More Christmas Tags! :)

More Christmas tags! :) I'm having a lot of fun working with these small substrates! A nice way to put together a quickie collage!

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This is small laminate tag sample. The image is from Lisa's Altered Art. Isn't she darling?! :)

Stamped the tag with StazOn and glued on the red dots and "branches" in the corner.

A larger (3x5 inch) laminate tag sample. This is an "altered" tag that I primed w/ clear gesso and the washed w/ shimmery acrylic paint. Stamped musical score in Olive StazOn and then stamped snowflakes in glitter paint and glued on the dryer sheet background under the main image. Cut the prongs off of the snowflake brads and then glued them on, too! Image is from a seller on ebay. It is a vintage postcard image.



Another 3x5 laminate tag sample. Also clear gesso-ed and acrylic washed. Stamped flourishes in Blazing Red StazOn. Green "lace" on the bottom is some of my super cool cheapo Dollar Store paper lace. I colored with Peeled Paint Distress Ink. Gold skeleton leaves under main image (from Lisa's Altered Art). Wings edged with glitter glue and bow glued onto the corner.

Medium shipping tag crumpled and distressed with Distress Inks. Tattered Rose and Weathered Wood. Musical score stamped in Weathered Wood. Edged with some homemade paper and glued glittered button on the corner. Image is from Altered Pages.

Thanks for looking and ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON!!!!

Anniversary 5x7 Flip Book Done! Yippie! :)

I finished my In-Law's Flip Book! As London would say "Yay, me!". (Do any of you have kids that watch The Suite Life of Zack and Cody???)

I wanted to have this ready for my IL's 50th Anniversary party in Sept. Ah, well, better late than never, I suppose! :)

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I asked my MIL and FIL for their favorite colors, some of their favorite photos, and to provide 3 words that best described their spouse. I designed this 5x7 book for them using all of their information.
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There are 10 small flaps in the book. 2 Flaps have my IL's names, 5 of the flaps have the words they chose for each other (one word was common........therefore 5 instead of 6), the remaining 3 flaps have the names of their 3 sons. Good thing they had 3 kids! LOL!!!!
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Front: College photos of my IL's -- aren't they great?! :)
Note: If you cannot find a metal "A" in your stash, take your extra "V" and turn it upside down!







Top view:







Front view, open:






Ah, the kids! I'm sure my BIL's and my hubby will LOVE that I'm sharing these pics with you! LOL!!! Especially the bottom right....nice wig, Doug!







My "family shot" pull out page. Top pic is in Japan around 1968 or so, middle pic is on my wedding day in 1988, and the bottom pic is at the 50th Anniversary party this last Sept, 2007.
On the very back page I placed a photo taken of all of the grandkids at the Anniversary party. You can't see it, but on the inside front page I have my IL's wedding photo dated 1957. The back page has the date w/ the grandkids 2007.


REMEMBER, TO SEE THE AWESOME TUTORIAL FOR THESE WONDERFUL (AND EASY TO MAKE) BOOKS, SEE:
LISA SOMERVILLE'S BLOG:
http://lisasomerville.blogspot.com/2007/08/4-x-4-bind-it-all-flip-book-tutorial.html

2 Christmas Flipbooks......

I finished 2 Christmas Flipbooks for my son's teachers this weekend! Woo Hoo! I'm leaving these blank so they can use as a quickie Christmas album or......???

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I purchased a large pad of Christmas papers from Joann's and we have all been having fun making some Christmas projects with them.
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For the pattern to this awesome little book, see Lisa Somerville's blog/tutorial here:
http://lisasomerville.blogspot.com/2007/08/4-x-4-bind-it-all-flip-book-tutorial.html



Christmas Flipbook 1:





Christmas Flipbook 2:

5x7 Flipbook

I have been wishing and washing over what to make for my in-laws this Christmas. I have some lovely photos (their wedding picture, pictures of them in college, some pics of their kids when young, etc) that I want to incorporate into a nice project for them. I really wanted to make them a cool altered canvas.....but, I thought it might be a little too "artsy" for them.

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Along comes my "Queen in Shining Armor"....... Lisa Somerville! :) She posted a fabby flipbook project on her blog with a tutorial! It uses supplies I have AND I get to play with my Bind-it-All. Please see Lisa's project and tutorial here: http://lisasomerville.blogspot.com/2007/08/4-x-4-bind-it-all-flip-book-tutorial.html
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My version is a 5x7 book. I am going to embellish with the photos I mentioned above. I asked my In-Laws for their favorite colors, their favorite photos, and some words to describe each other. (Their colors were blue, green, purple, and silver) All of these tid-bits will be incorporated into the final book.



Here is a sneak peek at the "un-embellished" book! I'll post the finished project (hopefully SOON!)

Altered 3x5 Laminate Tags

Yesterday I had an Art Playdate with my friend Sherre. We had a great time chatting and experimenting. I was hoping to complete a collage piece or two from some Laminate Tags that I had prepped. I ordered some 3x5 Laminate Tag samples. I prepped the surface with clear gesso. (I wanted some of the original tag colors to come through....they are really pretty as is! :) I then layered several acrylic washes over the gesso.

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I was able to finish two tags. They just need some fiber attached for hanging! :)

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The Asian Tag background is stamped with Ma Vinci images. The focal image is from Inka Stamps. The fun lace at the bottom is an awesome Dollar Store find! Adhesive backed paper lace. I colored with Distress Inks and Krylon Gold Leafing pen. I did some Krylon Gold swirls by hand and finally glued on the Asian Coin embellishments.

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The Christmas Fairy Tag background is stamped with a great flourish stamp (JudiKins; Number 2625H) that I borrowed from Sherre. I stamped with Olive StazOn ink. (not very "olive" if you ask me, but the color was perfect for this collage! :) The strip of paper on the right is from a Crayon Resist Background swap I received. The focal image is from Lisa's Altered Art. I gave a final touch of glitter glue to the wand. :)

Finally Done! The Project that would not end! LOL!

I'm soooooooooo happy! :) I have finally finished the project I have been working on for weeks! You know how you think you have a great idea for a gift...... then you try and execute and nothing really works out as you planned???

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I wanted to make a "Big Sister" gift for my son's First Grade teacher who is expecting a little boy in November. We are having a shower for her next week. Her daughter, Sophie, is 2 and 1/2 and very excited to meet her baby brother!

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My experience has been that "big" brothers and sisters like shower gifts MORE than the new baby! LOL!! So, I decided to make a book for Sophie.

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I started with 8x8 thick chipboard which I purchased on Ebay. It is very nicely cut and I was really happy with the quality. Sophie's favorite colors are pink and yellow. So, the colors of the book should be no shock to you! LOL!!

I painted the chipboard with acrylics......3 layers later, I decided that I should have primed w/ gesso first! It took about 6 coats of paint before I got the look I wanted for the base color! (live and learn........)

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I stamped the background with acrylics and then glued on the background papers. I glued and sealed everything with Matte Medium as I went along.

I used punches for the circle and squares for the letters. I wasted some time my stamping every circle and square with Versamark flowers...... of course, you can't see them at all now! (sigh)

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I stamped all of the letters with acrylic and used die cut letters for the big "S"'s. The S on the front of the book is a wooden one that I painted and stamped.

It is a very simple book, but the bits and pieces and detailing took me FOREVER!!!! Plus, I had to wait for the acrylic and Matte Medium to dry before I could move onto the next step.

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Finally, I sealed everything with 3 light coats of PYMII. This prevents the pages from sticking together and will protect the colors from fading!

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And now, for Sophie:

"My S Book":

And the Winner is............

MOONWILLOW!!!

You have won the 4 Halloween ATCs!! Please email me your snail mail address and I'll pop them into the mail for you by Friday!

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Thank you to everyone who participated!! I enjoyed all of your wonderful comments and compliments!! You really made this last week fun and entertaining!!

Halloween ATC Giveaway! :)

How many of you remember me saying "I'm never making any more ATCs!". Well, I'm pulling a James Bond -- "Never Say Never......". I just could not resist making some quickie ATCs with these great little Vintage Halloween images! :)
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A quick print, a quick spray of PYMII (to prevent smearing of the images while gluing!), and some cutting, inking, and assembling. :) It felt really good to get something from brain to paper all in one sitting! Woo Hoo! :)

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Now, since I don't collect ATCs, I have decided to give 4 of these away! If you like ATCs or Halloween and would like a chance to win 4 (of my choice) of these ATCs, just leave a comment with your full name and email address! (Make sure and type both your name and email in the comments section.....even if you have a Blogger account!)

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I'll draw a random winner the morning on Wednesday, October 10.

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Here they are! :) I purchased the background papers at a local scrapping store that went out of business.

4 of the ATCs open up with a little "scary" sentiment...... :)

And now, back to our regularly scheduled programming......

Ok. I have been tagged (several times) and also linked up to a "blog award" (a Nice Award! :)

I'm just not one to participate in these because I have such a limited time to create art and try and keep up with my Yahoo Groups.

So, why am I posting this at all?? Because I have guilt! LOL!! For whatever reason (past life experience?? sub-conscious chatter??) I feel guilty about a lot of things. I hold onto it forever and it eats into me...... I still feel guilty about the way I broke up with my college boyfriend! *sigh*

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So, I'm freeing myself of the guilt by acknowledging all of your kind tags and award nominations!! Please don't think that I am ignoring you or being mean......!! I appreciate your thoughtfulness AND the fact that you even read my blog in the first place!!! :) :) Thank you for thinking of me...... it does mean a lot! :)

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And now.......back to our regularly scheduled programming...........

An Oldie........but, thought I would post it anyway! :) Altered Glass Plates

I made these "altered" glass plates for Christmas gifts last year. They were fun and easy and a big hit!! :) I thought I would go ahead and post them here since I don't have anything new to share right now! :) :) :)

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I used clear glass plates. (I bought mine at the thrift store for .79 cents) Everything is affixed to the underside of the plate. I used Royal Coat Decoupage Glue {interjection: I think Gel Medium would also work well here......} to glue the stickers and silk leaves onto the plates. (the leaves are some old "fall leaves" from a silk spray of flowers) Smooth out w/ foam brush or your fingers. (Remember when you use the stickers, you have to put on the plate picture side down/sticky side UP.......can get tricky to place, but the sticky-ness is overcome very easily by 1 swipe of glue.) You can reposition your leaves, stickers, paper, etc for a short while until the glue starts to set up.
**Side Note: I think coating your stickers, leaves, or any images with PYMII would be a great way to prevent smearing and/or fading of your images/objects!! You would also be able to use inkjet images if coated with PYMII!!**
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For the "Abstract Plate", I used a combination of dye inks and the glue. Smeared it around. I would recommend alcohol inks if you have them. The glue/ink combination can remain sticky even after dry. I did seal w/ 2 coats of glue and then 2 coats of polyurethane. Seemed to help tremendously w/ the sticky-ness, however the glue/ink is still "soft".

For the sticker/leaf plate. I painted over the dried glue w/ acrylic paints. I used a combination of metallic and non metallic colors and used 2-3 layers. Depending on the brush you use, you will have some "thin" areas. The 2nd coat of paint will show thru these areas. You can also leave blank areas on purpose to get a more bold color combination.

After everything dried, I used 2 more coats of the decoupage glue (Mod Podge or Gel Medium should work fine here, too) and then 2 layers of polyurethane. (do this OUTSIDE!!)

To be sure, leave the plate to cure for 2-4 days. (to make sure everything is dry and set) You may now very carefully wash the plate in warm soapy water and YES you can use the plate to serve cookies or candy or other tidbits! :)

Another idea I had (but have not executed yet......) A memory plate!! One using paper ephemera, small 3D objects, and photos from a vacation or special occasion!! FUN!!!!

Stickers and acrylic paints:

Silk leaves and acrylic paints

"Abstract": Elmer's glue and dye inks: (In the future I think I would try Gel Medium and/or Decoupage Glue for this. Alcohol inks direct to glass would also be a cool effect!)

"Dots" Altered Book Challenge

As with many of my art projects, this started as something much different! :) I was hoping to make an altered book as a baby gift......it started off OK, but as soon as I added paint to the first page I got a ton of page buckling................sigh............ (I have since ordered a cool blank chipboard book to alter instead.)

I decided to turn this book into my "Experimental Altered Book". On the new Yahoo group: The Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts, there is a Monthly Altered Book Challenge. The October Challenge is "Dots".

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So, here you have it folks, my "take" on the Dots Theme:

* I base painted the pages with thinned Yellow Acrylic paint.

* I blotted some blue acrylic paint over the yellow with a paper towel.

* I added some homemade colorwash sprays (rubbing alcohol and StazOn Ink reinkers) in red, orange and yellow.

* I added some drops of Ultramarine Blue StazOn ink directly from the reinker bottle.

* I closed the book and smooshed the pages together and quickly reopened. I blotted the blue StazOn puddles with kleenex. Well, the kleenex stuck to the ink! LOL!!! Not to worry........acrylic wash to the rescue!!

* I went over the pages again with a thinned yellow acrylic paint wash to blend the kleenex into the page! :)

* I added a few more paper towel blots of red acrylic paint.

* I used some different sized punchinella to stencil on some dark and light blue acrylic paints.

* I glued on the images, added the wording with a label maker and finally added some White Sailor Pen dots!

Mini File Folder - *Tri-Fold* and *Triptych* Cards!

Love the look of those fabulous Triptych and Tri-Fold cards?? Here is a quick and simple way to make a one using mini file folders! Woo-Hoo! :) :)

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First, get yourself over to: Outside the Margins. Aileen has these great mini file folders to use for this tutorial! She has superb customer service and fabby supplies!

1) Take 2 white mini file folders and open. Arrange the folders so the short tabs are facing each other at the top.

2) Slide the left folder over the right and glue into place with your favorite paper glue. Allow to dry.

3) Voila! Instant tri-fold or Triptych card to decorate! :) [ok, technically, a Triptych's outer panels are smaller than the center panel. All you have to do is trim your side panels with your nifty paper cutter and you're ready to go!!]

Here is a trifold card I made using the above tutorial:

I brayed on ink all over the front and back of the card and allow it to dry. (I used an Autumn Leaves Kaleidacolor Stamp Pad) I stamped the images with several colors of Distress Inks. The main image on the outer front part of the card is stamped in Brilliance Black ink.

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The main image on the inside of the card (center panel) is a cool image from Twisted Papers printed on a transparency. I painted the back of the transparency with metallic bronze acrylic paint. I glued the image to the card and then added the key and lock brads. The photo of the inside of the card is a little funky because it was difficult to photograph the transparency without getting a lot of glare.

Closed Card:

Opened Card:

Now, just think of all of the possibilities!! You can make windows, doors, secret niches, use 3D objects, make a shrine, attach more folders for an accordian card, etc. etc. Hours and hours of fun for the whole family!!! :) :)

Framed one of my Abstract Pieces

I actually framed one of my Abstract Crackle pieces. I like how it looks and I may enter it in our local non-juried art fair. I have until Oct 1 to decide. The frame is 12 x 16 inches. I "doctored" the mat with a little rust and blue mica powder to bring out the colors in the painting.

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If I decide to enter the piece in the fair, I have to price it. Hmmmmmm....... that's a new thing for me. I can put together the subjective part of the price, (materials, time, etc......) it's the objective pricing that I'm having a hard time with. Does anyone out there have any guidelines that you can recommend??

Thanks in advance! :)

"Harvest in Blue"

Crackle Paste/Acrylic Experiments

I made 3 backgrounds on masonite today. I used some of my "oh, what a bargain!" crackle paste that I found on Ebay. It is intended for indoor decoration, but I gave it a go w/ acrylics anyway! LOL! :)

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Here they are..........
After the crackle paste dried, I layered several different acrylic washes over the boards. After the layers dried, I tried to highlight the peaks with contrasting colors. I splattered one with yellow at the end. My son says it looks like "space"......... :)

The crackle from the particular paste is pretty subtle. I guess I'm gonna have to break down and buy some Golden Crackle Paste. I can't believe that NONE of the local art stores around here carry it! What is up with that?!?
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As usual, I have no idea what I'm going to do with them now.............sigh............ maybe I'll just frame one and call him "Art"! :)

Kid's Projects! Come see! :)

My kids were inspired by the Blog: Bent Objects to make their Dad's birthday gifts. Check out the blog (very fun!!) for some great art and a terrific sense of humor! :)
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Here are what the kids came up with:


My son (6 1/2 yrs.) made a wire sculpture of our old doggie (my husbands favorite). I helped a little with the execution, but the idea and design were all his!!! :)

My daughter (12 yrs) designed this really cool skiing sculpture of her father. She worked really hard on this..............

Aren't they great?!? (Mom says proudly!!! LOL!!)

At Last!!!! Some art!! Happy Birthday, Hubster!

Quickie Update: Thank you to everyone who replied with comments and encouragement on this collage! I have made a decision to leave as is. "Whimsical" was a word used by someone ...... I like that! :)
Answer to lyrics question: Band: Styx. Song: Crystal Ball - 1976
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Whew!!! Kids back in school, a few house projects under my belt, and a little time for some art! YIPPIE!!!!
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Here is an altered canvas collage I made for my hubby's birthday. I hope he likes it. It is certainly not a unique idea, but the subject matter is quite unique to us! LOL!!!
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**This is an 11x14 inch canvas. I used several layers of acrylic paint (thinned with Matte Medium) for most of the layers. I used paper towels to blot the paint to create the textures. I (obviously) used blues and white. I did use some Micaceous Iron Oxide in the mix to "darken" things up a bit.
**I added some stamped flourishes and birds to the canvas. (Flourishes in acrylic paint, birds in Brilliance Black Ink)
**I printed the car image and the photos with my Inkjet printer and sealed them with PYMII. (Let me tell you a bit about Preserve Your Memories II sealer.....LOVE IT! I had NO smearing of the images when I slathered on Matte Medium, Gel Medium, and paint! Yeeha! This stuff is worth every cent!)
**I then added some song lyrics from one of my hubby's favorite bands. Who can tell me the name of the song and the band????
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I hope it is masculine enough......what do you think?? Is it too "foofy"? I tried to keep it pretty clean, but I HAD to add those flourishes!! LOL!!! :)

Coffee Gril Survey.........Ok, it's not art......but, kinda fun! :)

This is what I turned out to be..........a Plain Ole Cuppa Joe..........LOL!!!

You Are a Plain Ole Cup of Joe

But don't think plain - instead think, uncomplicated You're a low maintenance kind of girl... who can hang with the guys Down to earth, easy going, and fun! Yup, that's you: the friend everyone invites. And your dependable too. Both for a laugh and a sympathetic ear.

What Kind of Coffee Girl Are You?

Crayon Batik Background Technique

The latest background technique posted on the Yahoo Group: Arttechniques is:

Crayon Batik (by Glenda Bailey) It looked quick, fun, and colorful!! :)

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Here is my version!

Supplies I used:

Inexpensive Acrylic Paint

Foam Brush

Disposable Paper Cup

90lb. Watercolor Paper

Wax Paper

Crayons

Iron

Text Paper

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I started by randomly scribbling colors onto the Watercolor paper. Obviously, you could work with a pattern or specific color scheme...... use your imagination and have fun! :)

Crumple the paper over and over and use your muscles......even step on it! Get some good cracks goin' on here! :) Flatten out and lay onto heat protected/paint protected work surface. Cover with text paper and iron with hot/dry iron until crayon is melted.

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Mix a "dollop" of acrylic paint (I used purple......the darker the color, the more dramatic the veins) and a "smidge" of water. Mix with a foam brush. Slap on a good coat of the diluted paint over the entire piece. Allow to soak in for a minute. Cover with wax paper and iron until the excess paint has "evaporated" off........

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If desired (I did) you may cover with another light coat of the diluted paint and allow to air dry.

Here is what my wax paper looked like after I was done! Cool!

Here is the wax paper over text. Will be fun to play with as texture and overlays! Yeeha!

Other ideas:

Instead of Watercolor Paper use:

Mulberry paper, text weight paper, construction paper, text pages from dictionary or other books, deli paper, heavy duty paper towel, brown paper bag......

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In place of diluted acrylic paint use:

diluted dye reinker, diluted watercolors, diluted calligraphy ink.....

HAVE FUN!!!!!!