8 letters & 4 winners...

happy Monday!

technical difficulties resolved...

not a good way to start the week...

neither is getting in the shower with your glasses ON...

I thought I could see really well...

YIKES!

I thought I'd start today by showing a really funky project I made for tim's idea=ology booth...

one day we found this mini binocular case @ a flea market...

the leather strap was mostly missing,

only small pieces were still attached...

but the left over metal connectors hanging there looked like arms to me...

this was the inspiration for this piece...

I started with the phrenology head...

and I used LOTS of idea=ology here...

here's the list...

the new faucet knob...

it's over a grungeboard alterations die cut gear...

2 facets to make the funky glasses...

they are a perfect fit over my Blossom Bucket scalloped circles...

look close & you'll see 2 mini fasteners...

they are in the facet holes...

just like real glasses!

makes me laugh...

2 light bulbs...

big bulb on the front...little on the back...

I TOLD you I'm addicted!

a chain tassel...

makes the perfect earring...

link chain...

the new mini gear...

the new word band...

2 new clock keys...one is on the back...

an alpha card...that's on the back too...

photo below...

jump rings...

long fasteners...

meet the steampunk queen...

a couple things I wanted to share in the photo below...

I altered the faucet knob with pitch black alcohol ink, then added a tiny bit of the copper metallic mixative...

then I blasted the knob with the heat tool & added some verdigris embossing powder,

to the hot metal, which created a crusty rusty effect...

and to finish it off, I lightly touched some areas with the gold paint dabber...

the other thing I wanted to do,

was to make the large art part gear look textured & rusty...

it's simple...

so I used it on all the gears...

I used walnut stain distress stain randomly on the gear, then added some black soot with the blending tool to cover it with color...

I used the gold paint dabber randomly around the edges...

to create the texture...

I randomly added spots of Glue N Seal over the gears, then sprinkled those areas with vintage photo distress embossing powder...

let the Glue N Seal dry...

& it holds the embossing powder in place...

no heat needed...

and it creates a cool rusty finish...

the distress embossing powder is matte & gritty & adds great texture...

you can barely see her big Blossom Bucket lips...

LOVE how the facets magnify her eyes!

here's the back...

the alpha card was perfect for stamping the title...

every steampunk queen needs a sweet ride...

her wagon is a

5 1/2 x 5 1/2 configurations box...

I added the pulley wheels...

how stinkin cool are these guys?

I LOVE that they actually roll...

the handle is made from an art parts ruler & I added a new faucet knob...to pull her on the ride...

it's attached to the box with portions of

alterations die cut hinges...

they're cut from grungeboard, so they're nice & sturdy...

you'll see the new box corners too...

perfect finishing touch...

I had a blast when I figured out that the new destinations stickers were a perfect fit...

no cutting needed...

each side of the configurations was completely covered with 8 letter stickers...

thus the post title...8 letters...get it?

I had fun choosing the 8 letter words...

another view...

hmmm...what else can I share?

oh...yesterday I made a few new booth samples to send to Ted...

very simple pieces...

but they were fun...

you'll see that both backgrounds are similar...

that's because I used Ranger's manila card stock to make a large background...

I didn't like it for what I was working on...

so I chopped it up into smaller pieces for smaller arts...

that worked...

the circles were stamped with the glue stick holder I talked about the other day & the white you see is from the new

AWESOME picket fence distress marker...

the new distress markers made it simple to give her a 2 color dress...

I LOVE them millions...

they make inking small areas on art parts sooo simple...

the background stamp was inked with

monarch orange archival...

and this guy is sporting a Blossom Bucket heart...

and a few spiders...

now for the 4 winners...

congrats to...

#1 Susan said...

Love all these stamps and the samples you've made. I'll have to get some of those adorable lips! Thanks for sharing so much.

February 12, 2012 2:36 PM

#2 Vic said...

Congrats, Candy! Wendy, all your samples are so great! I love all the details.

February 10, 2012 1:59 PM

#3... Kaz said...

gorgeous stamps I just love the worried for art!! that describes me down to a tee xx thanks for the chance wendy and good luck all x

kaz

February 10, 2012 11:28 AM

#4 newfiecrafter(Marilyn) said...

Wow loving all those stamp sets and the pieces of ART that you have created with them. My favorite I think is the telephone and the wash board--takes me down memory lane LOL
Thanks for a chance to win
Marilyn

February 10, 2012 1:10 PM

please send me your shipping info to

wbv1213@me.com

ENABLER ALERT...

Heidi had requests for a DISCOUNT DEAL for purchasing ALL my new stamps...

so...she created this special...

all 14 of my new stamp sets in a bundle

& the good part... you save over $30.00...

just saying...

1 1/3 stamps sets for free...

let's change it up today...

would you like

book #6 to

live with you?

if so...just leave a comment & I'll draw the random winner @ 7am my time Wednesday morning...

this time, a comment is your chance to win

my new book!

thanks for popping in...

see you Wednesday...

I hope your Valentine's Day is awesome & you get to spend it with those you love...

I best get moving...

I've got to...

make (valentine) art!

wendy

I haven't forgotten...

grrrrr......technical ISSUES...

back with a post & THE 4 WINNERS as soon as this gets corrected!

wendy

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...

with Mr & Mrs Worry...

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...

worried about art...

the second is...

accents for art...

here's #3...

material art...

and #4 is...

a flair for art...

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

the collage background on the art parts heart...

the new art parts 5 panel frame...

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

collage background too...

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

new art parts sign board frame...

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...

I love the giant lace background,

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

picket fence crackle paint...

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

here she is again...

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 ...

call it art...

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

***don't forget***

to pop over to the

Ranger BLOG...

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!

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

the Clearly For Art Blackout technique

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...

here's the link...

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...

CALL IT ART...

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??

label pull

file tab

mini gears

corked vials

light bulb newest addiction!

chain tassel

game spinner

long fastener

clock key

alpha parts

screw eye

wings

destinations paper

numbers from the file tabs

chit chat stickers

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...

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...

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...

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

Perfect Ink Refresher...

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 distress markers...

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...

you'll want them all...

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 ...

art works...

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

in tim's new label pulls...

and everything is sized to work with

the art parts scissors &

pencil from a past release...

the 2 piece art parts pencil sharpener is the bomb!

congrats to the winner of yesterdays set...

Ally White Cat said...

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

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

belongs to Anna Dabrowski...aka Finnabair...

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...

my art parts gears hold

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...

LOVE the new 2 part art parts car...

and another addiction...

I'll be buying 100 packages...

tim's new mini gears...

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 art parts ruler

& 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

she spoke of art...

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...

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

Tim's new distress markers...

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...

these are the #1...MUST HAVE...

I carried mine on the plane...

& played with them on the way home...

just let me say...IN LOVE!!!

and the great news???

they are shipping THIS MONTH, so no long wait!

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...

and...they are shipping NOW!

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

THE MARKERS!

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...

her name is Sally & you can find her CHA post HERE...

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...

using Adirondack Pigment Inks...

watermark resist ink

with clear embossing powder...

and I altered the Blossom Bucket button with

tim's copper metallic mixative...

that lead to...

I wonder if any Blossom Bucket things fit

the other Memory Frames...

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