here's how I got started...

here's how I got started...
a 20 minute podcast by Crazy BeYOUtiful

Monday, November 15, 2010

I'm skipping Thanksgiving...

and moving right on to CHRISTMAS...

I had an idea...
a unique way to use studio 490 art parts...
something a little different than the obvious...

I wanted a gift card holder, that was something more than just a plain old gift card holder...

something the recipient would keep...

how about an ornament gift card holder??


I started by randomly spraying my small art parts frame base (3 1/2 x 3 1/2) with with tim's (very addicting) color wash...
this is the red pepper color wash...

I dripped a few drops of water on & then dried it with the heat-it tool...
thus the worn looking spots...


to create this you'll need the following art parts pieces...

2 small frame bases, a small frame & a small scallop trim...
the secret is to trim one side off the frame ...
like this...


the tree is stamped on grungepaper, cut out, inked with forest moss distress ink, then embossed with tim's dot-matrix alterations embossing folder from Sizzix...

I actually used the back of the grunge...
the canvas side added more texture...
I liked it...

ahhhh...
this is the perfect embossing folder for a Christmas tree...
kind of looks like ornaments!


by layering the cut frame between the solid bases,
you create the perfect hiding spot for the gift card...
make sure the cut end is @ the top...



here's what the slot looks like
without the gift card...




I think this will be for my niece for her December birthday...

hopefully, she'll keep the ornament...
but in reality, I'm expecting her to give it back & tell me to fill it for Christmas...
yep...
that's what I think will happen...

other key ingredients not mentioned above...
my background stamp is unevenly stamped with Ranger's coffee archival, to create a worn effect...

everything else is stamped with jet black archival...

that would be...

tim's cute bird stamp...I LOVE this mini set!



text on the scallop...

the scallop was sprayed with espresso color wash & misted with heirloom gold Perfect Pearls Mist...
(THE perfect color combo)...trust me... I LOVE it!

then embellished with tim's long fasteners...

I used the gold paint dabber to edge the scallop & to paint the mini grungeboard stars...

rock candy distress stickles add a bit of bling to the barn door inked holly berries...

before assembling the art parts, I glued a charm clip (small side) between the layers to hold the bauble with a jump ring...

oops...forgot to say I distressed the edges with tim's sanding grip...

this is a quick & simple idea that can be adapted to any occasion...
for a guy or a girl...

and speaking of art parts...
I'm happy to relay that they are...

today I'm off to work on new stamp designs...
and new art parts too...

we gotta have fun new supplies to...

make art!
wendy

Friday, November 12, 2010

winners, answers & KITS!

but first...
a HUGE thank YOU for all the sweet & FUNNY comments & emails about the last project, using tim's color washes with Claudine's gesso.

we read each & every one, both here & on Ranger's blog.

the thick felt furniture pads are cool...HUH?
like I've said before...
always be thinking what else something CAN be...

we laughed out loud about the thinking "out of the box" comments...
concerning the configurations post...
that thought never entered my little mind...

out of the box...
too funny!

and now the WINNERS...
please email me your shipping info... wbv1213@me.com
here's the lucky one from Ranger's blog comments...
Absolutley gorgeous! The creative possibilites are endless!
and the winner from here is...
Blogger Linda R said...

I just love how you incorporate your stamps, and art parts while showing us how to use lots of other products we have in new and exciting ways. It's always fresh with excitement, wonder and a good laugh! This is just the idea I needed as I recently pulled out my gesso and played collage...and am wanting to EXPAND my color wash color collection - ta duh - a marriage made in heaven - LOVE this effect and of course I have a couple of junk drawers to explore. Thanks Wendy ;-)

November 10, 2010 9:19 P

now to get to some of the questions...

#1. Are you still coming to Madison's OOAK convention 11/20 and 11/21?I don't see your name on the classes. so sad

YES, I'll be there... Can't wait. Sad to say no classes this time. sorry, but I will be demoing all day Saturday & Sunday in the Stampers Anonymous booth.

Pop in & introduce yourself please!

#2. When you were here in May we discovered how you attached your splat mat to your cutting surface. What type of adhesive did you use? Thanks for any info!

I use Ranger's Wonder tape & it works great. just put it around the perimeter of your cutting mat. it makes a great work surface & it's amazing that you can see thru the craft sheet to the lines on the mat. this helps with keeping stamping straight.
3. I always thought that adirondacks were dye inks did they come out with pigment ones also??

Yes, there are both dye & pigment in the Adirondack line. if you have the cream colored cases, those are the DYE inks. the Adirondack PIGMENTS come in a black case. it's a simple way to tell the difference. I think the pigments were released about 2 years ago...or so?

4. OMG...art parts are the bomb! lovin them! got more planned for us? please!

THANKS so much! I'm very happy with them.
YOU BET there WILL be more coming...
and with a twist this time (if it works out like I hope)

5. I NEED TO FIND SOME GESSO!!! will it work on wood i wonder?

Yes, it does...the more I play, the more I LOVE it...you'll definitely be seeing more projects, samples & ideas here using gesso...

6. and speaking of gesso...How is it different from other brands? Just a wondering'.

well, since this is the only brand I have ever used, I asked the expert...

here's Claudine's response...

"the main difference is the consistency . it has more of a whipped cream consistency where as some gessos are real watery and some are really thick."

7. and a few about the configurations
project below...


This truly is amazing!!! You were INSPIRED!!!! Wow!!! I have to ask.... Does the drawer really pull out??

mine doesn't but it certainly could & that was my original plan. but since I travel a lot & will be shipping it, everything is glued in place.

just glue the top one in place & leave the bottom unglued. the base is large enough that it sits perfectly.
my original thought was to have something hidden in the back of the drawer...
that explains the "look inside" stamp! however...the plan changed...
I went with plan B...


8. what are you using for gluing on configurations?

You have lots of options...Glossy Accents, Claudine's multi medium or your favorite adhesive all work just great.

9. this is odd. you said color wash is rich & concentrated, but it looks pale. how??? do tell

if you look @ the photo above, it IS pale looking. to get that effect...I misted heirloom gold Perfect Pearls Mist right into the box( a couple squirts)then misted it with espresso color wash...( a couple squirts)...
then I used a brush to spread the color around & quickly dried it with the heat tool.
it tinted the configurations & the colors are great together. too bad the photo doesn't show the shimmer...
it's pretty cool...

10. Are there any special tips on stamping on Claudine's gesso? I love the look and the whole project. I plan on using the gesso, stamps and embellishments to create some custom gift boxes.

I've stamped on it using pigment ink(that's the subtle butterscotch script in the background)of this photo and I use the archival to stamp my main image or saying, then give it a quick blast with the heat tool, to make sure it's dry.

11. What glue do you use to attach the ornate plate to the back??

she's referring to this photo and it's attached with Claudine's multi medium.
I like to apply a clamp & let it sit for a bit. works great.

12. how are you gluing art parts?

for attaching the scallop trims or gluing the frames together, Glossy Accents is perfect. multi medium or other adhesives work just fine too.

now that multi medium is available in small bottles...it's perfect...


13. do you glue the spool pieces? to glue or NOT to glue? and what adhesive?

I don't glue mine together, again because they are easier for me to ship in pieces. I had them cut so that the fit is pretty snug. you certainly can add a bit of adhesive to hold them together, if you'd like.

14. are you making us another book? please say yes! they inspire me so much & get rid of the blahsss.

THANKS!! YOU BET!~
new stamps are in the works, new art parts too...
so just as soon as they are finalized & here, I'll get started on book #4.

15. how is Paul doing?
he's ok...
right now the side effects of the chemo are bothering him (numb hands & feet).
we're hoping they'll resolve. the MD said they may or may not (ever) be gone by 6 months after the last chemo.

16. is Rick retired too?

well he thought he was. he retired on his 50th birthday from the state (he was a park ranger), but he's recently been promoted to head of shipping & receiving for studio 490.
next is head stamper/kit maker title...
mum's the word...it's a secret!
I like to surprise him & keep things interesting around here...


17. I couldn't believe how much supplies we got to use in class. a dinner is riding on this. any idea how much this weighs?

I don't travel light...FOR sure. depending on the classes, we usually ship about 300 pounds of supplies now.
I checked with the head of shipping & receiving to get an accurate answer...
hope you win a nice dinner.

17. I think since Tim does 12 TAGs for us, you should too! OR...you
could do his after him, but done in your style?
wanna?

nope...that's his gig!
however...
I just may have a few surprises, if time permits...stay tuned...

18. HELP! I see you are teaching with Tim at CHA, but the class is already sold out.
Can you get 2 of us in? PRETTY PLEASE...

nope...
I'm sorry...
I have nothing to do with that part of it. I just do inks...

19. will you ever do on line classes or video tutorials for those of us who will never get to your classes?

it's on the to-do list, but don't hold your breath, since I'm almost computer illiterate & can barely do a blog...
maybe someday...

#20. did i miss the headboard photo? i'm sure it is something YOUnique!!!

nope...you didn't miss anything. that wall is bare (the horrors). we just haven't found something that SPEAKS to us yet...

and for the last part of the title...KITS...

I frequently get asked to sell kits.
The real deal is, we just don't have time to make bunches of them...
class kits keep us MORE than busy & out of trouble...

HOWEVER...
if you like this...


and this...


I have retired this class...
so...
I have a LIMITED NUMBER of them available...

both projects are included in the deal...

plus you'll get 2 complete books of tim's brand new salvage stickers & have tons left over for more projects later...
and for every holiday!

so, you get 2 complete kits, 2 sticker books, complete instructions & color project photos...

you'll need to add your own inks, stamps & adhesive to complete them...

in the classes we used forest moss, brushed corduroy & barn door distress inks...

(but you could easily substitute peeled paint, fired brick & vintage photo)...

here's what you get...
the cost of everything listed above is $55 & priority shipping is $8.00...OOPS...edited...
that was FAST......all are headed to new homes.
Thanks to those who ordered. ENJOY them!

If you NEED one...
just send me an email wbv1213@me.com

and I'll send a PayPal request...
and then you'll receive kits to...
make art!

***disclaimer...***
when they're gone...they're GONE...
we only had a limited number of the stickers ordered...
and won't be ordering more...



time to head to the studio...
I have an idea...
I NEED to...

make art!
wendy
OH...NEWS FLASH!
take $5.00 off your order @ simon says with this code
aut050...
happy shopping to you!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

find delight...

in tim's Color Washes...

used with Claudine Hellmuth's Studio gesso...

as Ranger's senior educator, I get to participate in "top secret" projects...

I've been dying to tell you about this very fun technique since I created this piece...

here goes...

this is my rectangle art parts base, painted with an uneven coat of Claudine's gesso...

while it was still wet, I misted it with tim's Color Washes, to create a great textured background...

which now looks like this...


and here's the finished hanging...


take a closer look @ the flowers I cut, using tim's tattered florals alterations die...

what are they cut from???

check out Ranger's site for complete instructions...

you'll find the "secret ingredient" listed there...

here's how this "secret ingredient" happened...

I opened the junk drawer...
spotted the "secret" ingredient...
and wondered...will this work?...

it did!...

I loved the result & now I have another "material" to use with the Color Washes and small dies...



check out Ranger's BLOG...

leave a comment there & I'll choose a lucky someone @ 7AM on Friday...
and I'll send them a goodie package...

THEN...

come back here, leave a comment & I'll send another package to someone chosen from the comments here...

2 comments = 2 chances to win!
it's simple...

I hope you try tim's Color Washes when you...

make art!
wendy
ps...this is why I LOVE Ranger's products...
there are TONS of possibilities for mixing them, to create a totally different effect...

Monday, November 8, 2010

no cooking...no cleaning...

so what else is new???

but I DID make art!
YIPPEE!

before I get into the post, let me warn you that tim's brand new configurations are ADDICTING...

let me say it again...
to make it perfectly clear...

ADDICTING...

my plan for yesterday was to start...
(like work an hour or so) & just get started on a configurations project...

6 hours later...YES!!!

6...HOURS...
OMG I was having too much fun to quit...

so, don't say that I didn't warn you...

here's my take on configurations...


the inspiration for this piece came from tim's alterations rosette die from Sizzix...

I've showed you layered rosette flowers before...
and another style layered Christmas tree...

this next tree has been sitting on my desk waiting patiently (not really!) for configurations to arrive...

this style rosette tree needed a recessed area, because it doesn't look good from the side...
so, I didn't think it was for a card...
but it's PERFECT for the configurations...
where you can hide the sides...

here it is...
with a grungeboard trunk, embossed with tim's woodgrain embossing folder...

the accoutrement makes a perfect tree topper...



I used just 2 of the little compartments (configures??? ha! that's funny!)...

from the 5 1/2 x 5 1/2...
the small square made a gift & a larger rectangle, made a drawer to stuff with goodies...

LOVE the curio knob on the drawer...

my mini stamp was a perfect reminder to...



the time change had me up @ 4AM...
and I was in the studio by 4:30, because I had another idea...

the box was finished last night, but was there anything else I could add?

this next photo is looking down...

the whole piece is sitting on an art parts rectangle (the base from my 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 frame) with a large scallop trim as the finishing touch...
there's a scallop on the top too...

tim's new salvage stickers are THE BOMB...
soooo simple to customize...



here's a side shot looking from the left...


and one from the right...



I was actually sad when I finished...
but guess what?

I have MORE...
I got EVERY SIZE!

reluctantly...
I told Rick to hide them so I can get some assignments checked off the TO*DO list...
I'll probably be hunting for them later...geez!

so, there are 2 morals of the story for today...
#1...
there art NO rules for art...
you don't HAVE TO use every little compartment...

and...
#2...
configurations & art parts are a match made in heaven!

ok...in addition to the products listed above,
I used a billion products for this piece...
here's some of the KEY ingredients...

I actually used the new espresso color wash on the inside of the box, mixed with heirloom gold Perfect Pearls Mist...

I used lettuce color wash to color the gift...
the drawer was inked with red pepper PIGMENT ink...(sooo simple)and I used the red pepper to alter the metal heart too...

I used Ranger's gold dabber to edge...
jet black archival & coffee for stamping...

Glossy Accents for gluing...

tim's lost & found paper stash & also retro grunge...





trinket star pin & mini Christmas tree pin, both from Maya Road...

from my studio 490 stamps...







now I'm off to suck up to Rick so he hands over the other configurations...
so I can...

make art!
wendy
ps...why oh why did I give them to him???
another ps...
I'm getting ready for a Q & A session later this week. stay tuned!