Recent Cards

I love hanging out with my crafty diva friends, sharing ideas and learning new techniques. These are some recent creations.

Altered Clock

Today some of the Big Apple Stampers met at Heidi's and worked on embellishing blank clock faces. Mine is a collage of various papers, rub-ons, and chipboard. It's great to have a clock in my craft room that reflects who I am -- as opposed to that green plastic one that hung there before. Here's my creation and those of Melissa and Heidi, two of my favorite partners in crafting madness.

Origami boxes with dahlia fold flowers

I learned how to do these beautiful paper boxes yesterday at a Meetup -- my friend Paola's (http://scrapbook.meetup.com/1848/). We made two boxes from a staggering choice of papers, and added notecards that matched. They make a wonderful gift, but I think I'm going to keep these for myself. Smiles.

A Hoot Of A Couple

I recently received some fabulous owl stamps from Sideshow Stamps, (http://www.sideshowstamps.com/) and used them to create this anniversary card.

Both stamps from Sideshow; paper, cardstock, and oval punch from Stampin' Up. I know several couples who are a hoot, so this design should get a lot of use. Even if owls aren't your thing (hard to believe!), do check out Sideshow. Their stamps are retro, hip and definitely cool.

I responded to a challenge to create humerous art, and thought the juxtaposition of the vintage photo with the "feeling groovy" stamp was pretty funny. To view the challenge go to:

http://www.layersofcolor.com/challenge/

Emerging Color

I'm always on the SCS site in search of new techniques to try. For the past two days I've been totally obsessed with one called Emerging Color. It involves stamping, embossing, applying inks with a brayer, and more stamping. For detailed directions go to:

http://splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57108

My fabulous group, The Big Apple Stampers, is having a team meeting this week and I made a dozen samples to give out. A few of them are above.

Pendants

I made these pendants with Ranger's memory glass and frames. Clip art images were glued onto the glass (which is 1" square), then stamped and distressed with inks. The entire piece was then covered with clear pigment ink and UTEE, which was then melted with a heat gun. I applied several layers of UTEE, and decorated both sides of the glass. I finished them off with a little beadwork.

New Links

I added two new links to my "cool and creative sites" section. If you're interested in altered art, check them out: Artsy Visions and Altered Art Expressions. You will find beautiful examples, tutorials, challenges, and even some free downloadable images. Enjoy and create.

Some of my cards

Proud and inky member of The Big Apple Stampers. These are just a few of the many cards created with, or inspired by, this awesome group.

ATC

I've been fascinated by ATCs for the longest time, but never actually sat down to try one. There's something about working on such a small piece that I find very appealing. This is my first attempt. I used several stamps, some torn, textured and inked cardstock, and I chalked the woman's dress. Then I applied some crackle medium on the dress only. I'm liking it, and don't think this will be my last ATC.

Creativity and Organization

Is organization the antithesis of creativity, or does an organized space encourage it? I go with the latter. When I know where my stuff is, I can concentrate on what I'm doing. And did I mention that I LOVE IKEA??? Now, it's not all about particle board furniture any more...a recent trip there netted me a huge bag full of organizational tools and the whole lot cost less than 60 bucks. I bought a rail system (designed for the kitchen) and accompanying bins and baskets that is just perfect for storing crafty items -- and getting them off my precious work surface. Check out my newly organized space.

Journal Cover

The Big Apple Stampers

Artists, stampers, scrappers, soapmakers, friends.

Textured Heart Card

The chipboard heart was covered with joint compound, then stamped while still wet. After drying, I rubbed it with a variety of inks.