Friday, June 29, 2012

Some News + Sneak Peek


I finished up the VLVS! Newsletter today - you should check it out for 20% off storewide!!

I also finished my term at Basically Bare today and won't be renewing with them, the best of luck in the future BB!


and here is a sneak peek at all the goodies I'll be using for the 2nd round of applications for May Arts:


aaaaaaaand... have you left a comment for the set of flowers giveaway?!? I'll be choosing a winner this weekend! Scroll down and comment :)

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Family - Journal Page #2 - a little history

(It's totally worth it getting through this post to the journal page!!!)

First of all.. I love Tim Holtz as much as the rest of the world (I think..) but I've found much more inspiration in other crafters (Sorry, Tim!!) ... two of them seriously astound me with each and every piece of work they produce. 


I've always been involved in the fine arts... then I went to school for Industrial Design.. trying to make sure I'd never be the "starving" artist my parents warned me about.. I messed around for a few months after college and then went home to mommy and daddy. Best decision ever.. a friend in college had introduced me to crafting with paper goods and adhesive.. while I learned about metals, woods, plastics, and other various materials and manufacturing processes from professors and industry professionals. 

So now under my belt I've got painting, drawing, ceramics and some graphic design from high school, a little bit of dabbling in paper goods from a very close friend whom I still hold dearly in my heart, and industrial knowledge from college. 


I arrived at home and promptly got a full time job at a local craft store.. got introduced to my father's secretary who is the DEFINITION of Crafter and then the red carpet of crafty goodness unrolled. Then crafting became a way of life for me. 

So now I've got all these experiences, wants, have to dos and haves and just IDEAS rolling around in my head. I've been collecting bits n pieces, spare parts, pop tabs, packaging, papers, embellishments, foreign coins.. you name it I've probably got a collection for it! But I couldn't necessarily make it work together FOR ME. 


these two ladies (whether they know it or not) have helped me put all the jumbled mess in my head into a neat and organized pile. That's the best way for me to explain it. Whether it was.. being unsure of myself, or hesitant to try something new.. I can't put words to it exactly.. but whatever it was. It's over. and I'm so happy! I've yet to meet Anna or Louise, but I'll be seeing Anna in California at the end of July. and I cannot wait to say THANK YOU in person. Louise -- girl -- you're next! The two of you just taking the time to share your work and be so supportive of others.. sharing your ideas and being so giving of your knowledge - it's just AMAZING. 

and here... after the last few years of crafting and being proud of my work but always slightly unsure and not really "me" is a page... that is at its fundamental core.. "ME" 


products used include: A Clairefontaine art journal, Inchworm and Charcoal tattered angels glimmer mist, tim holtz ideology clock face and game spinner, Imaginarium Designs chipboard, Gel medium, memento ink in tuxedo black, Viva Las Vegastamps! Feather stamp and Ultra High Gloss Embossing Powder, TH distress tool, diamond glaze, basic gray brad. 


I'm also really loving the no title necessary feel of these pages. =)

I'll link this bad boy up to Simon Says Stamp and Show for "distressed" - it may be minute distressing.. but it plays a huge roll in this piece. 

WOYWW #160

Have you see this Whats On Your Workdesk? Wednesday ?? 

I love the idea of crafters and stampers and just people in general sharing their spaces and what they're working on. I follow a couple of fab bloggers who participate and now I've decided to jump in! I'm hoping it will kick me in gear to share more than just finished products.. but processes and mid stream photos, too. 


and here's my workdesk photo for 6/27



I work on the kitchen table.. which is actually pretty nice because I have TONS of space.. and the hubs can work across from me!

Here's a journal page I was working on.. there's my miracle tape, ultra high gloss EP, a viva las vegastamps! stamp and you can see the making of some vines for my July kit. 

that's all folks :)

Sunday, June 24, 2012

310 followers!! Lets do a giveaway!!

That's exciting isn't it?! I can't believe I even got to 300 let alone another TEN! :D 

I just put a few new flowers in the etsy shop...





leave a comment here to be entered to win the set of your choice :) 

Saturday, June 23, 2012

"Inspiration"

Today I'm sharing my very first Art Journal page with you. 




I'll share more details about this guy on the VLVS! Blog tomorrow - but really I am so loving this art journaling business!!! 

Anyways.. products used: Distress stain in broken china, distress ink in mustard seed, broken china, vintage photo, pine needles and tumbled glass. Spellbinders die, corrugated cardboard, Viva Las VegaStamps! stamp, memento ink, baker's twine, floral beads, zig glue, water, a heat gun and a Clairefontaine journal. 


I'll be linking this up at Simon Says Stamp and Show as it's "a bit of brown" :)

Friday, June 15, 2012

Do A Little Dance!!!


I made the 30 + 1 finalists for May Arts!! 


Check it out HERE


I am super pumped.. now to brainstorm for my final project!!!