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.

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!

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 : )

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/

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 : )

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.

Are You the Lucky Winner?

Catherine is giving away two copies of her book, Art from the Heart on her blog and YOU could be the lucky winner.

So hop on over and tell her I sent ya!

Bees Wax Collage

This was done back in October. It was my first attempt at bees wax and I loved working with the wax. Now that I look at it I see things that I don't like, the scale is totally off as I only had an 8x10 canvas to work on. It was a great experience and can't wait to try it again when I have better supplies.




Speaking of supplies, I received an email the other day from Schmooze With Suze and was excited to see this great new tool - a Hot Wax Stylus. This new tool has now been moved to the top of my wish list. Not only is it the small flat iron I wanted but it does so much more!

Good Things Do Happen

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!

You've come a long way baby!

I wanted to share some of my first attempts at making ATC's. Why embarrass myself like this? Why not, its a great way to see how my art has progressed these past 6 months and maybe it will give others who are just starting out the confidence to give it a try. I know I was very overwhelmed when I fist began my journey. Luckily I found some great groups and made new friends who have been a blessing to me.

This is the very first ATC I made. It was nothing more then a playing card covered with an image from a magazine. I then added a quote I printed from the computer along with some ribbon and a real shell at the bottom. I didn't have any paints so I used nail polish to give it some sparkle.


This one was my first 4x4 for a swap after joining my first yahoo group. The background is just a plain brown paper bag. Working on a larger scale was fun!


And here is a small slideshow of some of my early creations - enjoy : )