Did you know...

That the distress inks are great for changing the color of ribbons & fabric?? Here's an example of Maya Road's black & white ribbon, that I altered with vintage photo distress ink. I love the look of black & white, but for this project, I NEEDED a vintage looking ribbon. It's a PERFECT match & SIMPLE too. Try it!

***

Congrats to my master...LISA PACE! She signed a deal with Memory Makers to publish a technique book. I am beyond thrilled for her. Lisa is the queen of glitter..that vintage looking glass kind, that tarnishes after a bit...Her style is sooooo cool & her attention to detail is what first caught my attention. Now the bad news...we have to wait 'til 2010 to get this in our hands. I'm sure it will be well worth the wait. There's that "P" word again...PATIENCE.........

***

And if you have been following the email/HughesNet saga...after 3 days of NO email...they decided the upgrade didn't work & have switched us back to the old email system. I'm no computer genius, but I knew on SUNDAY that it didn't work...AMAZING...

Most, but NOT ALL of the emails have been received. I'm thinking some are lost in space, never to be seen by me. So, if I've missed anything important, please resend it. THANKS!!

***

Ok, off to the studio for some work...actually... it's PLAY!

wendy

Now this was fun...

I had one little idea surface last night for another Maya Road card for the NY stationary show. I wanted to make a chipboard key look rusty, but only in certain areas...not the entire key.
So...I used the distress embossing ink reinker, right from the bottle. It was simple to apply the reinker to very small areas & then selectively add the distress embossing powders in several different colors. I like the rusty worn look.

We still have no emails coming thru. I can send, but not receive. The latest update said that they EXPECT the issue to be resolved by 6am EASTERN time. Hmmm...It's 3 1/2 hours AFTER that & still nothing. The "P" word ( patience) is NOT in my vocabulary. I guess EXPECT is the operative word. 10 years ago I never would have thought that I would rely so much on email. Times sure do change.

Special "HEAL QUICK" thoughts are headed east to my friend Robin Beam. Incase you missed the details of her contest, check it out here. And a reminder...if the grand prize winner is one of my blog friends, I'll add something fun to the grand prize!

That's the story for today!
Make your Tuesday...arty!
wendy

Up & running .........plus a few fragment tips...

WOOHOO!

Maya Road's new web site is up & running.

Here's a summary of what you can find there. I stole this info from Deb's blog...

1) Store Locator - If you need to find a LSS who carry Maya Road goods, checkout our new store locator. You can also see all of the online stores who stock Maya Road goodies.

2) Order Maya Road Goodies from the Site - If you cannot find our products are your LSS, you can buy it from our network of LSSs and online stores straight from our site. That's right! Just place an order from our site. Your closest local store will fill the order for you! And then you know just where to go to pick up more goodies.

3) Creative Corner - Our Design Team has outdone themselves with the Creative Corner! You will see great new ideas each week from our awesome team.

4) Templates and Images - Get templates and images for all of our products. We have updated it all for you on our new site. Just print out the outlines from our site and use them for your next project!

Make sure to check out the templates Deb has there for us to download. It's a great service for all to enjoy.

And in other news...

Maya Road is exhibiting @ the New York Stationary show in May, so I've been working on my assignments for them. I've been playing more with fragments & want to pass along these tips. Sorry...can't show photos of the Maya Road/fragments project yet...top secret stuff. I'd be in BIG trouble...

Anyway...a few fragment tips...

1. Fragments can be stamped on with Staz-On. If the image isn't perfect, if can be removed with Ranger's blending solution or rubbing alcohol. Then, just start over...

2. Rub-ons are perfect for fragments. Put some under the fragment & some ON the fragment to create dimension.

3. Glaze pens (Sakura) and Ranger's Inkssentials new opaque white pen are great for adding dots/doodles to the fragments.

4. Glossy Accents is the adhesive of choice for adhering paper, metal, buttons & for adhering the fragment to your project.

5. If you're messy like me and get some of the Glossy Accents on the top of your fragments, it can be removed with blending solution or rubbing alcohol. A Q-Tip works great on the small area.

6. If you aren't happy with the paper you adhered to the fragment, just soak it in some water & dishsoap...they come out like brand new. Guess how I know that...

7. You can stamp on the paper before adhering the fragment.

8. The Crop-a dile does not work. Tim recommends a drill press or the Fiskars hand drill.

9. FRAGMENTS ARE FUN!!

It's actually SNOWING here on our nice green grass.

WHAT??? April 28th? What gives??? Will we ever see spring in Illinois?????

Enjoy your day! I'll be here, with the FURNACE ON........geez....
wendy
ps...one more thing. We are NOT receiving email AGAIN. HUGHESNET, our satellite service did an upgrade over the weekend, which was supposed to be finished @ 7am on April 27th. Yep...YESTERDAY & STILL no email 27 hours later... I called & they SUGGESTED that I be PATIENT. Interesting...I hope they are PATIENT if I don't send them a check.

Please hurry HUGHESNET...I NEED to talk to my friends!

Introducing guest artist...Cindy Borcherding!!

Grab a cup of coffee & take a few minutes to look @ these beauties created by Cindy. She was the winner of the LAYERS book, which was written by my friend Shari Carroll. Cindy took my Ranger distress ink techniques class @ For Keeps Sake, in St. Louis, Missouri last month. You'll see that she used techniques she learned in that class & combined them with the inspiration she got from Shari's book, to created some totally cool tag art.

You're in for a treat...

Here's the cute note that Cindy sent...

I received my book on Saturday and it's WONDERFUL!!!!! I was feelin' a serious urge to CREATE yesterday after lookin' through my new book and I am so, so happy with the tags I made that I wanted to share with you because I used all of the AWESOME techniques that YOU taught me as well as applying the 'layers' concept. The best part? I just had so much FUN playing with the techniques and layering and painting and getting down and dirty!!

This is the first tag that she created for her hubby... to celebrate their 12th anniversary. I LOVE it!



This is really cool too. She used the "weathered wood" technique, developed by t!m.

Here you'll notice my favorite "spritz & flick" technique, also developed by t!m. She combined it with some grungeboard (layering) for 2 tags that look great.


More layering... the tag on the right uses another technique called "distress ink wrinkled'. Spritz & flick is on the left. I think she likes that technique too!



Thanks so much for the inspiration Cindy! Take a bow for a job well done!

Have a wonderful ARTY weekend!!!
wendy

Meet...Guest artist...Sarah Drayton...a winner & a new contest!

Sarah was one of the lucky gals to win a Stampers Anonymous stamp. Here's what she created, using her new stamp & her Maya Road chipboard prize. Don't you just love it? GREAT job Sarah!! THANKS for sharing!!



Here's the info Sarah sent, if you'd like to try something similiar...


I created a piece with my fab new stamp and gorgeous chipboard book. *


I used Gesso and Ranger Acrylic Dabbers in Hazelnut and Snowcap for the background, building up a few layers until I acheived my desired effect.*


I then stamped the flourish stamp into the background using Adirondack Ink in Expresso.*


Then using some more Acrylic paint to soften stamped Image.*


Next I added the PaperWhimsy image and spritzed with Glimmer Mists in Antique Brass.


Hope you like what I have created. I love stopping by to see you on your blog.




Look @ this sweetie...This is Callie, Kate's dog. See how she smiled for the camera? For those who love dogs, she's a shilo shephard.

***
Now for the drawing by Rick... I was told to leave the room & he would read the comments & make his choice...He said her blogname got his attention...

***
And the winner of the sheer card I created for the Hero Arts blog is...

DRUMROLL>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

sherri (Tied Up In Ribbons) said...
Texas in OCtober....I'm thrilled--I wonder if it is too early to sign up?!? I don't even care what you are going to do, but I know I want to be THERE.....I second Lisa's Yippee
April 20, 2008 11:16 PM


CONGRATS Sherri...send me your address & I'll get the card sent off to you.

***
Keep reading.............

***

Who doesn't like a contest??? This sounds like fun...Check out Robin's blog for all the juicy details. She's giving GREAT INKY prizes...take the time...try her bandanna technique...send her a card... SIMPLE!!

Now here's the twist...if one of MY BLOG friends wins the GRAND PRIZE...I'll send the winner a prize too! Fair enough??? You can do it...

Just SUBMIT...I have faith in all of you!! I'd LOVE to add to the grand prize!!

***

Happy Thursday...come back tomorrow to see some tags created by another guest artist. I know you'll love them.
wendy

Phew.....what a weekend!

ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING is the perfect name for this store...
It has...absolutely everything!!! I shopped & came home with some VERY fun finds. Stamps, books, papers & WAYYY cool ephemera. I can't wait to take some time to play.

I did 4 classes in 2 days & met lots of fun new arty friends. Kate even took the time to show me how to solder. YIPPEE...that was really a treat!

I took my camera & actually USED it this time. Here's a photo of some of the gals in the fragments class. Each brought their own paper scraps to use and each created a unique masterpiece! At the end of the class we had "show & tell" just to give everyone more inspiration. This class is PURE fun.




Here's shy KATE (and a few friends in the background). She's the store mom! She has THE CUTEST and sweetest dog in the whole world and a GREAT store too.



And, as per TRADITION...I made wall art for Kate's classroom. I wanted my art to stay with my style...and this is my creation. LOTS of grungy stuff, Maya Road chipboard letters & numbers, crackle paint, distress inks and dots. This was fun. The photo is NOT the best...the flowers are broken china...I hope you can get the idea...

Luckily, Robin saved me the perfect spot right next to her.



That's the short version of the story... This old art chick is TIRED!

THANKS KATE & staff for a wonderful weekend. Thanks to ALL who attended my classes. You guys are sooooooooo fun, sweet & talented. Once again...THANKS so much!

Hmmmm......I got invited to teach again in November. Tell me what kind of classes you'd like. I aim to please.

I'll be back tomorrow & we'll draw the winner we talked about last week. Leave a comment here & we'll add your name to the hat.

AND..make sure you come back....we'll have more guest artists this week. Now that email is working (for the moment) I got some scans from the gals who won the Stampers Anonymous drawing & Shari's Layers book.

You'll like what you see.............that's a promise!
wendy

Email issues

I haven't forgotten about all of you. We have MAJOR email issues...AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!
4 hours on the phone to INDIA with NO resolution. We can send emails, but not receive thru our regular email address.

Our temporary email is... (if you want me to get it in this lifetime...)

wbv1214@hughes.net

I'll be back as soon as I can. I haven't forgotten about the giveaway...

THANKS for understanding...
wendy

You've heard it before...

Look at "things" not for what they ARE, but for what they COULD be.

***

Here's an example. I was shopping one day & saw a container of wood alphabets on sale. CHEAP! Hmmm...only the letters Z and O. But, did they NEED to be letters?? NOPE...

***

I bought a few of the O's with the idea that they would be cool frames for dimensional art. But, when I got this guy out to play, I set it on it's side & actually liked it this way better. So...with just a little grungeboard added..a fun transformation!

***

Now this is fun too. A fellow customer came over & asked if there were any N's in the sale bin. Her daughter's name was Natalie & she too liked the price. So...are you getting the picture here???

Turn the Z on it's side & it turns into a funky looking N. Think she bought it?? You bet! I'd love to see what she did with it.

***

On the agenda today...one final check of the supplies for Absolutely Everything. I think I'm ready... Keep your fingers crossed that Air Tran doesn't go bankrupt anytime soon. I'd like to get there & get home too. YIKES!

I guess it's tradition @ AE that each instructor who visits leaves some art on the classroom wall. Here's what Robin created for all to enjoy. I have my idea brewing...

***

Come back on Tuesday & hopefully I'll have a photo to show what I contributed.

***

My plan is to actually USE the camera this time, instead of packing it & forgetting it!

***

Old age sucks!!

wendy

oops...the flower stamp is from Inky Antics & the bird is from Stampers Anonymous. See...I almost forgot...like I said...

OLD AGE SUCKS!

This little thing made me smile...

I got an email from my friend Susan yesterday. She owns Catslife Press. That's what reminded me to show this photo. Her stamp, "pull this" is a perfect fit for the microchip scallop, from Maya Road. See...little things that WORK make me happy.

Here's the front of the card box with another of her stamps on the right. The flower on the left is a stamp from Maya Road.



Just one of the cards inside...




Keeping it short today. Packing kits ...kits ...kits & chocolate for Absolutely Everything. Should be a fun weekend.

Live in Texas???

October in Texas???
There's something in the works...The Crafty Scrapper in Waxahachie, Texas.

Just a little hint.

Details soon.

Thanks for visiting..........
wendy

A Tuesday tip & our first guest artist...

Here's a GREAT tip, from my friend Lisa Visel. Attach a pop dot to your adhesive & insert a pin. Whenever you need to unclog the tip...the pin is right there where you need it. No more searching. Simple, cheap & VERY effective. THANKS Lisa! You're a genius!!

Now on to our first guest artist.......

Deborah Lewis was one of the winners in our Stampers Anonymous stamp giveaway last month. She actually got her stamp inky and was the first to send me a scan. She was also kind enough to include the instructions for creating this masterpiece.
It's fun to see how stamps can be used in so many ways.

Take a look at this.................Deborah's work of art...



Here's the instructions that she sent.


I stamped on white paper using the Stampers Anonymous stamp and color box pigment ink "Dune."

Then I used the liquid from my gold leafing pen and with a nib and highlighted areas of one of the squares in the stamp.

I pulled out my T!m Holtz Fragments for the first time and added some Glossy Accents to adhere it to the square. Using my craft knife I trimmed around the fragment.

Using my gold leafing pen I edged around the fragment.

I attached the rose clasp with super glue. I sealed the back with a layer of Glossy Accents, then added the lace and grundgeboard, gold leafed, pounded to death (w/ T!m's hammer) wings.

This is my pendent for a necklace and I'm going to use the other three to make them especially for my best friends.

I hope for my very first attempt it was okay. Thanks you to Wendy for pushing and teaching. Thanks to Michelle for the stamp. It's beautiful.

So are you impressed?? I am!! THANKS for sharing, Deborah!!

Whenever the other 3 winners are ready...send me a scan & you'll be the next guest artist!!

I'll be headed east on Friday to Absolutely Everything , in Topsfield Ma., for classes on Saturday & Sunday. We'll be playing with some fun stuff. Chipboard, fragments, grungeboard, stamps & ink. Kate & I have a fun weekend planned. If you're in the area, please stop by & visit.

*** Don't forget...if you'd like the sheer scallop card I made...leave a comment. We'll have another "scientific" drawing on Monday!

That's it for Tuesday.
Enjoy your day!
wendy

From the bottom of my heart...

THANK YOU ALL!!!

WOW!!! What a fun weekend. Here's the stats...

There were 2383 visits to my blog. HOW!! COOOOOOL!

157 folks commented. A TON of personal emails... Hmmm...that tells me you like FREE stuff. (hint...keep reading...)

Thanks so much to Shari for the invite to participate on the new Hero Arts blog and to Aaron (Mr. Hero Arts) for his donation of the great blog prizes.

So...wondering who won??? Picture this...me scrolling thru the comments, from the bottom to the top......and Rick, with his back turned said...STOP. Pretty scientific huh??

These 3 cool stamps go to..............SCRAPTHAT...

Here's her comment...




Scrapthat said...
I just love your work! You inspired me to try the grunge flowers, and now I am headed out this afternoon to pick up a supply of blank Grungeboard!
Love love love all your work. The hero arts stamps would make great grunge flowers as you have proved and I solemnly swear to get them inky within moments should I be lucky enough to win them! LOL
Again thanks for always having great inspiration!
April 11, 2008 12:13 PM

edited @ 8:30 am...Hey...I already heard from a winner...she's from Coquitlam BC

Here's her note...I think she's excited.

Hi Wendy!!
I was so surprised when I opened your blog this morning (as I do every morning!) I popped in Tim's blog, then over to yours and I"M SO EXCITED!! I never win on blogs! I was just making some grunge flowers yesterday...thinking I need more flower stamps! What fun! And I do promise to ink them up immediately. I have wanted to thank you for some time for all the great inspiration you provide!

I will for sure send you a scan of the work I create with the stamps!!

Thanks again!!
Take care and I wish you inspiration galore!:0)
Dolly



And Layers will be going to live with... borcherding.

Here's her comment...


borcherding said...

Yet ANOTHER reason I am so happy that I bought those scalloped sheers - what a BEAUTIFUL card!!! (and the first one ain't too shabby either, LOL!!!) BOTH of them are just so pretty!!! Hmmmm....that Layers Idea book looks pretty amazing!!! And I always LOVE me some Hero Arts stamps!!!
April 11, 2008 7:11 AM

EDITED again! Ms. Borcherding just emailed me....
This make me laugh...here's her email...

HOLY FREAKIN' COW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so doing the HAPPY HAPPY dance!!! Thank you Wendy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did you see my comment?? hee hee.....

Oh, happy day!!!!!!!! I practically fell out of my chair when I saw my name and then after I typed my comment I went back to the post and couldn't find my name, thinking you WERE pulling my leg but I didn't scroll down enough. (I'm still in shock!!!))WOOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!! SO FREAKIN" HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got out my grungeboard this weekend and made a kick a** plaque thingy for an anniversary gift and if I do say so myself...it was pretty da** good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)


THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cindy Borcherding

CONGRATS to both winners...send me your address & I'll get them sent off to Shari. Then...just sit by your mailbox & wait for your packages to arrive!

SCRAPTHAT...we'd LOVE to see what you made with your new stamps. Send me a scan & I'll be happy to post it here. You can be the "guest artist".

And speaking of that...

Remember last month we gave away 4 Stampers Anonymous stamps?? Well, yesterday I got the first scan from one of the winners. WOOHOO! She used her stamp. Deborah Lewis will be the "guest artist" tomorrow.

Stay tuned...

Once again.....THANK YOU ALL for all the sweet comments. I appreciate them all!
wendy
ps...one more thing, just to see if you are still paying attention...... Let's keep the comments coming. Does anyone want the sheer scallop card I made??? Let me know...I'll give it away next MONDAY...it only takes a comment to win....

FINALLY...It's FREE FRIDAY!

Here's the scoop... and the prizes...

Shari Carroll asked me to design a collage style card for Hero Art's new blog. Since I'm president of her fanclub, I ALWAYS do what she asks!!
...

This is what I made. I used lots of different products. Stamps from Hero Arts of course, Maya Road sheer ribbon & a sheer scallop page, Grungeboard from Tim Holtz/Advantus and inks from Ranger. The complete supply list is posted on the Hero Arts blog.
...

Here's a closer look.




Sucking up to Shari paid off!!


Here's the first PRIZE...An AUTOGRAPHED copy of her book, "LAYERS".

Thanks so much, Shari!


If you don't have this book, believe me...you need it. She has it LOADED with great photos, great ideas and wonderful instructions on creating collages. If you need inspiration...you'll get it here.

...

Want to give this book a good home??? Leave a comment & we'll draw a random name first thing Monday morning!

If you don't win...you can get the book here.

...

On to part 2 of the story......................and why we have 2 freebies.............



Here's the original card that I made. When I sent it to Shari, she told me that some of the stamps I used were discontinued. YIKES!!

We had planned to give away some of the same Hero Arts stamps that I used, so that's why I made the first card in this post.




And a closer look...

Yesterday, HERO ARTS found & generously donated these 3 stamps for me to give away to my blog friends!

THANK YOU HERO ARTS!!! How exciting!!

Want these 3 stamps? Will you give them a GOOD HOME?

Will you PROMISE to get them inky??

Leave a comment & the SECOND PRIZE will be drawn Monday morning!

So there you have it...

FABULOUS FREE FRIDAY, with not one, but 2 FREE prizes!!

Don't forget...leave a comment and YOU could win.

THANKS!!

wendy

ps...I REALLY LOVE comments!!

Life and creative thinking...***UPDATE*** see the end of the post...

This is one fun project created for Maya Road's booth @ CHA-W.

It's the scallop coaster & box. I'm posting it just for the word LIFE.

Normally I don't pass on emails & jokes/stories, but this is just too good to miss.

The moral of the story is to think CREATIVELY in all aspects of life.

Here it is......................

According to a news report, a certain private school in Washington was recently faced with a unique problem. A number of 12-year-old girls were beginning to use lipstick and would put it on in the bathroom. That was fine, but after they put on their lipstick, they would press their lips to the mirror leaving dozens of little lip prints. Every night the maintenance man would remove them, and the next day the girls would put them back. Finally the principal decided that something had to be done. She called all the girls to the bathroom and met them there with the maintenance man. She explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian who had to clean the mirrors every night (you can just imagine the yawns from the little princesses). To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean the mirrors, she asked the maintenance man to show the girls how much effort was required. He took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it in the toilet, and cleaned the mirror with it. Since then, there have been no lip prints on the mirror.

................

See...it's all about CREATIVE thinking!

................

Don't forget...FREE FRIDAY is tomorrow!

Be creative!!

wendy

UPDATE!!! I just got an email from the "powers that be" and tomorrow will be extra fun!

There will now be 2 giveaways...one autographed...???

and FREE.......RUBBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! COOL!

Small scallops, large scallops & a stamp...

Sometimes I'm a CHEAP date...sometimes...NOT!

Yesterday (drawers)...NOT, but today I am!

***ENABLER ALERT***

Here's what I got for $20.00... (no association with these folks..yada, yada, yada)...just passing on some cool finds.



I LOVE this punch. It makes PERFECT small scallop borders. The guide makes it simple. Well done FISKARS!

And for larger scallops...these cuties from Bazzill. These are great...no more cutting up their 12 x 12 sheets, just for the edge! THANKS BAZZILL!


And I HAD to get this the moment I saw it...




This is from Hampton Art. It makes me laugh.

Don't forget about the giveaway on Friday! One simple comment is all it will take to win...the...oops...can't say!
wendy

Spritz & flick...again

Thanks for comments about my spritz & flick tutorial from last week. Did you try other color combos?? I did...This is spiced marmalade, scattered straw, dusty concord & fired brick. Totally NOT my usual colors...but it's fun to try something different.

Here's a little tip...when using dusty concord, use just a tiny bit. It's a great color & a little goes a long way.

Now for a few random things...to answer some emails/comments...

1. That cute little stamp, LOOK INSIDE on the townhouse ( see yesterdays post) is from CatsLife Press. What's extra cool about Susan's mini stamps is that they are a perfect fit for the file tab punches from McGill.

2. This Friday's giveaway is NOT related to the CHA offer. HA! It's totally different. Can't say any more, just yet...Make sure to visit on Friday. YOU just might be a winner! I already have one & I KNOW you'll LOVE the prize! Any guesses??

3. The BIG news will be revealed...maybe July?? Believe me...it's KILLING ME TOO!




4. I posted some studio photos when I first started this blog and I've had a few requests to see more. Here's another shot of one corner. This is where my small Maya Road chipboard is stored & organized. If I'm not making art, organizing makes me very happy. I like everything in it's place.

tim has seen a few studio photos before & he usually threatens to send a truck to load up my drawers. He doesn't scare me, but believe me.....my doors are locked...JUST IN CASE!

5. I like the PLAIN grungeboard sheets the best for stamping. You can stamp on the embossed styles, but you get a much better image on the plain.

Ok. I think I'm caught up. If I forgot something...just let me know!

Go make art!
wendy

We'll be making this at...

ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING in Topsfield, Massachusettes on Saturday the 19th of April. It's Maya Road's new townhouse & it was just released @ CHA-W in February. It's a fun size...5 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 2/1/2"...

These tags are included in the house...We'll be using distress inks from Ranger, Maya Road chipboard & stamps and also stamps from Stampers Anonymous.


Here's the back of the tags...

So...if you're in the area, come join this fun class. We'll also be making Maya Road's Keepsake cube with a dimensional grungeboard butterfly, a Fragments journal (use your scraps) and a grungeboard glass vase, flower/bird class. If you'd like to see photos of any specific class...just ask. Kate has a list of the basics you need for the classes. I'll supply the rest.

If you'd like to have any of these classes at YOUR STORE, just ask. I'm really enjoying taking my classes on the road and I have a few spots available for this year.

..........

And in other breaking news...

..........

Caroline made an adorable card with the new trinkets metal blossoms. Check it out here. She said nice things about me!! COOL! Thanks Caroline!!

..........

And here's another NICE thing...from my friends @ For Keeps Sake. I copied this from their blog... THANKS Timi, Nancy, Nancy W, Missy, Sue & ALL. I'm sending a big hug your way!!

A HUGE thank you to our special guest artists last week. There are so many superlatives we can give to Linda Cain, Wendy Vecchi and Kara Ward that we just don't know where to begin. Three extremely talented women who have graced our classroom. Thank you so much!

What a nice way to start the day.

Happy Monday!

wendy

oops...almost forgot this...Don't forget about the FREE giveaway on Friday. I was notified (by the powers that be), that there has been a little change. Instead of rubber, it will be paper. But not ordinary paper...AUTOGRAPHED special paper...hmmm. Sound good?? Any ideas???

ask & you shall receive...spritz & flick!

I've had quite a few questions about spritz & flick, so here is the info I promised. This is one of my favorite techniques, (developed by Tim), that I learned @ Ranger U.

You'll need these basics...
1. Ranger's craft sheet
2. 2 colors of distress inks. I used broken china & vintage photo.
3. Ranger's blending tool/foam pad
4. Ranger's mini mister, filled with water
5. Heat tool...you got it...made by Ranger.


Start by covering the entire tag in the lighter color of distress ink. Start on the craft sheet & bring the color onto the tag in a circular motion, using the blending tool. This is the secret to no blotchy spots.


Now add the second color, to create this look.



Next... using the mini mister, squirt some water into your hands & FLICK the water onto the tag. I made the drops larger than normal to make them easier to see. Notice how the water lifts the distress ink?? Let the drops sit for 10 seconds & then dry with the heat tool.

Now add some embellishments...

The stamp is from Stampers Anonymous # U5-1203

Some fun metal flowers from Maya Road. They're from the trinkets collection & they are the blossoms...# TK763.

A little pen stitching around the edge and a few dots from a gel pen & you get this.




Here's a closer look @ the water marks & the metal flowers. You can see that I bent the flower petals up to create dimension.

There you have it...SPRITZ & FLICK!! See why I LOVE this technique....Try some other colors...use 3 colors...use this as a starting point & make it your own.

I'll show some other variations soon.

.................

On to some other things........

If you read this post a few days ago, I'm copying Cecile's comment for all to see. Here it is.........

Hi!

Thanks to everyone who made such nice comments about my gift to Wendy. I had a lot of fun making it. I don’t get much time to do this, so it was all that much more enjoyable. I’m sure it is further enhanced by all the cool art that will surround it in Wendy and Rick’s home! By the way, can you see the influence from Wendy in this piece? It's there!

Thanks again!

Cecile

..............................

And here's your reward for reading this whole post...

Next Friday...that's APRIL 11th... there will be an exciting give-away here. Don't miss out!! REALLY good...and I'm NOT exaggerating!!

Hmmmmmmmmm...I bet it involves...rubber. And, another hint...it's NOT from Stampers Anonymous...

..........

Have a GREAT weekend.

Try spritz & flick & show me what you made.

Sharing is good. VERY good!!

wendy

introducing..the darkroom door

Check out these cool NEW stamps, made by my friend Rachel Greig. She lives in Australia...but just as soon as these babies are available in the USA, I'll let you know the juicy details for ordering.

They are unmounted & come in these GREAT storage tins. Pretty cool huh!

Here's another set she sent... I think she figured out that I LOVE flower stamps.



I'll be the guest designer...yikes...I forgot exactly when. Rachel...HELP...I'm having a senior moment!

Anyway, I can't wait to get these guys inky. An uninked stamp is an UNLOVED stamp! We certainly can't have that!!

And...speaking of stamps...we can't wait to see what you lucky gals (who won the Stampers Anonymous stamps) are creating with them. You got some Maya Road goodies too, so when you use them, we'd love to see your art.

Don't forget...Email your photos to me & I'll get them up on the blog for all to see.

Hmmmmmmmm...what else??

Check out Caroline's blog here, for a look @ the Maya Road villa.
Did you all know that it actually holds a tissue box?? I made this for our booth @ CHA. Talk about FUN & it can easily be customized to fit any room in your home. I'm making some for gifts!

The sun is shining! It's a PERFECT day to make art!
Thanks for stopping by.........
wendy

A belated birthday gift...

My birthday was in December, but look what I got this weekend from my friend Cecile Nichols. AMAZING!! AGREE??
I'd say it was well worth waiting for.

I tried to get better photos of each section to show you the details...
Section 1...


Section 2...



Section 3...this has a transparency & my photo skills suck...it's much better in person.

Now...the question is...where should this hang?? Studio?? Family room?? Kitchen?? Nope...Don't cook. Too busy making art!! So...studio or family room it will be.

Notice the Stampers Anonymous stamps she used???

THANKS Cecile!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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And more thanks...

Thanks for all the sweet emails from the St. Louis, For Keeps Sake class chicks. You guys sure made me happy...VERY happy!

We can't wait to head your way again! September sound good???

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I had several questions/emails about the class favorite distress ink technique..."spritz & flick". Watch the blog...I'll get a sample & the instructions posted soon.

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Next stop on the "art tour"...ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING in Topsfield Ma. More fun classes are scheduled...cool door prizes...and chocolate. Don't miss it!! The class dates are April 19th & 20th. Hope to meet some blog friends there.

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Happy Wednesday.

We're off to the tax gal...

Wish me luck!

wendy