Profile Pic

I almost forgot to mention...I finally added a pic to my profile. This is for those people out there who have been bugging me about having no pic.

It is of course only about 40 years old but it's my most favorite picture I have of myself - LOL!!!

I'd much rather be behind the camera instead of in front of it.

Technique Requests & More

I ended up having to go back to the dr. today for a return visit to see how my bronchitis/URI/whatever was coming along so I didn't get to play like I wanted. :( Boo Hisss! Terrible when things like that get in the way of crafting isn't it.

BUT, Phinny reminded me yesterday that I never shared the list I compiled of techniques that everyone posted or e-mailed me. I didn't keep track of numbers but there were several that were repeated by many people. Below is a list of what everyone said they were interested in seeing....FYI - I lumped some techniques or products into one group since they were similar.

These first few were the most requested above and beyond the rest...

1. UTEE - anything and everything to do with this ep.


2. Image Transfer Techniques


3. Shrink Plastic - seems everyone has it but doesn't do anything with it.


4. Old = New - new or different ways to use old supplies (chalks, stickers, pattern papers, etc.)


5. Beeswax - everything about it.


6. Collage - How to + examples of finished collages


7. Multi- Media Art - Dimensional art incorporating more than just paper.


8. Metal - etching, patinas, rust, mesh, etc.


9. Fabric/Trim/Ribbon - ideas for using them on cards, ATC's, LO's & other projects


10. Clear Stuff - working with acetate, transparencies, acrylics, etc.

While these didn't make it into the top 10 there were still multiple requests for many of them....

1. Plaster Frames - texture, stamped, etc.


2. Masking - the rubber stamp type of masking - not the stencil type


3. Distress Metallic Paints


4. Distress Stickles


5. Masks - Tim Holtz/Heidi Swapp type of masks - incorporating the large masks into smaller projects


6. Watercolor techniques for stamped images


7. Flat Gift Ideas - suitable for mailing


8. Alcohol Inks - more, more, more!


9. Charms - all sorts


10. Glimmer Mist Ideas


11. Sticky Back Canvas


12. Pearl Ex


13. Canvas Techniques or projects to make out of canvas.


14. Mica


15. Dry Embossing


16. Mod Podge projects


17. Clay/Paper Clay


18. Twinkling H2O's


19. Gesso/Texturing


20. Altered Books/Altered Journals


21. Angelina Film


22. Card ideas and tips on how to come up with card lay-outs


23. Solar Plate Etching

Now you might be wondering what the blue highlighted techniques are all about...these projects, techniques or products are included in some way in my book :) That doesn't mean I won't share these with you, I just have to be careful about which techniques I share.

Since tomorrow is Friday I thought I'd share a card lay-out with you and a few other goodies over the weekend. Next week I will start sharing variety of UTEE techniques since that seems to be the most popular request. After that, I plan on sharing several image transfer techniques that I didn't have room to fit into the book.

Sound like a good plan? I hope so :)

If you do think of a technique, project or product you'd like to see just let me know. I'd be more than happy to do what I can to share it with everyone!

Happy Day Friends!!

Leafing Flakes - All Over Effect

Hey Everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful St. Pattie's Day :) It was totally amazing here in Indiana yesterday ~ first off it was sunny and 74 degrees!!!! That is unheard of for this time of year but oh so very welcome!

We also had another big "happening" here yesterday as well ~ actually, it was the reason I didn't post this final installment about the leafing flakes. My *baby* took the test and got his drivers learning permit!!!!!!!!!!! OMG ~ I sprout about 10 new gray hairs ;) Seriously, he's a really good driver...yes, he's a farm boy and has actually been driving for about a year now following tractors and such ~ shhhhh! So we celebrated last night :)

Now, normally the boys get/got their practice driving with their dad but I think I'm going to let him drive us to tutoring tonite...wish me luck - LOL!!!

I've had several questions about the Sepp Leafing flakes so I thought I'd share it here with everyone.

How big is the neat box they come in?

Each box is 4 1/2" x 3" x 1 1/2" it holds 5 grams which I know doesn't sound like much but these flakes are lighter than a feather. You can't even feel them in your hand they are so light.

How far do they (the leafing flakes) go/last?

Well, I tell you ~ I have used the same 4 boxes on all of the examples I've made for the blog as well as on several projects in the book. Two of the boxes don't even look like any has been used, one box has about a 1/4" space from the top and the other (my favorite mix) is about 1/2" down from the top! They last a looonnnnnngggggg time!

How much do they cost?

Well it looks like anywhere from 11.00 - 17.00 a box depending on the mix and where you buy them. I know that sounds a bit expensive but when you look at how most of the other leafing flakes sell for 8-10.00 for 1 gram it's a huge savings.

Here are a couple of places I've found that carry them on line....

Artist & Craftsman Supply the flakes are actually on sale right now!

Guilded Planet

I hope these help :)

And on to the All over Effect....

I tell you I love this stuff so much I decided to cover and entire sheet of paper with it. I thought it would be fun to make some die-cuts from this paper and oh my...they turned out awesome!!

These were cut using a Sizzix die but I'm sure most would work since the flakes add virtually no height/bulk to the surface of the paper.

I also wanted to show you what it looked like if you wanted to stamp on the leafed paper. I used the same stamp on all of the examples. I thought it was a nice choice because there are solid areas (flower heads) and delicate areas (stems) to show how the flakes take to various mediums.

I did want to mention that if you do stamp on an all-over leafing you will want to burnish the flakes. I know I know ~ I said I didn't burnish - normally I don't. If I'm using the leafing as an accent or with other techniques I don't burnish. I like the lumpy bumpy look. For the stamping though you really need to. It gives you a smooth surface and it also ensures that all of the flakes stay put.

The first example was stamped using Archival Ink. Depending on what angle you look at it the ink almost disappears but turn it a bit and it's very clear.

I used Adirondack Acrylic Dabber to stamp on this example - it's much more visible but since it's acrylic paint it's not as finely defined as the ink.

NOW, this is my favorite example...I stamped it using Adirondack Pigment Ink and added Black Embossing Powder. Just look at how stunning the deep rich black is on the leafing! It's simply beautiful.

So there you have it...all over leafing die-cut and stamped!

Just gotta love those flakes :)

Tomorrow we'll start fresh with something new... I haven't decided exactly what yet but hope you stop in and check it out.

Hope you have a wonderful evening!!

Happy St. Paddy's Day!!!

Top 'o the mornin to ye all!

I hope you're all wearing green today ~ don't want anybody out there to get pinched ;)

Did you know that there are more people of Irish decent in America than in Ireland it's self? I was surprised when I heard that on the Today show this a.m....Pretty wild huh?

I am amazed at how popular St. Patrick's Day is...I never realized it until after I had posted the St. Pat's Quotes/Proverbs list on the blog. I have been getting loads of hits on the list - I'm not sure if people are making cards or just want to have a few good Irish quotes/proverbs ready to share with others. Either way I'm glad I have them to share. I'm going to try to get another list of quotes up soon but it takes a while to type them all out.

Well, it's time for the drawing for the Pot 'O Gold goodies ~ a mini rubber stamp set and some gold leafing flakes - X2.

The lucky winners are.....(as determined by random.org)

iammaryburke said...
When I lived in Louisiana, I used to love looking at the green scum that collects in the swamps. Swamps are actually quite beautiful!
March 13, 2009 7:21 AM

And

Vicki Holdwick said...
My favorite green thing is a new leaf - actually kind of yellow green, but wonderful to see anyway. It has been winter here for so long, I am anxious to see the green of Spring.
March 13, 2009 9:04 AM

Please e-mail your snail mail addies to me ladies!

No fear if you didn't win...

I've got a few more fun goodies in store for you real soon!

Now, it's time to THINK SPRING!!!

Newspaper Article on My Book!!!

Hey guys!

Remember I told you the article came out in today's living section of our tri-county paper. WELL...it's on-line too!!! So here it is - Altered Arts by Bob Braley.

IF you want a sneak peek into some of the projects shown in the book the article also has LOADS of photos - way more than the print article. Everything you see in the pics are in the book somewhere!

I am so happy with it and I'm very glad they put the last line because it's so very true.....

"Johnson’s advice to prospective artists wondering about trying a project: Just do it. “There’s no right or wrong in art,” she said. “If you like it, then it’s right.”

Well, let me know what you think!

5 People You Meet In Heaven....

Well, I had planned on sharing another fun technique with you using the metal leafing flakes but it was such a nice day out today here in Indiana. Much nicer than it normally is in March (almost 50 degrees!!). So I spent the day out at our farm with dh and Bob just messin' around and supervising their work ;)

This evening after supper dh put on a movie I had never seen...5 People You Meet In Heaven.... Oh my, now I have to first tell you I'm a sap...I cry at songs on the radio, sad or even happy stories, you name it. I cry at the drop of a hat! WELL, I'm telling you what...be prepared - this was a 12 tissue movie for me (yes, I counted - lol!!) It is just a really amazing movie and it makes you stop a moment and think about your own life. It made me realize how lucky I am and how thankful we should all be for sharing our lives with others. It also made me think about how in the end everyone is connected together in one way or another and that we're all just sharing one big lifetime....

So.....thank YOU for sharing your life with me!

(told you I was a sap!!)

(((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))

Oh yeah...and I'll have more fun leafing stuff to share tomorrow ;)

By the way...It's been so much fun reading what every one's favorite green thing is. I forgot to share what my favorite green item was. I think it would have to be green grass...I love the smell when it's freshly mown and I really love to walk bare foot through it. Next would be a hay field...yep, I'm such a farm girl ;) Anyway, that's my favorite green thing.

I almost forgot...TOMORROW my article comes out in the newspaper!!! I can't wait to see it! I never got to see what the reporter was writing so it's going to be a total surprise. I hope it's nice whatever he said - LOL!! I'm going to go to the store first thing in the a.m. and pick up a copy or 6 or 7 ;) LOL!!!

More Leafing -n- Zig Glue Pen Examples

O.k. I wanted to show you a few more examples of what you can do when you combine leafing flakes and the Zig Glue Pen....

These first couple examples are just doodles and highlights using the existing designs on pattern paper. Just think of it as doodling with glue!

And here are a few more examples of stamping with the Zig & leafing flakes....

Way cool huh?

Tomorrow I've got one more leafing technique to share with you tomorrow...it's an all over technique which really adds a cool bit of glam to any project!

Hope you've all had a wonderful week and an even better weekend in store for yourselves!

Take care and take some time for you!

Leafing Flakes & Zig Glue Pen

This technique employs the use of a Zig Glue Pen from EK Success. As an adhesive in general I don't particularly care for this glue. It has been my experience that things tend to fall off after a period of time BUT when it comes to metallic leaf or flocking it's PERFECT!!! It's definitely a great choice when you're wanting to do a bit of free-hand leafing/flocking or if you want to pair it with a rubber stamp.

Leafing/Zig - Free-Hand Drawing

The first technique I like to this pen for when I'm leafing is just free-hand drawing...it can be anything ~ hand writing, images, edges...whatever you like. It's very easy, just draw on the cardstock with the glue pen....

Normally the glue is clear but you can see it here because I dabbed a bit of ink onto my non-stick craft sheet to tint the glue so you knew what I drew. Let this glue dry for 30 seconds to a minute until it's tacky.

Cover the tacky glue with the leafing flakes and rub.

And enjoy!!

Leafing/Zig - Stamping

Now the second technique using the Zig Glue Pen is to pair it with a rubber stamp. I LOVE this because it really opens up the possibilities. You can use this on ANY stamp you own...clear, rubber, mounted or unmounted - it all works. Keep in mind that YOU MUST work quickly before the glue dries on the stamp.

Before you begin, gather whatever you are going to use to clean your stamp so you have it on hand for immediate use. I normally use a baby wipe or Ranger's Stamp cleaner.

Paint or draw on the stamp with the glue pen that you'd like transferred to your paper and immediately press the rubber stamp onto cardstock. Clean the stamp and set it aside.

Sprinkle the leafing flakes on the image and rub.

This is what you'll end up with!

Isn't this great?!?!?
Just think of the possibilities!!

Later this afternoon I'm going to have a few examples of the Zig/Leafing combo in action. Be sure to check back then!!

Flickr/Picnik Problem & Pot 'o Gold Contest!!

Well, I have a new Leafing technique ready to share with you but it seems that Flickr/Picnik is having issues....I can't edit any of my photos. They get stuck 1/3rd of the way in and it just sits there. Hopefully they will get their "****" (fill in the blank) together and I'll be able to share it with you tomorrow.

In the mean time I thought I'd share the give-a-way I had planned to post tomorrow!

Since we've been talking about leafing flakes and St. Patty's day is next week I thought I would give a way a small clear stamp set with some gold leafing flakes....my own version of a pot 'o gold ;) LOL!!

So, what do you have to do to win?

Tell me what your favorite GREEN item is...it can be something large or small; something you own or don't; it can be whatever you like from fresh cut grass to a pair of green shorts. Maybe you have a green pair of shades or shorts that you dearly love....whatever it is, tell me and you'll be entered to win!

You have until...yep....St. Patty's Day to post your favorite green thing at which time I'll draw not one but 2 winners (using random.org)!!

So come on folks ~ tell me what your favorite GREEN item is!

And don't forget...I have a huge list of St. Patrick's Day Quotes, Proverbs & Sentiments listed if you need some ideas for a card.

TTFN Friends!

Leafing Flakes on Acrylic Shapes & Video!!

Today I wanted to share a VERY quick and easy technique to help use up some of those acrylic shapes you might have lying around. Some companies call them sheers, other ghost shapes but no matter what the name, shape or color they will all work for this technique!

Now even if you don't have any of these pre-made shapes on hand, you can hand-cut or die-cut transparency sheets or even product packaging!

I know some of these shapes are self stick but most will need to have adhesive added. To do so the easiest way I know of is to simply run it through your Xyron. If you don't have a Xyron handy you could substitute any of the adhesives I shared yesterday.

You need the adhesive on the back side of the letter if it's clear. For the sheer or opaque shapes I would suggest applying the adhesive to the front side but that's totally up to you. Just depends on the finished look you're going for.

After you've run your shapes through the machine, you're ready to begin!

Place the acrylic piece sticky side up on your work area and sprinkle with the leafing flakes.

Rub the flakes into the adhesive until you can't feel any more sticky areas. It only takes a few seconds and what's great is the smaller flakes you've rubbed from the larger flakes will help cover the rest of the shape.

Here is a little video showing just how quick and easy this technique is....

And here are a couple examples of how the finished acrylic piece looks on a project. To adhere them to both the card and ATC I used Aleene's Fast Grab Tacky Glue.

(flakes applied to the backs)

(flakes applied to the front) Please excuse the glue holding the watch parts...I couldn't wait for it to dry any longer.

Very quick and very easy just like I promised :)

Tomorrow I'll share another fun technique to use those flakes up!