JANUARY ART ADVENTURE - "BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!"

Happy Winter everyone!  I know that a lot of you are not happy with this cold snap we have had along with the snow here in the U.S.  How has the weather been in the U.K.?  I was one of those moaning about it recently, however, I decided to turn things around and think of some positive aspects of Winter and especially snow.  One of my very favorite things to do when I was young was to go outside and catch snowflakes.  So, in honor of this winter fun, here is my project:

I decided to create a fat tag using one of my all time favorite B Line Designs stamps,  Dream Catcher.                          The stamp has a background, however, I  decided to cut her away from the background after coloring her with Prisma Color pencils and paint my own sky instead.

I incorporated one of my favorite techniques,  Paint Marbling.  If you don't know how to do this technique, you can find it on Page 43 of Tim Holtz's Compendium of Curiosities Volume III book.

I used four colors of Distress Paint,  Blueprint Sketch, Stormy Sky, Weathered Wood and Picket Fence and added a bit of each color to a craft sheet.  Then I spritzed the whole thing with water and ran my tag through the paint, swirling it as I went.  I dried it with a heat tool and then ran it through the paint again.  Love the way this turned out!

Since I'm from Colorado, I wanted to add some evergreen trees to the background behind my girl.  I used a Thinlits evergreen border die by Tim Holtz Alterations for Sizzix.  I die cut the border twice, once in a dark green and the second one in a lighter green.  Then I adhered the two together, slightly off-setting them to add dimension.

Next I added some gesso to the edges of the trees to look like snow.

Of course I needed a mound of snow for the little girl to stand on.  I took a scrap of white card stock and cut it in a curved fashion, then cut the edges to fit the tag.  I adhered my snow mound to the tag using foam tape.

I stamped just the snow mound from the Dream Catcher stamp, cut it out and adhered it to my larger snow mound cut from scrap card stock.  Foam tape was adhered to the upper part of the girl for dimension. I left the lower part of her legs free and used matte medium to adhere her boots and pantaloons to the snow mound.

At this point she needs some snowflakes to catch.  I die cut some small snowflakes from Cheery Lynn's Snowflake die  using white glitter card stock.  I then adhered the snowflakes randomly onto the tag.  At the same time, I created a loop and bow using one of my favorite ribbons from Creative Impressions, the white glitter ribbon.

I used gesso to add some snow texture around the edges of both of my snow mounds and sprinkled some Clear Rock Candy Distress Glitter over the top while it was still wet.  To finish the piece,  I added a slightly larger snowflake to the snow mound for interest as well as a purple felt Snowflake from Creative Impressions and a die cut snowflake over the top.  Here is a close up of the finished piece.

 And once again here is the entire piece.  Note that I created a black card stock mat for the back of the tag.

I hope you have enjoyed my Winter tag and that it inspires you to go out and catch a few snowflakes of your own!

We are all enjoying your projects for "Baby, It's Cold Outside!" here at Creative Carte Blanche!  Hope to see lots more!

Susan

CREATIVE CARTE BLANCHE - CORRUGATED PAPER, METAL AND LACE

Hello everyone!  I hope you have all been enjoying your creative adventures with Creative Carte Blanche!  I know all of us have truly enjoyed seeing your creations and are learning a lot at the same time!

Candy is hosting this current adventure and has come up with a wonderful challenge for us all - to use corrugated paper, metal and lace together in the same project.  I really enjoyed the idea of grouping these three items together and, something unusual for me, came up with an idea pretty quickly.

Those of you who followed us during our Compendium of Curiosities adventure may know that I love to use old photographs that I am fortunate enough to have from my family.  It has always been on my "bucket list" to create beautiful art with these photographs to enjoy and hopefully pass down in the family.  If you are like me, I have so many projects in my head and not enough time to do them all, so it is nice that I have this opportunity.  Here is my creation:

The photo is of my great grandparents' wedding.  I decided that I didn't want to add much color to this piece, so I used light colors that I found in the photo.

I started off by using white gesso to prepare the canvas.  Then I began laying different pieces I wanted to incorporate until I was happy with the look.  Originally I thought I would add a pop of color to the top right and bottom left of the canvas, however, I decided to remove the fussy cut paper flowers and stick with a softer look.

I then removed all of the elements and glued torn pieces of corrugated cardboard onto the canvas.

Next came the paint.  I used Tim Holtz Distress Paints - Antique Linen, Tattered Rose, Brushed Corduroy, Pumice Stone, Vintage Photo and Picket Fence and applied them with a brush and a baby wipe.  I tried to closely match the colors found in the photo.

I used DecoArt's Media Matte Varnish to seal the canvas when the paint was dry.

I painted a torn heart I created with the same colors from the canvas and sealed it.  I then added a       Time Piece and a word band from Tim Holtz Idea-ology to the heart.

Then it was on to the lace.  I wanted to use quite a bit in order to create a soft, romantic feel.

It was now time to add some additional metal embellishments, a key and a Philosophy Tag               from Idea-ology.  I laid down some Prima flowers so that I could judge where to put the metal pieces.

They are hard to see, but the leaves are also metal leaves from Idea-ology.

Now to add the photo...I adhered the photo to some heavy black cardstock first to make it stronger and then adhered the photo to the canvas using foam tape and matte medium.

To complete the piece, I adhered the Prima flowers to the canvas as well as three antique buttons from Tim Holtz Idea-ology.  The torn heart was also adhered, partially covering the bottom of the photo.

I have to say that I am pleased with the way this canvas turned out!  I think my great grandparents would be happy!

Many thanks to Candy for coming up with this wonderful adventure for the month of March.  Hope you all will join along!  Don't forget to check out our blog and upload your photos here.

Happy crafting!
Susan

Altered Surfaces

We have arrived at the next to last challenge - No. 33 - for the Compendium of Curiosities III Challenge!  Say it isn't so!  I have been having so much fun with these challenges that I hate to say goodbye to them!

The current challenge, Altered Surfaces, can be found on Page 45 of Tim's Compendium of Curiosities III book.  It's never too late to get your autographed copy which can be found here.  Tim and Mario are also providing a fabulous prize package to the winner chosen by the Curiosity Crew.

The wonderful folks at Inspiration Emporium also have a generous $50.00 shopping spree just waiting for the randomly chosen winner of this challenge. You will love their product selection and customer service!

Now all of us on the Curiosity Crew want you to participate, so head on over to Linda Ledbetter's site here for all the rules!

Here is my project:

A lovely blog comment was made that she enjoyed my use of family photos in past blog challenge posts.  It made be realize that I hadn't incorporated any for awhile! Time to dig out more photos! 

I have always wanted to do something with the above hilarious photo of my mother (center) with her best buddies, Pat (left) and Ginger (right).  She has tried to convince me that this photo was taken in Wenatchee, Washington at the carnival during the Apple Blossom Festival.  However, I know better as I have this photo that shows what happened to these naughty girls:

Now for the challenge piece.  I chose to alter the large number 3 as well as the arrow.  I thought the technique would be most effective on larger pieces.  The number 3 is from Idea-ology Alpha Parts  Numeric and the Arrow is from Alpha Parts Framed.  I attempted to use the technique on the framed sentiment, also from the Alpha Parts Framed, however, I think it is much more effective on the more solid pieces.  I can't tell you how I accomplished this look as you have to find out yourself by turning to page 45 of the book, however, here are close-ups of the two altered surfaces:

I began my project by placing patterned paper cards from Idea-ology Pocket Cards behind the photo and adhering them to my Burlap canvas (also from Idea-ology)  I then adhered  a red strip cut from Tim's Sizzix Alterations Frameworks Courtyard die so that it would peek out from behind my photo as well as another card from the Pocket Cards.   I adhered my enlarged photo over the paper and die and added some Film Strip Ribbon on either side of the photo.   This is how it looked at that point:

Now I began to add more details to the canvas, including a Flash Card with the word "Friend" (I added an "s" from Alpha Parts to the end) from Flash Cards Elementary, Two Remnant Rubs from the Numbers Sheet, several pieces from the Ephemera Pack (Thrift Shop and Expedition), some tiny playing cards from my stash and a Word Band.  I threaded Correspondence Paper String through the Word Band and adhered blue eyelets.  The Paper String was wrapped around to the back of the canvas.  I did the same thing on the right side of the piece as well.  Here are some close ups of the details:

I used Distress Paints to add color to the Alpha Parts Framed "Good Times".  The red ticket is an actual raffle ticket and the other two are from the Ephemera Packs.

One last look at the finished project:

Looking at this piece in my studio will definitely make me smile!

Ok, now it's your turn to create a project using Altered Surfaces!  I hope you have as much fun as I did with this project!  My mother will either laugh or be horrified that I chose these photos!

Susan

CC3C Eroded Metallic Technique

We have arrived at the 29th Challenge, the Eroded Metallic technique found on Page 33 of Tim's Compendium of Curiosity III book.  Think it's too late to join us?  It's never too late!  You still have time to purchase an autographed copy of the book here.

This challenge is being sponsored by the Inspiration Emporium, a wonderful online company!  They are providing one lucky randomly chosen winner a $50.00 shopping spree, so buy the book, try out the technique and join us.  All the information, including rules for participating, can be found at the lovely Linda's website here.  Tim and Mario have yet another fabulous prize package for the winner as chosen by the Curiosity Crew!

I was in my studio the other day trying to decide what I was going to create with this fun technique.  I looked out the window, and, as usual, it was raining AGAIN!  That's when I decided that I just had to incorporate Tim's Stamper's Anonymous Umbrella Man with an Idea-ology Faucet Knob to act as a shut-off valve.  That way I can shut the rain off temporarily, at least in my imagination!  I guess the knob also represents shutting off fear and indeed "Living the life you have imagined" - traveling, dreaming, just going for it!  Here is my creation:

I love the look of the finished technique so much that I didn't want to add too many images to take away from the eroded metallic look.  Believe me, I tried!  Finally, I decided that simplicity was the answer and then I was satisfied with this tag.

After completing the technique (wish I could tell you how I did it, however, you'll have to look in the book on Page 44 yourself), I stamped the Umbrella Man directly to the tag along with the sentiment from Tim's Stamper's Anonymous Creative Muse cling mount stamp set.  I also used several rub-ons from Idea-ology Words remnant rubs which I adhered directly to the tag.  Finally,  I had to have my rain Faucet Knob.   Before adding it to the tag, I used some of the Paint colors from the tag background to add a bit of color to the faucet knob.

Finally, I adhered a black mat to the tag and died crinkle ribbon with some of the same colors I used for my technique, Cracked Pistachio, Evergreen Bough, Peeled Paint and Broken China Distress Paints.  I also added a bit of the Metallic Bronze paint on the ribbon.  Voila!  Easy to do!

I also wanted to experiment more with this technique to see what it would look like to be "more eroded".  I made up a quick tag to show you what it looks like.  I actually like how both of them turned out!

I hope you will all try this fun and easy technique!  I am "hooked" now and will definitely be incorporating it into my future artwork!

Once again here is my finished project:

Hope you enjoy it!  I wish you all sunshine (except in drought-sticken areas).  Maybe we can send some of this extra water your way via the Colorado River.  Can't wait to see what all of you create!

Susan

Embossing Diffusers

Have you heard of Tim Holtz Sizzix Alterations Embossing Diffusers?  If you haven't, this is a product you will definitely want to look for!  Embossing Diffusers are featured in this 27th Compendium of Curiosities III Challenge, so get out Tim's book by the same name and play along! Still don't have the book?  You may still purchase your autographed copy here.  If you don't have the embossing diffusers,  head on over to The Inspiration Emporium and order one!  The Inspiration Emporium is also the sponsor of this week's challenge and is providing a $50.00 shopping spree to one lucky randomly chosen winner!

Tim and Mario have another amazing prize package waiting for the winner of the Curiosity Crew's Choice.  I have noticed that several people have just bought the book and are playing along now!  Goes to show you it's never too late!  You will find this challenge on Page 61 of the book.

Without further ado, here is the project I created with the Embossing Diffuser:

I lOVE this butterfly image from Tim's Stampers Anonymous Perspective set!   Many people have already featured it in their artwork.  I have just been biding my time waiting for the perfect moment and I think this is it!

I started by using the paint marbling technique on manila card stock.  The paint colors are Cracked Pistachio and Pumice Stone.  I then filled in with Gathered Twigs Distress ink.

Before I began the embossing diffuser technique.  I also used the paint marbling technique on three more pieces of manila card stock for the butterfly.  So sorry I didn't get a picture of these pieces!  I used Cracked Pistachio, Squeezed Lemonade, Mustard Seed and Dusty Concord Distress Paints.

I followed the technique on Page 61 using Tim's Sizzix Alterations small oval embossing diffuser found in Set 1 and his Sizzix Alterations Trellis embossing folder.  Using Tarnished Brass Distress Paint, I then lightly touched the paint to the raised parts of the embossed piece.  I love the contrast with the open area of the oval!  To finish it off, I found some gold fiber in my stash I adhered around  the oval to make it stand out even more!  It was easy as the shape was clearly defined on the card.  Finally I added three small flowers I die cut from a portion of the prepared marbled card stock using Tim's Alterations Tattered Floral Garland die and some ivy from the Spring Greenery die.  For the flower stamens I put some matte medium  in the center of the flowers and sprinkled some coppery colored micro beads inside.

I stamped the butterfly three times on the marbled card stock and cut out all three.  I added a bit of slightly watered down Tarnished Brass Distress paint to the wings close to the edges and then adhered all three butterflies together using matte medium.  To finish the butterfly, I wanted it to connect "color-wize" with the metallic colors in the flower stamen, so I used the same micro beads for the butterfly's body.

Here are some close ups:

I am finding it quite interesting how the different lighting conditions affect the color of the project....

The last step was to adhere the completed butterfly to the card piece.  Once again here is the completed project:

As always, we REALLY enjoy seeing all the clever things you do with your artwork!  Head on over to Linda Ledbetter's site for all the details and make sure to follow the rules!  Most of all, have fun!

Susan

Distress Watercolor - Part 2

I know I say this every time, but I really can't believe we have arrived at Number 20 for the Compendium of Curiosities III Challenge!  I hope all of you are having as much fun as we are creating these projects!

I finished this piece just before I was lucky enough to go to the Craft and Hobby Trade Show in Anaheim, California with most of my dear friends and fellow members of the Curiosity Crew, including the lovely Linda Ledbetter (unfortunately several members could not attend this year).  We have returned with lots of new ideas and inspiration which we hope to share with all of you.

Here is the card I created using this wonderful Distress Watercolor Part 2 technique:

I have wanted to use this fabulous Tim Holtz dragonfly stamp by Stampers Anonymous for such a long time!  Even though we are still in the midst of Winter, I must say that, after being in California and returning to snow and cold, I am ready for some warmer weather and dragonflies!

Have you used Ranger's watercolor paper yet?   I love it! There is so much detail on the paper and the ink colors stand out so beautifully!  

I apologize I don't have a lot of step by step photos.  However, here are a few close-ups of the card details:

After following the technique found on Page 40 of Tim's Compendium of Curiosities III book which can still be purchased here, I added some more detail to the card.  This is a silver dragonfly brad from Creative Impressions to which I added some Seedless Preserves Distress Paint (my favorite color) and placed it inside the "dragonfly" circle which is part of the stamp.

I took a scrap piece of the watercolor paper and stamped Happy Birthday from Tim's Simple Sayings.  I cut the paper to the same width as my dragonfly piece and adhered pieces of aqua card stock to the backs to create two mats.

Next I had some beautiful Birdsong Cherry Blossoms paper from Graphic 45 which I thought would make a lovely background. I adhered both stamped and matted pieces to the G45 paper.   I also wanted to add a few extra flowers, so I fussy cut several of the flowers from the paper and layered them to some foliage cut from Tim's Sizzix Alterations Spring Greenery die using green card stock accented with some Peeled Paint Distress ink.  I then adhered more foliage to the base of the card underneath the Happy Birthday sentiment from Tim's Simple Sayings stamp set.

The watercolored dragonfly image and the Happy Birthday sentiments were both layered onto aqua card stock and adhered to Cherry Blossoms background paper.  To finish this piece I used Tim's crinkle ribbon which was dyed with Tattered Rose and Spun Sugar Distress Paint, tied into a bow and adhered to the bottom of the card.

This 20th challenge is being sponsored by The Funkie Junkie Boutique.  A $25.00 shopping spree will be awarded to one lucky randomly chosen winner.  I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely owner, Linda, at the trade show.  What a wonderful and sweet person she is!

Tim and Mario have another prize package awaiting the winner of the Curiosity Crew choice for this challenge.  Head on over to Linda Ledbetter's site for all the rules on how to participate and possibly win this terrific prize package.

Come join us!  We would love to see your creations!

Susan

Fabulous Frayed Fabric

Happy New Year, everyone!  I can't believe I am sharing the 19th CC3 Challenge, Frayed Fabric, with all of you!  Somehow I managed to get it done even though I had company for the holidays.  Here it is:

I will confess that I had never used Tim's Eclectic Elements Fabric before.  However, I LOVED the finished product!  The fabric is such good quality which made it so easy to work with.

I wanted a "natural" look to this project so I decided that a burlap panel was in order to use with the fabric (LOVE Tim's burlap panels).  I also wanted to keep it simple.  I referred to the technique found on Page 66 of Tim's Compendium of Curiosity III book and followed the instructions to create the fabric background.  I used the Eclectic Elements Timepieces Neutral fabric.

This piece is dedicated to my father, so I copied his high school graduation photo which I adhered to a slightly larger black mat and then to the fabric.  It started out like this:

My grandparents had very little money (remember the piece I did with the imaginary Paris honeymoon? - that's them), and my father had a dream to be a dentist.  Without any money or emotional support, he set out to make his dream come true.  After much sacrifice, he did indeed graduate from the University of Washington with a degree in Dentistry and was a Navy dentist for many years.

I used the Alpha Part - Remember and backed it with a piece of red card stock.  I then poked a hole in the card stock below the "R" and threaded through a piece of thin jute .  The other end of the jute was used to attach a Philosphy Tag that says "Journey".  I wanted my Dad to remember this journey he was on as his accomplishment is a source of great pride, as it should be.

I loved the expression "Dare to Dream" from Tim's Simple Sayings set, so I stamped it on a piece of extra cream card stock, inked around the edges with Fired Brick Distress ink and adhered it to the piece.  I also used Alpha Tiles to spell out "D A D".  A Word Band which says "Life is about creating yourself" was threaded through a piece of natural trim, a pen nib (representing his studies) was added to the upper right portion of his photo and finally a metal Timepiece with game spinners attached was adhered over a piece from the Thrift Shop Ephemera pack.  I used Fired Brick Paint to highlight the words on the Philosophy Tag and the Word Band and also on the metal timepiece to add some color.

Here's one last look at the finished project.

There you have it!  I truly hope you will participate in this fun challenge.  Whether you are new to this challenge or have participated before, we would love to see your work!  You can still order your very own copy of Tim's book here and you will find this particular challenge technique on page 66.  Then head on over to Linda Ledbetter's site to get all the information you need about participating, including all the rules.

This challenge is generously sponsored by the Inspiration Emporium.  One lucky randomly chosen winner will win a $50.00 shopping spree to their site.  A fabulous prize package generously provided by Tim and Mario will be presented to the winner of this challenge as chosen by the Curiosity Crew.  Good luck to all of you!

All the best
Susan

Vintage Photo Tinting

Whether you are incorporating vintage photos into your artwork or would like to colorize some of those treasured old photos, this technique is for you!  Turn to Page 41 of Tim Holtz's Compendium of Curiosities III book, learn the technique and join us for this challenge!

If this is your first time joining us or you would like to review all the challenge rules, please head on over to Linda Ledbetter's site (our fabulous hostess) to familiarize yourself with the rules.  This week's challenge (Number 12, can you believe it?) is sponsored by the generous folks at The Funkie Junkie Boutique.  Tim and Mario also have yet another wonderful prize waiting for the winner of this challenge!

Here is my project:

I decided to use a photo of my mother when she was 2 years old.  (She is 85 now).  After following the tehnique on page 41, I then placed the photo in one of Tim's Cabinet Cards.

I didn't want to detract from the photo too much by getting carried away with embellishments, so I used a minimal number which I think accented the photo just right.  I started by placing two strips of scalloped trim from Tim's Industrious Stickers, Frames and Trims set on the top and bottom of the photo.  I then added some Tissue Tape - Elements to one side of the card (I love this one as it reminded me a bit of a growth chart). 

I spelled out M O M with Tim's Alpha Tiles Chipboard Letters tiles and adhered them directly to the photo.  The final embellishment was the lovely metal rose and leaf from the Idea-ology Adornments Nature.  I used Aged Mahogany and Peeled Paint Distress Paints to add color.  The last touch to the photo itself was to dye  thin fiber with Aged Mahogany Distress Paint, tie a small bow and adhere at the top of the letter "O".  Here is a close up:

Lastly, I used one of my all time favorite Idea-ology accents, a word band on the bottom of the card that says " Know in Your Heart that You are Loved.  Before adhering it to the card, I threaded through some Crinkle Ribbon which I had previously dyed with Aged Mahogany Distress Paint.  I was so thrilled that I could match the color I used in the bench my mother is sitting on with the rose, the fiber bow and the crinkle ribbon!  What fun!

The stamp I used as part of the tinting technique is from Stamper's Anonymous.  I think it fits perfectly and is a wonderful reminder to never stop playing!  

I hope my project will inspire all of you to pull out those vintage photos of  your family or look for "found" relatives to incorporate into your artwork.  All of us at the Curiosity Crew look forward to seeing all your beautiful and inspirational pieces!

Susan

Stamps and Framelits (and Family)

They're BAACK!  Yes, some of you have commented that you would like to see more projects done combining Tim's fabulous techniques with my family photos and stories.  After taking a break from using my photographs last week and instead using Tim's Three Gentleman (love that stamp!), who anyone can claim as relatives, I decided to use a beloved photo of my grandparents (my Dad's parents) on their wedding day for this ninth challenge. Here it is:

For this Stamps and Framelits challenge, I used Tim's wonderful French Flight set which includes Paris scenes as well as the butterflies we all know and love!

My grandparents had very little money when they were married.  Belle and Irvin met in Devil's Lake, North Dakota and instantly fell in love.  Grandpa traveled for work logging, harvesting wheat, etc. eventually settling in Bellingham, Washington, quite aways from North Dakota.  They exchanged love letters which I was thrilled to inherit in which Grandpa always called Grandma "Sweetheart"  He was determined to marry her and worked hard to save $50.00 to send her for the train fare to come out to Bellingham and marry him!  She got on that train and never saw her parents again (that part I find so sad)

As they had very little money, they had a simple wedding.  This photo was taken in front of a house.  I decided to create a canvas of a place where I imagine they would have loved to have been married and honeymooned, Paris...

I used a small white canvas as a base and colored it, using Antique Linen, Victorian Velvet and Shaded Lilac Distress Paints slightly watered down to paint the canvas.  I wanted a pastel, soft, romantic background and these colors worked well together.

I then found and printed out the sheet music to the song "Let me Call You Sweetheart" which seemed appropriate for this piece.  I tore around the edges and adhered it to the canvas with Matte Medium and more Distress Paints.  I wrapped some of Tim's Music Tissue Tape around the bottom on the canvas and painted it as well.

Following the technique found on Page 63 of Tim's Compendim of Curiosities III book, I stamped and cut out the Eiffel Tower and Paris signs, colored them and added them to my collage long with some wonderful Ideology pieces, including the Word Band and Word Key which I colored using the Shaded Lilac Distress Paint.  One of my favorite pieces is this adornment I created  from a length of Trimming,  an Accoutrements Fanciful Button and a Bauble placed in the top left corner.  Here is a close up:

I also used the Heart Charm and the Plaquette with the number 17 representing my father's birthday.  I used the  Stampers Anonymous Tiny Words stamp, stamping it directly onto tissue paper and cutting the words apart.  I then adhered my chosen words to the canvas with matte medium and, once dry, drew around them with Victorian Velvet and Shaded Lilac Distress Markers.

Hope you all have fun playing with Stamps and Framelits!  I sure did!  This 9th challenge is generously sponsored by The Inspiration Emporium who is providing a $50.00 gift certificate to a lucky random winner and, of course, by the fabulous Tim and Mario, who will be providing the wonderful package of goodies to the Curiosity Crew Choice winner!  Good luck to everyone.

Just joining us?  Head on over to Linda Ledbetter's blog where you can find all the information you need to play along with us, including how to get your very own autographed copy of the Tim's book and all the contest rules.  Upload your creation based on the technique and enjoy viewing the wonderful projects made by so many talented people!  

Thanks for joining us!

Susan