Hearts a Sketch

Hello Peeps;

I am super pumped to show you the sketch from Outlawz Challenges.  I didn't just create one card but I created three cards.....uber simple to make tons on this cool sketch!!  Here is this weeks awww inspiring sketch:

eeeekkkk isn't this the cutest sketch you have seen.  I thought so and totally adaptable to so many situations. 

The cards I created with this sketch in mind come from a mixed media background.  I used some Echo Park scraps I have had and glued and glued to my hearts content!

Then using a Big Shot and cardstock I cut out a heart and used it like a mask painting black over the textured background; adding white to the edges. 

I did not want to waste the cardstock I cut the heart from and decided to follow the same rules but add paper to the back.

Adding a tiny bit of bling seems like the proper thing to do when keeping the card simple.  The insides are all done the same as well with white card and a strip of the colored paper from the paper used on the outside.  

If you are enjoying my blog.....comment I love to read them all and follow along. 

Happy crafting folks

cheers

I (LOVE) You More Than Ice Cream

Hello fellow crafty peeps,

Today I am excited to say I was asked to be a Guest Designer for Outlawz.  The challenge I was chosen for the Sunday Songs and Rhymes.  If you haven't tried the challenges at Outlawz I recommend trying them.....the ladies are super nice and the challenges are fun, fun, fun!!!

This card took me longer than I usual as I layered the card to give to my sweet baboo. 

The card began with watercolor paper and I stenciled off the stars and moon with rubber cement.  This stuff is fantastic as its a great mask to keep color off the paper.  I left it overnight to ensure the liquid was completely dry and ready to take watercolors.  I used two shades of blue acrylic with water mixed into it to make it a wash.

As the watercolor background was drying I cut trees out of chipboard and painted them in two shades of green.  Using multiple hues of a color gives the object dimension.  I colored the images from Pollycraft Digital Stamps with Prismacolor and Gamesol.  I love watching the colors blend and make the image seamless. 

I used some red brads to attach the sentiment. A white doily from the dollar store and some stickers and paper to dress up the edges with Echo Park: Yours Truly.

Then using dimensional adhesive I attached the image. 

I wanted to use a spilled Ice cream and couldn't find a digital image that I liked to I simply drew and colored the image myself.  I used the sticker sentiment "sealed with a kiss" from the Echo Park collection and matted it with black cardstock.  I loved the polka dot print in the collection and just had to add it to the written part of the card.  I sure hope you enjoyed this creation and it inspires you to be more crafty. 

Happy Crafting Y'all
cheers

Shading 2

Hi Crafty Peeps;

Karen Campbell reins supreme!  I have chosen to take place in her 100 Fun Fab Face Challenge.  The first two videos have been completed but I did not post them as I was not ready to share my work; however, I really think in order to grow as an artist I should post my progress even if it takes me 10 years to complete the challenge. 

I was up before the roosters this morning and decided to take a stab at trying to get another face drawn.  Today I did not reference yesterdays drawing as I wanted to ensure I remembered where to put the shading.  This is the before photo:

Adding graphite and using a blending stump I shaded to my hearts content.  I found the results quite dramatic.

I am slowly learning where to put the highlights and lowlights but I sure can see a difference between the two photos.  Thank You Karen Campbell for your amazing teaching style and love of art.  

Happy Crafting!
Cheers

Stages in Learning to Draw: Shading

Hello Crafty Peeps;

Recently, I have decided to pick up drawing again.  It has been a bit of time since feeling like I wanted to draw so this was a big leap for me.  When I began I searched YouTube for many artists that were efficient yet actually made sense to the average bear artist.  YOU WILL NEVER GUESS WHO I FOUND!!!!!  

Karen Campbell is WhO.....she is an amazing Mixed Media Artist, teacher and has her own ART SCHOOL!  Now this is a lady who can teach peeps who want to draw and learn all they can about Mixed Media all in one place.  I highly recommend her in every learning way possible for those areas.  

I have had so much trouble over the years learning shading.  I have not mastered it yet, Karen makes it so much easier to learn and develop a skill.  Without further adieu, this is my first attempt at shading a face in many years.  At least this time I feel that the highlights are present and the proper places have merit.  

I think its important as an artist to look at the things you love about your art rather than ....oh I don't like this or I should have done better at that....probably because there is no one who is perfect; but all the imprefections make art.  

After I finished this one I thought she might look like Hermonie, an older version, perhaps when she is grown up and teaching herself.  

Happy Crafting Y'all

cheers

Center Stage

Good Day all you crafty peeps;

How is your creativity flowing today?  Are you ready for another day of crafting?  I am ......woooohooooo

Today I used a Gorguss Girl and found a yummy tutorial from Splitcoast Stampers.  The technique tutorial has been loads of fun to create; making the Gorguss girl the star performer.

I used an older BoBnny paper pack called Smoochable.  The color pallet was perfect for the Girl- using pink, purple, brown and lime green.  The sentiment was one I created making the card more personal "You will always take center stage Valentine"

The doodlebug doilies were a wonderful compliment to the girlie feel I was wanting with this card.

The inside of the card was created using the same paper pack and a brad.  The sentiment- "Follow your dreams and let your heard lead the way!" I found online.

After being asked to make a card for my daughter for Valentine's Day ...... I do believe I may have succeeded.  Hopefully she will love the sentiments and love put into this card :)

Happy Crafting
Cheers

Monster-sized Love

Hey Crafty Peeps;

My step son even at fourteen needs to feel love.  So it was decided he needed a card too and truthfully he is a soft hearted young man and I am super proud of him.  I started this card with water color paper and created a galaxy background with acrylic paint.  When the acrylic is thinned with water it creates an opaque water colour that is more vibrant than watercolors.

I only had sharpies with me when I coloured these cute monsters from the creator of Dudley the Dragon ( I have searched for over an hour looking for the creator and to no avail - some of my digis are over 10 years old.......wow do I ever feel dated now...LOL) . Using only two colors to blend they are kinda alien looking at the same time.

I just couldn't help adding Stickles and googly eyes....they look so darn cute but I will not be telling Jayden that...RoFL

Inside of the card

I think all beings show love in some way or another so monster/aliens would slobber of course....and the sentiment was just too cute. Adding a piece of red heart ribbon and a left over piece of watercolor paper seemed to finish the inside of the card.  

Hope this Valentine's Day bring you happiness and loads of slobbers, slurps, hugs and kisses from those you love.

cheers

t

Turtle Love

Hi crafty peeps;

Eeekkkkk I am so excited- my bestie's birthday is coming and for the first time I made her a gift.  I am both excited for her to get it because she loves turtles.... Before we got our bestie tattoos- she got her turtle tattoo....priorities right?  LOL 


I used inspiration from a sketch from Outlawz Challenges.  This is the sketch for you to draw inspiration.

This plaque is a mixed media project.  I started with a wooden plaque and painted gesso all over it as i was not sure if i was going to use paint, collage or tissue paper.....so i started with acrylic paint.  The i added washi tape and some small papers.  I gessoed where i thought the turtle would be hand drawn (inspiration from Pinterest)

I used a pencil to sketch the general layout then started painting and layering many of the colors, including the background.  I liked the white around the turtle- it makes him look cool as a cucumber...lol

Adding brads to the flowers and glueing them down with Golden Matte Medium.  Finally, I used a Stabilo All Pencils to outline and draw in some details.  

I love Helen Keller sayings and decided something positive inspiration as she is at a new job and has moved across the country to be with family.  The back was stapled on and ribbons were tied on to decorate the hanger.  I sure hope this inspires you to create something for someone you care about.  

Happy crafting y'all
Cheers,
T 

My Best Friend Progressive Challenge

Hello Crafty Peeps;

This card was a labour of love and I truly love the Auntie it will be given to for her birthday.  I used the cute digital stamp called My Best Friend.  The digital image company is from the United Kingdom and you can find them on Etsy: All Dressed Up.  The image was coloured with Prismacolor pencil crayons and Gamsol.  The background was completed with acrylic paint watered down that when done acts much like watercolor but with a brighter impact.  

I got the Magical Rain Shaker die.  There is a video on YouTube here.  I loved making this card because sit was just a super cute way to dress up a card that is a bit different than the average shaker.  

Searching for sentiments I found one that once adjusted for the person I wanted to give the card to it fit perfectly.  

The shaker part is threaded with seed beads and move up and down the string.  I think its uber cute......and the puppy is just simply adorable.  

The inside of the card....I simply can't wait to give it to her.  This card would make anyone's day cheerful...:)

Have a craft happy day!!

Cheers,

T