Hi everyone, I am so excited to share this nature's treasures box that I created for PaperArtsy. The current topic over on PaperArtsy blog is a focus on all things Alison Bomber. If you are not familiar with her I recommend you hop over and check out the introduction post where Alison gives a bit of her background. I will say that Alison has a gorgeous collection of stamp designs, which includes both words and illustrations. I have always been drawn to her gorgeous botanical illustration stamps. For this project I chose to focus on Eclectica Alison Bomber Set 25 (EAB25) Acorn Edition, taking advantage of the tie-in to Autumn as well as our current PaperArtsy blog theme: nature.
You can find all the details on how I created this upcycled cigar box into a treasure trove over on the PaperArtsy blog, including one of my favorite details, the stamped seal closure. I'd love to have you check it out!
Take care and thank you so much for stopping by today.
The 2025 Artist Almanac is available today, November1st, 2024.
I am one of the fourteen contributing artists, and I can honestly say that this year's calendar is one of the best yet! I f you are unfamiliar with what this product, here is a bit of information:
The 2025 ARTIST ALMANAC
ONE (1) part calendar + ONE (1) part inspiration = a whole LOT of collage material. 14 talented artists bring you an entire year’s worth (qty 365) of daily collage-able artsy bits of paper. Tear it away each day to reveal a new piece of work from one of 14 involved & use the past days as an art supply. It can’t get any cooler and awesome than that! The Artist Almanac calendar is an amazing 2.75 x 3.75 inches of Incredible! Simple! Perfection!
Each of the contributing artists has a limited inventory for purchase. If your favorite artist sells out, please visit any of the other artists to see if they have any remaining inventory.
Each calendar is $24.99 plus shipping with a limit of 2 calendars per customer.
I will be selling these awesome calendars in my ETSY shop:
Hi everyone, today I am excited to share a fabric book I created for the most recent StencilGirl® collaboration hosted by Tina Walker. The concept behind this challenge was fairly simple: each artist would:"Create a fabric journal/book that uses StencilGirl® number stencils. It is preferred that the stencils are the highlight of your book, but if you also use them to create wonderful backgrounds, that is a-ok! The preference is that your stencil use is limited to numbers only. Feel free to use fabric paint, sprays, acrylic paint, markers, etc. Your journal/book can be any number of pages - no limit or min."
When I began to consider this project, I could not stop thinking about embroidering the numbers as focal points on the fabric pages...of course, I've never embroidered a day in my life... which seems to be par for the course when I take on one of Tina's SG challenges, yet, I always appreciate stepping out of my comfort zone. I find myself pushing beyond my "normal" creative boundaries and I am never disappointed in what I can achieve.
My project, "count to ten" is a handmade fabric book. The intention behind this creation was that, so often there are things happening around us or in our day to day that seem overwhelming or upsetting; stepping back and taking a moment to "count to ten" can make a world of difference. Whether those ten counts are simply deep breaths, or ten positive thoughts or maybe even counting ten personal blessings, they can be just what we need to give us a different perspective.
Each page background consists of a painted number stencil repeated randomly. Each page also contains a pocket featuring the same stenciled number, in a larger size, that has been hand embroidered. An integrated bookmark, with an attached Milagro, can be moved from page to page and inserted into the pocket as one counts.
When creating each of the pages, I randomly stenciled a number in various directions to create a background pattern. The Vintage Typewriter Stencil (L591) has two different sizes of numbers. For the backgrounds I used the smaller sized numbers. I covered each page with stenciled numbers using acrylic paint and allowed to dry before moving onto the next page.
The next step was the most time consuming. Since I wanted the book to be somewhat monotone, I decided to dye some thin cotton yarn with Paynes grey ink. I loved the variation of color that I achieved by doing this. Next, using a piece of lightweight muslin as a base, I traced the outline of a larger sized number with an extra fine Micron pen. I hooped the piece and then filled the outline with stitches. I did this same process for each of the ten large numbers.
The stitched pieces were cut into rectangles and then fused onto a larger piece of indigo handmade paper. I fused each embroidered piece along three edges its respective background page creating a pocket. Since the pockets may be used to hold things, I reinforced each of the four corners using French knots.
The cover was made using a recycled piece of denim. After cutting the denim to size, I sewed the signature into the cover. Next, I stamped "one to ten" with a Payne's grey acrylic paint mixture. There are ten Milagros attached to the bottom edge of the book with French knots.
There are a number of artists that created beautiful projects for this challenge. Tina is sharing the inspiration behind the challenge as well as her amazing project and links to each of the participating artists on the StencilGirl Talk blog today.
You can find pictures, details and links to each specific artists creation on the StencilGirl® Talk Blog here.
I hope you can take a minute to hop over and check it out.
I loved making this book and maybe it has inspired you to make one something similar.
Thanks so much for stopping by today, I truly appreciate it.
Hi everyone, today I am over on the PaperArtsy blog sharing an art journal spread I created for the current topic: White. Using the wonderful Kate Crane stamp set (KC005) (available from a PaperArtsy Stockist) I used repetitive stamping to create patterned paper that I used as collage fodder on my pages.
I share a few tips and tricks as well as many photos from my pages. I would love for you to stop by. You can visit the blog here. I hope you have a creative day! Ann x
Hi everyone, I am on the PaperArtsy blog sharing this seashell book that I created for our current PaperArtsy topic: Scrapcosy.
When I began to think about making something special to celebrate all things Scrapcosy, I wanted to create something unique. I love making handmade books, and thought it would be fun to create a book in a seashell. Like often happens when I create, the final piece turned out slightly different than my original vision. Sometimes this can be frustrating, but I am learning that usually, adapting through the changes can be enlightening.
This was such a fun project to create from beginning to end. I would love for you to check out all the details over on the PaperArtsy blog, you can find it here.
Hi everyone, I am on the PaperArtsy blog sharing all the details for this fun sun catcher I created using alcohol inks and PaperArtsy Lynne Perrella Collection Stamps (LPC040). The current PaperArtsy blog topic is inks/ink pads, and right away I had the idea that I would love to create something working with alcohol inks. I love their vibrant colors and there are so many techniques to play around with when it comes to alcohol ink.
For me, Lynne Perrella stamps and bright and bold colors go hand in hand. I have a floating glass frame that I've been holding onto for a while and I thought it would make a wonderful sun catcher to hang in a bright spot. For my project, I combined the beautiful PaperArtsy Lynne Perrella Collection stamps with Dura-lar and alcohol ink. Head over to the PaperArtsy Blog here to see how you can make one for yourself.
Hi everyone, the current topic over at the PaperArtsy blog is Vintage PaperArtsy stamps. This topic had me thinking contemporary ways to use these incredible vintage style images.
I decided I would try my hand at making a modern jewelry piece with resin; a clean and simple design that will allow the image to be the main focus. I learned a lot with this project, especially when it came to stamping on non-porous surfaces. While the process was definitely a struggle for me, the modern filmstrip jewelry pieces turned out better than I had hoped, definitely showcasing the vintage stamped image in a contemporary light.
I would love for you to visit the PaperArtsy blog to check out my process and see the different pieces that I created. You can read the blog here.
Thanks for stopping by, I hope that maybe this will inspire you to try something new with your own vintage stamps, or maybe even with a few new ones. I love the different collections available from PaperArtsy, there is a style to fit any need.
Hello everyone, I have a post on the PaperArtsy blog sharing some cards that I made for the "with 3 things" challenge. I was so excited to be able to participate in this new feature, especially to be able to stretch my imagination and creativity using the wonderful PaperArtsy products.
When my package arrived, I was looking forward to seeing which three products were chosen for me to create something with. I was certainly not disappointed! These new PaperArtsy Hot Picks stamps (HP2401) drew me in from the moment I watched the release video. This set contains wonderful small graphics, perfect for backgrounds as well as some bolder sentiments that could work in journals or on cards, even layered into a mixed media piece. Just as exciting is the package of Crunchy - Waxed Kraft Paper (WKPA5), oh the possibilities! I love the natural brown color of this paper and the waxed coating that gives way when the paper is scrunched up creating a web-like effect is simply divine. I have always wanted to experiment with just how much this crunchy waxed paper could handle and this was my chance! The final product included was a jar of PaperArtsy Infusions Just Walnut. Now this was a treat! The infusions line is so interesting and creates such beautiful finishes where each color includes some of these walnut crystals, but to have a jar of simply walnut crystals, it is pure joy. Now, I must admit, once I unpackaged these "3 things" my imagination went into overdrive. so many ideas came to mind. I may even have a little pile of experiments, as well as need to finish pieces, stacked on the corner of my table.
If you hop over to the PaperArtsy blog, you cab find a few more details about the cards I created and my experiments with these wonderful products.
I can't wait to send out my cards! I loved being able to take part in this new feature on the PaperArtsy Blog. I hope that maybe you have been inspired to pull out a few supplies and spark your own imagination.
Hi everyone, I am excited to share that I have been asked to join the PaperArtsy Blogging Team! I have been using various PaperArtsy products in my projects for many years and love the results that I can achieve with them. For anyone that may be unfamiliar, PaperArtsy produces wonderful supplies for crafting and art. Some of my favorites are their red rubber stamps, with many different collections, each having different styles, all of which are incredibly detailed and beautiful. Another favorite of mine is the PaperArtsy line of Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylic Paints. The colors are gorgeous with a finish that is perfect for layering and stamping! Their Infusions are water soluble particles with 2 components: a fine permanent dye color pigments mixed with a walnut crystal particle. These create the most interesting results when activated with water or any other wet medium. I am very excited to create for PaperArtsy, it is truly an honor to be among their talented team of artists.
Today I am on the PaperArsty Blog sharing my first project. The current topic is Miniature, and I have created a miniature under the sea book with tea bag pages. The post has all the details from how I created the translucent pages, to coloring the beautiful aquatic stamps, and adding the mixed media elements. I would love for you to head over and check it out. The pages contain the lines from the poem The Ocean by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
I am looking forward to the coming year and working with and creating for PaperArtsy. While my projects are all my own creations, PaperArtsy provides products as well as compensates me for my work. PaperArtsy is based out of France, however, their products can be found around the world at different stockists. You can find the current list of stockists here.
Don't forget to check out the PaperArtsy Blog. Thank you so much for stopping by, I truly appreciate it!
"Fate is the cards you were given when you were born. Destiny is what you do with them."
- Gina E. Jones
The StencilGirl® collaborations that Tina Walker dreams up are always an adventure! They challenge me to try new techniques, incorporate stencils into my artwork in unusual ways, and light a creative spark within me. The altered playing card collaboration was no different. The challenge delivered was simple: "alter a complete deck of playing cards. It can be as simple as collaging stenciled paper on the back sides of each card or as elaborate as altering both sides of each card with doodles, drawings, and (of course) stenciled parts using StencilGirl® stencils."
"we cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the game"
-Randy Paulsch
The first order of business was to find a deck of cards to alter. My initial creative musings over how I would complete this challenge involved collaging stenciled papers to the deck in ways that would allow the cards to still be usable for playing games. With no intention to completely cover the cards, I wanted a deck that would provide an interesting base layer to build off of. I chose a deck of stylized Bicycle playing cards called Bourbon. I loved the coloration and thought that altering the face cards (or in particular their clothing) would be akin to creating paper dolls... In my eagerness to get started, I seem to have disregarded the actual size of a deck of cards. When the deck arrived, I realized that it would be nearly impossible to showcase stenciling in the areas that would be "clothing." I did however, love the coloration and retro vibe that the deck seemed to have. I needed to take a step back and reassess my original idea.
"Life consists not in holding good cards, but in playing those you hold well."
-Josh Billings
Each new idea that popped up was centered around the different suits in the deck, which would be a dead giveaway for anyone that would ever use this deck for playing a card game. This opened my mind to creating something altogether different from my altered deck. With the restriction of maintaining the integrity the card values removed, the possibilities were endless.
"Destiny plays its cards in a way that no one can comprehend."
-Anurag Shourie
I decided that I would create an interactive book with my deck. One that would contain inspiring quotes based on card playing, and that would showcase the style that drew me to this particular deck in the first place. With a plan in place, I searched through my ever growing stash of StencilGirl® stencils and chose a set that I felt would enhance the retro vibe of the deck. The Retro Chic stencil set by Lizzie Mayne contains five distinct designs, one larger and four smaller scaled stencils. For this project, I used three of the smaller scaled designs.
"The key to success is playing the hand you were dealt like it was the hand you wanted."
-Kaitlyn Walsh
Within my book, each of the face cards has a central, rectangular portion removed. A matching rectangular section was removed from a number card of the same suit. A piece of clear fishing line is sandwiched between the two rectangles, which extends beyond the edges at both the top (crown) and bottom (vestments). The rectangles are glued together and then allowed to dry completely flat. I fussy cut each "royal" person from their respective rectangle. Since I intend to leave the face side of each royal unaltered, I stencil the "face side" of the outer frame pieces prior to assembling the spinning sections.
"One should always play fairly when one has the winning cards."
-Oscar Wilde
The "face side" frames contain two layers of stenciling, first a layer of Golden Bronze iridescent acrylic paint is lightly stenciled through one of the designs. Once this layer has dried, a second layer of stenciling (through one of the other designs in the set) is added using black gesso. The easiest way to accomplish a uniform design on a large number of cards is to create a "jig." I use a masking tape guide to align each card in the same position. Once I determine the optimal stencil placement, the stencil is taped down at the top creating a hinge so that I can lift it between each card. While everything is set up, I also stencil the "face side" of each of my number cards while covering the central area with a mask. I stencil all of the cards with the first layer before changing the "jig"to accommodate the second layer of stenciling. The stenciling on the back sides of all cards is completed once the spinning pieces are in place. This allows the stenciling to line up when an open page abuts one that is solid.
"Life is not always a matter of holding good cards, but sometimes, playing a poor hand well."
-Jack London
To assemble the framed spinners, I locate the frames that match each royal person. Then, placing the fussy cut piece in the center opening, the extended ends of fishing line are sandwiched between the two frames, which are then adhered together. This can be done using double sided tape or glue, whichever you prefer. I used glue; however, using tape would be just as effective and also not require additional drying time. To create a uniform thickness for the book pages, you can also double up the number cards. When all of the page assembly is complete, it is time to stencil the reverse sides.
"Its not the cards you have that make you a winner or a loser."
-Doyle Brunson
The easiest and most efficient way to create a uniform appearance is to use the"jig" method described above. The reverse sides have one layer of stenciling, done with black gesso. When all of the stenciling is dry, I add gold details using a fine liner filled with acrylic paint. The detailed cards are set aside to dry overnight.
The number cards in my book each contain an inspirational quote based on card playing. Each quote is printed on an inked vellum rectangle then attached to the card.
I cut chipboard to create the front and back book covers, these are covered with coordinating handmade paper. Stenciled cards are attached to the front and back.
Following a YouTube video by Lisbeth Degn, I utilized a slip Knot binding technique. This type of binding works perfectly for individual pages. Each of my pages have three holes along the leading edge where the waxed cord knots them together.
Click below for a flip through video of my altered playing card book.
One of the best parts of the StencilGirl® collaborations is being able to see the other ways that artists have interpreted the challenge. Check out all of the awesome altered playing card projects that were created foe this challenge in Tina's blog post on StencilGirl Talk.
Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today to check out my project, I truly appreciate you taking the time. I hope that maybe you will be inspired to create something today.
Hello everyone, I have some exciting news to share with you. Earlier this year, I was invited to be a contributing artist for the 2023 Artist Almanac. Nineteen artists submitted artwork that was used to create this incredible resource.
In a nutshell, the 2023 Artist Almanac is one part calendar plus one part inspiration and a whole lot of collage material! 365 days of daily collage-able artsy bits of paper. Tear it away each day to reveal a new piece of work from one of the 19 contributing artists. You can then use the past days as an art supply in any way you can imagine! The paper is perfect collage weight and the artwork/graphics are gorgeous. This is definitely a tool that will become a studio essential.
Here's a preview of some of my artwork that is among the pages:
Each contributing artist has their own available inventory. All of the calendars will go on sale at the same time. These limited edition calendars will go live on Monday, December 5th 2022 at 8am EST.
I will have 45 available for sale in my Etsy shop.
Here is the link if you are interested in purchasing one:
It's my understanding that last year the calendars sold out in hours, so I wanted to be sure to let my blog subscribers know in case you are interested in purchasing one!
Each calendar measures 2.75" x 3.75" and is $24.99 plus shipping.
Once they sell out they are gone, only a limited number were produced.
The 19 contributing artists and their social media links:
Some of these artists I have followed for many years, while others are new acquaintances, but ALL are incredibly talented! Whether or not you are interested in the 2023 Artist Almanac, I definitely recommend a visit to their sites to check out their art.
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by my blog today, I hope that this finds you well as we wrap up 2022 and head into the new year!
