Friday, August 31, 2012

Trembling Tombstone Cards

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!
 
Woo Hooo :)
 
I hope you've all had a superb week!
 
Today I wanted to tell you about a card kit I made for Altered Pages.
 
  It's called Trembling Tombstones....
 
 
I knew I wanted to create a Halloween kit featuring tombstones cause it's like peanut butter & jelly...they just naturally go together.    So I designed 6 different tombstone templates and an extra coffin template all of which are sized for an A2 card (4.25x 5.5).  You of course could enlarge the cards if you wanted larger tombstones ;)
 
Anyway, you get the templates, instructions, collage images, paper, embellishments and more!
Enough to make all of these cards PLUS.
 
So, when you have a chance I invite you to stop on by and check this kit and the other Halloween kits available at Altered Pages.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

A Steampunk Carriage Ride....

Today I wanted to share a fun card I made using some of the new Third Coast Steampunk stamps...

Gotta love em :)


 
I used the following stamps from Third Coast Rubber Stamps....
  Gear Corner - Narrow CO-279-G; Steamed Carriage CO-308-J; Solid Gear Border CO-300-AA; Road Trip Sentiment WS-111-BB
 
Here is the close up of one of the corner stamps...I just love these things!!!
I used Sakura Gelly Roll Metallic & White Pens to add the highlights.
The gemstones are those 1.00 packs from Jo-Anns that you find at the check out lanes :)

 
So, if you're into Steampunk ~ even if it's just a little you're so gonna have to check out these way cool stamps.  Lots of fun uses even if you're not Steamy crazy...I'm going to be using some of these stamps for some fun Halloween cards soon! 

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Ink Stains Altered Christmas Charm Swap - Due 10-13-12

1st Annual Ink Stains
Altered Christmas Charm Swap
Due Date: 10-13-12
Come one, Come all to the first ever
Ink Stains Altered Christmas Charm Swap!!
Everyone is invited be it your first swap or your fiftieth ~
Give yourself an early Christmas gift by joining in the fun.

Details...Each person will make 5 charms (either the same or very similar) and get 5 different charms back. You would not get your own back so be sure to make an extra to keep for yourself.

Everyone who participates will get one silver chotski pin to to hang your charms from.  (I can't send one for each group this time...I don't have enough left after the last swap)
I have the silver version ~ 3" long with 5 loops.



The charms can be created from anything you can dream up... there are tons of ideas on the web (search images under things like altered charms, altered charm bracelets, altered charm necklaces, Tim Holtz style necklace, charm swap; etc.)

There are also lots of ideas here on the blog under: Acrylic Charms; Charms; Jewelry.

If you have a copy of my book ~ Teach Yourself Visually Collage & Altered Arts there is an entire chapter dedicated to creating your own charms.

*You could create your charm from acrylic pieces, glass, metal, clay, found objects, etc. You could embellish bought metal charms (please don't send a plain metal charm) with beads, chain, or other items. There are many pendant blanks, bezels, etc. that can be altered (insert photo/words, etc & fill with Glossy Accents or the like); you could fill little bottles with sand/beads and other goodies ~ sealed & findings added. And so much more...let your imagination run wild!

*Each charm should have a jump ring or lobster clasp so all you have to do is attach it to the charm pin when you get them back.

*You can make up to 3 sets of charms (1 set = 5 of the same charm) per group.
NOTE: For this swap that would be a total of 6 sets

THEMES:

I have had a request for two groups secular & religious.  You can join one or both groups. Please let me know which group(s) you want to join when you sign up and include your e-mail addy so I can send you my mailing address.


Packaging:

*I would like it if each person would identify their charms either by placing it in a baggie with their name and e-mail addy or mounting it on a small card or tag with the same info. It's always nice to be able to thank people personally when you receive a piece of their art work.

Mailing:

NOTE: I am in the United States but I welcome anyone who would like to play along. In the past we've had players from North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.  I'd love to have artist from these and other areas join in the fun as well.  You're all welcome :)

*Please package your charms securely so they arrive in good condition.

*Include a self addressed envelope for the return trip or if you want your charms returned priority mail please include a card with your full mailing address.

*Send $4.00 or $5.15 for Priority Mail in the United States. All others please send $7.00 for International First Class for the return postage. I will return any excess postage not used.

PLEASE do NOT include pre-metered postage. My local post office will not accept these. They will refuse them!

If you would like to pay-pal me the money that would work as well. My e-mail addy will be in the final details.

Due Date:

Your charms are due October 13, 2012. This is when your package must be in my hands. I want to swap them out that weekend and have them back in the mail the following Monday so you can start enjoying them! :)

You are more than welcome to send your charms early. I have a special place set aside to keep them all safe!

Sign Ups:

Please include your e-mail addy (spaces added) so I can send you my mailing address.

Secular:
(non-religious/Traditional/Santa/Reindeer/etc.)

  1. Roni
  2. Dixie (Mom)
  3. Kristy T.
  4. Brenda S.
  5. Nan G.
  6. Peg R
  7. RJ
  8. Esther
  9. Theresa
  10. Linda D
  11. Nickalli
  12. Caroline D
  13. Olga B
  14. Shirley Hall
  15. Mary Jo
  16. Loretta M
  17. Julie C
  18. Kelli Sue
  19. Anabela
  20. Kris J
  21. Terry D
  22. April
  23. Teresa R.
  24. Jennifer D
  25. Candace J
  26. Marge S.
  27. Jamie M
  28. Sandie B
Religious:
  1. Roni
  2. Dixie (Mom)
  3. Kristy T
  4. Nan G
  5. Nickalli
  6. Caroline D
  7. Olga B.
  8. Loretta M
  9. Anabela
  10. April
  11. Marge S.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Graphite Enhanced Image Transfer

Hey All!

Today I wanted to share a technique that I've been messing with on and off for a while.  I finally got the results I've been looking for so I can now share it with you just in time for Halloween.  Why Halloween?  You'll see when I show you the finished images...

Graphite Enhanced Image Transfer

I know what you're thinkin...sounds difficult huh?  Well no worries...it's simply an image transfer enhanced with a pencil - LOL!!  Gotcha didn't I???  ;)

Seriously, this is so easy but the results are stunning so let's get started.

I am using the Orange Cleaner Image Transfer technique paired with ink jet black and white images that I printed right off my computer.  You can use colored images but I think the technique looks better in black and white.  Totally up to you though ~ if you want color, use it.
Graphite Enhanced Image Transfers 001
(NOTE: All images used on today's projects are from Altered Pages)
Next, you want to trim your images...cut away any extra bits as shown.
Graphite Enhanced Image Transfers 002
Now it's time to transfer your image.  I like to use a more substantial cardstock - usually a heavy cardstock or a manila shipping tag.  You need something that will take the moisture and hold up to the pencil later on.
Saturate your image with the orange cleaner and burnish with a bone folder or spoon.
Graphite Enhanced Image Transfers 007
Remove the printed image from the transfer.  To speed drying I use my heat tool but you can let it dry naturally as well.
Graphite Enhanced Image Transfers 008
Now begin adding the graphite to your image.  I usually outline or highlight the dark areas of the image first then go back and fill in large areas of black.  You really want lots of pencil lead in the dark areas.   Don't worry if it looks like scribbles right now...the next step will take care of that.  Besides, it's kind of fun to scribble these images up...it's like being a kid again!
Graphite Enhanced Image Transfers 012
Now that you've got your image covered with the graphite, smear it, smudge it, rub it around....

***Someone asked about using a blending stump or tortillion stump for this technique.  You sure can use either. I just didn't want to give anyone the impression that they had to purchase either of the stumps to be able to give this technique a try.  If you have a stump, go for it, but if you don't you can still use this technique by using your finger :)
Graphite Enhanced Image Transfers 013
Now you've got a GREAT ghostly image ready to use... 
He's perfect for Halloween don't you think?
Graphite Enhanced Image Transfers 014
Here is my skull image ....
Graphite Enhanced Image Transfers 003
Graphite Enhanced Image Transfers 004
And the vampire smile....
Graphite Enhanced Image Transfers 005
Graphite Enhanced Image Transfers 006
And my ATC's that I made using the images!!!
Pretty creepy huh?
I love how they turned out.  I added a border around The Raven and drew a couple small spider webs for the skull freehand. 
Graphite Enhanced Image Transfers 016
This is such a fun technique, it's a bit messy (because of all the smudged graphite) but I think you'll enjoy it anyway because where else can you scribble like a little kid and end up with results like this?
I hope you give it a try and let us know how much fun you had doing it!

Monday, August 27, 2012

Upcoming Challenge....

Happy Monday!!!

I had planned on pulling out some beeswax and working on a collage with you all BUT I was tempted today...

Very soon Altered Pages blog - Altered Pages Artsociates is going to post a challenge for you all to participate in...the Design Team will get to vote on the winner which I'm excited about. 

First though the Design Team has been dared to make a project for this challenge and the judges will be YOU!!!!  If you scroll to the bottom of this post - AP Recognition you can read a bit about the challenge.  So, the temptation part today was that over the weekend I rec'd the finishing touches for my "project" and I couldn't resist working on it. 

I am happy to report that I finished my entry and I am SOOOOOOOO excited!!!!  It turned out even better than I had planned and IMO it looks great :)  It is so very me....  I can't wait for you to see the entire project. 
 
Today however I will give you a little peek....

sneek peek 001 sneek peek 002 sneek peek 003
 
Any ideas on what the project might be????
 
Well, stay tuned for the entire project...
I'm thinkin' it may be posted in a week or two.
I'm sure once the voting starts I'll be begging you to go vote for your favorite...
 
Till then, you'll just have to keep guessin'!!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Jump For Joy - TGIF!!!

 Seems like this has been a long week...
Lots going on, late nights and no sleep...
why I have no clue ~ insomnia is like that.
 
(what do you do when you get insomnia??)
 
Anyway....
 
TGIF!!!!
 
Let's all jump for joy :)
 
 
 
 
 
All stamps are from Just For Fun Rubber Stamps :)
I hope you all have a super weekend!!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Ink Stains Altered Charm Swap - General Part 2

Today I am sharing the remaining charms from the swap.  This is the second half of the "General" group.

Ink Stains Altered Charm Swap
General Group - Part 2

charm swap 036 charm swap 038 charm swap 040 charm swap 042 charm swap 046 charm swap 048 charm swap 050 charm swap 053 charm swap 054 charm swap 055 charm swap 056 charm swap 058 charm swap 061
Sandie
charm swap 062 charm swap 063
Dixie (Mom)
charm swap 065
I want to thank everyone who participated by sharing your talent and creativity.
You all helped to make this an amazing and wonderful swap!
AND
YES, since there have been so many requests next week I'll be posting for the first time ever a Christmas themed charm swap!!  You know what they say...ask and ye shall receive!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Ink Stains Altered Charm Swap - General Charms Part 1

Today I wanted to start sharing the charms made for the "General" section of the swap...

I want to thank everyone who participated...you've really outdone yourselves this time.  I'm sure to the folks who didn't participate ~ you'll get loads of great ideas to make your own!

Ink Stains Altered Charm Swap
General Charms - Part 1

Enjoy....

charm swap 001 charm swap 003 charm swap 006 charm swap 009 charm swap 011 charm swap 012 charm swap 014 charm swap 016 charm swap 018 charm swap 019 charm swap 021 charm swap 024 charm swap 029 charm swap 031 charm swap 032 charm swap 035