Missing You... Simply #Cre8time Playtime

Hello friends! I find it hard to believe it's mid-November and it's now dark before dinner here in SoFL. I was rifling through a box of crafty stuff and came across some old collage stuff from way back in the day (or 2012-2013) when I did weekly live-streaming. It was fun and I miss those times and interacting online with all of my creative friends across the globe made through the web. Technology and social media has advanced significantly, some for ease and some making things more complicated. 

Remember Linqto - it was limited but it was the infant of what FB and YT live has become. Why did I stop streaming?? Because the technical issues with the platform became more problematic AND a server failure resulting in loss most everyone's recordings. It was nice to just turn it on and go... they were such FUN times. I had a strenuous job and a lot of DT commitments... then my health started to intervene on my round-the-clock lifestyle, forcing me to change everything. Jobs included.

Recent times have been upside down for all of us. Meanwhile I've taken a LOT of online classes and focused on my love for cooking as I get back in the swing of things. Last month I was a guest designer at Artesprix and I made a few projects for Dia De Los Muertos. It was nice to create just for fun, finish a UFO project and one was a livestream DIY for the annual festival at work. One thing has led to another...

AND... I have some super awesome news

that I have been so excited to share.

It's been so hard to keep a secret.

Check back tomorrow -- 

Monday, November 15th

when I can finally

announce the news!

See you tomorrow! :) Sb

I AM... StencilGirl® Affirmation/Tarot Deck Collaborative

Hello friends! It's a new week and I am excited for you to join me today for the reveal of a new StencilGirl® collaborative project, the "StencilGirl® Affirmation and Tarot Card Collaboration"... a project in which we were challenged to create an inspiration/tarot deck of cards using StencilGirl® Stencils.

This project is a bit different... one that is more reflective and introspective. For a while now I have been investing in refilling my creative well by following The Artist's Way and the accompanying work with a group of fellow creatives in an accountability cluster.

A bit about the process: For the cards I started out with a base black metallic cardstock that I stenciled with 2-3 layers of color using different Plaid FolkArt® Color Shift Acrylics. I have previously swatched all the colors on white, black and chipboard surfaces to see the resulting color magic. If you have these, they are really fun and make for some pretty cool unexpected effects.

On the backside I layered over the first layer with a combination of 3-4 colors of my favorite Ranger Distress Acrylic paint daubers, creating an ombre on my Gel-Press plate to stencil onto. The backgrounds are a result of combining the rubbed stencil and papers created from pulling the leftover after removing stencil. Nothing goes to waste! I mounted fronts to backs using spray adhesive and cut sheets down to create cards (cards are sizes to fit into a recycled altoid tin).

I also upcycled an altoid mint tin as a coordinating home for these cards on my desk.

I left adding the inscriptions to the end. I set out stenciling in letters with a liquid silver pen.

As luck would have it... the ink bled like crazy under the stencil.

Interestingly, this mess up actually looks pretty neat with how distressed it looks.

So I carried on... intentionally doing this on all of them.

I think this may have been kismet... a way of just enjoying the process, regardless the twists and turns.

This forced me to work slowly, adding many layers of marker and pen to fill in and make the letters stand out on the cards.

This project turned out to be very personal and emotional one. This project served as several of my artists' dates and was a free time to just "BE" and let each session evolve without any pressures to make an instructional.

Here are all of my cards before adding stenciled text inscriptions. The colored stencil background overlayed with a black stencil design.

I am sharing the first three of inscriptions here as they were part of the StencilGirl® stencil I used and started me off on a journey of what the rest should/would say.

Front and back side-by-side (sorry the scanner doesn't pick up the shimmer and shine of the metallic paint and pens).

"i am enough"

"i am me"

"i am brave"

All of the fronts are the same. To finish off, I created a chipboard template with a corner rounding punch to add a silver outline.

StencilGirl® Stencils Used on Front/Back of 18 cards:

Kerr L856 - ATC Mixup Stencil

https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-ATC-Mixup-Cat-Kerr-p/l856.htm

Evans L654 - ATC Mixup Evans Stencil

https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-ATC-Mixup-Evans-Jennifer-Evans-p/l654.htm

Kalbach L319 - Art Deco Wallpaper Stencil

https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-art-deco-paris-nathalie-kablach-p/l319.htm

StencilGirl® Stencils Used on Container Lid:

Shaw S730 - Brilliant Star Stencil

https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-Brilliant-Star-Mary-Beth-Shaw-p/s730.htm

+ + + + +

I hope you enjoyed this project. CLICK HERE to jump over to see the other cards made for the StencilGirl® Affirmation and Tarot Card Collaboration. 

Thanks for dropping by! Sb

It's Five o'Clock Somewhere with Makers Movement® and Designer Crafts Connection!

Greetings everyone! Have you been spending your days binge-watching Christmas movies for Christmas in July?! I have because this summer is hotter than I can remember. Today the Designer Crafts Connection is shaking things up and creating using a variety of products from Makers Movement®. CLICK HERE to hop on over to learn more about these fabulous products!

Makers Movement® is an Arts & Crafts store and also manufactures and supplies high quality craft cutting dies, die cutting machines, craft supplies, and more!

I was so excited to receive this assortment of supplies from Maker's Movement® to create with: Happy Day Stamp and Die Set; Mixed Drinks Shaker Sprinkles; Clear Acetate Sheets; and Double-sided Adhesive Craft Foam... everything I need to make dimensional Margaritas with shakers!

Check out how CUTE the shaker goodies to accent paper cocktails! My paper scrap stash will be forever transformed!

  

Before I begin, I need to gently snip the die pieces apart at the tabs with a pair of wire cutters. I also go back and trim away tab edges after separating. Now the fun begins!

  

Using some washi tape, I secure the citrus wedge shapes to my cardstock and run through the diecutter and voila... a pair of eyes!

I cut out the two citrus wedge shapes out of a scrap of yellow glitter cardstock and place into the voids from the previous cuts. I mount a scrap of matching green cardstock to the backside to secure the eyes with glue.

  

With a few hand-drawn marker outlines, and the addition of pupils and some lashes... it's starting to feel a little Grinchy here!

Now I need a cocktail glass to create a Margarita for my Ms. Grinch. I cut five glass shapes out of lime green cardstock and one for the top layer out of lime green glitter cardstock. 

I also cut out the solid "drink" portion out of yellow glitter cardstock and a piece of acetate. I also cut out a few of the citrus wedges in the yellow and green glitter cardstock for accents.

If you are unable to cut dimensional foam tape sheets to fit a thin, delicate shape diecut - -- no worries. Building a shaker with only flat cardstock is really easy. I take the 5 solid cardstock cut glasses and added a line of glue all around and layered the next die cut on top. Gently press to secure, then repeat with each shape which builds up the thickness. 

Create a void for shaker sprinkles by glueing yellow glitter "drink" shape to back of layered stack. If using a wet glue, make sure glue has dried completely before adding shaker goodies so they don't get glued to the edges.

I mount the glass onto my card before closing up shaker and adhering acetate layer, followed by the finishing touch -- the lime green glitter cardstock die cut. I accented the glass with a glittery citrus wedge!

This "Happy Day" set is so fun and versatile as it has a coordinating stamp set with sentiments for any occasion. Ms. Grinchmas plans to invite Cindy Lou Who to "Happy Hour" because there is much to celebrate. Sentiments stamped using Jet Black Ranger Dye Ink.

After trimming out the stamped sentiments, I double matte them with the same glittered cardstock used for the diecut shapes. 

I mount the sentiment to the front of the card using the double-sided adhesive craft foam and my card is complete!

Margarita's Salt-rimmed or Sugared?!

What summer fun will you create

with Makers Movement®?

CLICK HERE to jump over to the beginning of the Makers Movement® Bloghop at the Designer Crafts Connection blog to view more Summer inspiration and projects using Maker Movement® products. If you see something you like... don't have FOMO... enjoy a Buy 2 Get One Free sale on entire website through end of July!

You can find more info on

Maker's Movement® Website HERE

Find lots of creative Maker's Movement® inspiration HERE.

Merry Grinchmas!! Thanks so much for visiting!  Sb :)

** This is a sponsored post. Makers Movement® has provided products for use in this project in exchange for my creative ideas, views and opinions. My ideas and opinions are my own.

Our Favorites Mixed Media YouTube Hop - #ArtJournaling Edition

 

Hello friends! Where has summer gone?! I have just returned from a getaway with my hubs and I am part of an artful adventure... and all are invited to join me! 

It's been awhile and I'm so excited that I am participating in another YouTube hop -- "Our Favorites Mixed Media YouTube Hop - Art Journaling Edition", featuring twenty-two artists from around the world! If you missed my first adventure via YouTube CLICK HERE.

For the "Our Favorites Mixed Media YouTube Hop – Art Journaling Edition" I create an art journal page inspired by a quote from David Tennant of Doctor Who. This page is full of color, texture and timey-wimey techniques - I hope you enjoy! 

This hop would not be complete without prizes from our fabulous sponsors! See below for hop list and prize details! Don't wait to get hopping... The Our Favorites YouTube Hop Giveaway will have winners drawn on August 26th and announced on August 31st. Each video's description box will contain the list of artists and a link to your next stop... sit back, grab a snack and enjoy the Hop as you watch the videos! 

🔹️🔹️ To enter to win one of our amazing prizes you must  🔹️🔹️ 

1 - subscribe to each YouTube Channel 

2 -  like and leave a comment on each video (note: some have location restrictions for shipping, so please leave your country in your comments).

Spend the weekend on a creative binge and enter to win -- just view, subscribe, LIKE and comment on the each of the videos as you hop along!

 ** HOP LIST **

Laura Dame - Laura Mixed Media: https://youtu.be/QWyYaIl7rS8 

Susan M. Brown {sbartist}: https://youtu.be/ZG9MO5f5CR4 

Heather at the Kraaft Shaak: https://youtu.be/EJkjA5bfdXQ 

Aleksandra Mihelič: https://youtu.be/s2NTOmpO9IY 

Susana Magenheimer aka Randomartist222: https://youtu.be/X5MptcmXxds 

Denise Lush: https://youtu.be/koYodR08VsU 

Ilse Kleijer - IKmetliefde: https://youtu.be/qTY2hkDfMZs 

Nicole Watson: https://youtu.be/02_WDgr5NYY 

Melina Dahl - Minas kreativa: https://youtu.be/705vm6hbZAM 

Danielle Mack at A Painted Page: https://youtu.be/0iVyqK9g-iA 

Tania Ahmed: https://youtu.be/uDhX0F0unjo 

Kristin Van Valkenburgh: https://youtu.be/h0anDeLe7Tg 

Susanne Rose: https://youtu.be/C1DNUn9fNVU 

Alexa Doebler - Blue Woods Design: https://youtu.be/eAIPmKyopjQ 

Erin DeCoste - Happily We Go:https://youtu.be/9GilUrW1sxI 

Michelle Liptak-Mickelnay: https://youtu.be/ILRe3cVp7Q0 

Cat Kerr: https://youtu.be/Tyo4vU-1Khw 

Nuneka: https://youtu.be/onVQD4ACa14 

Tusia Lech: https://youtu.be/HVQOQCARCuU 

TandiArt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yNin... 

Connie Shaw - Sparksgirl Mixed Media: https://youtu.be/--KKbtZp6xY 

Studio Marielle Stolp: https://youtu.be/UbVV7aZmW0c 

** Our Favorites YouTube Hop Sponsors and Prizes ** 

• Blue Woods Design/That's Crafty UK - 2 sets of stamps designed by Blue Woods Design for That's Crafty UK 

• Joggles- 1 $25 gift certificate Grafix - 1 pack of clear and 1 pack of matte computer Grafix paper 

• Retro Cafe Art - $75 gift certificate 

• Susana Magenheimer - prize package ($25 value) 

• TCW - Stencil gift pack of (10) 6x6 NEW stencils retails for $60. 

• Pronty Crafts - A set of foam stamps and stencils by Dutch artist Julia Woning 

• Rubber Dance Stamps - €25 Grabbag of Stamps 

• Shawn Petite - 5 stencils of winners choice ($50 value) 

• Marabu Creative - prize pack 

• Michelle Liptak-Mickelnay - journal DecoArt - 2 prize packs 

• Kristin Van Valkenburgh - prize package 

• Kraaft Shaak - Mixed Media creation bundle - US only 

• Gelli Arts - $50 gift certificate 

• Nicole Watson - prize pack 

• Ilse Kleijer - prize pack (includes 2 AB studio stamps) 

• AB Studio - 3 stencil pack designed by Nuneka 

• Little Birdie - $25 gift voucher + shipping 

• TandiArt - DIY Fairy Art Kit 

• Susan M. Brown {sbartist} - prize package 

• ArtFoamies - 2 VOUCHERS FOR $50 EACH 

• Red Lead Paperworks - 3 prize packages - stamps, stencils, collage sheets 

• iStencils - $25 gift card to website 

• Brush Magazine - 2 winners: two ’bundles’ of 5 issues of the magazine - digital copies 

• 7 Dots Studio - prize pack 

SUPPLIES USED in my project for the "Our Favorites Mixed Media YouTube Hop - Art Journaling Edition": art journal • vintage book paper or color copy of book page • gesso/acrylic paint/glazing medium mixture • sticker letters • Stabilo Woody pencils {black, white, gold, silver, & purple} • Stabilo aqua pencils {black, white, red, yellow, blue} • Stencil Girl Stencils • The Crafter's Workshop stencil {Rebekkah Meier Designs} • Clear embossing powder • Blue Pigment ink • Faber Castell Black Pitt Brush pen • White Gelly Roll pen • EK Success Cutterbee scissors • Police Box Stamp {from vlvstamps.com} • glue stick • Punchinella {from Gauche Alchemy} • Ranger Distress Paints {Salty ocean, cracked pistachio, wilted violet, twisted citron, tarnished brass & salty ocean} • Golden Fluid Acrylic & High Flow Acrylic Paints {Green Gold & Indigo} • makeup sponge • pencils {black, white, red, yellow, blue • EK Success Honey Bee scissors • Ranger Dina Wakley White gesso with detail tip • paper towel • DIY mono printing plate made of Amazing Mold Rubber • water brush. 

**Giveaway is not endorsed by or affiliated with YouTube. All prizes are provided by individual artists or companies. No purchase necessary to win.

I hope you have a creative weekend and enjoy my WHOvian adventure in art journaling! :) Sb

Ready for a Weekend Getaway... DIY Bloghop with Expo International Trims

 

Hello Friends! Are you ready for a weekend getaway?! I know I am! Today I am proud and grateful to be participating in a special DIY Spring Bloghop with Expo International Trims. I have a couple makes using Expo International trims: a pencil case turned Chic clutch and a wintery felt phone holder.

With some scissors, double-sided adhesive and Fabri-Tac ~
making a seasonal quick change is quick and EASY.

Expo International sent me this selection of items to create with. Keep an eye out here on Cinco de Mayo as to what becomes of the festive fringe and red trims. TRIMS USED in this project: Shell Beaded Denim Trim - Black Multi; AnnaLie Jute Trim {natural burlap background with cotton lace overlay}; Evelyn Black Lace; and striking Flower Brooch.



I shopped my closet and gathered some canvas, white, black and khaki - my travel go-tos and grabbed some items that need some travel ready flair.

 

First up - my not so girly yet functional fishing hat. I removed the leather straps and measured a section of the lacy jute trim and lined with double-sided adhesive. Remove the backing, wrap around and VOILA ~ instant transformation!



My canvas tote has a stain that won't wash out. What's a girl to do?! Camouflage it by adding some Expo International Trims of course!



Adding lace trim is quick and easy with Fabric-Tac.


 
I love to double layer contrasting trims... 
and it makes the trim look like it's all-in-one.

How did I get these great boho roses?!

 
 
I made them out of Expo International Trims!



I had a small section leftover of the lacey jute trim. It's not going to waste. I gently peeled back the lace to expose the threads and gently cut apart.



Now I have two separate pieces! I wrapped these wonkily into a rose shape, added a pearl to the center, and secured with Fabri-Tac.



I cut the burlap into strips, added a strip of double-sided adhesive tape, then backed onto this beautiful distressed denim trim with shells and wound it up into another boho rose.



Again - secured with strategically placed dollops of Fabri-Tac.



I added a broken clip-on earring to the center of this one.
A little more Fabri-Tac adheres them to the jute trim band.



An easy-peasy transformation from stuff I had around the house. AND I can easily remove and re-attach my leather strap for the pop-up fishing excursion.

But there's one more....

This natural woven purse is beautiful as it is... but it needs a little something.

After the addition of Expo International Black Lace trim and this gorgeous Adornments Clip-on Brooch!!! 

Instant STYLE!

What would you transform
for your travel getaway with
Expo International Trims?

CLICK HERE to POP over to the Expo International BLOG for other projects in this special Spring Bloghop with Expo International! For more information on Expo International and products to dress up anything please visit website HERE.

Visit Expo International on FB www.facebook.com/expointl to enter for this great giveaway of trims.

For more inspiration on creating with Expo International please visit www.expointl.com/blog/. Share your creations #expotrims #diyhomedecor #embellishwithexpo 

Thanks so much for visiting! Sb :)

** This is a paid sponsored post. Expo International has provided trims for use in this project in exchange for my creative ideas, views and opinions. My ideas and opinions are my own.