No Place Like Home ♥

Hello everyone!

More journal art for your viewing pleasure!!!

I used the Artful Dwellings die by Sizzix for the homes. I used a brick stencil on the body of the houses and a Martha Stewart punch for the roof. I sprayed the background using Dylusions spray. I used the newsprint rubber stamp for the text back ground and harlequin stencil as well. The alphabet stamp comes from Close to My Heart. I drew circles and outlined them with white paint and charcoal. I painted the inside of the sentiment using Golden acrylic paint. I created this scene because I like relaxing on my sofa with a good book or watching a really good movie; at home!

Stay tuned for more art work: coming soon!! ♥

Altered Frame ♥

Hello everyone!!

I have many photos that I've taken and they are just stored in my computer (counterproductive I know, lol). Today I decided to print one of my many pictures and put it in a frame that I altered.

I purchased this frame from Michael's (it's one of the nicer wood frames. I used a coupon and got it for 40% off the original price). Here is what it looked like before I worked my magic, lol:

Now here is what it looks like after I worked on it. 

This picture was taken two years ago when I completed my Master's degree. I was definitely happy!!

I first painted the frame with acrylic paint from Golden. The paper is from Close to My Heart and the flower is from Prima. The banners on the top left were punched using my Big Shot and the Spellbinder's die Pretty Pennants. I used a scallop and circle punch for the "medallion" on the top left. The happy banner on the top right is from a clearance shelf at Michael's. I think the manufacturer is My Mind's Eye (although I'm not 100% sure). I used my Xyron 1" sticker maker to adhere the banners and medallion.

I really like the way this turned out. I'm going to have to print my pictures and put them in frames more often!

Stay tuned for more art work and projects: coming soon! ♥

Altered Magazine File ♥

Hello everyone!

I went to Target yesterday to purchase some items and I came across this magazine holder. When I saw it I thought to myself, how can I make it look a little more interesting.

Here is what it looked like before...

Although the chevron pattern was pretty cool, I decided that I wanted to look a little different. Here is what it looks like now...

close up of inside...

I already have some solid card stock inside of the magazine file to sit on my shelf. It looks pretty good there!
Thanks for stopping by! I have more projects on the way! ♥

Adhesive Foil Art ♥

Hello all!

During my summer break, I always try to learn new things. Whether it is a new crafting technique, a new skill or gaining some new knowledge, I love learning! I guess that is one of the reasons why I became a teacher (in addition to a love of nurturing and imparting knowledge).

After having a discussion with some other crafters in a group in which I belong, I decided to attempt a new technique - using adhesive foil and adhesive mesh tape (the one used for dry wall). I ventured to Lowe's as I was informed that I where I would find the necessary items. Both the adhesive foil and the adhesive mesh tape can be found in the aisle with all the other tapes.

I laid down the adhesive mesh, gears, heart and love down on the page. I layered the foil on the top, crumpling the foil before laying it down. I then used the tip of a quill tool to dry emboss around the shapes. Next, I applied a thin layer of black acrylic paint, wiping it off and leaving just enough to stain the page. Finally I used Viva Decor Inka Gold in Yellow Gold around the page.

I am really happy the way this turned out! The only thing I would do differently is pulling some paper through the binder so the black ink doesn't stain the edge of the page. Otherwise, I really like it! And I hope that you like it too!

Stay tuned for more journal art --- coming soon!!! ♥

Art Journal ♥

Hello all!

Since the summer is here and I have more "free time" on my hands, I decided that I wanted to create an art journal for myself. Since I have been really immersing myself in to mixed media art, I thought that it only makes since to create an art journal.

I created this 8 1/2 x 11 art journal using my Zutter bind it all. I purchased the chipboard covers on Amazon (I don't remember the name of the company). The o-wire is one inch wide. The paper inside is Recollections. 

I used Tim Holtz stamps, gelatos, acrylic paint,  Viva Decor Inka Gold, and Martha Stewart punch on the cover. The title "Art Journal" is one of the fonts I used from my collection. I printed the letters and "fussy cut" them.

This is the very first page that I have completed in my art journal. The title says "Life is a...Carnival". The background was done using Viva Decor Inka Gold and Tim Holtz stamps. The images and font came from a free digital collage. At the moment I do not have the link, but as soon as I remember where I found this page, I will post the link.  I love this page!!! Life can be a carnival, if we want it so.  I actually completed this page before I bound the book together so I was able to get the color around the entire page.

I hope you like what you see! I'll be posting the next page in my art journal soon! 

Some summer projects ♥

Hello everyone,

Here are some projects I had a chance to complete recently!

I made the journal for a friend. I altered the clothespin to match the journal cover. 

This is the first page I worked on in the journal I recently created for myself. I love the colors!! I am in the process of creating a larger journal for art so that I may have more room to work. ♥

This is a birthday card I made for my hubby (his birthday is at the end of June).

I hope you like what you see. Summer vacation is here and I'm keeping busy! New projects will be coming soon!