Small Size, Big Impact

As mentioned in an earlier post, I'm in a birthday card club, and we've put a twist on the project. We're all making 4x4s (coaster size), so each recipient will be able to bind all their cards into a book at the end of their birthday month. A lasting memory, a collection of great art from friends, and IMO, so much better than a random bunch of cards we'd like to save but don't know the best way to do so.

Thinking ahead, I've been making cards whenever I have some time and am not sure what I want to do.

I've also been able to incorporate some pieces from older projects, giving them new life and purpose. Always a good thing.




On this one I used a lot of stencils and stamps and the luscious Dylusions sprays. The stencil on the right was used to make some texture; Golden's fiber paste was applied over the stencil with an old credit card.




On this one, distress inks and stains, Dylusions stamps, more stencils, and a little machine stitching. And here's a great discovery I made (I'm not claiming to be the first to do this, just that it was new to me when I did it). Ranger has a new product, embossing ink in a bottle with a dabber top. If you look at some of the chicken wire stencil on the left, you'll see it is embossed. I dabbed the ink right over the stencil, lifted it off, them sprinkled the embossing powder over top. Easy as can be and much faster than using an embossing pen.




The ATC sized piece was one I did multiples of some time ago, using Wendy Vecchi stamps. I added the flowers and butterflies and mounted it on a 4x4 piece of colored cardstock.




On this one I added a Prima bird and small flower. There is also a little embossing on the left side.

I think these cards show you don't have to work on a large scale to create something eye catching.

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Getting To The Core

I've missed the last few Compendium of Curiosities 2 challenges (insert sad face here), but with a day to spare, I did complete a piece for the current one. Yea for me. Click here for all the details on Linda's blog.

This week the technique is Creative Core'dinations, found on page 61 of Tim's book.

My piece is a 4x4, and though it lacks a sentiment at the moment, it will be a birthday greeting.




I'm in a birthday card club and we've decided to do 4x4s so that the recipients can create a little book when their birthday is over. We did that in another group last year and it was a great success, resulting in a wonderful memento.

Join in, why don't you? There is even a chance to win a gift certificate from SimonSaysStamp!


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Zentanglemania

I'm trying a different blogging app today; fingers crossed that I can manage this one.

Last Friday, Pat, Heidi and I met at Michele's studio for a beginner's class in zentangling. I've wanted to learn more about this art form for a long time to add some interest to my doodling. And maybe to even add some relaxation to my life.

Since the class I've been practicing almost daily, have spent hours on zentangle sites, and of course have bought some books.

These first samples were done inside some Outlines stamps.



Far from perfect, but so much fun to do.

Some more; no stamps used on these (obviously).




What I'm looking forward to is adding zentangle patterns to my lettering. Which reminds me; I have neglected my Letter Love practice lately and need to return to that.

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Chunky ATC, Wendified

NOTE: I thought I had found a way to insert the photos after each description, but it seems that mobile blogger has outwitted me again. Sigh. Sorry to give you another Sunday puzzle.

I signed up for another chunky ATC swap, this one in the Wendy Vecchi yahoo group. (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/everythingwendyvecchi)
I was assigned the very talented Anita Houston to receive mine, so I went over to her blog to get some inspiration. I was intrigued by her tutorial for perfect pearls faux leather and used it for the backgrounds on the two largest surfaces. It's wonderful!

Check out the tutorial: http://theartfulmaven.blogspot.com/2012/07/faux-leather-video-tutorial.html

Here are those two sides. Lots of Wendy's art parts, all inked with the spring and summer distress inks, and each stamped with a different Wendy background stamp.

Next, the two sides, covered with embossed copper.

The top (Wendy's flowers and leaves on grungepaper), the bottom, showing half pearls for feet, and some close ups.

The 12 Tags of 2012 - August

The tag Tim did for August features a lovely silhouette stamp that gives the whole tag a nostalgic vintage look. I don't have that stamp, and besides, I prefer to concentrate on the techniques and get creative with what I do have.
Yes, I'm still posting from my phone and don't have a clue how to insert links, but to see Tim's tag go to his site: http://timholtz.com.
I looked to see what I have in the way of silhouette stamps and was drawn to the reindeer. So, August heat and humidity notwithstanding, here is my Christmas version: