The Eccentric Eclectic

Board Book Swap

2011-10-27T11:33:00.015-04:00

Well a board book can actually be made of anything. I went to Archievers and bought a 8 page grunge board book with large rings to hold it together. Another place for you to go and join is Altered Pages. Yep! it is great. This is the site that the Board Book Swap was Through. I called my Board Book : "Oriental Interlude".
In case you haven't realized by now I am an Oriental addict. I love the colors the designs and the beautiful clothing.

The first thing I did was choose the color of the pages I wanted. I started the cover and back page with red. The next page was a dark blue, burgundy, chartreuse, black and then back to red. Some of the pages I painted on some I stamped on and some are just black. Then I added decorative paper and miscellaneous designs, stamps and print outs from Altered Pages.

Please Let me know what you think.

Halloween in A Teacup

2011-10-27T10:26:00.007-04:00

What fun this was!! I joined a new site and they are awesome. Their main prsmise is to think outside the Box. Well if you are a creative Artist and don't like to have your art stifeld this is the place to go. Art for the Creative Mind...Check it out on yahoo.

The first Swap I signed up for was "Halloween in a Teacup". The theme instructions were what do you think goes on in a teacup on Halloween. My imagination went wild. The first thing I thought of was a Witch trying to land on the side of a teacup and missing. As you can see by this photo she missed. See her feet sticking out.
I copied the form of the teacup from The Stampington Website.

I knew that I wanted a front and a back and for it to stand up. So I made two teacups out of scrapbooking paper and then stamped cobwebs all over it. Hmm! What would keep it open and enable it to stand up? When all else fails.... head for the bathroom. Those toilet paper tubes are awesome. I painted it black! And colored the inside of my scrapbooking paper black. Then I glued the handle of the teacup together and the outside edges. Added the TP role inside and cut to fit.

Now I had an opening at the top that I could fill with the antics on the Witch. I bought the Witches legs but they were only decorated on one side so I needed to add a pair on the back I copied the size of the legs and shoes and made a pair in reverse. See the Difference?

To fill the teacup I dyed a piece of cardstock with onion skins and painted swirls of cream, brown and green to appear to be Witches Brew. Then carefully cut it to fit inside the cup and glued. Now punch holes the size of what you want to add and glue in place. I added butterfly wings, a bat, broom, moon, and the witche's legs.

Have a cup of Tea on Me!

Nancy

CTMH Birthday Stamps

2011-07-19T10:02:00.001-04:00

What fun this was! New set from CTMH, my first use. I will be using this more. Sometimes it is hard to make a birthday card for someone--not always knowing their likes and dislikes. For instance my Sunday School class-You ROCK Bridgebuilders!!

I am actually thinking of trying to make this for s "man" card using browns, blacks and tans and leaving off the flowers on top. What do you think?

I stamped the image in a light Hollyhock ink from CTMH. Then used CTMH markers and Marvy markers to color it in. After it dried I drug the edges through and along the Hollyhock ink pad. Next, I added Diamond Glaze to two layers of the cake and also covered the plate and allowed to dry.

Stamp the pink cardstock with a small flower to give depth in the Hollyhock ink.
I attached the cake to an extra piece of green patterned paper and then attached all to the pink stamped cardstock. Add a pink gingham checked ribbon from CTMH and you are done.

The stamp set includes a couple of sayings which I used on the inside. I added white paper to the inside and stamped in Hollyhock ink:
You're the Sweetest Thing
Happy Birthday

Enjoy!!

Viva Las Vegas Stamps

2011-07-13T11:48:00.000-04:00

Love my new stamps that I purchased from VLVS. The three stamps are all Oriental and this is the first one I have used.

For the card base I used my Cuttlebug to emboss vines and birds to compliment the little girl holding the bird. On white paper I stamped the child with my Staz-On black ink.

Colored the images with markers from Marvy. I stamped the image once again to create a mask and cut out. I added Zig glue to the back of the mask and allowed it to dry.
By covering up the colored image I was able to use another stamp of flowers by Stampin Up to create a background. Then colored the flowers in lightly to compliment the child. I used an additional unknown designer stamp in oriental nature to add small images to the open areas and used a sponge to highlight the borders. Glued the finished image to a piece of the same colored paper allowing about a 1/16 th border around it. Then glued this to the embossed card base. Added a multi colored ribbon making a double bow so that it appears to look like a dragonfly.

Hoping you enjoy my newest creation.

Nancy

2011-04-12T20:55:00.000-04:00

Don't you just wish you lived in the time of this 'Lady in Red'. I as just crazy about her clothing. Stamped her in black Staz-on and coated with clear embossing powder. Then colored with my Tombow markes.

Now all I need is her figure to put into those clothes.

Fairy Thank You

2011-04-12T20:51:00.001-04:00

I love this little fairy from CTMH. She is so versitale and adorable. The teal paper is from he Dollar Tree. Wish I could get some more of it.

Enjoy

Nancy

Chunky City Rabbit

2011-04-06T16:13:00.001-04:00

I made this rabbit out of a wooden block left from unmounting a rubber stamp. What fun!! let your mind fly. I have so many of these blocks left over..it is also addicting. Actually I made a whole easter parade.

If you would like to see exactly how I made this rabbit and the rest of the wooden blocks please visit Rubber Road Adventures, an online magazine that I design for.
http://rubberroadadventure.ning.com

Check out the Rubber Road and see many of my projects.

Stamping in the Fort

Nancy

Faerie Rider

2011-03-15T10:00:00.001-04:00

The stamped Fairy is from Faerie Song Stamps. She is riding a dragonfly and I wanted her on my front door. She is so welcoming and inviting to friends and neighbors.

I stamped the fairy several times, cut her out and then glued the multiple layers together with Diamond Glaze. This created a very stiff image to be added to the message or flower holder for my front door. The Diamond Glaze helped to seal the project and keep sweating of the inner door from bothering the design. Then I colored her with my Marvy markers.

I stamped images of leaves on the holder and then added a few others with my paintbrush.

Won't you leave me a note or just ring the bell for a cup of tea!

Tiger in Purple

2011-03-14T23:48:00.000-04:00

A Purple Tiger-oh my! Yes here is one stamped in Staz-On black and embossed. This stamp is from Art Neko. What a great image. I added purple highlights with my Marvy markers to accentuate his coloring. The oriental stamped word from Art Neko is "Tiger".

File Folder Booklet

2011-03-14T22:55:00.000-04:00

Making a file folder book is awesome. Your ideas are pushed to limits, you think, and then something else just pops right up. Art- what an interesting word- it is complex and all encompassing. See the file folder book I created about ART.
You can see the complete details of how to create this booklet on Rubber Road Adventures. Here I am sharing just the simple instructions on how to create and add stamped images and your artwork.

The File Folder Book once folded contains four pockets to hold stamped images on tags as I have done or you might want to include pictures of childern, new home or photos of your pets.

These are the tags I created. All having to do with art.

The next two photos are the insides of the File Folder Book showing the stamped images on the front of the pockets.

The last photo is the back of the File Folder Book. This is so enjoyable to create I am hoping you will take the time to create one of your own.

Gesso & Pearl Ex

2011-03-14T22:15:00.001-04:00

What do you get when you mix Gesso and Pearl Ex? Ahh an interesting background for a card. Apply Gesso to your card front with a stiff brush making hills and valleys. Then while the Gesso is still wet add small amounts of Pearl Ex with a dry brush. This creates complexity and yet a very subtle background. Once the Gesso has totally dried you may need to iron on the back to get your card stock to lay down flat. I added a stamped image that shows the texture of the Gesso along the side. The flower was stamped on 3M Transparency Film in Staz-On Black and cut out. On the reverse side of the stamped image I added color using a Marvy marker a little bit at a time.
Stamp the word Dream in black directly on the Gesso and Pearl Ex. Again add another small gold ribbon. I mean what would anything be without a ribbon? Secure the flower to card front with Diamond Glaze.

Birthday Cat

2011-03-14T21:57:00.000-04:00

Michael Strong stamps--you can't help but love em'. This cat is so versatile. My daughter loves cats so viola! Stamp the cat in Staz-on Black. Allow to dry completely. I used a Metallic Watercolor Palette from USA Quest to add paint to the stamped image. Add small amounts at a time and dab with a paper towel if you stamped your image on glossy card stock as I did. This will allow the color to become deeper as you as layers of color and will not rub off. I used the Deckle scissors from Stampin' Up to trim out my desired size for the card front. Added a tag from my new Cuttlebug for the birthday girl-Shelly.

I Hate Snow!!

2011-03-14T21:43:00.000-04:00

I do I really do--Hate Snow! With that being said I submit this stamped Snowflake from CTMH. The background is one I created by using an old file folder cover and reinkers with a brayer to create. With all the smooched ink in the file folder cover add your glossy card stock. Allow ink to penetrate the paper, remove and allow to dry.
Cut out your favorite pieces and set asde. Stamp the Snowflake in blue on a piece of the created background. Cut to desired size and add gold, navy and pink striped card stock 1/8 inch larger than the original piece. Add all to card front.

This kind of snowflake I can handle.

Elevated Flowers

2011-03-14T21:32:00.001-04:00

Can't you just smell the aroma of these flowers. I stamped the image onto pink card stock in black. Twice. Then went back and added white on the outside of the petals.
Cut out the whole image once, then cut out the portion of the image you want to elevate with sticky tabs. Add over the complete image and add pink beads to the stamens of each flower. Add the stamped image to colored card stock and add to a cut piece of white card stock. And don't forget to add that lovely piece of ribbon.

Retiform-Old Gothic

2011-03-14T21:24:00.000-04:00

I love this technique. Use a ruler and a permanent marker to add lines making different sized shapes on your card or artwork page. To stamp images into the different shapes I used a Post-It to cover every shape that I did NOT want an image to appear in. I think you will understand once you try it. This is very simple--just sound hard. I added the building to be my focal point and added the rest of the images to compliment them. You can also use a sponge and more Post-Its to add highlights to the drawn lines.

Musical Afternoon

2011-03-14T21:02:00.000-04:00

This card was some simple yet so elegant and breezy. The background is a piece of scrapbooking paper I purchased at the dollar store. Add this paper to a piece of cut cardstock. The music is from and old music book that I learned to [;ay out off as a child. Add a piece of Red cardstock and the stamped image of a table and two chairs. Simple as and afternoon sitting under a magnolia tree with a glass of mint iced tea.
Add a ribbon.

Mystic Africa

2011-03-14T20:52:00.000-04:00

This card was created for a missionary friend a a thank you. I used my brayer and a Kaleidacolor Rainbow pad in Autumn Leaves to create the background. I left the color of ink seperated to add a broken image. Then the African mask was stamped over the background to create the mystic of Africa. I love giraffes so they are running by to see what is happening in the backgrond Stamp each one and embosee then cut out. Elevate to complete the appearnce.

Time for Tea

2011-03-14T20:45:00.001-04:00

This card is a compilation of many stamps each stamped and coated with embossing powder. Each image has been torn out or cut out with a different appearance to draw your eye to each image. The saying is made up and is an invitation for Tea.

"You're Invited to Tea
Just you & me
Please Come at 3:00
For its you I want to see"

Stamps are assorted companies. Enjoy!

More Stockings

2010-12-12T12:17:00.001-05:00

Christmas Stockings Hand Painted

2010-12-12T12:06:00.000-05:00

These stockings were purchased at the Dollar Store and then individually painted. Each member of the family had something painted for their individual tastes and interests. Thanks to the Bass family for letting me help them out. This really was fun. I use paints that came in a set for fabrics. Enjoy!

Hand Painted Phone Plate

2010-12-09T11:11:00.000-05:00

My sister-in-law had a very ugly phone plate in among some really pretty pictures of old hand painted churches. One of the paintings appeared to be an old Spanish mission so I capitalized on that to paint this phone plate. The plate was purchased at Radio Shack with all the wiring on the back.

Before painting the plate I cleaned it with alcohol and allowed to dry. I penciled in the church and added all the background and trees. Then I filled in the pencil drawing of the church. After all the paint had completely dried I added the limbs on the trees that overlap the church and added the individual leaves on the willow trees. I used acrylic paints and then sprayed with a clear coating so that it can be cleaned.

Double Bugging

2010-10-11T21:44:00.000-04:00

If you haven't tried this you-just-must. Use two Cuttlebug Folders and create one background. Card I made for a 1-on-1.

Red Hat Hug

2010-03-11T12:16:00.000-05:00

Have you been to Victorine Originals
if not you need to check out their stamps. This Ret Hat set was purchased from them. I love it.

This card is for a friend who has been in the hospital. I stamped the purple background with a shoe from Stampin' Up and the envelope. Used a small punch to decorate the corners for my stamped images. Then I used my Metallic Watercolours from USArt Quest. Add a red ribbon and you are ready to go. Enjoy!

Let me know what you think of Victorine Originals.

Queen Mum Nancy L

Oriental Birthday

2010-02-16T21:34:00.000-05:00

I made this card using a technique from the Technique Junkie Newsletter called Outside the Box. I love this lady and painting her with my Metallic watercolors...but she is a pain to cut out. Texture and more texture. I used textured card stock for the base then added a rectangle of orange Vellum. The next layer is a very thick piece of cream Vellum. The edges were dragged along an orange/brown stamp pad.Add the lady and allow the birds and the ribbons from her kimono to extend outside the edge of the inked Vellum. Now let's add some ephemera like ribbon, oriental money and fish. Complete and ready for the mailbox.

Silver Joy Tree

2009-12-29T21:43:00.000-05:00

Have you seen something that you just knew you had to make something out of it. Well I saw the base of this tree at Hobby Lobby and knew I could make something out of it. But what? I didn't buy it--but it worked on me--all day every day until I went back and bought it.

I purchased 2 8 ft garlands at the dollar store. Took them home and stripped all the leaves off. Then I painted them silver on one side. Next I stamped a fern leaf in black on each leaf. After they dried I added purple paint on the ferns. I found the purple looking beading on sale at Joann's. I stripped the plants down and cut the foam beads up in small pieces.

Starting at the bottom using E6000 glue I added two rows of the silver leaves and two rows of the purple bead sections. Working my way to the top. Then I added silver ribbon and lavendar birds.

Hoping you enjoy my Christmas creation. The complete instructions are posted on the Rubber Road

Nancy

Double Embossing

2009-12-18T20:45:00.000-05:00

This beautiful stamp comes from Stamps Happen,Inc. Let Not our Hearts Be Busy # 80297. The image was stamped on Ivory Swirls and Twirls by Paper Piazza. I stamped it with black StazOn ink and covered with clear embossing powder from Ranger and heat set.

Next I colored in the image with my Le Plume markers and allowed it to dry. Then I went back over what I had colored for the background with Metallic EZ Gel pens by Geddes. These gel pens remain wet for quite sometime, so I covered the ink with another layer of clear embossing powder and heat set.

I used my Christmas present (A Cuttlebug) to emboss the cranberry cardstock. Then added the stamped paper with Zig glue. To highlight the berries I added red diamond like little dots that are from Darice. Next add a beautiful red bow and you are finished.

Merry Christmas Everyone

Enjoy!

It's the Best Time of the Year

2009-12-15T22:38:00.000-05:00

My new stamp set from Fire Cracker Designs. Don't you just love this elf. I stamped him with my black StazOn and then colored him in with pink, purple and green. Then I made a mask to cover the elf up so that I could sponge the front of the card with a seafoam green. Then stamped the jack-in-the-box colored it and cut it out. Used pop dots to add it to the card. Stamp the saying and added it to some purple striped cardstock and glued to the card. Tied on a seafoam ribbon. I, then used my Glaze pen to highlight the spots on his pants, the gold ball on his hat and the brim.

He makes me smile just to look at him. Enjoy!

Is It Hot in Here?

2009-12-12T19:04:00.001-05:00

My new stamp from Stamps Happen Inc. What a hoot!! This stamp is just awesome! My best friend and I (32 years)went to Chicago for the weekend shopping and eating. And yes we kept saying Is It Hot in Here.

Stamps Happen has a great selection of stamps to choose from including the Dolly Mama's stamps which this is one.

Enjoy!

Blog Hop 12-01-09

2009-12-01T03:00:00.000-05:00

Hi there and welcome to the second Clear Artistic Stamps Blog Hop! I hope you are enjoying your little tour of ornaments that the design team has prepared for you!

I created this ornaments using the stamp set A Crimson Christmas. I cut strips of tissue paper and added them to a glass ornament with decoupage. Pasting each one until the entire ornament was covered. Set aside to dry.

Stamp the poinsettia on pink copy paper and color with Gelly Roll metallic pens. Then glue to ornament and add pink beads in the center of each poinsettia. Tie a large bow of pink ribbon and glue to the bottom of the ornament.

Leave a comment on this and/or any other designer blog in this hop and you get entered for a chance of winning a grande prize of 9 stamp sets and 10 shimmerz paints:

One entry per blog, but for each comment your name will go into the drawing :) The winner will be announced on Wednesday, December 9th at the Cottage Studio .
Now hop on over to Lisa's Blog to see what she has prepared for you.

Enjoy!!

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2009-10-25T16:29:00.000-04:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As a 10 month Breast Cancer survivor I want to remind each of you to have regular check ups and mammograms. And don't forget your monthly breast self exam.

The pink rose is a digital download from Clear Artistic Stamps. I used chalks to color the digital download. The background was created using a stamp from CAS called Whispers in the Woods. This is an excellent all around use able acrylic set that should be a must have.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Belinda at CAS will be including 5 sheets of "delicate blush" shimmer paper with each order this month for free. Stop by Clear Artistic Stamps and download this beautiful rose and see what all they have to offer.

Get your "Pinks" wherever you can and don't forget those checkups.

Joy of the Holidays

2009-10-24T22:27:00.000-04:00

Have you started on your Christmas cards? I have one and am pleased to share it with you. The stamp is from Stamps Happen at Janlynn Corporation. I loved the design of the stocking. I colored it with an 18 kt Gold marker and silver marker and an off white Tombow marker. Enjoy!

What's Brewing?

2009-10-24T22:16:00.001-04:00

The stamps I used are from Stubby Stampers> What is she brewing in that cauldron? Ahhh! Maybe Green Tea. Happy Candyween to you all!

Rubberbands and Your Brayer

2009-10-18T20:44:00.000-04:00

Have you ever tried wrapping rubberbands around your brayer and then rolling it in ink? Well I hadn't so I decided to try something new to me. I used size 16 rubberbands from Alliance. We keep these on hand all the time for whatever. My first sample I wrapped 4 rubberbands around my rubber brayer. Then rolled the brayer in Autumn Terracotta ink from CTMH making sure that I didn't get ink on the edges of the brayer.

I first did long strokes to cover the glossy cardstock with ink then went back and only put ink half way up the cardstock. The stamp set I used is Autumn Memories from Clear Artistic Stamps. The stamp and the background remind me of the book Wind in the Willows.

For my next project I wrapped the same size rubberbands around the brayer and applied Desert Sand ink from CTMH. This time I made sure that the edges of the brayer were heavily coated with ink to create a different background on the glossy cardstock.

In viewing this background I saw some roads crossing and leaves being blown in different directions. So I have the perfect stamp set from Clear Artistic Stamps Whispers in the Woods.

In the fall nature provides us some of the most beautiful colors ever. I created a road lined with beautifully colored trees. I stamped some of the tree tops on plain cardstock and some on patterned cardstock and then cut them out. All of the tree trunks were stamped on desert sand cardstock and cut out.

Try this interesting technique and see what you come up with. Remember each artist has their own interpretation of what they see. Maybe you didn't see a couple of roads and leaves blowing in all directions. What did you see? Leave me a comment and share your thoughts.

It works as a Gift or a Decoration

2009-10-08T09:27:00.000-04:00

I love candles and candles love me! Vanilla ones that is! I love to decorate them and group them together with the same designs in a large white china serving dish I bought at Dollar General for $3.00. Then I head for the Dollar Store or the Dollar Tree. Getting my drift here? This can be very reasonable and very appealing to the eye. These also make great gifts for the holidays, a new neighbor or even a new home gift.

The stamps I used are from a set called Autumn Memories from Clear Artistic Stamps.

Stamp a piece of tissue paper and then cut to fit the small candle that you see. Add it to the candle by heating with an embossing gun. Make sure that you do this in short bursts because you will burn a hole in the candle. The tissue paper will not burn because it is saturated with the wax.

For the larger candles cut three pieces of paper/cardstock to fit around your candle adding an extra 1/2" for gluing. Each piece of cardstock should be 1/2" smaller in width than the one before it. You can add all kinds of ribbons or charms for added decoration.

Give it a try and get ready for the Holidays.

Enjoy!

Nancy

Reinkers Are so Much Fun!

2009-09-16T11:56:00.001-04:00

I love this stamp set from Clear Artistic Stamps. The stamp set is called Whispers in the Woods.

Mix alcohol and reinkers in small containers and spray over things you have gathered from your yard or the forest. These will dry fast and you can use them as quick backgrounds for any project. Standard cardstock or glossy cardstock work great. Here I have used glossy cardstock.

Enjoy!

Pearl and Decoupage

2009-09-05T19:52:00.000-04:00

I absolutely love this stamp! The possibilities are endless and so are the color combinations. You will see this lovely Geisha all over my blog. For the background I added decoupage with a foam paint brush. Next, before the decoupage dried I added Pearl Ex in shades of black, pink, yellow and orange with a large paint brush. Then coat the entire project with clear embossing powder and heat set. Add colored paper which is overlaid with the stamped and colored image of the Geisha.

Wood Grain Technique

2009-09-05T19:33:00.000-04:00

Have you ever tried the wood grain technique? This is my first try. I used a brayer to add a light blue and then I went back over the light blue and added the dark blue. The slats were created every 1/2", then I added the board lines and the old nails. The stamp set I used is from Clear Artistic Stamps called "Whispers of Dreams".This is a fun tech and you should try it.

Clear Artistic Stamps--First Blog Hop

2009-09-02T19:59:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Clear Artistic Stamps first blog Hop!
This week we are introducing our new Holiday Design Team and the release of 10 new stamp sets. Yes, 10 new stamp sets. Don't miss them-they are delicious! Our blog hop is a short 10 station affair and there will be prizes awarded if you leave a comment at each hop that you visit.

I am the 3D/Mixed Media Designer and I am introducing the new stamp called "Water Rose". See what I have Created with this beautiful set. It is a Treasure Box for any and all those things you want to save just for you.
The butterflies on top are searching for the yummy treats in the yellow roses. The butterflies are layered with pop dots so that they appear to be landing on the top of the box.

Here is the list of our Blog Hop stations:

Belinda
Heather
Nancy- You are here!
Wendi
Samantha
Lisa
Jean
Etha
Jeanne
Cottage

Start at the beginning or go for your hop from right here. Be sure to leave a comment on each blog so that your name can be entered into the drawing. First prize is the Limited Edition set "Thoughts of an Egret" and there will be other prizes as well.

Another Mini Altar

2009-08-09T20:36:00.000-04:00

This Mini Altar was made for Tea. Just the thought of a tea house makes my mouth water. Oh the Teas, the food and the company. What more can you ask for? I love the tea cups and the tea pots. Just the atmosphere-now that is relaxation.

See how I made these Mini Altars with tutorials on Rubber Road Adventure. Just click on the RRA logo here on my blog. Make a cup of tea and enjoy the artwork.

Mini Altars

2009-08-09T20:05:00.000-04:00

This is a new fad for you to try. Mini Altars can be made to honor anything. I chose to remember a time that I was at the ocean-which I absolutely Love- and expanded on the lighthouses I have seen in the past. I stamped the lighthouse colored with markers and cut out in an oval. Glued to the brayered mini altar after adding a piece of textured vellum. See that small sailboat? It's a button and I am sailing it back to my lighthouse. Hence the handwritten "I Return to Thee". The shell is from Florida one of my favorite places to be and my birthplace. Smell that ocean-Ahhhh!

Sing Praise to the Lord!!

2009-08-09T19:50:00.000-04:00

I want to fill everyone in on my last surgery for my cancer. Two weeks ago I had my last surgery relating to my double mastectomy in July of 2008. I had some large masses of extra flesh under my arms and towards my back. The doctor said he hadn't seen anything like this. They were removed and biopsied. I did not chose reconstruction. The biopsies are back and there is no cancer in the removed masses of flesh. The incisions are about six inches long on each side--and painful but healing well. I do not have to see the surgeon for another 6 months. Isn't God Good!! All the Time?

God is good all the time--All the time God is good.

Have a Blessed Day.

My Girl

2009-08-06T21:19:00.000-04:00

My Girl is a stamp from CTMH. Ain't she sweet? Use a make-up sponge to add those triangle highlights to the right side. Stamp and cut out My Girl. Don't cut to close to her, leave an edge all the way around so she stands out and glue her on. Add a rectangle of Anna Griffins paper to the left side. Rip and Tear that last piece of pink striped paper from CTMH and glue it in the middle. Don't forget to add the bling!

Bottle Art

2009-06-23T14:37:00.000-04:00

Anyone interested in Bottle Art? There are a lot of things you can do with an old bottle picked up at a junk shop. I was in Edwardsburg MI visiting my sister and we went down to Bob's Antique Shop and found a slew of these old bottles. I used Cloisonne High Gloss Granules that I picked up at the Stamp convention here in town last year. The complete directions are on the Rubber Road Adventures and you can print them off there. I will do a quick run thru here for you.

I used Versa Mark as the base on the bottle to hold the granules in place until I could use my embossing gun to heat them and turn them into liquid. Some of the Granules I left a little lumpy to create texture for the bottle. The colors began to mix into each other as they were heated to create additional texture and focal points.

All of the material decorations were from things I had laying around my studio. An old piece of Christmas decoration, a tassel from an old bookmark, and a cork with old beads and ribbon tied on top.

You should really give this a try. But be careful you might just become addicted.

Enjoy!

Vacation Thank Yous

2009-06-19T09:42:00.000-04:00

We had a great vacation to Nebraska. My hubby's 54th Anniversary of Graduating from Fullerton High School. I made these two cards to Thank friends for such a great time there. Used my technique on the right side pieces of paper called "Reinker Splash".
On the right side of each card I used a coordinating color to the main focal point. The dominant colors are pink on card 1 and orange on card 2. The reinker splash on card 1 picks up pink in the image by adding drops of red and blue reinkers. Card 2 used orange and blue for the reinker splash. The orange for the stamped image and the blue for the Mulberry paper under each stamped image

I couldn't for the life of me figure out if this image is looking forward with her head turned -or- is she looking over her shoulder and we see her back. Hmmm!

Birdy ATC

2009-04-22T20:20:00.000-04:00

Using my new stamp set from Hampton Art, I created this ATC for a swap. What an awesome stamp set-it comes in it's own tin, red rubber mounted to use with Acrylic Blocks. RS4394 Wings. If you like Birdy things-believe me you need this.

The saying on the ATC : The art of flying is to throw yourself at the ground and miss. I hope it works! Enjoy.

My Domino Dancer

2009-04-17T21:59:00.000-04:00

I can't wait any longer! She will preview next week on the new addition of Rubber Road Adventures. This is an on line Ezine. The directions will preview with Mi Anca the Domino Dancer. If you haven't used dominoes in any of your projects-now is the time to start. Don't you just love her hair? Kinda' how I look in the AM.

You're the Cream in My Coffee

2009-03-29T13:10:00.000-04:00

I had so much fun making this card. Once you read what I did to make it you will say "Huh?". Come on now-it was a lot of fun and pushed outside the box. First of all I took old coffee and poured it into a cookie sheet. Then using 67# white card stock, I crumpled it to appear old, then soaked it in the coffee. Once it was fully colored I carefully removed the card stock and laid it out to dry. I added fresh coffee grounds in various patterns and allowed it to soak into the paper. Once totally dry brush off the coffee grounds and cut to size. Add some brown ink to the edges and glue to your card. Using a leftover piece of the coffee paper I painted it with Acrylics to resemble cream swirling in a coffee cup. I used a brown and white paint for the cream. Once dried I added a strip to the front of the card. Underneath the Irish Coffee square I drew a cup of-you guessed it- Irish Coffee. See photos.
If you are thinking about making this maybe you could make yourself a cup of Irish Coffee and who knows what you will turn out with. Emmmmmmmmmmmmm it smells like coffee, too.

Oriental ATC

2009-03-24T22:26:00.000-04:00

Time for another ATC! She ,the stamp, comes from Sparkle & Sprinkle. I first stamped her in black and then added clear embossing powder over the black and heat set. Coloring her was really inspiring for me. I used US Art Quest Watercolor Palettes Stargazers and Jewels. These paints are fab-o. If you like water coloring these are a must have. They are Pigmented Mica and Pearlescent & Metallic Colors. I started with a base of Burgundy card stock and added a portion of Faux Oriental money. I purchased this at an oriental grocery. Once the glue was set I spritzed with Tattered Angel Glimmer Mist and allowed to dry. Under the pretty lady is a piece of torn paper from an oriental newspaper. Which I also picked up at the oriental market. Then glued all together and added an oriental coin.

What fun this was. Can't wait to be involved in another ATC Oriental exchange.

Nancy

Dinner Thank You

2009-03-23T12:08:00.000-04:00

I like this card so much I said Awwww when it was finished. Nothing like bragging on myself. The flowered paper is from Hot Off the Press paper company. The basket stamp is new to me, it is from Stampin Up 2003. I used a piece of fiber paper to line the stamped basket and another piece of paper from Hot Off the Press to line that one. The little frame I bought at a garage sale the local stamp store had.

What a great deal the stamp store garage sale was. I took in some stamps that I don't use very often (hardly ever) and put reasonable prices on them. Well they sold and I have $70.00 in store credit to feed my habit. Isn't that Awesome? Thank You Stamping Day and Night.

The little Thanks if from an old Stampin Up promo set. The pink ribbon is from Close to My Heart.

Enjoy!

Teapot Get Well

2009-03-20T10:42:00.000-04:00

Have a sick friend and need to send a card? Create this simple but elegant Teapot and Tea Bag card. I love Raspberry Tea, you should try it sometime. It is from the Bigelow Tea Company. Yum! Even if they don't like tea what an elegant way of saying-I am thinking of you. They will feel better just because they received your card and get well thoughts.

Southwest Adventure

2009-03-20T10:34:00.000-04:00

I made this card for the Technique Junkie 1 on 1 for March. The technique is called Faux Felt. You can view the Technique by subscribing to the Technique Junkie magazine. Basically you crimp the "dickens" out of your cardstock and then seperate it into individual sheets. Hoping you like my Southwest Adventure. Enjoy!

Jewel of the Orient

2009-03-03T11:29:00.000-05:00

Isn't she sweet? I painted her with my Tombow markers and then used a waterbrush to soften her dress and the flowers. Using the waterbrush helps to make the material to appear as soft as silk. A tea bag charm has been added for just a little spice and a large see through gold ribbon for the background of her image. Enjoy!

Pastoral Eagle

2009-02-24T11:16:00.000-05:00

I made this card for one of our Pastors. Not sure what to send to a pastor? I thought long and hard about this myself. I thought, I am sure they are all religious. Should it be funny? No not this one. I wanted to let him know about the beautiful sermon her gave on Communion. It compared the taking of communion to a bride in biblical times drinking a cup of commitment wine with the groom to be. How marvelous--Have you ever thought of it that way? Well I never had! But from now on I will. The sermon was so impressive my hubby and I both had tears in our eyes. Sooo-my card was religious in nature. We sang a song about eagles lifting us up and it seemed so appropriate for his card. I wanted this one to be really different so I used an onion bag and sponged the background for the eagle. The eagle stamp is from Gray Wolf Designs out of Michigan. I love his stamps.

Thank you Pastor Jon Swanson for such a beautiful interruption of communion.

Nancy

ATCs

2009-02-09T14:23:00.000-05:00

Have you ever created and ATC? Don't know what they are? They are Artistic Trading Cards. Yes, this is my newest endeavor. They are fun, can be just as challenging as a card. Card sizes are 4.25" x 5.50"--ATCs are 2.50" x 3.50". Smaller yes but just as involved and can be more challenging. Each ATC has a theme and the theme for this group trade was Women. My first interpretation for an ATC is for your viewing. Let me know what you think of this "little" woman.

One More Balck & White

2009-02-09T14:17:00.000-05:00

I just love black & white. Crisp clean and eye popping. This is the last in my Monday Mailer series. The stamps are from CTMH and are no longer available. Sooo sorry--I really like these Fairy sets.

Feathered Friends

2009-01-11T20:52:00.000-05:00

Another Monday Mailer in Monochromatic (Black & White). A tribute to our feathered friends in Retiform. This consists of marking off the cards in assorted sizes and masking off the surrounding areas so that only one square/triangle at a time is stamped on.

Shades of Blackness

2009-01-04T16:09:00.000-05:00

Do you know how many shades of black there are? And shades of white. I made this card for a Monday Mailer swap and it is supposed to be only Black & White. Love this Oriental rabbit.

Watercoloring Markers

2009-01-04T13:26:00.000-05:00

This is a new technique for me. Color in your block stamp and spritz with a fine mist. This allows the colors to combine and create other colors as well. This tech could be called the rainbow tech because it allows the colors to shift into the next dimension of the shade of color you started out with.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T10:31:00.000-05:00

I want to wish everyone a happy New Year. I am praying that 2009 will be a beneficial and healthy year to all.

Updating you on my health here. I have finished all my treatments! Yeah for Me! Oh Yeah! The chemo and the radiation are all gone away. I have been going to treatment everday for 33 days, 5 days a week for radiation at 11:20. So at 11:20 AM this week just do the happy dance for me. I still am burned from the treatments and they are painful but knowing that now all they have to do is heal is a real blessing to me.
I will be on a drug called Tamoxifen for 5+ years to reduce the hormone that causes breast cancer in my body.

Now the "real" healing can begin. The thoughts of what the next round of treatments will do to my body will vanish. My strength will be returning--one day at a time--no more being so tired that I can't even think of how to function. I am to start exercising 10 minutes a day- 5 minutes at a time. How exciting- I hate exercising- I mean if I were walking through Savannagh GA's Forsythe Park now that would be exercise and enjoyment at the same time. It would be like a small portion of heaven and improving my health together. Right?

I am also looking forward to all the new projects I have signed up to make. ATC's, Monday Mailers and my projects for Rubber Road Adventures (Domino Dancer) and my next project for Create A Card Club. And of course TJ 1-on-1. Also, the challenges for My Paper Moon.Working in my studio is one of my favorite things to do. Today I have a renewed sense of strength and am ready to delve into some unknown creation.

I want to thank you all for your prayers and concerns. I could not have made it through this trying time in my life without my God, my husband,my family and my friends.

Thank You & Thank You, again.

Have a Blessed New Year

Nancy

U-Pull Card

2008-11-22T20:51:00.000-05:00

These are fun and inspiring to make. Isn't she elegant? Now that is a Victorian dress and all she needs is a mask with a long handle to match her dress.

Everyone Has Asked

2008-11-22T20:35:00.000-05:00

I have been asked many times what the little symbol on my artwork is--well- it is a mask. A mask you ask? The kind that is worn in all the old Victorian movies-I am old but not that old to have really seen them at that time- also they are worn a lot at Mardi Gras. Actually, I bought one in New Orleans a few years ago just for fun. And no I don't wear it. LOL! After I won prizes in New York for my artwork while a senior in high school, I felt that just my name was entirely to boring. I do sign all my artwork on the back, I put my mask on the front so that everyone knows it was made by me upon viewing the piece. Now you know the whole story.

Day 9

2008-11-20T09:59:00.000-05:00

My formula for Radiation.
9/33=24
Yippee!!
Have a blessed day.

The Countdown has Started

2008-11-12T12:22:00.000-05:00

Monday my blood test said I was strong enough to start my radiation therapy. Well, out of 33 treatments I have had 3. Yippee!. 5 days a week for 6 1/2 weeks. The time will fly (I hope). Thank you for all your prayers. Some days my attitude is up and some days it is a little down. I can feel your prayers so I have more up days than down days. This is how I am marking my daytimer to keep track of the treatments left.
3/33. Good formula don't you think?

Thanks to you all!

Travel with Giraffes

2008-11-05T19:19:00.000-05:00

Use a piece of textured paper towel and cover with black acrylic paint completely. Then using Pearl Ex powders to add blotches of color to create an exciting background. Set aside to dry Cut to desired size and embellish.

Not This Week

2008-11-05T18:34:00.000-05:00

I was supposed to start Radiation Therapy yesterday. Oh Pooh! I want to get this overwith so I can get back to my life. I had a blood test first to see if I was ready and -NGO- that's what we called it in the financial industry when I worked-before retirement. NGO- means Not in Good Order. It appears that I am not strong enough for radiation. Sooooo next Monday I will have another blood test to see if all systems are go.

Have a Blessed week all.

Black & White Fun

2008-10-30T21:28:00.000-04:00

Blackbird-Thank you

2008-10-30T21:24:00.000-04:00

Grid Technique-Thank you card.

2008-10-30T21:21:00.000-04:00

Fort Wayne Stamp Convention

2008-10-30T20:18:00.000-04:00

My daughter Shelly promised she would take me to the stamp convention not matter what. We went Oh Yeah!! Although I am still pretty weak I made it all day. How you ask? Shelly got me a wheelchair and did not allow me to get up except to look at something that she couldn't get the wheelchair up to. She sure did love bossing me! LOL

What a labor of love. Bless her, she pushed that wheelchair from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Hats off to her and my grateful thanks. Thank you, too, to my daughters family for giving her up for a whole Saturday to help feed grandma's habit.

I DID IT!

2008-10-30T19:53:00.000-04:00

I survived my three months of Chemo! Yeah me! I think. I am still suffering from the dreaded colon pain that accompanies my chemo treatments, but each day the pain is less and less. I have only had two vicodine today and that is great.

I am very anemic and will be starting some treatment on Monday. If the iron doesn't work I will need a transfusion. My white blood count is low as well but the radiologist says we can begin radiation treatments on Nov 4th. I will be going for treatment 5 days a week for six and a half weeks. How boring. I understand that the worst part of radiation is after about 3 weeks is when the tiredness sets in.

So one hurdle pasted and one to start. I know I would have not been able to make it through this without my Lord Jesus Christ and my husband "the saint". He told me the other day I looked cut without hair. What? My family has been a God send for just being there for me to cry or laugh. And my BFF Lisa Wolf and her daughter (my goddaughter). And and I almost forgot-(how could I)-My church Grabill Missionary Church and my Sunday School class "The Bridgebuilders".

Love comes in all shapes and sizes,an all different kinds of deeds. Open your eyes my friends and see the love.

I have been trying to get a path created in my craft room. (Turning red here)
I want to be able to do some painting in the next few weeks so have to get my easel set up and one end of my craft table set up just for painting. I figure that even if I am very weak I can at least work on the two paintings I have mapped out in my mind.

It's Almost Candy-ween

2008-10-10T09:49:00.000-04:00

Halloween is almost here! I really wish we could call it Candy-Ween. I know that Christians don't support halloween well I am a christian and I went Trick or Treating. So CANDY-WEEN it is.

Now that I have no hair to speak of--what will I be for Candy-Ween? I have been Raggedy Ann, A Motorcycle Mama (in my youth), Cleopatra and Dorothy with Toto.
But this year,hmmmmmmmmmmm? Since I had my breast surgery I can see my tummy and I never really knew how big it was.

So is it Grandpa Munster or Alfred Hitchcock. I suppose I will see how I feel that
day. Although, I haven't been T & T-ing in years my profile does crack my up.

Attitude Is Everything

2008-09-24T08:17:00.000-04:00

Attitude

There once was a woman who woke up one morning,
looked in the mirror,
and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
'Well,' she said, 'I think I'll braid my hair today.'

So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror
and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.

'H-M-M,' she said,

'I think I'll part my hair down the middle today.'

So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed
that she had only one hair on her head.
'Well,' she said, 'today I'm going
to wear my hair in a pony tail. '
So she did, and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed
that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
'YAY!' she exclaimed.
'I don't have to fix my hair today!'

Attitude is everything.

Day 2-Decline and Fall

2008-09-02T09:13:00.000-04:00

After having my first Chemo treatment 2 weeks ago, Day 2 of declining and falling hair has plagued my existence. While I am a hat-person I never thought I would need to buy hats to cover my bald head. Although, I am not bald yet!!-I foresee it will be soon. Yesterday I went to Wally World and purchased three little hats with brims and little bows in the back. The Oncology department gives away little hats knitted and crocheted by a group called Stitches of Hope-Head Huggers of Northeast Indiana. I say Thank You to these wonderful crafters. The little tam is crocheted in a snappy mauve color with a Burgundy bow. Now I am thinking I will look pretty chic. (Chic for an old bald headed lady). Monday September 8th I will receive my second Chemo treatment. Do you know how hard it is to watch that poison go into my arm for a hour an a half? I half have considered not doing it-but I will be back for another round at 8:45 am.

Now I must get the dust buster and vacuum my keyboard tray to remove all the wafting hair. Need to move on to more creative work for now.

Get Well Cards

2008-08-20T09:09:00.000-04:00

I want to thank each and everyone of you that sent me these beautiful handmade cards. Thank you for thinking of me. Your thoughtfulness and support to me, means more than you can possibly know. I have scanned them all together and I hope I haven't missed anyone. Please keep in mind that my family has been here helping my husband keep everything under control. So things have been quite hectic.

Blessings to you all.

My Thoughts

2008-08-12T18:31:00.000-04:00

Wow! Where do I start. Now I know why they call cancer the silent killer. I didn't even know I had a problem until I found something very sore on my body. I was the size of a lemon and had spread to my lymph nodes. How the heck did that happen since I had my last mammogram in January and all this took place in July?

Be careful Ladies & Gentlemen because my oncologist says that this kind of breast cancer does not show on a mammogram. The mammogram scores only an 80% at finding all cancers. You are responsible for the other 20%. That means self exam. This has also happened to my 48 year old niece. She also had a double mascetomy in March. I was there helping to care for her little 4 year Chinese boy and all the time I had cancer myself.

My niece and her daughter just completed a 60 mile 3 day walk for breast cancer. I say Hooray for them. And thank you to all who walked.

Please remember folks--it is up to you to discover this kind of cancer yourselves.

More up dates later.

What is It? And Where did It come from?

2008-07-29T10:14:00.000-04:00

Have you ever been told you have breast cancer? I hope not. But I am sure there are many more of you than I am aware of. For those of you who have, you have my prayers and blessings.

I was told I had to have to my breast removed because of cancer on 07-14-08 and had both breasts removed on 07-18-08.

Will update more later. Have to rest now.

2008-04-09T22:24:00.001-04:00