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!

Giveaway Winners and New Friends

I hope you all are enjoying a relaxing Memorial Day. Having been in the military(peace time so no comparison); I'm definitely thinking of those overseas today and hope they all come home to their families safe and soon. My two winners from my Mother's Day Giveaway are Lidia and Claire, two of my absolute favorite blogs to visit btw! By random draw, Lidia wins the keyfob and Claire wins two magnets. Email me your addresses ladies! Congrats!

Pictured above is a robe that I made recently and my brunch today. More on both shortly. I would like to welcome two new blog followers. The first is Patricia at Walk, Walk Fashion Baby. She is only 16 and has a fabulous fashion inspired blog. As we all know arts and fashion go hand in hand. I highly recommend her blog for inspiration. Also, Patricia is an excellent writer, very impressive! Thank you Patricia! The next is Laura at the Vintage Key.  She teaches scrapbooking classes and is a design team member for my favorite paper company...Graphic 45! Laura's projects are devinely vintage! Thanks for following Laura!

So, I wanted to show off my robe that I made with my new sewing machine. It's so cute cuz it has ruffles at the bottom and on the arms, as well as a hood(first pic). But there's a funny story to this...

My new machine has the embroidery functions, something I have never had before. Therefore, I wanted to embroider something on the robe. Clever as I am(wait for it...), I thought that I should probably practice in a scrap of the same fabric. After carefully following the manual, my heart sung over the darling hot pink butterfly that I was able to embroider! I ran to brag to my son(who could care less, he's a teenager), but I HAD to tell someone! Having been successful, I now proceeded to embroider the real deal, the robe. Now they tell you very clearly to make sure you don't have extra fabric caught up in the hoop. On God, I bet lots of idiots do that, I thought slightly haughtily...after all, I had done this once so now I was clearly an EXPERT. Well, guess what...yeah...here it comes...I GOT THE BOTTOM OF THE ROBE CAUGHT IN IT! If you don't know, you can't pick it out; the entire thing unravels...so I learned. BUT, I made lemons out of lemonade and used my sample and learned how to use the applique feature. Thank goodness. The results were good as you can see here.

For my relaxing day, I partook in a little brunch for myself. Some tea, perfectly, mouth-wateringly, sweet watermelon and a lovely tuna sandwich on toasted English muffin. 

It was delish and then I went to read Julia Child's memoir. LOVE it!

Faux-Pas Faux Fruit

It was a hideous mess doing this! Awkward and clumsy too. This is #10 of my Project 52.

It's ironic that they actually look better in photo than in person. Or maybe not so much? The goal here is to make paper fabric by gluing papers and napkins onto muslim, then creating the fruits and veggies. Kelli Nina Perkins gave a terrific tutorial in the CPS May/June '09 issue and I just loved the bright colors and whimsical idea! She has a fabulous stitch alchemy blog at "common life into ART". It is truly inspirational and candy for the eyes!

Somehow my banana went bananas when I sewed the pieces together and turned out all twisted. 

Bell pepper anyone?

And an eggplant just 'cuz I wanted to make something in purple.

I did learn through the process here. I now understand how tricky making cloth paper is! Also, I was able to use oil pastels for the first time. Love the effect of those! Alas, this method of creating is not really for me. The steps are quite time-consuming and I prefer more immediate gratification. Plus, I was not too crazy about using my brand new sewing machine for such a messy project. I just love my new machine that can embroider and I don't want to gum it up and paint it up yet! I have a much greater appreciation of Kelli's work as an artist.

Now you might be wondering what the point of immitating the artwork of others for my 52 projects. I know, it doesn't seem very creative. But here's the thing; I created my Top Ten list of reasons for doing so:

1. Immitation is the highest form of flattery.

2. I don't know what I'm doing so why not learn from the experts.

3. Force myself to learn new techniques.

4. Develop an eye for composition.

5. Develop an eye for color.

6. Find out which methods and mediums that I gel with.

7. It is a 'fun' resolution for this year.

8. I am happier when I make time to create and this ensures I will make time for it every day.

9. Increasing my arsenal of techniques to apply to future creations.

10. This is the BEST one...I have a terrific excuse to buy more supplies to add to my ever-growing collection! LOL

Glamourful Memories

Don't forget to leave a comment here for my May Giveaway!

I met my fiance about a year after his wife of 3 years passed away unexpectedly at only 43 years old.  In his apartment, he had some of her personal belongings in the bottom drawer of his dresser. When he and I moved in together he simply dumped the contents in the bottom drawer at the new place. I knew he just couldn't bear to go through them. That brings me to this layout.

It always bothered me that her things were just strewn in the drawer but I felt it wasn't my place to do anything about it. I did feel that it wasn't peaceful and there wasn't closure.  Recently, it was what would have been her third birthday since her passing; which he mentioned to me. So, I decided to make this layout in her memory. He has told me lots about her and she was quite a comedian and a bit of a smart aleck so this is what I came up with using some glamour shots she had done.

Really, I need some advice on close ups. Seriously, give me your best tips!

Anyway, I purchased this decorative box and went throught the bottom drawer and placed her things in it. I think she'd like it as at the old apartment she had floral curtains similar to the box. I placed the layout on top and presented it to D(with a little trepidation at his reaction).

It turned out that he really loved the layout and he was touched that I did this for her and for him. We placed the pretty box in the drawer and he can look through it when he is ready. I felt that Chris was smiling down and appreciated the care of her things.

Yeah! An Award and Giveaway Reminder!

Happy Thursday! Don't forget to leave a comment for my Mother's Day Giveaway; you have till the 30th of May!

I'm so pleased to receive and award. I think this is an interesting one because it lets us have a little peek into other people's hopes, dreams, goals, and wishes!

Thanks to Sandy for this recognition. To fulfill the good wishes of this award I am to tell where I see myself in 10 years. Hmm...I think a list is in order.

1. In a good place with my grown son(teenager at the moment...VERY).
2. Happily married to my current fiance.
2. Having finished my second BA and a Master's in my new chosen career field of Geoscience.
3. Wishfully, having published my in-progress young-adult novels.
4. Living back at the CA coast.
5. Still creating and sharing in the blog world!

In the spirit of sharing, I am to pass this award along to 10 other blog friends. The rules are simple. Just post this award and link back to the person that sent you the award, then forward to 10 of your blog friends. Although some of these ladies don't know me well; I am a fan of their lovely blogs and so these are my picks to share with you. I am confident that you will enjoy browsing their varied blogs. Have a great day and here are my picks!

Claire at Blah to Tada!
Lidia at Breaking Barriers
Lisa at Nature Nutz
Laurie at Moonwild Art Studio
Jackie at Best of Times
Deb at Sparkling Scrapbooks
Lisa at What a Beautiful Mess
Jessy at Teacher Jessy's Blog
Jodi at Sweet Repeats
Nancy at Sugar Lump Studios