Friday, February 22, 2008

Arch ATC for The Artist Circle


Pained paper towel background, stamped with a background stamp and focal image.

This piece caused alot of frustration for me. I honestly like the way it looks as is but from what I've learned I felt I was supposed to add more stuff to it, embellish it. I spent hours looking for just the right thing to finish it off. I cut out words from magazines but felt the y took away from the simplicity of the piece. I finally gave up and posted it to the group which turned out to be a good thing as I now know this piece is fine just the way it is.

Thanks Sherre for taking the time to reassure me and encourage me - I needed that. And thanks to all the others in the group who took the time to give their input as well.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Big Crumbs



I've been a free member of Big Crumbs and I've earned over $100 so far. It's free and it is so easy, why not give it a try?

I get paid monthly!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day

Here is my bookmark as promised earlier. This was sent to a friend as part of a Valentine's exchange. I made the bookmark using the techniques I learned from the tag workshop on The Artist Circle.

I used a premade tag, then it was stained (aged) with coffee. It was then colored with ink that was applied DTP. Then I dry brushed it with gesso and finished it off by stamping and embossing the hearts.



I received from my Valentine a beautiful bracelet that is just perfect. A gentle reminder that will help me keep a positive outlook and to know that everything will work out in the end. I will cherish it always.




Happy Valentine's to all my friends and hugs to you all : )

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Me and My MS

I wanted to take the time to let you know about a new message board for those who suffer from MS. I have a dear friend I've known online for years who suffers from this disease. She's a wonderful person and has alot to offer the world.

Fingolimod and Me
Journal of an MS patient who becomes a clinical trial participant.
http://fty720.blogspot.com/

Me and My MS
A safe haven for those with Multiple Sclerosis to gain information, share knowledge, and make friends.
http://www.meandmyms.org/forum/


Saturday, February 9, 2008

Back to Basics - ATC Workshop

This month we started an ATC Workshop on The Artist Circle yahoo group. Week 1 the assignment was to make 3 part ATC's consisting of only the background, focal image and one embellishment.

After all I've learned in my creative journey up until now had to be forgotten as I was going back to basics by focusing on the use of these 3 items. Turned out it was easier then expected. Yes I wanted to add more to them but at the same time I was able to stop at just these 3 elements.



Week 2 we get to finish them if we want and then we get to experiment with Folded ATC's. But shhhhhhh - don't tell anyone I never did finish the first project which was a Tag Booklet. Oh I plan to finish it just haven't yet. I've got all the steps done and my theme picked out now its just a matter of putting it all together. Why is is always so hard for me to finalize my projects? Maybe I'm afraid of the outcome or maybe that I'll mess them up on that last step?



I did make a bookmark for a friend using the techniques I learned from the Tag Book project so yes I am learning and using these techniques, just not actually taking that last step. I'll post a picture of my bookmark after Valentine's as I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise : )

Friday, February 8, 2008

Book Review: Creative Embellishments by Sherrill Kahn



Last week I ordered a new book titled Creative Embellishments for Paper, Jewelry, Fabric and More after hearing about it on The Artist Circle yahoo group. We were playing with paper beads in between workshops and I just had to know more.

This book is full of wonderful techniques, I haven't been able to put it down!

I have to admit I'm not really into the vintage look that so many seem to create. Sure I've done my share as I like to try different things but its not my favorite theme. That's one of the reasons why I seem to love this new book. Sherrill's style is far from vintage, it's more of a primitive style, with great colors and bold shapes.

I've also never had an interest in working with fabric, guess what comes to mind for me with fabric is sewing and I'm not a sewer. I can sew a button but that's about as far as it goes. In school while all the girls were taking Home Ec class I was in shop class working with woods and metals. My mom wasn't one to sew either, I learned to hem clothing with that iron on stuff not a needle and thread so you see where it comes from.

Anyway after reading Creative Embellishments I'm ready to try working with some fabric and I'm actually excited about learning something new!

Of course this will all come in time as this now opens up a whole new world of supplies for me. First on the list is a new heat gun, I've gotten by with my toaster for embossing but its time to step up and get the real thing so I can get to work on these beads.

If you get a chance stop by Amazon and check out Creative Embellishments by Sherril Kahn, you won't be disappointed.