Another guest artist...

Todays art is from the very talented Lynne Forsythe. Lynne is the Store Manager for Generations of Memories, in New Hampshire. I met her @ the first Ranger U I attended & we have stayed in contact since then. She's a sweetie!

I got to see her several times @ CHA in July and each time we met, we laughed about something...she's a hoot.

Lynne said she's addicted to studio490 leaves... I have to admit...that's my favorite too...(oh and a few more). They can be used on anything!

SO...without further ado...take a look @ Lynne's art, made with studio490 stamps.



I see 6 different stamps used here. I LOVE THIS!!!

And...here's another beauty......using those leaves and the background script stamp on the flowers.



Was I right?? Isn't she TALENTED???

THANKS for sharing your art LYNNE! It's really fun for me to see how each person uses the stamps.

Next stop is Stamper's Cottage, in St. Charles Illinois, for 3 classes this Saturday.

We're making a grungeboard wreathe in one class & the holiday hanging class is really popular, so we're doing that class twice.

Mr & Mrs Stampers Anonymous will be there with a TRUCKLOAD of Stampers Anonymous/studio490 stamps.

A TRUCKLOAD of stamps??

YES!! They actually drive a HUGE semi to the store & park it right there. You shop in the semi & the whole thing is nothing but...RUBBER!!

That MUST be what HEAVEN is like...

Hope to see you there!!
wendy

My bags are packed...

I'm ready to go.

Leavin'on a jet plane...

Hmmm...sounds like a song!

Anyway...

You know where I'll be. Playing with ink, Perfect Pearls and melt art for 3 full days. Seeing OLD friends... making new. This class is international again & that makes it very special.

I'll be back with a full report on Tuesday.

Have a GREAT weekend.

MAKE ART!

wendy

Free stamps from Maya Road?? EDITED!

COOL!! Check out Caroline's blog for the juicy details. Leave a post here to have the chance for a FREE RAK from Maya Road, in celebration of WSW.

On the agenda today...
packing up all the samples I made with my stamps...sending them off to Michelle. YIKES! Makes me sad to send them all far away...I hope she likes them. I'm dieing to show you & just as soon as I get the OK...you better believe you'll see them here.

After that...back to my Maya Road CHA assignments. Got 3 done so far...LOTS more to do!

Might just take an hour & park out on the deck. I LOVE sun!!

3 more sleeps 'til Ranger U!! YIPPEE!

Happy Monday!
wendy
edited...and what goes with FREE STAMPS? FREE INK PADS!!
Check it out on tim's blog! Who knows??? YOU might win both!!

WSW starts June 14th...

That's tomorrow!

Check it out here...

You never know who you'll see there...or what inspiration (instructions x3 ) will be free...get it?? It's a HINT!

And the countdown begins. Ranger U starts one week from today.
YIPPEE!!

Got a package yesterday from Maya Road...COOL NEW STUFF to play with...

A little stamp talk...I have completed about 20 samples with my stamps! My goal is to have all the samples completed by Monday, when I'll mail them off to Michelle so that they can be photographed for the catalog & the web-site. After that she prepares them for display @ the Art Gone Wild/Stampers Anonymous booth for CHA!

I'm thinking of a little contest...involving my stamps...still just thinking...We haven't had a giveaway in a bit...I'll get back to you on that...

Have a great weekend & don't forget to check out the 2 peas site tomorrow.

wendy
ps...I just might be prejudice...but...I LOVE MY STAMPS!!!
I can not wait to show you what I've done!...soon!

Happy Monday!

FINALLY...we have some decent weather here. We had the furnace on Tuesday and yesterday it was 85. Only in Illinois can things change so quickly. So I took 2 hours of "vacation time" & parked out on the deck yesterday. This winter has been soooooo long...


The Rick report...

No laser treatment is needed right now. Things looked better on Friday. But...the pressure is up in his eye, which may be attributed to his eyedrops...WE HOPE. So, he's got a new med & we'll go back on Friday for another visit. Still no fun activity for him.

Return to Ranger U??? This is a recent development...

Yep...since I'll be demoing in the Ranger booth @ CHA, I'll be going back to NJ for a refresher course. (Or...is it remedial & they are just being kind??)

I'll also get info on Perfect Pearls, melt art & Claudine's new products too....Don't ask...I have NO CLUE what they are!! ha!!
3 full days in NJ with 28 other arty friends. The group is international again and that really adds to the fun. I'm leaving on the 19th & believe me...I'm counting the days.


I'll leave you with this thought for today...



This stamp is made by Postmodern Designs. Fun HUH??
Sorry...they don't have a web site.

Thanks for stopping by...
wendy

Taking the grunge on the road!

What do you get when you combine grungeboard, distress inks & glass?? A totally cool & USEABLE bud vase. Since grungeboard isn't damaged by water, it's perfect for this project.

Here's a closer look @ the dimension can be attained with grungeboard. FUN & VERY addicting.


Class details here...

March 8th Scrapbook Friend'z in Bloomington, Illinois

March 14th @ the SSAT convention in Rockford, Illinois. We'll also be doing a Distress Ink technique class that day. It's sort of a mini Ranger U.

And we'll be repeating the above 2 classes @ For Keeps Sake in St. Louis, Mo. on March 29 & 3oth.

If you want to have fun, play with grungeboard & learn how to use your distress inks to their fullest...come join us!
I'd LOVE to meet my blog friends!
Wendy

YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!! 3 weeks & counting...

I leave 3 weeks from today for CHA!!! YIKES!!...TONS to do before then.

Mr. Fed-Ex, the new man in my life, delivered a HUGE box of Maya Road goodies last night. I am NOT prejudice when I say...OMG!! I thought CHA-S microchips were to die for and they couldn't possible create anything better. WRONG!! Caroline & Deb have REALLY done some things that are even cooler than cool. One ITEM in particular about made me faint!!!!! I think THEY were made just for me!!

Can't have a post without a photo. This bit of inspiration was taken @ Ranger U. I love the display & the message...

I hope you're working on your Maya Road submissions. Not much time left!! I'd love to send a blogging friend a package!! Let me know if you win!

Happy Thursday!!
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

Fun...with a capital....F and also a HUGE thank you...

We inked,
we distress crackle painted,
we labeled...(thanks CHERYL!),
we ironed...(but it was FUN),
we mini misted,
we blended,
we stamped,
we lightly inked over embossed paper,
we embossed...2 kinds...WOW!!,
we wrinkled,
we watercolored...kind of,
we said MARMALADE, laughed & thought of Rachel (thanks Linda...cool accent)
we ate chocolate & most of all...


WE HAD FUN!!! What a GREAT group of gals for my first Ranger Distress Ink Technique class on Saturday @ Scrapbook Friend'z in Bloomington, Illinois. You guys are THE BEST!!!

I think the favorite technique of the day was...SPRITZ & FLICK... Imagine this...a room full of art chicks spritzing & flicking..sounded like applause to me, so that's when I took a bow! These gals were smart...they figured me out. Save the best for last!


Now on to the THANK YOU part...

THANK YOU to ALL who attended both classes!!!

This class would not have happened if I had not been accepted into Ranger U. So, from the bottom of my heart, I thank these friends...

Tim... Mr. Inspiration
Robin Beam...art goddess
Ted Cutts...Mr. Stampers Anonymous, who got the ball rolling
And last but certainly not least...the RANGER company for an INK-redible experience. I learned TONS & got to pass it on!


And that was just the first class...



For the second class we made this... Maya Road Birdie Box



Each person chose their own papers, but we all used the bird, branches, scrolls, scallop ric rak and flowers from Maya Road. We crackled up a storm. Every box looked great and each was unique. GREAT JOB gals!!!
This was a very fun class too.



To answer some emails that I got...the Ranger apron was a gift to us @ Ranger U. I LOVE it...signed by Tim & Robin!!

Sorry...I didn't take any photos in class...just too busy. I will try to remember that for the next classes. It would be fun to post the end results of the class.

Yes...the chocolate was DOVE!! I really do think it's low cal...

Ok, back to work. CHA is coming VERY soon & there's a TON of work (PLAY) to be done!!

Thanks for reading this LONGGGGGGGGG post!
Enjoy your day!
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 GREAT mail day!!!

Mr. FED-EX just delivered this GREAT gift from my friend, Robin Beam. I LOVE it and the colors are PERFECT!!!!!!!

It's done with her famous bandanna technique, which can be found on her blog. It's 2 inches by 10 inches and it looks PERFECT right under my Ranger U certificate. Both hang above the sink in my studio, so that every time I wash the ink (vintage photo) off my hands I'll see it. For those of you who know me and know how sloppy I am...this will be about 50 times a day! I'll post a photo when the lighting is better.
Here's a close-up of the details. Rick was VERY impressed with the soldering job!


I think she will do custom orders. If you are interested, her contact info is on her blog or you can email me.
THANKS, ART GODDESS!!!!!!
It's "magically delicious".
You're the best!!
Wendy

Some Irish eye candy..........

Isn't this beautiful??? This is a journal that I received @ Ranger U. It was handpainted by my new friend Eileen Miller. This photo doesn't do justice to her work. It is absolutely perfect and the details are beyond amazing.
Eileen is from Ireland and is just the sweetest person, with the cutest accent. Remember the LUCKY CHARMS commercial??? Magically delicious??? That's what she whispered in Tim's ear, right before they both blushed. We made her say it about 10 times...just too funny! Thanks Eileen. I love it...won't use it...just display it in my studio and I'll think of you everytime I see it.
Have a wonderful ARTY weekend.
Wendy

INK-redible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grab a cup of coffee...the juicy details make for a LONGGGG story!
First of all, I want to thank Tim & Robin for an INK-redible experience. I am TOTALLY blown away by their attention to every detail, which created the journey of a lifetime weekend. I had seen Tim demo @ CHA & I thought he did an outstanding job. After this weekend, I have a whole new respect for him. This guy is very organized, on track, INK-redibly hilarious, extremely knowledgable, DID I SAY FUNNY??, kind and the best speaker I have ever encountered. To say I am impressed is an understatement. THANKS TIM!! Enjoy your time off. You certainly have earned it.

Now Robin...This art goddess had our classroom set up & organized, had our handouts and schedule done, filled our goodie boxes, had labels ready for every technique that Tim demoed, brought breakfast, got lunch, got us MORE goodies from the warehouse, showed & contributed to the techniques, offered suggestions, busted her butt to get us anything we needed and made us all laugh about 100 times. She is like a computer brain & rattles off techniques with ease. THANKS ROBIN!! These 2 spent 8 hours with us on Friday, 13...yes 13 hours on Saturday & another 4 hours on Sunday, which explains why I look like shit in the photo above. Ranger is lucky to have such a talented team.

DRUMROLL...............................here's what you're probably wanting to hear......

Ranger was INK-credibly generous with the products we received ...we all felt like it was Christmas morning when we opened the goodie box!

We learned TONS and got to played with all these cool products.........
Distress Crackle paint
Alcohol Inks, which are now my new addiction. TONS of cool techniques.
Distress inks
Adirondack Color Washes
Adirondack Acrylic Paint Dabbers
Stickles
Adirondack Dimensional Pearls
Glossy, Matte, Sepia & Crackle Accents
Archival Ink Pad
Adirondack Pigment pens
Cut & Dry nibs & Cut & Dry foam pads
Brayering
Embossing powders..I LOVED the Distress Embossing powder the best! No shine...WAYYY COOL for vintage looking art.

Maya Road gave us a tin of chipboard, rub-ons and 3 chipboard keychains.

Heidi Swapp gave us masks.

Luxe gave us tranparencies.

Prima gave us 3 sheets of their new Paintables, a really fun new product.

And last but not least... we also got Grungeboard from Advantus. A TOTALLY amazing product that has TONS of potential for some really fun play. Use it with the Distress Crackle Paint or the Distress Embossing powders for some fun effects.

A short summary of events...we toured the factory (there is only ONE STICKLES machine that supplies the entire WORLD!!), watched demos, learned TONS, laughed TONS, ate way too much, shopped just a little, had show & tell and had a few cocktails for medicinal purposes only!

So...the summary............
Ranger U tuition...$175.00
Hotel...$250
Airfare...$280
OVERWEIGHT luggage...$50 ha!!! Imagine that!!
The experience...INK-redibly PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The end................... for today.
Wendy
ps...the picture in the post below shows the gift I brought for Tim. I'll put Robin's up later.

Ranger U or BUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok...here's the full shot. Who's it for??? Hmmm...can't say just yet. The phrenology stamp is from Stampers Anonymous & it is one of my most cherished stamps. The background is Ranger Distress inks...The overall size is about 8 x 13. Sure hope the recipient is pleased. I'll let you know how it goes...

I talked to my Ranger U roomie a little earlier this evening. She made it from the UK & will meet me tomorrow @ the airport & we'll share a limo to our hotel. I can hardly wait! She sounds like lots of fun.

So...finally........ the last sleep is here. We're off early in the morning. Back Monday with a full report of all the juicy details.

Like the stamp says...DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY!!

Wendy

ps...Ranger U or bust!! YIPPEE!!

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

Finally...I scored THE Crackle Paint!!

We had a very fun bunch of gals yesterday for the canvas class. There were some new faces in the group and some friends from past classes. Thanks to everyone for coming!! I hope you all had fun. And, as requested...I will be back after Ranger U to share all the juicy details and to show some fun new techniques too.

We did a mini demo of the Distress pads, made the canvas project, shared some laughs, shared some great food and then we SHOPPED!! Imagine that!! Lots of us got this to die for Distress Crackle Paint. The shipment arrived Thursday & we sure made a big dent in the inventory. I was up @ 4:30 AM...visions of sugar plums in my head...no!!! Crackle Paint! GEEZ!!

Let the playing begin!!

Wendy

ps...Go BEARS!!

EDITED: HA! Look @ the top 2 jars. DUH...2 tea dyes. I told you I was excited!!

So...what's inside all those drawers??

That seems to be a common question...so here's one little lookie! This is a watchmakers cabinet we found. Very tiny compartments...but PERFECT for all those must have embellishments. Can you say SHOPPING??? I LOVE IT!!!

And...for those who asked, YES...the little birdie in the post below is from Maya Road. He's a microfelt guy that I stamped. He's sooo tiny & sooo cute.

Ok..... I'm off to teach the canvas class!

Stay tuned...there will be a give away & grand opening of the blog when I return from Ranger U.

Make ART!!
Wendy
ps...this made me laugh. Just got an email REMINDER that I have a hotel reservation in NJ. Like I'd FORGET??? NEVER!! HA! Ranger U or bust!!

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!

WOW!!! 2 posts in one day!!!

And the reason for this post is the photo above. The official countdown begins today. Only 10 more sleeps before it begins. From what I hear, it's quite an international cast of characters. There are a few of us from the US and the others in the group are from the UK, Scotland, Ireland, Canada and Sweden. We even have a celebrity in the group! GREAT products, a factory tour and 3 days of classes with Tim Holtz and Art Goddess Robin Beam. Can you imagine??????????????
I'm excited!! Got lots to get done before then..........
Wendy
ps...when you visit Robin's blog, make sure you check out the adorable pumpkin made by Caroline Lau. She used Maya Road's chipboard and Ranger's new Distress Crackle Paint. You'll love it!