Something's Brewing...A Halloween Swap

Several weeks ago I signed up to participate in a secret Halloween swap hosted by Debi from  The Bloggerette Sorority Sisters.  It's time to show off the great "stuff" I received from my Bloggerette Sorority sister, Wendy at Bliss Angels!  I'm pretty certain Halloween is one of Wendy's most favorite holidays!  She sent me a box full of Halloween goodies!

Look at the awesome little tote bag, two ATCs, a Gothic arch tag, 3 fat quarters, a package of stickers, a fan, skeleton, and chocolate!  NOTE:  The package of Maltesers were gone within seconds of opening this parcel.  I believe Wendy knows how partial I am to English chocolate bars!

Thanks so much to Wendy and thanks to Debi and The Bloggerette Sorority for sponsoring this Halloween Swap.  To meet the other sister swappers, and view their goodies, including the Halloween treats I sent Cyn, visit The Bloggerette Sorority!

Tootles!

What's Your Bag?

I guess I'm still thinking of The Charleston, super cool cigarette holders, and flappers because I kept this Art Deco theme going when I created the above ATC for this month's Artful Bag Challenge.  My swap partner is Wendy from Wendy's Adventures in Wonderland.  I just sent her the card; I hope she likes it!  Be sure to click over to Frosted Petunias to check out the other "bag" ATCs!

Speaking of bags, I have been experimenting with my own design for a small gadget/personal items/make up bag.  I'm pretty happy with the size and shape.  I've transfered images (using gel medium) to a few of the bags and then embellished the image with beads, sequins, or just embroidery...like this one:

Here's a closer view:

Here is the the back of the bag:

For the record, I've never embroidered before.  What do you think?  One last word on bags...look at the awesome fabric I bought over the weekend!  It's Echino and too expensive to mess up!  My plan is to make a bag for my daughter.  Wish me luck!

Toodles!

Angels, Punks, Strawberries, and Friends.

First, thanks for all the birthday well wishes!  Second, I can't believe I didn't have any takers for answering my age question!  I am not sure what to think about that...should I feel really old?  Is it taboo for women of a certain age (like me now) to talk about their age?  Years ago I remember hearing some Oprah guest talk about how she felt her 40's were her "best years."  Somehow she felt wiser, confident, and knew who and what she wanted out of her life.  Really?  I can say, now that I am, according to my daughter, officially over 40, I really don't feel any wiser or more "secure in skin."  Granted, I have only been part of the mature scene for four days.  Maybe I should give it a few more days..maybe two weeks?  In the meantime, have a look at this awesome gift I got today:

I got to meet, in person, blogger friend, Dee Dee today!  Dee Dee does all sorts of crafts and she made this angel for me out of metal and glass!  It's wonderful and I'm so happy that I got to meet her in person!  We've both participated in the mug mat swap and are regulars in the Blissful ATC Swap.  Here is a picture of us at lunch today:

Me                                               Dee Dee

Speaking of the Blissful ATC Swap, I received this card from my swap partner, Marlene.  April's theme is "Steam Punk."  Marlene's card is fabulous.  I love it.  Thanks Marlene!

Here is the Steam Punk card I sent to Marlene:

This was my first time doing anything Steam Punk.  The image is from the The Graphics Fairy.  I transferred the image to a piece of card stock using the gel medium/clear mailing label method.  I then adhered this piece to the background piece which I had painted using a stencil a la sequin rubbish.  Never did that before.  I really like how it turned out.  I hope Marlene likes it!  

I've also been working on testing a pattern for Stephanie from Toastie Studio.  Stephanie has designed a pattern for a shopping tote that folds (or scrunches) up and then is stuffed inside a strawberry.  Her design is really cool and I just love how my strawberry turned out.

Pretty smart, huh?  Better run...Chat with you soon!

Shamrocks in April

Hi everyone!  I hope you all are well.  Just a quick post today to show you the awesome ATC I received from my Treasure Barn ATC Swap partner, Nichole.  The theme was shamrocks.  I really love this card.  It is my first and only St. Patrick's Day-ish card!  Unfortunately, Nichole doesn't have her blog up and running yet, but feel free to leave her a shout out right here!  Here is the card I sent to her:

This was my first attempt at a St. Pat's-ish theme.  I hand painted the background and the shamrock in the right corner.  I affixed the image I downloaded from The Graphics Fairy.  I then put a few coats of glossy ModPodge and of course glitter!  I hope Nichole likes it!

I've been hard at work at work as well as on building an inventory for my yet to be opened Etsy shop.  Here is a card wallet I made the other day. 

I did a little free motion stitching on the outside of the wallet.  What do you think?  Randomness is actually hard...isn't it?

If you are interested in getting in on April's Treasure Barn ATC Swap, click over to Patti's blog for more information!


Toodles!

Raw Silk, A Fish, and A Decorated Planter

Look at the cool ATC I received from my Blissful ATC Swap partner, Amy of Ruby Moon Art.  The theme this month was to use either all or part of this image:

Amy's interpretation is way cool.  I love the dragonfly she made and adhered to the front.  Very nice.  Thanks Amy!  Here is the ATC I sent:

I used the entire image and transfered it to fabric using gel medium and a clear mailing label.  I ironed interfacing to the back, for stiffness, and then embellished the front with fabric markers, fabric paint, and a gold medal dragonfly after painting a layer of gloss ModPodge over the top.  I hope she likes it!

With the exception of the free motion "embroidery" I did for my March POP Dress, I haven't sewn anything since my knee surgery.  I am not happy about this!  However, I plan to get going soon as I have graduated to one crutch and sometimes no crutch in the house!  I have almost rejoined the land of the living in the last few days.  I've made it to beauty shop, Wal-Mart, and even our neighborhood pond.  Remember my list of Try Really Hard(s)?  Well, knock number 10 off the list:

Mommy went fishing with Daddy and this is the bass I caught Sunday in our pond!  My daughter netted it for me  The weather was perfect and it didn't take long to get a bite.  Fun fun!

Last week was also Spring Break.  My littlest daughter stayed home with me (not that she had much choice) and "took care of me."  I feel bad we didn't go anywhere or do much other than watch movies and play a few games...oh, and eat.  We did manage to get into the dining room and we decorated a wooden planter she got from a home show a few months ago.  We first painted it and then used some stencils to embellish, but we weren't happy with it, so we decided to decoupage it.  Charlotte ripped out different images from some magazines and we went to town.  We are both happy with how it turned out and it was really fun to do!

Ok, I promise a sewing project completed when I write my next post!  Don't forget to check out the March Dresses! 

Toodles!

A Little Progress

Although  I am still stuck to my living room couch/bed most of the time, I did manage to start on my ATC for the Blissful ATC Swap.  The prompt this month is to use all or some of the above image somewhere in the ATC.  I decided to use the entire image, so I transfered the image onto fabric using gel medium and clear mailing labels.  I used this same method when I made the "Sisters" journal jacket, but this time I wasn't sure it would work as this "Raw Silk" image is obviously color and the photos I used for the journal jacket were black and white.  But, the transfer worked fairly well.

I really like how the blue came out.  The gold of the dragonfly is also really cool.  I sized the image to ATC size on the computer before I printed it onto the mailing label sheet.  Now, I'll just need to cut around the gold border and finish the card.  In order to give it some sturdiness, I'm going to iron some stiff interfacing to the backside.  Then I'll cut it to size and sew it onto a piece of card stock before embellishing it further.  All this will have to wait a few more days, however.  I need to get into my studio!!!  The due date for finishing is March 15!  

I want to give a huge shout out thanks to Steffi at Toastie Studio for finding my favicon and putting it back in place!  Actually, my original favicon is probably lost forever since I didn't save it before I began messing about with my blog code and the original photo I used for that favicon was on my old hard drive. So, I came up with a new image.  It was this new image that Steffi used to create the new favicon and code to install it for me.  Steffi also created my new background to match the header I made.  Steffi is multi-talented.  Toastie Studio is a sewing blog, but Steffi also does web design, etc.  You should really click over and meet her!

Thanks again to all for sending the get well soon wishes.  I plan on it!

Have a great weekend!

Inspired By Vanessa Valencia: Mixed Media Painting On Canvas

Thanks for the "get well" wishes!  It's been great reading your kind comments and emails regarding my knee surgery recovery.  My surgery was on Friday and I honestly thought that by today (Sunday), I'd have a few ATCs completed and maybe even a few make up bags sewn.  I was w-r-o-n-g!  The surgery went well, but it took more out of man than I expected.  I did manage to get out of my pajamas today and wash my hair, but I don't think I'll make it into my studio for a few more days.  

I decided to post this photo of my very first mixed media painting (on canvas).  I painted this a few weeks ago after reading about artist Vanessa Valencia in the Autumn issue of Somerset Workshop.  I had never seen this magazine before, but picked it at our local book store.  I am in love with this publication.  Here is the cover photo showing one of Valencia's paintings:

I obviously based my painting on Valencia's ballerina, but instead of book pages for her dress, I used tissue paper.  I combined several of her techniques for my painting, "He Loves You."  I've been drawing for awhile and feel fairly comfortable in this medium, but I've only recently started painting and I'm really not that confident in my skill (or lack thereof).  I totally love how the background turned out, however.  I will definitely continue reading this magazine and trying these techniques! 

Have a great week everyone!  I'll catch up with you all soon!

Angela  

Treasure Barn ATC Swap: Two Fabulous Cards

Just a quick post to show off the ATCs I received from my Treasure Barn swap partner, Tiffine!  February's theme was Butterflies.  Isn't this ATC awesome?  I adore it!  Tiffine said she had so much fun making this, she decided to make another one.

This is cool, too!  Thanks so much Tiffine!  Unfortunately, Tiffine doesn't have a blog, so feel free to leave her some kudos right here!

Here are the two ATCs I sent to Tiffine:

I hope she likes them!

Please don't forget to take a look at the dresses on parade for March's Dress Up! The inspiration:  POP Art!

As some of you know, I am scheduled for knee surgery Friday.  I don't plan on being down long, however!  I suspect only a few days off my feet and I'll be back at it!  Well, maybe more than a few days, but I will definitely be sitting up and surfing in blogland!  

Take care everyone and I will see you soon!

Angela

February Blissful ATC Swap: LOVE

The February ATCs are being posted by the Blissful ATC Swappers.  The above is the ATC I received from my swap partner, Marilyn.  Isn't is gorgeous!  I love the little crochet heart!  Obviously, "Love" is this month's theme.  And I love this card!  Marilyn's blog is beautiful, just like her ATC.  It's called Busy Martha..and she is busy!

Here is sneak peak at the card I sent Marilyn.  I'm not sure if she has received it yet.  You can also see more ATCs at the Blissful ATC Flickr Page.

I based my ATC on the painting, Love, by Gustav Klimt.  Speaking of Klimt, there are still February dresses being linked up HERE.  Liza just linked up her fabulous dress, which she BEADED!  It's awesome.  Please check out all the dresses.  Reminder:  March's artist inspiration is Pop Art!  

Toodles!

Angela

Blogiversary or Blog Birthday? It's MINE!

Is is Blogiversary or BlogBirthday?  Whichever, it's MINE!  Actually, my one year blog birthday or blog anniversary was Saturday..  Can you believe it?!  It's been a wild and crazy year.  I've learned so much and  "met" so many fantabulous people!  I know this second year will bring even more fun and new, exciting artistic endeavors await!

You might remember, my Try Harder #6 was to open my Etsy store to coincide with my anniversary date, but, alas, I'm a little behind schedule...such is a common theme in my life.  So, I haven't opened my store yet, but I have been working on a bit of an inventory.  What do you think:

I know there are a ton of handmade purse-type items and sellers on Etsy, but I think there is room for one more.  Right?  The above is actually a checkbook cover and a matching coin purse.  Would you buy these?  Come on, be honest.  I would.

I've been working on more inventory items, to include more checkbook covers, purses, pouches, and bags.  I've also been working on ATCs, the artist inspiration for March Dress Up, and my Mug Mat.  I've actually finished my mat and it's on it's way to my swap partner.  Once Margaret at The French Bear receives it, she will post a photo as I will when I receive her's.  It was first real quilting project and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.  I can't wait to receive a mat from Margaret.  Her blog is just gorgeous.  You should click over and check it out!

Have a super Valentine's Day and a great week everyone!  I'll talk to you soon.

Angela

Back In Business...Sort Of

Happy Happy Happy!

I am super HAPPY to report that I am B*A*C*K!!  Well, sort of.  My super smart hubby installed a new hard drive in my computer after receiving (finally) the recovery disc from HP.  All went well. However, I'm now missing all my photos, documents, including my Blogger cheat sheets, and the programs I had installed, most importantly, Adobe Elements!  Never fear, I am in the process of reinstalling the programs and my husband says he can put the photos back since they are currently being housed in a temporary external hard drive.  Is hard drive one word or two?  Anyway, I'm looking at this as a "clean slate."  Plus, I have a giant excuse to get my camera out and shoot a ton of new photos!  See above as an example!  This is my littlest daughter with her BFF, Wallace, in the igloo she and my hubby carved out of the snow a few days ago!  Pretty cool huh?  Literally!

Here is another new photo:

This is another journal, or book cover I made.  I thought this style appropriate for a recipe book.  I've been experimenting with different fabrics and embellishments.  The base (blue) is duck canvas and the brown is linen.  I've used my fabric crayons and markers to draw the lady cook.  Her apron is cotton and I've trimmed it in lace.  I used my alphabet stamps for the word, "make," since I don't like the look of my freehand writing.  I trimmed the top in lace and adhered a "vintage" button to the cover using a button pin.  Of course, I put a little bling at the cook's collar! I hope you like it!

I've also been busy working on February's dress, purse, and ATC! I have also decided to try my hand at quilting!  I have been admiring Donna's mug mats from afar..until now.  Donna, of Brynwoodneedleworks, created a tutorial on how to create her mug mats and is hosting a Mug Mat Swap!  I just can't wait to get started!  Have a look at some of Donna's work and get the information about the swap HERE!  I'm a little nervous about making and sewing the binding...any pointers?

Have a great week everyone!  Toodles for now!

Angela        

Technical Difficulties Can Bring New Ideas!

"Words"

Journal Cover

Hello Friends!  Seems like forever since my last post!  I have experienced the so called, "blue screen of death" (as described by a techno geek friend) on my computer!  I thought it might have been an easy fix with the installation of a new hard drive, but oh no, nothing can be simple.  Long story short:  I won't be back on track until next week...when a recovery disc arrives from HP....I hope!  So, please be patient... I have limited access to a computer.  I've truly been having blogger withdrawl! 

During my blogosphere absence, however, I have been working on a few sewing projects, including this notebook cover pictured above.  I used canvas and home decorator fabrics and trims, buttons, fabric pens, a googly eye, and of course a little bling for the crown.  I'm actually making several of these book covers.  I hope you like it!

Today I received January's Blissful ATC from my swap partner, Michele.  The theme this month was snow/white.  Michele did an awesome job.  She used a two part glittering process and super sticky tape.  I wish you could see the card in person.  The shade of blue is gorgeous.

Michele doesn't have a blog, but you can check out more January cards HERE by the other swappers.  Here is the card I sent to Michele:

"Snow White"
Sew Loquacious
Blissfull ATC Swap
January 2011

NOTE:  I need to add, "take better pictures" to my "Try Harder To" list. 

    

 Next month's swap theme is "Love."  How appropriate for February!  The Dress Up 2011 theme for February is Gustav Klimt!  I've had such  positive feedback for selecting Klimt.  I'm super excited about seeing all the dresses that are created!  I'm also excited about making my first altered bag for Anna's Artful Bag Challenge!

It appears I have a lot to keep me busy while I am away from the computer! 

Toodles!

Angela

On The 12th Day of Christmas...

My True Love Gave To Me:

12 Lords A Leaping
Robin Carr
Red Robin Lane

The last Day Of Christmas (12 Leaping Lords) is from Robin Carr of Red Robin Lane.  Isn't is great?  The middle section is actually raised and, to me, looks like a stamp.  It's really pretty.  I'm bummed that this is the last ATC for this Bliss Angels 12 Days of Christmas ATC Swap!  I want to thank Wendy for hosting this swap as well as all the artists who shared their awesome ATCs!  This has really been an amazing way to "meet" great artists!

Wendy also hosts the Blissfull ATC Swap every month.  So, if you are interested in participating in an ATC swap, pop over and check it out.  Every month is a different theme, chosen by Wendy.  December's theme is "Angels."  A few posts back, I showed you the ATC I received from Penny, but I didn't show you the ATC I sent her.  So, here it is:

"Angels"
Blissfull ATC Swap
December 2010

January's theme is Snow/White.  Hmm...the possibilities are endless!

I'm excited to announce....insert drumroll here...that I will be hosting the Dress Up Challenge beginning in January!  Margaret from Alice and Camilla began and graciously hosted this project throughout 2010.  I first became aware of this project through Anna at Frosted Petunias.  Her dresses inspired me to get involved.  It has been a wonderful monthly event where artists have created 12 gorgeous, and distinctly different, dresses made mostly of paper.  Margaret has decided to "retire" from hosting this challenge and she has approved me as new host.  I'm excited and a bit nervous about this!  I plan to start the Project in January and similar to the ATC swaps, have a monthly theme to each dress.  What do you think about an Art Within Art Theme?  Pick an artist, and design your dress around that style.  For example, if you were to pick VanGogh as the artist, design your dress around one of his peices, or Vincent himself.  Sound fun?  Let me know what you think.  Here is a "in progress" button for the Project.

By the way, Anna is hosting what looks to be a fun challenge beginning in January called The Artful Bag Challenge.  I plan to participate. How about a bag to match my dress each month!!!

Have a super weekend!  Stay warm!

Toodles,

Angela