22.11.09

Pre-Black Friday Shopping


I have been overdoing it with the shopping!!!

It's been fun. There are some pre-Black Friday sales and then once I get going, I just can't seem to stop. Does that ever happen to you? I get the shopping bug, and it feels so good, I want to shop and shop!

Of course, I have been shopping for art supplies! LOL  Now, I have a rule that I don't buy anymore unless I have a project in mind,  {and my favorite store is Bad Girls} it just so happens that I have a lot of projects lined up for the next few months!

In place of my art for today, here's some of what I've bought! The Christmas is obviously for my Christmas journal, and the rest I can't tell you what secret projects I'm working on!!! You'll have to check in and see!
xoxo,
ja
























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20.11.09

Christmas Album, Tombow Love, and Water


A few nights ago I stayed up until 2:30 am making this Christmas album, it's a work in progress. I've taken Shimelle's Journal Your Christmas class for 3 years now, but never made my journal beforehand. I am also signed up for Jessica Sprague's Holidays in Hand (registration closed).




I had this 7Gypsies album from CHA a few years ago, so I altered it with Christmas papers and ephemera.


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
So it's the barebones, and I can't wait to continue adding to it in December.



In the spirit of giving, if you see on my sidebar, I have a new charity via Socialvibe: Water. It's SUPER EASY. You don't have to give money. All you have to do it click and complete a simple activity such as write a note to a person about to go back to work sponsored by CoffeeMate or create a Colgate smile, then Coffeemate donates the money for the digging of wells. If you could click and contribute to my charity!!! ----------->>>
THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!


Also a big thank you to Tombow and Joanna Wallace! I got a super cool surprise this morning in my email that my name was drawn to win a Tombow Dual Brush Pen Set so be sure to fan Tombow on Facebook.










19.11.09

Snowflakes Look Like Stars




 
This is my latest Design Team Project for the Etsy store Say It With Letters owned  by the fabulous Deb Damboise. I used the middle size in a project that is being published in Artisan Notebook magazine  (out December 1st).  So here are the large and middle size! I used Claudine Hellmuth's Sticky Back Canvas sheets and painted on the large one.  The little one I just added K & Co. paper. Both I used German Glass Glitter.  I can't decide to go with or without buttons!


 
 
 
 
 
 









18.11.09

Vintage Music & Hambly

There's no retirement 
for an artist, 
it's your way of living 
so there's no end to it. 
-Henry Moore

I created this for Art Every Day Month, just a background piece to use someday. I stamped with an Anna Griffin floral stamp, (that I used for my wedding invitations over 5 years ago), using Ranger Distress Inks Antique Linen. I added Hambly Rubons, a doily cutout, and Prima trim. I'll save it for a special project.

Today is a beautiful day, after my husband mulches the leaves in our yard, we're going to take a inice long walk. My neighbor and his little boy are out playing t-ball in their yard. It's a beautiful day. What's happening in your world right now?









17.11.09

A Peek Inside My Studio



Since I can't really share what projects I'm creating just yet on assignment for Say It With Letters, Bad Girls Project 52, and Artisan Notebook, I'll share a peek inside my "studio/scrapbook room" with my latest decor change. We were driving to my nephew Reid's (pictured below) birthday party at noon on November 1st when we passed by this armoire t.v. cabinet on a neighbor's curb with the sign "FREE". We were already a bit late, but as we sped past, I declared, "I WANT THAT!" My husband stopped, turned around, and pulled up to the armoire. As we were trying to figure out how to get it into our Saturn, the owner of the house was at his vehicle, and started chatting with us. I happened to mention we were supposed to be at a birthday party, and he offered to keep the armoire in his garage until later that evening when we could come back and retreive it. Here it is!




 
My mother helped me decide what items to place on this shelf above the armoire this weekend.
Wood house shape on the right is a kit from Say It With Letters
 
Next to the armoire on the left, where I store some paints and ribbons.



And here are a few shots from our early Thanksgiving with my parents that I promised yesterday. Compare this photo of my parents to my Digi Dare layout! This photo was taken after I, err - rather I had sent Reid to ask them what they liked best about Thanksgiving.  I think they felt better after food was in their stomach although my mother did have a bad migraine by the end of the night, we do have that in common, getting migraines all the time.



Reid and my father playing a Pokemon game similar to Yahtzee. This is the shot where Reid wins, yet my father is teasing him that he still needs to take a turn or something and Reid is realizing he's being teased. First time my father and Reid have met (Reid is from Dave's side of the family).  It was really great to include Reid as there are no grandchildren yet for my parents!!!

We still have one Thanksgiving yet to go for Dave's family...which we are looking forward to as well!





16.11.09

Handle with Care


This scrapbook sticker "Handle with Care" was stuck to bottom of my slipper, as often as is bling swirls and cardboard buttons, and when it was found on the floor in this condition, my husband had to document the irony. I think it will be fitting to be on the cover of my Wreck This Journal!

Speaking of WTJ, a new page: Page of Good Thoughts (for a Monday)

 

Over the weekend, my parents came from Cleveland for a visit. With my sister and her husband's work schedule in Buffalo, this was our only time to have Thanksgiving. I invited my nephew from my husband's side of the family, as my close friends know he is like the child I never had, he has only met my mother. He added so much to the gathering. I'm trying to edit the photos in Picnik via Flickr but having trouble saving. I guess I'll share those photos tomorrow!







14.11.09

Do you dare?


Layout by Julie Ann Shahin 

This week’s Digi Dare challenge idea from Leora!
He Said, She Said!
I always think it’s fun to get a male perspective and a female perspective on certain topics. For this week’s Dare, pick a question to ask, and write down your own answers. Then ask a member of the opposite gender (your DH, DS, partner, friend, etc.) the question and write down their answer. Then let’s scrap a page about it!
Dare Flares:
*include one or two photos.
*use speech bubbles to journal each person’s answer to the same question.
*make your question the title to the page, and make it really big!

Layouts are due by 11:59pm on Thurday 11/19 by uploading your layout to a gallery and linking it on the blog.  Can’t wait to see yours!


My parents came into town Thursday for an early Thanksgiving Friday evening. And I've been creating art, just not able to share yet! If you like digital scrapbooking, try the dare, all participants get a coupon to this week's sponsor!

xoxo,
ja





11.11.09

Finished Sampler!


 
I finished my embroidery sampler. It wasn't going to be anything but practice. I don't know why many of us bloggers for AEDM feel obligated to admit where are mistakes are on our projects. I say let's not tell anyone where things didn't turn out the way we wanted them too, and no one will know the difference!

Center pattern is from Sublime Stitching Pad by Jenni Hart (iron on patterns), lace at bottom is from Prima Marketing, Inc; Glitter is ultrafine from Art Glitter Institute

Do you feel fabulous today?  What is something you can do to feel fabulous right now?
Finishing my sampler feels so FABULOUS!
BE FABULOUS ALL DAY!

 

10.11.09

Art Journal "Who Am I"


An art journal page I completed during the process of brainstorming for the Bad Girls Project 52 Challenge #3. I was going to make a full-size torso, and use angel wings I have from Halloween about ten years ago. I eventually abandoned the full-size torso, I was trying to make it with items I had on hand. Maybe I'll try again at another time. My husband saved our first attempt at a cast in our storage room.








Have you ever picked up a project you abandoned and completed it?

9.11.09

New Mixed Media Challenge at Bad Girls Project 52!

Come one come all!! Calling you Bad Girls! Are you bad--- enough? You'll be asked to reach out of your box once again, as well as look deep inside!!!! One lucky random drawing winner for Challenge #3 will receive a $20 Gift Card to shop like a Bad Girl in the cherished Bad Girls Boutique! (We have decided to rotate prizes.) Sound intriguing? We give you the rules below- just 6 steps! 

*Challenge 3Paper Mache Blank (any shape or subject, usually craft store item)
  • Theme Self-Portrait (about you, present/past/future, serious or fun, etc…)
  • Required material Found Objects (junk drawer stuff related to theme/story)

First, here is my interpretation on the challenge (Paper Mache/Self Portrait/Found Objects) for your inspiration 


I made a paper mache art doll for my self-portrait. I thought for days on this challenge before I started this project, and even did an art journal page on it. I even started making a torso of my own body like a belly cast yet I just wasn't feeling it, and then Tania showed us her magnificient fairie torso below, and I took it as a sign that  I ought to abandon my torso for now for the creative challenge of seeing what I could brainstorm up instead. And I love the new result.


 




 
 
 
 
 
Title "Artsy Scrappy Mama"

I decided my self-portrait would be a paper mache art doll because I didn't want to buy something, although I did look in a few stores. I wanted to actually make something and get my hands dirty, yet actually I wore "kitchen gloves" for the messy part! The wire mesh for the dress is no accident, I want you to see through it, to see the body has vintage sewing pattern tissue paper on it. I also wanted to attach items to the dress so this wire worked great, it is called "WireForm by Paragon" or "WireMesh by Paragon" depending on whether you want copper, brass, or aluminum diamond. Pam asked me what her name is, and I decided to name her "Artsy Scrappy Mama" because I wanted to show you a self-portrait of me in my studio, which is painted yellow, where I am happy and thriving.


The items on her dress include  a cupcake charm (!!!),  a handmade rose (tutorial coming soon), a deer brad because I see deer in my neighborhood all the time, a heart brad, an imagine charm for creativity and a nod to John Lennon, and a pin I saved from a trip to Toronto.



My technique: I wanted to use things that were on hand for paper mache. Make note of everything I recycled!

  • The doll body was  constructed from a toilet paper roll for the torso,
  • and a wad of newspaper rolled into a ball for the head,
  • taped together with masking tape.
  • I used straws for the arms and legs,
  • I punched a hole into the body for the legs and arms with my Crop-a-Dile
  • Instead of using newspaper for paper mache, I used vintage music paper, vintage sewing patterns, and vintage book pages
  • I made a 1-part flour to 1-part water mixture for the paper mache glue, and let each layer dry overnight
  • The eyes and mouth were made on Claudine Hellmuth’s Sticky Back Canvas, cut out and applied
  • The background behind her is also paper mache, made on a cardboard mailer. The  newspaper article is about me, written several years ago, an interview I gave on hybrid scrapbooking when I was Creative Editor of Scrapbook Dimensions Magazine 
  •  For her hair, I took 10 thin strips of fabric, tied a smaller strip of fabric around them at the top, then adhered one end at the crown of her head. I repeated this about 15 times.  Then I tied various floral charms and beads to her hair.


Supplies: toilet paper roll, newspaper, masking tape, straws, vintage music paper (PERSONALITY), vintage sewing pattern(PERSONALITY), vintage book pages (FOUND at antique store), Claudine Hellmuth Sticky Back Canvas Paper, Hambly Transparency, pop dots, various fabric strips for hair, Prima flowersfake eyelashes (FOUND in my cabinet), wire mesh (FOUND), ArtGirlz cupcake/imagine/feet charms (PERSONALITY); Art Matters Pin I saved from Toronto Museum (FOUND & PERSONALITY); chandelier crystal from flea market (FOUND); feather; brads; twist-ties (FOUND); Hard Rock Cafe stir stick (broke stick off) (PERSONALITY), binder clip (FOUND), chair, misc charms and beads, newspaper article (PERSONALITY)


Tools used: Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch; GlimmerMist by Tattered Angels Mist and Screens; Punchella; Acrylic Paints; Stickles glitter glue; Copic marker; oil pastels; water, flour, gloves Please see the forum for further tutorials on my paper mache art doll!

 

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!

    *Challenge 3Paper Mache Blank (any shape or subject, usually craft store item)

  • Theme Self-Portrait (about you, present/past/future, serious or fun, etc…)
  • Required material Found Objects (junk drawer stuff related to theme/story)

 SIX RULES TO FOLLOW
TO WIN $20 GIFT CARD TO BAD GIRLS BOUTIQUE:

1. You must leave a comment here on this blog post (not my blog) with one word that describes YOU
 


2. You must incorporate a paper mache (papier-mâché) form (any shape or subject) in your project that is pre-made or that you make (allow overnight dry time between layers)
 
3. You must use the theme Self-Portrait (about you, present/past/future, serious or fun, etc…)
 


4. You must use Found Objects/Junk Drawer Stuff related to theme/story(such as trinkets/baubles/pieces/charms/hardware you find/collect or purchase at scrap/stamp stores, flea markets, etsy, antique, etc.)




5. Upload Your One Photo, yes, ONE Photo, of Your Project to Our Project 52 Gallery by November 21, Midnight Pacific Time  (time zone converter) If you have additional photos, link to them in the description from either your blog or from photobucket.com




6. FINAL RULE: You must post a link to your project in the gallery before November 21st Midnight to our Challenge #3 thread in the forum - don't forget to do  this!
 

CONGRATS! YOU ARE ALL WINNERS TO ME IF YOU COMPLETE THE

CHALLENGE!



Additional Thoughts and Notes For Inspiration


I saw these items by pieceofpicreationsas my original inspiration as I mentioned I had thought of doing a paper mache torso cast 














Other ideas I found
Lotty Weingberg love these

Image

Image

Image

Image



Image


And here's an article on life-size paper mache forms: Lesson Plan Life Size Paper Mache Forms


 



Paper Mache Tutorials
{found online}


Getting Started with Papier Mache





Getting Started with Papier Mache by Jackie Hall

The basics you need to know to get started with this art form.




  • AuthorAuthor: Jackie Hall
    ***********************************


    Papier Mache Doll

    Papier Mache Doll by Pun Hui Falkenhainer
    This delightful tutorial will give you invaluable help in making yourself a lovely papier mache doll.
    • AuthorAuthor: Pun Hui Falkenhainer





 ****

My Recipe for Paper Mache Glue

I used 1 part water to 1 part flour
and a bit of salt to help prevent mold

Make sure to let each layer dry overnight or 24 hours before adding a new layer




***** 



Do you want to go the pre-formed paper mache route?










So come join us at Bad Girls! Have fun and create something totally YOU!!! no rules just do it!
 

8.11.09

Hello


 
I'm making progress on my sampler. I had to google to find out if I can iron on felt, and it turns out that you can, wool setting. This is Jenny Hart's pattern (center) from the Sublime Stitching Pad. (see before) I finally mastered the "slip stitch" thanks for my embroidery dictionary. If you are looking or interested in one, the ultimate one is by C&T Publishing titled Judith Baker Montano’s Embroidery & Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool, and I am not saying this because I am on their Creative Troupe, I discovered this dictionary in JoAnn's and a week later found out they were the publisher. It is spiral bound at the top, it is a little larger than index card size, very handy. Illustrations for left & right handed (hello! fellow left-handers!)



I'm getting super excited for Bad Girls Project 52's Challenge #3 to be revealed tonight at Midnight Pacific at the Project 52 blog. If you are into MIXED MEDIA, this is the blog for you. If you want to discover the HIDDEN ARTIST IN  YOU, this is the blog for you. If you are a scrapbooker, and want to MORE  CREATIVITY  STRETCH & OUTSIDE YOUR BOX, this blog is for you.



I'm curious about my blog followers, have you ever tried mixed media? Are you interested in me talking about it and sharing tutorials?


7.11.09

xoxo unicorns



I have been a bit obsessed with embroidery, when I have the time to do it. This is a pattern from Elsie's shop Red Velvet Art Grand Opening, I believe it is sold out. I was just totally creative, painted on the fabric first, then embroidered. I have no idea what will happen next, it might end up on a scrapbook page or on an art journal page.







Here are my latest finds from antique co-ops in Webster and Greece, NY. Everything is vintage except the turquoise plume. I think I need to stay out of the stores for a bit!


How are you spending your Saturday? I'm getting ready for my parents to come visit next week!






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Bad Girls Project 52 Challenge #2 Ends Tonight

Hey Bad Girls!

Mixed Media Fans, A New Challenge Will Be Posted Monday at Project 52





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6.11.09

We Digi Dare Ya - VIP


The new Digi Dare is up!

The dare by Alice Gourdon:
Who are the VIP in your life ?
The other day, with my little brother we had a great conversation about the people that counts a lot in our life and why we admire them. Now, i want to know who are the people who counts the most for you ? This week i challenge you to create a LO about all these important people in your life, and to write about why you love and admire them.
Dare flair :
- You should have one picture for each VIP of your life.
- You should write a few lines about each of them.
- You should only use paper and no elements. If you want you can clip your paper on a shape, but no element.
- You should frame your pictures in an original way.

Credits:
Shapes: Custom Shapes Tools Set Serene 3801 by Diane Miller; ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Windows by Valerie Randall; Scrap Simple Paper Templates On The Edge 2 by Syndee Nuckles; Brocadelicious by Kerry Veale; Different Strokes Papers and I Love Alpha (recolored) by Karah Fredricks. Fonts: Bulky Refuse Type and Aquiline.

 





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5.11.09

Zetti Me


 
Today I grabbed my Wreck This Journal book as soon as I got up, and opened a random page that I could finish rather quickly, and made this...using my oil pastels. I love oil pastels. I decided to try my first Zetti self-portrait. It was driving me crazy to see Zetti this and Zetti that on Flickr...the Stop Art Piracy badge on my sidebar under my copyright policy is a Zetti girl. I'll let you google "Zettiology" and let you discover it like I did, but don't try to look in the dictionary because it won't be there. Have fun and enjoy the journey. So back to my art journal, to color outside the lines...I just let my drawing guide me before I knew what it was going to be about, and being that I had just awakened, I  wrote "I need energy." I'm glad I included a self-portrait, which was a last-minute addition, like my mother once told me sometimes it is more interesting to photograph things if you include a person in it.
 
 
Happy Thursday!


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4.11.09

Begin Where You Are


 
Last night while I was finishing up my project for the next Bad Girls Project 52 Challenge to be revealed on Monday, I had extra paint and so I just slabbed it on my art journal. Also whenever I use my Glimmer Mist and Screens, I turn it over and "stamp" on a scrap so I did that here too.  I also made a point to collage really old vintage papers into this one. This page is just a fun page, I wrote "Art Every Day Month" at the top, then said that I found this challenge.  "Begin where you are" is a quote from Violette's book, and the doodles are also her inspiration. The scrolls along the right are with my long-neglected foam stamps.

I found at Michael's some Golden Fluid Acrylics on clearance, also some Liquitex Glossies on clearance so I used some of those along with my craft acrylics, Copic markers, oil pastels, and gel medium to adhere the collage elements.
 
 
Begin Where You Are. Where Are YOU?


3.11.09

Altered art journals

 


I have started two art journals. There is an interesting story with the vintage red scrapbook...I bought it about 5 years ago, when I first started scrapping. About 2 years ago, I sold it to my neighbor's mother in a garage sale. My neighbor's mother was moving this summer and had a garage sale, and wouldn't you know I bought this scrapbook back without realizing what I was doing until it dawned on me a week later? I guess if you really let something go, it will come back to you if you were meant to have it.
 

Here are my first pages inside of it, inspired by Journal Bliss: Creative Prompts to Unleash Your Inner Eccentric by Violette. I used acrylics, the black writing is with my Copic Marker (love that you can write over anything!), and also Stickles glitter glue.


 
 

This page "Be The Hero of Your Own Story" was made prior to my canvas of the same title. I made the background directly on the book pages, and I made the angel on other paper, outlined with my black Copic marker, cut her out and adhered onto the background.

Below is my first entry into my Wreck This Journal book. This happened to be  the day I knocked over the glitter, spilling half the jar onto the carpet! My Facebook friends had a good laugh, said I should pour myself a drink and toast to my sparkly new carpet! :)

I love my new Female Symbol Stamp from Scenic Route, RAK'd to me from the spunky and cool Angela Meuse!

If you are interested in Wreck This Journal, check out these sites:
http://www.wreckthisjournal.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Wreck-This-Journal-Keri-Smith/dp/039953346X
http://www.flickr.com/groups/how_to_wreck_a_journal/
http://tnc-wreckthisjournal.blogspot.com/


 
 





I almost forgot! You must check out the new Bad Girls Kits &

a Special Announcement!!!

A NOTE FROM WENDY RAGO, Owner of Bad Girls Kits: I am so very excited to make a few announcements that have been on the table here for us for quite a while. It is my hope after reading this that you will not only share in our excitement, but you will also understand why we have been so very busy here.




I told you back in June that my desire was to design and teach more….that is definitely my passion. I did have the chance to do just that and I really do enjoy it, but there has always been a part of me that desires state of the art products that I cannot find anywhere, so the answer to that problem was to design my own products…..so what does that mean? Well…..SURPRISE! BAD GIRLS is launching our very own manufacturing company. If things continue in the right direction, we will be launching our first lines in January at CHA Anaheim. So, I am soooo very jazzed to bring you amazingly new and innovative products that I so lovingly call BAD GIRLS COUTURE!!!! Watch for our new site coming very soon with a Design Team Call coming also.




I admit, it has been really fun designing all the new products, but it has also been a lot of work….probably more than what I expected. In light of everything I apologize for the design work being late here, but I am working on it and I promise it will be up soon. At the same time, with not only COUTURE coming up soon, but another kit club also *gasp*…more about that later….there will more than likely be some changes around here soon. And no worries girlies….you know we never sacrifice quality…it will only get better!
I want to wish all of you many Thanksgiving Blessings….I hope all of you have a very joyous holiday with your families.  www.badgirlskits.com





2.11.09

For the love of the stitch


 
One of my ongoing projects I try to work on every other day is an embroidery sampler as I teach myself new stitches. It's just a piece of felt, and I'm not using a hoop to stretch it, nor drawing lines for exactness, so it's just kind of a beautiful mess of a sampler.  I found the Embroidery Stitch Dictionary at a new flea market that opened here in Rochester on LaGrange ($3 score! plus the basket below was a neighbor's sale, another $3 score!) Eventually I'm going to be getting into the Sublime Stitching patterns, that I bought at Jo-Anns, photo below.



And these beauties, I purchased at a flea market that opened yesterday near my home for just $.25 each! Did I mention I can walk to this flea market? Heaven!
 





1.11.09

Art Every Day?


I just discovered that November is Art Every Day Month. I think it will be fun to try!!!  Are you interested too?

Honestly since the day is almost over, I'll just share with you a scrapbook layout that has been finished for a long long time, a layout I made for Prima Marketing, Inc. when I was on their design team (hybrid), although they asked this not to be hybrid, and I  just never posted this online.

 
 
This photo I took last fall when DH and I were biking on the Erie Canal in Spencerport, NY, a neighboring town to ours.

So are you up for Making Art Every Day this month?





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30.10.09

Thanks Velvet for the Blog Award & Passing It On


I  woke up today to a note from my hometown buddy Velvet who I first friended on Facebook and then met in Real Life, as we  have scrapbooking in common, that she had awarded me a blogger award!!! My first award for my new blog.

The rules are I have to pass this along to 5 other friends and answer a list of questions in ONE word!
Here are the questions:
1. Where is your cell phone? dresser
2. Your hair? brown
3. Your mother? Cleveland
4. Your father? quiet
5. Your favorite food? chicken
6. Your dream last night? funny
7. Your favorite drink? water
8. Your dream/goal? peace
9. What room are you in? livingroom
10. Your hobby? fun
11. Your fear? freezing
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? grateful
13. Where were you last night? bed
14. Something that you aren't? drinker
15. Muffins? chocolate-chip
16. Wish list item? books
17. Where did you grow up? Ohio
18. Last thing you did? shopping
19. What are you wearing? sweater
20. Your TV? DailyShow
21. Your Pets? none
22. Friends? fabulous
23. Your life? joyful
24. Your mood? migraine
25. Missing Someone? yes
26. vehicle? saturn
27. Something you're not wearing? bra!!!
28. Your favorite store? fleamarket
29. Your favorite color? yellow
30. When was the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? today
32. Your best friend? several
33. One place that I go to over and over? Project52
34. Facebook? yes
35. Favorite place to eat? home

So now I have to pick five people whose blogs I love and award them, in no particular order:
1. Larissa
2. Patti
3. Heather
4. Angie
5. Tara

These talented and lovely ladies and friends might not have time to play along, however, I still wanted to honor them and let them know they are special to me! I could have named many more (marit, nath, etc) !!!!





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28.10.09

Bad Girls Project 52 Challenge #2 - Altered Books!!!


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Come join us for the newest challenge at Bad Girls Project 52!


Dance Lessons
Supply List
*vintage sewing pattern
*vintage playing card
*vintage buttons card
*vintage music paper
*vintage label
*Glimmer Mist in various colors
*Basic Grey rubons
*Prima Large Flower
*Prima Flirty Little Secrets rubons
*Making Memories Alpha Stickers
*Prima Stitched Mulberry Patterned Paper
*Prima White Flowers, Lace (Bad Girls September Kit Enchanted Hideaway)
*Prima Say It In Crystals Swirls Black
*Melissa Frances Keyhole
*Golden Pearl Glaze
*Golden Matte Medium
*Golden Iridescent Gold
*Glitter
*InkEssentials Crackle Accents
*Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch
*Fabri-tac Adhesive

Office Supplies:
*Invoice paper (butterfly)
*7gypsies mini-paperclip
*7gypsies snap
*7gypsies file tab
*ruler
*vintage dictionary

I was so totally inspired by the team this round (as it was Group 2's turn and I'm in Group 1) and whipped this up on the theme of "All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned In Dance" as I spent my high school years in the dance studio. I think it helped me survive that in my life! I also realized I made my very first official scrapbook during that time too of my pictures, drawings, choreography notes I wrote, programs, magazine clippings, etc.




My Tips for Making This at Home: I found the Glimmer Mist soaked in quite a bit to the cover so be aware, I sprayed mine without priming it in anyway. I mixed different rubons that didn't go together, the faint brown floral Basic Grey rubons in the upper left corner with the Prima rubons.  I love the one-step crackle medium by Ranger, just let it dry overnight for instant aging!!! Check out the forum for more inspiration and tutorials!


Now It's Your Turn

FULL RULES



Instructions:
1. Upload to Your Photoserver Like Photobucket Our Project 52 Blinkie, Then Add It  to Your Blog Linking Back To The Project 52 Blog
2. After Your Blinkie Is Up, Leave Us a Comment On At This Link With The Link Where  We Can Find It
3. Create Challenge #2 & Upload It to the Project 52 Gallery before November 7th Midnight Pacific
4. Come to the Project 52 Forum and Link Us to Your Project in the Gallery


WINNER WILL BE OUR NOVEMBER GUEST DESIGNER!!! ANNOUNCED Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

Visit the Bad Girls Project 52 Blogs too (in my sidebar!)

Come say Hi to the Design Team and View Bonus Tutorials in the Forum today!



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21.10.09

How to Have No Fear with Art




I'm so frustrated!!! I made this lovely mosaic from some of my flickr favorites and other flickr images, and saved it to my desktop, however I didn't realize that doing so wouldn't link me to the correct artist. so I feel really bad that I can't give you the direct link to each artist.
 
Nevertheless, the show must go on!

I wanted to share today some encouragement to paint your canvas for the Bad Girls Project 52 canvas without fear! I found some of the following tips online:

A well-known acronym for fear is: FEAR = False evidence appearing real

SARK, author of Make Your Creative Dreams Real suggests you to try this acronym on instead:

Fill yourself up creatively

Accelerate movement – Do something, anything, to combat the inertia of staying still. SARK advocates “micro movements” that take anywhere from 5 seconds to 5 minutes to complete. Those micro movements are the building blocks for our creative dreams and most importantly, get us moving!!

To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.
- Joseph Chilton Pearce


Now go create, and I'll see you at Bad Girls. :)








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18.10.09

Tempting New Digi Dare

The challenge…


Celebrate your failures. We learn more from them than we do from succeeding. I honestly believe in that sentiment because I see this everyday in my classroom. With each failure, a student learns to get better at just one more thing. In fact, what they take from that failure is what helps them to succeed the next time around. Sometimes you have to strategically help them to analyze and break down this process, but they do get it. Don’t get me wrong. I know…failing stinks. It’s not fun and sometimes, it really hurts. It’s okay. It’s all part of the process. Think back to a time when you failed. How did you feel? What happened afterward? Did you try again? Tell me about your failures so that I can celebrate them with you.

Dare flair:
*The color orange is often used to symbolize success. Use orange anywhere on your layout
*Journaling is a significant part of this assignment. I want you to highlight at least 4 words within your journaling that describe how you felt or how you are feeling now about the experience. You can do this by underlining, changing the color of the font, “painting” over the word to highlight it, etc.)

Credits: Different Strokes Papers by Karah Fredricks; The Junk Yard by SherrieJD; My Wish for You by Aja Abney; Phineas Comes to Tea by Studio Tangie; I Am Artistic by Crissy Armstrong; Kabloom transparency strips and Let There Be Light by Emily Powers (all retired); Date Stamps by Amber Clegg; Font Century Gothic and Tekton Pro

Journaling:
It’s not if you fall or not, it’s if you get back up when you fall that makes you great.
Anonymous
It’s pretty fair to say that I’m one of those persons who enjoys pursuits that I can master well. If I’m not that great at it, I might not stay with it, unless I really really really love it. If I’m just average, then usually I end up discovering something else that I can do instead that I can be really great at. For instance, when I started tenth grade we were the incoming class to the high school. I was also in a new-to-me school district, and I knew getting involved would help me make friends. I decided, perhaps because I’d tried all other sports and had been just average, to try out for the swim team. I had never been on a swim team, never raced before. I didn’t even know how to do one of those flippy-spinny things they do at the end of the lane, a somersault pushing off the wall – the basic freestyle flip turn.

At the same time, I started taking dance lessons after school at one of the many local dance studios. I had never had any training before unless you count the few weeks of tumbling and tap I attempted when I was about 5 years old. It was 1975 way back then, and little pre-school me thought I was going to be taught by John Travolta, so I wasn’t into tap, tap, tap, shuffle, shuffle, shuffle. I had been a cheerleader for 2 years so some of the skills easily transferred to dance. I seemed to be a natural.

Competition time: At our swim meets, in my individual events, I rarely placed above 3rd place, and I never expected too – I was always just grateful to make it to the finish line. I did participate in my team’s relay race, summoning up my courage. Our team tied for 1st place at the end of the season at our tournament.
Competition time: At our dance competitions, I had more expectations than I did for our swim meets because my teacher and other thought I was talented, or told that to me. I was moved out of my group into an advanced competition group, a smaller group. I ended up discovering for the first time in my life what it was like to be a big fish in small pond at home, and a small fish in a big pond when we went to Nationals. After the first few competitions, and judge’s remarks that took away my over-confident cockiness, I continued dancing for the love of it, to teach it to children, and for the opportunity to choreograph for my studio’s recital.
I had left the swim team after that first season. However, at the end of that year, the Coach gave me an award for Most Improved Team Player.

I never won a dance competition, however, I did get to take dance classes in L.A., I was in a production of the holiday favorite The Nutcracker, and a dancer/chorus person in our high school production of the musical Grease, all before I graduated high school.


To participate, create a layout based on the challenge, meeting all of the flairs. Upload to a gallery and post a link on our blog http://www.digidares.com/ by Thursday, October 22. 














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17.10.09

How to Have a Jolly Christmas


My latest project for Say It With Letters

Long long long before I was a scrapbooker, I would make it a tradition every year to do a new felt applique project by Bucilla. It started with ornaments, and then stockings. I even did all the hand-beading and sequins myself, plus the embroidery too. So I was trying to decide what to do for this project, and I took a look at what I had in my Bucilla leftovers, since I have some unfinished stockings (abandoned since scrapbook fever)...and one of the stockings that was finished except for a backing was this Santa stocking. I ended up deconstructing it for my JOLLY letters. I love it!




 
Hand embroidered face plus beaded beard, by me - finished about 6 years ago
















Honestly, it's way way way too early for me to think about Christmas but since I love my Bucilla felt so much I didn't mind at all! Have you started thinking about Christmas yet? 68 days left!!! (is that right? LOL)





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15.10.09

Did I mention a Bad Girls Limited Edition Art Kit PRIZE? Here's the rules...

In case the opportunity to be challenged to paint, paint, paint on canvas isn't enough, let's take a look at the scrapilicious prize for one lucky BAD GIRL!!! One of our kits from our ART KITS from our OCTOBER RELEASES:
HAUNTED HIDEAWAY:
Haunted-HideawayMain001w
Rules:
1. You must become a FAN on our BAD GIRLS PROJECT 52 FACEBOOK.
2. You must leave a comment to this post...we love to hear what you have to say!
3. You must then proceed in this order, to the other BLOGS in the festival and leave a post to every single BLOG:
You are not done just yet....you have two last steps to complete your entrance into the drawing for the prize.....
You have until Saturday, October 24th to complete the Blog Hop Festival...we will then choose a winner at random and you will find the announcement here on Sunday, October 25th. Good Luck....and have fun!!!
xoxo
Wendy



Check out my result for Project 52's first challenge in my previous post.
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12.10.09

Bad Girls Project 52 Challenge #1

I friendly welcome you, 
Project 52 Fans, to 
Our 
*~*Blog Festival*~*
We are going to amplify your awesomeness!!!!

Make a stop at each link (see below) 
and follow Wendy's instructions 
to have a chance to win 
her fabuloso yummy scrumptious prize!!! 


Here are My Five Favorite Tools for Beginning Mixed Media:
(you probably already  have most of these so NO FEAR just create and BE FREE, BE YOU, there are 
NO SUCH THING AS MISTAKES)



1) A Craft Mat such as the Tattered Angels Misting Mat

Cover your work surface with these high quality, heat resistant mats. Perfect for misting, heat gun use, soldering, painting, stamping, clay, candle & soap making, and other craft applications. Smooth, nonporous surface is easy to clean. The Misting Mat rolls up easily and stores, to go to your favorite crafting event. This product is featured as BAD GIRLS JULY PRODUCT OF THE MONTH!!! To read the review, look here: http://badgirlskits.com/mb/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=8766 
I love this because you can clean it with water and it wipes right off. You can spray your mists or inks on the mat and then swirl your paper on top for creative effects. 

A frugal option in a bind: Wax paper although it's not environmentally-friendly.


2) Foam brushes


What can I say about foam brushes? they are cheap, and they can be used to apply gesso (which is used as a base for paint or to cover up paint mistakes, then paint over the gesso), or acrylic glazes.


3. A small and medium size filbert brush (on my WISH LIST)

These range in price from about $1 to $5.  Here are some brush buying tips from Ben Franklin Crafts.

4. Embossing Heat Tool



I use this for drying paint fast!  
Features:
* Tinted embossing pad lets you know how much ink is applied to your surface for an even emboss.
* Dries clear.
* Using the heat tool on metal foils or mesh creates even more unusual colors and patterns.

Frugal option: Hair Dryer although I've never tried this!



5.  Clover Needle Felting Tool



 I love adding wool felt and wool felt shapes to projects. Use this tool to create the shapes. Check out more accessories and starter kits for wool felting here.
  • A little piercing with this sewing and craft supply is all it takes
  • Craft tool makes appliques easy
Here is my take on CHALLENGE #1 -Canvas (board, stretched, un-stretched, etc… 
  • Theme – Hero (real, historical, fantasy, invented, comic, etc…)  
  • Required material - Natural item (dried flowers, skeletonized leaves, etc…)
  • Challenge Group #1:  Julie Ann, Aimee, Francesca, Kathryn, Tania

Challenge1canvas3-jashahin



Challenge1canvas1-jashahin

Challenge1canvas-jashahin

Challenge1canvas2-jashahin




Challenge1canvas5-jashahin


Challenge1canvas4-jashahin

"Be the hero of your own story"


Supplies: 12x12 Canvas; Craft Acrylics; Golden Soft Gel Gloss; Golden Medium Matte;Glimmer Mist: Tim Holtz Crackle Paint; Red Ink; Gold and Soft BrownSpray Paint; Craft Wings; Wool Felt, Felting Tools; Craft Mirrors;Basic Grey Rubons; Prima Letter Stickers; Rubber Stamp Alpha Stamps;Ranger Distress Ink; Stayz-On Ink; Vintage Paper from the late 1800's; Fabri-Tac Adhesive,  Embossing Heat Tool, various found objects for masks

My project was inspired by the quote that I saw on Flickr. It is a birthday gift to my sister, who requested these colors. She asked for it to be like the "inside of a pumpkin." Do you think I came close?

My big tip for YOU is to just be FREE with adding layer upon layer upon layer, I must have about 20 layers of paint on here. You have to let each layer dry, and since I had zero patience plus I didn't start this til the last minute so I used my Embossing Heat Tool to dry the paint in just a few minutes. According to Wikipedia, allowing the layers to dry, gives your mixed media "integrity". Mixing your paints with various gloss and matte gels, mediums and pastes adds interest to each layer, as well as allows the layer underneath to show through. This page on the Golden Paints website is a good visual example of using gels.



------->(2. Julie Ann's Blog))) you are
here




3. Francesca's Blog

4. Aimee's Blog


5. Tania’s Blog


6. Jaz's Blog

7. Tania's Blog

8. Katie's Blog


9. Wendela's Blog


10. Kathryn's Blog

11. Anna's Blog

11. Wendy's Blog


12. Visit the Project 52 Forum (additional tutorials)

13. Upload Your Project 52 Challenge #1

YOU CAN DO IT! 
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
xoxo,
ja
 ETA: I will be posting instructions for how to leave blog comments for those
not familiar with the blog world here at the Bad Girls site.

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11.10.09

Bad Girls Project 52's First Challenge Reveal at Midnight Pacific



We are having 
a party at the 
and the 
Design Team's 
Studio Blogs!

Check back tomorrow, Monday,
or if you can stay up until Midnight Pacific time!!!

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8.10.09

My New Disclosure Policy As of October 8, 2009



My New Disclosure Policy
This policy is valid from 08 October 2009


 This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact  julieann dot shahin at gmail dot com.


 This blog, Inspiration for Generation C 2.0, does not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions. However, we will and do accept and keep free products, services, travel, event tickets, and other forms of compensation from companies and organizations.

 This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. We believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content from October 8, 2009 thereon. All posts prior to October 8, 2009 may have been influenced by free gifts without in-post disclosure.

 The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

 This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.


To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org










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25.9.09

Five Friday Fav's

I got this idea Five Friday Fav's at Bad Girls from cutie Kaytee


Ok. let's go!

1. I was in the bookstore a few weeks ago and lovin' the Naughty Secretary's Club Guide to Handmade Jewelry of course lovin the title partly because of my new reading glasses givin' me a new persona, and then stumbled upon her blog with this awesome project!!! SCREEN PRINTED RECORD CRAFTS! I hope Jennifer Perkins doesn't mind me sharing her awesome project here (using her YUDU):


2. A friend on Facebook posted a link to a website dedicated to Dollar Store Crafts, something that my friends and I thought was our best-kept secret! hahaha


3. Sweet Tooth Embroidery Pattern by Elsie Flanigan at Red Velvet Art. I'm working on an embroidery pattern I bought from her grand opening, a baby unicorn, that is no longer available.



4. My SIL's recipe for French Toast Strata/Casserole - YUM! I'm going to make it for my girlfriends this weekend for a scrappy sleepover!!!


5. Football Scene from Glee!



***What is one of your favorites today?***


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22.9.09

I'm A Bad Girl, Oh Yeah

Wendy Rago, owner of Bad Girls Kits, posted this here:

Please WELCOME our new Design Team gals!

All good things come to those who wait... And, the waiting is over!
So, please join me and put your virtual hands together to welcome our new FABULOUS designers...


Pam Colosimo
Jaz Lee Soo Hui
Anna Dąbrowska-Pękocka
Kathryn Johnson
Wendela Lam
Katie Turner
---->Julie Ann Shahin<----
Francesca Di Leo
Tania Davey
Aimée Wheaton


Look for lots of exciting things to happen RIGHT HERE over the next few weeks... the new DT's bios, headshots, the FIRST CHALLENGE (WOO-HOO!!!!!!!), and much much MORE!
CONGRATS again ladies... And, WELCOME!!!!!!











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21.9.09

Vintage Halloween Project for Say It With Letters

It's the last day of summer, so sad to say goodbye.  Thankfully, it's a beautiful warm day for once after a long stretch of cool days here in Rochester, NY.

One of the things I used to dread was creating a Halloween project when it still felt like summer, because I never want to rush summer out.  However, this Vintage Halloween Project I made for SIWL makes me so happy.  I had so much fun.  I could make more of this all year long!!!




I used vintage glass glitter which will tarnish over time,
however first I spray painted the letters silver first.
I used vintage book pages and made ruffles behind each letter.
I made a hat for each figure that I cut out.
I stretched out regular batting that you use to stuff pillows to
make fake cobwebs, using a tiny bit of glue to make them willowy.
Prima flowers on pop-dots and Prima lace!!!
Yay vintage!!!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thanks for visiting! Enjoy your last day of summer.
xoxo,
ja



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16.9.09

Final Ode of the Day: Sweet, Sweet Adventures in Contentment

“There is no end of craving. Hence contentment alone is the best way to happiness. Therefore, acquire contentment.”

 Swami Sivananda 

This piece is called "Adventures in Contentment"





eta: recycled box inspired by andrea wiebe





This is an art doll that I composed from digital elements using the Ultimate Art Doll Collab by sherriejd and tangie baxter (click to enlarge). You can mix and match to create your own unique one-of-kind doll.{ Click here to see examples }by their creative team.


It's kind of hard to get a good view of the background, but you can a glimpse of it here. I used acrylics to paint layer upon layer of paint, some stamping, sprayed with glimmer mist, etc. Glitter is embedded not only into some of the paint, but also along the floor, and the "ceiling" of the box.
The box is actually a recycled box, a WW Smart Ones Pizza Box - you can see it -->here (link)


 For the upper part of the painted background, I embedded pink, purple, green, teal seed beads into the paint along with a few pearl beads, and glitter. There is black lace along the top before the ceiling. Behind the doll's head and upper body is a Hambly transparency. Over the left shoulder (our left), is a postage tag with a heart  from japan on a pop dot.


The printed tape from Prima is disappointing that it didn't photograph well, it says "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal."
I cut the title from a vintage book of the same title. Don't you just love it? 

If you are looking for more hybrid/ digi inspiration, check out my articles in the { free}Flourish: Newsletter of My Scrapbook Art (click here)!!!!
Each article below is clickable - registration is free





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Ode to Vintage Comic Altered Box with Mini Album

“Every act of creation is first of all an act of destruction.”

Pablo Picasso

I have had this box by Cosmo Cricket sitting around wishing to be altered for, gosh, over a year? Then all of a sudden, that window in the lid began "speaking" to me....errr, shall I say ideas started brewing of what could be peaking through. Then I thought wouldn't it be rad to alter it with this vintage romance comic book that 
I've had for a long time too. I adhered it with Mod Podge gloss, and sprinkled glitter over the Mod Podge as it dried. The glitter around the window is vintage glass glitter shards <--link which will tarnish over time.
 
The mini-album is made up of random transparencies, tags, vintage flashcards & postcards that I bought at an antique store, timecards, journal cards, and ephemera. You can see the individual pages posted link--> here.
If you notice the cover of the mini-album is the missing part of the cover of the altered box where the window is.


Peace.
Love.
Cuppiecakes.
Glitter.
Art.
xoxo,
JA




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Ode to Mixed Media Bird

quote
Artists don't make objects. Artists make mythologies.
Anish Kapoor


I was inspired to make this plush bird as a way to reach out of my current box, reach back to my roots as a designer, as one who sews for fun. It is interesting how many of my interests converge here: felting, sewing, embroidery, beading. 
  • This is my first mixed media plushie
  • The pattern is my own original free hand design (inspired after looking at many many many bird images)
  • I made it in three days
  • I'm not sure I'm done with it, I'll let it sit a while then see if I feel if it needs more embellishing
Side View
Head
The head features an embroidered eye (lazy daisy stitch), with random beads over mainly blue felted background machine-stitched for texture.

Throat
You can see here that there is a mixture of seed beads in this patch at about the throat area. There is also a pink button added. I'm all about an ecletic mix, a random mix. I try to avoid a "perfect" look in fact.

Upper Body
For the upper body, I cut circles from sheer fabric that blended from light blue to dark blue. I attached it with a sequin & bead. You can also see some of the embroidery (petal chain stitch in yellow) I did on the yellow wing above that.  If you want to learn embroidery, there is a great site that has simple, easy tutorials with photographs by sarah here.

Lower Body
Along the lower body, I embroidered in pink a basque stitch. I also made a beaded flower with a pearl in the center of each petal.

Overall, I am ecstatic that my pattern turned out exactly how I imagined once it was stitched and stuffed! I love the felted mixed media look, and will be doing more and experimenting more. I wonder if my bird looks completely amateur/first-time to those who have been doing it forever? LOL :)

Peace.
Love.
Cuppiecakes.
Glitter.
Art.
xoxo,
JA









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15.9.09

New Projects - Artsy Fartsy

I've been super creative lately! Here's a quick visual look at what I've been up too. I'll be back later with more to say:
Art Doll in ShadowBox, made with Sherriejd's Ultimate Art Dolls Digi Kit
 
  
 





Vintage Comic Altered Box with Mini Album
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  

Embroidery Mixed Media Bird
 
  
  
  
  
  
Thanks for looking!

What have you been inspired to create within the past 48 hours? Leave me a link! Please leave a comment after linking... Thank you!

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9.9.09

Before & After Photo Processing with Picnik

 
I have to admit that it took me a few tries before I got with the Picnik craze that my scrapbooking friends were raving about. 
What is Picnik? http://www.picnik.com
It's online photo editing and processing, one click -super fast awesomeness.
Since I am used to Photoshop Elements were all the photo editing in done in the "Editor", the first few times in Picnik, I didn't go beyond the "Edit" screen. Of course, I did not get it.
Go exploring in the "Create" screen and a whole new world opens for 
creative photo editing {as Picnik.com states on the FAQ page, "you'll see our custom-made Effects (most of which have the ability to be painted into just the areas of your image where you want them)"}.
These are photos from the Labor Day weekend when my husband and I went boating at Sunset!
Did I mention that as my pal Michelle said it saves so much time with one click that would take an hour in Photoshop???









 

  
  
  
  
  
 
What have you been inspired to create within the past 48 hours? Leave me a link!






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5.9.09

What did you create today?

I've been updating my gallery with projects that I had only uploaded to Facebook over the past 8 months or so, kinda nice to have them in one central location. A lot of people think that all I do is digital now, and honestly, I'm taking a break from digital sort of....although digital is kinda have a hard time letting go! LOL Yesterday I was offered a paid position in the digital community, and it's weighing heavy on my mind deciding what to do. Mixed media is calling my name..........

So here is what I've uploaded the past few days!
 
 

What have you been inspired to create within the past 48 hours? Leave me a link!




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1.9.09

Have You Seen The Canvas Mini Albums From C&T?

Have you tried scrapping or art journaling with a canvas album yet? The C&T album is awesome because you can get inbetween the pages, and embroider or stuff them as you see fit! This is my {i bet i can make you believe in} "Love, Sex, and Magic" art journal I made for the C&T Creative Troupe Call Out for the Art Materials Trade Show earlier this year. The cover above is painted with soft body acrylic paint so the canvas remains flexible (green), a Prima felt piece layered with a peacock feather and black Prima flower. I made both the cover and page 1, then stuffed with fiberfill, and sewed it shut with a blanket-stitch.
 
Page 3 features Lutrador Mixed Media sheets. I printed a digital patterned paper (sofa's from a kit by Emily Merritt) and made it as an insert between page 2 and 3. The C&T Publishing Site tells more about Lutrador..."Everyone's talking about Lutradur, the fabulously versatile non-woven fabric. Your customers can cut it, sew it, paint it, print it, stencil it, stamp it, pleat it, dye it, distress it, draw on it, die-cut it, punch it, sculpt with it, bead it, do gel transfers onto it, weave it. Create delicate translucent effects with paints, inks, dyes, and stamps. The perfect size for ink-jet printers or all-in-ones. Available in 10-sheet packs exclusively from C&T Publishing." 
  
 












 
Go Natural!
link
• Blank, raw, 100% cotton canvas bound into a soft book that's ready to paint, sew,ink, dye, decoupage, stamp, cut, and embellish
• Available in two sizes: 7" x 8" and 8 1/2" x 11"
• Flexible, soft surface makes an ideal base for altered arts and mixed media
• Fill the 6 pocketed pages with batting or foam to make a soft book for children, or cut the pages to make a 12-page cloth book.
• Top and bottom edges are pre-stitched to prevent fraying.
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31.8.09

Layout: Timeless collage

Over at SIStv, Angie Backen had a "Complete This Layout" Challenge with a sketch and these random items were selected by message board participants:
1. embellishment - flower(s)
2. color - yellow
3. technique - stamped image
4. word - "LIVE" (I forgot that one)
5. surprise element - one monochromatic pattern paper
 

I slaved on this for days. I started with Claudine Hellmuth's Canvas Paper, and made a collage background like Nikki Peterson and Stacy Fike taught in the Collage Couture Online/Sisiversary Class. I've been wanting to practice those techniques for evahhhh.

My circle is the Hambly transparency. My monochromatic paper is the yellow heart (almost forgot that one). I sprayed the border, leaving the negative.I stamped the journal block which is barely barely visible, you can see faint quotation marks if you look at the end of my journaling.
  
 
I had so much fun working on this, when I wasn't working on this new blog. I got locked out of my old blog by mistake, you can read about below.

Thanks for checking me out and for your comments which make my day!!!!
xoxo,
ja

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29.8.09

Hello, It's Me: A Scandalous Introduction


If we are meeting for the first time, hello!
SCANDALOUS: Guess what? Don't forget your Gmail/Blogger password and your secret question because Google makes it impossible to retrieve your password. I have more than one Gmail account, and unfortunately forgot my password after taking a break from blogging. I've tried a about six times to retrieve my password filling out forms but Google's security is stronger than Ft. Knox. I have no idea how I am going to inform all my followers from my former blogs http://jshahin.blogspot.com and http://everydaydigitalscrapbooking.blogspot.com so if you found me here, a million hugs and kisses and smooches!!!! xoxoxoxoxo
(goodbye old blog, boo hoo hoo)




WELCOME TO MY NEW BLOG!!!!

WHAT TO EXPECT:
  • DIGITAL SCRAP LAYOUTS CREATED IN PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS
  • PAPER & GLUE TRADITIONAL SCRAPBOOK LAYOUTS
  • PHOTOGRAPHS OF ME AS A WIFE & AN AUNTIE, MY HUSBAND, OUR DAILY LIFE AND TRAVELS, PLUS OUR EXTENDED FAMILY
  • FREEBIES
  • COLLAGE ART
  • CREATIVE JOURNALING AND ART JOURNALING
  • TRENDS
  • DIGI DARE CHALLENGES
  • TUTORIALS, WRITTEN AND VIDEOS

ABOUT ME
How long did you resist scrapbooking or were you one of those people who were a scrapbooker all along and didn't know it like me? I started saving photos and scraps/memorabilia in elementary school during the 1980's. I have volumes and volumes of personal journals. I studied art and design in school and college, with a B.A. in Interion Design from Michigan State University. Then 5 years ago in June, I made the conscious decision to jump into this hobby with both feet a few weeks after my wedding. My cousin, Amanda, one of my bridesmaids, hand-painted and decorated the cover of a honeymoon mini-album as a wedding gift. Since I had made my invitations, and all the programs and decorations for my wedding - it was a natural progression for me.
My style today reflects my artistic background and eclectic interest in vintage goodies, collage and color. I love whimsy, storytelling, and artistic expression.

MY GALLERIES
my portfolio
{we are} storytellers
my scrapbook art
digishoptalk
twopeasinabucket


MY LATEST PROJECT
The below layout is for the lastest Digi Dare - a challenge blog daring you to scrap outside the box. This dare comes from Barb:
It’s that time of year again, school is starting. With the start of school comes lots of memories for me of classes, sports, dances, teen angst, and teachers! This week I’d like to challenge you to write about your favorite teacher. Tell us why he or she was your favorite and if he/she inspired you to try new things or helped you through a tough time. If you don’t have a favorite teacher, tell us about your least favorite teacher. I happen to have both and I remember them both vividly.
Dare Flair:
  • Photos optional ~ we might not have pics available for such a layout, so don’t worry about it if you don’t.
  • Use Primary Colors ~ try the ROYGBIV thing….Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet
  • Use at least one element that is school related
  • Use a handwriting font for journaling
  • Try to incorporate paper or an element that looks like looseleaf notebook paper
Happy Back to School!
It is also Roben-Marie’s turn to be sponsor. Anyone who participates will get a 30% coupon off her store! Link your layout meeting our dare by Thursday midnight on our blog.
Check out her store right now!!! I could buy it all.
Roben-Marie Designs at Paperbag Studios
Here is my take on this challenge. I was one of those weirdo kids who loved school, well - I loved learning is more specific. If I had to recall many happy times in school, there weren't a lot of those yet I loved learning new things. I was shy, quiet, and smart which made me the candidate for being the teacher's pet quite often. There weren't many teachers though who saw through that quiet, shyness except for Mrs. McCormick. She worked in our elementary school with the advanced students, pulling them out in groups to read mythology, or to work on independent projects such as creative writing. I remember when I gave up on a project she recommended a self-help book for my mother to invest in - not sure if it was for my mother or for both of us. My mother ignored the suggestion nonetheless. All the same, I did flourish that year. I emailed Mrs. McCormick with a copy of this layout, surprised to find her still in the same school district. She retired last year, and our school district pulled her back in this year to work at the High School as a Guidance Counselor.
Journaling: I owe a lot to Mrs McCormick who was a very special soul. Like several teachers in Ontario, I first met her in Elementary school. It was her goal to help my confidence and social skills. I felt smart, like I could do anything. I’ll always remember her extra efforts.
Inspired, that year in 5th grade I received straight A’s and my classmates voted me most likely to succeed. This faculty photo was taken about 3 years later at Ontario Middle School.


Credits: Journal Clusters by PaperBag Studios/Roben-Marie Designs; Vintage Schoolhouse by Kelly Sauvage; Watercolors Paperpack by Angela Woo (retired); Embrace Life by Sande Krieger; Spring Frippery by Rhonna Farrer; Rockabilly by beAUDacious Designs (retired); 1st Hour English by Emily Powers (retired); Summerville by Heaven’s Gate Designs (DAM June 09); Viva La Blooms Alpha by Julie Mead; The Artist’s Canvas Brushes by Emily Powers and Angela Powers (retired). Fonts: Pea Scrap Brandy and Rough_Typewriter.

28.8.09

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