100th post

Yes

This is officially my 100th post. It took me a while to get here. Absentee blogging, changing hobbies, and then just that thing called life.  I have committed to myself that I will blog more. I really do like to share ideas and thoughts with like minded people. Most of my entries are centered around my crafting. Occasionally I include my family, most frequently my son.  

I will have to be off work for a few weeks. In which case I need to get my house together before that happens. I will clean out my craft room if it kills me. So that once I can move I won't have to do that stuff. I figure if I really put my mind to it and do a little every day I can have it done in 3 weeks, perhaps 2 1/2. I just came from NSD at DCM. That would represent National Scrapbook Day at Dallas Crafters Marathon. As usual, I met tons of great people. It was awesome to hang out with fellow crafters. I even managed to art journal. I got roughly 6 layouts pretty much complete and several backgrounds.  Once I get the craft room together I will focus on doing backgrounds and texture at home and then when I go to DCM I can bring a minimal amount of "junk" (I mean supplies). : )

There were a couple of people interested in Art Journaling. I know it can be addicting.  I love going back in my books and seeing what my thoughts were in years past. The visual method for me seems to work better. Hopefully over the next few weeks some of us can meet up and enjoy crafting again.

Here is one of the layouts that I did over the last 2 days. As you can tell I am still into the big focal images. Both girls were colored with Copic Markers. I did use my Eclips by Sizzix to do Print to Cut. I love the feature. Sometimes it can be a little fickle with getting cut lines but for the most part it gets it done.


The layout was made with distress stains for the background, I doodled in the signo white gel pen, micron marker and some of the metallic gelly roll pens.  The image on the left is definitely from Kenny K.  I honestly don't remember where I got the image on the right.

Until Later
SS

I have started again

Hey Blogger world

I started art journaling again. I was in Chicago with family over the weekend and we decided to do a day of crafting. I just happened to bring my set of Pan Pastels with me for this trip. I only had one day to play but we had fun.

This was a page from one of my favorite "Comet"art journals.  I look high and low for these and buy them up every chance I get. They handle wet background techniques well. They even stand up to my Copic markers.  

Here is a page I did with Versamark and pan pastels. I still can't get over how easy this covers a page. And a little fixative afterwards to seal and you are on your way. I am still looking for a good pen to use on these pages that won't cost me a fortune. In the meantime I am using my Pitt Faber Castel pens and I used the Big White Pitt pen for the lettering. All of the doodling was done by me. Not a lot but I enjoy it.  The metallic accents were done with Sakura gel pens. I have a ton and decided it was time to use them.

The stamp was something my cousin had laying around. (literally)  I should have taken a picture of the page she did while playing with the pan pastels. The purple and yellow flower was absolutely gorgeous.

As you can see I started signing all of my work. My cousin encouraged me a couple of years ago to start.

I am crafting this weekend so these babies will definitely be put to use.  In any case. I hope you like it. Please feel free to comment. I would love the feedback.

Until later
SS

Another Canvas

Here is another Canvas that I created. I used a Kenny K Image as the focal point.  I really like coloring. I never realized just how much it calms me. I have been trying to figure out what I will pack for my trip. The copic markers are DEFINITELY on the list.  And yes, I like the color combination as well. I wasn't fond of it when I started but somehow it redeemed itself.

Alright,

I honestly don't have much else to say so I will end for now.

Until later

SS

The Other Woman

So, I have had this movie for about 3 weeks and have not watched "The Other Woman". I have to say that this is pretty funny. Not "Bridesmaids" funny, but pretty damn funny.  Not to mention that the main male character is Jaime, from Game of Thrones. LOVE HIM!!!  And the secondary male character is the hot guy from "Chicago Fire".  He is definitely "do-able".

I have continued to create this weekend. Still focusing on the main objects for the page layouts.  I really didn't paint at all this session. I did some sprays and I started playing with my Wendi Vecchi embossing paste.

Hope you like this page and have a blessed Sunday.

Again, I love my digital images, wink of stella and Copic Markers.  Who needs more??

Until later

SS

Crafty Creations

So, I am at a retreat this weekend. I got an e-mail from a friend telling me about it. So I had no plans and figured I would try it.  It is pretty cool. The owner is really nice and overall I like the place. I absolutely love that I didn't have to bring anything. Everything that I would need pretty much is here. I did a little shopping with the group but of course I don't need anything.
I have been creating. I actually brought my copic markers.  I have been coloring up a storm. I found a blog a couple of nights ago that has copic color of the day. This blogger uses different copic color combinations and comes up with a new color name. I am trying to recreate what she has on the cards by creating my own samples. So far I am in "need" of a lot of copic markers. LMAO

Here is one of the pages I created this weekend. I did some backgrounds but I really wanted to focus on getting pages done.  Hopefully you like it. I used mostly sprays for this background and then I focused on the main image.

Oh well, I hope you like the page.

Absolutely Exhausted

So, I am still recovering from the Crafting Marathon I had this past weekend. I am watching a little bit of the World Series. I truly want Boston to Win. Go RED SOX!!

I wanted to show you a page that I worked on while I was crafting with what I hope will become some really good friends.

I did my normal on this page. I used some Dylusions sprays that I diluted because I saw it on You Tube from joggles.com.  I then did some shadowing an some other background work with stamps and punches. I used some cool glitter tape I got from JoAnn Fabrics for 40% off. I will definitely use more of this. I really accents the page and comes in some cool colors that somehow seem to match the sprays.  I added an image from "The Greeting Farm".  I had colored her with Copic markers, fussy cut and then applied with Claudine Helmuth's matte medium.  There was charcoal used around some of the images and white gel pen to make them pop. I hope you like the page. I had fun creating this little work of art.  You can barely see the text but it says, "yes, I am cute".

Until Later

SS

She made me

Alright

Here is actually the post for today. I was going to title this post, Cute and Creepy, because it is named after the blog that I post my ATC's to most ofter called Wicked Wednesday but as usual I just went with the theme of the image. 

I am also linking to the Whoopsi Daisy Challenge Blog for the first time. The theme is dots. So please stop by both of them to take a look at all of the wonderful participants.

The wonderful Pile it On Blog has a challenge which deals with humor this week. I can definitely say that I need some of that.

The name of the ATC is "Hello Frankie" and I am positive she is another Mayzy Art image. Colored with Copic markers and come Spica pens as well. I am such a fan of coloring. It is very theraputic.

The background is a basic black card stock but I was able to incorporate a sampler book with design acetate pages into this one. And of course, my signature flowers.  I popped the image up with foam backing and like magic, the birth of an ATC. 

I hope you like my creation and will come back and see my art again.

Until later

SS

My name is Frankie', Baby

Morning Blogger Land

I can't believe I NEVER posted the pic of the ATC Frankie. I absolutely loved making him. He was a Mayzy art design and I had so much fun coloring him and coming up with a decent background.  You can buy him or some of the other great items that she has for sale. He was supposed to be a fun Frankie. I am going to link this to Wicked Wednesday challenge this week.  If anyone was stitched, it was definitely Frankenstein. I actually traded him months ago but of course I keep pictures of almost every ATC I made over the last year.  I love this blog and want to support it in anyway that I can.

I am also linking this with ATC's with Attitude, better known as the new "Craftitude". So I hope everyone loves this little creation of art.

I am also adding this to a new blog I found called "Left of Center". I personally think it is adorable. This is what I could come up with that was Halloween based. Frankie definitely is Halloween based even though he is cute.

My style has changed tremendously over the last few years since I started making ATC's. I really wish I could get together a group that would be willing to meet once a month.  It would be cool to do so that we can see our own styles. I have been on you tube overload the last week.  Looking at all of the different techniques out in Cyber World that I want to try. I am always fascinated by backgrounds. And of course, if you could not tell I have an unusual affection for markers. Copics are my favorite but I pretty much have all of them and I am now determined to use them all. 

Until Later
SS

Missed a Day

Ok, alright, already
I know I missed a day of blogging. I am really trying to get better about keeping up with it. Even if I have to set them on a schedule. I just find creating my art and sharing my art very therapeutic. In any case, there is not a challenge for this one right now. (Not that I won't find one in the next 10 minutes)

I thought I would share a "some odd girl" image with you. She is one the fairy releases that came out a little while ago. I colored her up with Copics and put a little bling on the ATC. This is one of my backgrounds created with the acetate covers and blank card stock. Definitely my go to when I have create block.  I am in Dallas again so "our place" seems appropriate.

Have a great night

SS

23 Swaps

I think I just hit a new record of swaps sent in one day. It took me about 2 hours to get them all together but I sent out 23 swaps. Every time I do it I think that I am sending out a little piece of happiness with each envelope. I love to receive snail mail that is not a bill or junk mail so I can only hope that others feel the same way.

This particular entry is an ATC that I just did for one of the swaps and as you can tell my new style is to use my digi stamps and copic markers to create something  great. It takes me a few minutes to color each one but I think they really make my ATC's pop.  This one was for "what's in a name?" and these have become my favorite swaps.  This one required you have a "spring" type theme, so here she is. The image is from The Paper Shelter.  I mixed some small letters to create the name to match the background theme colors.  

I am sitting here listening to a replay of Candace Glover and "Lovesong". To date that is my favorite performance she did on American Idol. I am so happy she won. As Randy Jackson said so frequently, she could sing ANYTHING!!  That is how great her voice is.

Until Later

SS

Until Later

SS

Hooked on TV

I succeeded in not having cable TV in my house for about 6 months. Let me tell you, it was like pulling teeth but it helped me get out in the world more and do different things. I will tell you however that I am absolutely hooked on the show Dallas on TNT.  I remember this being my mother's favorite show when I was a little girl. I think it came on Friday nights, CBS. I remember some of the subsequent shows. Knots Landing and she also watched Dynasty and Falcon Crest.  I can't believe that over 20 years later I am now a little Cora. But oh well, like mother like daughter. I could only hope to be half as good.

I did create an ATC for today.  Or at least I have one to share. I hope you like it. I have been playing around with my backgrounds again.  The acetate print sheets are absolutely awesome. I only wish I knew how to get more. It would be totally worth buying a few 12x12 of these because of how cool they look on plain backgrounds.

So, I wanted share this little baby. I am pretty sure she is a Dilly Beans design.  But she will go to a much needed swap soon for mermaids and mermen on swap bot.  For this one, she was colored with Copic Markers and bling was added. The background was actually a couple of small pieces of the acetate and they fit together nicely.

This is not for a specific challenge but I am sure I will find something to enter.

Oh Well, it is off to see Star Trek. I missed it last week so it is time to get moving now. 

Take Care
SS

The day from HELL

I finally made it home to take a much needed break from reality. I am not quite sure whether I am coming or going but somehow I will make it. I just keep telling myself "and this to shall pass". It was a brisk "almost" Spring day in the arm pit of America.  However the sun was shining and I am alive.  Suffice it to say, I am pretty pissed today so I am just letting stuff roll off. I don't want to raise my blood pressure too much. It's just NOT worth it.

So my entry for ATC's today is a little girl. The image is from "The Greeting Farm".  I don't know her name but she is pretty. This ATC is going to be posted for Wicked Wednesday. This week is Spring Fever. I colored her with Copic Markers, fussy cut and embellished with glitter and other items.

In any case, I hope you like this little creation. I am not feeling very blog worthy so I will sign off.

Until Later

SS

Another Lazy Crazy Day

Today was cool, I got to do exactly what I wanted to do. Almost nothing. I did get up and go to brunch this morning. There is this Irish Pub, McNellie's, about 1/2 mile from my house that does a great omelet bar on Sunday afternoon. So, I hung out there for a while, ate and watched my OKC Thunder NBA team WIN.

I did a little bit of crafting today.  I had some swaps that would have been overdue so I completed those. I then made a decision. I was going to stop getting "new" hobbies. And I was going to stop spending money on the hobbies I already had until I had used up at least 50% of my stuff.  If I pull it off I won't buy anything until 2020. LOL

So, onto today's creation. Actually I made this a couple of days ago but this is Purple Arwen. I am such a fan of Lord of the Rings, I was going to title, "where is Aragorn".  But I decided to use her name in the movie. Again, another Kenny K digital design.  This was for a swap on Swapbot. The fussy cut almost killed me, but somehow I made it through.

So, I guess I need to get going now. I am spending this evening catching up on TV shows.  I have yet to see the new episodes "The Good Wife" or "Once Upon a Time".

Until Later my Blogger Friends
SS

TGIF TGIF TGIF

Thank God I'm fabulous and even more Thank God it's FRIDAY!!!
Let me just start by saying this. I am so DAMN glad it is Friday. I am having a hell of a day and I can't wait until this is OVER!!! 

And now onto the good stuff. This little work of art I actually created a while ago. I titled it "I'm cool" because I really think that she is. I had someone tell me that I must really like pink the other day. I didn't see it but I guess after looking at my collection it appears that pink has taken on a little domination. As you can tell she is from the Kenny K collection. I colored her with Copic Markers and then fussy cut.  I just loved the cape.  I hope you like her. I am entering her into the Wicked Wednesday Pin up girl challenge this week.

I really don't have a lot to say today except, bring on 5 o'clock. Oh, and did I mention I am sick as a dog.  I really need to get over this, whatever THIS is.
 Until Later
SS

Three years

Hello BloggerLand

I just realized that I started this Blog three years ago. I don't exactly have a post for every week like my original goal was to be. So my promise to myself is to be more consitent. Even if it is just one post per week, I know that I can do it. Writing about this thing "I call Life" can have it's rewards. First off it helps me to stay sane, Ok Maybe a little sane. I don't want to go overboard. : )  You can definitely see how my style and interests have changed. Three years ago I was into Disney Pin Trading and now you can't get me to even look at one.  I do still crochet but not nearly as much. I believe that comes from not being with my normal group of ladies. And onto my new hobby!!!

I discovered ATC's about 1 1/2 years ago and I have been hooked ever since. What does that say about me? I am a true instant gratification person. (Ok, I have not gone to inchies).  But I love to collect them and trade. My goal in the next year is to go to an ATC swap convention. I am certain they have them somewhere.

So, in any case, here is today's little work of ART. I definitely will think twice about using this Kenny K image again. I mean, don't get me wrong, she is beautiful. But most of the time I fussy cut my images. Let me tell you, this was NOT fun to fussy cut. I loved coloring her.  I made 2 of these for a swap that I am in on SWAPBOT. Because I like her so much I may make another one for myself to keep. I colored her with my copic markers and then embellished the card with whatever I could find in the green family. Trust me, with my stash, that is a lot. I am determined to use up some of this stuff BEFORE I have to move again.

I am entering this in the Crazy Amigo Challenge.  The theme this week is "Women". I can pretty much guarantee I have something to match that one. : )

Today I made lunch for my team at work. I have been a little of a cooking mood. I think tomorrow it will be peach cobbler. I am feeling some baking coming on.

Alright, I have to go for now.
Until Later
SS

What an amazing day??? (Joking)

Good Afternoon Blogger World

I just gotta say, today is starting off so much better than yesterday. Of course, I am also one more day closer to the weekend, so that might have a little something to do with it.

I spent the morning going over Performance reviews. I gotta tell you... BRUTAL.  I now remember why I dread this time of  year. But it has to be done.

For today I created this ATC in my usual style. A digital stamp colored with Copic Markers. This time I used and image from Jade Dragonne who is an artist on Deviant art. If you have not taken a look at her work you simply must. After fussy cutting the image I popped it up with foam dots and used marker to help accent the background paper as well. The bling and embellishments I got from my "unbelievable" stash.

So, what is my goal this year, I think I finally found one. Well, at least 3. The first one is to move back home. I gotta tell you, I really miss Texas. Number 2 is to lose weight. I don't care if it is only 10 pounds but I want to lose weight. And number 3 is to make at least 5 ATC's a week.  I think I can do it.  I can't begin to tell you how much fun I have with these small works of ART and I absolutely love trading them as well.

My kid called me last night. Of course the only time he does that is when he NEEDS money. It's sad to say but that is what my life revolves around. Being his personal Banker. I mean, can he occasionally call just to see how I am doing, if I am alive, etc. Is that too much ask for? I mean I am his ONLY mother. : ) Oh well, one can only dream.

I gotta go, lunch is over and it's time to get down to the grind.

Until Later
SS

Pretty Pink Bow

Hey Blogger World
It is actually about midnight but I wanted to get this post in as I want to link to a challenge before Tuesday is gone.

This ATC was created by me specifically for Wicked Wednesday Challenge. This week they have Ribbons and Bows as the theme. I honestly was thinking that I would do one of my new Kenny K images for this but then I ran across this cutie from Saturated Canary.  I am horrible with image names. But at my age now I know so many of my family and friends that have fought or are currently fighting Breast Cancer. I just wanted to let them know, I support you.

Make sure you check out Krista's Blog. I love her and the fact that she keeps a "SMASH" journal with some of her art actually inspired me to put some of the images I color in mine as well.

I am also entering this in the Simon Says Stamp blog challenge. This week it is "Anything Goes".  However when I went to enter and attempted to scroll down to get to linky, I thought I was going to break my finger. OMG, well over 1000 linked and still counting.  I don't think I have EVER seen one that full.  It's nice to see all the individuals crafting their hearts out. Oh, to make the world a better place, with a little bit of paper and a whole lot of crafty stuff. : )

The next challege being entered is the Dream Valley #51. I have to admit, this was the first time that I actually saw this challenge blog but I know I will be back. I loved looking at all of the linky's on this one.

I colored her with Copics and then fussy cut.  The glitter embellishments are from Michaels Recollection line. I think I got them for 75% off.  Unfortunately I lost my mind in the store so I don't think I "really" SAVED any money. HA-HA

And now I have to share my story. This morning while walking to work, I was verbally accosted on the street. I work and live in Downtown Oklahoma City. In all honesty, since I moved here people have been nothing by nice to me. But I guess this was not the day. I won't go into exactly what he said because I am certain it is offensive but let's just say that he referenced my weight and ethnic background in a less than positive light.

Anyway, I really hope that you all like my ATC and see you next time.

SS

One more ATC Post

Hello

Happy Sunday

As you can see I am still enthralled with ATC's. I have been having so much fun creating these cute little works of art. I am definitely an instant gratification person.  So these are right up my alley. And I love to trade them as well. I do most of my trading on Swapbot and ATC's for all.  If you are not familiar with either of these sites and into ATC's I suggest that you take a look.  

I made stuffed bell peppers last night. As any of my friends know it is very difficult for me to cook for one, or even 2. I have been single forever and Daniel has been in college for over 3 years. So, I should have gotten the hang of it by now.  Unfortunately I have not. So I ended up making 8 bell peppers. It is so easy to make them and they are quick, except for the baking time. But I can craft during that time.

The ATC I made has an image from Mayzy Art.  She use to have a shop on Etsy but now she has her own website. I love her little images. She was colored with my Copic markers and I added some silver metallic accents to the headband and umbrella. I originally did this image because I had a circus themed swap to do but decided on another as this one was a little too much to fussy cut for 10 partners. The background is actually embossed with powders from "Sparkle and Sprinkle".  I went to the Scrapbook convention in Grapevine last weekend and spent too much money, again.  (A real surprise, Right???)  They have some great stuff and I love their glitter.  It is actually pretty reasonably priced considering the quality. And what girl doesn't like glitter.  

In any case, I hope you like this little creation. I need to get back to crafting. I am in the process of coloring at least 20 images today. On number 11 now.  I hope I make it.

Until Later,
SS