Scrapbook Layout Using Mosaic Tag

As I’ve mentioned, most of my tags make their way onto a scrapbook layout. Here’s an example—using the tag with the mosaic-tile technique, as an embellishment on a double-page layout.

Art Journal Pages This Week

 

In the midst of doing the projects class for Tim Holtz’s Creative Chemistry 101 (finished yesterday), I made a couple of Art Journal pages, just for fun.

Creative Chemistry 101 Day 10 Tag

I didn’t really have an appropriate stamp to showcase this technique, but, as has been true for all ten days, I learned a new technique that I can use in “real life.” Two things that made today’s tag really fun: using two colors of Distress Ink on the stamp (new for me), and finger-painting over the entire tag with Distress Rock Candy Stickles. I also did not know the difference in the types of Stickles, and since I have several on hand, it is nice to understand what I have!

Sad that the class is over. Now I need to re-introduce myself to my kitchen!!

Break from Class to Appreciate the Season

It is just so beautiful here in Missouri today! People say we are about a month ahead of schedule this year, and I agree. Our tulips are just about finished with their time of glory this spring—and it’s not even April yet! Just have to take a minute to appreciate God’s creation today!

Creative Chemistry 101-Day 9 Tags

  

Isn’t that just the way it goes—I finally have great success with all three techniques, and I can’t get a good picture of the evidence! Because each tag has the Perfect Pearl thing going on, I could not get the light to reveal the true pearlized effect on the cards! I took about 20 pictures. So, you’ll just have to take my word for it—the techniques worked wonderfully!

Once again, I learned a lot, and it’s always great when the things I learn help me to better use products I ALREADY have on hand, as was the case today!

Creative Chemistry 101-Day 8 Tags

Well, I’m plugging along, but I certainly do not feel like a star pupil. I am learning the techniques, and that, after all, is the point. But my tags are not show-worthy so much, because I don’t have all the suggested products. On the first tag on the left, the only distress crackle paint I have (other than Rock Candy, which is used in the third tag) is Vintage Photo. So, I knew it wouldn’t make a stunning example of that technique. Still, paired with the stamps from Graphic 45’s abc Primer, it does rather give the feel of an “old” (as in when I was in first grade) elementary classroom. The paint did crackle as desired, even if the camera didn’t pick it up dramatically.

On the middle tag, I loved this technique. I love working with the sticky back canvas, and Tim’s tips were outstanding. The combination of Faded Jeans, Broken China, and Forest Moss distress stains gave the effect of old blue jeans, I thought.

For the third tag, I used Tim’s tips for the Rock Candy Distress Paint, and it was interesting. I used the very same technique on both hearts, but the distress crackled differently on each. The smaller heart would NOT absorb the color. I don’t know how many times I applied the stain, and it remained rather pastel. The larger heart crackled completely differently and was more eager to accept the stain.

Another fun day of learning!

Creative Chemistry 101 Day 7 Tags

Ugh! I didn’t do well today. I’m glad this is not for a grade. For the first tag, I realized after my first attempt, it needs a stamp with a lot of solid fill. The only one I have that has very much solid is the steampunk guys. Then I realized their faces would be whatever color I used for the background. Not thrilled with that one.

The second tag is definitely a technique I will use again. First, I love the Evergreen Bough color (from the Winter seasonal line). Aside from my heat tool having problems (and taking about 10 minutes to emboss), it was fun and trouble-free. Love it!

For the last tag, I have about 15 jars of embossing powder, but no distress powder. So I just chose a pastel color of opaque powder and used light colors for the background. I’m ready for a break from so much dark ink—it’s spring already!!!

Obviously, these tags are only for purposes of practicing techniques, and none of them is ready to be “displayed” on a project.

But, I am learning stuff every day, and it’s fun!

Creative Chemistry 101 Day 6 Tags

I’m not pleased with today’s project output, but at least I know the reason: Tim used various Distress Markers for water color techniques with stamps. I own only two of the 37 markers (Peeled Paint and Broken China), so I opted to practice the technique, even though the colors are not very interesting—at least I got “the idea” of how to use the markers. I was particularly unhappy with the third tag, using the Distress Markers directly on a stamp. But I understand the technique, and I did give it a try! And, as a student, I ALWAYS turn in my homework, so here it is!

Creative Chemistry 101 Day 4 Tags

Today I received my stamps from Graphic 45 (abc primer) and so was able to complete the techniques from Tim Holtz’s Day 4 class of Creative Chemistry 101. I used distress reinkers and distress stains, along with water brushes, to complete the first tag, pretty much as Tim taught the technique. I LOVE “coloring” with the waterbrush!

The second tag uses a technique that I am struggling with—using spray inks. I mixed distress reinkers with water and followed the procedure Tim suggested, but I do NOT have great success with spraying over a stencil. Ugh!

The third tag I couldn’t even come close to Tim’s suggestions (do not own the supplies)—so I just made a colorful butterfly tag with stamps and Faber Castell markers.

Fuzzy Bunny Easter Tag

Today Tim posted an Easter tag project that took my fancy. My version was created with quite a few differences.

The only thing from Tim’s list that I actually had on hand was the Seasonal Stash card stack (the little vintage bunny is from that group). After cutting out that little vintage bunny, I distressed and inked the edges.

I used a #8 kraft tag, embossed with a Cuttlebug folder and inked with Gathered Twigs. I cut a 2.5” bunny and some grass from my Cricut Easter cartridge. I cut the bunny three times on grunge paper and glued them all together with Glue ‘n’ Seal.

I think more about white bunnies than brown, for Easter, so I painted the grunge paper bunny white and then covered with Glue ‘n’ Seal and put down some pink flock that I have had on hand for years. I used a real white ribbon for the bunny. For the grass, I used cardstock from Tim’s new Nostalgic Kraft-Core Cut & Emboss Series. I typed the sentiment on the computer (Typewriter font), cut and inked it.

For me, Easter is not so much about the bunnies as about the reason for the celebration (the resurrection of Jesus), so I added a “Believe” token to the tag. The ribbon for the tag is winter white seam binding inked with Wild Honey Distress Stain.

Fun break from the class homework (okay, that’s also fun!).

Creative Chemistry 101 Day 5 Tags

I had some challenges today. The stamping with white picket fence stain did not work well for me (the music tag), and I wasn’t thrilled with the marbling (the bird tag). I LOVED the Kraft Resist technique (the old car) and am glad to know some neat ways to use that paper stack!

Creative Chemistry 101 Day 3 Tags

Today I needed to improvise, and I think that made it even more fun! This is a great class, and I am learning a lot. I love to learn.

Doo Dah Day with GranTeens

We have a fun tradition with our grandchildren who live close to us—we call it a “Doo Dah Day.” It means we have a day of just fun stuff, just for us. This week is their spring break, so Grandad took a day off, and we enjoyed another fun time today.

We started the day with breakfast out. Then we came to our house, and the guys gathered their gear and headed for the golf course for the first 18-holes of the season (they reported a good outing). Tory and I combined two of our favorite things—cooking/baking and crafting. We baked Grams’ Pound Cake (for strawberry shortcake) and “mashed” our strawberries (as I learned to do from my Mamo). With the 6# pork shoulder in the roaster oven for the day, we were off to play.

Tory and I “worked” very hard in the hobby room. She created a “layout” in her Smash Journal.

Then I “initiated” her in the Art Journal world. She is amazing. Her Art Journal page is not finished, so I will photograph it later.

For supper we had Southern Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Paula Deen), Slaw, Chips/Dip, and Sweet Tea. The Strawberry Shortcake with Grams’ Pound Cake did not disappoint.

We finished up and delivered them home (along with leftovers for their folks), in time for their youth gathering at church.

What a blessing, our GranTeens!!

Today’s Project from Tim Holtz’s Creative Chemistry 101 Online Card Class

More learning today, in Tim’s online class. In the past, I had used some of these techniques, but I was “flying by the seat of my pants” on my own. With Tim’s instruction, I now understand these techniques and will use them for “real” projects when the class is finished.

My favorite today was the watercolor stamp.

“HE Fills My Life with Good Things”

This scripture passage from Psalm 103:5 was the inspiration for today’s art journal pages.

Learning, learning….I used a gel medium to adhere the pieces of patterned paper and then ended up using it all over the pages. Note to self: it does not work well to stamp on top of the gel medium.

My Vagabond

Posting a photo of myself with my Vagabond, as part of a promotion on the Sizzix blog, "Where in the World is Your Vagabond?" My Vagabond, along with the rest of my treasure house of supplies and equipment, is in my hobby room, in my home. I really enjoy using this die cutter.

Art Journal--Expression of My Thoughts Today

Just wanted to play around with some paints and stamps and markers today. I love the Sunsnine Yellow paint dabber. Sometimes I will want to use my Art Journal as a testing ground for techniques. On these pages, I incorporated a “trial” of the Tim technique of creating plaid with alcohol inks on glossy cardstock. My first trial was not terribly successful, over the entire tag, so I cut pieces of the rejected tag to use on the journal pages. I guess I just tend to pick colors that are in the same palette, as I decided to use the tag-piece AFTER I had painted the background on the pages.

I’m finding I really like the white Painters Pen for adding final touches. I’m still not great with India ink but do like the boldness of the black.

On my journal pages, I will likely often incorporate a Scripture verse that fits with my thoughts for the day. Need to find or create more digi stamp Scripture verses.

Alcohol Ink Plaid Tag for Scrapbook Page

  I was intrigued by a Tim Holtz technique that I saw featured on stamptramp’s blog and taught by Tim in 2009. Randomly, I chose some colors of alcohol ink (I find I tend to be drawn to jewel tones). It really was fairly easy and lots of fun to create the plaid on white glossy cardstock. I used Black Soot distress ink to color a white ribbon. Edges were inked with Walnut Stain and Vintage Photo.

Most of my tags eventually make their way on to a scrapbook page. Once I had created the background on the tag, I decided to use it as an embellishment on a scrapbook page I am creating about my grandson’s music contest solos, and my honor to accompany him (an earlier post features this photo of the two of us). One of his solos was “Brother Will, Brother John” (arr Sacco), so I used a copy of that music for the theme of the tag.

A Journal Page a Day Keeps the…

…creative juices flowing, maybe?

Well, I really don’t intend to do a journal page every day. But now that I’ve started the actual bound journal, I couldn’t leave the “title page” blank very long; that’s just not the way I roll. There is, after all, a limit to how “random” I can be. However, “doodling” is about as random as it gets, and I find that is a technique I am enjoying more than I thought I would.

Loving the collage technique really more than painting, and especially more than spraying. I’m just not really onto the “spray” technique yet. Still working on it.

The background of this page is a collage of some of my scrapbooking patterned paper scraps. Used various paints and markers. The colors strike my fancy today. Yes, I’m moody.

Art Journal: My First REAL Pages (Yay Spring in Missouri!)

This day is delicious. It is warm and sunny, really feels almost like summer. It was winter here just a couple of days ago. Seriously.

I decided to start my “real” art journal today. My two previous “attempts” were following some prompts from an online class about doodling. This one today is me, just an expression of how I feel today (or at least as close as an art journal page can express…).

For my jounaling (art and otherwise), the page needs to reflect something about the meaning of the day, to me.

For the background, I used my new Dylusional Spray Inks (five of them). On the pages you also see Faber Castell Markers, acrylic ink, stencils, oil pastels, water color crayons, and Hero Arts stamps. The book text represents the first time I have ever in my life intentionally “harmed” a real book. I have an old (as in my gifted teaching years, 1980’s) paperback of Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe. It is yellowed and in very bad condition. I like the idea of using book text, but it needs to (again) have meaning. I rationalized that recycling this book into art journal pages would really not be harming it, but rather would actually be bringing it back to life. Sounds good to me anyway.

Yes, I am out of my comfort zone. For one thing, this whole art journaling thing is very messy. I make a huge mess. And cleaning up the mess is not nearly as much fun as making it. But I must clean it up so that I can get to the table to make my next pages (I’m caught up with scrapbooking for now, you see).

District Music Contest

It was my honor and privilege to accompany Conner’s vocal solo at District Music Contest today. The music was a challenge for me, so it was really good to be stretched. But, what a special thing for a grandmother! I was so proud of Conner, as he did a great job, even after a week of being sick as a dog with the flu. His ensemble also did very well.

Art Journal Doodles-Trial #2

This is my second attempt at a project, as I learn some techniques for art journaling from a free online class by Strathmore. This second week class was all about doodling with water color. Although I’m not thrilled with the output, I am learning some things about what will likely become “my style.” For example, I’m not so much about the spraying water everywhere. I do love water color crayons and love dipping the tip in water and then coloring. I’ll use that more.

I also like using my Faber Castell stamp markers. I still need to perfect the use of stencils, and I have some ideas to make that better next time (you can’t really see the attempts at stenciling here). I like stamping, so will use that more. I want to use words more, because I am basically a word person. I’m terrible with the India ink nibs but do pretty well with the “splatters”… ‘-)

Right now I am working on art paper, practicing as it were, for when I actually start the art journal.

Artistic Expression

It’s downright funny to use that term (“artistic expression”) in reference to ME. In fact, if this post is being visited by a family member or close friend, they are double-checking the address for this link, as we speak. If there ever was anyone NOT artistic, that would be me.

But I am a journal-er. In previous posts I have shared about how many journals I have in progress at any given time. So when I heard the term “art journal” being discussed among some of my crafting friends, it was intriguing. As a result of some research into the idea, I am taking a free online class on art doodling, as I start to learn some techniques that I can use in an art journal.

This is my first ever “art” project. When I was almost finished with the piece, I received a phone call that my mother-in-law had passed away (not unexpectedly). That’s when I added “The Lord is my shepherd” to the painting, to mark the significance of this piece.

On the work, I used various media: water color spray, oil pastels, acrylics, several kinds of markers, India ink, white gel pen, and more.

It is fun. I am a realist; I will never be good at this, but I can see how I can use this as a means of “artistic expression,”….yes, that COULD even be me!

2012 Tags--March Tag

Making do with what I have—that was my theme for this tag, inspired by Tim’s March tag. I cut the butterflies on grunge paper on my Cricut (one from Paper Lace and one from Kate’s ABC’s). I ran them through the xyron and embossed them with American Crafts pewter powder.

The background stamp and the sentiment are from Wendy Vecchi’s Sentimental Art. I started with a manila tag and inked with Shabby Shutters, Tumbled Glass and Dusty Concord Distress Inks, using the same colors to dye all the lace and trimmings.

The mosaic technique taught by Tim is quite lovely, I think, but it is very painstaking, clipping all those tiny snippets and then applying Glossy Accents over each one.

The butterflies reminded me of one of my favorite classical pieces from my piano lessons, Edward Grieg’s “Butterfly.” My International Library of Music, Book 3, always falls open to that page. I used it for the background for the photo.

Unfathomable Blessing

Because I am a “word person” (I talk a lot, always seem to have something to say, etc.), I rarely find myself without words. But, in the case of expressing a particular incredible blessing that is mine (and my husband’s as well), words are not adequate.

Our son was gifted by his Creator with a truly amazing musical talent.

His son, now 16, is at least equally as gifted.

What makes this an unfathomable blessing for us, the parents/grandparents, is that both these men have a strong desire to use their talents for Christ. Our son is also our pastor; our grandson has already answered God’s call to become a pastor. Of course, not all pastors have musical talents to bring to their ministries. But in the case of Mark and Conner, God is using their music for His glory, as they are willing to serve.

Last night, the two of them performed in an informal “concert” at our church, the debut of their little “band,” Russell Ashley (Conner’s middle name and Mark’s middle name—which also happens to be the full name of my husband!). Conner’s ear for harmony is just amazing. He only started learning guitar less than a year ago and is quite phenomenal, frankly.

The music they shared was all original music written by Mark, with some special guitar arrangements added by Conner.

For one of the songs, they were joined by the two beautiful women in their family, Kristy and Tory. 

     

Incredible... Amazing…

UNFATHOMABLE BLESSING

February Tag (for 12 Tags of 2012)

This is my take on the Tim Holtz February tag. I started with a white tag, as I was a bit weary of the manila. (I cut the white tag on my Cricut, in Cricut Craft Room, using the Celebrations cartridge….I cut about 12 of them while I was at it!) I then applied Festive Berries (still my favorite for holidays) to the top side of the Valentine texture fades embossing folder and ran the tag through the Vagabond. I inked the edges of the tag with Walnut Stain.

Then I dyed some white lace and white seam binding with Barn Door Distress Ink, for the bottom border and the tie at the top.

I already had some extra foil tape cut, so I applied that on top of the lace border. I cut the grunge board Cupid from Love Struck, and the two grunge board hearts from the Mini Hearts set. I inked the Cupid with Barn Door and then coated him with a couple of coats of Xmas Red Stickles. The smaller heart I painted with Snow Cap Dabber and then applied Picket Fence Stickles. It wasn’t as sparkly as I wanted, so I added a coat of Stardust Stickles.

The box of chocolates from my husband (shown behind the tag) came wrapped in pretty red cellophane. I saved some of it and cut several layers of it with one pass, on the Vagabond (mini hearts die). I stacked them (glued with Glossy Accents) and placed them atop a grunge board heart that had been “ruffled” with the symphony tissue tape.

The little “I Love You” sentiment was computer generated (Typewriter font) and inked with Festive Berries.

The embellishments on the tie at the top are from my stash.

Happy Valentine’s Day

One of my favorite holidays, it’s another chance for my husband and me to express our love to each other. He has been my Only Valentine since 1960 (I was in 7th grade!).

His card for me this year is very special. The chocolates are okay, too!

Cameras, Photos and Editing-Oh My!

I have noticed this about myself: almost any time I have “set myself up” with a challenge to learn something new that is kind of a big deal (to me), I realize that somehow, and unintentionally, I have actually gotten myself into at least TWO new challenges. They may or may not be related. Example: I get a new laptop, with all the setup and adjustment that is required there, and AT THE SAME TIME, I take on a new, challenging and robust genealogy software program. Or, I get a new smart phone and a new camera within days of each other.  I feel sure that knowledgeable professionals could have a field day explaining what there is about me that makes me do this. They would probably be correct.

The above examples given were within the last couple of years. NOW, I find that within the last 2-3 months, I have

1) taken on some challenging (for me—the non-artistic one) new crafting techniques (discussed and posted here on my blog);

2) bought my first digital SLR camera (Canon Rebel T3i)—having no real knowledge of photography (what? me? for whom pictures are one of the most important things?—I’ve never really learned how to take good pictures?---that would be true);

3) suddenly realized I absolutely MUST learn some real and advanced photo editing skills, as I am once again “delving into” many old photos, in advance of a long-threatened heritage album project. I am the keeper of a lot of family photos (some over 100 years old), and I have only recently come to really understand that they can be refreshed, revived and restored.

So now, anytime I take a break from scrapbooking and sit down to assess where I am with all my projects, I find myself with a photography book and the user guide for PhotoShop Elements 10, in my iPad Kindle, awaiting my perusal. Then there are the lists of online tutorials I have compiled for study, and email user groups available for specific questions (and encouragement).

Oh, and then there is that part of my personality that doesn’t like to give up, so even when it seems daunting (like being where I want to be with my photo editing skills—seems like a long way off from where I am right now), I will keep at it.

At the risk of sounding like I really do need professional counseling (oops—too late, you say?), I will refrain from listing all the projects I have going right now.

Makes me tired just thinkin’ about it. Now where is that coffee? Oh, have I told you about the saga of replacing my wonderful Capresso coffee maker? That will be for another day. Suffice it to say, problem solved. Coffee anyone?

Valentine Theme Scrapbook Layout

Left Page of 12x12 two-page layout

Right Page of 12x12 two-page layout

I have always loved Valentine’s Day. Even though I was never very creative with my Valentine boxes at school, I always enjoyed seeing what the “other girls” created (there was always one, in every class, who could do incredible things with a shoe box…I was so envious). The Valentines I received in elementary school looked very much like the ones on the Tim Holtz background paper used on the Right Page here.

I used some pieces of Tim's Valentine stash to embellish the left page, adhering the pieces to grungeboard for dimension. On the right, the tag is one I made and posted a few days ago, with the plan to use it on a scrapbook page. The doilies (from my kitchen, for holiday serving) were inked with Festive Berries (edges with Walnut Stain). Festive Berries is also the main ink used on the tag, because it happens to match our frosting color.  I scanned my “Love is a Many Splendored Thing” music, and printed it as a 4x6 photo on cream cardstock, then inked the edges with Gathered Twigs.

The hearts on the two pages were cut using two dies: Love Struck and Heart Set (both mini movers and shapers). Some were cut from grungeboard and painted (gold and black paint dabbers) or inked. Some were cut from card stock.

The music notes hearts (Mini Hearts Set) were cut from grungeboard that was first collaged with Tim’s tissue tape. After cutting, I coated them with Glue ‘n’ Seal and then partially inked (Vintage Photo).

Spending a day with my mother, baking cupcakes with my granddaughter, crafting with all my fun supplies, and making a scrapbook layout—a combination of some pretty special things from my life!