My Little Corner ...

Playing with Yarn

2009-08-03T16:31:00.005-04:00

Yes, I'm still playing with yarn and having lots of fun with it. I recently made a drawstring bag and a small bag. The small bag was just made from the left over yarn from my first project, I wanted to make a test piece as I have never felted anything on my own. It was a success!

Feeling confident that I could do this on my own I decided to try a drawstring bag. It required me to knit button holes for the drawstring which was a new technique for me. I think it turned out okay, would have been better without the "fizz". Time to move on and get over the fizz!

Before felting...

After felting ....

My First Felted Knit

2009-07-02T16:04:00.006-04:00

So I've been learning to knit, its been a slow process and not something that got my full attention. I have a friend who is teaching me and she's been great. The goal of this project was for me to learn how to knit and how to felt it when it was done. There was no pattern to follow as we were just going with the flow and taking it step by step.

I used Lamb's Pride which is 85% Wool 15% Mohair and the color is Ocean Waves, made by Brown Sheep Company.

I'm pleasantly surprised by the outcome and just love the color, the tropical fizz adds a fun touch. I'm not sure what it is exactly ... to round to be a purse, handles to long to be a basket - hmmmm maybe I'll use it as my new knitting basket.

This was a fun learning experience and can't wait to jump into the next project. My friend and knitting teacher will be on vacation for 5 weeks so I'm flying solo on this next one. I think I'll try a purse or a pillow from the book Felted Knits. I need a simple pattern as I'm not 100% sure what all these abbreviation mean yet. Wish me luck!

Birthday Goddess

2009-05-31T22:42:00.003-04:00

I started out with wanting to make my mom a Birthday Goddess. The plan was to make a wire and bead goddess but we all know what happens when we plan things, don't we? It ended up in the trash, it just wasn't working - I think I need different wire. So back to the drawing board I went ...

I finally came up with the one pictured above - she is made from foamcore. I printed a pattern onto paper, traced it onto the foamcore and cut it out with a craft knife. Applied colored tissue paper and dry brushed Luminere paint to give it some sparkle. Then I layered on some homemade paper to resemble a skirt and tied some fibers around her waist. My mom has a big heart so I thought her goddess should have one too. This one was made from heated and stamped fun foam that was cut out and painted. Above her head she holds wire which I twisted and added some stones to. I went with a green theme to represent May's birthstone of Emerald.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Oh BTW the idea to use foamcore came from the March/April 2002 issue of Somerset Studio

Tin Lizzy

2009-03-29T14:34:00.004-04:00

Okay so maybe its not tin but I just liked the sound of "Tin Lizzy"...

I've had this big black metal CD rack that resembles a lizard hanging on my wall for years. I loved it when I first bought it oh about 12 years ago but it has been begging me to just "do something" with it for awhile now. So I took it down, gave it some paint and I plan to hang it outside as a planter.

I'm thinking about screwing one of those square pots behind it near the bottom, maybe some ivy or a vining flower to climb up the lizard - hmmmmm, any thoughts?

She's at it again!

2009-03-10T10:55:00.002-04:00

Yup, I'm at it again, I'm moving my creative space. Hopefully this time it will feel right and just be full of inspiration and creativity.

As you may recall the last move gave me my own space and by the windows, I had everything pretty organized and felt happy with my space until ... DH invaded my space and took over. The space has become total chaos to me and I can't even go in there without getting upset and feeling overwhelmed.

I'm tired of feeling uninspired, I want to make things, I want to get back to exploring my creative side but for that I need to have the appropriate space. Of course the space won't be 100% mine, when you have kids nothing is ever yours alone but I don't mind sharing my space with them because my boys are an inspiration. As a matter of fact they are at art class right now with Ms Carroll, she's awesome and I would love to be able to stay and play too!

I recently tried to jump back into one of my yahoo groups, thought I would try to make something for the monthly lottery - "green and gold" was the theme, but for the life of me I couldn't get it to click. Every combo of those two colors ended reminding me of Christmas and not spring, I just could not make it work.

Then there was my parents 40th wedding anniversary last week, I was going to make something for that but again just could not make it work. So its time for a change and hopefully a fresh start with lots of inspiration. Right now I'm in limbo and still have to reorganize and finish moving everything. For someone who claims to not have many art supplies I sure have managed to collect alot of "stuff".

:)

Something New

2009-02-23T10:51:00.003-05:00

Yes, I'm learning something new ... I'm learning to knit.

A friend of mine makes these wonderful creations, she knits and then felts them. Honestly I had no idea what felting was until she opened my eyes. I always thought felted items were just cut and stitched from pieces of felt you got at the craft store. I had no idea how much work goes into something like this - amazing!

I think I was supposed to be making a chick for Easter but I haven't had my second lesson yet so I've just keep on knitting and probably have gone beyond what was needed for the chick. I still kinda feel like I'm "all thumbs" but after a few rows I can usually get a good rhythm going.

Stay tuned for my knitting adventures ...

:)

Be Creative!

2009-02-20T09:47:00.002-05:00

Creativity is a great motivator because it makes people interested in what they are doing. Creativity gives hope that there can be a worthwhile idea. Creativity gives the possibility of some sort of achievement to everyone. Creativity makes life more fun and more interesting.
Edward de Bono

Suddenly I have the urge to do something creative today - hmmmm...

.

2008-07-31T22:37:00.001-04:00

Finally...

2009-02-07T11:14:00.003-05:00

Yes, its me - I'm here and I'm back online finally. Well kinda, I'm using painfully slow dial up (hey its cheep) so my online time is limited. I want to thank all of you who have left me comments and sent emails. I honestly do miss being a part of the altered art world.

Yesterday the kids were coloring at the table, my oldest had my Sharpies out - I figured someone might as well use them since I hadn't been brave enough to do any doodling with them. Well they were calling to me so I gave in and picked up two, grabbed some index cards that were sitting on the table. At first I found the size of the card odd and uncomfortable to work on. So I got out my paper cutter and blew the dust off of it, cut the cards into 2x2 squares. Then picked up a red ultra fine Sharpie and started to just doodle.

Wow, I actually did it - made something freehand without a plan, I just did it :)

That felt good so I got another 2x2 square and started with the black Sharpie and then the red. This one involved some thinking after the first few lines were made but still was pretty free form.

There I did it, I finally used my Sharpies, aren't you proud of me?

:)

.

2008-09-13T16:26:00.003-04:00

Good Things Do Happen

2008-01-27T14:36:00.000-05:00

One day I was just sitting here doing some "blog surfing" as I like to call it when I came upon SheetLoad of Cards and there was a contest so I entered. Turns out I was one of the 4 runners up and received four packages of clear stamps. How cool is that?

I've been wanting to try out the clear stamps but just haven't invested in them as of yet so this will give me a chance to try them out. See good things do happen!

Back to Basics - ATC Workshop

2008-02-09T17:20:00.000-05:00

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 : )

Me and My MS

2008-02-12T16:40:00.000-05:00

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/

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T10:20:00.005-05:00

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 : )

Arch ATC for The Artist Circle

2008-02-22T19:25:00.002-05:00

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.

You Make My Day Award!

2008-03-09T10:27:00.006-04:00

Jill, at Elinors Closet, surprised me with the "You Make My Day Award!"

The rules for the "You Make My Day" award are to re-present it to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness, inspiration and make you feel happy about blog land. Let them know through e-mail or by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware you may get the award several times, and if you do, consider yourself really, really loved. So to pass it on and keep the love going ~ here are 10 of the 100's of blogs that keep me inspired and bring a smile to my face. Please check them out when you have a few minutes...perhaps there are some new friends to be made!

Here are my 10:

Inka

Francine

Cindy

Sherre

Lori

Mary

Suzi Blu

Jeri

Pat

Suzan

ATC Mingle: Numbers

2008-03-09T18:06:00.004-04:00

Here is my entry for the bi-weekly mingle on Altered Start. The base is a regular playing card which was overlayed with dress pattern tissue. I added some inks and some embossing powder then added the two butterflies and the letter B which was also embossed on the edges.

I used my new Xyron 150 to adhere the butterflies. I picked it up on sale at Blick.com for under $10 and let me tell you this was the best $10 I ever spent. This thing is great, I know I will need to look into getting a bigger one for larger projects. Quick, easy and no messy glue. There is a fair amount of waste but I know I'll find a way to make use of the extra as well.

I'm adding a Xyron to the "Must Have" list for sure!

Button Fairy Swap

2008-03-17T09:48:00.007-04:00

Recently I hosted my very first swap, it was a learning experience for sure! But what an honor it was to receive all these wonderful button dolls from all the girls in the group. The hardest part was sending them back out. I was really tempted to keep them all and skip town : )

Here are my three for the Button Fairy Swap. They are alot of fun to make!

Fun Foam Embellishments

2008-03-29T19:16:00.006-04:00

I had some free time this afternoon and decided to try a technique from Sherrill Kahn's book Creative Embellishments For Paper, Jewelry, Fabric, and More. I used some black fun foam, my heat tool, stamps and some metallic paints. Things didn't turn out as good as expected but remember this was only my first attempt at something like this.

These pendants were not a success for me as I had a very hard time getting the foam to stick to itself before it melted into a bubbly mess. I did not attempt making beads since I was having trouble with this technique. So I moved on to some small square embellishments that I'm pretty pleased with. They will make a nice embellishment on something.

What did I learn from all of this?
I need a better assortment of stamps that are deep etched so that it will work with this technique. I actually raided my kids stamps for the small square ones. Good thing they weren't home.

I need a better assortment of paints. I own one color of Lumiere paint and one small bottle of copper acrylic. I'm sure my end results would have been better if I had more paint choices. Adding to my supplies list just keeps getting longer and longer. Who is nice enough to send me a gift certificate to Dick Blick or another one of the many online suppliers? Hey a girl can dream, can't she?

Will I use fun foam again? You bet I will, after all it was fun : )

Creative Embellishments is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it. I don't usually buy books since funds are limited and I would rather save it for supplies but this is one investment I don't regret. I'm very happy with the book and I know I will learn alot from it. I just love Sherrill Kahn's style!

Altered stArt Circle Mingle

2008-04-10T16:22:00.003-04:00

My inspiration came from a package of hole reinforcements I spotted at the dollar store. I applied some ink DTP from three stamp pads and then randomly added the hole reinforcements. I then dry brushed the whole card with gesso and then removed the reinforcements to expose the colored circles.

Then I found the center piece of plastic from a roll of tape and dipped that in the gesso and stamped it onto the cardstock around the smaller circles. I loved the way it looked and as always I did not want to cover it up so it has a simple image and a small piece of puncanella. I rounded the corners and finished it off by edging it with more ink.

I may or may not add some text. So far anything I tried I did not like as it takes away from the background. I did just order some small ABC stamps the other day so I might be able to use them on this piece.

I won the Spring Lottery

2008-04-19T16:43:00.004-04:00

I recently won the Spring Lottery on Altered_stArt so I need to find a new home for my entry. Since I won I don't have anyone to send it off to so I've decided to do my first blog giveaway.

I will use a program I have called The Hat to randomly pick a name from the comments posted below. Drawing will be held on Sunday April 27, 2008

The prize is this cute button doll I made after taking part in a Button Fairy Swap. I had so much fun making them I wanted to use the same idea for my entry in the Spring Lottery. Thanks to all the wonderful people I have met on my art groups and those I have crossed paths with while blog surfing. You have all been so encouraging and a wonderful inspiration now its my turn to offer you all something!

Found Treasures

2008-04-26T10:22:00.003-04:00

Look at the goodies I found while walking on the beach the other night!

Instead of my normal walk along the water I decided to walk the top side of the beach, along the dunes to see what inspiring things I could find and this is what caught my eye.

I already have some creative ideas for these and can't wait to see how it all turns out : )

And the winner is . . .

2008-04-28T12:13:00.005-04:00

TickledPink said...

Fantastic work, as usual! I would feel privileged to own some of your artwork. Consider me "entered". :-)

Thanks to all of you who took the time to stop by and leave a comment. Keep your eyes open for another blog giveaway in the future, this was alot of fun!

Altered Book Worshop

2008-05-03T19:30:00.007-04:00

This past month (April) we worked on an Altered Book Workshop at The Artist Circle. I've been following along best I can but with my eczema outbreak my hands are so sore I haven't been able to do much.

I did manage to get the pages sanded, gessoed and painted for step one. Then I experimented with different papers to cover the pages as the base. I used some printed tissue paper. My wrinkles for texture were a bit to wrinkly for me so I wrinkled less on the next group of pages.

I used some sewing pattern tissue - my favorite, and that gave the pages a nice aged look. I'm now out of dress pattern tissue so I'll have to hit the thrift store for more, I just love the stuff.

And finally I used some blank pages from my son's writing tablet. I didn't have any old book pages that would fit my board book so I figured the lightness of the tablet paper would give it the same look minus the text, which I can stamp on if need be. I was disappointed that the base color did not show through as I had hoped.

I'm not happy with the way this book is going but I know its all an experiment and will continue to work in it. I may or may not go with a theme as suggested, maybe I'll just keeping trying new things and then work on another book once I find what works for me. I also think I'm better off with a smaller board book as this one is bigger then those chunky square ones.

In the end its all a learning experience and I always find a new technique along the way that I can use in other creations. The next step is to use some cat's eye fluid chalk but I don't have any so I'll figure something out or maybe splurge on myself for Mother's Day and pick some up this week.

Art Partner Challenge

2008-05-29T20:15:00.002-04:00

I recently took part in May's Art Partner challenge on The Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts yahoo group and this is my finished card.

The rules are pretty simple, Inka will send you one stamp, one card and one embellishment. You get to choose the background and the technique. Winner receives a $10 gift certificate, plus all 10 people get to keep the stamp Inka sends.

This was a lot of fun for me and not something I normally do, stamping and card making so I'm glad I had the chance to play. The angel stamp is great and I know I'll be using her again. I see a shaker card with micro beads coming soon!

The background is three colors of ink that were applied DTP then drybrushed with gesso and added a hint of pearlizing medium across the card. I added pink lace, paper flowers and stamped the text.

I also added a pearl to the middle flower which was the embellishment that was sent with the stamp.

Of course it always looks better in person : )