Thursday, February 17, 2011

inspired to play...

from the moment I first saw Dina Wakeley's work...
I was in awe...
it's so unique & it's just plain inspiring...
it makes me smile...

then there's my counterpart in the UK...
she's the UK senior educator for Ranger...
the REAL LADY DY...

I watched her @ CHA...
she just plays...
she sprays journal pages with no idea
(or so she says) of where she's headed...

then she collages "funky" images from magazines
on her journal pages...

I was inspired...

so, I took a break from scheduling & supply ordering...
and inspired by these 2 awesome talents...

I played with tim's newly redone Adirondack color washes...

since this is not my "normal" style...
my first thought was that if they turned out ugly,
I'd trash them & no one would know...

and I'd certainly NOT tell you about them here...ha!

but honestly...
I had a BLAST...

I started by covering 6 x 6 manila cardstock with a dictionary page & went from there...

I like having the option to make backgrounds larger than tag size...
thus the manila cardstock as the base...
same wonderful clay coated material as the tags,
but in a larger size...

I had a very hard time not adding any dimension...
(aka art parts)
but my plan was to just PLAY
and see what cool backgrounds I could create to stamp on...

so I got out tim's color washes & just started spraying...
with no clue how they would turn out...

butterscotch & meadow for these 3 pieces...

mine look nothing like theirs...
which is good...
my idea was to be inspired...

copying is NOT good...

here's the first page...
studio 490 style...
LOVE the stars!


and this just might be a class using my new art parts creative covers with tim's ring binders...
maybe??? still thinking...

on a side note...
...the LUCKY gals in the UK are doing a class with tim TODAY using the creative covers!
I'm thrilled & EXCITED to see their creations...



stressed & NEEDING some retail therapy!


I've said here many times that I LOVE mini...
but...sometimes it's true...

BIGGER is better!

Take for instance Ranger's new MISTER...
I LOVE it because it holds lots of water...
for inky techniques...

the misters are also good for mixing larger quantities of custom colors...
think Perfect Pearls & distress re-inkers...
the bottle is 2 ounces!

if you have the older color washes, you can easily pour them into the new misters...
the color washes are the same...

the new mister is the same as the spray bottle that the color washes come in now...
perfect!
now it's easy to USE up those color washes...

now scroll back & look @ the photos again...
do you see that the color washes look chalky
& not transparent?

I had this *idea*...

I used the new mister filled with water
& added about 1/2 of a snow cap white pigment re-inker...

let me just say this...
FLIPPIN FUN!

by adding this one secret ingredient, you can totally change the effect of the normally transparent color washes...

I see a new addiction coming on...
seriously...

NEWS FLASH...
come back tomorrow...
I have something special planned for you...

I *think* it involves a giveaway...
that's what I *think* anyway...

until then...
make art!
wendy

at

85 comments:

  1. JulieFebruary 17, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    Sounds like you had a blast! I like the first page with the heart and the starts the most. The presentation of the stars are almost like flowers, something you do not see often. Play some!! :)

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  2. jackibFebruary 17, 2011 at 9:44 AM

    I would love it if you could do this as an online class! I LOVE your first page - it's so beautiful! Thanks, Wendy, for sharing your talents. :)

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  3. lesleyworthFebruary 17, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    fabulous fabulous fabulous! it may be outside of your "box" but you cannot tell! thanks so much for sharing and helping to INSPIRE all of us!

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  4. NancyFebruary 17, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    Beautiful!!! Who'd have thunk? Reinker & color wash - love it!! Yep, I'll be trying it! TFS!

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  5. steph martinFebruary 17, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    These are all fantastic. What a great pairing - colour washes and the reinker. Loving your art :)

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  6. DebbyFebruary 17, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    Love these pages! I will have to try your new secret ingredient with one of the new misters. I have some that aren't Ranger so I may just try this later. Love how your pages turned out though. I can see some fun journal pages in the future!!!

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  7. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:08 AM

    Wendy,
    LOVE your pages! Thanks so much for the inspiration and the re-inker tip. That is so cool.
    Gail in Oklahoma

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  8. SusanKFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    It's such fun to take time off from other chores and just have a play time. Love what I'm seeing! Off to do chores then schedule in some play time for myself.

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  9. ScrapthatFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:11 AM

    Thanks for the links and I love your outcome from your playtime!

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  10. Kathy EddyFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    I love the new look and your pages turned out great. Perfect for covers. and you wanted to throw them away! We'll be digging in your trash cans next. LOL

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  11. MarijaneFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    Love the effect of misting with pigment ink (white) and water! Nice change. The first image with the "star-flowers" is wonderful - love that stamp!

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  12. DanieleFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    the first page is inspirational....and a first attempt,another technique to try
    hugs

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  13. email: Steph@SimonSaysStamp.comFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    Wendy, YOU TOTALLY crack me up! Beautiful work with such personality ;) Thanks for sharing all the behind the scenes too ;)

    HUGS!
    Heidi

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  14. JennaFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    I love the new color washes... they give just the right amount of splatter and dry with no smudges! Thanks for sharing!

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  15. TheLastOfNineFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    You are right, the washes ar not transperent, this gives it a different dimension, love it! You are so creative.
    Gloria H

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  16. KatFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:46 AM

    Wendy these look awsome,
    I look forward to seeing more,
    the heart one is my favorite
    I'll be back tomorrow to see what's in store for us all,
    I can't resist a give away (lol)
    Kat.

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  17. Martha RichardsonFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    Inspired to play...but I am work~yuck :( Love your projects and your are right Dina & Dyan...what a team!

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  18. flutterbycrafterFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    Love your take on Dina and Dy, fabulous. I am lucky to live close enough to AFTH (Dy's studio) she has been my inspiration, and I attended a weekend workshop with Dina last summer. Couldn't go to see T!m's today, illness prevents.

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  19. KathyFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    Ooh love the pages, love the new technique using snow cap re-inker and water. Love making Art, thanks.

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  20. D's Paper StudioFebruary 17, 2011 at 11:02 AM

    Incredible Art!

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  21. MarissaFebruary 17, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    What a wonderful idea! I have a really hard time "just playing" so I'm always amazing when people are able to do that.

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  22. Nancy D.February 17, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    Love how your "playing" turned out!...& what a great idea to add the snowcap white!

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  23. Craft Addicts - Tracy EvansFebruary 17, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    I love your take on creating backgrounds, gorgeous, love the colours combined with your stamps. I love hearts in my work so these really appeal. Tracy Evans x

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  24. funkycrafterFebruary 17, 2011 at 11:16 AM

    what a lovely piece. i wish i could get the hang of the mellow, blended colors you get. being more on the abstract and funky side i tend to gravitate to the brighter colors, i was fortunate enough to discover dina's and dyan's blogs several months ago. i enjoy looking at all the styles and giving them a try. so glad you told us about your adventures.

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  25. ShirleyFebruary 17, 2011 at 11:17 AM

    I LOVE that Wendy! It is awesome!

    I admire those two gals as well. they both are very creative (like you) and do amazing work.

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  26. AnitaFebruary 17, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    Stunning project! Great inspiration!

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  27. LesleyFebruary 17, 2011 at 11:52 AM

    Gotta love Dyan Reaveley.....a true inspiration, just love her take on things!!
    Love what you did the colours....any butt roll used?? ;o)

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  28. Bernice HopperFebruary 17, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    I spent this morning at Dyan's where Tim H was teaching an art journaling class using your art parts. This is the first time I've had my sticky mitts on any art parts and they are great. Love your pages inspired by Dyan. The not over-thinking it is the best part of her technique! Have a look at the video she did on a ghhosting technique. It's great.

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  29. TonaFebruary 17, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    I love how your project turned out!

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  30. Elaine AFebruary 17, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    Hi Wendy -

    Sometimes its just nice to sit and play (like a kid with new crayons and a new coloring book). You never know where playing will lead you. I love what you came up with and I really like the idea of adding the pigment reinkers to the color washes. A great effect! Keep playing girl, we get to benefit from your playing - LOL!

    Elaine Allen

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  31. MarilynFebruary 17, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    I absolutely drool over your gorgeous ART creations! Just the most beautiful eye-candy, ever!!

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  32. HelenFebruary 17, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    colour wash and reinker - brilliant!! Love your pages, they are amazing. The one with the heart is incredible. I have some pre-ordered stamps on the way tonight from Lin B so at the weekend I can play - Oh YEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS I am so excited.

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  33. EttaFebruary 17, 2011 at 12:28 PM

    Awesome artwork! Love the heart with the stars. I'd say it was indeed...a successful playtime!

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  34. Erika M.February 17, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    So much fun to be had with all of these awesome ideas!

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  35. IndyCinDFebruary 17, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    Love the "milky" look! Just one more thing on my list of Wendy techniques to try!

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  36. Kate BurroughsFebruary 17, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    Thanks for the tip for making the washes opaque! Great idea, depending on the look that you want to have. Can't wait to see what comes tomorrow.
    Aloha, Kate

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  37. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    Hi Wendy......I LOVE your pages...can't wait to see what tomorrow brings :-) S x

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  38. Hels SheridanFebruary 17, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    Hey there Wendy... wowzers!!! Those pages look tremendous fun and ever so gorgeous indeedily! Just spent a VERY lot of time ooohing and awwwing at THE BOX that has been very kindly delivered by hand to me today... WOW, loving absolutely everything in it... thank you!! Hels & Els... Part Deux... The Sequel started this morning... and it is a blast already... we are having a ball... so THANK YOU once again for the introduction... tis very special xxx

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  39. Cim Allen February 17, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    How cool is that !! Please have a class on that project and teach it at For Keeps Sake in St. Louis, please, please, please :) LOL You rock Wendy !!

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  40. lois SkiathitisFebruary 17, 2011 at 2:00 PM

    These came out so wonderful. I love the one with the start and I love that sentiment. I like how the heart is just peeking thru. No matter how you do it Wendy I can always tell it's you in there somewhere. Great new ideas. TFS!!! :-D

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  41. Liz in MOFebruary 17, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    Oh, oh, oh. . .definately going to try the white reinker. sounds like a blast.

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  42. Gerrie JohnnicFebruary 17, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    Your playing really payed off, just love the look of the white reinker on top, gotta try that. Your pages turned out just lovely.

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  43. NoreenFebruary 17, 2011 at 2:29 PM

    The results are great! I'm glad you decided to show it to us and not throw it away.

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  44. Larissa HeskettFebruary 17, 2011 at 2:42 PM

    thanks so much and have a fabulous day!! I will forsure be back tomorrow!! =)

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  45. Kelly KFebruary 17, 2011 at 2:43 PM

    Sounds fun, who doesn't love a giveaway!!!

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  46. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2011 at 3:14 PM

    what a fabulous idea, adding the snow cab reinker to the mix. I love the way your pages came out.

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  47. MichelleFebruary 17, 2011 at 3:32 PM

    Hi Wendy,
    Gorgeous work!!
    I have had a wonderful few days going back through your blog, looking at your wonderful creations.
    You are such an inspiration. :-)
    Inky Hugs,
    Michelle xx

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  48. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2011 at 3:49 PM

    such delish color! these are so pretty...will u be telling us how u did them? hmmmmm>> I will be back tomorrow.. and a question..can I order book 3 and 4 from you? I swear I bought 3 but darned if I can find it! xo cher

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  49. VicFebruary 17, 2011 at 4:03 PM

    They turned out fantastic!!

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  50. susie fFebruary 17, 2011 at 4:42 PM

    Woooooooo Hoooooooo.....
    I was one of the lucky girlies at Dy's place today with the Lord of ink himself, Tim!!
    And I lurve the Art Parts, made my very own binder....soooo cool!!! Came away with a bag full of goodies to make art at home.
    We also got to try, Distress stains, Perfect Pearl mists, grunge blocks and.....wait for it....kraft resist, yummy!!
    Right I'm off to try out my Clearly for Art, thanks for your inspiration!!
    Susie

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  51. DawnllFebruary 17, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    Love the color combo you made and the hint! Shh I won't tell anyone the secret

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  52. Kirsten AliciaFebruary 17, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    Fab pages Wendy! I'm attending one of Tim's classes next week - my first one! - & I am SOOOO excited!!

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  53. Art By WandaFebruary 17, 2011 at 6:00 PM

    These are awesome!!!! Awesome and gorgeous!!!! And the snow cap idea... wow!!!! I need to play but can't even think about until Saturday :-(( Well, I guess I can THINK about it!!!!

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  54. Brenda BFebruary 17, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    I love the pages you did...you so inspire me...I think I am going to dig out my colour washes ans play too...thanks Wendy!

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  55. sueFebruary 17, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    Great project. I think I need to try this one.

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  56. ChastityFebruary 17, 2011 at 6:56 PM

    Love all your artwork!!!

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  57. Melody (lacyquilter)February 17, 2011 at 7:18 PM

    Love these.

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  58. PenciFebruary 17, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    Can't wait to try this myself. I always love how you link we we can purchase what you are talking about. Instant "retail therapy"! Your stuff always ROCKS!

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  59. nonnieFebruary 17, 2011 at 7:39 PM

    love that color!!

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  60. Tara CFebruary 17, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    I can see it now the snow cap re-inkers will be out of stock everywhere. What an awesome effect!!! Ranger oh ranger please start a second line on all productions we crafters can not do without our supplies and once we start we can not stop!!! Wendy don't let them fall short on these things we have to have them!!! Remember it is our drug!!! We want it -- we need it -- we have to have it!!! We are will to trade our first born for them!!! Lol love the new project --- keep it coming -- I'm looking forward to a new class listing!!

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  61. ValFebruary 17, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    The colours turned out beautifully. Love it!

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  62. LoriFebruary 17, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    Your pages are wonderful, Wendy. Love the color and stamp choices! And pigment in a sprayer? Sounds like fun!

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  63. rhondaFebruary 17, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    Wendy I am always in awe of your work and projects!

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  64. Deb SmithFebruary 17, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    Beautiful Wendy. Can't wait to get my hands on some of these. Saw what the UK girls did - fabulous.

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  65. SherrySueFebruary 17, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    I think this is awesome and so inspiring to *think* of creating art from Studio 490 and Ranger!!!

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  66. KimFebruary 17, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    Wow!! I love it Wendy!! You are just so incredibly creative:) Now I am inspired...off to create:) Thanks!!!

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  67. Linda RFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:12 PM

    I'm starting to get overloaded - there is so much stuff and so many ways to use the stuff and so much inspiration and I'm getting mixed up and paralyzed....gotta find a way to organize these ideas!

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  68. slbt17February 17, 2011 at 10:28 PM

    beautiful - great idea with the reinker - it really adds a great touch!
    Sandra ltb

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  69. jan metcalfFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    Beautiful colors Wendy! LOVE the stars!

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  70. SusanFebruary 17, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    Love the "play" pieces!
    Susan

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  71. jillFebruary 18, 2011 at 12:33 AM

    I absolutely LOVE the backgrounds you created with the color washes...just beautiful!!! Oh, and the stars are to DIE for!!! Great inspiration!!

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  72. ellen vargo designsFebruary 18, 2011 at 4:06 AM

    WOW! Your "journal" pages are amazing - and the snow cap re-inker idea? Brilliant! Lin has all your new stamps already! HRH Patti doesn't even have them yet! Patience will be difficult! Going to LB later!

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  73. Nancy WethingtonFebruary 18, 2011 at 4:27 AM

    So happy you shared this. It's really a beautiful technique!

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  74. DorothyFebruary 18, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    Love it Wendy!!
    Great idea with the white!

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  75. octloveFebruary 18, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    Still waiting patiently to play with all the new goodies...ok...maybe not so patiently:)

    Love the effect of the "white" color wash!

    Possibly a new class using my new art parts creative covers with tim's ring binders?...ohhh...could it be online...hmm?!!?

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  76. scrappin-scrappinFebruary 18, 2011 at 6:59 AM

    They turned out fabulous!! Love the idea of the snow cap mixed in with the color wash!!

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  77. Angie LentzFebruary 18, 2011 at 7:25 AM

    Well even if you say this isn't your normal thing to do you sure are great at it!! I have to get my hands on some of that snowcap white....oh and this stains. I am excited about those I looove the colors. All I use is my distress inks so I know I will love the stains! Keep the great ideas coming I always look forward to reading your blogs daily!

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  78. Karenliz HendersonFebruary 18, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    What fun! I love to just play. Love your creations!

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  79. NancyHFebruary 18, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    How inspiring!!! Can't wait to try it myself! Thanks for sharing!!

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  80. AnonymousFebruary 18, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    watchu talking about "if it turns out ugly". Your projects are beauties. I love the effect of the snow cap (and I already have the reinker)It looks like Retro Chic. AWESOME!

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  81. JoyceFebruary 18, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    I have a whole stack of tags, etc using the color washes. Aren't they wonderful!!! Try them on canvas and they are to die for.

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  82. MellFebruary 18, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    Wow Wendi to say u have not done it before u did a great job. You are right they would go great with the art part. I used used them in Tims class and they are great. Can't wait to get my hands on more

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  83. DylanFebruary 19, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    he he he I knew my dark disturbing ways would get to you sooner or later...welcome to the dark side. !!! xxxxxxx mwah

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  84. LyssaFebruary 21, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    What a creative piece. I love your work and look forward to viewing your Blog.

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  85. UnknownFebruary 21, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    I love the way these came out ... just gorgeous!

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