Altered Halloween Tin

Hello everyone!!!!

I decided to take a break from school work and do some crafting. I have a bunch of Altoid tins and wanted to make a gift for a teacher friend. 

Although I'm not that crazy about Halloween, I had a lot of fun making this! I think she's going to like it!!!
I'm looking forward to making more to give as gifts!

On a side note, I'm celebrating my birthday in six days. It's a big birthday...and I'm excited!!!

That's all for now! I'm going to try very hard to post at least once a week. I need to keep my blog active! ♥

Long absence...

Hello everyone!!!! 

It's been a very long time since I've posted on my blog. Life just got in the way and I wasn't able to blog the way I wanted to do so even though I was able to get some art done once in a while. I'm happy to have a few spare moments today and decided it was time to update my blog. 

Although I am primarily a card maker, I have been enjoying mixed media art more and more,dedicating two mixed media journals to art journaling. Journal art really does allow me to create the way I want to..not having any specific plan, just a purpose to create. Journal art also allows me the opportunity to explore and experiment with so many mediums available on the market. I am just loving the whole process and all of the possibilities.

This particular project was inspired by a video I watched on YouTube about a month ago. I thought it was absolutely amazing and so I recreated it with my own twist. I really love the texture and dimensions from all the products used and I am thrilled with the end result!

The background was created using black chalkboard paint, a stencil, and modeling paste. The "say cheese" was stamped on chipboard, colored with Faber Castell gelatos and outlined with a Faber Castell Big Brush Pen. The colored camera is a stamp from Unity Stamp Company.

I hope that you like this as much as I do!!! I do have other projects I have completed and I will be posting those over the next few days.

Thanks for stopping by!!!! 

BBS Valentine's Day Mini Album ♥♥♥

Hi everyone,

It's that time again! I've made another video. This video is short and it's about a paper bag mini album for the swap group for Valentine's Day.

Pay no attention to the lady in the video, LOL! Yes, that's me! I was asked by a few people why I never show my face. I personally don't like to do that, but I figured once won't hurt. And yes,  that is me wearing my husband's sweatshirt. He wasn't wearing it, so hey, why not! This will most likely be the only time you get to see my face in a video, so enjoy!!! 

I hope that you like the video! 

My "news" for 2014...

Happy New Year!!!!

The new year is upon us with new hopes and new dreams! I for one have stopped making resolutions a few years ago, but I did stick to one comment I made a few years back: I'm going to learn something new this year and try something new this year. I've been able to keep up with that statement and every year since then I have tried something new (whether it be food or travel somewhere I've never been) or learn something new (new crafting technique, reading an interesting book).
This year is no different. Although I must confess, I really started "my news" at the very, very  end of 2013. But it is still new for 2014, so that's that! ;)

This first thing I  have done was download a new app called Duolingo. This app allows you to learn a new language at your own pace...for FREE!!!! It was named one of the top apps of 2013 and a coworker mentioned it to me. I downloaded the app and opted to learn Portuguese. Because I have some knowledge of Spanish, learning Portuguese hasn't been too tough...yet! I'm still learning vocabulary and will soon break into the possessives section. I'm very happy to be learning a new language. And hopefully that will my propel my dream to travel to Brazil one day (still getting over the fear of flying, but I'm working on that!!).

The second thing I have done is begin a Project Life album. For all the scrappers and paper crafters out there, I'm sure you are all familiar with the term. For those of you who are not, Project Life is just documenting your life (good, bad, indifferent) in photos. What's cool about PL is that you buy the album, page protectors, and a kit (or two, lol) and you basically create a scrapbook of your life with the kit. People love the idea of PL because it is so simple! You don't have to over think layouts, you don't have to worry about if you don't have a lot of huge events going on in your life...your album is yours...about your life...whatever it may be!!! Your album can be set up to include things that happen on a weekly basis or you can do a monthly recap. It's totally up to you!!! Also, your album can be as fancy or as simple as you want it to be!

Here is a photo of my title page...another confession...I have been gathering photos since October 2013, but I didn't officially start until a couple days ago, lol! 

The cards come from the Cut and Paste mini kit. I colored the two digital images (found free on the web) using my Copic markers. The sentiments come from two different stamp sets from CTMH.

I'm very excited to document my life and to share happy memories (and some ordinary moments) with my husband and my friends! Here's is to a great year full of good times, good food, good laughs, and lots of love!!!

Holiday Mini Album

Hello everyone!!

I have been missing for several weeks. I've been so swamped with paper work for school, I haven't had a chance to update my blog since my birthday. I'm on Christmas break now, and I've decided to update my blog with a video of the mini paper bag album I created for my swap partner. I really like the way it turned out.

I'll be posting other projects I have completed in the last several weeks very soon. Stay tuned for more projects and inspiration! ♥

Paper Bag Mini Album

Hello everyone!

Today I decided to post my very first paper bag mini album that I created!

I created this as a part of a swap in which I participated (Paper Girls Swap). I wanted to learn how to make a paper bag album for a while, and joining this swap was the push that I needed to learn. 






I thought that it was going to be very difficult to create one. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was! I really enjoyed the process of creating this mini album and I know that I will be making many more in the near future! 

Thanks for stopping by! Come by tomorrow for more project inspiration! 

Link Up for Pink 2013 - Day 8

Hi Everyone,

Unfortunately, I missed posting a project for day seven because I was working on paper work and lesson plans for school. But I was able to work on a quick project today for day eight of Link Up for Pink.

Here is my project!!!

I came across these mini clip boards about a month ago when visiting A.C. Moore. I decided to alter this with pink! 

The paper is a free digital background that I found on the internet. I printed it on white card stock. I painted the back and sides of the clipboard with pink acrylic paint. I mod podged the page to the board, then added a thin layer of mod podge to seal it. I added a pink ribbon around the bottom edge and at the top. I used some of the left over paper on a binder clip.

I hope that you like this project and all of the ones you have seen so far. Come back tomorrow to see my project for day nine of Link Up for Pink! 

Link Up for Pink 2013 - Day 6

Welcome to my blog!!!

If you haven't noticed, I have decided to post one new project a day for fourteen days to coincide with Link Up for Pink. It's been a bit challenging trying to remember to post my projects, but thank goodness for pre-scheduled posts, lol.

Here is my project for day 6.

This is a very simple card. I colored this Tilda with Copic markers. The sentiment comes from My Pink Stamper (Hope and Courage). I used a bit of washi tape just to give it a bit more color. The background paper comes from Close to My Heart (Sweetheart paper pack).

Thanks for stopping by! Come back tomorrow to see my project for day 7! 

Link Up for Pink 2013 - Day 5

Hi!!!

Here is my project for Day 5 of Link Up for Pink! Some of the projects that have been linked are simply amazing!

For today's project, I wanted to create something that wasn't a card or a tag. I got the idea to do something altered. I purchased a 3 1/2 inch cube from Michael's. Here's what it looks like!

I used Viva Decor Inka Gold around the edges of the block. I used paper from Close to My Heart (the Sweetheart paper pack). The images and sentiments all come from Unity Stamp Company (from three different stamp sets).

I really like the way this turned out! Although I smudged the ink a little, this turned out nicely. Note to myself, next time I will stamp first before putting a thing layer of mod podge to seal. That was actually my intention, but I totally forgot, lol!

Thanks for stopping by! Come back tomorrow to see my project for day six of Link Up for Pink! 

Link Up for Pink 2013 - Day 4

Hello everyone!

Today I decided to create a tag for Link Up for Pink! If you haven't linked up your project yet, you still have time!!

The tag is a manilla tag from Ink Essntials. I used distressed ink in Worn Lipstick to give the tag a little color. The background paper is from a K and Company paper pack. I colored this Tilda with my Copic markers. I'm not 100% happy with the coloring, but I think the tag is still cute. The sentiment comes from Unity Stamp Company.

Come back tomorrow for my project for Day 5!

Thanks for stopping by!! 

Link Up for Pink 2013 - Day 3

Hi!!!

I've seen some amazing projects posted so far at Link Up for Pink! If you haven't posted yours yet, you still have time!

Here is my project for day 3!

The sentiment, corner stamp, and heart all come from Unity Stamp Company. I really like the way the stamps are made and they have many great sentiments!
The paper comes from the Chantilly paper pack from Close to My Heart. I'm using this paper a lot because of the bright colors (and because I am desperately trying to use up ALL the paper I have in my stash, lol! I think I don't really need to buy paper for another six months. But I know I'll see something on sale or extremely cute and want to have it!

I hope that you have like my projects so far. Come back tomorrow to see my project for day four! Thanks for stopping by! ♥ 

Link Up for Pink 2013 - Day 2

Hello everyone!!!

As promised, here is my project for day 2 of Link Up for Pink! 

I wanted to do something a little different. I have a few Tim Holtz stamps that I had not yet used. I decided that this hot air balloon would be appropriate! The sentiment Thanks for Lifting Me Up comes from the Unity Stamp Company. I inked the edges using distress ink in Worn Lipstick. The paper comes from the Chantilly paper pack from Close to My Heart (I believe this particular paper pack is now retired). I added some bling for just a little sparkle.The card is simple but the message is strong. ♥

Come back to visit my blog tomorrow to see my project for day 3 of Link Up for Pink! Thanks for stopping by! 

Link Up for Pink 2013 - Day 1

Hello everyone!!!

Well school is in full swing and I have been noticeably absent from my blog. With that said, I have made it a point to make sure that I create items related to Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Just Yolie's Third Annual Link Up for Pink. You can find more info HERE!

You can also link up your project here on Diana's page. She is also hosting a link up party HERE!
I almost forgot to post my project as I was busy working on lesson plans for the next few days, but here is my project for day one of the link up. 

The stamps used are from the Kit of the Month stamp set from October 2011 called Faith, Hope, Love...Live by It. I really like this set and I really like the Unity Stamps!!! The paper comes from a retired paper set from Close to My Heart called Sweetheart.

Come back tomorrow for my project for day two of the fourteen days of Link Up for Pink!!!!!

Altered clipboard ♥

Hi everyone!

Well, the summer is winding down. Beach weather is almost gone...I'm not ready to give up my flip flops and shorts yet, lol!

Any way, I've been preparing for the past few weeks to go back to school. In an effort to stay organized when I am collecting anecdotes about my students, I decided to try something different. In the past, I would use a notebook to collect anecdotes. However, more often than not, I would put the notebook down somewhere and forget where I would last place it. Also, I would put my pen down and not be able to locate it for a while.

I decided this year I would us a clipboard and have several areas in the room with a little hook designated for the clipboard. This way, I could hang it in more than one place and still keep a track of it. I also decided to alter the clipboard in some bright cheery colors so I could easily spot it in my classroom.

Here it is!!

I first painted the edges of the clipboard black. I used three sheets of card stock from Die Cuts with a View (DCWV) from the Grade School Stack. I only had the 8 x 8 pad available because I was unable to find the 12 x 12 stack. That is why I wound up painting the border black. After the paint dried, I sealed it with a layer of mod podge. I also painted the entire back of the clipboard black and put a layer of mod podge on top of that as well.

After the  mod podge dried, I cut two strips of the card stock from two of the three sheets. I cut them at 2 3/4 x 8. The apple pattern and the top and the diamond patter at the bottom are the strips I cut. The middle sheet with all the stripes is a full sheet. I layered the apple sheet and the diamond sheet on top and adhered everything with mod podge. Once the sheets dried, I put a thin layer of mod podge to seal everything.

I took four ribbon and cut them in half, then threaded the ribbon through the hole at the top. I hot glued some buttons on the top of the board. To keep my pens in place, I covered two binder clips with some of the leftover paper using my ATG gun for the adhesive.

I hope you like it! I am working on some other projects for use in my classroom. Stay tuned for more projects...coming soon!!! ♥

Paper Girl Swap - PL cards

Hi everyone!!

I've been missing for a little bit. I've been working on paperwork for school as well as important paperwork for our home. School will be back in session in a few weeks, so I need to make sure everything is all good!

I belong to a Facebook group called Paper Swap Girls. I've been a part of the group for a couple months now. This month our theme was to create PL cards using a movie theme.

The card size is 4 x 6. I used some paper from Heidi Swap for the base. I had the perfect washi tape for this project! I used the Tim Holtz alterations die as the focal point, distressing the edges with distress ink. I used the Typeset stamp set from Close to My Heart and stamped the word 'Action' on the washi tape.
I think this turned out super cute!

I have a couple projects in the works and I'll be sharing them with you very soon!!

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!