Crop Celebration workshops

I'm really rev'n up for Crop Celebration next weekend in Hammond, LA. I've been designing for weeks now, working in between the grey box at the office and watching LOST and HEROS. Here's a glimpse into a few of my workshop projects.

Since you've seen the Raspberry Tart Tin Star already, I'm going to skip that and show you some others. If you are interested in any of these classes, sign up early because I am limiting the size of my classes this year.


Urban Garden "Cherish" Plaque
This class is $7. I only have spots for 12 participants (which breaks down to 6 each class).





Sweet, Sweet Spring
What better way to start spring than to send some hand-made notecards to a friend. Class includes each of these 5 notecards along with envelopes. Here are two of the five cards:




Yummy Decor

If you've been wanting to try out the new Decor Elements, now's your chance. Here I've used the pink flower on a plain black frame. Add a few little extras and walla, a great gift for someone (Teacher Appreciation or Mother's Day maybe)?

Hope you've enjoyed this little sneakity-peekity.

Raspberry Tart Tin Star

Here's a little sneak peek of the upcoming Raspberry Tart Tin Star workshop I'll be teaching at Crop Celebration.

Sadly, my post will be short due to the fact the Destroyer has broken the mouse on this computer, making it impossible to move images around easily. The wheel seems to be stuck in the scroll function.

Punch-art Flipbook

It's time for some paper crafting posts. Here's what I've been up to the past few weeks. I've scanned the mighty Internet and have chosen my favorite punch-art peices to create this fun Punch-art flipbook. These little peices of art were created with Stampin' Up! punches (except for a few that use a 1 1/2" circle punch, the Lion mane which came from the Pennant Bigz and the Butterflies on front are from the Butterfly Bigz).

You should know first and foremost that none of these are my original designs. They were created from 1000's of others and modified to suit my own tastes. I've simply compiled a few (17) of my favorites in this flipbook so I could have it for reference and offer it to others who simply don't have the time to sit and create them all. Beleive me, there are MANY more...but I had to stop (they're addictive).

The book is available for $45.00 (which includes priority mailing). Remember that this is a hand-made item and colors and positions of punch images may vary. All pages are cut individually from the SU! Top Note Bigz from Sahara Sand cardstock. The front of the book uses the new Parisian Breeze cardstock but may change at my discretion. Butterflies will be on the cover of every book. Please allow 10 - 12 days for delivery.

I hope you enjoy your flipbook as much as I've enjoyed making them.

Heather Sleightholm ~ Spotlight Artist

While I'm away from this blog quite OFTEN, I do have intentions of keeping it up. If only my "hyper-surroundings" didn't beckon me so often (hyper-surrounding = kids). Currently, "The Destroyer" (our youngest) is asking for juice. Let's see if I can get through this quickly before he returns.

As I type this post, I'm thinking of the newest project that awaits my final design. I'm procrastinatnig actually. It's very frustrating to want to sit and focus on something, waiting for the moment when someone will need me for something (such as the Destroyer), or an argument I might have to intervein, or to stop "The Beast" (our Weimaraner) from chewing on any of the kids. In fact, I can hear those hyper-surroundings getting closer, which makes me nervous....b/c it means I'll have to stop typing this post. If that happens, my thoughts will have been forgotten and as well as what the contents of this post was supposed to be about, LOL!

OK...the hyper-surroundings have gone off in another direction, I'd say I'm good for at LEAST 5 minutes.

I have been wanting to share with you an artist I discovered online through my COUNTLESS hours of random blog surfing. She has THE most amazing artwork (IMO anyway). While there are many artist I admire, there are few who's artwork makes me want to run into my studio (aka: dining room takeover) to start creating for myself. The details, the layers, the colors....it's all so beautiful; wonderful, warm and loving.

Her name is Heather Sleightholm and she is the creator of Audrey Electic. I purchased this peice from her during the Christmas Holidays:




And here's a close-up. So sweet.



I think what draws me into them are the warm colors. Very earthy, just my style.

The image above entitled "Be Blessed" was my first purchase. I think she had a handful in her etsy shop. I was looking for something close to what is shown on her Blog. I was so excited when it finally arrived. I think it was THE best Christmas present I received (even though I purchased it myself).

Soon after I purchased two more beautiful collages. Here's one. I'll have to photo the other and share with you later. The flash was so bright on the canvas, it didn't look natural and I wanted to give you the best possible view of it. >>> FYI: I've been disturbed 4 times already by hyper-surroundings, but I am insisting on finishing this post <<<



Can you see the details in this? Look close at the images under the paint, on the dress & the harlequin pattern on the left side of her head? What I like most about this print is the heart garland the angel is holding.



Now for the BIG news. Heather as agreed to create a 8" x 10" canvas (just as these) as an auction item for upcoming Crop Celebration. I'm so excited!!! I'm planning on bidding on it myself...secretly keeping my fingers crossed that I can actually win it.

Looking at Heathers work reminds me of how much I need to get back into creating my own artwork. I keep putting it off. No more excuses, (except for the random hyper-surroundings).

Have a great week.

Melanie

Crop Celebration

Coming....SOON!

Creative event displays

This upcoming week I'm participating in SCRAPFEST and have been working on my booth display. I have been wanting to update my display for years but you know how time creeps up on you. So, this year I decided to buckle down and get it done.

My inspiration comes from the blogs I visit which showcase their goods creatively at large anitque shows and crafting events. Surprisingly, not many of them have to do with stamping. Remember though that inspiration comes from everywhere and many of these sites have ideas that can be easily incorporated into large events or your own home.

While I have MANY creative blogs book-marked, here are a few of my favorites.

• Barnhouse, Vintage Home and Garden: I have to admit, I only discovered this blog a month ago. BEAUTIFUL images, great ideas. This site warms my heart.
• Queen of Tarte: Love her blog banner and you have got to see her fabulous jumbo crepe paper flowers.
• Curious Sofa: I discovered Debbie's site almost a year ago. Check out her awesome Halloween open house. Sooooooo creative! Be sure to scroll down far enough to see the house on the orange and black stocking covered legs.

Feeling inspired yet? I have many, many more links but my craft room awaits. Lots to do before next week and I'm pulling extra hours at the DAY JOB!

Before I go I'd like to share part of my new display with you. Tell me, what do you think?



I'm going for a "Fall/Winter" mix. I don't want it to be all Fall related, nor Christmassy, so I opted for a more natural look browns and blues (THE hottest colors). I LOVE this soft blue green silk fabric. This is the color I selected to paint our bedroom. It just so happens that this color matches the new SU! in-color Baja Breeze, the same colors I am using in the paper products. How's that for coordinating!!!

All of the products to create the banner can be purchased by selecting my "Place your roder online now" button located on my Blog Homepage. Here is a close-up of the banner along with links to close-ups of the supplies used. The new Pennant Bigz Die from SU! along with the Tulipe Bigz(LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE it!) and the 4" Jumbo Scallop die. Jumbo brads, chocolate chip ribbon and Urban Garden designer paper. I think it came out really nice.

Here is a close-up of the center pennant. It needed more so I added additional flowers and the Baja Ribbon at the top.

The first and last pennant needed some extras also so I added the green ribbon at the top and the pewter brads at the base.

Here is a canvas I created using the Together Forever Circle Frame Decor Elements applique. It's attached to a 14 x 17 canvas that I painted in Cream acrylic. The "S" is the large monogram applique.



Well, that's it for now. I have so much to do before Wednesday when I leave for the show. If you get the chance and are in the Mandeville area, pop in to see me and get a chance to see everything up close. I'll have lots of discounted product and some retired sets (all of which will eventually be posted online). You will also get a chance to create a free Make and Take!

If I don't get to see you at Scrapfest, you can catch me next at Crop Celebration October 10Th and 11Th in Hammond, LA.