Merry ......

It is now the day after! Jen and I have already returned and exchanged and shopped for bargains!

Not sure what else is planned for the day. Some new photos from the past few days!

SYAO2

The sktech

My layout

I have chevron paper, 5 washi tapes, paint and tickets. I stamped, stitched and distressed

SYAO

I have twine, 8 photos,tags, and numbers. 

I stamped and distressed

Quick and Easy

Here is a quick and easy holiday project --- well maybe except for the glittering:0

I saw something like this on Pinterest so decided to try it myself. Grabbed old mis matched alphas and a sheet of paper from my Webster's Pages box!

SYAO

Still in this contest! Has been going all year long!
This week's sketch

My layout

I chose to do a year in review. I have alpha stickers, home made flowers, twine and 7+ pattern papers. I heat and dry embossed.

How Did you Do That?? Mixed Media Canvas

I was asked to present a class on "How do you do that?" for  Memorable Seasons.

How do you make those Mixed Media canvases. To be honest, I am no expert. I started playing last year and have practiced, and tried, and covered up and enjoyed learning the new craft of Mixed Media. Many of you know that I have a twin sister who is the artistic one. Growing up I ruled Math and Science while she took over Art and Music. For me to be doing these canvases is nothing short of amazing:) In an effort to show you what happens, I have two videos. I will warn you ---- it is very evident that I have never made a video before:) Please forgive my being upside down, changing outfits, head and hair, and all the starts and stops. I do hope it gives you an idea of the process but really there are no rules! You Tube is an amazing place to find instruction and inspiration. You just need to put in mixed media and there will he thousands of videos to watch! There are also online classes available for those who want to explore this even more. 

This video is not really 6 minutes. There is nothing after the ending credit. Sorry - new to this process. 

Here is the finished canvas

There is so much you can do with Mixed Media and it does not always have to be on a canvas. You can use these techniques on scrapbook pages, in art journals and for cards. Here are some other examples:

I bet you even have most of these supplies at home! I use the cheapest acrylic paints or watercolors there were Jen's when she was in the 6th grade!  You can use old books, phone books, magazines, scrapbook paper, tissue paper, pattern paper, etc.  Stencils can be made from almost anything - onion or orange bag mesh, the leftover piece from chipboard, etc. You know those rubons you  hate? well, pull them out and use them. I know everyone has a drawer full of stamps! Bubble wrap and cardboard, toothbrushes and combs can all be used for texture. I do use Modge Podge to glue items down and to coat the piece when i am done. 

So my challenge to you is this - create something using Mixed Media techniques. Make a canvas, create an art journal page, try a tag or card. The trick is not to over think it. Play, have fun and ENJOY!!

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and watching the videos! I appreciate the support!!

Christmas Card Swap

I was pleased that I used paint, spackle and paper to create my cards for the swap! This is what I created.....

Christmas Card Swap

I am part of a wonderful Facebook group Mixed Media Mondays. Our fearless leader, Tracy Weinzapfel, suggested a Christmas card swap. Yesterday I received my envelope of cards and I have to say that each of these women outdid themselves. The cards are just amazing. Here are the gorgeous cards I received which  will be proudly displayed on the piano in the front hall.

Each time I look at them it reminds me of this amazing group - their friendship, their encouragement, their love. Tracy does a live Ustream show each Monday. We all join in the chat sharing suggestions and laughter. I have enjoyed grabbing my art journal, a piece of water color or a canvas and creating something inspired by Tracy.

Here is my book page inspired by Monday's Ustream.

My thanks to each of you for your support of my artistic endeavors!

Cards

I love to use 6 x 6 pads to make cards Basic Grey Aspen Frost is just perfect for  these!

Another ornament

Here is an ornament Using Basic Grey Aspen Frost. Sorry or the poor photo! It is so damp and miserable here today!

SYAO

This week's sketch

My take

I have 3 kinds of washi tape, a metal clip, twine and chevron. 

I stenciled, stamped and splattered. 

Exciting News

There is an ammouncement this morning over at

Memorable Seasons!!

Well it is time to annouce our new DT that will start January 1st, their term will last through June. After a lot of e-mails back and forth, Emmalie and I have picked what we consider to be a really great team. I am super excited to work with each of these ladies and can't wait to try out all the new ideas on you our members. So, who is it???? Huge congrats to.... Megan (daisymeh) Susan (susanahern) Jennie (ajmcgarvey) Carol (scrapmomof2) Jean (mjmarmo)

Yes - that is me! Starting in January the new team will be challenging and inspiring you!! Would love for all of you to check us out!!

Scrapbooking.com

Check out the December issue of Scrapbooking.com to see my layout titled The One!

Here is the link

The One!

Thanks for heading over there!

Ornament 2012

This year I am making mixed media ornaments for my coworkers. Each year I make something different.  Some stamping, cut out letters and modge podge is all it took!

SYAO

This week's sketch

My layout

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I have wire, sheet music, bling and tags.

I sanded, tore and distressed. 

O Christmas Tree

Last year I entered the world of Mixed Media Art. This was one of my first creations. Time to take it downstairs for display in the front hallway!

SYAO

This week's sketch

My take

I have polka dot paper, 15 staples, a bird and wood alphas. I used a border punch.

Carrie Underwood Concert

In July my husband an daughter bought us tickets to last night;s Carrie Underwood concert. it was kind of an early Christmas present. We had a lovely dinner before and then joined the sold out crowd at the Arena. She has a wonderful voice although at times we thought the band drowned her out. Hunter Hayes was the opening act. He is going to be a star soon!

Check out this giveaway Over at Handful of Handicrafts

Chance to win.........................

Purple Pumpkin Giveaway

Played with paint again

Tracy created a wonderful journal page on Monday   -- Monday video

I decided I wanted to focus on the star at the top of the tree. This is what I ended up with

I need to work on doodling and having it be freer. It is just so not in my nature!! But I love playing like this!

I forgot to tell you

I AM THIS MONTH"S GUEST DESIGN TEAM MEMBER OVER AT Memorable Seasons!

I got a wonderful kit to work with! Yes - that is Echo Park For the Record 2 Tailored. I love echo Park Papers!

I made several layouts

I have a few more which I will post later this month.

SYAO2

My layout has folded ribbon, 7 pattern papers, hand made flowers from pattern paper and computer journaling. I used a border punch.

Playing with Paint

This month especially it is time to give thanks for all that we have. Today I  used paint

I art journal in an old book of poetry that I got at the library sale. This poem is titled Picture Window. 

It made me think of looking out and seeing the fall colors. The curtains are pattern paper and the leaves are painted using the expensive and technical baby wipe technique:) I tried to add trees and branches but my marker was darker than I would have liked. Oh well. All in all a comfy scene.

SYAO2

This week's challenge is a 2 pager!

I have machine stitching. For my 4 items I have 7 + papers,  computer journaling, hand made banner and tickets.

My Creative Sketches

Great sketch

Here is my layout. I rotated the sketch.

Creative Scrappers 232

Love this sketch

Here is my take. Jen was Cleopatra for halloween. I have been wanting to use this G45 paper!!

SYAO

Yikes -- almost forgot to get this finished!!
This week's sketch

My layout

I have 7 + papers, computer journaling, i used twist ties from the kitchen in the buttons and I have rubons on the photo.

I also sewed.