Another One Bites the Dust!

I have been accomplishing more projects since challenging myself to blog on a regular basis!  My latest was a kit that had been started and was just sitting under a pile of crap on my desk.  When I uncovered it, I decided to NOT put it away, but to FINISH it!

So here's my mess on the coffee table that I worked on while watching back episodes of Friends.  Yes, it's a Christmas album!   You've started thinking about Christmas, right?:)

Sorry I don't have any process pics, but here's the finished album.

Pretty cute, eh?

Rectifying a Wrong

In June, after witnessing my son's devastated face, I resolved to make things right.  He came home with his yearbook and said he wanted to throw it away.  There were hardly any pictures of him and his friends (despite the fact that I had submitted quite a few), but many pics of certain other kids.  Evidently the moms in charge of creating the yearbook wanted to make sure no-one forgot their children.  It didn't help that a couple of the kids and my son aren't friendly with each other... that's a saga for another venue:)





So today I modified his yearbook.














There were some blank pages, and I knew I could add pictures that I had taken throughout the year.  Gotta love photoshop!

I printed out some pages of different events, cut the borders and glued them to the inside pages of the book.  Now he has a remembrance of his 4th grade year with him participating!

Take 5 Project

I got up this morning feeling surly... a sure sign that I need to be creative!  So I picked a project that was sitting on my desk just waiting for my final touches:)

"Take 5" was inspired by a book and a keynote speaker at an event I attended.  The book, Five by Dan Zadra, is truly a "must read"!

It's a positive and affirming reminder that we need to live our lives to the fullest.

The speaker was Stacy Julian, a person I always find inspirational in life and creativity.  So without further ado, here's the project...

This began as a blank pre-made chipboard book with number extensions from the pages.

 

I used patterned papers* to cover the book, front and back of each page.  The numbers are actually stickers that were made to fit the extensions on the book.  

*The papers were Fancy Pants- Holly Jolly collection and Cross My Heart double-sided cardstock.

I'm sorry, I don't have the product names for the alphabet or number stickers.  There are journaling cards that match the papers and are from the same manufacturers.

I began this book at my event (mentioned above) in 2007.  Isn't it so cool that Stacy Julian signed it?!!

So I'm really proud to have finished this project... very satisfying!  Now I'm going to re-read the book!

Taking a Break to be Creative

Since the office clean-up is going into it's second week, I decided to take a break and do something creative.  I have a pattern that I've been wanting to try out.  Overall, I think it turned out ok.  Here's a pic of the final product...

I really like the size of the tote/purse, but I think I'll make the straps thicker next time.  And it would be nice to have a lining... maybe with pockets!

More Textiles

I can't wait to make some more designs!

Decorated Dog Tag

So here's a fun and easy project that can be used in a variety of ways.  I covered a blank dog tag with embossed and sanded foil.  Here are the supplies...

Embossing Stylus

This is a simple embossing stylus.  It has a large ball on one end and a smaller one on the other.  This is used to press out the rubbing plate design on the foil.

Embossing Foil and Rubbing Plates

The foil can be found in any crafting store.  The rubbing plates came from an on-line source called Ten Seconds Studio.  They have all kinds of fun tools for this craft!

And here is my dog tag, front and back.  Have fun!!

The Purge has Begun

I am beginning to list some things on eBay in an effort to make some space in the office.  Here are just a few books that went on the block tonight:)

I'll be putting more things up over the next few days so keep a lookout!

PS. Cool thing I just figured out... Click on the title of this post to go to the eBay site!

The BIG Office Clean-Up

After arriving home from being in Maine for two weeks, this is what I saw...

YIKES!!  The horrible reality is that no-one touched my office while I was gone.  This is how I left it.  I guess when you've lived with something for so long, it becomes "normal".  So, I decided it was time to cleanup and purge.  Yes, I am going to get rid of some things:)  I'll post again to show my progress this weekend.

Registering for the Fall Semester

So I'm going to bite the bullet and take two classes at VCU this fall:

Topics: Quiltmaking: Arts, Narrative and Image

This class offers an intensive study of contemporary quilting techniques including piecing, applique, surface embellishment, and machine quilting. This course may be repeated for credit with the understanding that students undertake increasingly advanced projects. Emphasis will be on content, narrative, and idea development in both flat and 3D work. Students will develop a historical understanding of quilting as both a functional and an artistic medium as well as foster a critical approach to pattern, form, and narrative.

Mixed Media: Book Arts

This class will explore the many approaches to creating one-of-a-kind books. Students will be free to experiment with the concept of bookmaking, to incorporate personal artistic styles and journaling possibilities into the book format and to use a wide variety of usual and unusual materials. Prior bookmaking experience is not necessary.

I'm psyched to be in more studio classes!

I took a 10-day summer class in June/July that was intense!

Topics: Surface Design

This intensive, focused class examines the use of dyes and pigments as surface design materials. Using a combination of drawing, printmaking, painting and monotype techniques, students will learn the basics of fabric design. Various aspects of design, color, pattern making, presentation and narrative will be examined with an emphasis on idea development. These dyes are colorfast, permanent and yield incredible color. Students will produce samples and lengths of finished fabric; those interested in repeating the class will be expected to work at an advanced level and produce several finished projects. No previous dyeing or painting experience is necessary.

If I didn't like the material and process so much, I would have hated the pace. Here are some pics of the outcome...

                

Thanks for looking!