Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Tie-Dyed Deli Paper Backgrounds

pinktiedye
Example 1.
purpgrnbklo
Example 2.
lizrdbklo
Example 3.
Here are a few tie-dyed deli paper backgrounds I made the other day using my Color Mists. I had originally taken photos of my step by step process to show you, but my photo card bit the dust and I lost all the pics I took *sniff*
Example 1. I folded into a squares over and over again and then sprayed some Color Mists into a small plastic container and dip the edges in and then used a pipette to add color where it didn’t soak in. Example 2. I folded into triangles until it was completely folded small and dipped once again and then used the pipettes to add color as needed. Example 3. I gathered the deli paper into the middle and twisted until it was a completely twisted like twisty paper, and then applied the Color Mist with the pipette in sections. With all of them I used a heat gun to dry as I slowly unfolded them little by little…if some areas weren’t saturated enough I used the pipette to apply more color. Once the deli paper was completely dried I used chunky foam stamps and white gesso to stamp onto the deli paper.
After, I scanned each background into my computer and created fractal backgrounds using Paint Shop Pro.

Download free fractal backgrounds HERE

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

ATC

Veronica
ATC

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Monday, May 18, 2009

It's 5 o'clock somewhere!

Here's another new character. It's funny how each character's name pops in my head while they're personalities develop as I'm drawing.
Patsy takes her shopping & martinis quite serious!
She figures it's always 5 o'clock somewhere


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Sunday, May 17, 2009

artpaletteatc

fleuratc

atctbeach

Time to announce the winners of my recent

blog giveaway!


Thanks to the help of my sons I had them pull names last night. For each person that left their name and email I added their name into the jar and for those that posted on their blog I added their name twice.


And the winners Are....

Brittany Heskett

http://www.papermoonies.blogspot.com/

*

Cindy B

eiggam44@yahoo.com

*

Kathy LaRocco

http://artful-musings-of-kathyl.blogspot.com/

Congratulations Ladies!

Please email me your snail mail addresses


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Saturday, May 16, 2009

Marissa The Mermaid



Meet Marissa the Mermaid.

She's always ready for a party!

Give her a girlie drink and

she's happy as a clam!




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PYM II Sale!


I don't know about you, but I always get excited at the mention of a sale! ,I thought I'd pass this May Special on to you! The wonderful folks over at Precision-Blue are offering a PYM II special for the month of May!!! If you aren't familiar with PYM II let me enlighten you...PYM is the ultimate acrylic sealer! Its a waterproof and UV repellent and what I use on all my artwork, metal work, photos, ink jet prints, and anything I put outside that's going to get hit by our hot California sun! I have a mailbox that's over 2 years old that I painted and it still looks exactly like when I first painted it no fading whatsoever! If I could I would have sprayed my entire house after we had it painted! LOL The other things I love about PYM II is that it dries fast and takes on whatever finish you originally had!

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Crafty Blogger Blurbs



Naughty Secretary Club Love the look of the groovy spaghetti string lamps from the 60’s? Make your own with Jen, some yarn, a balloon and a little fabric stiffener.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery Sweater Surgery in the Pratt Institute Magazine and Bookmarks You can make at Maker Faire with me!

The Impatient Crafter Style Guru Brini Maxwell and The Impatient Crafter Margot Potter want you to join them on their Crafty Cabaret Carribean Cruise in Fall of 2010! Here's the 411!

Vickie Howell Need a home decor, quick-fix? Vickie shows you how to use fabric scraps to over those otherwise drab, light switch plates!

Blisstree Arts Digital art calls for a creative framing method!

Cathie Filian Cathie whips up a "no calorie cake" with a few items from the dollar store!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Inside peeks into the new books: Mosaics: The Art of Reuse and my shotgun and sea shell stepping stones, SKETCHBOOK and a few of my sketchbook sketches and their end result, Re-Bound and the story behind this month's San Metao Maker Faire (30th and 31st) "Makeready" journal we will be giving away in our booth, and a Sweater Surgery Hello Kitty Sunglass case how-to.

Crafty Princess Diaries Are you cutting coupons these days? Then make this simple little crochet coupon holder to keep them organzied.

CraftyPod Sister Diane shows you how to make a quilted fabric pendant.

Cross Stitch at About.com Connie's been in a Sci-Fi mood lately - check out her Out of This World Patterns.

About Family Crafts Discover how you can create your own fancy, garden stepping stones.

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner Swelldesigner shares with you why you need a mini idea book !

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Friday, May 15, 2009

Bottle Cap Monogram Necklace

I've been making bottle cap jewelry
for years, and now its found a resurgence
among teen girls. They're having parties
making bottle cap jewelry! How cool is that!
Below is a Bottle Cap Necklace my niece made.
Click HERE to check out my
Bottle Cap Monogram
Necklace Tutorial
Bottle Cap Necklace Variation

Bottle Cap Zipper Pull



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Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Bride and Nurse Whimsies

It's been several days too long since I've had time to draw! I was beginning to have withdrawals. At the encouragement of my friend, I've drawn some themed whimsies.
Meet Nurse Samantha, she's quick
with the needle and the drink!

Wendy was a happy bride...especially after 4 glasses of champagne!

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Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all you mother's out there!
I use to hate this holiday for years after I lost my mother I was envious of others that still had their mother with them. For those of you who don't have your mother with you any longer my heart goes out to you especially those of you who recently lost your mother it's a pain that only time can heal! I'm happy to say that eventually I got over that feeling and I now can enjoy mother's day again celebrating with my kids. Above is an altered book niche that I created years ago in honor of my mother. She was an artist and so creative, out spoken, wise and could grow anything! I owe my creativity to the creative life she exposed me to growing up, thanks mom!


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Friday, May 08, 2009

Crafty Blogger Blurbs



About Family Crafts If you are looking for an almost instant Mother's Day gift or activity, check out these free, printable Mother's Day projects.

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner Make your own mini Moo-like business cards from junk mail postcards!

Blisstree Arts Cyndi has compiled her favorite posts on creating collages and art quilts

Cathie Filian Cathie is Mod Podging thrift shop plates to make unique collages and mini works of art.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Craftside's got a cool scratching photo technique, 2 ways to weave an eyeglass case, an interview with the author of Art Doll Adventures: Lisa Li Hertzi, a tutorial on how to needle felt a bird and as always questions of the day that if you answer you're entered to win a free book!

Crafty Princess Diaries Even if you missed making this for mom this Mother's Day, the Crafty Princess has a great combo gift idea for your next gift-giving need. Part of it you can make and part you can purchase, but both are inexpensive and perfect for lots of folks on your list.

Cross Stitch at About.com Stitching on dark Cross Stitch fabrics is challenging for most of us. Do you stitch on dark fabrics? Vote in the poll, read Connie's tips, and share your own tips and tricks.

Naughty Secretary Club Jen shows how she whipped up a coordinating fabric covered photo album to match the curtains and the cushions in her daughter’s nursery.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery A plain glass bottle gets a makeover with an engraved plaid jackalope following the great directions from the new book: Glass Engraving by Sonia Lucano.

The Crochet Dude Drew finally announces his latest news; plus video!

The Impatient Crafter Caution: Madge's new book may cause you to dive into a craft binge. She's created a form excuse letter so you can skip work and craft to your heart's content!

Vickie Howell In preparation for Summer break, Vickie shows a simple craft for bringing a little magic into your kids' vacation!

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Thursday, May 07, 2009

Fun Nun!

Ahh it's been a few days hmm...where has this week gone to! I have no idea, but here its almost Friday! I couldn't resist drawing another whimsical nun and putting it with this saying I borrowed from my friend Debi's tagline.
Don't ya just love this quote, though
some how I don't think they had a nun
in mind when they said it LOL


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Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Whimsical Nun

This drawing was done for my real sister .
Meet Sistah Mary Margaret she's quite the sporty nun! You never know when you might catch Sistah Mary Margaret shooting hoops, playing hopscotch or even rollerskating!


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Monday, May 04, 2009

Sierra The Fairy

Sierra The Fairy
Sierra is quite the little Florence Nightingale Fairy. Her speciality is healing wounded birds and animals of the forest. With one swish of her magical wand they're good as new!


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Sunday, May 03, 2009

Blog Giveaway!

artpaletteatc

fleuratc

atctbeach

I’m offering these 3 ATC size (2.5”x3.5”) original drawings for a giveaway.

1. You can enter for a chance to win by posting and leaving your name AND EMAIL<—important since I can’t contact you without an email.

2. You can enter a second time by mentioning this giveaway on your blog with a link back then post back here when you’ve done that and you’ll be entered twice.

In two weeks I’ll draw 3 names and post the winners here and once I receive your mailing address I’ll pop your original signed ATC in the mail to you.

Felicity The Mermaid

Felicity is all about having the latest designer mermaid fashions and having her hair just right. She's cousins with Penelope but they couldn't be more different in personality! One might even say she's a bit snooty!

Did you know you can click on the label "whimsical drawing" below to view all my drawings at once or click HERE

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Saturday, May 02, 2009

Cold Case

I'm excited to announce my nephew will be in the show Cold Case Sunday evening. He'll also be in next week's show (it's a 2 part show). It's not a speaking part, but he did have a lot of fun meeting everyone and being a part of the show.

Click the link below my nephew is the one standing guard on the far left. Since he's a marine this came natural to him.

http://www.tv.com/Cold+Case/The+Long+Blue+Line+%281%29/episode/1255434/summary.html

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The Impatient Crafter Learn how to make beaded wire circles with Madge!

Vickie Howell Create customized cards out recycled fabric and keepsake images!


The Crochet Dude Drew talks about his latest hook/needle find in an All Boye Review!


About Family Crafts Help needed: Looking for creative graduation decorations... Ideas anyone?

Blisstree Arts Cyndi has rounded up all of her favorite posts on making background papers and fabrics for your projects.

Cathie Filian Cathie volunteered to make 40 centerpieces for an Awards Gala - Check out her trip to the flower district and step-by-step instructions on how to make the arrangements.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Craftside's got a crochet pattern for a pop art roll of toilet paper cozy, a detailed tutorial on how to make a photo based painting, a free dress silhouette template from the new book: Cloth Doll Artistry, and a couple of necklaces made from some very unusual recycled elements.

Crafty Princess Diaries Go shopping in style with your own crocheted tote bag. The Crafty Princess shows off her latest finished fiber project.

CraftyPod In her latest podcast, Sister Diane interviews Sarah Hodsdon about the future of the design profession in a global, digital economy.

Cross Stitch at About.com Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Connie's latest fun, fabulous, and did we mention FREE Cross Stitch pattern.

Naughty Secretary Club Jen does a little painting, searches for vintages images and boils a pair of eyeglasses all in the name of creating a necklace with a little specs appeal.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery See how to make stitchless embroidered fabric from the cool new book: Fabricate by Susan Wasinger.


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Crowned & Proud

Wow, I've been Awe-Summmly crowned! My very own sparklie crown that twinkles
by none other then The Creative Queen herself! (Please check out her site and see her wonderful eye candy, and win some woot loot while your there!)

I am humbled as I accept this royally Awe-Summm crown....I would curtsy, but last time I tried I fell and couldn't get up! So here's the catch official royal acceptance guidelines:

List 7 things that make you Awe-Summ
and then pass the award on to 7 bloggers you love.

  1. I am Awe-Summ at making a mess of my work area!
  2. I am Awe-Summ at altering/re purposing found objects.
  3. I am Awe-Summ at sharing with others
  4. I am Awe-Summ at that which can be put off until tomorrow!
  5. I am Awe-Summ at remembering facts about movies and TV shows.
  6. I am Awe-Summ at having multiple projects going at once.
  7. I am an Awe-Summ loyal and caring friend.

And now I pass this royal award on to the following kewl & Kreative bloggers who inspire me! Without further ado here they are in alphabetical order:


ArtfulLife- Summer Swanson

Ad Libitum-Joanne Thieme Huffman

Bella Sinclair Doodlespot

Flying Colors Lisa Rivas

Karen's Musings

Madge The Impatient Crafter

Time with Tascha

Happy Creating!

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Friday, May 01, 2009

Charlotte & Evelynn

Charlotte doesn't have a problem with caffeine.
She has a problem without caffeine! Don't even think about
talking to her until she's had her
morning cuppa!
Evelynn feels coffee shared with a
friend is happiness tasted & time well spent.

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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Clara Sue the Southern Belle

Clara Sue is just an old fashion southern belle!
The next best thing to shopping for Clara Sue
is enjoying her favorite pink girlie drink!



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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Domino Necklaces


I'm busy getting ready for a small art walk show this week and I made these domino necklaces to sell using some of my recent whimsical drawings. I started out with pre-drilled blank dominoes then re sized my drawings, print them out and seal them with PYM II, cut them out and then added them to backgrounds and adhered those to the dominoes using a laminate adhesive. I added a tiny rhinestone or two to each of them for their necklace or earrings. Once they're completely dry I seal them with PYM II.
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Monday, April 27, 2009

Meet Greta

Greta
Mz Greta wonders why she got the
small martini glass and who ate her olive!

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Sunday, April 26, 2009

Practicing Drawing

I drew my latest 3 whimsical drawings last night and finished them up this morning. It really does come easier the more I draw.....there was a time when each pencil stroke was hard not knowing what to draw or being afraid to try to draw something like hands....I still don't love drawing those but I'm developing a style that I'm comfortable with. Two things that helped me were looking at magazines, books and catalogs. Then using them to practice drawing. Also having the right tools that work for YOU. Different people will have suggestions, but ultimately you need to try different tools until you find the ones that work for you...that goes for products as well!
I've found a plain ole mechanical pencil with a nice eraser works the best for me. Along with the Prisma Color art pens. The other thing that helped me was being given permission to erase...yep I know it sounds silly but it's true....its okay to erase and re draw something! :-)
RREADY
SET
DRAW! :-)
Rosa

Penelope

Dotty


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Saturday, April 25, 2009

Shipping Tag Bottle Cap Magnets

Here's another project idea for a Mothers or Father's day gift idea!
Click HERE to view my step by step process.


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