Halloween inspired tag

I'm posting this in connection with Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2014 challenge.  This is my inspired Halloween Tag.  I used the Tim Holtz Apothecary Die to make the bottles.  The die was used twice - once with patterned paper and next with vellum.  The vellum was added over the paper to give them a glass bottle look.  Had fun making the labels of the jars.  The mini bottle at top is from Tim Holtz Idea-Ology and is filled with little green beads and labeled Newt Eggs.

Design Adhesives...all that glitters...

I'm doing a demo at Artist & Display on Sunday May 18th (1pm - 3pm) on Design Adhesives so I thought I'd do a post on what these are and how to use them.

Design Adhesives are double sided adhesive patterns.  A bit like rub ons. Some are intricately cut.  They look wonderful with glitter and foil tape. The glitter I am using here is from Martha Stewart.

Peel away the backing from the paper.  You can just see the image as you take off the paper. Pull the sheet off carefully.  If you go too fast the design can pull and distort.

 

After the backing is removed place the paper on your paper and press down gently to make sure every piece of the design has transferred. Then remove the clear piece of plastic. The adhesive shape is now glued to the paper and awaiting some bling!

 

I'm adding various colors of glitter.  The tool I'm using is just a piece of a plastic straw with the end cut at an angle.  It's great for controlling how much glitter you are putting on a piece.

 

 

When all the glitter is on then turn it over and gently tap the back of the paper to remove the excess glitter.  Don't wipe across the front of the paper or you'll brush the glitter off the design.

Perfect for a gift tag, small note, or a card.  These design adhesives are great to use as an embellishment for cards.

 

so if you're in the area I invite you to stop by Artist and Display for this hands-on demo and make a design adhesive piece.

Martha Stewart glitter colors used here: yellow barite, copper, lapis lazuli peridot, and tourmaline.
Design adhesives by Clear Snap - flower design.

 

 

 

think spring votive candle

It's March but it feels more like January.  My garden is still under feet of snow. I desperately want to see the pink tulips from bulbs I planted last fall but who knows when that will happen.  It seems like boots and sweaters are a permanent part of my wardrobe.  I'm even having a hard time getting into any art project.  yep, it's official.  I have the winter blues.
To try and shake it off I started to clean my studio.  Cleaning my studio is something I do whenever I get "artist's block" and don't know what to work on or how to start a project.  It's also done when the workable space on my table has shrunk down to a tiny area! That happens a lot :-)
When cleaning I generally come across some art supply that give me an idea and before I know it, I'm creating something. 
And the cleaning did the trick. First I uncovered some rolls of washi tape. Washi tape originated from Japan. This tape feels and acts like masking tape - but it's very thin and printed with lots of colors and patterns.  These washi tape rolls were purchased from Artist & Display

Near my table were several boxes of household items that we organizing to give to a local thrift store. I rummaged through and found a small juice glass.  The rest of the set was long gone.  But when I saw this I had an idea to cover it with washi tape.

 

 

The juice glass is now a spring inspired glass votive.  I used a border paper punch (Martha Stewart-Garden Rail) to create a paper lace-like trim.  I adhered this to the glass with Scor-pal tape.

 

and now the only bad thing is I never got around to really cleaning the studio!  Oh well, it'll happen one of these days.  Work stuff is taking priority now but I'm looking forward to the next project...

winter art classes

call me crazy but I like the stillness after a snowfall...everything is white and shimmery.  The snow we've had lately has been very light and fine.  It looks like someone dumped a bottle of diamond dust glitter over everything.  Perfect time to enjoy some studio time. 
Except I'm busy writing gardening articles and preparing for a spring lecture.  I write about 12 months of articles in Jan and Feb for my business.  I try to get all the writing done now because, well, for the gardening season I'd rather be outdoors than in.  Writing, writing, writing.  Cabin fever hasn't set in yet (that doesn't happen until end of Feb) but I'm in need of a break.  My hands want a break from typing and they want to get into some ink. 

If you're looking for a break I'd recommend adding some art to your day.  I invite you to take a look at these upcoming classes at Artist & Display: 

The first class is January 26th at 1:00pm.  We'll make a cool (pun intended) snowflake card.  I'll be going over basic rubber stamping techniques and we'll get to play with alcohol inks, punches, and stickles. 

 

Next class is February 1st at 10:00am.  In this class we'll make a trio of Valentine themed treat boxes.  These mini boxes can be filled with a small note or some sweet treats.  It's an easy template to work with and the best part is all of the supplies we get to use to decorate them! 

 

Finally there's a FREE make-n-take on Sunday February 2nd from 1-3pm.  Come anytime during these hours to make a Valentine card using (drum roll please) alcohol inks!  (really, you didn't see that coming?)

 

here's a link to the store for all of the details. Artist and Display

 

already planning some studio work tomorrow...but for now I'm heading back to article writing.

 

 

Christmas Glitter Ornaments

I didn't create this technique but thought it looked so cool I just had to try it.  And it's super easy!  Keep this project in mind if you are looking for quick, inexpensive, handmade ornament gifts.

Here's the supply list: clear glass ornament (the ball shapes are easy to find but I found this neat light bulb shape at JoAnn Crafts), Glossy Accents, water, small container for mixing, and glitter.  Any kind of glitter will work.  I used Martha Stewart glitter - the colors I used for this project were Turquoise and Golden Beryl.

First mix some Glossy Accents and water.  Glossy Accents is a clear dimension gloss medium - also can be used for glue and sealer.  I used about a teaspoon of Glossy Accents to a half teaspoon of water. You just want to thin it down a bit.  After it is mixed take the top off the ornament and pour in the liquid and swirl to coat the entire inside.

After it's coated let it drain out for a few min.  Then pour in glitter and move the ornament around while you are pouring. After that set the ornament aside to dry for about an hour.

While waiting I decided to take alcohol inks and color the silver top of the ornament.  I picked Sailboat Blue and Gold to go with the ornament colors.  To put alcohol ink on an object (not glossy paper or flat surface) wad up the felt and squeeze a lot of ink on the tip of the felt.  Then dab over the surface.  Note - your fingers will get really inky so you may want to wear gloves. 

I took the inked felt and dabbed it around the silver top.  I let this dry.  And when the ornament was dry I replaced the top and hung it on the tree. 
One of the best things about this project is the glitter is on the INSIDE of the ornament and won't rub off!  Cool huh?

Wishing you a sparkley Christmas!

December card making classes

People that know me know that I love making my Christmas cards.  Sometimes the hardest part about creating a Christmas card is the design.  After I have the idea I'll do a few samples and then it's assembly line time. 
If you want to make your own cards this year and don't know what to make you may be interested in these two holiday card making classes.  I'm teaching these classes at  Artist and Display in Milwaukee.  Please check with the store to sign up.

First one is Sunday December 8th and the main product used here is alcohol inks. Alcohol inks are so easy to use and they dry very fast so these cards will be very quick to make...but they look like they took a lot longer! With a plethora of ink colors available you'll be able to customize the ornament and tree any way you like.

Second class is Saturday Dec 14th and involves heat embossing and rubber stamps (shown below). I'll  go over the basics of using embossing powders and the heat gun.  The stack of presents card is really fun to color in. 

 

Both of these are short classes (1 hour and 1.5 hours) so they can easily fit in to busy holiday schedules. And a great way to give yourself a break and create something fun.  

Make Your Mark event @ Artist & Display

This Saturday I'll be at Artist & Display doing a hands on demo for their Make Your Mark event. At this twice a year event the store is filled with demo tables.  People can go from table to table to try out some neat art supplies and make a project or sample at many of the tables.  And best of all it's free!

Saturday, November 9th

11am - 3pm

Artist and Display

 

At my table we'll be coloring some stenciled stained glass images with tri tone colored pencils and marvy le plume markers .  The pencils and the markers would also work well for coloring in a rubber stamped image.   This event is great for kids and adults.  Hope to see you there!