Awesome Class!!!

Hi All: Well yesterday was so fun!!! I took 2 classes at Stamp Asylum in Plano from the Phenomenal Anita Houston!!! First was the Encaustic Wax class- by using tools, techniques,and Anita's wonderful teaching skills we all able to make some really fun and beautiful pictures. Playing with the wax is really fun and relaxing. You kinda don't want to stop. Seriously; I'm not kidding! Here's one of my attempts. I know it's not wonderful but totally fun. If you go to Anita's website The Artful Maven (theartfulmaven.blogspot.com) you'll find amazing pictures she's done using Encaustic Wax. As for me its practice, practice, practice. The second class- Let's get Artsy Tags- This was a mixed media class. We used several different products-ink sprays, distress paint, embossing paste, and stamps. Anita showed us how to combine these items to make some really colorful, interesting, and fun pieces. Here's one of mine.

colorful owl

Hi Everyone: At the end of last month I took a card class at Stamp Asylum in Plano Texas. The instructor was the Awesome Melody Winston. We each got to make 4 cards using fun techniques and stamps by Just for Fun. Of course I had to have them all but, settled for just a couple. One of the stamps is this gorgeous owl stamp. I love it. Every Monday Simon Says stamp has a challenge. (simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge) The name of the Challenge for this week is Lions & Lambs, oh my. So I used my new stamp to play along. As usual I hope you like it!!

journey -CC3C #24

Morning All- Yep I'm participating a challenge again. This time I'm using these blank books I found in Target's dollar section. I wish now I had grabbed more because they are now all gone. . To check out this challenge just go to lindaledbetter.com and click the CC3C tab .To find the techniques we use a book by Tim Holtz- Compendium of Curiosities volume III. You can go to his website timholtz.com. Go to search and type Compendium of Curiosities III. And you be able to purchase an autographed copy like I did. This particular challenge is sponsored by The Funkie Junkie Boutique (thefunkiejunkie.com) . And don't forget that Tim and Mario donated amazing prizes! Now onto the cover. First I stamped and inked this cute little bird, and nest. used the technique and then put some glue n seal to protect my colors. The I inked the cover of the books with several colors of distress ink. I then applied a ripped portion of a tag that I used a wood texture fade and inked with distress ink. Then from my stash a few leaves and cheese cloth. Supplies : Remnant Rubs- elements & Botanical Stamp sets- Bird Feather(cms180) and Bird Crazy (cms312) Distress Ink- Pink Raspberry, Broken China, Stormy Sky, Squeezed Lemonade and Cracked Pistachio. Die cut- Sizzix Alteratons - Garden greens

Believe

Hi All: I'm feeling a little whimsey today. My hubby and I have been going to the gym and I have way too much energy for this icy evening!! Since the Simon Says Stamp monday challenge (simonsaysstamp.com/mondaychallenge/) this week is just a hint of clover and I wish it was greener, warmer,and calmer here, i made this whimsical fairy tag. Hope you like it.

Observations

Hi all: March is here and it is time for a new Tim Holtz tag (12 tags of 2015)!! It took me 2 days to find where I stored the mask sheets. I'm weird! I can't start a new project until I have everything I need. I love learning new techniques; mainly because they move me out of my comfort zone. I seriously never thought of using embossing powder with the paste. Now that I have I will definately use this technique again. I hope you like what I created.

Skiing scrapbook page

Hi All: Since there's snow on the ground here in Texas I decided to go old school and scrapbook today. I have several boxes of pictures that have been sitting around for years!! I started digging through and realized my neglected photos have become unorganized. I had them all in envelopes with dates, events, holidays, etc.... You get the picture. I know my youngest has gotten into them, as well as her older sister. The fact is I will have to reorganize them. For today though I went looking for winter themed pictures. I ran across a set where my 2 oldest and their friend went skiing. Now to find the right paper. I decided to use a couple pages of Bo Bunny's Altitude. I made 3 photo mat's using Tim Holtz's Alterations die postage stamp die. I also used a couple stickers for the Altitude sticker sheet, and a adorable snowflake made by Jodi Norris. And Since the challenge on Simon Says stamp Monday Challenge Blog (simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge) is No Rule I'm entering this page. Actually I think I bought this paper there!! Hope you like it!!

CC3C#22

Hi Everyone: I'm still in my creative mode. This time I was inspired by a picture on Pinterest. I'm pretty sure most of us have a Pinterest account. I originally used mine to post my challenge projects. Since then it's become a source of inspiration. I'm constantly looking for color pairings, Interesting pictures of objects with textures (doors,windows,gates), and of course any pin by The (goes in front of each name)-Jan, Anita, Paula, Richele, Emma, Gabrielle, and of course Mr. Holtz. I keep adding to these names every day. Last week I ran across a picture of rust/lichen the colors are amazing in this picture. Seriously when I looked at it I pictured Picked Raspberry, Salty Ocean, Cracked Pistachio & Seedless Preserves. So I took this color palette and started inking. The texture in the picture is varied; there is eroded, smooth, bumpy, shiny. When I created my version of this picture I used Verdigris embossing powder, Vintage Photo Distress powder, and Glossy Accents. For this challenge @ Linda Ledbetters CC3C requires a Dimensional Cutting Pad by Sizzix. I used it to cut the butterfly and then used to cut a mini flourish. Then I used the Tim Holtz rust technique on the flourish with the vintage photo stain and Distress powder. I of course had to use my now favorite Tim Holtz Flourish stencil with the Ditress embossing ink and then the Verdigris embossing powder (Ranger). to complete my tag I used an industrial frame, word band, and pearl and altered the color with Teakwood Alcohol Ink. All these items can be purchased at The Funkie Junkie Boutique (www.funkiejunkie.com). I hope you like it. . As per requested I'm putting a picture of the products I used.

Pink w/ heart and feathers

Hi all- I'm in a creative mode this weekend. As my husband and I were walking this trail with our puppies I saw a heart carved in a tree. You know you just have to smile. I really couldn't tell how old it was. You know the kind- a simple heart with initials carved in the middle. Boom the creative mood sparked so I started playing with ink and paper when we got home. If you don't have any of Tim Holtz new stencils this one is a must!! It's called Flourish (THS032) LOVE IT!!!! I will probably over use it. I pulled out the tried and true heart wings die. First I stained my tag with Picked Raspberry Distress stain. Next I used Festive Berries distress stain on the heart, then used the Wendy Vechi embossing paste with the flourish stencil on both. Seriously I loved this background!!! I didn't want to cover it up. Then I pulled out the foil tape my husband gave me. I applied it to card stock and used my new favorite die- Feathered duo die from Tim Holtz Alterations. This die comes with an embossing folder. Yep I will probably over use this also. So I cut the feathers out and embossed then painted them with Picked Fence Distress paint. Used one of the little stamps from the beautiful Botanical Sketch stamp set (Stampers Anonymous). I also pulled a few items from my stash. I think the love is from blue fern studios. All this stuff you can get at Simon Says Stamp. (simonsaysstamp.com ) And since you know I love craft challenges-over at Simon Monday Challenge Blog (simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge) they are having a Red + Pink Challenge.I just have to join in. As usual I hope you like my creation.

Butterfly CC3C # 21

Hi all: This is the 21 challenge for the CC3C. I'm so grateful to blog owners, and Artist that issue these challenges!!! They keep me inspired to try my hand at different techniques, products, and tools. This challenge is by Linda Ledbetter (lindaledbetter.com); she's using a book called A Compendium of Curiosity volume III by Tim Holtz. These Challenges often have sponsors, for instance this one is sponsored by Inspiration Emporium (www.inspirationemporium.com) You must have the book and follow the challenge guidelines. Each technique is given to you in the book. The one for this challenge is fun and easy. The products I used were Distress Stain-Mustard seed. Distress Ink- Salty Ocean and Gathered Twigs. Distress Pen- Mowed Lawn. I also used Distress rock candy glitter, and distressing tool. Hope you like my tag.

February 12 tag of 2015

Hi All: My February tag for Tim Holtz's 12 tags of 2015 is done using tim's patchwork technique. This technique is totally fun. I made several tags and I am going to have to buy more ephemera. I hope you like this tag!!

1st Tag of 2015

Hi Everyone: So every month I look forward to creating a tag for Tim Holtz's 12 tags. I try to schedule myself time to create. This month however everything I touched I didn't like. I walked away from my craft table and just did other things. I started watching the CHA 2015 You Tube videos because it was raining and I couldn't go outside today. There are so many new awesome new dies, papers, trinkets, and inks that I think need to be in my tool boxes. Seriously I want almost every die in the first release for alterations line from sizzix and Tim Holtz. After watching the videos I was inspired. The result is the January tag for the 12 tags of 2015. I love the tissue paper technique he used, then I did it backwards and painted the tag instead of the tissue paper (Oops). I actually liked it so I ran with it. I sprayed on top of the tissue paper placed my chats, and numbers,and way over glittered my 5. I would say not my best but I like it and I hope you do to.Thanks for looking!!

digital Image

Hi Everyone: Happy New Year!!! A couple months ago I was asked to join a group called The Craft Hole on Facebook. I was both honored and terrified. This group does challenges, swaps, and encourage you to make youtube videos. For me that will be my challenge. I'm posting my first Swap- which is a tag.. I hope Jodi Likes it!!

Last tag of 2014

Hi All: Obviously this is my 12th tag for the 12 tags for 2014 which is the monthly challenge on the Tim Holtz Blog (timholtz.com). for this tag I didn't have a few of the items and so I improvised a little. I had to go hunting through my craft room which this month was a chore. I did the background technique which I totally love. I had the blue but not the silver so I tried using tarnished brass, even though the combination is pretty it wasn't the look I was going for so I did a total color change. I used peeled paint and tarnished brass. I really liked this combo. I then pulled out my tattered poinsettia die and went that way. To add a pop of color I went with red and silver accents. I sprinkled on my distress clear rock candy glitter. and done. And for my silver an idea-logy wreath . Hope you like it.

Noel CC3C #17

Happy Holidays Everyone: Seriously finding time to craft this time of year is a challenge !!! I really need to start my Christmas cards in August!! But I had to do this challenge. I had this log plaque in my stash, it inspired me to make a woodland scene. Hope you like it. . For this challenge I used some of the new distress stains- Peeled Paint and Walnut stain. I also used Walnut Stain distress paint for my letters then sprayed them with walnut stain spray and perfect pearls. Then I flicked Picked Fence distress paint everywhere. You can get all these items and more from the Challenges awesome sponsor- Inspiration Emporium (www.inpirationemporuim.com).

Jolly CC3C #16

Hi All: Here we are at the end of the 16th challenge for CC3C. Yep here I am at the last minute trying to finish. Seriously time management is not my friend lately!! I did a tag because this technique is so fun and easy that i just kept making backgrounds with it. Next thing I know I 10:30 pm central time and all I have is backgrounds. for this tag I used the festive stencil, evergreen and festive berry ink, embossing powder, Christmas word band and the stamp from the retro Christmas framelits set. hope you like it. If you want to get any of the items I used please check out this really fun website The Funkie Junkie Boutique (www.thefunkiejunkie.com).The have a great selection, tutorials, and a awesome blog. Seriously check them out

Braided layered leaf card

Hi all: It's been a month since I've really been able to do any crafting. Since I hadn't made my November card for Tim Holtz's 12 tags of 2014 and today is the 30th of November I figured I better get to it. I didn't have a few of the items he used so I improvised. I turned my tag into a braided edge card. hope you like it. I totally love these layerd dies that come with the texture fade.

Altered Book Cover

Hi: As you know I'm always looking for challenges. Lately I've been leaving things until the last minute. This isn't good because I tend to get into my projects and time gets away from me. This altered cover I was making for 2 challenges. OOP's missed a deadline, because I got into making the pages. ugh. Fortunately one of the challenges - Simon Says Monday Challenge ( http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/) is still open. This weeks challenge is anything goes. I altered this Tim Holtz cover using his Paper Stash collection. Hope you like it!! This is the front cover. This is the inside of the cover and some of the pages

Spider Elixir 12 tags 2014

Hi Everyone: Yep Halloween is right around the corner!! Since I live in a neighborhood with a ton of Trick or Treaters we are stocking up on the candy. I decided before the mad rush of getting ready for the busy night sets in I'd best get my October tag done for the Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2014. Fall is my favorite time of the year. So orange and purples for me. My tag show the spider going for the bottle of spider elixir. So the items I used are Spray stain- antiqued bronze, Ink- spiced marmalade,seedless preserves, and vintage photo on the edge. splatters stencil, archival ink jet black, texture paste, glossy accents, a mask sheet , Apothocary rem ant rubs, my stamp is Piosonsketcher stamp from stamper anonymous, alterations die cuts- tiny tabs and tags, and spider & 31 mover and shaker. Thanks so much

O is for Owl Birthday Card

Hi All: A few months ago I got to take a class from Karen Burniston (Elizabeth Craft Designs) at my local stamp store Stamp Asylum. She was amazing!!! One of the items I fell in love with and had to have was this owl die. I made this card that I'm entering into Simon Says Monday Challenge www.simonsaystampblog.com/mondaychallenge/ This is a pop up card using the Lorna Label PopUp and the Poppy the Owl dies. Hope you like it.

Photot Tinting CC3C#12

Hi again- This is the 12th challenge for CC3C. Crazy!! this time we are using Tim's photo Tinting technique. You can do so much with this technique. I choose to make a large tag. The Funkie Junkie Boutique is sponsoring this challenge which is just awesome. The shoppe is amazing! For this challenge I used several of Tim's products; found relatives,stars stencil,distress pens(black soot,ripe persimmon, and dusty concord), mini distress ink pads (spiced marmalade, seedless preserves). cheese clothe, huge tag, flower and gems from my stash made up the rest of the tags. hope you like it.

Haunted ATC cards

Hi All: While on Facebook I was invited to join a group called the Craft Hole. It is more like a crafting community, so far I love it. I'm a rookie so I'm trying to feel my way through. There are administrator's that find and assign the challenges. I like this because it takes me out of my comfort zone. I've heard of ATC cards but it wasn't something I'd ever done. Here's my first attempt.

Fall Butterfly Box

Hi All: I'm having so much creative fun following along with CC3C challenges over at lindaledbetter.com. We are now on challenge 11. This challenge is all about the effect powders. I went for the layered fall look in my creation. I love fall It is my favorite season. This challenge is sponsored by Inspiration Emporium tell me what ya think!!

Vintage Christmas Class

Hi All: I wanted to post this before I forgot. The second class I took from Richele Christensen was called Vintage Christmas. These cards are so cute!! If you take one of Richele's classes you will totally enjoy it. I'm a little in awe; seriously she measures, cuts, packages, and gives you detailed instructions on how to make these cards. This is a ton of work!!! we arrive and we have 4 pre-packaged card sets Then in 3 hours they look like this. Thanks again Richele!!!

Die Cutting Magic

Hi Everyone: This weekend I get to take classes from the Amazing Richele Christensen- This class showed us ways to use the frameworks dies from Tim Holtz in different ways. If you get a chance you should totally take classes from Richele!! When you get there she has put together everything you need to make the cards. Here's what we made today. . I'm missing the finished 4th card we made today. I'll put it up later. Great class!!! Tomorrow I'm attending her Vintage Christmas class. Can't wait.

Harlequin Butterflies

Hey All: I promised myself I would get the Tim Holtz's September tag out by the 15th and here it is. It took me several tries to get this technique to look anything at all like Tim's!!! I still need to practice more; it's the swiping part thats giving me fits. I used the Harlequin stencil and Pink Sherbet alcohol ink for my background. the butterfly stamp at the bottom is from the Fairytale Frenzy collection from Stampers anonymous. The other one is also SA. I used the ranger alcohol ink card stock for this I tried just my glossy card stock it really didn't look as nice. for the flowers i used the Tattered Flower garland die strip. the alcohol ink for the flowers is as follows- butterscotch, pink sherbet, wild plum, and stream. hope you like it. I totally forgot I also used some Idea-ology remnant rubs.