Marty's Masterpiece AND My Giveaway

Here is the funky sketch that I've been contemplating for the month of June:

There's a lot going on, but all I could focus on was the vase of flowers.  It's funny, but the eye goes where it wants to go, as does the muse.  Anyway, it's been ages since I've done anything with Flower Soft, so I didn't argue with either the eyes or the muse, and wound up with this birthday card:

The cardstock was embossed with one of Tim's new folders (Floral Frame), cut to size, and the raised areas were lightly dabbed with gold paint.

The vase was a bit of grungepaper, a scrap from a previous project, and I cut it freehand into the vase shape.  You can't tell from the photo, but I rounded it over the paint bottle to give it some dimension, and glued it down that way.  The flowers actually slide into the vase.

As for the flowers:  I cut lengths of florist wire, dipped the ends in very thick white glue and then kind of rolled them into the Flower Soft.  They were then stuck in a block of styrofoam and set aside to dry, at which point I added some tissue paper leaves and arranged everything inside the vase....with a bit of glue here and there to keep everything in place.

The birthday sentiment is an oldie from Stampin' Up, and one I use a lot.  I think that script is very elegant.

To see how Heidi and the rest of the Gothametttes design team interpreted the sketch, click HERE.

And now, for the giveaway portion of this program.......a couple of posts back, I announced a prize to celebrate my 500th blog post.  So many of the commenters are good friends and I could never choose a winner on my own, so I consulted with my colleague, Mr. Random Dot Org, and he did his magic and picked..........Dorothy!   I am always happy to read comments, and send some love in the mail, and Dorothy is someone I do know from a yahoo group or two.  I'll have your package in the mail this week, Dorothy, and thank you for taking the time to visit and comment. 

My 500th Blog Post!!!!

This is the 500th blog post since I began this whole sharing thing back in March of 2008.  It's hard to believe that I thought I had something important to say 500 times in three years.  LOL.  Seriously, I think what is important to me is the sharing.  I am fortunate in that I not only have forged relationships with wonderful artists in the online world, but I am  in a community of like minded souls in the "real" world as well.  I know there are many whose only connection to people who share their passion is through online groups, classes and blogs.  Even though I am blessed to have artsy peeps I get to see and share ideas with and create with, there are days when I wake up feeling alone, and when I write here I feel like I'm talking to friends.  And when these friends pause for a moment to leave a comment, it feels like a real conversation, and I thank you for that from the bottom of my heart.

Well, that is way more than enough seriousness for me!  Now, on to something fun.  Speaking of my community of art pals, I recently hosted a page swap, and the other night we met so I could give everyone their completed books.  I did covers for everyone and bound the books with my mighty Cinch.  We also had some good food and drink.  Our theme was Spring/Nature and these pages are just packed with flowers, birds, and  butterflies.  I think the books are wonderful, even more so because my friends worked in them.

Even using the largest coil available, the books don't close flat....lots of embellishments inside!

the cover:

my page:

Laurel:

Heidi:

Kahena:

Gayle:

Michele:

Pat:

Corris:





Heather:

Now, what to do as a 500th post celebration.......if there was something I showed you on this blog that you really liked, leave a comment here and whoever Mr. Random.Org picks will get something I'll make especially for them, inspired by the piece they mention.  Or maybe, if I haven't already given it away, they'll get the original piece.  And yes, even if you live ten time zones away, if you are picked, I'll send it to you.

Again, thanks everyone for stopping by, leaving a comment when you can, and helping me feel like I'm part of a much larger community that "gets" me. 

xoxo
Eileen

One World One Heart 2011

***NOTE:  This post will remain at the top for the duration of OWOH.  More recent posts can be found by scrolling down.  Thank you!***



It's OWOH time again, a very special event in the blogging community.  If you've not heard of it, or need more information, just click on the logo and you'll be taken to Lisa Swifka's (the creator and organizer) blog, where you'll learn everything you need to know about it (including how to participate.....and it's not too late for that).

If OWOH has led you here for the first time, let me tell you a bit about myself.  I live in the greatest city in the world, NYC, and I'm a lifelong crafter/artist.  I work with paper, fabric, metal, wood....in other words, I'm into mixed media.  I especially love to create little treasures from what others might consider trash.  I hope you'll come back for a visit, even after the OWOH event is over.

There are very few rules.  Leave a comment on THIS POST only, and you'll be in the running for a prize (or maybe prizes, depending on how many comments are left).  You do have to leave the comment here; I won't be checking facebook or twitter.  If you're also participating, please let me know in your comment so I can be sure to visit your blog as well.  I also must have a way of contacting you if you are a winner.  So please include your email address in your comment.  If you don't feel comfortable with that, write it out like this example, which will keep you safe from spam:  

                           janedoe at yahoo dot com

If your name is picked to win a prize and I can't contact you, I will pick another name.  The winners will be announced on February 17.

For those of you who are already regular visitors here (and I thank you for that), you might know that I'd been saying that I was going to be too busy to participate this year.  Well, I just couldn't resist.  So many of the wonderful blogs I follow I only know about because of past OWOH events.  And I know that many of the kind folks who follow this blog and are so generous in the comments they leave, found me because of OWOH.  It is definitely something worth supporting.  And Lisa has already announced that this will be the final year.  So do get on board if you can.

The purpose of this is communication, friendships, networking and more.  But as a little enticement, prizes are part of the deal.  One of the things I like to make are what I call art angels, pins or pendants made of bits of metal, charms, and keys.  I made one especially for OWOH, and this is the first prize I'm offering.  If there are more, I'll edit this post.

I've made many of these for friends who were ill or recouperating from surgery.  I don't claim they have any special powers, but everyone I've sent one to has made a full recovery.  I'm just sayin'...

And The Winner Is........

First of all, thanks to everyone who left a comment and played the "guess-the-value-of-the-Ranger-stuff-I-scored-for-$30" game.  I have to say, either I'm a VERY savvy shopper or some of you are hanging out in super expensive stores, because most of the guesses were way over my estimate.

I did say I was guessing on the  conservative side, and also mentioned I was pricing the items as though I got them online.  And I should say, I very seldom pay retail prices.  I am a bit of a bargain hunter.  But seeing all those high figures really made me feel even better about Heather's mad shopping skills.  And yes, she is a great friend to do that for us.

A few of you came close to the number I wrote down, but one person nailed it.

                             Kathy Eddy said...                             She did a splendid job! I am guessing $198.00.
                             Does she want to shop for me next year?

Well, Kathy, I can't tell you if Heather will shop for you next year, but in a way she shopped for you this year.  I put together a little sample of the stash and am just waiting for your address to send it out.

More Marie, A Day At The Shore, And A Gorgeous Giveaway

I just finished the pages for my friend Lill's Marie Antoinette journal.
(check out her blog....she does some awesome stuff)   Page 1:

I started out with some watercolor paper, which I covered with gesso, then added some torn up bits of paper doilies, then more gesso.  Added color with portfolio pastels and perfect pearls.  After that, I took some paper from one of Tim Holtz's new paper stacks, distressed it, tore it, inked it, put some rub-ons on it, and glued that down.  Oh! I almost forgot....before that I had sewed some gold tulle onto the background, but wasn't crazy about how that looked, so  it is mostly covered by the TH paper.  You can see some tattered strands of it showing at the edges, and that's OK with me.

As for Marie, she started out as an image from a PID collage sheet.  I added lots of ribbon and other blingy stuff to make her skirt and painted over her blouse.  Lots of gel and glaze pens on the hair and hat, plus a real feather.

 Page 2:

The background is the same as for page 1.  I stamped the bird cage lightly, then stamped over that with Marie on a swing, lining up the ropes so it looks like the swing is suspended inside the cage.  Marie is colored with pencils, glaze pens and gel pens.   After I took the photo I added a little journaling, but packed it all away before I could take another picture.

Lill asked for a tag from everyone, and I made this little shoe:

So much for Marie.  Now, as for the day at the shore....that's the theme of this month's PID jackpot, and this is the 4x4 canvas I did:

The background is lots of texture done with tissue paper and gel medium, colored with acrylics.  Some text, partially hidden by the gauze I used as a net.  Real shells.  The fish is something I received months and months ago in a grungepaper swap.  Yep, it's made of grungepaper, don't have a clue how, and it is fabulous!  Sadly, I have no idea who sent it to me, but if someone out there knows, please tell me so I can give credit where it is certainly due.  The bathing beauty is from a PID pin-up sheet.
Now, the gorgeous giveaway.....my friend Val is a super talented artist in many media, as well as a very generous blogger (free graphic downloads there daily).  Right now she has been churning out beautiful and eclectic charms and turning them into stunning necklaces.  One such beauty is on her blog as a giveaway, so if you want a chance to win it, hurry on over to The Sum of All Crafts NOW!!
I think that's it for today.  I really have got to do some laundry, but I guess you didn't need to know that.

A Winner, A Technique, and More

Big thanks to the folks who entered my Tim Holtz apron giveaway, and especially to the many who left comments even though they already have the apron and weren't looking for another one.

My friend Random.org was being very uncooperative with me this morning.  He kept picking people who said they didn't want to be in the running for the apron.  But, after several tries, I do have a winner.  

And, I am pleased that it is someone from one of my yahoo groups.  Someone who was just complaining about having a bad day in the art room.  So, I do hope this cheers her up and helps her get her muse back.  Sherri Auld, c'mon down!  Well, you don't have to actually do that, but make sure I have your mailing info and I'll get that fab apron off to you this week.

Every week I do a new technique on the PID blog.  Today's is super easy and I used it as a background on this piece.

If you'd like to see how I did it, visit the blog and take a look.

Also, for those of you who are interested in the altered book project, there is a new post on that blog as well.

Have a great day and go make something!

Journal Pages, A Technique, and yes, A Giveaway!

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I recently signed up to be part of yet another collaborative journal group, this one with Frida Kahlo as its theme.  The launch date is June 15, and I have done some more work on my journal.
First of all, I tweaked my cover art.   Here is the original cover:

And here is the new (and I think improved) version.  Can you spot the difference?

Well, I didn't think you could miss it.  I drew the lizard on grungepaper, cut it out, inked it and decorated it with gel pens, glaze pens, german scrap, and dimensional pearls.  His eyes are half pearls that I painted.  You can't see his tongue, but it hangs off the page and is made of a coil of wire.  Pretty cool.

I've also been drawing some folkloric images on paper handmade in Mexico (thank you Lori!  see, I finally used some!) and added some to this page, which may wind up being my back cover,  Or not.  But it will be in my book somewhere:

I needed some sort of sign-in page.  My journal is very small (6x6"), but I was determined to give the artists tags to decorate and sign.  And, I wanted to use my new friend, the sewing machine.  I covered a piece of cardboard with fabric, then sewed on strips of acetate to form pockets.  There are enough for everyone in the group, and I did one myself.  Remember, the whole page is only six inches square.  The tags are tiny!

Next, I just want to remind you that every Tuesday (that would be today) I post Technique Tuesday on the PID blog, and today we're using bleach as paint.  Hop over there and check it out.  Sneak peek:

OK. Journal pages, check.  Technique, check.  What else was I going to talk about?  Oh, yes, my giveaway. Well, yesterday I shamelessly bribed you for six more followers so I'd have an even 100, and you've outdone yourselves, people.  I'm now up to 108.  LOL!   Well, this is what I have to offer.   Back when Tim's new book came out, he was giving away very cool work aprons for those who ordered the book directly from him.  He had only a limited number, and I was one of the lucky ones to receive one.    Subsequently, I got yet

another one, a gift from my friend Elena, host of the wonderful Key Largo retreat.   So, I am giving away one of them.   It's a nice full apron with adjustable straps, two big pockets, and plenty of blank space to decorate, if you care to.

And, of course, the top is already printed with some of Tim's most popular stamps:

So, if you'd like a chance to own this limited edition piece, leave a comment on this post and I'll pick a winner next week, after the holiday weekend.  But please want this to use it.  If I see it on ebay I'll be VERY upset.  And upsetting a Brookyn-born girl is not recommended.

How Do I Distress? And A Giveaway in My Future.....

It seems that most everything I create is done because a swap is due, I have journal pages to get out, or a design team project has a deadline.  Very seldom do I just sit down and make something with no particular goal in mind.  This weekend I found myself all caught up, and decided to just play with some techniques.

Is it serendipity or what?   Just this morning I saw that Tim has a great giveaway on his blog.  He wants to know how we all distress (use the distress inks), and one way to win is to create something and send him a photo.  I used distress inks all over my piece, so sent him this photo in a hurry:

It's a 4x" canvas, which was first inked with rusty hinge and crushed olive.  Some flourishes were added (some die cut, some stenciled on), and some perfect pearls brushed on in spots.

The flower was cut from Tim's tattered floral die (it's grungepaper), inked with wild honey and forest moss, then overstamped with french script in black soot.  A Maya Road stick pin is in the center.

I attached the rose to the canvas by nestling it in the niche on the back of an even smaller canvas then gluing that onto the larger canvas.

The flourishes around the rose were also cut from the flourish die....for these I glued silk fabric onto grungepaper.  I added a bit of gold tulle around the flower.

I made a little crystal and pearl danglie and hung it from the bottom of the smaller canvas with a tiny eye screw.

Here is a side view, so you can see the dimensionality (and the ruler ribbon I wrapped all around the canvas -- and further distressed with some forest moss distress ink).

And speaking of giveaways......I just noticed that I have 94 followers.  Amazing!  Well, just need six more to have a nice neat even 100.  If I should reach that magic number any time soon, I have a really cool giveaway in mind.  Do you read this blog but are not a follower?  No pressure, but.....giveaway....really cool one....I only need SIX more victims  followers.....I'm just sayin'....... 

Brooches, Banners, and Birthdays

I think it finally stopped raining, but it was coming down forTHREE WHOLE DAYS!!  One good thing about that.....I stayed indoors and made a lot of stuff.
I worked on some fabric brooches for my blogoversary giveaway:

I made two birthday cards for the EWV birthday card club:

Both cards use Wendy Vecchi stamps (of course!), some SU stamps, punches and paper, and both SU and Distress inks.

A new banner swap was recently announced.  This time on the EWV group, and these are minis....only 3 1/2" across, and 5" long.  I had so much fun doing the larger banners for the ATT group, I immediately signed up and got busy:

Only one to show you, because this time I did them all the same. The background is in two parts, both WV stamps over Jenni Bowlin mini papers.  The flowers are on grungepaper, and the crown on the face stamp is Ten Seconds Studio metal, embossed, sanded and inked.  The stick pins coming out of the crown are from Maya Road, and the matching dangle on the bottom came from.....?????  Just found it in my stash, and thought it went well with the stick pins.

Not a bad way to spend the bulk of 72 hours of rain.

And The Winners Are.....

I'm back as promised.  I went to random.org and asked for 5 numbers.  I'm feeling very ambitious.  I haven't made five brooches, which is a good thing, because I'm going to ask my winners to contact me, not only with their mailing addresses, but with their favorite color(s) and I'll do my best to make each of you one in your preferred palette.

One of my winners I know very well, one name I definitely recognize from online groups, and the rest I'm not sure about.  But you know, most names, when clicked on, do not lead me to an email address.  So......I'll give you all a week to get back to me, and then I'll have to pick more numbers.  

Enough chit chat.....the names (as given in blogger) are:

• Janet Walters
• Debs Doodles & More
• Erin Glee
• Lillian M
• Sherry Goodloe

I hope to hear from you all soon!  (There is a place on my blog to click to send me an email).

Happy Blogoversary To.......

......me!   Two years ago today, I began this blog, not having a clue what I was doing.  Some days I still feel that way, but at least now it doesn't take me all day to upload a photo.

I've also acquired a follower or two along the way, for which I am really grateful, and often surprised.  A little research tells me that the appropriate 2nd year anniversary gift is something made of cotton.   I don't work much with fabric, but I do enjoy making fabric brooches.

So, to celebrate the beginning of my third year of blogging, I am giving away some (haven't decided how many) of these (mostly cotton) brooches.  They have a tie tack on the back, and if you don't want to wear it on your lapel you can attach it to a tote bag, apron, or just stick it on a bulletin board.

Thanks so much for reading my blog, and I LOVE reading your comments, so I'll be picking people randomly to receive a happy blogoversary brooch.  Just leave a comment on this post (and include a way for me to contact you) and I'll pick some winners after the weekend.

BIG Prima Giveaway!

Who doesn't love stuff from Prima?  Look at this haul:

 

Prima has a big giveaway going on right now to whet everyone's appetite for a major announcement....don't know what it is (big secret), but to win ALL of the above, visit Prima here and follow the directions.  there will be two winners....one from the US and one international, so everyone should enter.

The Circus is Coming.....and a Lovely Giveaway

 

What is this blurry strange thing?  Well, it's a sneak peek of my circus page for a collaborative book some of us are doing at ATT.  There's always a lively discussion about Tim Holtz's Cirque stamp set.  Much as we love All Things Tim, many find his clowns to be, well, creepy.

I'm one of them, though creepy can also be interesting.  At any rate, I jumped at the challenge and have been busy creating 17 pages for this book.  It hasn't been easy, but I'm getting there. I'll post full pictures once our pages have been swapped out.

Here are a few more blurry teases:

 

  

Yes, that is some of Tim's film strip ribbon on the side.  And you do see a clown shoe.  That's all I'm sayin' for now.

Onto the giveaway.  Do you enjoy vintage?  Ephemera? Using the above in your art?  Then check this out:

 

This is only a small part of the giveaway being offered by Robin's Egg Blue, to celebrate this lovely blog's 300+ followers.  Hop on over there to find out how you can win.

And The Winners Are.....

 

Well, another wonderful OWOH has come to an end.  I just got back from my vacation, and was delighted to learn I'd won two fabulous items, which I will tell you more about when they arrive.

And now, for my winners.....I used Random.org to get my three numbers, and will email the winners as well as post their names here.

 

The winner of the box of supplies is Jona!

 

This art goddess pin goes to IrishFairyGirl.

 

And this one goes to Elaine Allen.

Winners, you'll get an email from me asking for your mailing info, and I will get your prizes to you as soon as you get back to me.

This was a fun ride, and I hope to visit every single one of the participants even though the giveaways are over.  I'm almost there!

One World One Heart 2010

 ****THIS POST WILL REMAIN ON THE TOP OF MY BLOG FOR THE DURATION OF OWOH, SO TO SEE NEW POSTS, SCROLL DOWN.****

***** I've noticed that many people who have been nice enough to leave comments have not left any contact information.  Remember, If I can't contact you, I can't send you a prize!*****

I am thrilled to be participating once again in One World One Heart, a wonderful concept in blogland.  Beginning today, bloggers all over the world will announce their participation, and reveal the prizes they will be giving away.  The purpose is to encourage people, bloggers and non-bloggers alike, to visit and make connections.  Anyone with this year's OWOH logo on their blog is a participant.  If you'd like more information (it is not too late for you to join in), just click on the logo above.

To win one of my prizes you must leave a comment ON THIS POST ONLY by February 15th, the date that Lisa Swifka, founder of the event, has chosen as the closing date.  For most bloggers, February 16th will be the day for announcing prize winners.

I will be out of the country on the 16th, so please note that I will most likely be announcing my winners when I return on the 20th.  If I can get online while I'm away, I will, but I'm assuming for now that I won't.   And should I be lucky enough to win something  I won't be able to claim my prize until the 20th, so I hope you'll hold it for me!  Please!

AND THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!  In your comment you must leave your email address so I can contact my winners.  I spent a lot of time last year trying to track down people who did not do so, so this year I won't include in my drawing any posts without an email address.  Also, only one comment per person.  Duplicates will be deleted.  Some people limit this event to active bloggers only.  I have too many good friends who don't have blogs, so my giveaway is open to everyone.

As for my giveaways,  so far I have three planned.  I may add to that if I see I'm getting lots of comments.

First prize, a nice sized box full of brand new supplies.  There will be (at least), several full sized Tim Holtz masks, two Distress Ink pads, three bottles of Stickles, three pots of Perfect Pearls, ribbon, and three containers of Maya Road trinket pins.

My next prizes are two of my Art Goddess pins.  I make them from real old and rusted keys, grungepaper and grungeboard, and Tim Holtz idea-ology hardware.  They both have tie tack style pin backs, and would look great on the lapel of any Art Goddess out there.

 

When you click on the OWOH logo, you will be taken to the site that explains everything and lists all participating blogs.  Visit and leave comments on as many as you can.  Check back often, as new blogs will be added as their authors sign up.

I myself can't wait to start visiting new blogs,  making new friends, and finding new inspiration in the blogosphere.  I did last year, and I have a feeling this year's event will be even bigger and greater.  I hope you will join in this experience either as a blogging participant or visitor, or better yet, both.