Boo to you....

and a TREAT for me...

Shopping! Shoes?? Purse?

I HOPE!
Back later.

This weekend.......
MAKE ART!
wendy

studio 490 stamp sampler...

Right after CHA-S I emailed photos of my studio490 projects to Jackie. She's the chick who puts them on the Stampers Anonymous website. THANK YOU JACKIE!!

But...in my old age I totally forgot about this...

Anyway, I got an email from Dana, who loved the idea of clicking on a stamp & getting a photo showing something made with that stamp. It sure makes things very easy and saves time too.

Here's a mini canvas one............loaded with stuff.




Actually what she said was seeing examples made her buy more...just because she got free ideas. REALLY???
Imagine that!

Who would have thought?? ha!

Check it out on the Stampers Anonymous site...here.
The samples are all in the 8.3 summer supplement.
Free inspiration........

I'm off to...............
MAKE ART!!
wendy

metallic play........

I'm totally addicted to the Distress crackle paint...I LOVE IT...

But I bet you already knew that...

So when tim said he was doing metallic crack...I was counting the days 'til I got my samples.

I couldn't stand it...yesterday I took a little break & played with them. Here's the brushed pewter...on a Maya Road chipboard flower. This is plain...with no extra color rubbed into the cracks.

Here's the yummy tarnished brass...

There's also antique bronze. Another cool color. Sorry...no photo.

Since "going green" is so popular these days....I wanted to repurpose/redo an older product that I was tired of.

*

So...

*

I had these huge brads...I had used them as is...I stamped on them before & now it was time for something different.

*

Take a look...from this to this...

The paint easily changed the finish of the brad. I knew that the paint needed a surface with a tooth in order to adhere & crack...

Hmmm...the brad was smooth... what could I do?

*

Enter Claudine's MULTI -MEDIUM.

*

I applied a coat on the brad (I used the matte)...then let it sit & dry. When it dried, I painted a medium coat of crackle paint on & waited to see if the magic would happen.

*

A successful experiment!!!!!!

*

The MULTI-MEDIUM is the PERFECT solution for adding tooth to a smooth surface.

I tried to pick the paint off...NOPE...

dropped it...NOPE...

rubbed it really hard...NOPE...it's on there rock solid.

Now I like these brads again.

*

I am quickly becoming addicted to the matte multi-medium. I find that it's great for adhering heavy metal pieces in a collage.

*

Now...what else could I do with the paint?? How about a dose on a manilla tag?

After it dried & cracked...I rubbed Black Soot distress ink into the cracks. Then I stamped on it with Ranger's pitch black pigment ink and made this...(stamp by Stampers Anonymous)

My other thought is to paint it on a manilla tag & then use punches or that wonderful Cuttlebug/Big Shot to make some fun metallic embellishments.

*

But like the infomercials...

*

WAIT...

*

There's even more...but I can't show that just yet. I sent a project to Ranger for their site. When it's up...I'll be sure to share! This technique adds another product to the mix and totally gives the paint another very cool look.

*

So here's the moral of the story today...

Take time to play &

MAKE ART!

wendy

Maya Road and Ranger...a tiny tutorial...

For anyone who has visited here before...you know how much I LOVE Maya Road's Trinkets Blossoms metal flowers. I could use them on every project I make...

HOWEVER...I don't want everything I make to look the same.
So...since the Bears have a day off...and it's too bloody cold to put even a toe outside... ( I CAN NOT WAIT to get to Frenzy Stamper in WARMMMM ARIZONA!)

I did a little experiment and a photo shoot for you...

Here's the start...



The next photo shows the metal flower naked (on top)
and after I added some rust and slate alcohol inks...

Here's another with denim & pesto...BTW...these can be stamped on after the alcohol ink is dry...hmmm...I think I'll show you that below...........

Then my brain turned on...YIPPEE!

I had a project that really NEEDED a dimensional silver flower. But too bad Ranger doesn't make silver alcohol ink...

*

DUH...the light bulb goes on...

*

How about the SILVER MIXATIVE?? Would that work the same???

***

Take a look..........TOTAL SUCCESS!!!

Perfectly...SILVER. EXACTLY what I NEEDED...

And...here's the little beauty stamped (screen stamp studio490, page 12 of the supplement) with Ranger's black pigment ink...heat dried and then I bent the petals.

Take a closer look...Perfect coverage...and the bending does not affect the silver. It doesn't flake off.

Well...since that worked...I can't stop now...

*

How about some PEARL MIXATIVE???

I applied just a tiny bit, to create a mottled sort of look. I didn't want it completely covered...I like this look.... I think I'll add some new DISTRESS STICKLES...just as soon as my order arrives.

(I HOPE it's soon...I hope someone from RANGER is reading...hint!)

Just a little on the ends of the petals ...I think that will be cool.

*

So here are some tips to get you playing...

*

1. I always work on my Ranger Craft sheet when using Alcohol Inks...actually...who am I kidding?? I can not work without that craft sheet any day. It's always out & ready to be used.

*

2. Using the alcohol ink applicator...with FELT...add a few drops of the chosen alcohol ink colors & pounce on the metal flower. It dries in just a few seconds. This is GREAT for those of use who are not patient...

*

3. I completely covered the flower with just 2 drops of the silver mixative. (SHAKE before using). A little goes a long way. If you mix it with the alcohol inks...use just ONE drop.

Take it from me...ONE DROP!

*

4. Don't like what you did??? Color not a match for your project?? NO PROBLEM...

*

A few drops of Alcohol blending solution on a paper towel will completely remove all the ink. You are left with the original flower...in perfect condition & it's all ready to be inked again.

*

Another use for the blending solution?? It's THE PERFECT cleaner for the craft sheet. A few drops on a paper towel...swipe...nice & clean!

*

Just a warning...

You WILL be seeing plenty of SILVER flowers now...

You can bet on it!

*

Make ART!

wendy

Another guest artist...and a question...

Need an idea for a cool gift?? Check this out........

Cheryl Kuba brought this to our class last Saturday @ Scrapbook Friend'z. SHOW & TELL is fun!





Cheryl's friend said she needed a place to store special cards. So...Cheryl started with a generic photo box & created this great gift box for her. She used grungeboard, colored it with distress inks, & made it dimensional.


She chose stamps from studio490 & Stampers Anonymous/tim & a tim idea-ology key too. It's hard to believe...but it's actually even cooler in person.



Cheryl...THANKS for sharing you art & showing what you learned in the classes.


So...if you are ready to get going on your handmade Christmas gifts...here's a tip to get you started.

***

Now a question from me.............

***

In the last several months I've gotten some emails about selling extra class kits. I'm just checking to see if this is something you guys want...


I sent out 3 kits on Wednesday as a test of the postal system & to check their cost. $6.00 got the kits shipped with delivery confirmation to 3 different states.


So...this is just in the thinking stage...but let me know if this is something you'd like. Each would come with complete instructions, just like my store classes. I would included a color copy of the project too. Most likely these kits would just ship in the US.


TALK to me!!!


Tomorrow is another class @ Scrapadoodle in Peoria, Illinois. We'll be creating the Make it Merry Holiday Hanging. It's a fun, inky, stamping, grungy class. Hope to see you there.


Make your weekend special!
Make ART!
wendy

Two Cate questions...AND...THE winner!

And the winner is................

NOPE! Just teasing!

Sorry...you gotta read this great info from Cate before we get to that....

But first.........

THANK YOU from both Cate & I for the comments. We sincerely appreciate it.

THANKS from Rick & I too, for the sweet congrats posts, emails & we even got a CUSTOM SINGING video from Paper Patti. That was just toooooo cute! Rick thinks she should dump Ranger & take her act on the road!! THANKS PATTI!

Rick was happy that there were no comments about how DORKY we looked! Oh well...we sure thought we were pretty stylish 36 years ago... I thought the photo would be worth a laugh.

Now on to business... 2 questions from blog readers...

I thought these questions were very interesting & I enjoyed hearing Cate's insight.............

My question is what is your idea of a self portrait? What would be the first step to do a self portrait?

My idea of a self-portrait is a visual representation of who you are. There are many exercises in the book that help you get to know yourself. One involves looking around the room you spend the most time in, or even your whole house, as an objective observer or detective to see "who lives here." And then you put together a self-portrait based on that. For a more "realistic" self-portrait, you can start by tracing your image from the mirror onto a transparency and then "coloring it in." Or, you can take pictures of yourself in different situations, or take pictures of different body parts. I guess my idea of a self-portrait is something that has no rules because it doesn't have to be for anyone else, just you. Once you get started, though, it's hard to stop!

From another blog commenter...

Now, here is my question for Cate.

How does one go about doing a self-portrait and/or altered page about some very painful issues?? Are there any techniques you use to try and 'work through' the process so you know what kind of page you want to create?? When you've got so much to get out...how do you get it all out and onto paper???
Thanks for taking the time to answer. :-) >

Creating a self-portrait, or a series of self-portraits, is an excellent way to work through painful issues and experiences in your life. In fact, several of the artists in Mixed-Media Self-Portraits address this issues, and we even include some art therapy websites to use as resources.

Here are some ideas:

1. Take a picture of yourself from now or from the painful period of time and alter it (you may want to make a copy first) using digital or mixed-media techniques, to show how you feel about that time in your life. Color it red for rage or doodle on it with words that express your sadness or confusion. Alter it to show how you wish you might have been at that time.

2. Make a self-portrait in the style of a collaged journal page. If this is just for you, tear out images from magazines, or incorporate your own photos and drawings. Write out your feelings using markers in colors that represent your emotions. Don't think about making a masterpiece--it's the process that heals.

3. Paint, draw, color with crayons or use any other favorite medium to make a series of pictures of yourself, varying each one. This is an exercise--don't strive for perfection or visual accuracy. Just think about an incident or an emotion and draw yourself in that state. How do your eyes look? Your mouth? Your hair. Finish each one quickly (5-10 minutes) and then move on to the next one, using a different moment or feeling as the inspiration. Repeat until you feel you have put all of your feelings out on paper. You might want to come back in a day to see what you've done, or you might want to keep moving right then. Look at all of your quick portraits and take the parts of them that speak to your pain and put them together, either by copying aspects of what you've already done or tearing up the quick portraits and collaging the "best" pieces together into one portrait.

THANKS CATE!!! This is wonderful info.

AND.....................

DRUMROLL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The lucky winner of Cate's **signed ** book is.........................

...chosen by the Random generator...#2

Congrats to ANNETTE!!

Here's her post...

Annette said...
OK, I'm not kidding, I want this book really bad! I have been really intrigued by self-portraits this past year. Perhaps it would be the ideal project to follow up my "All About Me" scrapbook I completed and taught last year. It was such a great journey. I should do a self-portrait to bring it all together! I will be pondering this all day....hmmm....

Annette...please send me your address & I'll get it sent to Cate!

THANKS to ALL who took the time to read & comment.

Congrats again to CATE and thanks so much for the giveaway!

CHEERS! Here's to continued SUCCESSS!

wendy

A blast from the past & meet NATALIE!!

Here's what Rick & I were doing 36 years ago today...


I can hear those calculators going...I'll save you the time...I was only 10 when we wed! ha! Believe it?

So...to my sweet hubby...
THANKS for a GREAT 36. Let's keep going for another 36!
You're THE BEST!

More photos..............

When I was in Texas, I had THE CUTEST gal in my class. I talked about her before, but I thought you'd like to meet Natalie.



Natalie look my Ranger technique class & let me tell you...
She's a pro! Here's one of her stamped tags...



She sent me these photos yesterday, so I thought I'd share them here. Not only is she A REAL cute arty gal, but she's got GREAT taste too. She chose a Stampers Anonymous stamp.
THANKS for sending the photos Natalie!
I hope you're doing well!


And a reminder...leave a comment on yesterday's post & be entered to win a *signed* copy of Mixed Media self portraits, by Cate Prato.
Got a question for Cate?? Enter it in the comment section & I'll have her answer...
I'll be posting the winner tomorrow.

That's it until tomorrow.
Make ART!
wendy

A *signed* book giveaway!

I met Cate Prato when we worked on the current issue of "studios". She's an editor for Cloth Paper Scissors.

She teases me endlessly...but hey...what are friends for?? At least that's her thought........Someday...I'll get even..............

Anyway...Cate has published her first book & I got us a free copy. Pretty cool!!

All you need to do is leave a comment to be entered into the drawing. I'll be back on Wednesday morning to announce the winner. Enter your own comment & pass the word to your friends too.

This is fun!

I LOVE free stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And...sharing is good!

This book is loaded with great photos and a ton of helpful tips & hints to get you going. I've not done the "self portrait" thing yet...but like Cate says...you don't have to show anyone...make it just for you! I like that!

I asked Cate some questions...here's what she had to say...

1. Why the emphasis on self portraits?

Artists have made self-portraits since the beginning of time, but recently two events prompted us to do this book. First, in 2005 Quilting Arts Magazine, for which I’m the features editor, hosted a reader challenge based on an article on creative self-portraits by Yvonne Porcella. It was phenomenally successful. We got hundreds of wonderful art quilts—funny, poignant, thought-provoking. More recently, the rise in blogging in the art community gave birth to the Self-Portrait Challenge (SPC) online, with artists around the world making photographic self-portraits based on a different theme every week. Also phenomenally successful. So, at Cloth Paper Scissors, Quilting Arts’ sister publication, we decided to put our own mixed-media spin on it in a book.

2. What's your favorite exercise to get the creative juices flowing?

Well, probably because I’m a writer, I like the exercise in the book where you take just a few minutes to jot down your life story, then highlight the most important moments and themes and base a self-portrait on that. Conceptually, I like it first because it takes you out of the idea of a "physical" self-portrait and focuses on some of the events that made you who you are. Second, I think when you do an exercise like this where you are forced to think quickly, things pop up that might surprise you. For example, Elin Waterston, who did this exercise for the book, made fabric postcards based on the numbers from her previous addresses and the patterns of her father’s shirts.

3. I know you frequent flea markets. Tell us what you look for.

The triumvirate is buttons, china/glassware, and linens. I love anything with that cornflower/periwinkle blue color and faded cherry red. And Nile green. When I’m at a flea market or yard sale, my eyes just scan for those colors and textures, like a reconnaissance robot on a seek-and-acquire mission.

4. What's your very favorite flea market FIND? Will you actually USE it or hoard it?

Oh, my favorite find is usually the most recent one—or the next one! I have to say one of my favorites is the typewriter I used for my self-portrait in the book. It’s a turquoise Smith-Corona portable I picked up for $5 about a year ago. I had one just like it as a teenager. The flea market where I got it was in a parking lot and we had actually gotten into the car, the kids were strapped in, and that’s when I spied it. I said, I have to look at that; the kids just shook their heads and rolled their eyes. I hopped out and when they said it was five bucks I did a little happy dance inside. When it came time to do my own self-portrait for the book, I said, "I’m going to alter that typewriter."

I like to use things, especially my linens. I get great buys because I buy the imperfect ones with a couple of stains or a small hole, and then I don’t fret about using them and enjoying them. In fact, the only ones I regret are the perfect ones, because I’m afraid to use and "ruin" them.

5. What advice would you give to anyone who feels self-conscious about making a self-portrait?

Buy the book! Seriously, we address that issue in the book from many angles—essays, exercises, tips for getting started. As I said before, nearly all artists do self-portraits of one kind or another. Self-portraits can help your art and your life; they can be just for fun or as part of a healing and growing process. You don’t have to show anyone. It can be just for you.

Thanks for donating the book CATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm sure some lucky blog friend will be happy to give it a good home!

Congrats to you and.........

CHEERS!! Here's to continued SUCCESS!

wendy

Random public service announcements...

Last Thursday I got to visit with Cheryl & Megan @ Tenseconds.

I got this really cool alphabet mold & the new 40 gauge metal in BLACK!

I'm supposed to be making kits & getting instructions done...so I purposely did not open these packages. It about killed me... I held off as long as I could. Yesterday I gave in & took a 15 minute break. Here's what I did...







I ran the cardstock (Cuttlebug embossing folder) & the metal ( tenseconds mold) thru the Big Shot........and made this on my break. TOTALLY fun & oh sooooooo simple.


After I sanded the metal, I applied Ranger's cranberry alcohol ink...It looks better in person...this is NOT a good photo.


The chipboard scrolly thing was spritzed with Maya Mist, in silver. There's no sun here, so you can't see the slight shimmer...but I assure you, it's really cool.


So, if I didn't LOVE the Cuttlebug/Big Shot before...I REALLY LOVE it now. It's so quick & easy to make metal embellishments. Try it!!!!!!


Cheryl made a GREAT CD with LOADS of info & sayings, words & alphabets. There's a gallery included too.
Can't take a class...get the CD and start playing.



Next...a reminder about Maya Road's "Home for the Holidays" contest. You gotta enter to win. Get going!!

PLUS***

If any blog friends win...I'll send them an extra goodie package as a THANK YOU for being a blog reader.


And...come back Monday for a VERY SPECIAL giveaway.

Your comment will give you a chance to win...

A book...signed by the artist...




Here's a little hint...cool huh?? I sent Cate some questions...we'll hear what she has to say...stay tuned!

And a little teaser.............I got to play...Ranger sent samples of the new METALLIC CRACKLE PAINTS. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! These are totally awesome.

Plus...I did something a little different...a fun technique, that combines products.
I'll share as soon as I can.........hmmm.....it might even show up on the Ranger site someday...I'll let you know when.....

Be watching for them @ your LSS. Antique bronze...brushed pewter...tarnished brass...Take it from me...You'll NEED all 3 of these guys. REALLY fun play!


Have a great weekend. I'll be with my friends @ Scrapbook Friend'z in Bloomington, Illinois...we'll be creating the Make it Merry holiday hanging. We'll combine chipboard, grungeboard, ink & tons of stamps from...studio490. It's never too early to start on Christmas gifts & home decor.

Hope to see you there!

Make ART!
wendy

Texas continued...........

First things first...
I heard from both winners yesterday. Your packages will be mailed soon...

Now back to Texas stuff...

Since I received lots of photos via email, I thought I'd share more of the art created in the "use your scraps" journal class.



This was made by Annette...She said her dad is an optometrist...so she loves eye stuff.



Here's a TOTALLY different theme...this was done by Lisa Pace...




2 more cuties.........hmmmmm..do I see some studio490 stamps??? Some Stampers Anonymous too........



And look @ these.........




Dinner with the Crafty Scrapper gals & my Maya Road design team friends...


Gotta have energy to create!


That's it for today...got LOTS of embossing to do for some kits...then get the kits ready to ship to Boston.


I hope you found these photos to be inspiring.........use them as a starting point & try the fragments...They're fun!


Make ART!
wendy

What a weekend in Waxahachie! Oh...and a winner or 2!

The weekend started on Thursday when I arrived in Dallas. David, Caroline's hubby picked me up @ the airport, then we headed to their home.

Caroline & Jessica were already there (Jessica arrived @ a different airport)...and get this...Caroline showed us some new Maya Road products that will be released @ CHA this winter!!!

Nope...I can not be bribed...my lips are sealed...but just you wait. WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY cool stuff is coming. You won't be disappointed.
I guarantee.............

Then we headed over to TEN SECONDS to visit with Cheryl & Megan...oh and to do just a little shopping. If you are looking for entertainment, go to their site & check out the TACO TUESDAY videos. They are much more fun than anything on tv. They will make you laugh & learn all @ once. Cheryl & Megan are a hoot......Megan is a wild child!

Then on Friday we saw this little bit of heaven........the Maya Road warehouse. OMG!!!!!!!!!


All these boxes & plenty more...are loaded with Maya Road products. This photo, actually taken by me...doesn't begin to show the enormity of the warehouse. I'd guess these boxes are stacked 30 feet high. Maybe more?? That's a boatload of product....

Like I said...
it's Maya Road heaven.

Can you imagine a huge box FULL of my favorite trinkets elements metal flowers. It made me sweaty.............

The weekend @ Craft Scrapper started with a fun birthday celebration on Friday evening. Carolyn, Annette & Caroline all have October birthdays.


They said these cakes were all LOW CAL...I believed them!
I think............

Here's a photo from the first Ranger distress ink class...

There was so much interest in this class that we did it twice. So about 60 gals left with their completed tag sets & some very inky fingers.



And here's the evidence........Sweet Annette & Sherri...all inky.

Another class photo...


One of the classes that Carolyn chose for her customers was the "Use your scraps" journal class. In this class each person brings their leftovers and we create a journal that can actually be used. Since the FRAGMENTS are small, it takes just a bit of rubons, paper & trinkets to make art.

Take a look @ a few of these beauties...........



What is totally amazing it that each person starts with the same Maya Road chipboard covers and the same fragments...but each journal is unique to the person who created it.

Here's Cheryl & Christi...hmmmm...what's that comment about a GLOCK??

YIKES!!


And here's the Crafty Scrapper crew who all worked very hard to make this THE PERFECT WEEKEND! And...guess what??
They did!!!!!!!



But the highlight of the weekend was meeting NATALIE.

Natalie's grandmother took the first Ranger distress ink class & she showed the tags to Natalie. So, on Sunday Natalie took the second Ranger ink class.

What's so special about that you ask???

Natalie is 11 years old!

She has been thru more in her life than any adult can even imagine...but she is still smiling and sooooo very sweet. Oh...and she's soooooooooo cute too!

She followed the techniques exactly & it's quite obvious that she is one very talented little stamper.

NATALIE...YOU ARE A LITTLE DOLL! Thanks for coming!!
I'm glad you had fun.

I could go on & on...so I think I will...tomorrow. I'll be back with more photos.

It's drumroll time.....................


THANKS TO ALL who posted organizing comments. This is so cool. One idea leads to another and we all get some really great tips.

So, without further ado...

the first winner ...

is.....

LOTSA SCRAP!!! CONGRATS to you!!!

lotsa scrap said.........

Here's my organization idea for today. Yesterday I went to an auction and bought a record cabinet, small--just 3 sides, no doors on the front. But it does have a shelf on top and 4 slats to hold 33 rpm records. I'm going to store all of my 12 x 12 paper in it. Right now the paper is in hard plastic sleeves on a bookcase. When I transfer those over to the record cabinet, I'll have more room on the bookcase to reorganize other stuff. I got the cabinet for $7 which is a lot less than what I paid for the plastic sleeves! Wendy, thanks for posing the question. I've enjoyed reading everyone's tips and getting motivated to reorganize.
October 12, 2008 1:30 PM

and......since I had such a great weekend...

Rick drew another...


DRUMROLL........................

CONGRATS to.................HOBBEMOM!!!

hobbemom said...
I love to organize and I love old vintage stuff, so I put the two together. A few things I have done is bought up several of the wooden silverware drawer organizers and hang them on the wall for small shelving. I also found an old spice rack with glass jars and use those for my buttons. I also have an old metal bread box that I put ugly tools in. I found an old mail divided shelf that I bought the old corning ware square bowls in different colors that fit into the slots perfectly. I use alot of metal ware to store things in. Use of stools, and shelves on my counter and desk to put things in height. Also use old drawers with neat knobs here and there to hold small things. I love my room and all the vintage things around to organize and decorate. It just makes me feel good...I hope some of these things helped...Have a great day.Louise
October 9, 2008 8:12 AM

So ...HOBBEMOM & LOTSA SCRAP...please send me your address & I'll get your packages mailed this week.

Once again...
FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART............
THANKS to everyone from Crafty Scrapper for making this the perfect weekend!
Thanks Caroline too!!!
I had a BLAST!
MAKE ART!
wendy

Sharing is good............

One thing that seems to be a hot topic these days is organizing.

We all love to collect STUFF for this art we make. The more the better is the motto here...but I have to have it contained & organized. I can not create in a mess.

So... let's share our best organizing tips.

YOU share & I'll share too.


Post a comment...leave a tip...and be entered to win a copy of studios.



One comment per day = more chances to win. I'll send some art supplies and a copy of this special issue to the lucky winner.

I'll be back next Tuesday, so you have until then to share...

OK...

I'll go first! I'm addicted to plastic containers. Here's a button drawer, using some containers from Hobby Lobby. Just open the drawer ...then select the perfect button. Quick & simple.




That works well for new buttons...but I like to rummage sometimes too. This guy was a flea market find...perfect mustard color...Obviously made with love by someone...



PERFECT for my vintage buttons.



It's out for easy access...but the contents are hiden & neat.
NEXT...


This is a new studio addition. Recently I decided I like rhinestones...not big ones...the smaller the better. This little cutie holds a boatload in a very small space.


I found it @ Archiver's...it's made by Plano Moulding, which happens to be 45 minutes from me. Hmmmmmm...I wonder if they have an outlet store. I think I better check that out!

I'm all packed & ready for the art chicks in Waxahachie Texas.
3 boxes have arrived @ the store.

I've been waiting for this weekend for a LONGGGGG time.
It's finally here. I'm headed there tomorrow.


And today's words of wisdom.........


...using my favorites...House & felt flower by Maya Road, Ranger's Crackle paint & distress inks, tim's hitch fastener & grungeboard and some Stampers Anonymous/studio490 stamps.

It's kind of early...but have a GREAT weekend.

I plan to.
wendy
ps...don't forget those organizing tips. Like I said...
SHARING IS GOOD!

3 C's...a contest, a cube & some comments

First...the contest.

Maya Road is sponsoring a wonderful HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS contest. Not only do entries have a chance to win $250 of Maya Road product...but for each entry, Maya Road will contribute $5 to Habitat for Humanity. Pretty cool.

Now here's a little twist...If any of the winners are studio 490 blog readers and friends...you'll get an extra GOODIE package from me.

You gotta enter to win...

Check out the rules of the "road" here.

Second...The cube...

Kate, from Absolutely Everything in Topsfield, Ma, requested a holiday decor item as one of the classes for her customers. I'll be there again on Nov 1 & 2.

Here's what we'll be making in one of the classes...




It starts out with a cool cube from K & Co. After we ink it, stamp it, grunge it and add chipboard, it will look like this.........




And this...



Totally dimensional...totally fun. This is a piece that you'll be happy to bring out every year.

Or...if you need a gift... How about a cube??

Don't miss out. Sign ups will be starting soon. We'll also be making another new project. A Maya Road mini book that's so loaded with embellishments that it won't close.

The other 2 classes use lots of grungeboard. We'll make a holiday hanging & a wreathe. Should be a very fun inky weekend.

Now a few random comments...

I've gotten a ton of emails about STUDIOS. THANK YOU so much!

And for those of you who asked...YES...the drawers are full. YIKES!! Stamps, chipboard, embellishments and lots of fun vintage type stuff that I've collected. I'll open some drawers & show more in a future post.

What does the rest of your house look like?

Pretty much the same as the studio. We have drawers & vintage stuff in every room. Same colors...black, brown, khaki & red leather furniture. Several hoosier cabinets. We both LOVE vintage. Bet you couldn't guess that.....

Here's a shot looking into the studio from the kitchen...



For those of you still looking for the STUDIOS issue....... it's @ JoAnn's and Barnes & Noble for sure.

BUT...I'm giving away a copy here. Come back...

Details coming this Wednesday.

Another comment...I may have to call my lawyer... GEEZ!

APPLEBEE'S has discontinued my most favorite Mac & Cheese. How dare they??

What were they thinking? That's why we go there..MAC & CHEESE!

I could eat noodles 3 meals a day. The cute waitress said she had lots of disappointed customers.


NO KIDDING!! Count me as one of them...........

So.........in my spare time, I think I'll launch an attempt to get them to change their mind.

APPLEBEE'S.....please...BRING BACK THE MAC!!

If you have a second...email them for me!

Thanks!
Enjoy your day & get going on those houses.
wendy

I told you they were talented!

Here's a few photos from the "use your scraps" journal class.
These beauties were all created by the arty gals in Mt. Pleasant SC last weekend.

We don't have a photo of everyone's journal, so if anyone has more shots...send them my way...please.

Thanks for sending these Debbie.



You'll see that each is different & unique, even though they all started with the same chipboard covers & fragments.

studio490 stamps were available for all to use...imagine that!

Each person put their twist on the art. I LOVE THAT!



And the last...............



Like I said...they were all masterpieces! Y'all did a great job!
I'm impressed!!

NOW...I hope you actually USE them!

Time to pack more kits/boxes for the gals in Texas.
See you soon!
wendy