Layouts of Love

This weekend I actually had the opportunity to scrap a little and I was too excited about it. What made it more exciting is the fact that I had a wonderful Swirlydoo's kit to use.  I was SO surprised and excited when I saw my face on the Swirlydoo's blog as the kit of the month winner, and what a great kit it is! The Pink Paislee and Petaloo that's packed in the kit is AHmazing! I will be sharing what I created with this kit for weeks on end.

Anyway, let's get on to two of the items I created.

For this LO I used a mix of the kit and some of my older items. Had so many ideas flowing through my head and ended up only using a few...I'm sure you know how that goes.  For the first time I cracked open my glass bead gel and gave it a try.  I think next time I will definitely add a bit of color to it before using, as it dries clear. I also used one of the new mask I purchased from CKC when they were recently here in Birmingham. 

I really REALLY wanted to just hoard that burlap butterfly, but I figured I'm keeping the LO so that's about the same as hoarding it ^_^. Don loved this LO so much that he wants it in a shadow box to be displayed...hmmm.

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE this LO!!  I purchased a package of the picket fence from Michaels wooden "stuff" dept.  I love getting my wooden items from that area, first because I get more for my buck, second because I can find things not readly available in the scrapbooking world. 

I covered the fence with gesso, then used Prima chalk inks to distress the fence a bit by adding a little brown and green.  And to give the fence just a bit more character I kinda fanagled it (that's my word of the day and I'm sticking to it).  By fanagling it, to me made it a little more realistic, rather than leaving it straight...you know, more like a little fence would be.  I used some stems I'd saved from other flowers to create vines to flow though the fence...waste not want not I say.  Almost everything can be repurposed.  I used the same ledger mask, but only this time I used chalk ink to create a background, that way it picked up on the light pinks and greens on the gridded PP used.  The majority of this LO was created by using scraps only.  I am determined that my scrap box will be empty come December 31 this year, instead of giving it away.

Well, this is just a portion of what I created over the weekend, I have a few more items to share and a canvas to finish up.  I know my mom will be happily pushing me to finish up the canvas so she can get it. LOL!!

Until next time...

Thanks for stopping by!

Kisha

Mother's Day 2013---A Late Post

Heyyyy yall!!!  I know I'm so very behind on posting.  Especially being that it's near Father's Day and I'm just posting Mother's Day items.  I've wanted to get a post up for so long, but my life has been so busy lately that, by the time I decide to settle down I'm just too pooped to post.  I guess as the saying goes, better late than never huh *smile*

My mom was so happy with her card that it's still sitting on her mantle as I type this.  Now I'm feeling the pressure for creating her birthday card.

 These two cards were my favorite's of all the cards made. I love the tone on tone and the simplicity of these cards.  Sometimes, less is just more.

The card below was created for someone else.  I was extra pleased when the recipient stated that the card was exactly his mom's style.  And I especially loved the feedback after she received it. 

   

 For this last card, I pushed myself to use my scraps of plain and pattern paper from previous cards created.  This is something I really should do more often to avoid having a box load of scrap paper remaining at the end of the year.

For this card I used the one of the most lovely lace's I found at Hobby Lobby during a 50% off sale.  I love finding pretty white lace and misting it to coordinate with the object I'm creating at the moment. 

I had a hectic yet wonderful time creating Mother's Day cards this year.  Because there were so many cards I created, there's just no way I'm going take the time to back post them all.  There is one, however, I plan on trying to sneak pass Aaron to get it posted.  It's SO incredibly sweet...he created it himself for my mom.  And what he wrote inside was a tear jerker!

Now it's time to switch hats, drop the lace and doily and move on the Father's Day.  I can't wait to show you what I create, and hopefully this time it won't be July 4th by the time I'm posting again ^_^

Until next time...

Kisha

Oh So Rare Canvas

First of all let me say, just looking at this corner of the canvas makes my heart so happy. The process of creating this canvas was simply joyful. Like I literally giggled within when I added certain elements because I was so happy.  This was just a fun project to create, especially being the recipient is so creative herself.  I hope she loves it!

I started creating this canvas using a technique I learned from Limor Webber, stamping my own tissue paper.  I would usually only use my tissue paper for texture, and had planned on purchasing some Tim Holtz tissue paper.  Well Limor's idea was better, use the stamps you have and create your own tissue paper.  Now yall know how I love being "frugal" (tho the hubster says I'm "cheap") so that was right up my alley! 

This little light bulb--ECK!! Such joy in this little item.  I purchased these little bulbs from Hobby Lobby, they're by Spare Parts.  Now I totally love Ingvild Bolme's flat back bulbs...LOVE them, however, these were just screaming my name.  So many possibilities with these mini bulbs, so you will see me use these more and more. The wire you see sticking out is not chicken wire, it's actually the wire from a basket I purchased from the dollar tree store.  You have to see the use of items beyond the intended use, that's creativity.

And in case you're wondering how I came up with the title for this canvas, this is something very special to her.  It's also a very good description of who she is, so I saw it fitting to use this as the title. 

 

I wish you could see more of the thin string that's right above the butterfly.  This was a total accident that I decided to just roll with.  I was trying to pull some of my drywall tape but only kept getting one string of it.  Well after I'd pulled so much of just one string, I started rolling it up to trash it.  But when I looked at the circle I had in my hand I figured, just go with it.  I glued it down, and later added gesso, inks and gelatos to enhance the texture.  Waste not want not, anything goes in mixed media.

 

This last section shows more of the masking, stamping and washi tape used.  It's funny when I think of the things I used on this canvas.  I usually save the rolls from different spools of tape, glue dots and ribbon for crafty purposes.  One particular spool I have, I knew as soon as I was done with whatever came off of it that I would use it as a stamp.  Hence the black circles you see on the canvas.  I originally thought I would adhere something to the bottom of the spool to create a stamp, however this method works for me.

In the end, I am totally totally happy with this canvas.  I can't wait to get started on Aaron's canvas and the many other's I plan on creating.  Now, if I can just get someone to come clean off my work table so I can start on my next project ^_^

Thanks for stopping by,

Kisha

Let's Talk Scrapbooking Style

Happy Monday Everyone!!   I hope you all enjoyed your Easter day, what a joy it is to know that Jesus lives.  Blessings, true blessings.

Ok, yall I had to delete a couple of half created post and just start over.  I couldn't find the pictures I'd take for most and other's needed to be enhanced due to bad lighting (and my need for a new camera--hint to the hubster).  I know when he read this, he's going to scream because I declined getting a new camera late last year.  But, I believe in preparing, searching for the best deal and the best item.  I'm not much of a impulse buyer, it makes me all nervous and such.  So yea, I declined and doggone refused him purchasing it at the time.  I want to read up on camera's and all of it's fuctions, etc before making a purchase, that's all.  Now, let me stop rambling and get on with it ;-)

I think I stopped mid-Swirlydoo's Challenge, where I made it to Round 4 but my little altered cigar box creation didn't quite make the cut.

 

Yeah, they told me to blow out my candle and pack my bags and leave the Swirlydoo island.  I had come to the end of my road in this challenge.  It was super great participating in the challenge and I can't wait till the next one comes along.  Taking part of challenges makes you more thoughtful in your creative process and it keeps you committed to creating more often.  Seems like I often work better under pressure, so I truly enjoyed this process. 

 

Next, I had a post started where I spoke on creative styles.  I had gotten so bored with my creative style when it came to creating LO's.  It seemed like each and every LO was beginning to look the same.  Then I noticed I was adding less and less embellishments to each LO, almost making it appear as if I was just going through the motion of just placing a picture on a page.  I loved working with acrylic paints and adding splashes to my pages, but that was really not doing the trick for me.  It was like I needed more of a UMPH, but I didn't know what it was.  I started looking for inspiration on other blogs but came up with nothing.  So I started tellin Kim about it, as she started noticing I was creating more cards than LO's.  I told her how I love her LO's and her use of florals, but because I create so much for boys I couldn't see me corporating that style into my "so called style".  She suggested many ideas, and blogs including Swirlydoo's blog and new life was born. I started playing with different mediums, masks and inks...

 

2012 "Unfinished" December Daily

Mini hanging LO on corragated board

 

These are just a couple of the first items I created using different mediums and trying to open my eyes to new techniques.  This at least gave me a bit of excitement, something that wasn't so normal and boring.  Creating should NEVER become boring.

 

As of late I have come to fall in love with creating on canvas.  I used to love going to our local do it yourself painting place (Sips and Strokes), but that too became boring, like a task.  I think mainly because it was someone else's design, somewhat like, painting by dots or is it numbers??  Anyway, it wasn't MY OWN creative process.  I love creating in dimension, something that'll make you want to touch it, something that'll make you question...is that a screw or is that a washer.  So I started googling mixed media.  I always thought mixed media was something a bit more gothic...no no no.  This is more awesome than not and talk about something that recreated a spark in my creative life!  I have a girl crush on Rach0113 and Limor Webber.  Now I've always loved Donna Downey, she was my first painting love bug.  I just never did more than watch her create.  She just makes my heart pound with colorful acrylic joy!  And too that list I've also added Christy Tomlinson, I love watching her colorful little fingers work magic on canvas.

 

Current canvas in process

 

I am currently working on a canvas as a gift for my favorite college student.  Thanks to Limor Webber for opening my mind to creating my own tissue paper with the stamps and tissue paper I have on hand.  I love the process of creating my own instead of purchasing every single name brand item that's placed on the market.  I think this just helps add more flair to your project...making it more DIY.  Needless to say, it saves a buck or two ^_^ 

Current state of my work desk

 

If your desk ain't messy, you're just a lazy scrapper LOL!!

 

I'm so in love with my creative process now, and evidently Aaron is excited about it too.  Soon as I finish the canvas for the college student, I've been informed to get started on a larger one for him.  So I've really gotta think outside of the box.  This should be great!

 

Kisha

Birthday Greetings

Seems the more I promise myself I will blog more, the more things in life that arise to prevent blogging from happening.  Lately I've had a lot going on at work, but when I tell you God has been blessing me...I just don't know what to say.  Then this week I even received a CD of a pastor's message with the note:  To: Kisha - From: God.  Yall, when I tell you that message was directly intended for me!  All he had to do was say my name in some of the points he made.  All I could do while listening to the message was to thank God and accept his plan for me.  I may not know exactly where I'm headed right now, but what I do know is I'm going to follow God's plan for me.  This almost feels unreal.  So thankful.

 

Now let me move on to what this post was supposed to be about before I shout. 

 

 

These roses just makes me gitty!  I just had to post a close up of them.  One of the best dollar bin buys I've made from Michaels.

This card was created for one of the best up and coming designers ever.  She is so awesome to be so young, just pure and rare talent.  I was actually nervous about creating her card because she is so talented, I was afraid she just may not like it. 

 

I also love using the tiny wooden spools and adding a bit of thread on them.  I often purchase wooden items from the wood section in Michael's and Hobby Lobby to use on my cards or art projects.  It's a great way to add a bit of texture to your projects, plus it's a bit cheaper than ordering the wood veneer pieces from other sites.

 

I was too excited to use my color shine to alter the color of my lace.  I think by far, Heidi Swapps color shine mist is my favorite mist to use ever. 

 

Pearls, lace and glitter OH MY!!  I know several crafter's that cringe when they see a bottle of glitter, I can't get enough of using fine glitter.  I'm not too keen on chunky glitter at all, however, I love using Martha Stewarts fine glitter.  I like using it on shaped chipboard pieces, it gives it a shabby chic look when used on cards. 

 

Anyway, now I'm just rambling trying to create text for this post (laughing).  I hope you all like the cards I created and maybe even been inspired. 

 

Have a wonderful rest of the week!  And I hope to share more with you shortly.

 

Kisha

Blog Slacker...Life -vs- Blogging

 

Goodness!! Where has the time gone?  I thought I had a handle on this blogging thing, like that was one of my 2013 goals.  When LIFE takes over and it doesn't not play.  When life request your full attention, it does not take regrets because you have automatically been RSVP'd to attend.  HA! 

 

My creativity has been for the most part placed on standby.  The majority of what I've created is because it was either requested or I needed something myself.  NEED based crafting isn't what I want to become, so I'm working on getting some things organized this month to avoid this happening again.  Plus my husband made me create a YouTube account in January, and I've not created one single video.  However, I've thought about it LOL!!  I'm so extra nervous and have been for a long while.  To make matters worse, soon as we created the YT account, I was boggled with an overwhelming amount of spam emails and phone calls.  That alone was discouraging, so I'm taking my time.  Plus I really like the writing part of blogging versus video.  Well see...

 

----Birthday Card----

 

This is a quick and simple card created for my brother.  I had to refrain from going too drastic on this card, so I decided to only take out a couple of items and make it work.  Seems it took me longer to create this card than it does when I pull out the masses.  I love texture on masculine cards and this glassine paper usually does the trick.  Embossing a woodgrain on the tag just adds a bit more dimension.

 

 

I added a chipboard sticker of a paperclip to give the hint of a pocket (somehow I ended up adhereing part of the clip under the glassine).  The Starbuck card was not his actual gift, as he doesn't drink coffee.  Plus ALL Starbucks giftcards belong to ME ^_~.

 

----New Favs----

 

 I am LOVING Heidi Swapp's Color Shine mist...LOVE LOVE LOVE I tellya!! And to top it off, Michaels is now carrying her products - WHAT!!  This could get dangerous yall.  And the Michaels brand $1 stamps are just wow!  I was so surprised to see what they had in stock for the Easter holiday.  The little baby chick and the sheep I think are my all time fav.  Must I also say, Recollections is also stepping up their game.  Wood pieces and washi, come on now, I'm so proud of Recollections improvement.  Now on to the Martha Stewart sissors, yall really should be on the look out for MS clearance items.  I can't tell you the last time I've paid regular price for her items.  I've wanted these sissors for a while, but refused to pay $22 buck for them, not even a 40% coup would get me to buy...but when it's marked on clearance for $7...heyyyy nowya talk'n.  And they cut like a hot knife through room temp butter.  Yes that smooth.  Check out what your Michaels has to offer, walk every isle in the store, you'll be surprised at what deals you find.

----Easter----

 

I couldn't wait, I had to test out a couple of my new $1 bin stamps ^_^

 

Kisha

Swirlydoos Challenge---Week 3 Foil Tape

WoooHooo!!!! I made it to week 3 of the Swirlydoos Challenge!  This has been such a fun creative journey and of course I don't want it to end.  However, if I don't make it to the finish line I know I've had a great time along the way.  WOOT!!  This challenge has pushed me beyond the "outside the box" I feel I already am.  This is something I think we all are crafter's should do...think beyond our normal way of crafting to challenge ourselves. 

Ok, now on to the challenge.  This week we were challenged to use foil tape...yes the foil tape we just so happen to find in our husbands tool box. I will forever love foil tape now!

For my submission, I created an altered cigar box. This box is for Aaron to use to drop all of his pocket junk into daily.

The gears you see here on top of the box are all foiled and distressed.  I used three different colors of acrylic paint to achieve the old, dirty, rustic look.  Then I wiped off a bit of the paint to reveal some of the silver of the foil.  And I love the brad you see here on one of the gears.  I scored a box of those little ditties from Michaels for $1.20 when they were on sale.  The brad tops looks like either + and - signs or slotted or phillip head screws.  LOVE IT!!

These are the items I used to create the altered box, well minus the kraft paper.  I went with a 12X12 pattern print instead.  The gears you see here are plan chipboad and were pre-cut, so all I had to do is cover them and re-expose the holes then emboss.

Here is what the pieces I used on the side of the box originally looked like, pre-distressed and cut. I used scrap paper, cut to size, covered with foil tape then embossed.

Side view of the gears, layers and those that were tucked.  And yes, what you see on the side are real screws.  The hubster hasn't noticed yet, and I took about 6 of them ;-)  He's really cool about things like this though, he offer me some of his fishing hooks (Did I tell yall I love this dude ^_^)

Side view of the box.  I used a bit of dry wall tape and walnut stain to distress the sides along with more acrylic paint and light molding paste.

Back of the box, more dry wall tape and gauze.  The gears were stacked and a brad was added.

Because the lid of the box wouldn't stay totally closed, I added a latch to the front and distressed it as well.  I also added an old key Don was no longer using and distressed it more, it already had a bit of age on it.  Over all, I love the way this box turned out.  Aaron was so pleased that he tried to take it before it was totally dry.  The inside is not totally complete because he wants a picture of himself to go on the inside lid, so we should be taking some new skateboarding pictures very soon.  WOOT!!  I love taking pictures of him skateboarding...falling...etc. LOL!  I will update this post with inside pics as soon as it's completed (If I remember).

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to go take a peek at Swirlydoos Design Gallery to see all that was created with foil.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Kisha