July 30, 2009

Charmingly Spooky

Still having fun playing with From the Crypt stamp set. Here's my latest creations.

A Halloween invite that opens from the front. The black border was created with the eyelet border punch. The elaborate black images were stamped in black craft ink and then embossed with clear EP. They would have really looked better with black flocking.

The spiders are stamped in red and the text around them is from the Batty for You stamp set.



The next project took me 3 days to create. The goal was achieve 3D and texture. Here's how it all came together.

The main shape is the Scallop #2 die cut and was cut on black heavy-weight mat board. The entire piece is then covered with Cast a Spell designer paper from SU!.

The white skull and word "Spooky" are rub-ons from Spooky Treats. The black swatch at the top is velvet-like and cut from a sheet of scrapbook paper I had. Purple dewdrops were created from a glue gun and Misty lavender Pearl Ex. All the extras were just a few things I had laying around : cheesecloth, purple beads and the faux rhinestones.

The word "BOO" was from an old SU! mini alpha set. A few swipes of black acrylic paint and some Twinkling H2O's on top and walla!

LOTS of details in this one! The star and circles (which are covered by the rhinestones) are stenciled from an old metal cookie cutter I purchased years ago at a garage sale. Isn't it great when you can finally use the junk items purchased from all those garage sales?



Here's a close-up of the spider web drawn with a fine tip black marker. Gives it a little extra. The entire piece is finished off with a magnet on the back.



You can find most of the supplies on my demo website.

July 27, 2009

Hankering for Halloween

This little tidbit was supposed for be posted Saturday. I was side-tracked as usual. I'm working on some MORE Halloween goodies, hoping if I keep designing for the season it will 'feel' cooler.

This sampled was created with the new 'From the Crypt'. I'm not a big skull and crossbones kind of girl but THIS has a girly flair to it. It's appropriately up to trend using skulls with flourishes (or in this case, pumpkins, bats, crows and more). I LOVE it.



To create the card, you need to stamp the entire image in Basic Grey ink. Once inked, use your lilac and black marker, go over the areas you colored differently. I topped it all off with some purple Cosmo Glitter to create an eye patch. He's one stylish skull.

There's also paper that coordinates with the "From the Crypt" stamp set (for those who like their papers to match their stamped images). I have to say, the colors and intricate images for this particular pattern paper is wonderful. It's got great details to be used for an entire card background or for using punches on particular sections of the paper.



This image came out fuzzy, but you can still see the lacy vines weaving between the green and orange pumpkins.



For curious minds who want to know what the grey fabric used on the card, it's a Halloween door decoration. I purchased it at the Dollar Tree a few weeks ago. There was no need to debate on whether I 'needed' it or not. For anyone who loves cheesecloth, you'll want to go grab a bag before it's gone. It's not really cheesecloth, more like a netting soft cotton. The boys and I made another run out today and picked up some in black.

Here it is hanging on my light in my studio. It's to pretty to be kept bagged up; besides, I've been putting it to use in my crafts since the purchase.



Below is a view of how it is positioned on the card before applying the top layer. It was simply held in place with the sticky strip.



I've created another card using the same set. I'll share tomorrow (promise). I'm not all that pleased with it. Hopefully the idea alone will spark something for you to create.

Nite,

Melanie

July 24, 2009

Freelance Friday

I'm not even sure what Freelance Friday means. Well, I know what freelance means, and Friday of course, but am not sure how it relates to the random images I'm about to share within this post.

Thinking of a clever title for a post can be challenging. It should be related to the post and of course, I want my title to be fun and creative. Starting out stumped for a post title is never a good thing. Wanna know the trick to overcome thinking up a title? Start typing. Soon the post becomes it's own and a title is revealed. This post title is starting out as "Freelance Friday". Let's see where the text takes us and if it will need changing before I reach the end.

It's Friday, and my Artful Blogging came earlier in the week. I rip off the plastic wrapping to get a look at the cover art when any of my art publications arrive. The cover art after all will set the feeling for the entire publication. What do you think of the colors of this issue? Soft grey and pinks. A lovely, cooling Summer issue, much different from the bright oranges and yellows of typical summer.




I started reading the publication earlier in the week, but I don't delve to far into it unless I know I can read it uninterrupted with no distractions, allowing full absorption of each issue.

Since the issue arrived, I've really only had time to scan the pages. Then the boys asked to go swimming (next door at the neighbors house; who is always kind enough to let us cool off in the pool). So, off we went, boys with swim gear and I with my lovely publication and sketch pad.

Two hours later, I've read the entire issue. So many creative people in the world. There are bloggers around the world looking for time to create and write about what's happening in their lives. Simply, an online journal. Isn't it amazing how far we've come from the old fashioned pen and paper journal?

Let me share a few more images I took while sitting out.

The first, is an old wood shutter that is supposed to be hiding the pool pump. I have my eye on it, hoping soon it'll be out to the curb. It's falling apart I know, BUT I have plans for it. I'd think those slats would look great painted or stamped with some personalized art. Not sure what kind of art yet, maybe some really elongated bunnies. What about a collage of painted images on those slats displayed in a frame? Lots of possibilities, you just need to think outside the box.

I think those red hibiscus are making it even more enticing to me.




Here's another view from my chair. How can one not resist taking a photo of clear blue water on an airy summer day? It's not the best image with the chair in the way. I could have gotten up and taken a shot at a better angle, but then you wouldn't be seeing the view from 'my eyes', ya know?



Addison, who has finally mastered floating,



Now, here is where the subject kind of changes in relation to the post.

A few ago (or so) I purchased some sort of cheesecloth-like fabric I at the Dollar tree. It's not really cheesecloth, it's more of a cotton fabric. It's supposed to be some sort of door decoration for Halloween, but I bought it specifically for creating art. I love gray color and look of it.

It's hanging on my lamp here because I wanted to be able to look at it. No different from someone hanging up really pretty scrapbook paper or their favorite quilting fabric. This is the lamp in my art room. Some how last week I found the entire cloth inside the mouth of the dog. No doubt the kids gave it to him, because if it doesn't not have their name on it then it is up for grabs.



I did make something a small square from the fabric, but you'll have to wait until tomorrow to see what it is. Here's a sneak peek.




So, how's the Freelance Friday do for today's post? Nothing really popped out at me. After reading this post, what would 'you' have called it?

I'm going to work on some more Halloween projects so I can post them tomorrow with my full From the Crypt card. Until tomorrow. Have a great Friday night!

Melanie

July 23, 2009

Big thanks to everyone who came by to see the Tour de Freaks blog hop. We're getting great
reviews, the main perk being it's a fairly short hop compared to other.

Thought I'd post a few of the projects I've been working on for an upcoming card workshop.

First up, a special folds card. Some refer to it as a Shutter card but I've seen these around a long time ago, and it's simply a special folds pop up card. There are more complex versions, but I chose to do the "Full Card" version. You can find the template on Bonnie's blog here.

What do you think of these colors? Curry, Banana, Razzleberry, Pink and Melon. The card started off as mostly purple but it was way to much with the Razzleberry Lemonade designer paper, so I changed it all to Banana.

The flowers strips were create with my "Flowers" die. The suspended flower the embosslits "Simple Flower". Stamp sets were Friendship Wings and Oval All.





Next up is a flower card pop-up. You can view the template here.





Here's what it looks like in the inside. The stamp set uses is Friendship Wings again. You'll see me using that set on lots of my samples. The ink here is the new Bermuda Bay and Rich Razzleberry from SU!.




Here's a simpler method I found online. Look at that button paper. How cute is that? You can view more of this beauty here.


This past Sunday there was a mild cool front that came through. Mild in that it simply removed the humidity from the air. I gathered my art supplies and headed outside to sketch. I love creating outdoors in the fresh air. There's no TV for distractions or housekeeping duties glaring at me. I think it's partly due to the amount of natural light available. The living room is so dark. If you are an artist then you know light is a must when creating.

My doodle Sketch is below. I posted this Sunday but deleted the entire post. Blogger was having problems (I didn't know it was them at the time) and deleted the post thinking it was the cause for my page opening so slowly. Sorry for my readers who received multiple post that day.




I used to draw and doodle all the time. Funny how things get away from you and when reintroduce you remember how enjoyable it was and wonder why you ever stopped.

Tuesday night was another fun doodle night. Here's a glimpse of my outdoor workspace. A red table cloth to cover the rusty table, my cheery Coke-a-Cola bucket for Prisma color pencils, my moleskin journal and large sketchpad. Well, there's the cell phone but that's a must since not many of my friends call on the house phone anymore.



As the afternoon subsided, I noticed the fence glowing. Turning around toward the backyard I spotted this luscious cameo and Violet sky. No photo editing software used here; this is ALL natural! This is Mother Nature's way of luring us outdoors for summer evenings. Being able to view something like this makes the heat a little more tolerable.




Another great shot. Aren't the colors amazing? This definitely goes into my 'Inspirational Colors" folder.

July 19, 2009

Tour de Freaks ~ July

It's time for another Tour de Freaks blog hop! There were a few minor glitches last month but we've ironed them out and things should be smooth sailing this time around. We're setting up the night before to make sure everything is running properly. So if you're viewing now please remember the tour official starts on the 20th at 10am MNT time.

Before I list my monthly creations, make sure you check out the blog before mine: IgotStamps. by Jenn Dericks.

This months tour showcases new stamp sets and products from the 2009 - 2010 Stampin' Up! catalog.

The first card uses the Level 3 hostess set Lovely Flowers and the new Razzleberry Lemonade designer paper. The flowers were stamped and cut out and attached an artichoke scallop from the Birds and Blooms die. It was then layered onto a mustard scallop. The swirls and 'happy' are from the rub-ons included in the Level 3 hostess set.



Project number two is a recycled tea tin. Wrapped in the Lovely Flowers floral designer paper, securely attached with sticky strip. The Beautiful Butterfly Bigz came in handy here to embellish. The base of the tin is wrapped in a curry strip using the eyelet border for a bit more fun.



Lastly, this "Wanted" card was created with the new Mover and Shapers movable pieces. Banana cardstock, with curry in and a pretty mambo melon polka dot ribbon pull it all together.





I hope you've enjoyed this months creations. Next stop is Patty Bennett. You can get to her blog by selecting the link below. Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to mark your calendars for our next hop on August 20th.


July 14, 2009

Paper Craft Fanatics ~ Butterfly Sampler

Just a few weeks left before the Paper Craft Fanatics Virtual Club (PCF) kicks off it's very first issue.

This online club offers 5 projects each month, showcasing one product, stamp set, or accessory. The projects are designed to offer a variety of uses, allowing you to maximize the full potential of your purchase.

The virtual PCF club cost just $5. a month. To register, simply select the link below:






To view your complimentary issue of the "Beautiful Butterfly" issue, simply follow THIS LINK.






July 13, 2009

Shoebox Swap share

Busy weekend. Here are a few images from the Shoebox Swap I hosted. It was fun getting together to just create.

Swappers were to focus on new 2009/2010 stamp sets.


















I'll post the rest tomorrow.
Don't forget, next Monday is another installation of the "Tour de Freaks". Mark your calendars. All images use stamp sets from the 2009/2010 SU! Idea Book

July 8, 2009

Paper Creations

Here are a few paper creations by some fellow artist.


R. VanStralen ~ Great photos. Love the cord buttons.



R. VanStralen



K. Vance ~ Here's that beautiful Tulipe die, used as a stencil.



A. Kinard ~ What cha think of that paper butterfly? Super Cute!




Lastly, here's something from me. The flowers in the background is one of the new Level 3 sets. Stamped in Curry, Melon and my new favorite "Suede". Butterfly is from the Butterfly Bigz. It uses both the large 'half' butterfly and the full small butterfly. Suede strip is texturized with dotted texture plate.

July 6, 2009

Tulipe die-cut gift bag

Created a little video yesterday. Here's a GREAT idea for getting some use of your Tulipe Bigz die.

Make sure you check out the "promotions" page as there are specials EVERY week in July. This week, the Big Shot Doc's bag is on sale at 30% off. Regularly $69.99 on sale for $49.95.

You'll also want to mark your calendars for this months "Tour de Freaks". Just 14 more days!!! You can view last months submissions HERE.

Now, on to the video. Enjoy.


July 5, 2009

Control Freak Inspiration 1

Thought you'd like to see a few of my new swap cards in. The images below are only of the few from the Control Freaks demo swap group. You might recognize some of the sames from the Tour de Freaks Blog hop.

This particular swap was geared around the stamp sets available in the new SU! catalog, including hostess sets.


Robin Spinner



Pam Findlay



Lisa Martz



Jan Tinklenberg



Annette Jensen



Adele Heffern



Those attending my open house next week will be able to see these beauties close up. I'll also be introducing my Paper Craft Fanantics Club at that time.