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Saturday, December 31, 2011

Lovely Butterflies in the garden

Here goes...one more before the year's end.  Another one from Loralie Art Stamps.  This time I paired it with a new Spellbinder's die that I got from Flowers to Flourishes ...on line.  If you don't get an email from them you are missing out on some great deals. www.flowerstoflourishes.com  They offer one item a day usually at 40% off so even with shipping it's a great buy. Again, I have had no problems with this site and I have been able to get some of my favorite things, from Spellbinders to Tim Holtz products.

Stamps:  Loralie Art Stamps "Lovely Butterflies" 701081
              Inkadinkado "In the Garden" 93327K
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Die:  Spellbinders "Lattice Rectangles"
Scrapbook paper unidentified from my scrap
Copic Markers: R81, R83, R85, G20, G24

Friday, December 30, 2011

Sunbonnet Sue

The year 2011 is quickly coming to a close and I have one more card to share with you.  This is another Loralie Art Stamp from Loralie Designs.  I purchase these directly from  www.loraliedesigns.com/art-stamps/.
and I have placed several orders with this company and got great service.  



Card Front

Inside w/gate fold
Supplies:
Stamps:  Loralie Art Stamps "Sunbonnet Sue" 701039
              Hero Arts "Sunshine and Flowers"  E4147
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Copic Markers:
E0000, E00, E02  (skin)
E31, E35, E37 (bonnet & basket)
R81, R83, R85 (flowers/dress)
V15, V17 (bows)
C2, C6 (shoes)
C0 (shadow on dress)
Y17 (flower center)
G20, G24 (leaves)

Scrapbook paper from my stash
Cameo hat pin
Gems

Hope you liked my card. Any questions or comments are always appreciated.
Happy New Year!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

New Copic colors for 2012



 New Colors! 


This was announced on facebook today!



G43 Pistachio, G46 Mistletoe, BG57 Jasper, BG90 Gray Sky, E84 Khaki, E89 Pecan,
BV34 Bluebell, V22 Ash Lavender, V28 Eggplant, RV52 Cotton Candy, R56 Currant, YR27 Tuscan Orange


In February 2012 these carefully chosen colors will be available in the Sketch Marker style, as well asVarious Ink, bringing us to 358 total Copic colors

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Dropping a line....

Starting to work on new samples for the new year.  This is a new stamp I recently ordered from Loralie Designs. The background water effect is from a piece of unknown scrapbook paper from my stash.

Dropping you a line…..

Stamps:  Loralie Art Stamps “Fishes” 701080
               Amuse “ Dropping a line” 3-8412B
               Misc. letter “J” from alphabet set
Ink:  Ranger Distress Walnut Stain Ink
         Memento Tuxedo Black
Copic Markers:
B60, B63, B66, B41, B45, B26, R12, R14, R17
R32, R37, R39, Y21, Y26, Y28, YR21, YR23,
YR24, YG61, YG63, YG67

Martha Stewart Corner Bubble Punch
42-60052

Monday, December 26, 2011

Card for my Grandson

Ok stampers I do have to explain this one.  My oldest Grandson, former Marine and having done a tour of duty in Afghanistan has chosen a career that might not be agreeable to everyone but after what he has been through I figure he is old enough to make his own decisions and has the right to do so.  He is currently apprenticing at a tattoo shop in North Carolina.  He is a good artist.   So I had to make a card that would appeal to him, right?  Well this was totally out of my normal card making style.  What do you think?
I used the Cuttlebug Diamond Plate to make the background using metal adhesive back paper, matted on red cardstock and put on a black card.  The sticker is by EK success/Sticko and are dimensional.  I put the sticker on red cardstock and trimmed around it.  I used a folded piece of acrylic to pop it up so that it moves (wiggles).  The back ground is another sticker and is from Heidi Swapp called Damask #HS64203.  He loved it and the best part was what he said after I gave it to him, "Grandma, I will keep it forever!"

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, from our home in Anderson, SC to your's where every you are. This is our first Christmas in our home and we are enjoying our first fire in our fireplace tonight. We are also enjoying the company of our oldest grandson, Nick, who is now a former Marine and did a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Thanks Nick, not only for your service to our country but spending time with us. We love you very much. Christmas blessings to everyone.


Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Style is Eternal

This is a card I made for the Hero Arts Catalog Debut party at The Mercantile in Pendleton, SC this coming Saturday, December 17th.  If you are within driving distance come by for some Mulled Cider, Ravens Nest Dip, Cookies and Cake.  There will be new catalogs to purchase or peruse, as well as some of the new Hero Arts stamp and die sets.  This is one of those sets where you stamp the image and then cut it out with the matching die.  Works great!  If you haven't been to Pendleton lately the square is all decked out for Christmas and the stores are open.  The Bakery is a great place for lunch. Come relax and savor some small town atmosphere.
Hope to see you Saturday!

Stamp:  Hero Arts "Style is Eternal"
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Copic Markers:  E000, E02, R02, B0000, R22, R24, (R39 to color button brad)
Punch:  Martha Stewart
Paper:  Graphics 45  Domestic Goddess

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Christmas Cardinals

I was asked what Copic Reds I would use to color cardinals. I have this sample I had done some time back and thought I had posted it but I couldn't find it so here it is.  Remember when coloring an image that has red in it to always color the red part first.  Reds are the hardest color to get right and the easiest to mess up.  So if you color the red part first and mess up you haven't wasted time and no guilt or frustration in starting over. Be patient with your self and practice practice practice.  This I am speaking from experience!



Saturday, December 3, 2011

Antique Santa

Here we are in the Christmas season...where did this year go???  A couple of months back I ordered this Penny Black Antique Santa from The Mercantile  with all good intentions of coloring it up when it came in. Well I have had it almost 2 months and here we are on December 3rd.  I loved this stamp when I saw it in the catalog. Hope you do too!  One more thing, the cane Santa is carrying I stamped just the cane and his mitten a second time and after coloring it with the Copics I fussy cut it and popped it up with glue dots.


Stamp:  Penny Black Slapstick "Antique Santa" 40-004
Hero Arts "Merry Christmas"
Hero Arts "Holly Bird" A5078
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Graphic 45 paper 6 x 6 Christmas Emporium

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Copic Refills vs. Number per style Chart

This is a chart that is on the Copic Marker facebook page.  I thought I would post it in case you didn't see it. Good information....

Thanksgiving Greeting

So sorry bloggers....my husband and I went on an extended trip from our home in South Carolina we traveled west (in our Prius) to Texas, spent time with our son, his wife and our 4 grandchildren, then traveled to Wichita Falls, Tx. and visited with our daughter, now a Major in the Air Force, her husband and 2 grandchildren before we headed north.  Our destination was Butte, Montana where my husband is consulting with a company there. We spent a week in Butte and then retraced our trip home, seeing family for one more time.  We left on October 7th and returned home on November 1st, total miles traveled 5000.  Saw a lot of this country between here and there, and was very happy to be home again.  If you are friends with me on face book you will have seen some of the pictures and videos we took along the way.  The hardest part was being away from my stamp room, and while in Butte, no internet and no television.  I had my cell phone to connect to the world and I got a new Droid so that I finally did have internet service but no way to scan or upload pictures.  It was an experience, worth it, but sure don't want to travel that far for so long again.
I have been busy trying to catch up with my chores, laundry, and even unpacking boxes that were stacked in the garage since July.  Sorry to have neglected this blog...hope to make up for it.
Here is my Thanksgiving contribution:


































Thanksgiving Greeting

Stamp:  Paper Inspiration “Thanksgiving Postcard”  K6057
Ink:  Memento Rich Cocoa
Copic Markers:
E51, E53, E55
G21, G24
YG03
BV11, BV13
B21
YR16, YR18
Y13
R02

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Busy Doing Nothing

A couple of weeks ago I was looking thru a merchant's catalog that had various stamp companies.  I spotted this little girl picking flowers and had to have it.  This is a first for me from this stamp company but I loved the dress and the profile of the little girl and just knew it would color up nicely using the Copic markers.  I colored the whole image using the Copic markers.  Then I stamped the jar of flowers on a scrap piece of card stock, colored it, and then trimmed it out.  I covered the jar with Glossy accents and when dry added Flower soft accents and popped it up with dots..
It's after midnight now so I am calling it quits for the evening.  Tomorrow is card workshop at Powdersville Community Church with the Truly Laughing Stampers.  Good night bloggers....
                               

Busy Doing Nothing
Stamps:  Sheena, Busy Doing Nothing, SD-SS-BUSY
Ink:  Memento Rich Cocoa
Spellbinders Grand Labels One; Labels four
Flowersoft
Copic Markers:
Skin:  E0000, E01, R01
Hair:  Y11, YR21, YR23
Dress:  R81, R83, R85
Grass, leaves:  G20, G24, G28, E31
Flowers:  BV01, BV04, Y02, Y06, Y08, R81, R85, E35
Jar/water:  BG000, BG01
Outline: BG0000

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Best Witches

Sorry it has been so long since my last posting.  Life gets in the way sometimes.  No excuses.  So moving on, here is a card I made from a Penny Black stamp called "Treatin' Witch".  I just thought it was so cute.  I used an extraordinary amount of markers....sorry about that....but the image just seemed to require it.  I hope you like my version.  The "Best Witches" stamp is an old PSX but I have seen that saying used by other companies so you should be able to find it.



Best Witches

Stamps:  Penny Black “Treatin’ Witch”  40-035
               Great Impressions “Kitty in jack-o-lantern” E621
               Crackerbox Palace  “Best Witches” CO1614
Ink pads:  Memento Tuxedo Black
                 Ranger TH Distress Ink Wild Honey
                 Ranger TH distress Ink Dusty Concord
                 Ranger TH distress Ink Walnut Stain
Tool:       Tim Holtz distressing edger
Gelly Roll Clear Star glitter pen
Copic Markers:
Skin: E0000, E01, R01
Hair:  YR18, Y15
Hat:  V12, V15, V17
Cape:  V09, V04
Apron:  BG11, BG13, BG18
Cat:  Y15, YR15, W8
Bag:  YR17, Y15, BG13
Dress:  R12, R14, R17, B21, B23, Y15
Shoes:  E71, E77
Jack-o-lantern:  YR15, YR18, Y11
Kitten:  Y11, YR15, E71
Stem:  G20, G24
Outline:  BV0000

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Art Impressions Face Book page

This evening I would like to tell you what is happening on the Art Impressions rubber stamps face book page. I realize that not everyone is on face book....but if you are.... you have an excellent opportunity.  This is what Ai posted:  We love our Facebook friends! Remember, anyone who 'likes' us between now and Sept 15 will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Ai gift certificate! Click on the 'share' link on the left and tell your friends and family! Happy stamping!




Art Impressions Rubber Stamps
Family-owned business, established in 1987, that manufactures and sells original art rubber stamps to wholesale and retail customers. Based in Salem, 
Oregon.












Now to my post for the evening. This water color image is from Art Impressions Book Two. The oak tree is Sku F2426. Directions (step by step) are included for this scene in Ai Book Two along with other scenes.























Thursday, August 11, 2011

The Weigh-In

Here is another "Girlfriends" image that I colored last night.  I ran out of time to make it into a full card but thought you might like to see the image anyway. Got to run....Have a great day!
Girlfriends...worth their weight in gold!
Recipe:

The Weigh-In
Stamp:  Art Impressions  “Girlfriends” The Weigh-In UMT- 4009
             Art Impressions  “Girlfriends…worth their weight in
             gold UMF4044
Ink:  Momento Tuxedo Black

Copic Markers: 
            Skin:  E000, E02, R81
            Hair:  YR15, YR18, Y17, E07, E25, E29
Clothing:  R81, R85, BV0000, BV01, B12, B14,  YG01, YG03,
            Scales:  W00, W3, W5
            Background Airbrushed: B00, G00

Masking paper

Under My Umbrella

I'm working late again tonight...seems to be my best time to work.  I did the coloring on this image from Art Impressions on Tuesday while I was at the Paper Rabbit in Greenwood, so this evening I made it into a card.  Don't you just love these girlfriends?  I love the way they are all sharing the umbrella.  With the high temperatures everyone across the country has been experiencing, I sure wish we had a reason to get out the umbrella! The forecast is for lower temps in the 80's this weekend. That will be a blessing!

Girlfriends
Under My Umbrella


Recipe:
Girlfriends Under My Umbrella

Stamp:  Art Impressions UMT4010 Under My Umbrella

Ink:  Momento Tuxedo Black

Copic Markers:  E0000, E000, E00, BG000, B21, B24, C1, C5, W0
                           G20, G21, G24, YG21,  E07, E09, E97, E95, E99,
                           RV14, RV17, YR16, YR18, RV13, R81, R83, R85,
                           BV0000, BV000, BV01

Punch:                Punch Bunch Corner 00414
Spellbinders:      Curved Rectangles
Ink:                    Distressed Ink “Stormy Sky”
Glossy Accents
Spica pens:         Mint, Clear


Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Ella the Cat

Tonight's post is a stamp from Loralie Designs.
This stamp is called Ella and if you like it leave me a meeeoow...comment! Thanks.
I'm the Cat's meow!
Recipe:

Ella the cat

Stamp:  Loralie Designs Ella 701014
Ink:  Momento Tuxedo Black
Paper:  Max and Whiskers Basic Grey Goldie
            Max and Whiskers Basic Grey Gannett
            Max and Whiskers Basic Grey Tater Tot
            Around the Block Silly Sayings 00289
Copic Markers:  YR12, YR14, YE16, YR18, YR20
                            E97
                            YG61, YG63, YG67
                            BV02, BV04, BV08
                            R81, R83, R85


Thursday, August 4, 2011

Lady on a Scooter

I'm getting ready for tomorrow's workshop at the Powdersville Community church and I am about to turn out all the lights and get some sleep.  I have changed the start time starting tomorrow to 11am which will give me a little more time to prepare in the morning and arrive early.  It takes me about 20 minutes to drive from Anderson, SC where I was 5 minutes from the church.
Here is another of the new releases from Art Impressions.  It comes unmounted and is one of the new series called "Ai people".  Let me know what you think of it...I love comments.
Thanks,
Mary

Wheeeeeeeeeee!


Card Recipe:

Lady on a Scooter
Stamp:  Art Impressions Ai people UMT4090 Mad Rider
Ink:  Momento Tuxedo Black
Copic Markers:
E0000              YG11
E00                  YG12
E11                  YG17
E15                  R02
YR15              R22
YR16              R24
YR18              R29
YR20              BG0000
YR23              BG000
YR24              BG02
C0                   BG07
C2
C5
Y12
Y15
Y17


Thursday, July 28, 2011

The Lawn Ranger

This is a new stamp from Art Impressions. I am not sure if this stamp is available yet but contact Art Impressions  ( 1.800.393.2014) and they will let you know if and when.  You also might want to get your local stamp store to order in a supply.
Today was the workshop at Powdersville Community Church and so I had some time to do some Copic coloring and card making.  Since we just moved into a house after living in our RV for 5 years, we had to get the lawn mower working again...take it out of retirement...and put it back to work.  The grass had grown a foot or more while the repairs were done and with the high temperatures we have been experiencing I dedicate this card to my husband, David.  Sure glad I didn't have to be out there sweating in this 100 degree temps. In the evenings it did cool down to 90. Bless his heart!
The Lawn Ranger

Recipe:
Stamps:  Art Impressions AI People UMT4095
               Art Impressions AI People Happy Birthday UMG4096

Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black

Copic Markers:
E00, E02, E42, E40, E23, E25
BG000, YG91, YG95
C00, C1, C2, C3, C5, C7
R02, R14, R17, R29

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Pictures from CHA

Here are a handful of pictures I took...I took 149 plus Micki took pictures too. Got to go help Micki at the store now so will post more later....hope you like them.
Entrance to CHA

Tim signing my copy of his book

Me telling Tim something stupid, I'm sure

Art Impressions booth with Bonnie and Phil Krebs



New Embossing mat


This is the new embossing mat that I mentioned on facebook.  It is distributed by scor-pal (www.scor-pal.com) and will flatten bottle caps, emboss charms, and press flowers on cardstock.  Another tool and us girls love our tools! I was able to purchase one so we can play with it on Thursday. Ok...back to the laundry.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

On the road again....or another day of curses and BLESSINGS!

We started our day at 6am after having 4 hours of sleep.  Had to load up our stuff in the car, lots of stuff, but got everything done in an hour so we had a leisurely breakfast in the hotel lobby waiting for the shuttle to the convention.  Micki and I were the first ones on so we got the two seats up front on the opposite side of the bus driver.
The next stop was the Intercontinental Hotel to pick up other convention Cha goers.  The bus driver slowed down, had his turn signal on to turn right into the hotel and in a split second there was this horrible sqreeching noise. It was then I noticed a white wall flying past us on the right side.  It was a delivery truck and it was forced to go up on the curb and across the front of the bus to the right.  Yep...we had just been in a bus accident! Micki was sitting next to the window and it passed her on the outside with just inches to spare.  My right ear took a couple of hours to return to normal. They got another shuttle to take us on to the convention.  No one had been injured and that was a blessing. Micki took pictures of the bus and I will post them either Friday night or Saturday.
We had a busy next few hours placing orders, taking pictures and trying to look at as much merchandise as we could. Lunches there (and who has time to leave) are very high priced. Sandwich, chips and a cold drink will run you $12 each. The afternoon was just as busy and I would snatch times to sit down and put my feet up.  The Art Impressions booth had a nice area for us to sit at tables and have a snack and rest our feet.  It was during one of those "resting" times that I noticed Colleen Schaan at the AI booth so I went over to say hi. I was introduced to the editor of Card Maker magazine. And guess what....she wants me to send her some of my stuff to publish! I about melted right there on the floor!!  So we will see what happens. Bonnie (Art Impressions owner) told me that they want to feature the Art Impressions line. Now that is a big Blessing!
Micki placed some more orders with product lines some of which you will be familiar with and some you won't but let me tell you that you will love them ALL!
Oh, not to be a name dropper but Micki got to get Tim's autograph and picture. Then she got to do a sample chart of Claudine Helmuth's product so I got Micki's picture with Claudine. Oh, almost forgot, Micki said that Marianne Walker took her order for the Shapes and Shadows Copic book.  We finished out the day back at the Art Impressions booth where Micki was able to pick up some stamps at a really good price and so did I. What a joy it was to get to meet the Kreb's family. They are all just the best and greatest and I want to thank them for all the kindness they showed this grandma at her first Cha.
We are out of Chicago and spending the night at a Comfort Suite...South Carolina we will be back soon!
G'nite my friends!! What-A-Day!!!

Another day at CHA (3)

I am so tired I could sleep standing up! Can't tell you how many miles I have walked on the convention floor and all we hear from the experienced Cha attendees is  how much smaller this convention is compared to years past.  Believe me if this is small I sure don't want to see big.
Micki and I have been up late every night, going thru catalogs and making decisions on what to order. With a whole store to fill (2600 sq. ft.) it is a majorly overwhelming task.  This afternoon Micki closed an order for card stock and specialty paper...250 different ones.  Right now we are looking at Hot Off the Press, Ranger, Heidi Swapp, Little Yellow Bicyle, Canvas Home Basics, Tim Holtz, Just Rite, Graphic 45, Art Impressions, May Arts ribbon, October Afternoon, Plus Corporation (adhesive), Candy Dots, Flower Soft, Heartfelt Creations, Art-C, Purrs and Pants and on and on. You get the idea.  So many to choose from and all the displays are AMAZING!
There are drawings going on all the time...too many to enter for this novice. Make and takes and mini-classes happening all day long at different booths. Trade shows sure are different from the usual conventions I have ever been. Here they practically pull you in to their booth to make deals. You really have to be johnny-on-the-spot to get the freebies. I guess my best freebie was two Tim Holtz aprons.  Went back this morning to try and get more and they were all gone.
Sorry....
Micki has been busy attending marketing and business classes, networking with other experienced and novice store owners and in her spare time meeting with vendors and representatives. We are trying to take small bites of this Big apple but it is so easy to find yourself overwhelmed and head swimming.  I guess my highlight of the day was to spend time visiting with Marianne Walker at the Copic's booth. Speaking of copics, Micki got an email that her huge Copic order and special display has been shipped! Woo hooooo.  It's coming together girls!!
Tomorrow we have to be at the doors of the convention earlier. They open at 9am and close at 4pm.  We have mapped out where we need to go first and who goes where. I knew I should of worn roller skates!!!
Sorry about the long wait on pictures but we will be home Friday night for sure.  We are checking out of the hotel in the morning and then taking the shuttle from the hotel to the convention center.  We should be heading south before 5:00. Hoping and praying that we have done all we could possibly do.
Things are going well at home at the store and the plumber has been there installing a second bathroom (required by code) Russell has installed more slat board and lights. When we get back we will have to hit the floor running to finish decorating and inventorying and putting out product as it comes in.  The cash register is in place, AC is working great, the broken closer on the front door has been repaired. Lots of cleaning and painting was done before we left and the gondolas and paper racks were in put place. Lots and lots going on and hopefully it will all come together the first part of August.
No calamities to report today. It's a wonder because we are both brain dead.  Last day tomorrow.... g'nite.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Adventures at CHA day 2

What an exciting day!  From the crowds waiting for the convention to open and then squeezing thru the entrance like pouring thru a funnel to seeing two Scottish gentlemen in kilts we started the day off in total awe.  Micki and I split up so she could talk to vendors and place orders and I scoped out every vendor I could get to, picking up catalogs, freebes, and doing make and takes.  The convention floor is nothing like I have ever seen even after years of attending scrapbook/stamping conventions. All the displays were so inspiring and yes, I was walking around drooling. Now remember this is a trade show so I personally could buy NOTHING...and at the same time wanting it ALL!

The first place I headed for was the Art Impressions booth 2123 and got to meet Kendra and Phil. Bonnie was talking with a customer so I came back later and met her face to face. She really is an amazing woman. We will be here for 2 more days so I will be going back there again.

The next stop was....Tim Holtz Ideaology booth and he was signing autographs and the line was short. Before I knew it I was up there and he was asking me my name.  The girl behind me in line took a couple of pictures with my camera but I have no way to download and post them here. I will be doing that this coming weekend.

Just a note that I saw other friends on the convention floor, Colleen Schaan, Sally McDonald, and Suzanne Dean.  Not such a strange place when you see good people like that.

Ok...so now I have to tell you a funny.  After the session ended today Micki wanted to go get a Chicago hotdog at a restaurant called Protillo's.  We put the address into the Prius and it told us to get on the toll road.  We drove on the toll road and the gps told us to immediately exit ($.80 please).  We paid the toll and exited and the gps then told us to get back on the toll road going in another direction.  LESSON LEARNED:  Use the gps app that says "don't allow toll roads".  When we eliminated the toll road it then directed us on a side street right back to the convention site and our hotel.  The restaurant was in the opposite direction and only 4 miles away instead of the 8 original miles.  The restaurant was great and worth the hassle. Pictures coming soon.

Well...this puppy is tired and I need lots of rest for another long day....of fun!
G'nite friends.
Mary

Monday, July 18, 2011

Adventures at CHA





Hello from Chicago...what a trip! Tomorrow the convention officially starts at 10am central time and Micki and I have mapped out our strategy and we will have our running shoes on!  If I am not totally wiped out tomorrow night I will post again.  Meanwhile here is an update of our adventure so far....

Lessons learned from attending CHA or Curses and Blessings!
Curses:
  1. Forgot to print tickets
  2. Micki thought she left her purse 4 hours back at the Cracker Barrel.
  3. Couldn’t find Micki’s meds.
  4. Micki forgot her toothbrush.
  5. Parking ticket wasn’t validated correctly.
  6. Micki didn’t have her phone charger.
  7. Mary lost her cell phone.
  8. Micki forgot camera battery.
  9. Extension cord needed was too old to work.
  10. Mary dragged satellite radio antenna out of the car and Micki drove off not realizing it.

Blessings:
  1. Tickets got printed in Wisconsin thanks to Russell faxing them.
  2. Purse was found under my feet in the back seat.
  3. Meds were found in Micki’s backpack.
  4. Toothbrush purchased at Walmart.
  5. Returned to Hotel lobby to have parking ticket validated correctly.
  6. Purchased new phone charger at Walmart.
  7. Good Samaritan turned in phone…praise the Lord!
  8. Mary had camera that Micki could use.
  9. Learned to bring a better extension cord.
  10. Satellite antenna had strong magnet and attached itself outside of door. No damage done.

Convention starts tomorrow…..stay tuned.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Pretty Woman

Good morning from Wisconsin.  Micki and I arrived here yesterday to bring her mother home.  On Sunday we will be leaving for Chicago to attend CHA, and in case you don't know what CHA is, it stands for Craft and Hobby Association and on Monday 3 days of fun begin. It is the summer trade show and the showing of all the new products. Hope my feet hold up....I understand it is HUGE and overwhelming for the novice....
Now..to my posting.  Micki took the picture...didn't she do a great job!  Don't tell her but I think I will have her take pictures of all my cards in the future.  And btw, when she gets her shop opened, she will be doing that photography for anyone! www.easyascatsoup.com 
This card will be submitted on the Art Impressions blog next Wednesday for the next challenge...stitching. The first layer of paper was stitched to the base card.  I used Spellbinders label One behind the Lady.  The image(Art Impressions "Lady" P-2147 was colored with Copics (E000, E02, R02, E25, E19, BG0000, BG02, BG04).  The ribbon is Hug Snug seem binding from Zipperstop and colored with a spritz combo of distress ink refill and pearl ex.  Tim Holtz used this as ribbon and colored it with distress ink and it works great.  It is also CHEAP! 100 yards on a spool and I think it costs about $12.  I called them to order it and they were very friendly and very quick on delivery.  I also used a Martha Steward punch.  Sorry but all those exact items I used are at home and I am not.  Leave a comment if you would like more details on how I did this card.  Hope you like it and everyone have a great day!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

LaLa

Lala

I've got a bonus posting for you today.  This is a stamp that I worked on at our workshop at Powdersville Community church.  I came home tonight and made it into a card.  This image is a Loralie Designs stamp.
When "Easy as Cat Soup" opens in August she will be carrying stamps from this company. www.LoralieDesigns.com  I have a couple more images I will be posting in the future.  This coming Saturday I will be leaving for Chicago to attend CHA.  I am taking my laptop so hope to post from there each day... filling you in with the new products I see and celeb's I hope to meet.  Later....

Recipe:

Stamp:  Loralie “Lala” 701030
             Stampabilities "A Smile" ER1095
Copic Markers:
Skin: E000
          E01
          R02
          B01
          BV11
          BV04
Hair:  Y00
          Y04
          YR04
          YR07
          E18
Suit:  R22
          R24
          R29
Spellbinders Label 1
Paper:  Lemonade  (Strawberry Patch) by Basic Gray

Ribbon was a solid red and I used BV04 to color dots on the ribbon to match the one in Lala's hair.

Water color Barn

Water Color Barn

It was learning how to water color using Art Impression stamps that took my card making to a new level.  I discovered that I could use these stamps to create not just cards but small pieces that looked like art….and so easily. I love using the individual stamps to create multiple scenes.  We all need value for our purchases.
If you have not tried this technique I encourage you to do so.  The stamps are now available in sets and Bonnie has produced a DVD that actually works with each of the 3 sets allowing you to create so many different scenes….and that is just the beginning. If you have watched her water color on utube you know how easy she makes it to follow step by step.  Whether you purchase the DVD or not I would advise you to buy the water color pamphlets that are available.  There you will find easy step by step instruction giving you everything you need to know to make your own scenes.  So what are you waiting for….…
I appreciate any comments or questions. Happy Stamping!
Mary

Recipe:
Art Impressions Water Color Barn Q-2311                              Marvy Markers:
                                                                                                #40, 86, 45, 93, 28, 15, 43, 8
Art Impressions Leaves A-893                                                 Paint Brush Round #5 or #6
Art Impressions Small Grass Clump AAA-1378                       Palette
Art Impressions Water Color Wagon J-2418                        
Art Impressions Water Color Planter C-2454
Art Impressions Tiny Grass AA-1374
Art Impressions Tall Grass AA-1370
Art Impressions Salvia B-2432
Art Impressions Stalks BB-2055
Art Impressions Tiny Flowers AA-1368

Monday, July 11, 2011

Strut your Stuff

 Well guess you figured I had given up posting on this blog!  Just was way too busy.  We moved out of the RV we had lived in for the past 5 years and I got to get all our possessions out of storage.Five years is a long time and it was like Christmas around here, every box I opened I was saying, "Wow, I forgot I had THAT!"
We got most everything moved in a week thanks to some good friends and a grandson, Nick, who all put up with monstrous heat temperatures to get everything loaded, unloaded and even had help unpacking. My good friend Micki even helped get my kitchen together. The worst part was that at the end of that week my husband left for 2 weeks for a job in Montana. Everything is beginning to get settled and I am sure enjoying our new home.
Today I took a break from boxes and made this card. It is a card that will be posted for the upcoming challenge on the Art Impressions blog.  It was nice to get back to creating and playing once more. I love my new stamp room and when it's finished I will post some pictures.

Recipe:

Strut Your Stuff

Stamps:
Art Impressions “Strut Your Stuff” F1861
Art Impressions “Rhode Island Rockettes” U1832
Ink:  Momento Tuxedo Black
         Tim Holtz Distress Ink Peeled Paint
Copic Markers:
R35, R39, YR02, YR09, W1, BG000, G20, G21, G24
Punch:  Fiskers Grass border punch

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Copic Altered Art/Mixed Media class in Indianapolis

All I can say is I am plum worn out to a frazzel!  But, it was the most fun, awesome day, and fab classes! Love the Hilton Hotel here. Super nice. We got a suite, large rooms, and we are on the 16th floor. Great view of the city.  I've been very impressed with this place, people friendly and the streets are very clean.  We have felt safe and the accommodations are exceptional.
But, back to the classes...oh my gosh! We did so much my head was spinning.  Covered a lot of different techniques

  • Layered Backgrounds:  Monoprinting, Drop and Spread, Painted Inks
  • Found Object Resist
  • Colorizing Transfers: Magazine transfer, Laser Printer transfer
  • Working with Heat and Photos (Hot Photos):Photo 1-burned look, Photo 2 - How heat effects patterns
  • Bleaching Photos
  • Magic Textures Image
  • Ink, Paper, Paint - A colorful story (collage on canvas)
  • Copic Ink & Art Dying Fabrics

All this was accomplished from 9am until 5:30pm with an hour for lunch. It was a busy day but so creative and fun.  Can't wait to get home and sort out everything we did and continue to saok it in.
Pictures to come once we get home on Monday.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Copic markers - working with Reds

Good morning bloggers! I am up early ...like Christmas when I was young....as my bags are packed and will be leaving in a couple hours for Indianapolis, Indiana to attend another Copic class.  This one is Altered Art/Mixed Media with Copic Markers taught by Colleen Schaan and Biance Mandity, Regional Art Instructors with Copic Markers..  I love altered art for various reasons but now I can't wait to see how to use my markers in this venue.  I will report back here at the end of the day as I am taking my lap top with me.  In the meantime.....
Here is another image from the Copic Intermediate Certification class....working with reds. I don't know about you but  I love coloring with reds but sometimes reds don't love me so much.  Maybe I try too hard but of all the colors, I have the hardest time blending red.  Here are some of the ideas that Colleen Schann, Regional instructor with Copics, shared with us:

  • Work on an absorbent surface.  Try using something other than scratch paper under your work...For example...paper towel or tissue paper.
  • Try a different paper.  Neenah is a softer side of the card stock papers.. Bazzil Simply Smooth won't bleed as much but then it might be harder to blend. Experiment with different papers and see if this will help.
  • Use less ink.  Don't soak thru the paper as much when blending.  Stay on the surface and if it looks good then that's good enough.  Ignore the back of the paper. Red is such a strong, vibrant color and it soaks into the paper quicker and completely fills it up.
  • Try feather blending ....instead of circles.  Coloring in circles really lays a lot of ink on the paper.  Feather blending uses less ink and thus may cure the bleed problem
  • Let the base layer dry.....before adding blending colors.....slow down.
  • When working on an image...color the reds first.  That way if it does bleed out you haven't wasted a lot of time/work and energy....not to mention ink.
  • Finally...avoid working right up to the edge of an image.  Often an ink will bleed after you have completed it.  Coloring up close to but not touching the edge of an image might work.
Here is an image I worked on that was included in our manual.  This image was drawn by Marianne Walker.
I know I gained a lot of good information at the Intermediate certification.  If you already have your basic Copic Certification...don't hesitate to go for the Intermediate level.  You will love it!