faith, family, friends, freedom, health, art and a myriad of other blessings.  Remember, life is short, eat dessert first! 

SUNDAY POSTCARD ART

This week's theme for Sunday Postcard is "flourish".  I have used a Stampington & Co. flourish stamp for the background of my postcard.  Some stamped trees, the word Winter and a border at the bottom.  Some swirly rice paper as the snow; a sticker postmark, silver snowflakes and some silver Stickles here and there.  Image of the two little girls has been in my stash forever; not sure where I got it.

Fun theme!

LOTS TO DO

This is what I have chosen for my LOTS TO DO challenge for this week.  A kimono made from beautiful origami paper with just one stamp in the corner.  Layers and Pilot gold metallic pen around the edges.  Some white pen dots outline the kimono.

My computer abilities leave a lot to be desired.  I do not know how to adjust the scan to eliminate that extra white area at the bottom of the card.  Please forgive me :(

Thanks for looking!

ART CREATIONS FRIDAY

This beautiful image was provided for this week's ART CREATIONS FRIDAY challenge.  I used some background paper from Magenta, Tim Holtz grungeboard flourish (colored with a Magenta colored ink pad and then sprayed with gold pearl-ex) and some German scrap from Artchix Studio.  This was white to begin with, but I colored it the same way I did the flourish.  A word and some black brads to finish it off.

Loved this challenge image!  Thanks for stopping by.

TAG TUESDAY

Louise has chosen the colors of pink, brown and burgundy for the TAG TUESDAY challenge this week.  I have used scrapbook papers, a Stampington & Co. stamp, some prima flowers painted with Stickles distress ink, a snowflake brad and other snowflakes here and there.

I was SO lucky to have been one of Tim Holtz' blog winners of a package of those beautiful flowers, four bottles of Stickles and a wonderful stamp set!!  Thrilled beyond words and will be happily using them for a long time to come!

Thanks for a very pretty color combo, Louise!  (Click on image to see detail.)

SUNDAY POSTCARD ART

Here is my postcard.  I used old sheet music and rubber stamps.  Click on image to see details.

Great theme, Cindy!

COMBINATION

I decided to combine two challenges.  Lots to Do - embossing.  Saturday Surprise - multiples.  I love the Cuttlebug paisley folder and I also love these tiny faces.  I use them over and over; but have never used them all on the same card!!  Fun!

THEME THURSDAY - PATTERN PAPER

My ATC for Theme Thursday has an image from B-line Designs, some ivory lace, stamped sentiment, and pearl accents.  The pearls look more like gems in the scan, but they are white pearls.  Paper is from JoAnn's - I like the fleur-de-lis shapes on it and the blue/cream colors. 

Thanks for looking!

FRUIT

TMTA has fruit for its theme this week.

Used some distress inks and gold leafing flakes for the background.  Love this Stampers Anonymous pear.  Polka dot ribbon and gold edges finished it off!

Thanks for looking!

CRACKLE

SUNDAY POSTCARD ART theme this week is crackle.  Another old flashcard with a crackle stamped background and some more rubber stamps to accent the vintage image.  Love that big bow in her hair!

PAPERLESS

This is the last day to get my tag in for Louise's Tag Tuesday paperless theme.  She did say we could use cardboard, so I brushed gesso over corrugated cardboard and then wrapped some twine around it.  Added snowflake stickers and a metal word.  Big white brad through the hole with another snowflake sticker on it.  Some green Stickles glitter around the edges.  Quite a challenge, Louise, but a fun one!

FOUR IN ONE

Since I have been unable to take part in the challenges this week until today, I have combined four challenges in one card:

TMTA:  brown
One Stop:  script
Theme Thursday:  borders
Art Creations Friday:  image

This little guy is so cute and it was fun to use him for all four challenges.

Thanks for looking!

INCHIES SAMPLER

Here is a sampler of some inchies I made when they first started showing up in the magazines and online.  I didn't stamp any of them - just used cut out images and a couple of photos, plus some tiny embellishments, cut out words and pen dots, etc.  Mounted them on a piece of cardstock and have them displayed on my bulletin board in my studio.  Fun to do; should do some more!!

On another note - Lynn Stevens is having a blogaversary party on her blog:  http://www.trashtotreasureart.blogspot.com/.  Check out the cool presents she will be giving away!!

Off to work today - maybe tomorrow I will finally have time to take part in some of this week's challenges!  Thanks for coming over!

THIS AND THAT

This is a card for a friend - she has a thing for butterflies.  I like this Stampers Anonymous stamp.  Used some coordinating papers and my cuttlebug to make a quick and easy card.  There is glitter here and there on the butterfly which does not show up on the scan.  Thanks for visiting!!

THEME THURSDAY - COLORS

I love any color as long as it is a shade of BLUE!!  Light blue, dark blue, violet blue, turquoise blue - you name it; I love it.  Here I am using K & Company's Blue Awning papers in shades of blue and beige, along with some stamping.  The compass was in my stash as was the little boy.  The birdcage is from an ARTchix collage sheet.  Faux flowers with blue pearls and some antique brads finish it off.  All layered to a dark brown card.

Thanks for visiting!

TAG TUESDAY - PAPER PIECING

I decided to make a mummy for this challenge.  Used some BoBunny papers for the background and added some Halloween stickers. 

Thanks for looking!

TMTA - SPOOKY HALLOWEEN

THINK MONDAY THINK ATC - spooky Halloween theme.

All done with rubber stamps and a bit of glitter on the moon.  Layered to a black/orange polka dot paper. 

Thanks for looking!

SUNDAY POSTCARD ART - HALLOWEEN

Halloween is the theme for today's Sunday Postcard Art challenge.  I have used some rubber stamps, ARTchix images and German scrap, along with some buttons for embellishments.  BoBunny scrapbook paper for the base.

Thanks for visiting!

CHEERS! Helga's #2 challenge

This week we were to use reading materials - books, magazines, etc. - to find images for a collage.  Add some of our circles from the first week's challenge and then add even more circles or dots to the final collage. 

A lot of fun - wonder what Helga will have us do in next week's challenge?

ART CREATIONS FRIDAY

Here is my entry for the ART CREATIONS FRIDAY challenge using the background image provided. 

The little girl, bird and german scrap are from ARTchix Studio.  I added a cancelled postage stamp and some sparkly snowflakes.  Layered all to a blue metallic square.

I enjoyed this challenge!  Thanks for looking.

SECOND 2 x 2 CANVAS

This is the second canvas that I made for my friend, Maureen.  I colored the background with inkpads, added a fern-y stamp and some torn paper.  Image was in my stash, the fleur-de-lis is a nestabilities die cut.  Added some faux gems, German scrap and gold metallic marker around the edges.  Hope she likes it!

MIXED MEDIA MONDAY - mothers and daughters

Here is my entry for this week's Mixed Media Monday challenge.  My mother and me.

Mom's name was Effie, but my dad's endearing name for her was "Fifi", which he said was the French equivalent of Effie.  I'm not sure this is true, but it was his way of showing his love for her.

Click on image to see detail.  Thanks for visiting!

Helga at ARTchix is having a nine-week challenge series for those who want to play along.  This week's challenge is to make a grid and play with circles and dots.  I used dye inkpads to make most of my circles/dots and to add color to some squares, too.

For the first row, left to right:

Square one:  a flat backed glass pebble was used for the green circles.  The end of a brass stencil stylus was used to make the tiny dots.

Square two:  The circle of dots is a rubber stamp; center dots were punched from green paper; chains were added with a sharpie pen.

Square three:  The end of a lipstick tube was used for the circles and a copper metallic pen used for the tiny dots in the centers.

Second row:

Square one:  A pencil eraser was used for the polka dots and a Sharpie pen to add the tiny circles.

Square two:  A bubble rubber stamp.

Square three:  A brass washer made these circles.

Third row:

Square one:  The end of a nail polish brush.

Square two:  The end of a push pin.

Square three:  Sequin waste.

Thanks for taking a look!

TGIF - pointy hats

This is a bit on the dark side; but looks better in person!!  I love how these girls are showing off their long hair.  Click on the image to get a closer view!

Thanks for visiting!

TAG TUESDAY PINK AND BROWN

While Louise is on a cruise with Tim Holtz (!!!), Nancy Maxwell James is hosting Tag Tuesday.  Her theme is pink and brown.

I used another old flashcard (after all, I have a whole box of them!) and used the tattered rose distress inkpad to color it a light pink over a washing of gesso.  Stamped some polka dots in brown, along with a starburst design.  Faux postage and images are from ARTchix Studio.  Torn scrapbook paper along the bottom. 

Thanks for looking!

ROYAL BIRD ATC'S

Here are my ATC's for the current ARTchix swap which must be mailed by the 15th.  For the background, I used scrapbook paper on which I stamped the flourish and also the small dotted flowers.  Then I added the ARTchix stuff:  birds, border (punched with Martha Stewart punch), crowns and black dot German scrap.  I also applied gold glitter to the crowns and German scrap. 

TAG TUESDAY - Shabby Chic

Here is my entry for Tag Tuesday's challenge this week.

The old flashcard was washed with a brown watercolor crayon and a small Magenta flower stamp was added for the background. Image is from Crafty Connections (Magenta). Added more stamps, faux flowers with gems, ribbon and lace for the trim and tied with same ribbon. The background of this image is not as yellow as this scan shows it to be : (

Thanks for stopping by!

CITY-MAPS

I am combining two challenges today - TMTA's challenge is cities and Mixed Media Monday's challenge is maps.

Paris is my favorite city, even though I have never been. Some day, I may!

Thanks for visiting!

SUNDAY POSTCARD-SKULLS-SKELETONS

Here is my entry for the Sunday Postcard challenge - skulls and skeletons. I used an old flashcard which I covered with gesso and then painted with watercolor crayon after the gesso dried. Stamped some diamonds across that for the background. Added collage images and a transparency (all from ARTchix Studio). Attached this to a black postcard-sized cardstock and added some silver metallic dots along the sides. This was a fun challenge!

Thanks for looking!

TGIF - white

Here is my entry for this week's Thank God It's Friday challenge. The doll image is from ARTchix, as is the white German scrap trim. The little white pearls are from Hero Arts - although they don't look white in the scan. Silver heart embellishment from JoAnn's.

Glad you stopped by!

BIRD TAG

The theme for Tag Tuesday this week is birds. I chose to make an ATC-sized tag with a bird from Stampers Anonymous. There are also some tiny groups of birds flying around in the background - this stamp is from Magenta. You can click on the image to see a bigger view!

Thanks for stopping by.

ALCOHOL INKS

Saturday's Workout is to use alcohol inks and grunge it up. Well, I'm not too good at the grunge part, but I tried. LOL

I used pesto and metallic gold for the background piece. Then I did another piece with wild plum, pesto and gold, from which I punched the two flower shapes. The focal image is from Stampers Anonymous. Giggle is from PaperBag Studio. I used a smooshy image from Raindrops on Roses to add color with wild plum Adirondack ink around the edges. Then I overlayed some bottle Adirondack ink through punchinella in the corners. Added a crown and flower brad to attach the punched flowers. Pilot gold pen around the edges.

Thanks for looking!

TGIF - trees

TGIF challenge is "trees". My card is basically all rubber stamped - the tree is from PaperBag Studio, crow is from Invoke Arts, curious is from Endless Creations, leafy vine at top is from B Line Design and dots are from Hampton Art Stamps. German scrap trim from ARTchix Studio. Background color created with Ranger distress inks.

Thanks for visiting!

Theme Thursday Script Challenge

Here is my card for Theme Thursday's challenge. Flourishes are Basic Grey rub-ons, faux postage, butterfly, bird and "pretty" are from ARTchix Studio. Don't know where I acquired the image and flower trim!

Thanks for looking!

BIRTHDAY CARD TWO

Here is the second card I made - Stampers Anonymous car, Magenta wavy lines, verse from Catslife Press. All stamped with concord grape distress inkpad. Paper is DCWV mat stack. Square silver brads.

Can't figure out why one card would scan so big and one so small when I used the same settings. This is frustrating to me : (

BIRTHDAY CARD

Seems I always wait till the last minute to make birthday cards. This afternoon I spent some time making two that are due NOW!! Here is the first one I made for a friend. Butterfly is from Stampers Anonymous, Basic Grey papers and, of course, nestabilities die cuts. I will hand deliver this one this evening at Wednesday night prayer meeting.

CHILDREN TAG

Here is my tag for the Tag Tuesday challenge on Louise Granlund's Kard Krazy blog. I love this image from Art Impressions. Swirl in corner is from Stampington & Co. and the alphabet stamp is from Hampton Art. Sweet is from Printworks. Button trim has been in my stash forever; don't really know the name of the source.

Thanks for looking.

2 x 2 canvas

Two friends and I are exchanging 2 x 2 canvases to later be assembled onto a larger canvas. We will make three for each other and three for ourselves, thus nine for the final canvas. Here is the first one I have made for Maureen. I used distress inks to add some color to the background and then stamped around the edges. My collage pretty much covered all of this. LOL The collage elements are from ARTchix Studio as is the copper German scrap trim. I added some glitter glue here and there and outlined the rim with a gold metallic marker. We are not limited to any particular style or theme; but these colors are reminiscent of Maureen, for sure.