Ok...just one more.......

little project.

And this really is little, but I managed to get 7...yes 7 studio 490 stamps on it. It's a 3 x 3 canvas that Linda found for us @ Dick Blick. There's something sooooo fun about small.




The black on the canvas is Ranger's new pigment ink. I'm in love with this stuff. But I'll save that info for another day...

The mini frame is from Maya Road's Foundations tin. The heart, the bird & the microchip heart are also Maya Road.

And you know I can not make a project without a grungeboard flower. ADDICTED I tell you!

So there's my version of mini...studio 490 style!

Have a wonderful ARTY weekend.
I'll be the chick in studio 490...
getting ready for CHA!
wendy
ps...oh........one more thing...

Just wait 'til you see the sweet storage system that is being made (by Stampers Anonymous) ESPECIALLY for your studio 490 stamps. I "altered" 2 of them yesterday...I LOVE keeping things organized & let me tell you...these are PERFECT & oh sooooo FUN!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyone interested in seeing them??

MUM'S no longer THE WORD...NOW...SHARING is good

I just finished this about an hour ago. It's added to the box & HOPEFULLY Mr Fed-Ex will deliver ALL my art...UNDAMAGED... as promised! You can bet I'll be tracking this box hourly. 2 full months of work trusted to a stranger=scarry!!

Anyway...this is the new Villa house. It's the perfect fit for a tissue box! The "studio" letters are new & REALLY fun. Small...just what we needed. Perfect for cards, mini books & layouts too. They come in 3 different styles...check the catalog...lots of goodies there.

Here's the back...I used the Trinkets Elements flowers & blossoms and a new scroll from the Scrolls 2 tin.




Here's a little better look @ the metal flower. And now a warning...don't buy them. They are ADDICTING!!! I swear I'll need 1000. Can't you think of 20 ideas immediately??




The black metal trim is from 7 gypsies.

I had several emails asking what the sheer sheets are for. My first thought was to use them as a stencil for a cool background, since they're nice & sturdy & can be reused a ton of times. I also plan to cut them into strips for borders for cards or layouts. I know I'll be using one to embellish a jar candle too.

So...what did you think of the new releases?? Tell me your favorites.

I'll be back tomorrow with more...maybe we'll do that pink I told you about! Or...maybe the Ranger art piece...

Have a great FUN weekend. I'll be making SMALL art that I can squeeze into my suitcase.

Thanks so much!!
Wendy
ps...HA! This is NOT in the catalog...so keep studying. The contest starts next Friday the 8th, the day I head out. Details to be announced on Thursday the 7th. I'll get the winner figured out when I return on the 15th. The prize will be good. It's a promise!

And the business cards continue...

Since I started using the flower business cards, I've had some really GREAT things happen. I think they're my lucky charm! A HUGE THANKS to Maya Road, Ranger and Stampers Anonymous. My idea last night was to create another style card using art parts from those 3 companies. This is the result.

CREDITS:

"With these hands" is by Stampers Anonymous.

The scroll is a clear stamp from the Maya Road SCROLLS stamp tin & I'm sure everyone knows by now that faded jeans is made by Ranger. The base is a chipboard blossom coaster from Maya Road.

And I'll answer some emails here...

Going to CHA??? YOU BET & I'm counting the days!! Come visit us in booth 1987...MAYA ROAD! You won't believe your eyes when you see the new goodies...I'm VERY impressed!

Background paper for the photos?? I ONLY have one sheet & it's by Jenni Bowlin. God forbid...only ONE sheet...I can't cut into that beauty until I get more. I LOVE IT! She also makes adorable packs of 4 x 4's that co-ordinate with the 12 x 12's, but are scaled down patterns. TO DIE FOR CUTE. I hoard them too. NUTS!

The screen background stamp?? Sorry. It's an unmounted I got years ago & I have no clue who made it and that's probably why I left that one out of the last post.

On to other random news...

Don't forget about the consumer challenge sponsored by Maya Road. Details are in the posting from Saturday. Some gals have emailed me their submissions & I'm glad I'm not responsible to choose the winners. That will be a hard job. BUT...if any of my blog friends win...let me know & I'll send some Maya Road goodness from my personal stash and post your entry on the blog!

And this thrills me...

I was asked to participate in a designers challenge for Ranger, with the art to be shown @ CHA next month. I'm one of 24...and THRILLED to be among some REALLY FAMOUS NAMES...More details when I can. Anyway, my piece is done, Fed-Exed & has arrived in New Jersey. Robin's comment was..."Exactly what we were looking for". YIPPEE! Sure made my day!!

THANKS so much for the comments on my cards and actually ALL your comments. I'm off to get more done!

Enjoy the day! Get your Maya Road submission done and emailed. How could you pass up FREE MAYA ROAD??

Wendy

The history of the business card

When I started teaching a few years ago, I decided that I needed business cards. So I made these...



Then...got tired of those guys & made a bunch of these...


Then I got invited to CHA-S 07 & REALLY needed some new cards. I wanted something a little different, that wouldn't be easily tossed in the trash, so I made these with the chipboard blossoms 2 from Maya Road & broken china distress ink.



I bet you're getting the picture here! So, with CHA -W 08 right around the corner, I needed new cards since all my others have been given away. We have another terribly cloudy day, so this isn't the best photo, but you can get the idea.

These are made with Maya Road's motifs chipboard coasters, so they are pretty big. I used faded jeans this time...imagine that!!

The large flower is from Autumn Leaves & the scroll on the back is made by Hero Arts. Do something creative everyday is a stamp from the Paper Source. The ribbon is also from Maya Road.

So that's what I did today. Got 10 done & a few more started.

Hope the rest of your Monday is great!!
Wendy

How many favorites can a girl have??

Move over Faded Jeans...Here's my new favorite combo...Juniper paired with vintage photo.

I had a few of the paint dabbers before going to Ranger U, but didn't really use them a lot, since I was more INTO the distress inks. Now that I KNOW how to use them...I'm in LOVE! Here's a few tips we learned...

1. Always store them UPSIDE DOWN and shake before using, WITH THE LID ON...don't ask!! tim told some really funny stories...

2. To activate the dabber, press down (kind of hard) onto your craft sheet & squeeze @ the same time. This opens the valve & allows the paint to prime the dabber top. Once the flow starts, you're good to go. This sometimes takes 30 seconds or so. Be patient...some colors take longer than others. If it's a little hard to start, put just one squirt of water from the mini mister on your sheet. The water will help. Do not repeatedly slam it down on the craft sheet. This isn't enough time for the valve to open properly.

3. Dabbers are a no cleanup product. No brushes to wash out. Saves time ...for more arting. But, if needed, shake then remove the cap and it's ready to be used with a brush.

4. I wondered how scrapbookers got the cool looking dry brush paint look on their layouts. DUH...these guys are the perfect solution. Just swipe along the edges.

VITAL info for the photo above. I'm learning...give as many details as possible!

1. Cute chipboard scallop frame is from Maya Road.

2. Juniper paint dabber and vintage photo distress ink are from Ranger.

3. I LOVE this paper from K & Co.

Time to head to the studio.

Have a GREAT day!! Happy dabbing!!

Wendy

So...the moral of the story is...

I better stick to ART! Geez...I got 3 emails yesterday and another today, inviting me to visit some alpaca farms!! The power of the net... As much as I'd LOVE to...we still haven't won the LOTTO!
But believe me...we're trying!

Here are some sample tags for my January 5th class. This is a new type class for me. It's all techniques. We'll use the Ranger U format & I'll share lots of the cool stuff I learned there. This first class will focus on the Distress Inks, with a sample or 2 of the fun Distress Crackle Paint. Each student will leave with samples and instructions for the techniques they learn. It's really very convenient to have the sample tags with the instructions on a ring, for quick reference on your next play day. I stole that wonderful idea from Tim & Robin.

The second class that day will be a wooden box project, using Maya Road's Birds of a Feather, blossoms and scrolls chipboard and the Distress Crackle paint. No photo yet...but I will share once it's done.

And...once again, Rick's card ( see the post below from December 24th) gets a comment from tim! Rick is REALLY letting this get to his head. Now he makes suggestions to me. I think I've created a monster! HA!

Now this is funny. You'll have to come back tomorrow to see the card my brother made for me for Christmas. He doesn't stamp...but this is just too funny to miss.

Tomorrow...be there or be square!! It's worth a laugh!

Do something creative TODAY!!
Wendy

A question about...SEX!!

HA! I could have said GENDER...but I thought the shock value would be good on Monday!

Start with a chipboard tag, add vintage photo & faded jeans...give it a blast with a water filled mini mister, dry with a heat tool & the background is done. Use 3 stamps, layer, embellish & done! The flower center is a stamped chipboard circle from the foundations tin.
Obviously I LOVE the phrenology stamp. Now here's the sex question...Is this stamp male or female?? I immediately see HER...but a friend asked why I put a hat on a guy. Interesting...

What do YOU see?????????

Enjoy the day!!
Wendy

Like the song says...These are a few of my FAVORITE things..

Actually...these are ALL of my favorite things combined on one project...Distress crackle paint in vintage photo, grungeboard wings with black soot crackle paint & a sprinkle of vintage photo distress embossing powder, the phrenology and wings stamps, and a microchip (over the eye) from Maya Road.
This photo shows the wings a little better. The base is a 5 x 5 canvas, which is perfect for the crackle paint. The headgear is just a wood trim piece. OOPS, I almost forgot another favorite stamp that gets tons of use...the houndstooth border stamp. I used it on the microchip and as a border for the hanging piece (foundations chipboard).

And to answer the emails I got about yesterdays posting...I have no clue why the image is not clickable to enlarge it. SORRY! Besides being a bad photographer, I'm almost computer illiterate.

I got my Maya Road DT assignments for CHA last night, so I'll be really busy making lots of projects for the booth. No showing of the new products or projects is allowed...so........SUFFER!!! HA!
I will tell you, there are some REALLY cool new things coming, but MUM'S the word here! I'm sworn to secrecy!

It's December 1st........LET THE SHOPPING BEGIN!!!!!
Have a very fun weekend.
Wendy
EDITED...GRRRRRRR...these aren't clickable either. I have no clue what's different here. I'll TRY my best to get this changed. SORRY again!!

Finally...a REAL FULL photo or even 3 !!

This is up on our DT BLOG now, so it's safe for me to post the whole photo. This was a sneak peek from a few days ago, if you remember one of the famous CRACK posts.
This started out as a plain wooden tote that I initially painted white. I added the yummy Daisy D's paper first & then the fun started. The chipboard letters and snowflake were painted with fired brick Distress Crackle paint.


To make the scalloped border, I cut the foundations chipboard circles in half, covered them with paper & stamped each one with our clear acrylic scroll stamp and accented each with a tiny dot of Stickles. If you live in cold weather, you understand the chipboard arrow and the words "SURVIVAL KIT", which are done with Maya Road Noah rub-ons. Winter in Illinois is NOT fun!


This photo shows the inside bottom of the tote. The frame is from our chipboard foundations set and is colored with fired brick distress ink. I stamped the scroll again, accented it with Stickles & added the adorable microchip heart and a little pen stitching. These micros are just soooo cute.
Filled with some goodies for that special someone, this makes a fun gift!

Like the photo says...
STAY WARM....
Have a great artful weekend!!
Wendy

EDITED @ 7:45pm...to answer the emails...yes, there are matching chipboard snowflakes on each side & there is one on the back too. Thanks for asking!!

Addicted to crack...and a few random things..

I know..I deserve the BAD BLOGGER award! SORRY, but my excuse is..... I'm addicted to crack. This paint is absolutely foolproof. The bird and branch are from Maya Road. The bird got a dose of faded jeans distress crackle paint & the branch is done with shabby shutters. The background paper is from the Periphery collection, Basic Grey. LOVE IT!! Can't show you the whole project, but take my word for it... SHEER fun!



And more rub-on talk...I got a call yesterday from Karan, who owns Magic Mesh. She found my blog & offered this little tip, which amazed me. Rub-ons can be applied OVER Magic Mesh, for a cool effect. I tried it & it's fun. I had no clue that it can also be embossed & painted over. Interesting play. I think it's great for all the sheer products and acrylic products that seem to be so popular these days. The reason...NO adhesive is needed & it looks great on both sides!



I've heard from all 3 who won prizes on the blog. All of the packages arrived @ their destination. However, I still haven't heard from E. So...I still have this adorable chipboard train album (and a few other trinkets) waiting for a new home. Interested??? Tell me why you NEED it & I'll see if Rick can be talked into another drawing...very soon!!!

That's all I can think of for now.

Have FUN...Make ART.

Wendy

Remember the OLD saying...

"that's about as much fun as waiting for paint to dry"? Well...times have changed. It IS fun to wait for the Distress Crackle Paint to dry. This stuff is AMAZING. Just paint some on some chipboard and wait for the magic to happen. Perfect results every time! The color above is fired brick.

Paper peek is from Daisy D. I LOVE IT!

And for those of you who complain about the peeks...SUFFER!! A little photo is better than NO PHOTO!

That's my story & I'm stickin' to it!
Wendy

No trick...just a treat!

HAPPY FRIDAY!! Another EDIT!!

Lots of comments...LOTS of prizes. Keep them coming. 150 will be easy!!

And, for the FIRST person to comment on what link I added to my blog YESTERDAY...a special prize...A CHIPBOARD KEYCHAIN from MAYA ROAD!!!! These are to die for CUTE!!! FIRST person with the right answer WINS!!!

Start hunting!! I'll be back in a bit to check...

Wendy

Thursday 7PM edit...
WOW!!! You guys are amazing. looks like Rick will be pulling 3 lucky names for 3 MAYA ROAD prizes. Keep it up...150 is attainable. We're at 113 now!! THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wendy

Another edit...due to this question from MARIE..
Can we comment again, to get the count up to 150?

Ok...I'll do that...BUT, if you are posting for the second time...you NEED to tell us what Maya Road product is @ the top of your "wish list". What do you not currently own, but want REALLY bad!! Fair enough??
Wendy


Edited Thursday November 1st @ 8:30 am...
WOW!! I'm impressed with the wonderful turnout!! THANKS SOO VERY MUCH for the huge response!!
Looks like I better get going on the second prize package!!

I have read every comment & it makes me laugh that so many commenters couldn't choose just ONE Maya Road product. Believe me, I'm in the same boat, which explains why I'm in HEAVEN being on the design team.

Ok...here's the next goal...Get the comments up to 150 & I'll have Rick draw 3 names!!! Yes...that's 3 Maya Road goodie packages...tell all your friends!

I'm off to play with some of those goodies myself!!
Remember...DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY!!
Wendy







Happy Halloween & HAPPY GRAND OPENING of my blog!!

All the Maya Road goodies in the photo above will be given to one LUCKY poster. I made the art journal (or grocery list keeper) especially for this give away, using (of course) my favorite Maya Road chipboard blossoms and scroll. Look closely & you'll see the stamped flowers, which are from the journey east-primrose clear stamp set. At the top, you'll see my new addiction...Velvet Ric Rak...it's yummy!
The coffee cup stain is a stamp from Stamper's Anonymous...It's Tim's design. The herringbone stamp that I used on the scroll is also from Stampers Anonymous.

Here's the scoop...
Sign in and tell me your favorite Maya Road product. It's SIMPLE!! Rick will draw the lucky winner first thing on Monday morning. If you DON'T win...blame him!!

EDITED @ NOON...Since it's going so well...if we hit 100 comments, I'll give a second cool prize. Tell your friends!!!

Have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!!
Wendy

Start with a paper mache box...

add some Distress inks (vintage photo & faded jeans..my new addiction), some cool Maya Road chipboard flowers, a Maya Road corner scroll, some Maya Road Rub-ons...and this is the result.
The second photo is the bottom of the box. Same inks...Maya Road acrylic stamps( from the Signed sealed & delivered set, scrolls set, and the postcard) and Maya Road rub-ons. The line stamp is from Mrs. O'Leary's.
The box is filled with little treasures & will be my gift to my Ranger U roomie...Sure hope she likes it. She's from the UK & I think she's on her way, so it's safe to post this.
Stay tuned...remember that sneak peek from a few days ago???...I'll show you the full photo later.
One sleep @ home...YIPPEE!!
Wendy

How cute is this little guy??

So...I hear you don't like sneak peeks...Hey...it's better than a post with NO photo!! How boring would that be??

This little microfelt guy makes me smile. Add him to some Maya Road chipboard, stamp some tiny flowers, add a little Ranger Distress ink and this is the result. FUN!! I'll show the whole photo just as soon as I can! It's a promise!!

Have a great weekend!! Make ART!!

Wendy

ps...Just one week from today...RANGER U!!!!!!!!!! Think I'm excited??? Just a little!