Gothic Arch Challenge

This week's Gothic Arch theme is Rainbow inspired...we were suppose to choose 2 colors from the rainbow, but I couldn't resist using more then two....well truth be told I was naughty and didn't read the challenge all the way through :::sheepish grin::: I just bought some fun paper clips and thumb tacks from Staples to use in my art. I was thrilled to find a use so quickly for them!

I took a picture of both the paper clips and push pins to show you. Staples has a fun selection of office supplies that can be used in your art so check it out the next time you go there.

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Eye Candy!

Here's a few pieces I created on Sunday my one day I try to make a point of creating guilt free! It doesn't always work out that way for one reason or another but this weekend it did.

Journal page depicting how painful my tongue felt after loosing part of a filling and a pointing piece kept rubbing against my tongue!
Still working at drawing faces and people. I combined this with a digital layer.

This one is my favorite. I named them The Deedles....don't ask me why but that's the name that came to me after I drew them LOL I combined it with some digital magic to finish it off.

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American For The Arts Advocacy Day!!

Today, hundreds of dedicated arts supporters from across the country have come together in Washington, DC for National Arts Advocacy Day, a united effort to tell Capitol Hill how important culture is to our communities, how much arts education means to our children, and how much the arts improve our daily lives. 83 National CoSponsors have helped us shape this united arts message to Congress.

This year, Arts Advocacy Day will be busier than ever, and not only because of the near-record number of advocates attending. Americans for the Arts has once again been asked by House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Norm Dicks (D-WA) to organize a hearing on the arts on Arts Advocacy Day. We are very pleased that our President & CEO Robert Lynch will be joined by several other national leaders in the arts, including Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center Wynton Marsalis, GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter Josh Groban, GRAMMY®-Award winning singer Linda Ronstadt, and business leader and Philadelphia Federal Reserve Board member Jeremy Nowak, to testify at the hearing. The Subcommittee is expected to webcast the hearing live starting at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time. A link to the webcast can be found on the House Appropriations Committee website.

Even if you’re not able to join us in Washington, you can still participate in Arts Advocacy Day by asking your Members of Congress to support the arts. By visiting our E-Advocacy Center, you’ll be able to send a message directly to your Representative and Senators telling them why the arts are important to you and your community. We've provided bullet points covering our eleven key Arts Advocacy Day issues, which you can use in the sample letter that we’ve drafted for you. We also encourage you to write your own unique story to illustrate the importance of the arts to your community. Using the E-Advocacy Center, you can create and send your letter to Congress in less than two minutes. We urge you to send your message to Congress today to coincide with our office visits to the Hill. Click here to send your message.

Need more information? Browse the 2009 Congressional Arts Handbook for issue briefs, voting records, latest arts research and trends, relevant Congressional committees, and Congressional contact lists.

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Twist on an Easter Basket

(click pictures to enlarge)

I'm in an Easter basket swap in a group I belong to and didn't want to do a standard Easter basket. hmm....what to make...what to use...Ahh-HA another of those light blub moments hit me! Why not use one of the cardboard suit cases I picked up at Big Lots a few years back! Perfect! Even though it already had decorative paper on it it wasn't what I was wanting since my person liked blue. I painted it with gesso then misted it with my Color Mists
I then added some decorative scrapbook paper, rub-ons, a few fairies, flowers misted with Color Mists and a bird or two. When I was finished I sealed the entire piece inside and out with what else but PYM II.

Here it is packed full of goodies!

Now all I have to do is ship it off!

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Crafty Blogger Blurbs

We've got a new kid on the Blogger Blurb block...well not literally a kid, but you get my drift...Please stop by and visit Diane from Crafty Pod and give her a warm crafty welcome!

CraftyPod Learn how to turn an old paperback book into a cool picture frame.

Cross Stitch at About.com Would You Stitch With Scented Floss? Vote in the poll and be sure to read the comments and add your own.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery With inspiration from Cathi Milligan's new book Mod Knots a soda bottle goes under the knife and becomes a mod cuff.

The Impatient Crafter Madge shares one final project from her new book Beyond the Bead! Plus she's giving away a free copy of the book and a crystal stash!

Crafty Princess Diaries Expose yourself....in a good way that is...Tammy tells her thoughts on the process of creative exposure.

Naughty Secretary Club Get felt up with Jen and her customized felt baby booties how-to.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world This week there is an Andy Warhol inspired scrapbook page and ATC's, an interview with Lisa Kettell author of Altered Art Circus!, a super cute clay pot hedge hog how-to, and a link to two free bottle cap graphics.

About Family Crafts Discover how you can create an entire fairy village using items from nature.

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner Swelldesigner gives new life to a plain paper lantern with tissue paper!

Blisstree Mixing two of Cyndi's favorite things: fibers and books!

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Big Congrats!

Big Congratulations to the following winners of the new Color Mists' Sorbet Collection!

Thanks to the number generator

::::Aileen throws confetti in the air and flip the switch for the canned drum roll:::::

Whoohoo!

Jennifer R.D.

http://artisticallydesigneddiversions.blogspot.com/

Kari

http://backporchartessa.blogspot.com/

Okay ladies, time to send me your mailing addys so I can send you out your set so you can play!

Thanks again to everyone that voted!

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New Color Mists Sorbet Names & Blog Giveaway!

Well voting is over for helping me name my new

Sorbet Color Mists Collection.

There were some overwhelming winners on Honeydew and

Cotton Candy and a tie on one of the colors.

Big thanks to everyone that voted and stay tuned

for the announcement of the winners!

Here are the results:

Honeydew

Cotton Candy

Blueberries'n Cream

The tie for

Pineapple Chiffon

& Lemoncello.

Help me break the tie and vote between the two names below.

The good news is that one more lucky person will

be have a chance to win the collection!

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL

WHEN YOU POST so you can be entered to win.

create free polls | comment on this

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Welcome Banner

(Click to enlarge)

Hi, I'm Aileen and I'm a banneraholic...well okay so maybe I'm not quite that bad but I am addicted LOL so anyhow here's my newest banner I created for my front door. Since it is outdoors and it will get hit by the morning sun I made sure to seal it with PYMII so it wouldn't fade.

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Springtime!

Yet another Gothic Arch....Spring is the challenge for this week!

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Gothic Arch

This week's Gothic Arch challenge is Mother & Child.

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Crafty Blogger Blurbs

Blisstree Don't miss out on the second annual Collage Mania event !

Cathie Filian Cathie has a dollar store do over! With a scrap of paper and a little flirty flower you can make this easy headband in under 1-hour.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world This week at Craftside there is a how-to for making a Chinese Knot from Kenneth King's new book Cool Couture, a Scribble Lace scarf pattern, a woven lampshade made from scrap yarn, and 4 upcycled necklace designs.

Crafty Princess Diaries The Crafty Princess catches you up on her various crafting projects and asks, "What's on your crafing plate?"

Cross Stitch at About.com Use the free Street and Traffic Sign Motifs to decorate a cake, a child's jacket, or whatever your imagination can come up with.

Naughty Secretary Club Jen asks the question: Would you wear an apron out on the town as a fashion accessory? According to some trendsters it’s all the rage. Join in the discussion about Apron-ology.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Sweater Surgery meets Sublime Stitching with a fun gun embroidered altered sweater.

The Impatient Crafter
Madge is hooked on Drew Emborsky's new book The Crochet Dude's Designs for Guys! Check out her book review!

About Family Crafts Discover some ways you can save money on your crafting without stifling your creativity!

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Banner Challenge and Giveaway!

Drumroll please...

And the winner is!

SUSAN TIDWELL

Click HERE to see Susan's Banner

Congratulations Susan!
email me with your mailing
info otm@outsidethemargins.com

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Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Raffle Doll Finished!

I'm excited to announce that the doll created for our project TIES THAT BIND is finished! It won't be long now and you'll be able to start purchasing raffle tickets to win her. All proceeds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

Please stop by and see what a fabulous job Jan Brown did in creating the doll using the men's ties and charms contributed by all the wonderfully talented artists.

Project Ties That Bind Picture Gallery!

Click HERE to view my Ties That Bind contributions

Ovarian Cancer;
it whispers, listen.

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Delectable Bundt Cake

Double Fudge Chocolate Mint Chip Cake

I made a delectable double fudge bundt cake and substitute the water for creamy coconut milk. I also added chocolate chips to the cake before I baked it. For the frosting I used regular vanilla frosting and added food coloring and mint flavoring and then sprinkled on chocolate chips. Boy was it rich and yummy!

Although this wasn't a recipe I was following, I was inspired to make it because I'm hooked on watching Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee on the Food Network Channel.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

AN IRISH FRIENDSHIP WISH:

May there always be work for your hands to do;

May your purse always hold a coin or two;

May the sun always shine on your windowpane;

May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;

May the hand of a friend always be near you;

May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you

and may you be in heaven a half hour

before the devil knows you're dead.

I was getting potatoes ready to make corn beef

and cabbage this morning and discovered a heart shaped

potatoe. How cool is that...I'm sure it will bring me luck!

Hm...maybe I ought to try selling it on ebay.

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Sonora Celtic Faire

Yesterday we spent a lovely day in the beautiful foothills of Sonora, CA relaxing at the Celtic Faire. The drive up was just gorgeous there's only a small window of time when the foothills are beautiful green before it quickly turns to golden brown! I could almost convince myself I was in Scotland or Ireland LOL

(I got a bit frustrated with the slide show I previously had posted and decided to go with static pictures to hopefully speed things up a bit.)

Click images to enlarge

The sign says it all!	The Parade	The walking of the Irish Wolfhounds!
Vikings and fairies abound!	World’s Tallest Scotsman….I think that must be the world’s biggest flask too!	They came from everywhere!
Discussions over the cannon!	Let the Jousting Begin!	Old meets New!
The Wicked Tinkers strike a pose!	The Wicked Tinkers Tribal Band performing.	The drummer stops for some wee libations!

We enjoyed perusing the tents looking at all the art and trinkets for sale and then watched a healthy jousting match...it didn't matter that we sat on the wrong side we still rooted for our knight LOL After that on to a non healthy lunch of meat pies while we watched a funny comedy show. We topped off the day by watching the Wicked Tinker's Tribal band perform. You really can't help but want to dance when you watch them.

Here's a Youtube video I found of the Wicked Tinker's performing on the Craig Ferguson show

Glitzy Easter Egg Project

Glitzy Easter Egg

Here's a mini project I did using a small plastic egg from the craft store...not the eggs that come apart--though you could and just position the flowers to cover the seam yet allow you to open and shut the egg using those type of eggs. This particular egg I used some small paper flowers that came with the rhinestones already on them. I glued them to the egg overlapping some and after the adhesive had dried I spritz them with my new Sorbet Color Mists. While it was still wet I sprinkled the egg with extra fine crystal glitter--I love this fine glitter because it sticks to anything that is wet you don't have to use adhesive with it. I then dried the wet flowers with the heat gun. I'm thinking of adding a ribbon to hang it.

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Let the Fairy in you fly!

Remember the paper towel background I saved from the colored Easter eggs I made using my Color Mists (if not click HERE)? I ended up using one of the paper towels on this chunky canvas above.

Here's my finished piece using the canvas.

Here's the quote I used:

"Spread your wings and let the fairy in you fly!"

~Author Unknown

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Crafty Blogger Blurbs

I'm a bit behind this week on my blogger blurb post. I'm blaming it on ATT/Yahoo I was without *gasp* email for an entire day this week and then had to play catch up. Talk about frustrated I'm sure I have more grey hair after dealing with their lovely tech support...I'm not sure who they were supporting, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't me at the time! In fact I think we should all be given that manual they have to look through to help...heck it would save them time wouldn't it! It's kind of like that missing parent manual none of us got!

About Family Crafts Find out how you can make your own cards, party invitations, favors bags, place cards, napkin rings, gift tags, and much more to help celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner Are you using Google Image Search to its fullest? Swelldesigner shows you how to find better images and information and save time while doing so!

Cathie Filian Recycle your junk mail and old papers into beautiful handmade designs with Cathie's easy tutorial.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world This week at Craftside there are 2 fun "J" ATC's made with free downloadable graphics, tons of info about the June session at the Squam Art Workshops, a mini journal made from a recycled card, a cool creative exercise and some interesting quilting folklore.

Crafty Princess Diaries Jewelry Validation! Nothing gives you validation, no matter what your craft of choice is, like having someone actually purchase one of your creations.

Cross Stitch at About.com Guest writer Lori Fellows presents another fun and easy Cross Stitch project. Learn to make an Easy No-Sew Vase Cover using your choice of free patterns.

Layers Upon Layers Cyndi shares the simple steps she's used to create a collage with mono printed papers

Naughty Secretary Club Customized wearable cupcake toppers that look as good on your cupcake as they do around your neck!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery Stefanie folds up some cool envelopes with the help of Karen Elaine Thomas' new book Origami Card Craft.

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Swap Announcement.

I'm looking for a few good swappers! 8 to be exact to participate in an altered tic-tac-toe board swap. One player for each square on the tic-tac-toe board. This will be a rapid swap 2 weeks between mailings. You can use your own tic-tac-toe board or purchase one through me at
Outside The Margins.
If your interested email me at otm@outsidethemargins.com and put SWAP in the subject line. The sign-up deadline is March 28th. If I get enough people interested for two groups I'll be happy to host two groups.

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Spring has Sprung!

Spring has sprung in California!

Here's our peach tree in full bloom! Isn't it beautiful!

One of my favorite times of year is when all the almond and peach orchards are in full bloom.

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Product Shout-Out!

I'm sure you've heard me mention PYM II before, and I admit I never tire of letting people know about this product I love it so much! I even have hubby sold lock, stock, and barrel on this awesome product! I don't embrace a product easily, but once I do I'm sold! I use PYM II on all my art pieces, along with everything around the house and especially outside items like my hand-painted mailbox. I recently used it on an outdoor flag so it wouldn't fade!

Right now the wonderful folks over at Precision-Blue has a show special going on for the month of March $16.95 $14.95 12 0z. and 6 0z. 11.95 $8.95. **Free shipping on 4 or more cans

Here's some of the reasons I love it:

• UV protects your projects! (this is a biggie for me) I have a mailbox and some brightly colored out door metal wall geckos that after 2 years in direct sunshine still look brand new
• Dries Fast as lightening 2-3 mins. to touch!
• Doesn't have a strong or lasting chemical smell-it does have a perfume smell but dissipates very quickly and doesn't last.
• Seals and protects against moisture.

Check out their website and read more about it and watch their demos!

http://www.precision-blue.com/Demo.html

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Paper Towel Backgrounds

Remember the Easter eggs I colored yesterday with my Color Mists? well here is the paper towel I used all dried and ready for me to use as a background. Its a double layered paper towel so I separated it and now have two beautiful backgrounds to use!

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Colored Easter Eggs!

It's a little early yet for Easter but I wanted to experiment a bit before Easter arrived. A few years ago my friend Karen Owen colored some Easter eggs using my Color Mists and they turned out great (click HERE to view Karens). Here's my version....I found that if I dipped them in white vinegar first that helped the Color Mists to stick better and I also used my heat gun to dry it on and layered the colors little by little. I also found that setting them in a bowl on a paper towel worked best.
Don't forget to scroll below and help name the new

Sorbet Collection and REMEMBER to leave your email

address so I can notify you if you win!

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New Color Mist Sorbet Collection & Giveaway!

I'm excited to finally introduce my new

Color Mists' Sorbet Collection!

They're just in time for spring and Easter!

Each color has a beautiful shimmeressense to them.

Click HERE to order a set.

Voting is over

click HERE to view the results

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Crafty Blogger Blurbs

Judy Streger has found a new use for that annoying Easter grass that seems to hang around months after Easter is over! Read about her light bulb moment which is sure to inspire you! Judy's new to blogging, so be kind and leave her a comment to let her know how you liked her project.

Crafty Princess Diaries Exercise your brain by crafting. That's right. According to a recent study, you can make your brain smarter by crafting.

About Family Crafts Discover how to make your own craft supplies.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery Cell phone car chargers get revamped with help from Jennifer Perkins' New Book-Naughty Secretary Club: The Working Girl's Guide to Handmade Jewelry.

The Impatient Crafter Check out this video to kick off Craft Month at Crafty Nation. Madge shows you how to make a jaunty mixed media nautical pendant!

Cathie Filian Get poppy and modern with Cathie's easy technique for making one-of-a-kind "Warholesque" art.

Cross Stitch at About.com Connie has charted her favorite Irish Blessing for you to stitch and enjoy.

Layers Upon Layers This is "Book Arts month" on Layers Upon Layers!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world There are a couple of fabulous tutorials on how to sew a cuffed hem and a paper bead, wild photos from my night with the stars at Robert Vetica's Book launch party for Good To Great Hair, an interview with Garth Johnson author of the upcoming 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse and if you want to be a part of the book the deadline for submissions has been extended to March 13th!

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Gothic Arch and The Partridge Family!

It's been awhile since I participated in the Gothic Arch challenge. This week's theme is Pink & Brown which I couldn't resist.
Tweet Tweet!
(click to enlarge)
I've had more fun making these paper birdies! I made a template and cut them out then painted their faces on. I'm not really sure yet what I'm going to do with them I started out making them for someone, but now I can't part with them! For some reason when I look at them they remind me of the Partridge Family intro....I know, I know I'm dating myself and I'll even go as far as admitting I was one of five million other little girls in love with David Cassidy!...come on now fess up I can't be the only one!

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Shout Out and Question...

I have to give a shout-out and THANK YOU to the talented Sharon B from Pin Tangle
for including me in her list of blog reviews. Please take a moment to visit Sharon's blog and see the amazing textile art she creates. I'm in awe of the exquisite detail and beautiful pieces she creates! Sharon also offers classes at Joggles.com if your interested.

Now on to my shameless patting on the back let me share some of what Sharon wrote:

"As I did last year I choose blogs that are on topic and written reasonably frequently, by textile practitioners and designers who do such things as quilt, stitch, dye, sew, embellish fabric, bead, use visual journals, or people who are interested in art and design. I also try and stick to blogs that are on topic at least 80% of the time."

Aileen’s Musings covers altered art, recycled

materials and mixed media projects which

are dished up with a snappy writing style.

What a warm fuzzy that gave me...WOW me...I have a snappy writing style...cool! Seriously though it's nice to know how people feel about my blog, because lately I've been wondered if many people are reading or still interested since the comments have dropped off. Not that I blog for comments Hi, I'm Aileen and I'm a CommentAholic, but I must admit it does feel good and help me to know how people feel or if what I'm sharing is of interest. I'll admit even I am susceptible to having my inner critic rear it's ugly head when I've created a piece I'm really excited to share and only 1 or 2 faithful readers comment. My friend Judy Streger wrote a hilarious post on the quandaries she has on whether to leave a comment or not to leave a comment. Check it out, but I warn you make sure your wearing your depends before you read it because your sure to need them!

My theory is that there are so many blogs and so little time that therein lies the problem people have less time and don't leave a comment until something really moves them.

So I ask those of you who are reading this...

what does prompt you to leave a comment

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