Lea Cioci CPD CPT

USAQ - Perfect Pigment & Micacolor Watercolor Journal

2012-01-16T20:52:00.003-06:00

This is my first post for the USArtQuest DT! To see it and the instructions go to USArtQuest's blog. Not too difficult to create...learn some simple techniques with Perfect Pigment Paint and MicaColor Watercolor Palette. Also, the fine line pen!

The 7% Solution

2012-01-07T15:04:00.000-06:00

New art for Viva Las Vegastamp's Blog! Yes it is Sherlock Holmes and it's Steampunk. I posted about Sherlock but not the story about that in the books, Sherlock Shoots up with Cocaine, seems to help him with his process of solving crimes. Freud thought cocaine was a great tool to helping people with depression and other ailments, but then he found out himself how addictive this drug was. Too Late! Freud and other became addicted but Freud was able to get off of it. The 7% Solution is the amount of cocaine mix that Sherlock put in his syringe...weird facts!

I recently saw From Hell (saw it years ago) with Johnny Depp playing the inspector trying to solve the Jack the Ripper murders. I think her portrayed his character after Sherlock Holmes because his character would go to an opium den or use laudanum to product "visions" which helped him with the case.

From reading and watching Documentary type TV shows, I learn a lot of unusual facts.

Be sure to see what great steampunk stamps VLVS has for creating art from this period.

Winner of Blog Hop VLVS - My Blog

2012-01-03T19:19:00.000-06:00

The random pick winner of the $15 coupon for VLVS, IS :

CLARE D! Clare, I emailed you with instructions to claim your prize!

I want to thank everyone for the lovely comments and really look at what I was expressing with VLVS for the New Years. Check VLVS blog Friday, I have a Steampunk project for you all to view.

There is still the other blogs, and the BIG prize from VLVS - stay tuned!
Thanks again.

2011-12-31T20:16:00.000-06:00

Viva Las Vegas, Viva Las Vegas, Viva Las Vegas

Viva Las Vegastamps!!!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!

Follow the blog hop and bring in the New Years! I wish for everyone a great year filled with only good things. Here are a few fun projects to bring in the New Years in style!!

I will be awarding a $15 prize as all the DT blogs will AND VLVS is awarding a $25 prize! Be sure to comment for a chance to win!

Below is an illustration I made with ink, paint, outlines of images, and this cute Walking Frog!!! I made him like he took a big jump but went too high and is afraid! I added a Santa's hat I cut from sheet 1363 and adhered it behind the frog's eyes. While I wrote out the sentiment "Hoppy New Years!," "Time Flies" is another great VLVS image.

Close up of Mr. Frog.
Used 3D Glue Dots on just the body.

I found an inexpensive kit for making an ornament. It is flat back, plastic, with the front bubble. I love this image of the two party goers in champagne glasses. 3-D Crystal Lacquer adds dimension which shines through the bubble. I used the lacquer on the glasses and balloons. Coloring with simple shading adds depth. Little rhinestone dots add the "bubble" look of champagne bubbles and festive confetti.

Many people do not take their Christmas trees down until after New Year's so on New Year's eve you can take down some of the ornaments and add New Year's ornaments like this one. This image is named : Couple in Champagne Glass 2. Viva Las Vegastamps has many New Year's stamps and images that can be combined to create New Year's art! Make your home festive and fun!

The same image can be used as an invitation, decorative art (put on an easel and place in room), or even a greeting card! Changing colors, layering on decorative papers add a different touch to the same stamp. Again 3-D Crystal Lacquer adds the realistic look to the glasses and balloons. Added are rhinestone words, the little champagne bubbles, and even champagne glass. Ornaments or art posted around the room brings up the excitement as you wait to bring in the New Year's. All that is needed is good food, party hats, and noise blowers.

If you have missed any posts in the blog hop, please head to the beginning to Terri Sproul's (Team Leader) blog!!! Good luck I can't wait to give away some blog candy!

USAQ Design Team Part Deux

2011-12-20T23:30:00.000-06:00

UsArtQuest.com
UsArtQuestblog.com

Yes, I will be a part of the USAQ DT again! It is an extreme honor and pleasure to be a part of this group among so many talented artists!

On the first DT this art piece won a challenge on Susan's USAQ FB group! It means so much to me because it was voted on by a jury of my peers.

It is important to sign up for the USAQ Newsletter...see link above. You will be able to see all the ideas/art from the DT as well as mine, Susan's art, other USAQ talents, tips, and even pricing specials.

Tune in January 17th to see Sue live on HSN! Her last visit was a smashing success, she's come back with more techniques and products.

Terri Sproul is our DT Leader! I have the honor of being on another team with Terri. I want to thank Terri for all her efforts and hard work.

Thank you Sue for USAQ, for your wonderful art, ideas, and just being you!

Lost: Blog Hop Tag 1

2011-12-20T11:30:00.001-06:00

For some reason my first tag on VLVS Blog Hop is missing. I'd like to re-post it because it is my second favorite tag I made for the hop.

Please refer back to the other days to find out about the wonderful stamps on plate 1363!!!!

New USArtQuest DT Entry

2011-12-14T23:13:00.000-06:00

UsArtQuest.com

UsArtQuestblog.com

I had the extreme pleasure of being part of the first USArtQuest's first Design Team using products that are near and dear to my heart. These are media that speak to my fine art background, lending to my love of creating mixed-media art.

The second DT will start in January, and I would like to share my entry for re-joining the team. Please click the links above and check out all the amazing paints, tools, and products to fill an artist's dream! Click on the link to the blog and join to receive their wonderful newsletter filled with ideas, specials, and USAQ news right in you inbox.

Festive Paper Mache' Bowl

Note: If you are not adventurous to create your own bowl, USAQ carries Satin Mache', a perfect base to paint and decorate.

USAQ Supplies:

PPA -Gloss

Perfect Brushes

Perfect Pigments - Metallic Copper, Metallic Lt. Gold, and Ultramarine Blue

Paper - Unryu Chiri Natural

Studio Cups

Other Supplies:

Plastic Bowl

Vaseline

Newspaper, scrap paper, newsprint, bits and pieces of decorative papers

Leaf Stamp and Blue Ink Pad

Button

Fibers

Scissors

Awl or Crop-a-dile

1. Cover your work surface with plastic or anything to protect the area where you are creating. Turn the plastic bowl upside down and apply a thin layer of Vaseline. The Vaseline will keep the bowl from sticking to the paper mache' as you go along. I believe plastic wrap will work as well, but I prefer the "old fashion" way of using Vaseline.

2. Cut or rip papers into strips. Using scraps are fine, but make sure they aren't too wide. Pour some PPA Gloss into a Studio Cup. Dip the strips of paper into the PPA Gloss, and use your fingers to squeeze off extra adhesive (Plastic gloves are fine for those who don't like to get their hands dirty!). Starting with the top of the bowl, lay the paper strips down one at a time, overlapping and covering the whole bowl. Once the bowl is covered, add 2-3 more layers of strips, covering the whole bowl. Let the bowl dry ( Overnight will ensure it is dried through).

3. Once the paper mache' is dried, remove it off of the plastic bowl carefully. Pour the Perfect Pigment colors into Studio Cups and use your Perfect Brushes to start painting the surface. The above bowl was done in a free-form style, painting it mostly copper, adding gold here and there, and then a little bit of blue. Once the paint dried, I added more gold in areas. The inside of the bowl is almost all copper.

4. Stamp the leaf image twice onto 2 pieces of Unryu Paper with the blue ink pad. Rip the edges of the paper and adhere to each side of the bowl using PPA Gloss.

5. Use the awl or a Crop-a-dile to punch holes around the top of the bowl. Measure fibers to so that the length goes 3 times around the bowl parameter. Starting at the top of the bowl, start doing a simple over cast stitch (see illustration) starting at the front of the bowl and going all the way around, coming back to the front of the bowl. Tie the ends in knots. Take more fibers, folded in half and tie with the extra ends of the fibers that was laced through the bowl. There should be a little bit of ends left, and tie the button on. Clip off any extra ends that remain.

The finished bowl is perfect for candy, holding mail, paperback books, trinkets. This decorative piece will enhance any home decor'. Make a few bowls in different sizes for a complete accent for the room for display. Very popular are little balls either paper, wood, glass, etc. that are set in a tray or bowl for a room accent. Design your own bowl for a wonderful artistic edge for home decorating!

I have been using USAQ products from the time the company began. They are products I can NEVER do without! USAQ has products for all art styles from fine art to scrapbooking.

Hope you have enjoyed my design, stay tuned and see if I have the great pleasure to create on this round of the DT!!

Make sure you check the website and blog.

I created this design for the last DT, and now it's ready to go out as a Christmas card!!! Mica Color Powders, Gildenglitz, and Mica Flakes adorn this design.

12 Days of Tags Blog Hop Day 12

2011-12-11T23:00:00.000-06:00

Day 12

There's Gnome Place like Home for the Holidays!!!! I just adore this little Gnome - he comes in 3 sizes!!! This is the medium-sized gnome. He was my most favorite tag to create.

Think outside the box and put various Viva Las Vegastamps images together. The word "Holidays" was used from the plate 1363. Other than stamping and cutting, you can ink up the stamp close to the word and carefully wipe off the excess ink so just the word you want will stamp! Always use permanent ink.

The background is layered with 3 types of inks. The background is done in the pearlized blue Brilliance ink. Snow flurries image was first stamped with Opalites (a subliminal shimmery ink that pops on the surface). Can you see the silvery pearl cluster of snowflakes? That is the Opalites. Lastly, VersaColor in blue inked again on the snow flurries stamp image and stamped randomly. Blue glitter glue is added on top of the VersaColor inked image.

Gnome is colored with Copics and metallic pens. He is cut out and collaged on top of the background. The word "Holidays" is stamped above. Adding wire and beads creates a festive touch. An easy way to create "curls" in the wire is to wrap the wire around a pencil, then pull the pencil out.

Here is how the tag looked before I added the words and gnome. This can be used in many ways with many images from plate 1363.

This is the last day to leave a comment on my and the other participating DT's blog. Follow this blog with Lyneen's blog for a chance to win plate 1363. Good luck and enjoy the tags!!!!

Tag Blog Hop Day 11

2011-12-10T23:30:00.000-06:00

Day 11

Love this shopping Santa! Elves must be on strike, and he had to go to his favorite store to get goodies to take down the chimney, ha ha ha.

As in an earlier post, I did a oil pastel background. I added a shimmery, sheer mica powder over it and then stamped with a cracked background stamp image.

Another image - "Still Time to order the Fruitcake", was used. I had metallic pens with gold undertones. Added some Christmas elements and closed off the hole of the tag with another element. Looking at the tag, you can see both the Santa and the words are stamped separately, cut and collaged on top of the background.

Plate 1363 is fabulous all on its own, yet any of your collection of Viva Las Vegastamps images are perfect to add to this plate.

Tomorrow is the last day of the 12 Tags of Christmas Blog Hop. I hope you have enjoyed all the ideas the DT has given you. We hope these ideas has made it easier for you to put together tags/cards to give to others. Find a woman's shelter, check with your local food pantry, or animal shelter; and see if they need items to sell to make money to help others.

If you have left a comment on each blog from Dec. 1 to Dec. 12, then you will have a chance to win plate 1363! It's an awesome plate as well as ALL the Christmas plates VLVS has to offer. The next blog is Lyneen's blog. See what wonderful designed tag she has for you!

Tag Blog Hop Day 10

2011-12-09T23:30:00.000-06:00

Day 10

Day 10 is a double tag!! A regular sized and smaller tag was used .

A mix of ink DTP (Direct to Paper), and over stamping to design these tags. Mica powder (USArtQuest Micacolors) to add a festive, shimmery, sparkle to the tags. The sleeping elf and word sentiments are stamped on white cardstock, colored, cut and added to the tags. The two background stamps are the crackle and word backgrounds. As you see I like to mix up things by using wire as well as ribbon.

View all the wonderful Christmas stamps at Viva Las Vegastamps. Follow this blog hop and leave a comment on each blog from Dec. 1 to Dec. 12 for a chance to win plate 1363 with all the images the DT used to create these tags! Follow my blog to LC - Jesse's blog.

See you tomorrow, only 2 more tags!!!

Tag Blog Hop Day 9

2011-12-08T23:30:00.000-06:00

DAY 9

The 12 days of Tags with the Viva Las Vegastamps DT has highlighted so many ways to create stamps using plate 1363! The DT has many different styles of artists giving different expressions and using plate 1363 to create wonderful tags.

Today I want to focus that stamps are fun to stamp and cut "parts" of the stamp to fit what you want to showcase in your design.

Here I cut out the word "Holiday," and use with Christmas stickers to create a tag. I wanted to show cutting parts of stamped images is fun, also to create a tag fast, doesn't require using the whole image.

The background is done with oil pastels! The least expensive but creamy oil pastels are "Expression (has sun on front of a yellow cover), and Expressionist (blue cover) " oil pastels. These are easily found in many craft and even general shopping stores. Cray Pas or some other oil pastels have more binders so they aren't creamy and do not blend easily.

I used 3 colors of oil pastels on this background. Take your first color and thickly color over the surface. Then use your index finger to spread out the color until smooth, almost watercolor looking. The oils in your finger breaks down the binder and spreads the color. Spread as far as you can. You don't have to press real hard, you will get the flow of it once you start moving your finger over the oil pastel and spreading it around.

If for some reason you feel you cannot spread the oil pastel out, use a band-aid on your finger and it should spread (better with finger because of the oils). This is just one way to break down the oil pastel, there are others.

Take the second color, laying down a thick patch of color like the first color, overlapping just slightly over the first color. Blend the second color into the first and also in the other direction to cover the background. Do the same with the third color. Opptional: Add a copper or metallic oil pastel (I use Senniler) to add an shimmery accent color. Mica powders also add some shimmer, especially if you want to stamp on top of the oil pastel, the mica powder sticks to the oil pastel.

Follow the illustration and add a green label using Miracle Tape and then add the stickers. the stamped word background was colored as well. Add ribbon and you have another tag to give!

Just a few more days of ideas, I hope you will use some of these ideas to create tags to give on gifts or even as a christmas card!! See you tomorrow for day 10.

Comment on this blog and follow on to LC- Jesse's blog. Comment on each blog for the 12 days of tags and you can win this wonderful plate of stamp images.

Tag Blog Hop Day 8

2011-12-07T23:22:00.000-06:00

Day 8

One plate of stamp images lends itself to so many designs!!! I used a clear surface to stamp the sentiment on and then adhered it to decorative paper cut in a label shape. Miracle Tape Sheets are perfect to accomplish this! I adore the accent Christmas lights and I used metallic pens so that the image shimmers like lights. To make the tag "pop."

Other shapes like the snowman, snowflake, offsets the sentiment. I colored and designed the snowman. The snowflake is adhered to the top of the tag with an eyelet. The tag itself is cut from textured cardstock.

Comment on this blog and all the other blogs in this blog hop - Dec.1 to Dec. 12, and you have a chance of winning plate 1363, filled with all the Christmas images used on all the tags!

Follow LC - Jesse's blog and continue until you come back to my blog.

See you tomorrow with more ideas!

Tag Blog Hop Day 7

2011-12-06T23:30:00.000-06:00

Day 7

I want to THANK everyone for the lovely comments! I am a technique based girl, so if I can give you some ideas, I am happy!!!

Pleather tag!!! I stamped "Santa's Coming" all over the cardstock, then die cut a tag shape. I used ink for the background and added glitter and sprayed with Memories Irridescent Mist. Next I used 3-D Crystal Lacquer and covered the whole tag 2 times. The lacquer is pliable when dry and so the tag looks like it is leather! I tied a little wood ornament charm to complete the tag.

Are you getting enough ideas??? Leave a comment on my blog and follow the other blogs in this blog hop and have a chance to win # 1363 plate.

The next blog on the hop is LC - Jesse's blog. Create tons of tags, enjoy, and see you tomorrow.

Tag Blog Hop Day 6

2011-12-05T22:27:00.000-06:00

DAY 6

Santa's Coming!!!! I combined a few techniques together to make this snowy Santa. First I stamped both images on vellum. As you noticed, I didn't use the whole image. I like the look of it. Using Miracle Tape Sheets, you can adhere vellum and not see any adhesive on the back.

The tag was cut from Robin's Nest snowflake designed paper. All sparkly with glitter. Once I adhered the words and santa, I sparyed the whole surface with Memories Irridescent Mist. I put a snowflake brad in the hole. The whole tag is glittered and snowy!

So many uses for the images of plate #1363. Would you like to win this plate? Comment on my blog and all the blogs in the blog hop from Dec. 1 - 12 for a chance to win. Follow the link to LC- Jesse's blog for the next tag. Enjoy and see you tomorrow.

Tag Blog Hop Day 5

2011-12-04T22:12:00.000-06:00

DAY 5

Playing with Creative Paperclay® !!! I rolled out the clay and and cut out the shape of the tag. I used an awl to make a hole at the top of the tag. Let dry - after a few hours, turn over the clay to make sure the clay dries evenly. DTP (Direct to Paper) on the dried clay with green ink. I stamped a star pattern (a little extra on a plate), and then stamp the VLVS tiny holly image using DTR (Direct to Rubber) with watercolor markers. Color red for the berries, and green for the leaves. Huff on the stamp and stamp. Repeat stamping to cover the tag.

Stamp the words from plate #1363, as you noticed I only used part of the words/image. I cut the part I wanted and colored the backfround and then outlined the words. I used Miracle tape to adhere the words to the tag.

Next, cover the whole tag with 3-D Crystal Lacquer and let dry. Fold a ribbon in half and tie a knot in the center. Pull both ends through the hole from the back to the front. Tie a bow.

The image on the left is another Viva Las Vegastamp image, stamp right into the clay to make the candy cane. Also use a background stamp to create a background in the clay. Use the word Christmas from plate #1363.

Another stamping into the clay with a Viva Las Vegastamps image. The background is done with gel pens and then mica watercolors around the background and over some leaves to add sparkle. I created the background on the card using bits and pieces of run-on's.

I hope you are having fun following the blog hop and all the different ideas from VLVS DT! Remember comment on my blog and all the blogs for a chance to win plate #1363! The link to the next blog is LC - Jesse's blog. See you tomorrow!

Tag Blog Hop Day 4

2011-12-03T19:44:00.000-06:00

Day 4

Here is a tag that is a pocket that holds a giftcard!! By decorating the tag on both sides and then folding up from the bottom up to a little above center, you create the pocket. Punch a hole on each side and tie fibers to keep the pocket together. Christmas papers, inks, and a light bulb accent makes the design. Miracle Tape is perfect for the adhesive to adhere papers and stamped image.

The saying with lights as those following this blog hop, knows it comes from Viva Las Vegastamps plate #1363. Just think of all the different pockets you can make with plate 1363 - Santa's galore too.

Easy and fast is my goal, as well as designing tags others will enjoy to receive.

Comment on this post and you could win plate #1363!!! The link to follow mine is JC - Jesse's blog.

I've just begun with images and ideas, see you tomorrow with a new tag!

More Tags, Blog Hop Day 3

2011-12-02T21:45:00.000-06:00

DAY 3

Lots of ideas for day two, here is Day 3's tag. Remember to comment each day for a chance to win Viva Las Vegastamps plate #1363! (See Day one for the image).

Mix and match VLVS images with plate #1363 to design a tag. Here I used a tiny holly image and watercolor markers. Colored red and green, then huffed on the stamp before stamping. You notice the holly image in color!. Cut the word image so you just have "There's no place like home..." and use the larger holly image. Color the larger holly. The background is done with chalk. Cut out words and holly and glue to surface. Add colorful ribbon to complete.

Leave a comment and you could win the Christmas Plate 1363!!! The blog hob starts with Terri Sproul's blog. The link after my my blog is LC's - Jesse's blog.

Keep coming back for more ideas!

VLVS Tag Blog Hop Day 2

2011-12-01T23:30:00.000-06:00

Lots of ideas for day one, here is Day 2's tag. Remember to comment each day for a chance to win Viva Las Vegas plate #1363! (See Day one for the image).

This was a fun tag to create!! The tag is acrylic and I sandwiched the image and backing behind the tag and added ribbon and Merry Christmas on the top. There is 2 jump rings so I can add a couple gold charms to hang. Notice that Santa has been cut from his shopping cart - use parts of images and words to create whole new designs.

The paper used is by Robin's Nest, has sparkly snowflakes. I used Memories Irridescent Mist over both the paper and the stamped image to add extra sparkle. I used my favorite metallic gel pen for Santa's suit.

To glue the paper and designed Santa to the tag, Use 3-D Crystal Lacquer sparingly over the whole surface. Ok, I used my finger to spread it flatly over the surface and then pressed the tag on top of the design. I used more lacquer to add the Chrismas words.

The starting of the hop is at our DT's blog Terri Sproul. To continue the blog hop go to LC- Jesse's blog. Comment on all the tags for a chance to win plate #1363!

The Wonder All in One Little Globe

2011-12-01T23:00:00.000-06:00

3-D Crystal Lacquer is awesome! I was able to create this holiday card and give it depth and dimension, as well as the look of a real globe.

Check out Viva Las Vegastamps Blog for details.

Here is the close up of the globe.

Yes, the background in the globe is colored first before adding the 3-D Crystal Lacquer!

The VLVS Christmas Tag Blog is running right now. Leave a comment on my blog and all the blogs highlighting tag ideas with plate # 1363, and you can win it.

VLVS Christmas Tag Blog Hop

2011-11-30T23:30:00.000-06:00

Day 1

Join the Viva Las Vegastamp fun, and follow the blog hop. Lot's of ideas for tags using the new Christmas plate #1363!! Comment on each blog for a chance to win this plate. The blog hop runs from December 1st through December 12th. Once you see all the ideas, you are going to want this plate!!

Here is my first tag -

Here comes Santa Claus! Easy to stamp this wonderful image of Santa and finish it any way you'd like to.

I used a white gel pen for the beard/mustache, and the hat. A metallic red gel pen was used to color over the black that prints on the hat, and I got a wonderful red- black metallic look.

The face is done with Copic markers, I shaded the hat in a tiny bit of blue to make the shadow of the hat and tassle. The glasses are realistic, covered with 3-D Crystal Lacquer by Sakura Craft and Hobby.

To finish this tag, I cut Santa out and mounted him on black cardstock for a background, then on the white tag. Added a pointsettia, and metallic red wire - viola' tag #1.

The very beginning of this hop starts with DT Lead Terri Sproul. To continue on please click LC - Jesse's blog and see the wonderful tag she has designed. Remember to comment on all our blogs for a chance to win this WONDERFUL Christmas plate of images.

Check here tomorrow and see what I have in store!

Giving Thanks Part Deux II

2011-11-21T21:26:00.001-06:00

Check out Viva Las Vegastamps Blog and see the instructions to the art below.

Giving Thanks - Mica Leaves and Watercolor Pencil

2011-11-03T21:00:00.000-05:00

My new projects are up at Viva Las Vegastamps Blog. Go to their blog and check out the instructions and details.

Shimmery mica powder leaves PoP!

My experiment with watercolor pencils on fabric. I learned something important: Cotton or muslin fabric works the best. I believe I used polyester or linen, the results were good but it was hard to blend colors.

Who's Your "Sugar" Daddy???

2011-10-21T12:26:00.000-05:00

Here is my next project for the Viva Las Vegastamps Design Team! Please go to the VLVS blog to see the instructions. Enjoy!!!

Simple Masking Technique

Also a bonus project using Ultra High Gloss Embossing Powder as a mask or resist.

The skeleton is embossed and the words will go behind with no effort!

Get all your stamping products at Viva Las Vegastamps....Happy Halloween!

Witchy Kitty Giftie

2011-10-06T23:29:00.000-05:00

It's exciting to be a part of the VLVS DT! With Halloween in just a couple of weeks, I thought why not use my Pound O' Rubber for a giftie project. VLVS has such a HUGE variety of stamp images, and chose to create a useful, fun, Trick or Treat container. What is funny is that I chose the kitty design first, made the project in the french fry box, then found the fry saying! I love being a little strange at times, and this saying worked perfectly!!!

VLVS Stamps & Products:
Halloween Kitty: 2035
Fries Quote: 332
Miracle Tape

Other materials:
Orange, purple, green, light gray, and light green cardstock
Black & Purple Permanent Ink
Decorative and regular scissors
Hand or Electric/Software Cutting Machine
Green Glitter
Bone Folder or Straight Edge for Scoring
Gelly Roll Pens

Note: A fast food french fry container can be used as a template and traced if you do not use any cutting machines.

Pound O' Rubber

Trace or die cut french fry container shape. Using an electric die cutter and software, you can create any size container you want. Use the bone folder to score in the appropriate areas to create the creases to fold the container. Use Miracle Tape on two flaps and adhere box together (see image below) .

Miracle Tape is Fabulous!!!! Had to mention this because I've been frustrated with other liner tapes in the past. Look at the blue handle for ease of application and cutting. You pull back, and viola', the tape is cut. The best part is the hold and flexibility. I can remove the liner with the flick of my nail and it comes off easily and the tape is stuck to my project! I can line up my sides without the tape accidently sticking before I want it to, there's give so there's no hassle.

Once the fry container is finished, stamp the kitty stamp on light gray cardstock. Color with Gelly Roll pens and cut out. Color the background so when you cut, you have a bright background for contrast. Stamp the fry words on the green cardstock and cut with decorative scissors. For the scallop, you may have some in your stash of collage/scrapping materials or you can use your cutting machine to make one. Use the Miracle Tape to assemble the elements as seen in the photo above.

The last step was to add a little glitz, and Halloween sparkle to the project. Miracle Tape comes in several widths - run a line of tape on each side of the container (choose how wide or thin you want the line) and add glitter.

If you are looking for great decorative paper, one of VLVS's sponors is The Robin's Nest. Here is a fry container I made using their Halloween Stripe paper. Heavy weight cardstock with glitter and patterns to delight all. Stop by their blog and take a look.

Ok, candy isn't for me on Halloween, I could lose some weight, ha ha ha. So I'd rather rack up the pounds in rubber - this is the giftie I want!

VLVS Design Team Announcement

2011-09-18T13:15:00.000-05:00

Viva Las Vegastamps VLVS - New Design Team Member!

I am happy to say that I have made the VLVS DT ! I am delighted to be able to share designs, projects, and ideas incorporating so many of VLVS images. With the coming holidays, lots of fun and crazy ideas coming along as well as gift ideas.

In the industry I had to do mostly mainstream or cute so now I can mix that up with some bizzaro or different types of art. I aim to delight every taste. Since my move and not working on art for some months, I LOVE being challenged to step beyond and stay the same all at once! There are seasoned design team members that have such wonderful talents. I look forward to the opportunity to work along side with them.

When creating for this DT, I will be creating several items, choosing one with directions and possibly highlighting other projects I have created. A lot of eye candy for you and when I can, step by step photos to guide you along. The VLVS images make my challenges a lot easier, so much to choose from.

Here is a simple Witchy Kitty (Halloween Kitty - 2035) image that I adore. This tag is very basic BUT come back October 7th and I have Witchy Kitty Gifitie to hold candies in. Easy to make and fun to give out or use as a part of the centerpiece.

Easy backgrounds enhance VLVS images. Using foam on an applicator (or alone ) can create wonderfully blended backgrounds.

Add your favorite VLVS image and Viola' - a fun tag! Check in on October 7th to see the gift container and how to make it!!!! To highlight the image, you can add gelly roll pens, or even chalk.

More ideas from all the talented DT members:

Joe Rotella : http://www.createncraft.com/author/jrotella

Joe Morgan: http://www.createncraft.com/author/jmorgan/

Aimee Fleck: http://artreflecktions.blogspot.com

Lynne Jesse: http://dreamingofcastles.blogspot.com

Dee Dee Catron: www.umwowstudio.com

Susan Brown: http://www.sbartist.blogspot.com

Design Team Leader Terri Sproul - www.terrisproul.blogspot.com
www.youtube.com/terrisproul

Thanks for stopping by and sharing in my good news.

Viva Las Vegas Design Team Submission!!!

2011-08-31T21:55:00.000-05:00

I've jumped in with both feet and I am trying out for the VLV Design Team! Viva Las Vegas Stamps is one company I've known for years and LOVE their large variety of stamp images. From Elvis (thank ya thank ya verra much), other famous stars, to the new Steampunk, nature, flowers, holidays to name a few categories.

Viva Las Vegas not only has a website where you can browse and purchase images, but a store in Las Vegas that any who does rubber stamping knows about. In addition, there is a blog with Design Team Members (lead by artist Terri Sproul) who showcase the latest techniques, various image designs. Whether you like to stamp, scrap, do altered art, mixed media, or just plain weird, VLV is the place for you. There is something for everyone.

I adore fairies and anything to do with fairies so I decided to make a card with a sweet VLV fairy in a layered design.

Stamps: Viva Las Vegas Butterfly Fairy
Cardstock, Heart Sticker, and Die Cut: Creative Imagination - Brenda Pinnick
Rub On Swirl (LSS)
Orange Cardstock (LSS)
White Cardstock (LSS)
Permanent Black Ink Pad (LSS)
Markers (LSS)
USAQ Micacolor Sparkling Watercolor Palettes
Scissors
Stickles Glitter Glue
Kokuyo Tape Runner and Dot Runner
Corner Rounder Punch
Paint Brush - watercolor
Water
Paper Towels for blotting excess watercolors

1. Stamp image on white cardstock with black permanent ink. Use markers to color in image. On the butterfly wings, I swiped the orange first in various areas, then the blue to blend. The flowers are shaded with 2 colors of purple for contrast.
2. Using the Micacolor Sparkling Watercolor, shade and accent various areas. The outer orang of the butterfly wing was highlighted, the hair, and the deepest shadows of purple in the flower. Note: While not visible in the photo, the mica watercolors add a sparkle and shimmer of magic to the card.

3. Cut the orange cardstock to fit the card and use the corner rounder punch. The basic card had the corners rounded so I wanted them to match. Adhere orange cardstock on top of folded card. Next adhere the die cut image.

4. Rub on the swirls to fill the left side of the die cut onto the orange cardstock and do so sparingly on the right.

5. Cut out the stamped and colored fairy and adhere on card above the words, " On the wings of love." Add the heart sticker in the lower right. Add clear or yellow Stickles to the antennae and spots on the butterfly wings.

I use both the Kokuyo Tape Runner and Dot Runner. The tape runner, I use for square edges or large spaces. I use the dot runner for cut out pieces like the fairy. The dots will adhere to all the edges (run on scrap paper to catch the extra sticky dots) and give a secure adhesion on the surface.

Layering gives your art dimension and texture, contrast and interest. I like to hunt around my collections of papers, and other ephemera to find the exact combination to compliment Viva Las Vegas Stamps! Remember, an image (pictures) speaks 1000 words!

To see more VLV art and a bizzare collage with Queen Elizabeth, please check the post before this one.

Viva Las Vegas!!!!!

2011-08-24T11:54:00.001-05:00

Viva Las Vegas, a prolific stamp company and store that has been in business for years and years! Going to their site, you will see they have hundreds and hundreds of images tailored for every type stamper/scrapper/altered artist/ mix-media artist out there!!

Of course being Las Vegas and Viva Las Vegas, there is a large Elvis siting with many cool Elvis, star and even alien stamps!!! New to the line is Steampunk!! Now those who like to stamp out cute, don't worry; they have some very cute images, sayings, and even a lot of nature images that can be used. A bit of something for everyone. I love to mix it up, I love nature, but I'm also quirky and like to do funny art or bizzare art. I like to collage or do mixed-media with stamps as a tool which achieves what I want to do fast and easy.

Check out Viva Las Vegas' website or the Viva Las Vegas' blog!! The blog has a gallery of design team artists lead by artist Terri Sproul. Below you'll find a couple pieces of art I've created with VLV (as they are know as) stamps.

The first is a fun board book page using stamps for texture, shimmery Perfect Pigment Paint, and various images stamped and collage to create a funny stament - or maybe bizzare is better?

Stamps: Viva Las Vegas
Purple Brilliance Ink
Black Permanent Ink
USAQ Perfect Pigment - Gold (and sponge from Paint Bucket Kit)
Copic Markers
Scissors
Kokuyo Tape Runner and Dot Runner
C&T Board Book 7x5
White, Green and Purple Cardstock
Bee charm
Tacky Glue
(Optional: Eclipse Masking Material. Queen Elizabeth was stamped and then masked with material and then steer were stamped over her)

1. Sponge the background with the gold Perfect Pigment paint. After dried, stamp texture image over the whole area (you need to repeat this step a few times to cover the book page).

2. Stamp and color images to be used on white cardstock. Color images with Copic markers (Watercolor markers can be used as well.) Cut out all the images and arrange them on the board book to find a layout that is pleasing to you.

3. Rip the purple and green cardstock (you have already stamped sentiment on it). Use the tape runner/dot runner to adhere all pieces in place. The crown was stamped on vellum and adhered. Glue bee charm.

The second is a "Fairy Nice Gift." Use VLV stamp images to embellish a gift box. I love fairies and celestial images. A simple masking technique and Copic markers, as well as glitter glue, helps to make your gift special. I also used a die cutter to create the words and background scalloped circle.

Stamps: Viva Las Vegas
Masking Product: Elclipse by Judikins
Copic Markers
Glitter Glue
Die cut Scallop and Sentiment
White Cardstock with rounded edges
Kokuyo Tape runner and dot runner
Black Permanent ink
Embellishments and ribbon
Square tin
Heat Tool

1. Stamp the fairy and dragon on the cardstock. Stamp both the images on Eclipse Masking Product, lightly setting with heat tool. Cut out images and cover the stamped images. Stamp stars around the top by the dragon and top of fairy.

2. Using the Copic markers, color the images and background. Shade according to your level of experience using these markers - Note: Watercolor markers can be used as well.

3. Add glitter glue to the fairy wings, stars and around the upper background to simulate star sprinkles. Use tape runner and dot runner to adhere Scallop, cardstock, and sentiment to the tin. Fasten brads to ribbon and tie around tin.

Clearly Amazing Art

2011-08-24T11:04:00.002-05:00

I have been working with clear surfaces for many years now. The past 6 years I have taken my graphic designs and found a material I could print my images on and create clear stamp art stickers. Here is some art I've created. If you are interested in the art or stickers, please email me.

The images "melt" into the background after burnishing it with the flat side of a bone folder.

No mess as with rubber stamps - but I love rubber stamps and use them together.

For this image, I created 2 backgrounds with wax. I mounted him to the smaller and used Glue Dots so this image is raised (can't see it here). You can see the texture and color through his face! Just like the first image above, the woman's face, the paper pattern shows through.

New Altered Pages Kit: Library Pocket Book

2011-06-28T19:01:00.000-05:00

Finally, I have much of my art supplies in a place, still have more to unpack. There's a lot of supplies I don't know where I put. The hunt will be fun.

This kit features a technique from my book Creative Art Concepts for Papercrafts. Use a inkjet transparency and transfer collage images from Altered Pages. The kit is HUGE with several collage sheets, library pockets, charms, flowers, and ribbon.

I'm BAAACK!!!!

2011-05-23T18:16:00.000-05:00

Hi, I am finally moved, unpacking and creating my studio. It will be a while before the walls go up to complete the room, but I'll have all my supplies up and I'll be back to arting soon.

Watch for this kit soon at Altered Pages! Lots of NEW and a fresh site with a different look.

My son graduated high school and my daughter is at STLU and working.

More art later................

Be Back In A Few Months

2011-01-05T21:01:00.000-06:00

It's been a while since I've posted and shared some art and ideas. I'm looking forward to the beginning of May when I will be moving into our new home!! My hubby was transferred to St. Louis three years ago and we had to rush to find a place to live! We picked our rental by choosing our son's high school. Now that he will be graduating, we will have a home - moving a bit west, but we are so excited!!!

It's 2011, and I want to thank everyone for their talents and for the opportunity to share with the universe. If I can help or inspire one person then I am happy, more than that, I feel enriched!

Let your spirit soar~ try new things, explore and experiment!!!

Couldn't end this post without posting a photo of my children - 1 in college now, and one going in the fall. I'm so proud of you KC and Spence*

Happy 2011 and I'll be back in May!

Somerset Digital Fall 2010

2010-09-09T13:26:00.000-05:00

I was happy to participate in Angi Sullin's Digital Collage Challenge and all three of my works were recently published in Somerset Digital. I am a semi-beginner with digital art and would love to learn more! Here is one piece of art:

My First Award

2010-09-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

I received my First Award!!! Thanks to Penny Duncan of Penny Duncan Creations for giving me the Trendy award. Yahoo, nice award!
Penny is a consumate artist! Not onlyl does she design cut files (SVG's), she is one heck of a mixed-media artist!!!
See her work at Penny Duncan Creations

Vintage Palette Antiques Your Art - USAQ Tutorial # 6

2010-08-29T23:30:00.000-05:00

BLOG HOP! After reading my blog, you will see a link to Lori's blog below. Click on it and see some more WONDERFUL Vintage Art!!!

VINTAGE BACKGROUNDS

Supplies:

Vintage Mica Color Palette (USAQ)

Folio Cardstock (USAQ) (The palette shows wonderfully on both light and dark cardstock)

Perfect Brushes (USAQ)

Water

Paper Towels

Simple Painted Background with paint sponged on stamps and stamped over dried background.

Using USAQ's Vintage Mica Color Palettes, brilliant backgrounds can be created easily to enhance any type art you create. The Vintage Palette is a new, unique color mix that adds rich, shimmery hues. If you look at the palette below, you might think there is a silver color, but actually it is a shimmery taupe hue called Aged Champagne (What a perfect name!). The blue is Shabby Blue, and the Purple is Stormy Sky. The color descriptions match the shades so eloquently!

There is a touch of sepia color infused with all shades to give it that vintage "POW" of antiqued color.

OH, I ADORE this palette and will use it alone or with my other Mica Color Palettes! Shimmer is rich with all the little particles of mica, without looking too gaudy. It reminds me of old vintage items found in an antique store.

The backgrounds in these photos do not show the shimmer of the mica color paint, but be asured, you get such richness with little glimmers and shimmers of color that even create a metalic look.

This is using the Vintage Palette to enhance a collage. I took a collage and enhanced the background, sign and part of Anthony Bourdain's chef jacket with various colors in the palette. The result was so cool! I did some straight painting and some dry brushing (taking your brush with barely any paint on it - almost dry - and then pulling the brush over the area you wish to paint. The result will be soft, textured lines of color). I didnt' use the paint on Anthony's face, I left it as is. I sealed this project with PPA.

Below, I used a Perfect Brush (3/4" size) and did broad strokes with the bristles saturated with water and color from the Vintage Palette.

Again, this photo does not show the shimmer, the shimmer will be muted just slightly as it is watered down but still enough to enhance and create such a wonderfullly antiqued look.

I did use another Mica Color Palette to get a more yellow-gold tone and then lightly went over the gold hue from the Vintage Palette. The blue from the palette and Seagreen Blue as well as Vintage Red mixed with the Sepia Veil added custom colors I wanted for the look. Don't be afraid to mix colors and play! The well in the middle of the palette is made just for that reason. The words are a rub on that can be applied after the piece dries.

Anything is possible if you think outside the box!!! For this piece, a tribute to my artist/carpenter father who passed in 2005, I created a background on an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of cardstock using USAQ's Texture Sponge. After creating the background, I cut and then scanned in the paper on my computer and did a digital collage!! This was so fun to do! And best of all, I still have the original paper to use for another project!

You can almost see the shimmer and glimmer on the top of this canister in this photo, but in real life it is magnificent! Did I paint over metal?? No! I painted on cardboard container that I received a sample of Crystal Light's new Power Drink!! If you saw this in person, you would swear that this is metal not cardboard. It has hues mostly of Copper Pipe but then Sepia Veil and the Moss Green to give a patina look. See how these palettes transform your art?! Look at the gold and the Sepia Veil in the palette, how cool is that? The paper to the left is where I wiped off my brush and when you look at that, you could use it for art too. It has little flecks of mica dancing on the surface.

Backgrounds are just one way to use these palettes, there are tons and tons of other ways to paint, enhance, and explore the expression that is your art.

Now join the blog hop and follow this link to Lori's page. Keep clicking the links to see the wonderfully beautiful Vintage Art from all the USAQ DT!!! http://www.ibeenthinkinboutinkin.blogspot.com/

USAQ Tutorial #5: Creative Color with Perfect Pigment

2010-08-16T00:06:00.006-05:00

"More color, unspoiled by meaning and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways." - Oscar Wilde

Playful Post It Note Holder

Color makes me sing, makes me happy. If we all lived in a world like the movie Pleasantville, no color; I would be so sad. Of course in the movie, color came alive and so did the people! I'm one of those who walks into a beauty store and wants to buy all the shades of eye shadows because they are pretty!! Color is rich and beautiful and makes any work of art come alive.

This tutorial is using a fun, easy technique to use color overlay. We will use the Perfect Pigment kit, sponging colors and then over stamping on top. The Studio Canvas surface is ideal for this project and many others.

Supplies:

Perfect Pigment Kit (USAQ)
Perfect Pigments in a variety of colors
Sponges
Brush
Mixing Cups
Studio Canvas (USAQ)
Pefect Brushes (USAQ)
Rubber Stamps
Velcro self-adhesive circle hook and loop
Pattern of Post It holder (Donovan Templates has a lot)
Scissors
Water
Paper Towels
Computer - opptional

1. Cut canvas to size. I cut my canvas to 8 1/2 x 11 and printed the outline of the Post It holder on the back. The front side of the canvas is a beautiful, pre-primed white so there is no prep involved before painting.

2. Using the sponges in the kit, sponge various colors of Perfect Pigment onto the canvas. Don't worry about placement, the pattern is on the back. Remember your color theory where red + blue = purple, red + yellow = orange, and so on. As you sponge and overlap colors, you will create new colors! I use Metallic Gold Light as an accent on top of all the colors, randomly sponged here and there.

3. Using a wood or unmounted rubber stamp, use Purple Mist and sponge some color onto the stamp and then stamp it onto the canvas where you just painted. Repeat the process and fill the area. Once the paint is dried, turn the canvas over and fill in open, white areas with Metallic Gold Light and a few other colors so the inside is as pretty as the outside.

4. Once the whole piece of canvas is dried, cut out the pattern. PPA is a great adhesive to mount the Post It notes on the inside middle of the holder. Fold up the bottom and top. Remove the first backing exposing sticky material from one Velcro hook and loop (keep them stuck together for placement) and stick to the top of the Post It holder where the little circular curve is. Remove the second backing, leaving the hook and loop together and close the Post It holder in place. This will ensure you have the hook and loop in a place where they will line up again when you open and close the holder.

5. Add a bead or two and fibers to the front. This idea can be used for a bigger size, to create a purse or even a vest. I could also add magnets to the back so it would stick to the fridge or even fibers on the inside top to create a Post It necklace - or create a photo brag book necklace!

Here is the backside and the inside of the Post It Holder. The inside gives you a glimpse of what the canvas looked like before I stamped it. The backside shows how the piece looked after I stamped it. Perfect Pigments are PURE liquid acrylics. They flow, and are made without fillers so you get the brightest, cleanest pigments possible. Because they flow so smoothly, every brushstroke is consistent and uniform.

Save all your scraps because they can be used for other projects!

We have a Guest Designer in the house!!! Lori describes her style as grungy/shabby chic! You can visit Lori's blog here: http://www.ibeenthinkinboutinkin.blogspot.com/

A wonderful artist you must stop and see, along with the other outstanding creative forces behind USAQ DT!!! - Find their links to the right under USAQ DT!

More Fab Art from Lori on her blog!

Do not let these paints fool you! You can go as heavy or as light handed with painting as you would like to. The paint stays flexible (perfect for working on t-shirts), and on the canvas surface any project is pliable so one can use it to make home decor' items. Here is a tole painted flower.

Here are a couple more samples of art done with Perfect Pigments. I did a technique that I used with preschoolers and tempera, just replaced the tempera with Perfect Pigments. Using a rubber band to cover cardboard and squirting out the PP colors, makes a cool effect.

Lastly, a painted the canvas, stamped on it, printed on the canvas and painted on the printed pic.

USAQ DT Tutorial # 4 - Totally Organic With Mica Flakes Kit

2010-08-02T00:01:00.008-05:00

Texture and color drives my love of these highly pigmented mica flakes. Very organic in look and nature, mosaic in shape and feel. The Mica Flakes Collection Kit takes mica tiles to another level!! Wow, I am in love!!

Here is a look at this rockin' (literally) kit! Look at all the jars of highly pigmented mica flakes to choose from, 16 in all. In addition you will receive PPA Gloss, 2 scoops, a high grade artist brush, and the tin to hold it all in.
To me, the brush itself is the price of admission. Good grade brushes make all the difference, not having the right tools can make creating a chore, designing difficult. USAQ carries several sizes of Perfect Brushes and the quality is phenomenal!

Get an early start to Christmas present making. Completing gifts now lets you enjoy a worry-free holiday to enjoy entertaining, pageants, Caroling, and other fun holiday activities.

My project for this tutorial is a votive decorated with Pinata inks and mica flakes. Flowers or other accents are fun to create, if you want to keep it holiday related, a poinsettia can be done instead of the flower. The flower is made with mica flakes on Folio cardstock, and then die cut with a hand cutter like the Cuttlebug. The center of the flower is added after cutting to define the floral look. The combination of Mica Flakes and Pinata Inks add shimmer and glow to create an amazing gift!

Supplies:

Mica Flakes Kit (USAQ)
Mica Flakes
PPA Gloss
Litte Dipper Scoops
Fine Detail Brush
Folio Cardstock, any color you choose (USAQ)
Pinata Inks - 2 colors (USAQ) - Saphire Blue, and Senorita Magenta used
Krylon Gold Pen
Glass Votive Holder with Votive Candle
Small Block of Wood
A scrap piece of White Felt
Hook from Velcro Hook and Loop
Die Cut Machine and Die (I used a flower shaped)
Craft Glue Dots

1. Create an applicator to apply your Pinata inks. What I do is glue a strip of the "hook" (the grabbing part of of Velcro) part from a strip of Velcro Hook and Loop onto a thin side of wood. I think it is something like 1-2" by 3-4". The Hook from the Velcro will hold a thin strip of white felt.

Here is a picture of my applicator, the scrap of felt already has alcohol ink on it. You would place a clean piece of felt on the wood block. You can see the little "hook" teeth on the Velcro strip.

Image shows adding alcohol ink to felt. Bring tip to felt and lightly squeeze.

2. Take the first color of Pinata ink, adding 2-3 drops on the right side of the felt that is attached to the wood. Add the other color of Pinata ink to the left side of the felt so that each color is next to each other side by side.
3. Alcohol ink dries quickly so you will be able to work each side without smearing what you have done. To design the votive with the ink, start with the Krylon pen - shake it well, remove the cap and run free-form lines and small dashes on the votive.
4. Next take your wood applicator and apply ink in random patterns that overlap on the votive. Turn the wood applicator to the left and to the right so that one color overlaps another color. I used magenta and blue and formed purple where the colors overlap. The more you tap over an area, the more pattern you will get. As you play you will get the feel for how this works. (There is a chapter in my book that shows how to apply alcohol inks to shrink plastic) Apply ink to all four sides of the votive and even on the bottom.
5. Starting with one side of the votive at a time, place the votive on its side. Squeeze PPA onto the bottom part of the votive in a wavy line. Scoop one or more colors of mica flakes and pour over the area. Let dry and tap off excess flakes back into their jar. If you have several colors mixed up, I store them in a separate container with a lid.
6. Repeat #4 only do another wavy line just above the first area of flakes that have dried. Find a contrasting color to accent the first color(s). Follow the same directions using the scoop (or your fingers) to sprinkle the flakes on the area. Let it dry.
7. Keep turning the votive and do the same pattern on all four sides. On the Folio Cardstock, brush PPA all over the surface and sprinkle colors of flakes all over the cardstock. Add a little more PPA and sprinkle more. Let dry and run the Folio Cardstock through your Cuttlebug to cut out a flower. Attach the flower with a Craft Glue Dot. Put the votive candle inside and light!

Make an assembly line and design several votives at a time. A small amount of Pinata Ink goes a long way as well as the Mica Flakes. With the Mica Flakes Kit, you have so many colors to make many gifts.

Below is a nature piece. I love how the flakes look like sky, earth, or even water. I first applied Duo Glue to black Folio cardstock. I used both Jewelz Mica Pigmented Powders to decorate the background before adding the mica flakes. There are a couple jars of finely crushed flakes that give a soft but textured finish (Not as fine as glitter) but like sawdust. I adore the gold that is finely crushed.

Another Christmas idea is cards or decorative art. Here I took a paper mache' star which can be made into a removable ornament. The ornament is done in cinnamon flakes and a chipboard star is added with the finely crushed gold to accent the star. The background is finished like above with Duo Glue and mica pigmented powders and also Gildenglitz to give that shimmery, festive look. A gold cording and a chipboard sentiment is added. The gold swirls on the chipboard was added as well.

More Mica Magic

2010-07-21T06:43:00.003-05:00

Mica Magic Continues! Stamping on mica and using it over a collage image adds dimension and texture to a collage. Mica Flakes around or underneath peek through.

Enhance any collage with mica tiles. This is a wonderful image from June's wonderful collage images - http://www.dezinaworld.blogspot.com/ . I used mica tiles in different sizes to accentuate the wings and to paint on them. I used paint to accent the hair and make the lilac eyes stand out.

Mica Transfer is done pretty much like any type of transfer. A color copy or laser copy is needed for this to work. Spread PPA on the mica tile and lay the image face down onto the PPA. Burnish and let dry. Once dried, use your finger and water and slowly remove the back white paper layer of the copy. Going slow prevents areas to totally remove - unless that is the look you are going for.

The image shows through like a ghost. Pre-coloring the background with mica powders or foil will help the image stand out even more. Collage under or over the transfer.

Painting on top of the image as well can add some pop to the finished collage.

Sometimes I like grungy art, and to express something I am feeling at the time. Other times I feel whimsical and my art reflects that. I do love nature the most, hence the design in the post from the 18th. Experiment and express all sides of your personality!

Through The Looking Glass - USAQ DT Project #3

2010-07-18T10:00:00.001-05:00

Mica Rocks it says!! And it does! This may seem like an unusual product, but read on and see a wondrous project for using this remarkable product.

My age is showing because I've been playing with Mica Tiles from USAQ at least 15 years! Versatility is Mica Tile's middle name. Let your imagination go wild with ideas galore!!!

Did you know that mica is a rock?? You may be familiar with mica as it is used in makeup to make your eyeshadow or blush sparkle. There are many colors and types of mica, many sizes, densities as well. Mica is safe for the environment, virtually un-destroyable so it makes a perfect surface for art. USAQ sells many types of mica from different shape sizes, home Decor shape (a beautiful rusted hue), Mica D'lights, Mica Flakes, and Mica Pigments. Check out each type, you'll find you will need them all!

Fossil on the Forest Floor

Materials:
Mica Tiles (USAQ)
PPA Gloss (USAQ)
Perfect Pigments (USAQ) or (Jewelz colors of your choice, PPA and Clear Perfect Glaze)
Perfect Brush (USAQ)
Leaf Stamp (Hero Arts)
Black pigment Ink (LSS)
Clear Embossing Powder (LSS)
Heat Tool (LSS)

Making your own Acrylics - Take 2 parts PPA, and 1 part Jewelz and mix together. Add more Jewelz if you want the color deeper. The consistency should be like cream. If not, add a little clear Perfect Glaze. Store in an airtight container.

1. Delaminate (splitting the mica tile), by using your fingernail or a pointed tool, and wiggle your nail into the edge of the mica tile. Slowly you will find that the more you wiggle, the more you will be able to start to split the mica tile. Try to split the mica tile so that the pieces you get are rigid enough that they don't bend easily. You will need 2 pieces for this project.
2. Take one mica tile and on the top, stamp the leaf image, sprinkle embossing powder on, tap excess off, and heat with heat tool. Put this tile aside and make sure you have it design up!
3. Take 3 colors of Pefect Pigments (or see above to make your own acrylics) and plop a small amount of each on the other mica tile. Just a small amount of Pefect Pigments is enough, they will spread out when you put the two pieces together.
4. Now make a sandwich and smoosh! You do this by holding the mica tile with the Perfect Pigments on it (face up) and lay the first mica tile you stamped on top of the second - Remember you want the stamped and embossed image face up!! PPA is an adhesive as well as a medium so when dried the two mica tiles will stay together. Excess paint will come out of the edges, just wipe the extra off with a paper towel.
5. Once dried, you have an element or embellishment to add to a card, art piece, or scrapbook page.

The larger tiles (with various rusted shading) are perfect for many projects including frames.

More ideas to be posted in the next week so come back and take a look! Remember, more ideas from the USAQ DT are just a click away - see the links to the right and follow all the other DT's fabulous art. Also watch Sue's video on "Mica It Rocks" at the USAQ website.

WINNER OF LILA STAMP!!!

2010-07-12T09:18:00.000-05:00

Melissa from Oregon you have WON!!! Congrats and have fun with the Lila stamp. Melissa is inspired by many in the industry right now, but the one I really related to is - Harold and His Purple Crayon!!! I read this book as a child, have the book as an adult and my sister even sent me the DVD. He went out of the box, totally off the wall with his purple crayon imagining all sorts of wonderful adventures!

I'm waiting for all Melissa's information, but as soon as I get it, her prize will be out to her.
Thank you everyone for your great comments, I really appreciate the input especially since my blog is so new.

Stay tuned, on July 18th will be the next USAQ tutorial and I have 1 really fun and unique embellishment idea that uses something you may not have thought about or have been aware is available for creating with. As always, be sure to check all the USAQ DT's blogs for different artistic ideas using the same products!

Let's Do Lunch - Decorative Napkin Collage/USAQ DT Project #2

2010-07-04T23:59:00.003-05:00

(Leave a post for a chance to win a Lila image - post by July 9th)

I get strange looks whenever I go to a restaurant and see a cool coaster, or tea wrapper and I take it with me for my collage art! Of course it was a part of my meal, ha ha.

There are so many GoRgEoUs decorative napkins on the market, but I Never want to use them to wipe off food.   They are perfect for collage!!

I totally fell in love with USAQ's European Napkin Collection, a complete kit with napkins, PPA (Perfect Paper Adhesive), and Crystal Effectz.   While the napkin has a patterned design on it, the sky's the limit in the way you can create! I find myself playing with color, glitz, and textures, ways to make my art heart soar!

Perfect Paper Adhesive (PPA) is a staple medium I use almost every time I create. I even bring it for adhesive when I teach. Every art form can use PPA because it is archival safe, and acid free. I always mention the fact that PPA is UV Resistant - I can hang art up on the wall and the colors won't fade or yellow. PPA is a full-body adhesive yet light weight, the right consistency, and easy to use.  There is both a matte and gloss PPA so the finish can reflect your personal preference. Although I will talk about PPA as an adhesive for napkin collage, I've used it for years to make paint from mica powders. Check out the specifics on this product here.

A Birdie Told Me Trading Card Project -
Materials:
European Napkin Collection (USAQ)
Draw and Guild Kit (USAQ)
Flat 1/2" Snap Brush (USAQ)
Water and Water Container
Painter's Tape or Masking Tape
Perfect Pigments: Blue Pearl, Green Pearl, Magenta, and Metallic Lt. Gold (USAQ)
Mica Flakes (USAQ)
Excel board White (USAQ)
Wax Paper or Palette/Palette Paper

1. Squeeze out small amounts of Perfect Pigments on wax paper or palette. Start with the gold and paint the mat board. While still wet, blend in the blue pearl and green pearl around various areas. Let dry.

2. Separate the napkin (there are usually 3 plys, 2 of the 3 are white). Sue's Tip: Take 2 small tape pieces (tap on clothes to make less tacky), put one on the front of the napkin and one on the back. Pull the tape pieces in opposite directions and the patterned napkin will pull away from the white backings. Rip the napkin so that the bird and word "imagine" will fit on the mat board ATC. Pour a bit of PPA on your palette and brush PPA on the mat board, then take the napkin piece and lightly dip into the water (YES another Sue Tip), and then place down on the mat board, smoothing from the center out. The water helps so there isn't texture or lines on the finished piece (unless you want the texture). Brush more PPA over the top to seal the image. Add another coat of PPA. While still wet, add some Crystal Effectz to the birds breast, and background as well as a couple colors of Mica Flakes. The PPA will not only seal the project but work as an adhesive to hold the Crystal Effectz and Mica Flakes in place. Let dry.

3. In the well of the fine line pen (Draw and Gild Kit) and fill with lt. metallic gold Perfect Pigment. Go over the word "imagine" a couple times and also highlight areas on the bird. Color the top of the head and breast with a little gold and then with your brush add a tiny bit of magenta so you get a red-gold hue.

Napkin collage lends itself to many surfaces! Once I started designing, I went CrAzY finding surfaces and coming up with ideas!!! Napkins make it easy for beginners or those who do not draw, because the napkin has the art work on it. Add Crystal Effectz, Mica Flakes and other USAQ embellishments and you have created a beautiful work of ART!

In the photo I have designed not only the ATC, but a bracelet, a matchbox trinket holder, and even an necklace! USAQ has gold Sty'line stickers which are great to add to these projects and even on their own with mica watercolor palettes.

A wood bracelet is fun and easy to create with. Rip the napkin to fit the front and a little over the edges. The inside of the bracelet I collaged bits of the floral motif with the words. Add flowers and string beads on wire for a finished decorative touch. Accent with Pefect Pigment acrylic as well.

If you look at the pears and leaves, I have gilded the pears and areas. Also used the fine line pen for some outlining as well. The box has a flap that opens up and I put a button to look like a drawer knob.

I loved creating lots of texture with this piece to create an antiqued piece of jewelry. Using a mix of painting under and over with Perfect Pigment, not wetting the napkin before collaging with PPA, and adding Sty'lines stickers, and a wire circle just adds to the aged look. The paint can be added sort of blotchy to build up texture and depth.

Sneak Peak for July 5th Project

2010-06-29T13:26:00.000-05:00

Here is a sneak peek of one of my projects for July 5th! Yes, there are several of them with a nature birdie as the highlight!! Here is a peak of a pear but you'll have to come back on the 5th to see what I did. Hmmmm lots of yummy USAQ products there! Do you know which ones??? :-)

Win A Lila Stamp Image with the Next USAQ DT Tutorial

2010-06-26T09:05:00.003-05:00

This is one of my stamp images from Lila's Divine Play! Leave a comment on July 5th when I post the next USAQ DT Tutorial and you will have a chance to WIN a Lila image.

If you do not have a blog or email, please post a way to get a hold of you along with your comment.

Have Fun, learn new things and WIN a Stamp Image!!!
This prize not affiliated with USArtQuest - just a way to share ideas.

Comment July 5th - July 9th, prize awarded July 12th!

Below is some art my friend Purnima created with Lila Divine Play Stamps.

Purnima is a phenominal artist and I treasure her works!

Draw and Gild in More Ways

2010-06-22T13:41:00.003-05:00

Now that we have the blog hop in full swing (see below to win a Draw and Gild kit worth $29.99), I wanted to add a few more ideas of art I've done with gilding.

I belong on many groups where artists use a die cut machine of their choice; and many use the 2 major softwares out there SCAL2 or MTC so they can create their own files.

I made a Chinese Take Out Box and cut it out on my machine. Then I drew some Asian motifs with the Chinese symbol for "peace," and gilded it with the fine line pen. For a more finished look you can add a bead or two to the wire handle or hang fibers or even an Asian tassle. Great little box for Gifts. Easy to do.

I am very much into wax/encaustics with the added elements of texture with mixed-media design. Here is a Hot Wax background with a gilded design on top. I adore laminate chips (perfect ATC size) and have a drawer filled with them.

When you use the fine line pen on wax, you only have to go lightly over the surface. The pen glides over the wax!

Summer is Flowering All Over! USArtQuest Design Team Project #1

2010-06-20T23:00:00.003-05:00

Blog Hop PRIZE!
To help celebrate our first design team project, we are so excited to have you participate in the USAQ Blog Hop! To be eligible to win the fabulous prize being offered, you will need to start at the beginning, which is Sarah's blog, and visit each blog on the hop (leave a comment on my blog as well). You must Leave a Comment On Each Designer's Blog by 11:59 EST, Sunday, June 27th. This wonderful prize is a tin filled with the very materials used in these projects! The drawing will take place on Monday, June 28th. Here is a complete list of our design teams blogs (just in case you get lost).
Sarah Anderson
Suzi Blu
Jessica Griffin
Jan Hennings
Terri Sproul
Julie Ranae
Connie Vogt
USAQ Blog
********************************************

Looking outside my window, I noticed all the beautiful flowers blooming. Flowers of all types with stunning colors!

My first project for the USArtQuest Design Team reflects my feelings about these picturesque flowers.

Draw and Gild is a wonderful kit that includes almost all the materials you will need for this project. The kit even comes in a tin that you can use to design on! While I love to draw, no drawing experience is necessary! Use your computer to print patterns to work with (The kit instructions give details on how to do this.). Not only can you use Duo Adhesive in the pen, but Mica Color Watercolors as well.

Materials:

Draw and Gild Kit (USArtQuest):

Gildenglitz Leafing

Fine Liner Calligraphy Pen

Duo Embellishing Adhesive

Sparkling Mica Powdered Pigment

Texture Sponge

Appliquate

Stargazer Mica Color Watercolor Palette (USArtQuest)

White Folia Cardstock, Black Folia Cardstock (USArtQuest)

Great Tape (USArtQuest)

Red Metallic Paper (LSS)

Image of Iris (Digi stamp, illustration, or hand drawn)

Container with Water

Perfect Liner Watercolor Brush (USArtQuest)

Scissors

Covered Work Area

1. Following instructions in kit package, print a pattern of your choice using your computer. I drew an iris outline lightly with pencil and added the extra elements for my picture.

2. Paint the iris, background, and leaves, first with various colors with the Stargazer Mica Color Palette. To get the paint ready, dip your brush into water, and add to the color you are using. I either do this a couple times or use a water spritzer and spritz the color I want to use. Let the water absorb for at least 30-60 seconds, and then swirl your brush into the color. The consistency of the paint will be creamy and not watery. At that point the paint is ready to use. Optional: I like to mix colors to create new shades. While it is not necessary, it is fun to experiment. The center, empty well of the palette is made for this use.

3. Fill the reservoir of the Fine Line Pen with Duo Embellishing Adhesive. If you get a bubble, refer to the simple kit instructions that tell you how to remedy this. To get the flow of the adhesive started, tap the pen lightly on a scrap piece of paper. Follow your pattern and trace over your image. The Duo Adhesive is white when it is wet but when it is dried and ready, the adhesive is clear. As Sue says, " If it's white it's not right, if it's clear it adheres." Make sure all the areas are clear before you go to the next step.

4. Now to gild with Gildenglitz! I like to put my Gildenglitz into a plastic container so that it is easy to use and the container catches all the extra little bits and pieces (Called gilding fines.). Each kit contains a color of Sparkling Mica Powder Pigment. If you'd like to add a bit of the color before gilding, pick up some on a dry brush and tap onto the area you want. Pick out the colors of gilding you would like to use and apply to the surface. You will notice how it sticks to the clear, tacky areas where you drew adhesive with the liner pen. Take your texture sponge and start to brush off the mica powder, then pick up the card and tilt it into the container brushing and burnishing the surface. Like magic you see your image come to life with metallic shimmer that further accents the pearlized glimmer of the mica watercolors. Remove all the excess bits and polish your card using the Appliquate.

5. Cut out the flower image. Apply Great Tape to the back and mount it to the black Folia cardstock. Trim the black Folia cardstock. Mount the metallic paper to the back of the black Folia cardstock. Trim the paper if necessary.

Another Iris - Sandy Miller Rubber Stamp.

Plant the seeds of creativity and watch them grow! Blossom as you try new techniques.

Altered Pages: Fabulous Flowers

2010-06-18T16:52:00.000-05:00

I wanted to post the art I did for a kit for Altered Pages called Fabulous Flowers. Using the fantastic background images from Altered Pages you can make cabbage roses and use them as accents in your art! I've been going flower CrAzY lately. And if you love flowers like I do, stay tuned to Monday's blog, I will have my first Design Team Project posted!

Fabulous Flowers Kit

I have been researching several ideas for creating flowers, among my research I had seen flower ideas but they were too time consuming, and so thanks to Penny Duncan, she inspired my ideas for my kit. Her blog is listed on the side bar.

This kit uses USArtQuest's Perfect Pigments to edge the flowers with extra color.

USAQ Perfect Pigment Acrylics

Experimenting, Following My MUSE

2010-06-15T13:13:00.000-05:00

Monday will launch the first project for the USArtquest Design Team. In anticipation of receiving my supplies a couple weeks ago, I made this little work of art. I had lost most of my charms, beads, a lot of stamps, and other supplies when I moved to St. Louis (almost 3 years ago.). I found this Goddess, isn't she cool? So I put her together as she is floating in bliss.
Things are challenging for me right now so I try to focus on the positive, to follow my bliss and see where it leads me.
When I received my package from USAQ, my heart sang! These are materials I've worked with for over 15 years. While there are many scrapbookers out there and those who like to cut with a die machine like a Cricut, I still liked working with the other type - I guess they would be considered more fine art materials. I do cut and create but I still incorporate these wonderful materials like PPA, USAQ watercolors (see the shimmer), Perfect Pigments, etc. I really really really need the glazes and the clear glaze because I love to layer colors on top of each other, as well as collage on top of that.
My art does not fall into one catagory, I am like a buffet where sometimes I'm whimsical, sometimes in a fine art mood, and sometimes altered and bent!
It is raining again, and as it does; you will find me in my studio, playing and *sparkling* my joy for creating!

USArtQuest at Collinsville, IL. Stamp Convention!

2010-06-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Susan P. Rothamel is in the HOUSE! Excitement builds for those waiting to see her. It has been a couple years for me, I saw Sue at CHA Anaheim but I think it is genius for her to be out at the conventions doing demo's and meeting with the convention attendee's. I've seen Sue's magic in person,and it is not only fun, but amazing to watch!!! You always walk away learning so much and being inspired to the MAX.

As a special treat for those who come bringing an ATC to trade at the Marco's booth, they will not only receive an artist's ATC but a project sheet as well! Marco's, one of the most favorite booths at the show will be buzzing with fun and ideas. Also, the first 100 people at the booth will receive a free paper pack as well!! Nothing better than freebies and demonstrations to add fire to your MUSE.

Here is a couple images of ATC's that will be traded during the show. I have done a Duo/Mica powder background with Perfect Pigments and collage.

HAPPENINGS in St. Louis and around...........

2010-06-09T10:57:00.000-05:00

Today is the St. Louis Collage Club. Lots of well-known St. Louis artists share their talents as we mingle, laugh, and are inspired. Today, Mary Beth Shaw will be showing "Icings" a product she sells as well as her stencils.

Saturday is the Collinsville, IL., annual stamp convention. This convention is not only for the stamper, but the scrapbooker, collage artist, and mixed media artist. My one MUST stop is at Marco's paper!!! I've been a part of teaching in Ohio at Adventures In Stamping and Attending The Art Continuum where Marco is always a great booth. Beyond the paper and Ten Second Studio's metal tools is USArtQuest!! Ok, you think I'm prejudice because I'm on the design team. Wonder why I am on the Design Team??? I've have been in love with USAQ products for about 15 years! Using them as a staple in my art materials and a must to have on hand for my art. I've taught numerous classes for those who want to create mixed-media projects that either never have and wanted to; or those who have a free spirit and want to express that in an open manner. Collinsville is just over 1/2 hour from St. Louis, and this show does pretty good for a smaller show.

Hot Wax Collage Frame

2010-06-02T18:17:00.001-05:00

Kandi's Hot Wax Art

You will find that I enjoy many artistic endeavors of all types! Wax collage and encaustic works are made easy as I love Kandi's Stylus tool. The tool I own has 3 tips but there is a new stylus with even more tips. I have an iron (it is holeless) but I also need Kandi's Handi Iron. The iron will cover large areas quickly. Along with Hot Wax Collage, I enjoy creating with image impression, regular encaustic scenic images, abstract, and even with my Cricut Die Cutter. I think I will be putting a poem or inspirational quote inside the frame.

My Children

2010-06-02T13:18:00.001-05:00

Have to give a shout out to my children! Where would I be without them? Loving, goofy, and fill my heart.

USArtQuest's Design Team

2010-06-01T19:36:00.002-05:00

Exciting News!!! USArtquest has a new Design Team!!! Susan P. Rothamel, accomplished collage artist and owner of USArtquest, has been a major source of inspiration as well as a mentor to me over the years. I've known Sue for over 14 years and it is the products of USAQ that have propelled my spirit of expression in my art. Products like PPA (Perfect Paper Adhesive), mica powders, and a whole host of glorious art materials! I am Zen when I use these products. Look for my projects posted here, along with instructions so you can join the adventure letting your spirit soar!

Julie Ranae is our Senior Design Team Leader, a creative, consumate professional who I had the pleasure of workingfor/teaching at her store Murray and Company.
It is an extreme honor and pleasure to work along side these talented artists who join me as USAQ's Design Team:
Sarah Anderson
Suzi Blu
Jessica Griffin
Jan Henning
Terri Sproul
Connie Vogt

The links to their exceptional blogs are listed over to the right under the USAQ DT Logo.

I look forward to travelling down some unusual roads to bring you some awesome ideas in art with USAQ products.

Jumping in with both feet....

2010-06-01T16:22:00.000-05:00

For years my artist peers and students have asked me to start a blog. I've hesitated and procrastinated thinking I would never keep up with a blog and it would hang forever in cyberspace. I think now I am at a point where I just decided to jump in and start this blog. USArtQuest (one of my fav art companies) started a new design team and with my contributions to the team; I will embrace this new adventure! Not only do I want to be fair to the DT artists I will be creating a long side, I didn't want to leave the Senior DT Leader with a lot of work uploading my art to the USAQ blog.

So here I go, into a black hole, a new universe, sharing my art, thoughts and feelings. Thank you all for coming along for the ride! Put the top down and let the breeze fly through your hair!