Nature Lessons

First, don't forget to leave a comment here for my June giveaway! Second, I'm so sorry that I have been a bad blog host. In truth, I have been spring cleaning, redecorating and painting. It all seemed like a simple plan but turned out to be so much more work than I thought...and I'm still not done and losing steam. Anyway, here is the result of #12 of my Project 52.

I began with a small canvas album from 7 Gypsies. To this I added images from my nature photos and some vintage bird postcard images. After researching a bit, I decided that using gel medium was the easiest method. You simply cover the canvas with it and also the face of the image. Lay the image on the canvas and press down, preferably with a brayer.

After it dries, you run it under water and rub the paper off leaving the image behind. I was really tickled with the results, it was fun to do!

Lace and trims were added, some vintage, some new.

And also, some phrases that I think of when I observe nature on my daily walks.

I inked around the edges of all the pages with one color to unify it a bit more.

I got creative with the buttons, deciding to attach them with wire and I really liked the effect.

And here is the back cover. This project was inspired by Caterina Giglio whose project was published in in the Winter '10, Sew magazine issue. You'll find wonderful nature photos and mixed media projects on her blog!

I threaded a piece of vintage lace trim over the binder ring.

And lastly, wired a few bird charms to a piece of vintage lace that I had allowed to hang over the edge of one page.

Have a wonderful day, I'm off to spring clean my bedroom!

"Appeeling" Pizza Peel

I've been meaning to do something with this pizza peel that I had shoved down between the fridge and the kitchen cabinet for about 2 years. Finally, I had the confidence and skill set to do what I wanted with it! This was fun to make and looks great hanging in my kitchen now. 

Though I do love to cook, once in a while...ya know? So I just had to use this cheesy old joke.

All of the papers that I used here are from Graphic 45; which I adore. Who doesn't? Not being able to bear wasting any paper from this line, I was able to use up a great deal of my scraps. First I layered bits and pieces of paper over the entire peel using some Glossy Mod Podge that I got on clearance. Normally, I would go for a matte gel medium here but I knew that this would be covered later and I could save the more expensive medium for the final coat.

Next, I used a Tim Holtz fleur-de-lis border mask and some distress ink to help the papers blend together with no one in particular standing out. I did not do this to the handle of the paddle that I needed to stand out a little more to balance the piece later.

To further blend the background together, I added two layers of white tissue paper with gel medium. You have to allow the first to dry before adding the second. Again, I omitted this step with the handle.

Next I stamped my words.

The flowers were created using more G45 scraps and punching flower shapes, then inking with distress ink.

I arranged these punched flowers in groups of three to five then stacked various other left over flowers and buttons to their centers. Some of them I curled up a bit using a pencil to add dimension.

The man and woman images were cut out of some of the papers and adhered and the whole piece was coated with gel medium to preserve it. After it dried, the flowers were glued on using Tacky glue, also adding some leaves.

The clunky vintage button I've had around for ages finally found a home! It was perfect for this project. Last, I outlined the people and their words with a Sharpie to help them stand out.

I finished it off with a bow around the handle, a piece of gold trim through the hole. The tiny bouquet of mini roses above the stamped words were added as an after thought to keep your eyes focussed into the piece.

And now, I would like to remind everyone to leave a comment on my previous post about where you find inspiration so that you have a chance to win my random Giveaway. Good luck and have a fabulous weekend!

Fungus Among Us! June Gloom Giveaway

Project 52 #11. Yes, I realize that I am now way behind with one project per week. Ya think?! I'm waiting for the pressure to build so I can focus. lol!

Well, that and school will let out in a week and I will have the summer off. Yay! I made these mushrooms using wooden spools with a bit of paint added and some scrap fabric that was stamped with acryllic paint. Lengths of paper are added with favorite quotes concerning imagination and creativity. 

The idea comes from Somerset's Winter issue of 'Sew' magazine. Deborah Boschert shows tells us how she made hers. She was thinking about how inspiration just suddenly pops up; somewhat like mushrooms over night.

These were a very photogenic subject! 

My June Gloom Giveaway refers to our misty morning in June here. Although, I never feel gloomy since it burns off by about 11 and then is hot(I mean HOT!) and sunny. Nevertheless, I would like to give away a red mushroom to each of two winners. I must hold onto the blue since it is the color I just made over my family room(and the reason I have not blogged lately with making new cushions and table  linens etc.). 

If you would like to enter to win, simply leave me a comment telling where you find inspiration for your projects and artwork. 

I will choose 2 winners on June 30th. Good luck and have a lovely day!