with just a dab...

one of my favorite Ranger products is their paint dabbers...

I use them in almost every class I teach...

in one way or another...

I LOVE the paint, but I REALLY LOVE their ease of use & the NO MESS factor...

and no brush to clean up...

I can't live or teach without these 4 colors...

basic black, juniper, gold & silver...

oh...

I like snow cap white too...

it's best to store them upside down, so the paint is right @ the tip & ready to use...

to activate the paint flow, just remove the clear cap, press onto the craft sheet & LIGHTLY squeeze...

the bottle is remade & so much softer...

just a light squeeze does the trick...

I find the dabbers perfect for edging tags, mini books, cards, layouts etc...

it's a small detail...but very effective...

they are awesome for painting chipboard & grunge...

and there are tons of colors to choose from, so there's one to coordinate perfectly with any project...

the dabbers are PERFECT for altering lots of different things...

today, I'll show you some altered flowers...

this cutie is a resin flower from Maya Road...

I loved them so much that I bought 500...

yep...it's true...

isn't it CUTE?

I bought LOTS because I knew the dabbers would be perfect for customizing them, to fit my workshop projects...

here they are altered with the 4 colors listed above...

just that little dab of paint totally ( & EASILY) changes the look...

add a gem in the center if you'd like...

the same magic can be used on tim's ideology foliage flowers...and the leaves too...

it's the perfect extra touch...

and speaking of flowers...

I may have said a time or 2...

(ok...500)...

that I see flowers in lots of odd things...

here's an example...

what do you see?

Maya Road wings?

I saw flowers...

just turn the wings upside down...

add a Maya Road scroll...

tada...

a cool flower...

here's the whole mini page...

with those cutie bingo numbers...

one more thing...

the GOOD 4 letter word...

SALE!

it's over @ eclecticPaperie...

enter the code to get 10% off your order...even NEW things...

the new studio 490 stamps are included too...

the code is OWHCARDS

the sale is good thru Sunday Oct 3rd...

happy shopping!

I already shopped...so...

I'm off to...

make art!

wendy

a bit of Buffalo & a bit of art!

I had LOTS of requests for the brand name of the STUDIO shirt from my last post...

here's a photo of the label...

Michele got it @ a shop in NY...not sure where, but she said there was only one size large left after she got mine...

and here's a bit of art...

this combines my favorite art parts, LOTS of tim goodies & Ranger products too...

I was thrilled to have a little brain activity this morning & figure out this mini shelf,

using a vintage folding ruler...

cool...if I say so myself!

here's what it looks like without the art...

I'll be figuring how to hang a grouping using just these old rulers to make a mini display area...

FUN!!!

a bit more about Buffalo & my missing sister...

I NEVER EVER wear pink...

this is the only pink thing I own...

and I only bought it because it's the "life is good"...brand I like...

now the funny part is that when Sharon picked me up @ the hotel...

we were dressed alike...

we looked like the Bobsey twins...

see her in the photo below???

hers is a bit more coral-ish...

but we thought it was pretty funny...

and in the photo below, you'll see cute Michele wearing THE SHIRT!

OK...back to the art pictured above...

for your shopping convenience,

here's the products I used...

tim's idea-ology...

grungeboard

grungepaper

sanding grip

lost & found paper stash

long fastener

memo pin

seasonal stickers...shipping soon

lost & found stickers...shipping soon

tim's Sizzix alterations dies...

cat

fence

tree

house (I used just one house)

tim's Sizzix texture fades...

woodgrain (used on tree)

tim's Stampers Anonymous stamps...

spider web

bat

tim's Ranger...

snow cap white dabber

black dabber

walnut distress stickles

vintage photo distress ink

brushed corduroy distress ink

forest moss distress ink

rusty hinge distress ink

black soot distress ink

Ranger...

jet black archival ink

sunflower sparkle

Perfect Pearls Mist(shipping soon)

studio 490 art parts...

large square frame (shipping soon)

large scallop trim (shipping soon)

I talked with Michelle & they are SWAMPED...

studio 490 stamps...

leaves

house

polka dots

index border

text

spider

flower

phew...

it's amazing how much I can squeeze

on a 5 1/2 inch square base...

that's it for today...

I hope you have a GREAT weekend...

and that this bit of art has inspired YOU to have fun and...

make art!

wendy

Buffalo, baubles & bling...

and one more B word...

BEWARE...

another photo of me!

YIKES!

Buffalo was AWESOME...

totally AWESOME...

Here's a photo of Sharon & I...

we got a bazillion comments that we look like sisters...

it's funny that the moment we met a few years ago @ CHA ...

we just immediately connected...

there are some odd things we discovered...

she grew up in Eden NY...

we live in Eden township...

this is just one of them...

if I had a sister...

she would be my choice...

in addition to 4 very fun classes...

we got up @ the crack of dawn on Sunday to hit a flea market...

EARLY...

let me just say that we saw a guy hunting treasures with a flashlight...

YEP...

early...

but so worth it...

we had FUN!!!!!!!! & got some really cool finds...

the best had to be shipped home

(ala SUZE...do you ship?)

Rick will be so happy to hang it...

or maybe not...

I'll show you when it arrives...

THANK YOU to everyone who came for the classes...

your projects all turned out so stinkin cool...

you made me proud!

and...I had a blast!

now for the bling part of the title...

on Saturday morning cute Michelle came in with a huge smile wearing MY SHIRT!

WHAT???

I about tackled her...

I LOVED the shirt...

So, on Sunday morning, Michelle came with a surprise...

she got one for me...

Upon inspection, I think you'll agree...

this shirt was designed for me!

It's not only my colors...

but it has STUDIO on it...

and...

FLOWERS!

the flowers aren't white like the photo above, but a very cool teal...

like this...

THANK YOU MICHELLE...

I LOVE IT & I'll think of you every time I wear it...

Moving on to baubles...

these guys are so COOL & finally in stock!

Here's a better look @ what's included in the package...

I used them to make this...

YIPPEE...

Fed-Ex just delivered the tubs...

gotta go unpack so I can repack for the next stop on the art adventure...

Next I'll be @

Hannah's in Antioch Illinois...

I'm happy to be returning...

I taught there last year...

it's a FUN store...

and I get to avoid the airport & drive there, since it's only about 2 hours from us...

I bet you know what's coming...

make art!

wendy

PS...I almost forgot...

for those of you asking for the rosette die...it's here.

and tim's tattered leaves die I used in the last post is here.

Buffalo or BUST!

YIPPEE...we're about to head out to Midway...I LOVE that airport...

they have a LIFE IS GOOD STORE = shop!

Here's a VERY QUICKIE tutorial...

this will take you like 5 minutes or LESS!

guaranteed...

Die cut MY NEW "clearly for art" using tim's alterations Sizzix tattered leaves die...

Use Ranger's jet black archival to stamp one side...

DRY with the heat-it tool...

make sure to work on your non stick craft sheet...

Use alcohol inks with the alcohol ink applicator & felt...

on the OPPOSITE side of the leaves to color them...

I used pesto and caramel...

archival ink removes alcohol ink...

but that's a technique for another day...

heat the "clearly for art" to soften...

shape...

bend...

make them dimensional...

TADA!!

These guys will be tied with twine to a jar candle for a quickie gift...

keep in mind that if you don't like the colors, alcohol blending solution will remove them & you can start all over...

The blending solution will also remove the archival ink, if you have a stamping oops...

The BEST thing about the "clearly for art" is that it can be reheated & reshaped multiple times...

until you are PERFECTLY happy with it...

AND...

it's rock solid...

very sturdy...doesn't chip or break...

it's simple, fun & fool proof...

More ideas to share next week...

Stay tuned...

until then...

make art... I WILL!

wendy

PS...I'm EXPECTING "clearly for art" to ship soon...

Believe me...I'll yell it from the roof top when it does...

or just post it here...

start with these...

grungepaper...

Ranger's jet black archival ink...

one medium...

2 small...

and one of these...

ink with rusty hinge & a bit of vintage photo...

stamp any background, using jet black...

then mist with sunflower sparkle Perfect Pearls Mist...

or mix your own...

form & shape all petals...

*largest flower & one small flower...

cut a slit to the center (between petals) & staple with tiny attacher as close to the center as possible...

*second small flower...

cut between petals & cut off one petal...

overlap petals & staple, again as close to the center as possible...

*half flower...

overlap end petals to make the center & glue...

don't staple this one...the staple will show...

your pieces should now look like this...

layer & assemble to create a cute mini flower, that's just about one inch in diameter...

it's really mini, but so simple...

several variations...

use a long fastener for the center...

or a custom epoxy memo pin...

use the mini flower as is...

or use it as a center for a larger flower...

the Perfect Pearls add just the right amount of bling...

now what will I do with these??

not sure just yet...

the memo pins can easily be used as push pins for a cork board...

hmmm...

but I'm thinking the larger will coordinate well with tim's new alterations Sizzix tattered leaves die...

and speaking of the fall dies...

they have arrived!

even the awesome rosette!

and then there's the fence...

it's my favorite ...

ok for today...

Ok...time to ship more books...

then pack for Buffalo...

I'm going there to spread the inky word & to...

make art (with friends)

wendy

today we have a guest artist...

but first...

WOW!

THANKS for the HUGE response to

"make art studio 490 style" book #3...

We spent all day yesterday signing & shipping books all over...

THE WORLD...

how cool...

and LOTS more today!

So far they are headed to the UK, Netherlands, Australia, Spain & LOTS of places here in the USA...

The power of the internet is amazing...

THANK YOU so much...

Today I have a treat for you...

it's guest artist Donna Lewis...

Here's her take on the art parts spool...

I fell head over heels in love with it...

the minute I saw it...

the little details REALLY add the wow factor...

I think you'll agree...

it's so stinkin' cute...

Here's the link to her blog...

she's included some instructions there...

THANKS DONNA...

you rocked art parts!

And speaking of art parts...they will be shipping SOON...

I'll let you know the minute I hear...

THANKS for being patient!

Ok...gotta run.

Still getting kits ready for this weekend in NY...

still have instructions to print...

I hope YOU have time to...

make art!

wendy

book #3 is HERE!

It arrived yesterday afternoon!

I'm very pleased with the final results...

now we even have a nice heavy cover!

HUGE thanks to Zach & Matt Young @ Stampers Anonymous...

GREAT job!

You are both AWESOME guys~!

You can send me an email, if you'd like to order a copy. (wbv1213@me.com)

They are $14.95 and priority USA shipping is $5.00

International shipping is $14.50.

If you'd like to share shipping with a friend, 2 books fit in the mailer, for one shipping charge.

If any of these are for a gift, please let me know the name of the recipient, so it can be personalized.

I'm leaving early Friday morning...

and I come back late on Monday...

so any orders received by this Thursday will ship immediately.

Orders received Friday thru Monday will ship next week.

ALL my new release stamps are here too...

just in time for this weekends classes...

And a Buffalo Stamps update...

The Ranger class was full, so we added 5 more seats yesterday...come & get inky with us!

Ahhhhhh...

I LOVE the smell of fresh rubber...

I think I'll go take another sniff...ha!

take care...

make art!

wendy

ps...wait till you see the guest artist I have scheduled... TOTALLY AMAZING!

I promise!

see you tomorrow!

Wonder Tape & WINNERS..(.edited...)

this weekend I needed to make 300 custom epoxy memo pins for my new classes...

here's the original post with the instructions...

if you don't have a clue what I'm talking about...

here's a refresher on what they look like...

I made them for this new art parts class...

first class will be THIS COMING WEEKEND @ Buffalo Stamps & Stuff in Amherst, NY...YIPPEE!

since I was making more than a few...

I needed a way to be more efficient and a way to keep the memo pins more stable on the craft sheet...

Ranger's WONDER TAPE came to the rescue...

This was a tiny idea that made a HUGE difference to the process...

If you've made the memo pins...

here a "Wonder" full tip to make this so much easier...

I followed the instructions from the original post...

but then added a strip of Wonder Tape about a half inch under the glue stick line...

the Wonder Tape is the shiny strip you see in the photo below...

you need to make sure you're working on the Non Stick Craft sheet...

the tape pulls right off & the glue stick gets cleaned up with soap & water...

Now the magic is that the memo pin is held securely in place by the tape, so there's no worry that it slips off the punched image...

and they stay straight!

I used some extra craft sheets & just paper clipped the craft sheets to a matt board so I could move them out of the way to dry...

and even though I let the pins dry on the Wonder Tape overnight, it's magic that there is NO sticky residue left on the memo pins at all...

NONE!

PERFECT!

so to put this in perspective, I made 300 memo pins in about 90 minutes...

thanks to Wonder Tape...

and Glossy Accents...

and this time I used some different images to fill the memo pins...

if you look @ the calendar sheet in tim's Lost & Found paper stash...

you can make LOTS with those numbers...

the other thing I used this time is Jenni Bowlin's mini bingo cards...

they're all numbers & they're perfect too!

moving on...

One of my favorite classes is now retired...

the Maya Road mini book...

and I have a few kits left...

but not enough for a class...

so I will offer them here to my blog friends...

each kit comes with everything needed to complete the 6 page mini book...

all YOU NEED to ADD is ...

the INKS, adhesive, gold paint dabber & STAMPS.

here's what it looks like completed...

each one comes with complete step by step instructions & color photos of each page & 2 complete sets of Maya Road's adorable mini chipboard alphabets...

you'll have plenty left for future play...

the cost is $50 for the kit & $5 for priority tracked shipping in the USA...

shipping for international orders is $15.00

if you're interested, shoot me an email (wbv1213@me.com)

and I'll send a PayPal request.

when they're gone...

they're gone...

Maya Road has discontinued this cutie...

to make space for new cute stuff...

EDIT...

They're all GONE...you guys sure were FAST...

19 mini book kits are headed to new homes...

THANK YOU! Have FUN making art...

On to the WINNERS part of the title..

The winner from Jenni's blog is...

Kat said...

Is'nt Wendy an insperation, her style complement your products perfectly,
you two should teem up more oftern,
Jenni your vintage buttons are just amazing,
awesome team up girls.
Kathleen

SEPTEMBER 9, 2010 12:35 PM

and the winner from the comments here is...

MICHELLE has left a new comment on your post "3rd happy post...":

Found your blog from link on Tim Holtz's blog. Man o man have I been missing out!!! Consider me your newest fan! Love your project & now I will be spending my weekend reading all your past entries!! Thanks for sharing your creative genius.



Posted by MICHELLE to Studio 490 at September 10, 2010 1:50 PM

CONGRATS to Michelle & KAT...

please send your shipping info & we'll get the prizes off to you...

I'm off for a quickie studio project...

got an idea for a ???...

then the kitting starts again...

stay tuned...

make art!

wendy