here's how I got started...

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

Monday, February 13, 2012

I haven't forgotten...

grrrrr......technical ISSUES...
back with a post & THE 4 WINNERS as soon as this gets corrected!
wendy

Friday, February 10, 2012

fab Friday...4 GIVEAWAYS...

let's make this a FAB FRIDAY,
by giving away
4 brand new
hot off the press
studio 490 stamp sets...

but first...
a little project to get you in the mood for Valentine's day...
this has LOTS of my favorite things...

idea-ology lightbulb...I told you I LOVE these things...
sitting in a NEW art parts gear...
LOVE the Blossom Bucket heart & telephone...
and the BB BLACK METAL SHELF...another addiction...


the "register of shipments" is from tim's new destinations paper stash...
the background is graphic 45...



remember...
clicking on the GREEN link,
will magically transport you right to the IN STOCK products...

here's today's first giveaway...
this is called...



the second is...



here's #3...


and #4 is...


and here's some examples of them inked & stamped...

the collage background on the art parts heart...

is the base for this next one...

I LOVE how much difference one extra layer makes...
check out the TAPEPAX image...
the little diamond center is raised...
small detail with a big impact...

the gal's dress was stamped with the
it's a good way to use up paper scraps...
just stamp & layer...


this time she has a dress that was stamped on CFA which I covered with sticky back canvas...

this is done on the

the curio knob is perfect for holding the art parts keys...

the tree stamp is an oldie from my first release...
& I still love it...

and there's the Eiffel Tower...


stamped over kraft with vermillion archival...


and the lace border...
stamped in olive archival...

it's so fun to add stamping on the lips...
makes it look like words are coming out of her mouth...lol!

if you stamp on Blossom Bucket embellishments...
use archival & dry it...
then it's permanent!


the flower, is from accents for art...
I used the telephone dial as the flower center...
and loaded up the art parts fence with

this is the back of the new gatefold journal...



this is like paper dolls for adults...

instead of using the coordinating art part for the flower...
this time I covered my clearly for art with tim's tissue wrap...
using Glue N Seal to attach it...
then inked it with alcohol ink...
heated it...
shaped it...

this creates a fragile looking paper flower...
but it's sturdy, because of the CFA, used for the base...

I used a favorite Blossom Bucket embellishment for the flower center...
I'll be buying LOTS of these...

so...the giveaway scoop...
you have until 7am my time on Monday to leave a comment...

it's simple...
comments win stamps...

just ask...

Candy C said...

Congrats to the winners!!! Fabulous stamp sets! I also love the new set you are offering...Call It Art!! IT is a wonderful set! I love the old telephone and the vintage image of the gentleman. Very cool. Thanks for the opportunity to win this set! <3 Candy

February 8, 2012 4:37 PM

who won ...



please email me at wbv1213@me.com with your shipping info...

***don't forget***
to pop over to the

to see more results from the designer challenge...

that's it for FAB FRIDAY...

have a great weekend & remember to...

make art!
wendy
ps...see you on Monday with the names of 4 fab WINNERS!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

call it art...

it's Wednesday & time for another stamp giveaway...

but first...
I thought I'd answer some questions from yesterdays comments...

#1...PS do all of the Ranger artists get together at some point and co-ordinate sizes for your releases or is it just somewhat of a happy accident that so many of your items work well with Tim and the other designers?

nope...
actually...
it's just FATE & when things WORK...
it's pure...MAGIC!

#2...I have a question: I've heard Tim's crinkle ribbon mentioned in several places. Is that a new ribbon or the one we make ourselves with the seam binding?
Thanks for the give-aways.

the crinkle ribbon is the same exact seam binding-ish material that's in his current "trimmings" package...

it is very popular...and everyone wanted a larger piece...
so now we get 10 yards in one pack......
yippee!

now if he'd listen about a bring back of those *snaps*...
I'd be a happy camper...
one thing about me...
I NEVER give up!

#3...are you going to be in my part of the country this year? PLEASE say YES!

I'm in the process of scheduling stores now...
it takes a bit to coordinate everything...

stay tuned...
you'll see some of the locations listed soon...
I'll update the right sidebar...

there was also a question about
that I demoed @ CHA...
I had planned to do a tutorial, but then my brain turned on @ 3am today...

and I remembered that I already did a video for ScrapTime, showing that technique...
so, as soon as I hear from Christine,
I'll post the video link...
it's a fun one!

and speaking of LINKS...
this week on the Ranger blog,
you can see photos from the designer challenge...

day one is up...day 2 will be posted later today...

I think this was THE BEST challenge ever...
lots of really cool submissions & I thought the display was over the moon AWESOME...
we had LOTS of wonderful comments...

incase you missed Alain's video about extreme stickling...

I talked to Alain @ CHA about the video & told him how much I LOVED it...
and guess what?
it's not altered digitally...
I thought there was a slight possibility...
and wasn't 100% sure that they really did dump that big dose of stickles over him...

TRUST ME...
THEY DID!

he showed me a video from a different angle...
WOW...
and he has the rock solid lab coat in his office as evidence...

so think about that when you admire his dress form from the designer challenge...
don't miss the video...

ok...here's today's stamp giveaway...
a FAVORITE for sure...

and it's in stock!



the telephone is one of my fav new art parts...
there are 3 pieces to the phone and when inked & stamped
it looks like this...

I've also clear embossed it for a fun effect...


and here's the guy again...

yesterday he was sporting a Blossom Bucket Top Hat...
today he's wearing the smallest art parts residence roof...
which I stamped with a portion of the collage background...



this was one of the pieces I made for tim...
LOTS of idea-ology on it...
both current & BRAND NEW...

did you spot them all??

light bulb newest addiction!
long fastener


art parts are perfect for mixing & matching...

I like to play with the parts to find unique combinations...

I used the rectangle frame with the base of the large square frame...

with some large scallops & a ruler...
it's a stand alone piece because of the Blossom Bucket black metal corner...

there's also a BB Black metal corner holding the scallops @ the top...
it sort of creates a roof...

ok...2 stamps sets are going to new homes...
congrats to...

Blogger Heidi said...

I really like the fact that you can use the stamps with the art parts...or all by themselves. However, I have become an art part hoarder. I'm sure I'm the only one too.

February 7, 2012 2:32 PM


and to...

Blogger Theresa said...

SUPPLIES FOR ART!!! MY MOST FAVORITE OF YOUR STAMPS!!!! Yippee!!! I would love to win them!!!! (oh - your art creation is WONDERFUL, too!!)

February 7, 2012 6:32 PM

please email me @ wbv1213@me.com with your shipping info...

I'll be back on Friday & we'll draw a random winner @ 7am my time...
that person gets CALL IT ART...
shipped to them...

so you have until 7am on Friday to comment...

until then...
let me say it a different way...


Tuesday, February 7, 2012

2 on Tuesday...giveaways that is!

before we get to the stamps...

I got the same questions several times yesterday...
so I thought I'd post the info here...

the first question asked if there will be replacement tips for tim's new distress markers...

the answer is no...

they are loaded with ink...
so they will last a LONG time...

and the second was...

what happens if you accidentally leave the cap off?

Ranger makes a product called
so if the ink is there, but it's dryed out...
it will rehydrate the marker...
so no problem if you have an oopsie......

and the 3rd...
can you use the distress reinkers to refill
the answer is NO...
the markers & the reinkers are different formulations...

I hope you find this info helpful...

don't bother asking for my favorite colors! LOL!!!

seriously...


ok...happy 2 on Tuesday!!!

here's the first stamp giveaway for today ...
compliments of Ted!

it's called supplies for art...



and the second is ...



here's what the flowers look like when stamped...

then overstamped with this background...


I had a blast making this next one...

the background is made with 5 art parts rulers...
just stain & stamp...

and all the art parts are sitting on
the new Black Metal Shelf from Blossom Bucket...

and my favorite saying is a perfect fit

and everything is sized to work with
pencil from a past release...





congrats to the winner of yesterdays set...


wow Wendy..so much is happening and so many new and marvelous things. I loved the web site you recommended . she is awesome and her style captivates me. would love to win..really cool you are doing this.can't pick a fav love it all

hugs,
susan s.

February 6, 2012 2:29 PM

please send your shipping info to wbv1213@me.com

remember...
it just takes a comment to win...
so...much better odds than winning the LOTTO!

see you tomorrow...
until then...

make art!
wendy

Monday, February 6, 2012

more CHA randomness & a GIVEAWAY...

but first...
THANKS so much for all your sweet comments & emails...

blog friends are THE BEST!!!

I had 2 emails asking if there was a recommended way to store tim's new distress markers...

nope...I asked & it's ok to store them standing...
or they can also lay flat...
either is fine...

ok...on to CHA...

Ranger introduced a new glue stick @ CHA...

you got it...
I LOVE IT!

if you're a store owner...
or work @ a store...
or want to suck up to the owner...

look @ this...
there are 24 glue sticks in the box & they stand upright in this little frame holder dealie...


if you're a frequent blog reader...
you know that I'm always nagging
to look @ things for their potential...

this left over holder was dug out of the trash after the CHA class finished...

think about this...

ink it randomly...
or apply paint dabbers randomly...
and you have a cool FREE background stamp...
it's PERFECT for collages...

and it's a solid plastic...
so very easy to clean & reuse...

so...like I said...
suck up to your LSS owner & ask them to save it for you!

and get a glue stick while you're there!

one of the best things about CHA is reconnecting with friends & meeting internet idols...

one of the blogs that I check out weekly

I got to see her work in person, when we unpacked art for the booths...

let me just say that I was blown away @ her attention to detail...
her style is so unique & beautiful...

so, fast forward...
I was demoing & looked up to see Anna standing @ my demo table...

I spotted her name tag...
& immediately had to tell her how much I love her art...

so...I skipped lunch & spent my time visiting with Anna...
she is incredible...
and we fast became friends...

so imagine how thrilled I was...
when @ the end of the show she told me to choose any layout & I could have it...

OMG...thrilled...
(tim got to choose one too!)...

I chose this beauty...
I can't wait to get it framed...
I have the perfect spot for it in the family room...


and here's a close shot of the dimension & detail...


she's awesome...agree?


thanks so much Anna...
it's a treasure & it was so fun to meet you!

here's some exciting news!

my new stamps & art parts are IN STOCK...

thank you Ted, Michelle & everyone for getting these out so quickly...
I love the words...
READY TO SHIP!

here's a little steampunk piece I made...
tim's lightbulbs nice & secure...
I used hot glue to fill the center hole in the art parts gear...

I used lots of lightbulbs on my CHA projects...
they're my new addiction...

I LOVE my Blossom Bucket top hat on this guy...

and another addiction...
I'll be buying 100 packages...


I was mad @ him when he discontinued my beloved snaps...
I contemplated having my lawyer contact him! lol...

but now I like him again,
because the gears can be used for everything...
just like the snaps...

the shelf on this piece is made with
& the black metal corner...
a new Blossom Bucket piece...


love how the art parts gears can fit together & LOVE the lightbulbs...

now to the giveaway...

Ted LOVES ice cream...
so...
I bought him a nice big bowl @ CHA...
then sucked up to him for some rubber giveaways...
it worked!

I have all 14 brand new stamp sets here...
ready to send off to good homes...

here's today's set...it's called
it has my favorite...Mrs Worry...
and lots of fun sayings...


and here's a piece,
made with several stamps from the set...

you'll see that everything is sized to be used with art parts & stamps we already have...

the art part umbrella was stamped with a portion of the new collage background...
the saying fits in the art parts mini frame...



so, if you'd like this stamp set to live with you...

leave a comment & the winner
will be randomly chosen
@ 7am my time tomorrow...

it's easy...

ok...
gotta finish up the CHA paperwork...

then it's time to...
make art!

wendy
PS...see you tomorrow...

Saturday, February 4, 2012

CHA W 12...where do I start?

I sat down to write this post yesterday, but couldn't decide where to begin...

so today, I'll just post lots of random thoughts...

CHA exceeded my wildest expectations...
I was completely blown away by the response to my new stamps, book 6, new art parts & my new Blossom Bucket line...

to all who attended,
please accept my sincere THANK YOU
for your kind words & ORDERS!!!!
WOW!

it was a WILD & CRAZY show...
I spent my time between the Ranger booth,
Stampers Anonymous & Blossom Bucket...
and I LOVED every single minute!

I LOVE that friends from all over the world attended...

I find it amazing that the love of art
changes complete strangers into friends...
this is AWESOME beyond words...

the demos were so much fun & we had so many laughs...
I heard that you learned lots...

THANKS to ALL!

on Monday, I did a book signing
in the Stampers Anonymous booth...

I didn't really give it much thought before the show...
too busy I guess...
but as I was walking over to the booth, I thought...
geez...
I HOPE @ least one or 2 people show up...

as I got closer, I saw a huge line of people...
who then began cheering...

seriously...
I had all I could do NOT to blubber like an idiot...

it totally touched my heart...
and surprised me...

I want you all to know that YOU
gave me a very special memory...
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!

working with Tim & the entire Ranger family is soooo much fun...
thanks for having me!
You are THE BEST!

Ted, Michelle & the Stampers Anonymous family were awesome, as usual...
and I SCORED some great giveaways,
thanks to Ted...

now about Blossom Bucket...
Cindy, Jim (her hubby) & I are over the moon with the response to the embellishments...

and GOOD NEWS for my UK friends...
you won't have a long wait to get them...

CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS is our UK distributor
and they will be carrying them all...

so, for stores who were unable to attend CHA,
you can order thru
Creative Expressions @ the STITCHES show
later this month...

if you are in the UK, just let your local store which you'd like & they can order them for you...

you'll receive them in April,
the same time they are released in the USA...

that makes me happy!

Cindy is sending samples of every Blossom Bucket item,
for displaying in the booth...
so store owners can see them in person...

they are also stocking ALL the new stamps, art parts & book 6 too...
Ted sent every stamp & art parts package
& we've shipped tons of art samples too...

when we got this exciting news, Cindy & I tried our best to act professional, but as soon as the booth was empty we were jumping around like 5 year olds...

it wasn't pretty...but it's true...

ok...on to some favorite finds...

the BUZZ @ the show was most definitely
be still my heart...

I can't think of a better word than amazing...
but if I could...
that's the word I would use...


I carried mine on the plane...
& played with them on the way home...
just let me say...IN LOVE!!!

and the great news???


prepare to be amazed...

2 REALLY REALLY cool new releases
are tim's water brushes...

one brush is for very fine detail...
the other has a great large brush,
the brush is 1/2 inch wide...
making it perfect for larger areas & backgrounds...

another IN LOVE...
must have each...


ok...the next item is Ranger's specialty stamping paper...

I have to be honest...
when I first heard about it, I thought...
ok...new paper...
that's nice...

but, when I got to use it...

HOLY FLIPPIN COW...

I am LOVING it!
it's coated on both sides & it accepts all of Ranger's products...
ALL of them...

so...if you have a hard time stamping on glossy paper...
this is what you'll want to use...

I demoed it with the pigment inks...LOVED it...
it's great for alcohol inks & distress too...

and of course...
it's perfect for

I'll be using LOTS of this...

it comes in 8 1/2 X 11 and also ATC's too...

here's something that blew me away...

the story...

keep in mind, manufacturers are not allowed to sell anything...
CHA is orders only...

I was demoing...
I looked up & spotted a lady with a WOW necklace...
so the demo stopped & I asked her about it...
everyone @ the demo table was stunned...

she makes them...

I wanted to place an order...

she just happened to have an extra in her purse...

as soon as my demo time finished, I RAN to get $$ to buy this...


take a look @ this...
it's all soldered silver...

I bet you can see why I fell in love...

a garden motif...
just what I like...

I put it on immediately & wore it every day...
I think she's on her way to jewelry success...

THANKS SALLY! I LOVE IT!


next... a peek @ my Ranger designer challenge...

what I want you to see here is the face...

my initial starting point for this challenge was to make a face...

I realized that ART PARTS
are the exact thickness for Ranger's Memory Frames...
they are a perfect fit...
no glass needed!

so I cut my art chick down to size...
popped her in the frame...
and added some Blossom Bucket lips, a top hat, cool glasses and you'll also see one of tim's new mini gears as the center of my art parts flower...


so that discovery got me thinking...
what other art parts will fit the Memory Frames??

take a look...
and there are a few others too...

so that turned into a Ranger demo...

and I altered the Blossom Bucket button with


that lead to...

I wonder if any Blossom Bucket things fit

ah ha!!! the postmarks...

won't this make a cute bracelet or pendant?



ok...I better quit for today...
don't want your eyeballs in a spasm...

I'll be back on Monday &
I *think* that's when the giveaways will begin...

stay tuned...

enjoy the Superbowl & as always...

make art!
wendy

Thursday, January 26, 2012

now about that Eiffel Tower...

it's coming...LOL!!

but first I wanted to show you a peek inside book #6 to see the new format...

Matt did an awesome job
totally restyling the whole shebang...

I'll let you know when I have them in stock here...

if you're attending CHA...
I'll be doing a book signing in the Stampers Anonymous booth @ 3:30 on MONDAY...
hope to see you there...



OK...the FINALE is today...
new stamp set #14...

and guess what?
it has an Eiffel Tower image...

I know...SHOCKING!

the set is called European art...



the guy is 2 piece art part...
his hat is an extra art part to give him an extra layer...

he's kind of vintage & he works well with steampunk...
I adore him...

THE Eiffel Tower...
I'm thrilled with this image & it's an art part too...
very detailed...
very fun...
very European...

the perfume label...
another flea market find...
& it's from Paris!

it makes a good flower center...
or stamp & punch out several for a border...

he lived an altered existence...
fun for altered/steampunk art...

the metro sign...
is a cool mini art part...
perfect to use with the Eiffel Tower...

now about those next 2 bottles...

my dear friend Lisa Pace has very similar images...
hers are from an 1898 ad...
mine are from the same company...
but from 1902...

they are not sized the same...
they are not the same angle...
but they work together perfectly...
this was NOT planned...

Lisa showed me her images & mine were already sent in ...
I about fainted when I saw her bottles...

guess we like the same things...
friends thru & THRU...

at the bottom of the storage sheet is
the vintage car...
this is soooo cute...
it's a 2 parter...I'll show you in a bit...

now for more Blossom Bucket...

I ADORE these postmarks...
these are actual images from some letters we found @ Rick's aunt's home...
I LOVE to preserve the past...

these guys make a statement...
they're 1/4 inch thick...

I like them for flower centers & just for accents too...
and...
the top 2...
perfect for the jewelry maker...


next are some small scallop circles...
not perfectly round & just a little wonky...
they make good flower centers...

it's fun to put them over a word...
and fill them with Glossy Accents to create custom epoxy embellishments...

I'm using them over eyes too...
to create odd eyeglasses...
FUN!


I liked them so much...
I wanted them in a larger size too...

both sizes come with basic black & brown...


and these are ribbon buttons...

I was always looking for buttons with large holes...
these are perfect for adding ribbon...

they are a basic gray color & can be easily altered...

now for the art parts packages...

I designed 4 large multi layered frames...

first is fancy oval frames...
2 complete frames are in the package & it includes the oval cutout too...

here's the arched frames...
2 compete sets in this package too...

the photo on this package is the #6 book cover photo...

now think about those
Blossom Bucket BLACK METAL CORNERS...
and you'll see that I used one with the
art parts rulers to make a shelf to hold all the art parts...

this was a very fun project...


this just might be my favorite new large frame...
it's the dimensional sign board...

you'll notice on the package that there are 2 boards, but 4 of the top trim & the bottom piece...

this allows us to layer 2 top pieces & 2 @ the bottom...
this makes it very dimensional & the bottom actually creates a little ledge...perfect for holding stuff...

and the last of the new large art parts frames is
the 5 panel frame...

this is great for using up all your small scraps...
use it with or without those inserts...

the inserts can also be used for fun mini projects...

use it horizontally or vertically...



now for the regular size art parts...
you'll see LOTS with coordinating stamps...

with this release, you'll see that we added the coordinating stamp set numbers on each package...

the numbers on each package will tell you what & how many of each art part are included inside...

the first set is...
art school coordinates...
there's the 2 piece pencil sharpener I showed a few days ago...
too cute...
guys...gals & phones...
see the 3 piece phone...
flipping LOVE it MILLIONS!

and FINALLY...
the little art chick is an art part...

I use her frequently...

I'm thrilled that I don't have to cut her out for the 555th time...
I can't wait to show you how I used her for Ranger's designer challenge...

and another FAVORITE...
European coordinates...

there's the 2 part guy & I'll show you how cool the car is..
sometimes I just stamp it...
sometimes I emboss it for a different effect...
VERY fun car!

the bottles have layered crown lids...
which can be used for people crowns too...



no wait...this set is FOR sure my favorite...
art parts gears...

these are 1 inch, 2, 3 & 4 inches...
I have had a BLAST with these guys...

the photo @ the top of the post shows them used to make a stand alone art piece...

I use them for halos...
and the hole allows one of tim's lightbulbs to be inserted & securely glued in place...


@ last count...I used over 20 in projects...

if you don't have them...
you WILL want them...

oh...that handle is fun too...
paint the art part with a metallic paint dabber...
then stamp it with jet black archival...
flipping FUN...




and this set is supplies for art coordinates...
this has the 2 piece rubber stamp art part I showed previously...
and that cute Flo-master ink tin...


the next package has corners & flourishes...
lots of intricate cutting on those flourishes...
good for all the flowers...

and here are Mr & Mrs Worry...
this is people & pointers...
and the final set is ...
NOT just flowers...
this has the 2 part jar...
the small pointed flower worked well as a sun...

and a few peeks before I go...
this is the postmark from Blossom Bucket...
the blue was too bright for my art, so I used Blending Solution...
removed some of the blue & then added some alcohol ink & a bit of archival over that...
LOVE IT!

and see the lightbulb in the gear?

and the handle...?
this time I painted over it with Rock Candy crackle paint...


and I altered this postmark too...
with a bit of
it's a beautiful blue...

and it's got a European name!

and here's what the art parts car looks like...
accented with hitch fasteners...

that one little extra art part piece TOTALLY...
MAKES IT!



I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your kind words...
I *hope* you weren't too traumatized by the peeks & hints...
and blurry photos...

I thank you for popping in, for the tweets, FB comments, emails & for posting comments...

I want you to know that I sincerely appreciate each & EVERY one of you!

I have been asked to post my demo schedule...
so here's where I'll be...

I travel on Friday...
then set up art samples when I get there...
then help with Tim's classes on Saturday & set up my demo supplies after that...

then...
SUNDAY...the show opens...
YIPPEE!
Ranger booth 10-11 and 1-3 DEMOS
Blossom Bucket 11-12 meet & greet
Stampers Anonymous 3:30-5:30 DEMOS

MONDAY...
Ranger booth 10-11 and 1-3 DEMOS
Blossom Bucket 11-12 meet & greet
Stampers Anonymous 3:30-4:30 BOOK SIGNING
Stampers Anonymous 4:30-5:30 DEMOS

TUESDAY...
Ranger booth 10-11 and 1-3 DEMOS
Blossom Bucket 11-12 meet & greet
Stampers Anonymous 3:30-5:30 DEMOS

WEDNESDAY...
Ranger booth 9-1 SWATCH SAMPLES

add in 2 early morning interviews & 3 meetings...
and dinners with my companies & friends...

yep...BUSY...

so that explains why
I probably won't post from CHA...
I always have good intentions,
but time runs out...

but I'll do my best to TWEET...
so if you follow me on Twitter, you just might see some photos...

that's quicker & easier to do on the go...

and speaking of TWITTER...

the "CFA clicker cutts" arrived yesterday...
OMG...now these guys are FUN...

I'll tweet a photo of one of the pages later this morning...

I embossed it with one of
for really great texture...
and click the link...
GREAT sale price!

one more thing...

I got an email yesterday asking how long it takes to get ready for CHA...
is it a year round thing & how many projects am I responsible for...

it's pretty much an everyday thing...
but the 2 months before each show are extra intense...

we already have item's IN THE WORKS for summer...

as for the number of projects...

I had no clue...
my initial guess was maybe 40-ish?

but while I was awake @ 3AM this morning...
uggg...not good...

I started counting what I could think of off the top of my head...

I have over 70 projects done...

I think there are 2 ATC's in the crowd...
no tags that I remember...

and the rest are all layered art parts pieces, with a few REALLY fun...
over the top funky...
arts...

70 pieces explains why I don't COOK!

OK...now it's your turn...

tell me which is your FAVORITE stamp set...
or art parts...
or Blossom Bucket goodie...

I'm interested to hear...

still lots more to accomplish today...

thanks so much for your support!

as always...
I hope YOU can take time to...

make art!
wendy
ps...CHA or BUST!