New Love

This weekend, I spent time with "my girls". You know the ones, who share your passions for paper crafting and memory keeping, love wine and good food, and know how to freak you out with a good scary movie and creepy looking dolly!

Wait, what?  That last part is only my friend, Sharon?  Oh okay, never mind...

Although this trip was planned in advance, I wasn't sure until the last minute if I would be able to go.  At a photo shoot a few weeks ago, I injured my foot - turns out I have plantar fasciitis. :(. But I missed the girls, despite our crazy fun weekend at the Encore Dance Crop a few weeks ago:

So luckily, my bags were still packed from that trip so the stress of a last minute decision to go was reduced slightly.  I did, at the last minute, throw in my Gelatos and some art journaling materials in case I didn't feel like working on something that a required concentration (or sobriety).

Once there, we spent so much time catching and laughing that we didn't get started until late on Friday.  I got an idea in my head to do a quote and some Zentangling ( is that a verb?) so I searched my Pinterest boards for a quote.

And then the fun began.

Once I had all the lettering done in pencil, I used a combination of my Sharpie and my favourite journaling pen, PaperMate Flair marker.  Once to lettering was done I started to add some tangles to a small circle... And immediately hated it!  So I cut a circle out of book paper and used Gelatos for a watercolour look - instant love!!

Unfortunately, I had a spill and discovered the Flair is not waterproof! :(

However, those who know me know that I always say that there are no mistakes in art, only happy accidents!  I used the bleeding to inspire me to add some strategic circles and rearrage a few letters. The smudge on the outer border was instantly covered with washi and voilà!

I think I've found my new love...

Modeling Paste & Stencils...

... go together like peas & carrots, cookies & milk, peanut butter & jelly!

Great.  Now I'm hungry.

I created this canvas earlier in the year and gave you a sneak peek, but just realized that I haven't shared the whole thing yet!  It's a labour of love, using Susan K. Weckesser's whimsical papers and various mixed media supplies:

Supplies:  Susan K. Weckesser patterned paper; ModPodge; LiquiTex modeling paste; Faber Castell Gelatos; DecoArt paint; Unity Stamp Co. and Just Cre8 stamps; The Crafter's Workshop stencil; Ranger Tim Holtz Distress ink; Basic Grey and Bo Bunny rub-ons; unknown canvas; copy paper.

I began by covering the canvas with torn pieces of patterned paper and ModPodge.  Using my fingers, I added some colour, sparingly, using paint.  Once dry, I used modeling paste with the stencil on the canvas for the butterfly image.

Once the modeling paste was dry, I scribbled the canvas with Gelatos and used a paintbrush and water to blend the colours.  I love how the Gelatos give it a shimmery, metallic look!

I then added rub-ons and stamped some images using my two favourite background Unity stamps (Chicken Wire Background and Vintage Handwritten) and Just Cre8 stamp for more texture.

To finish it off, I printed out my sentiment on plain paper, ModPodged it on and finished by adding some colour with the Gelatos, and some doodling.

"Tiaras & things & butterfly wings; that's what little girls are made of."

Aili has since confiscated this and put it on her shelf in her room. :)

Have you gotten messy today?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the other challenges on my blog for a chance to win:

September 2013 Sketchy Challenge (deadline:  Sep 30, 2013)
Leave Your Legacy: Top Ten Lists (deadline:  Nov 30, 2013

Tuesdays With The Team | Jul 30

I'm up on the Canadian Scrapbooker magazine blog with the weekly Tuesdays With The Team inspiration!

Today I'm sharing my She-Art canvas that I created last month.  You can also view this blog post on the CS blog here.

Supplies used:  Graphic 45 patterned paper; ModPodge; DecoArt, Americana and CraftSmart paints; LiquiTex modeling paste; Pink Paislee stencil; Unity Stamp Co. stamps; One Heart One Mind rub-ons; Higgins india ink; miscellaneous vintage lace and receipt stubs; bubble wrap, Studio liquid ink pen.

While it's not my first canvas, it is my first one inspired by Christy Tomlinson's She-Art workshops.  I started by covering the canvas with the brightly coloured patterned papers and ModPodge, but thought that it may be too distracting for a background so I covered it with watered-down white paint.  I didn't like that much either so I started to drag all sorts of colour over it.

I then tinted some modeling paste and using a favourite stencil (another Christy Tomlinson beauty), I added some texture to the canvas.

My She-Art girl was cut freehand from old ticket stubs (face/arms), painted in a flesh colour, and bits of patterned paper.  I used some vintage lace and attached it all using ModPodge.

Just like in home decor, I think that every project needs a bit of black to "ground" it, so I dry brushed some black paint randomly over the canvas and stamped some more texture using some of my favourite background Unity Stamps (Chicken Wire Background, Vintage Handwritten, Cooped Up Notes, Distressed Grid, Love Every Inch) and ink, along with bubble wrap and paint.

 I used the india ink applicator and dropped some ink randomly on the canvas.  When dry, I used the rub-ons for more texture.

I then printed out my quote on printer paper (it's thinner and easier to print on!).  I cut it up and attached it with ModPodge.   

Quote reads:  "She knew the whole wide wonderful world was at her fingertips.  She only had to reach for it."

 I then scribbled over the entire canvas!

It's certainly not perfect but I'm happy with my first attempt!  And it's very addicting - I want to try another one soon!

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the giveaways/challenges on my blog for a chance to win:
July 2013 Sketchy Challenge (deadline:  Jul 31/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Pet Peeves (deadline:  Aug 31/13)

She-Art Canvas, à la Christy Tomlinson

The other night, I wanted to distract Aili from screens.

Note:   In our house, "screens" include all forms of electronics:  TV, Nintendo DS, iPods, iPads, computers, Wii... you get the idea - we are a techie family! 

So I suggested heading into my studio to create or paint something.  She thankfully readily agreed.  I handed her a canvas, gave her full access to my paints and brushes and let her do her thing.

I also grabbed a canvas and decided to try my hand at some She-Art, à la Christy Tomlinson.  I started with these gorgeous Graphic 45 papers:

Despite my love of this paper, I'm not crazy about how the background turned out.  I think it's the painting that went onto the papers.  At any rate, I had fun and will definitely keep trying to perfect my backgrounds!

Here's a quick snap from my iPhone - I will photograph it this weekend and share a full peek!

P/S... this is my 999th blog post!! Check back tomorrow for a chance to win a prize!

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the challenges on my blog for a chance to win:

Sketchy Challenge:  June 2013 (deadline:  June 30/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Pet Peeves (deadline:  Aug 31/13)

Inspiration Elevator | Challenge 13

Welcome to another month of Inspiration Elevator!

You may recall that the purpose of this challenge group is to take our scrapbooking to the next level, to stretch our creative process and to grow as artists by embracing challenges that make us think, work and grow.  You can view all of the challenges on my blog by clicking here, or check out our new Inspiration Elevator blog.

We would also like to welcome our May Guest Designer, Denise Morrison.  Her artsy, eclectic style inspires her followers to see how Life is Yummy at her blog by the same name!

This month, our challenge comes from the talented Laura Whitaker.  Laura's challenge, in her own words, is as follows:

As we welcome spring, scrap something to do with a new beginning, it could be an opportunity, a relationship, or even the world's reawakening after it's long winter's nap.  Don't forget to journal and describe why you have chosen your topic.

I originally started a layout on this topic, but as time went on, I realized that this topic lends itself to the challenge that I am having with living a healthier life.  A new start.  Out with the old unhealthy habits and in with the new.  Willing to make an effort and let go of the excuses.

So I set it aside and decided to create a canvas to display as proper motivation:

Supplies used:  Dollarama 8x10 canvas, vintage atlas pages and pattern tissues; ModPodge; Deco Art,Color Factory, Americana and Craft Smart paints; Ranger Adirondack colour wash; Delta Dimensional medium; Pink Paislee stencil by Christy Tonlinson Designs; Stencil (dots) by Christy Riopel; ClearSnap mist; Ditto glimmer mist; Bead Solutions and Stix 2 Anything beads; Crafter's Companion Spray & Sparkle satin varish; vintage clip art (from a Donna Downey class); drywall tape; miscellaneous tag.

Sorry for the icky photo - I just realized that part of the quote is missing.  And when I added the missing text, I decided to add some dimensional medium.  And beads.  And some sparkle.  So now the 14+ layers are not dry and I can't reshoot yet!  I will retake it this a.m and add the "new and improved" version!  Updated with new photo!!

I started with an 8x10 canvas and added old atlas pages (thanks, Christie!), vintage pattern tissue, paint, paint, gesso, more paint, drywall tape, distressed tags, vintage clipart, more paint, the sentiment, some stenciling with (you guessed it) more paint and some "drippage", as Donna calls it!

And then I added missing sentiment, dimensional medium (mixed with more paint) using another stencil, some beads and a very cool finishing varnish that adds an iridescent sparkle.

The quote reads:

"Begin today.  Declare to the world that you are willing to let go of the struggle and eager to learn through joy."  ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

I hope you will stop by and see what our designers on this adventure have created:

Laura Whitaker

Michelle Hernandez

Jodi Wilton

Lisa Moen

Laurel Seabrook

Ann Jobes

Cathy Harper

Sue Sykes -- You are here!!

Lisa Spiegel

Joanne Burton

Christa Uttley

Denise Morrison, Guest Designer

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the other challenges on my blog for a chance to win:

Sketchy Challenge:  May 2013 (deadline:  May 31/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Embrace Change (deadline:  May 31/13)

The Results of Being Challenged

During the March break, while Katrina, Jennifer and I were scrapping, Kat threw down the gauntlet and challenge us to complete a layout in 30 minutes.

Thirty minutes!?!  That is impossible for me to begin with,  but then she added additional requirements:  

1. you had to use some kind of medium,
2. the main colour had to be brown, and
3. you had to include some sort of handmade flower.

What??

Well, these sort of challenges always freak me out.  To be honest, while I work well under pressure for my other creative deadlines, this sort of quick-draw-not-in-my-own-space-with-ALL-of-my-toys kind of thing makes me twitchy!  The perfectionist in me constantly cringes because I don't have time to move everything around at least six times - I'm getting better but still can't just start sticking things down before I know what the entire thing is going to look like first!

So... I didn't finish in 30 minutes (surprise, suprise!) - in fact, it took me nearly 3 weeks before I unpacked it and added the finishing touches at home!

Geez, at this rate, I may have the kids' scrapbooks completed from birth to age 7.36, before they leave for university...

But I did get the basic bones of the layout done:

Supplies used:  Coredinations cardstock; Basic Grey, My Mind's Eye and October Afternoon patterned papers; McGill punch; My Favourite Things Dienamics dies; The Crafter's Workshop stencils; Golden modeling paste; October Afternoon alpha stickers; DecoArt paint; ClearSnap Stephanie Barnard and Ranger Adirondack mists; KaiserCraft rhinestone; miscellaneous half pearls and watercolour paints from my stash.

All I added at home was some watered down paint to the texturing (too stark white - had I not been pressed for time, I would have mixed the paint with the modeling paste first!), added the journaling and a few doodles.

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the other challenges on my blog for a chance to win:

Sketchy Challenge:  April 2013 (deadline:  Apr 30/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Embrace Change (deadline:  May 31/13)

Guest Designing for Susan K. Weckesser

Today, I'm featured on {my sweet earth}, Susan K. Weckesser's blog.  I am honoured to have been asked to act as a Guest Designer for the next three months - they have a very talented design team, and Susan is the sweetest person, ever!

Here's my project:

It's going right up on the shelf in my studio... :)

You can see more detailed photos, and a brief description of my process here on the blog!

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the other challenges on my blog for a chance to win:

Leave Your Legacy: Embrace Change (deadline:  May 31/13
It's a Sketchy Challenge:  February 2013 (deadline:  Mar 14/13)

Inspiration Elevator - Challenge 10

You may recall from last month's challenge that the purpose of this challenge group was to take our scrapbooking to the next level, to stretch our creative process and to grow as artists by embracing challenges that make us think, work and grow. You can view all of the challenges on my blog here.

This month, our challenger was the super talented Lisa Spiegel.  Lisa lives in California with her family and this month she asks us to think about our growth in 2013. This is what she wrote:

"Create a layout about your One Little Word. You know, the word that we scrappers choose in January upon which to reflect for the year. This word should have special meaning to you and be selected for its' potential to help you reach and grow...the only hard part - you must use a photo of yourself and add journalling to the layout explaining the significance of the word..."

Each year, I carefully choose a word to reflect on for the year.  And in the past, I've never really followed through with the next step - actually living my life centred around that One Little Word.

Don't get me wrong - each year, I start out with the best intentions.  But I seem to have a knack for overcommitting in some areas which leads to underachieving in other areas.  In searching back through blog posts, I realize that I haven't really followed my OLW at all.

So, initially this year, I didn't even choose a word.  Not to be pessimistic, but realistic.  However, with Lisa's challenge, I went back to my 2011 OLW post and realized that my word that year reflected my life goals for this year.

So once again, I am choosing the word, JOURNEY.  And I didn't create a layout, but a title page for my journal, in which I will keep track of my fitness goals and achievements.  I didn't get a chance to finish it over the last few days but will share it on the weekend when it's finished!

ETA:  Here is my page!

Supplies used:  Liquitex gesso; Stamp-In Australia stamp (Time In Paris); Unity Stamp Co. stamps (Chicken Wire Background; Reversed Punchinella; Vintage Handwritten; Lovely Little Wings; Enjoy, Explore, Believe); My Favourite Stamps stamp (sentiments); Memento ink; Clearsnap's Stephanie Barnhard mists; The Crafter's Workshop and Christy Riopel templates; Spectrum Noir markers (see below for palette); DecoArt paints; Fine-Tec watercolour paints (splatter); Crate Paper rub-ons; Paper Adventure letter stickers; toilet paper roll; jar lid.

Spectrum Noir palette:
Heart:  BP2, BP3, BP4
Wings:  BT2, BT4, BT5

I'm really excited with how it turned out!

I laid out a thin film of gesso on some palette paper (wax paper works well too!) and using it as a stamp pad, I stamped my images onto the bare journal page.  Once dry, I misted the page and the gesso acted as a resist!

I then added layers of paint using stencils, jar lids, toilet paper rolls and paint brushes.  To get the "drippage", as Donna Downey calls it, at the top of the page, I stood my journal up and scraped paint from a loaded paintbrush onto the top of the page.  I then misted it lightly with water (over rags or paper towels!) until I liked the result.  I love how the mists blended with the white paint:

This stamp has one of my favourite sayings:

Trust in your potential, enjoy the process, try something new, 

explore possibilities but most of all, believe.

Lastly, I stamped the heart/wings image on white cardstock, coloured with my Spectrum markers and fussy cut it out.  I stamped a second image and coloured and fussy cut the heart only, attaching it to the other image for some dimension.  I love the contrast of the turquoise with the pink/orange of the background.

One of Lisa's requirements was to include a photo of ourself, and I do have my starting photo, but I couldn't find it in the mess I call a desk!  I am hoping to add both the "before" and "after" photos to the front page, when finished!

I hope you will join the rest of our Inspiration Elevator team to see what word best reflects their plans for change and growth in 2013.

Lisa Spiegel

Joanne Burton

Christa Uttley

Laura Whitaker

Audrey Yeager

Lisa Moen

Laurel Seabrook

Ann Jobes

Cathy Harper

Sue Sykes {- you are here!

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the following challenge on my blog for a chance to win:

Leave Your Legacy: What You Fear Most (deadline:  Feb 28/13)

Trick or Treat Blog Hop!

Welcome to WeScrap's Trick or Treat Blog Hop!

To celebrate Halloween, we would like to share some of our favorite scrapbook tricks and treats with you today! So join us on our blog hop where you'll be inspired by some cool projects, learn some new tricks, and have a chance to win some scrappy treats!

As you hop along, each of our Inspiration Team members will have 1 or 2 words for you to collect.  Leave a comment on all of the blogs and collect all the words to create a sentence.

Hop on back to the WeScrap Forum and add a post to this thread.  Be sure to send Victoria a private message with your sentence for your chance to win our GRAND PRIZE!

Here's our Favorite Things Blog Hop rotation:

WeScrap Kits Blog 

Sarah Nolan

                                   Sue Sykes  <--- You are HERE!! 

Melissa Buhler

Jessica Acs 

Victoria Lau

My TRICK that I'm going to share with you today is how to use gel medium to transfer an image.  I used the following supplies:  Golden gel medium  Soft Gel (Matte); an image printed on an inkjet printer, trimmed; manila tag (or cardstock) and foam brush.  It's that simple!

First, cover the surface area of your tag with gel medium, using the foam brush.  Make sure to cover a large enough area to fit your image.

Place your image, face down, on the gel medium.  Make sure that it doesn't slide around by holding it in the middle and using your bone folder to smooth out the paper from the center to the outer edge, in a clockwise motion.  (I am using one hand, because I had to take the photo!).  Burnish the back of the image for several minutes.

Slowly, lift one corner of your image.  It should be transferred to your manila tag - if the image is not transferred, continue to burnish the back of the image for a few more minutes.

Remove the paper.  Don't worry if there are some spots that did not transfer - I think it adds to the vintage feel!  

If there is still some of the paper remaining on your transfer, wet the image with a foam brush and water and rub to remove.  Take care not to lift the transfer.

Let dry - or use your heat gun to speed up the process - and voilà!

Sorry the photo is blurry - I didn't realize it until after I completed my project.  Speaking of which, here is my quick tag I created using the transfer:

Supplies used:  DCWV cardstock; Golden gel medium; Tim Holtz Distress Ink; Martha Stewart Crafts border punch; The Twinery twine; kraft twine from my stash.  Printed images were left over from a Donna Downey class.

Please leave a comment here with your favourite Hallowe'en costume ever to be entered into a random draw for a little TREAT from me!

My secret word for you today is TRICKS.

To be entered to win the grand prize, you must complete the entire blog hop by Sunday October 30th at 11:59 EST.

Winners will be announced on the forum on Halloween Day – October 31st!

Good luck and happy hopping - your next stop is Melissa's blog!