It's Compendium of Curiosities 3 Challenge Time!

It's finally here! The challenge has begun and I can finally post my project created for the first challenge!

The first challenge is based on the paint marbling technique which can be found on Page 43 of your CCIII book. Here is my project:


I first used the technique on a manila tag using Squeezed Lemonade, Dried Marigold, Broken China and Peeled Paint Distressed Paints. I used some Vintage Photo and Crushed Olive Distress Ink to fill in.

Then I used a piece of manila cardstock and, using the same technique, created a second piece using Squeezed Lemonade, Dried Marigold, Wild Honey and Seedless Preserves. After I dried this piece I ran it through the Vagabond using one of my new favorite dies, Tim's Sizzix Tattered Flower Garland. I then die cut cream cardstock using my other favorite die, the Spring Greenery. I added color using Crushed Olive and Forest Moss Distress Inks.

Finally, to finish the piece, I stamped Tim's Stamper's Anonymous bird and nest on a separate piece of cream cardstock, colored with Distress inks and cut out. These pieces were glued to the tag and then the greenery and flowers filled in around the nest and bird. I also die cut a Memory Box Donnington Tendril and added it to the scene. I used Wendy Vecchi's stamp for the sentiment. I finished the whole piece off with a beautiful new metal piece by Tim that I painted with Distress Paints.

Now it's your turn! Head on over to the CC3C Challenge page to look over the rules, learn the Marbled Paint technique on page 43 and create your own art! Be sure to upload your piece after you have finished to the challenge page (you can find instructions on the Challenge Page and visit each member of the Curiosity Crew's website/blog. Leave a comment if you would like a chance at winning a fabulous prize from Tim and Mario!

Linda Ledbetter - Linda Ledbettter.com
Yvonne Blair -      Life's Little Details
Candy Colwell -  Creativity is Contagious
Annette Green -  Annette's Creative Journey
Cheryl Grigsby -  Cheryl's Paper Artz
Anita Houston -   The Artful Maven
Marjie Kemper - Marjie Kemper Designs
Susan Mostek -  You are Here
Hels Sheridan -   Ink on My Fingers


This week's challenge sponsor is The Inspiration Emporium. They will be offering a 10% discount to anyone who uses the CC3C code.  They are also providing a $50.00 gift certificate to one lucky challenge winner. Good luck to everyone!

Susan

Compendium of Curiosities III Challenge is Here!

The official announcement has been made, so I can now tell you the exciting news! The fabulous Linda Ledbetter is hosting the official Compendium of Curiosities III Challenge (#CC3C) based on techniques from Tim Holtz's incredible new book by the same name, the third in a series.  The book is jam-packed with amazing art inspiration and techniques!  The challenge begins next Saturday, April 26th.

I was extremely honored to be asked by Linda to be part of the Curiosity Crew, a wonderful group of super talented artists and special friends who will be playing along with all of you!  We are ready to get curious and want you to join us in the fun, so pull out your Distress inks and paints and and let's get creative!  

I have it on good authority that there are a TON of fabulous prizes to give away provided by Tim and Mario as well as our generous sponsors, the Inspiration Emporium and the Funkie Junkie Boutique!  Instructions on how to win will  be included with each new post.

To play along with us, you will first need your own copy of the book.   If you don't have the book yet, you may purchase it here.  The challenges will be posted every two weeks along with the page number from the book where the technique can be found.  Linda will be mixing things up, so none of the challenges will follow in the same order as the book.  Check out the Challenge page here for more information and to meet your Curiosity Crew!

Are you ready?  Get those creative juices flowing and join us in the fun!

Healthy Eating

Like many of us, I have been determined to eat healthier this year. As a part of my journey, I decided to try new foods I was not familiar with. The first one I tried was Quinoa, a seed grown in the Andes mostly from Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. I love it! I found a recipe on the back of a bag of quinoa from my local Kroger store - a Mediterranean Quinoa Salad - and whipped it up that same day. I enjoyed it so much that I make it quite often and usually take it with me to Rocky Mountain Memories to eat at lunchtime when I am teaching.

Many people have seen and smelled my lunch and asked me for the recipe to try, so here it is!

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad


- 2 cups chicken broth 1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped
1 garlic clove, smashed 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 cup Quinoa, uncooked 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
2 large cooked chicken 1/4 cup chives, chopped
breasts, cubed salt and pepper to taste
1 small red onion, chopped 2/3 cup lemon juice
1 large red bell pepper 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil

In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and garlic clove to a boil. Stir in the quinoa, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the chicken broth has been absorbed, 15-20 minutes. Discard the garlic clove and transfer the quinoa to a large bowl. Gently stir the chicken, onion, bell pepper, olives, feta cheese, parsleym chives, salt and pepper into the quinoa. Drizzle with lemon juice, balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Stir until well combined. Serve warm or refrigerate and serve cold.

Makes about 8 servings

I like to prepare this dish with vegetarian ingredients every so often. To do this, prepare the quinoa in vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and use tofu instead of cubed chicken breasts.

Hope you enjoy this dish!




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