Please vote for me in the Fiskars Fuse Contest

I have 3 entries in this contest for a chance to win a great prize. If you want you can vote for me up to 5 times daily. Please vote for me and thanks so much! All you have to do to vote is click on each of the links below. It is 5 times total per day though. Thanks again!

Entry 1

Entry 2

Entry 3

Margot Potter: Craft Wars FINAL EPISODES CRAFTY GIVEAWAY!

Margot Potter: Craft Wars FINAL EPISODES CRAFTY GIVEAWAY!  Good luck, you might be a winner.

Little Windows Resin kits giveaway - the 4 winners are...

Little Windows Resin kit winners are

1. Arlene Braun Mobley

2. Wabbit - Marilyn Weyman

3. (from my blog) Barb said...

I love resin thnaks to you. I love making the little shadowboxes.

4. Brigitte Pugliese

Winners get until the end of the month to claim before I pull another name from people who entered. Congrats!

Dremel 3000 - answer to post question

someone asked me a question about the Dremel 300. It has been replaced by the Dremel 3000 (click on the link to get more information). You can get the 4000 for a bit more if you want to upgrade. You can also do the flex shaft if you do so much delicate work. Dremel has a great customer service team. They have been working there forever and can help you with any questions you may have. Their number is on their website. Dremel.com

Little Windows resin giveaway - 4 kits!!!!!

Little Windows Resin Giveaway!!!!

Yes, as promised, I am doing a resin kit giveaway - actually 4 KITS!

(4) 3oz. Try-it-out Sets from Little Windows.

Little Windows email newsletter link - click here

All you have to do is this:

1. Subscribe to their email newsletter from the Little Windows website (lower right-hand side in blue print) for great project ideas.

2. Comment to this post telling me what great projects you might make with this resin.

Deadline to comment to the post and subscribe to the Little Windows email newsletter is Sunday, June 17th. I will pick 4 winners on Monday, June, 18, 2012, using the random number generator. Yes, international friends are able to play, too. Little Windows resin can ship internationally.

I resin just about anything you can possibly imagine that can be resin'd. You just have to be careful about it leaking through to the surface underneath so it does not get ruined. I put something to protect the surface or put it on a silicon/slick surface so I can peel off any resin that might go through or drip onto the surface.

Good luck everybody!

Yahoo group update

I have a moment to breathe now. I don't know what happened to my Yahoo group. I did not delete it. I got bounced out. Did not hear from Yahoo yet. I did get hacked awhile back with my Yahoo mail. I have since changed my Yahoo email password and done all the other stuff to get rid of the hacking nonsense. Near as I can tell, it might have happened around the same time period (or not). DH just had the same thing happen to him recently. I am not going to start the Yahoo group up again since I am done with the swaps and have not been very active in the group for awhile now. I am sorry that this has happened but do not know how it happened and cannot do anything do get it back right now. I will let people know if the status changes.

2012 Bead and Button Little Windows Booth

I got the idea for this one from karen michel from her green guide for artists (above). I love her work!

This is all my artwork/samples that were in the Little Windows Resin Booth at the Bead and Button Show this past weekend (June 8-10, 2012) in Milwaukee, WI. Lovely, eh?

Newest ATCS - Create or die a slow death

Click on the pict to get a larger view. Here is an example of the finished product. Simpler is better for me. There is a little bit of warping because I used glue stick on a chip board back.
Sorry the pictures did not load in order even though I put them in order when I uploaded them.This is the background. I used black acrylic paint for the spider web. The template I used is from Coffee Break Designs and I got it from Retro Cafe Art Gallery's Booth while at Create. The background was done using old text from dictionaries and other hard cover texts. I colored it with Clearsnap Smooch Spritz. Edged with Clearsnap stamp pads.
I did the Spider and ant with the new mixed media pigment stamp pads, embossing powder, and heat gun. Gave it a little bit of pop because it was black against black with the web.
Here is a picture of the chipboard backs being glued to the text papers. I tried contacting the person who I used to get the ATC backs from but I have not heard back from her yet.
Here is another picture of the finished ATC.
Picture of my favorite pair of Fiskars scissors. Love these little things!
How the background looks before I do anything.
I used a brayer to put the black paint on the web and pressed it onto the background. See below to see the results on the ATC backs.
These ATCs are for a swap for my Mixed Media Yahoo group. I am sending them out to each person in our swap. Just stepping out how I did the ATCs. Can't wait to see what people send me!

Art Realization is circular

It is difficult to articulate in my blog all my jumbled thoughts and things that are want to come out all at once onto a page. I wouldn't quite call it an epiphany but I was having a rare moment of introspection while doing a batch of ATCs for my Yahoo group swap.

It has been a difficult few years for me especially this past year since I had just finished up my graduate degree this summer. I had not had much time at all for art except for a few things for companies and to teach at Create Art Retreat this summer. I hadn't written a piece for an article in quite some time because I had not had time to submit anything worth printing. Challenges were not something I could even consider. A lot of things went of the back burner and I had to prioritize my life for the sake of my sanity and lack of sleep.

Now that I am out of school and am only teaching at my full-time job as a 5th grade teacher, it is easier for me to look ahead, do artwork for myself, and with my kids. I don't feel the pressure of having to create magazine worthy art. As I was making ATCs today, I was taking pictures of each step so I could blog about it later. I could picture in my mind what I wanted the end product to look like and I was enjoying the process. It was fun to try this and change that. I did not care that whether it was for publication or not. This was just something that I was making for a swap and it was fun. It was looking good.

For a long time now, quite a a bit of my artwork has been create for publication or a workshop. Even though it may not have started out that way, in the back of my mind, the possibility was always there, so I didn't put the technique on my blog until I was sure it wouldn't be accepted for a publication or wouldn't be part of one of my workshops. At the same time, it is a sad reality that some artists' work have shown up on other blogs or workshops. I had it happen to me when someone tried to take credit for something that I had created.

So, I was thinking that it's all good. It doesn't matter WHAT I am creating as long as I am creating something. It is not the end product that's important. It is the process. Yes, there are many worthy artists out there who make their living teaching workshops full-time who have to come up with the new, next best thing. They have to keep coming up with new, innovative things and/or update themselves so other artists want to take their workshops. I have to do that as well so people will want to take my workshops. I will worry about that tomorrow. I am in a position right now where I don't have to do that at this particular moment. I can just create for the sake of creating and just for myself. I don't have to answer to anyone. If you don't like it or don't get the message, I'm not so worried about it. I'm not going to worry about people who complain about my swaps. I am just going to visualize my creative process.

I was here once but I veered to the left. I came back. Things are cyclical or maybe circular. It doesn't matter to me if I am painting, torching, knitting, assembling, or writing. It is all the same to me. It keeps me sane. Don't judge me or look at me sideways. I don't care what you are thinking anyway. If you don't want my ATC, I am sure someone else will. This art is for me. The art for everyone else will be done tomorrow and the next day. That will get done because that is how I am. Leave me a voicemail and I will return your message as soon as I available.

Just do what makes you happy. Doesn't matter what it is.

Creative Options Project tote winner

is

Liz said...Thanks for the giveaway! I'd love to win! I liked their Facebook page.

eemoody77

You have until Sunday (before I pick another winner) to contact me via the Email link in the right-hand column with all your mailing info.
Congrats!

Beader's Dream Creative Options giveaway winner...

is

Mary said...

Now we have 4trys to comment! Lol. I placed a "like" on the facebook site. Thank you for all the giveaways. All are lovely.

You have until Sunday (before I pick another winner) to contact me via the Email link in the right-hand column with all your mailing info.
Congrats!

Clearsnap giveaway winner...

is


emarci said...

I love all inks and colors! I would make backgrounds for cards and make cards and stamp stamp stamp!

You have until Sunday (before I pick another winner) to contact me via the Email link in the right-hand column with all your mailing info.
Congrats!

12oz resin kit giveaway winner...

is

brenda bliss said...

Wish I could Love them instead of like them!!

You have until Sunday (before I pick another winner) to contact me via the Email link in the right-hand column with all your mailing info.
Congrats!

$30 resin certificate giveaway winner...

is...

Sherry Goodloe said...

I've "liked" the fb page. Would love to use resin in my mixed media canvas work.

You have until Sunday (before I pick another winner) to contact me via the Email link in the right-hand column with all your mailing info.
Congrats!

Stencil Giveaway Winner...

is....

Janet Hartje said...

I liked them on facebook. I have some deColourant that I have been wanting to try. I think a stencil would be a fun way to use it. I also want to do more with raised designs. I did that once or twice and really like the look.

You have until Sunday (before I pick another winner) to contact me via the Email link in the right-hand column with all your mailing info.
Congrats!

Today is last day to enter comments for giveaway!

http://alteredbelly.blogspot.com/

Today is the last day. Don't miss out!

Stencil Giveaway!

3 stencils from Crafter's Workshop are being included in this giveaway. I did not forget them. I just couldn't find them in my stuff from the workshops. I haven't put away everything yet since I have school. They are the minis 6x6. They are the best things because they stay flat. I use them with the Smooch Spritz. You can also use them with the Tulip Fabric Spray Paints. They are the most fun. People were having a blast using them especially during my ATC class at Create Chicago. Clean-up is easy. Just use a little bit of soap and water and pat dry.

The Crafter's Workshop website

Just need to do one of two things to get your chance to win. I will use the random generator to pick a winner on Wednesday, September 7th.

1. If you are on Facebook, Go to the Crafter'sWorkshop page and "like" them. Come back here and tell me so I know to count you for the random generator. You can also tell me how you would use the stencils, if you are so inclined. Crafter's Workshop Facebook page

2. If you don't do Facebook, then just leave a comment to this post about how you already use stencils, what you would do with these stencils, or any new ideas you would like to see for stencils.

I will pick a winner using the random number generator on Wednesday, Sept. 7th. If you don't contact me by Sunday, Sept. 11th, then I will pick a new winner. My email contact link is in the right column. Good luck!

Answers to Little Windows Resin Questions

Please note that some of these questions are specific to Little Windows resin especially ratios/portions. Some resins use different ratios and have different times for the resin to rest before using. These answers in the next two paragraphs are from Little Windows:

Stickiness on hands - use paper towels first, then baby wipes initially, this will get most of it off. Then wash with dishsoap. This is probably easier instruction for them than trying to find a special art cleanser, and will make it seem more friendly. If it gets on any hard surface it can be wiped up with paper towels - stubborn stuff can be addressed with acetone and good ventilation!

The only reasons the resin wouldn't set up after 12 hours (should not be sticky to the touch, but will be a bit soft - will harden completely by the next day), would be that either A) the ratios of resin to hardener were off, or B) the mix was not blended completely. If it's just sticky in spots then the problem is B, if it's sticky all over then it's A. Super important to blend well for at least 2 minutes then let it set in the cup for 5 minutes before pouring, to complete the mixing. Another, well measured and mixed batch can be applied over the first one to seal it, don't apply hardener alone, that will just make a mess of it.

I have also found that the soap that is found in artists' stores is also very good for removing the resin. I have also found that just a bit of baby oil with a wipe gets rid of the tackiness. You can find answers to commonly asked FAQs, videos, and how-tos on their website:

Little Windows link

What I have found important is to make sure that you stick to the 2-1 ratio. Two parts A to one part B. Stir well for 2.5-3 minutes. Steady but not too fast stir so you don't get air bubbles. Stir well and into the bottom so you get it all. Let rest the full 5 minutes. Give it a couple extra minutes to get a bit thicker if you want to brush it on or do a pour for doming or onto a flat surface so it won't go over the edges. If you do that, it is that easy. I was resin challenged until I tried this resin after some show that I was at and decided to try it.

Huge Thanks to Fiskars!

They supplied me with the best scissors for my workshops at Create Art Retreat Chicago. Love the Fiskars orange. They worked out so well!

Fiskars Facebook

Little Window $30 Certificate giveaway!

How fabulous is that? In addition to the large resin kit being given away in the post below, I am also giving away a $30 gift certificate. Winner will be chosen by the random number generator.

This will be mailed directly from Little Windows.

This was the fabulous resin that I used in all three of my workshops during Create Art Retreat Chicago.

You need to do one of two things to win this fabulous giveaway:

1. If you do Facebook, you need to go to their page and "Like" them. Come back here and comment that you did it so I can include you for the random generator. If you feel the need, you can tell me what you would do with the resin and if you have ever played with it before. Little Windows Facebook Page

2. If you don't use Facebook, you just need to comment to this post and tell me what you think about resin and what you have done with it. If you haven't, what is holding you back. What do you want to do with this resin?

Little Windows website

I will pick a winner randomly on Wednesday, Sept 7th. If I don't hear from you by Sunday, Sept 11th, I will pick another winner. You need to email me using the email link in the right column. Good luck!

Little Windows Resin Giveaway!

Resin 12 oz. Set retail value $36.00

Low odor, crystal clear, low-bubbling and super-versatile. This resin system is the safest available, and is to be mixed in a 2-to-1 ratio. Includes 8 oz. of Resin, 4 oz. of Hardener, 12 reusable Small Measure & Mix Cups, 3 reusable 2oz. Measure & Mix cups, and 6 Mixing Wands. Will make approximately 80 castings, or about 400 Domed pieces.

Little Windows link

This will be mailed directly from Little Windows.

This was the fabulous resin that I used in all three workshops during Create Art Retreat Chicago.

You need to do one of two things to win this fabulous giveaway:

1. If you do Facebook, you need to go to their page and "Like" them. Come back here and comment that you did it so I can include you for the random generator. If you feel the need, you can tell me what you would do with the resin and if you have ever played with it before. Little Windows Facebook Page

2. If you don't use Facebook, you just need to comment to this post and tell me what you think about resin and what you have done with it. If you haven't, what is holding you back. What do you want to do with this resin?

Little Windows website

I will pick a winner randomly using the random number generator on Wednesday, Sept 7th. If I don't hear from you by Sunday, Sept 11th, I will pick another winner. You need to email me using the email link in the right column. Good luck!

Clearsnap giveaway!

I used these awesome stamps during my workshops at Create Art Retreat Chicago. They were perfect for edging and for my ATC images. They are the perfect complement to the Clearsnap Smooch Spritz sprays and Smooch inks that people absolutely loved!

Did I forget to include that I am also going to send you three Smooch inks to try as well? Sorry, my iPhone is charging right now, so I didn't take a picture of them. I had to hunt down some bottles that people didn't open up to use during the workshops. I did manage to find three unopened ones so I could give them to some lucky person!

So, included in this giveaway are the wonderful new Mixed Media stamp pads and the always rich craft pads with 3 Smooch inks.

Only have to do one of two things to try and win this fun stash of Clearsnap goodies:
1. If you do Facebook, go to the Clearsnap page and "Like" them. Come back here and post comment to this post that you did this. Optional: you can tell me what you would do with these stamp pads (I am nosy that way). Here is the link to their page: Clearsnap Facebook page

2. If you don't use Facebook, then just comment to this post by telling me what you would do with these stamp pads and what you like about the Smooch Inks, if you have used them before.
If you don't know, Clearsnap is the company that makes the little stamp pads that looks like cat's eyes.

Here is the link to their website: Clearsnap

I will pick a winner using the random number generator on Wednesday, Sept. 7th. If you don't email me through my email link in the right column of my blog by then, I will pick a new winner on Sunday, Sept. 11th. Good luck!

Beader's Dream! Creative Options Giveaway

I so love this one myself. This keeps you organized so the little pesky things don't roll around and fall all over the place. You don't know how many beads I find in my couch cushions. Also great for working on the move and for going to workshops. How cool is that?

Creative Options was very generous and donated some fun things for me to use and to give away during my workshops at Create Art Retreat Chicago. So, I am going to show them lots of love and say "thank you" by doing a giveaway. This is one of the things that I am going to give away. This project tote is BRAND NEW and so totally functional.

You can do 1 of 2 things to get a chance to win this:
1. If you don't use Facebook, go to their website to look at all their great stuff, then come back here to tell me which one of their fabulous storage pieces you like the best and what would you do with it for your chance to win. All you need to do is post a comment here on my blog to do this. Here is the link to their website: Creative Options

2. Go to Facebook and "Like" their page. Don't forget though to leave a message here on my blog that you did this so I can count you when I do the random generator thing! Here is the link for Creative Options Facebook page: Creative Options Facebook

Good luck! I will pick a winner using the random number generator on Wednesday, September 7th. You need to contact me by email (link to my email in the right column of my blog) by Sunday, Sept. 11th or I will pick a new winner.

Creative Options Giveaway!

Creative Options was very generous and donated some fun things for me to use and to give away during my workshops at Create Art Retreat Chicago. So, I am going to show them lots of love and say "thank you" by doing a giveaway. This is one of the things that I am going to give away. This project tote is BRAND NEW and so totally functional.

You can do 1 of 2 things to get a chance to win this:
1. If you don't use Facebook, go to their website to look at all their great stuff, then come back here to tell me which one of their fabulous storage pieces you like the best and what would you do with it for your chance to win. All you need to do is post a comment here on my blog to do this. Here is the link to their website: Creative Options

2. Go to Facebook and "Like" their page. Don't forget though to leave a message here on my blog that you did this so I can count you when I do the random generator thing! Here is the link for Creative Options Facebook page: Creative Options Facebook

Good luck! I will pick a winner using the random number generator on Wednesday, September 7th. You need to contact me by email (link to my email in the right column of my blog) by Sunday, Sept. 11th or I will pick a new winner.

Reply to comment Little Windows resin - Barbados

Yes, Little Windows will ship to Barbados. This is the answer that I got from Fran at Little Windows. You can go to her website and contact her directly from there.

"Yes I can ship anywhere, just not through the website. If she can send me her full address and a list of what she would like I can email an invoice and handle this directly."

Little Windows

September has been declared ATC month!

I have declared the month of September ATC month in my Yahoo group. Participation is voluntary for this swap. If you are going to play though, please read through the entire swap requirements and email me at crazyartgirl@sbcglobal.net or post a message through the group. You are probably not the only person with that question. You can make one ATC or you can make 23 ATCs. The quantity is up to you. The only thing that I ask is that you create an ATC that you would like to receive yourself. Also, the ATC should not contain anything alive or anything that was once alive like plants, shells, feathers, etc. because international mailing will not allow it. You will be mailing directly to that person. Nothing will be coming through me. You are more than welcome to put a picture of your ATC into the photo gallery before mailing. Note: make a sister ATC at the same time to you won’t feel sad about parting with the ATC when you are done making it. I always make ATCs in batches or pairs so I don’t miss them when they are gone.

Sign-up deadline: You have to put your name and complete mailing address into the database so you can receive ATCs from other members. If you do so, on your honor as an artist, you promise to mail at least one ATC to another member during the month of September, 2011.

Mailing deadline: Postmarked by the end of September, 2011. Once you have mailed an ATC to someone, please put in that person’s address line that you mailed to them. I would like to see in everyone’s address line that they have at least one ATC sent to them for their efforts. You will see what I mean once you go into the database.

Qty: As many as you like, maximum number is the number of artists sign-up for the swap.

Size: 2.5x3.5 inches is the standard size for an ATC. The ATC can be any orientation that you please.

Requirements: The ATC can be any material that you choose. Please make sure that the ATC back is a sturdy material or that the fabric is pretty sturdy. On the back should be your name and email (minimum). You can put it in an ATC plastic sleeve if you wish for mailing or put it in an envelope. There is no particular theme. Make sure that everything is dry and relatively non-smelly before mailing. Dangles are okay.

Mailing: You will be mailing directly to the recipient. Their mailing address should be in the database. Put in the database that you mailed to that person. Be kind and acknowledge that it has been received. International members are welcome to play – postage should not be that much more for the small size.

Let me know if you have any questions or comments. Have fun!

Yahoo group: (You have to be a member to play, free to join)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mmartfriends/

Latest necklaces

I know that I almost always work with just metal and found objects. I decided to do something different. I found out about Jesse James Beads during this summer's CHA and loved their collections. They make great charms. They work really well with metal since they are such a wonderful contrast. Since I was visiting my friends at Creative Options today, I thought that I would surprise them with some jewelry.

I so love putting things together. Click on the picts to get a larger view.

Smash Journals - WIP

I just recently got the new EK Success Smash Journals and some of their fun accessories to go with it. I am one of those people who collect things and throw it in in a a box. I don't do scrap booking nor am I good at putting pictures in an album. I also need to catalog my techniques that I all so often do. I need a permanent place to put them. This is perfect for me. I also am one of those people who start an art journal but manage to never finish one. I have discovered that it is okay to just keep working on one but I don't necessarily have to finish. I can do this with a Smash journal or two or three. As an artist, I have long found out I can do whatever I want to do!

These pages aren't necessarily finished. I am just sharing what I have smashed together so far. So far, I have two Smash journals. Click on the pictures for a larger view. Comments are always welcome.

Create Chicago - ATC booklet and layered ATCs

I am teaching this class on Sunday, August 28th. Yes, you will get sewing time on the Bernina sewing machines for the booklets.

Here is the description:
This is not your average ATC class. Color, height, and texture will be built up on each ATC and accentuated with the final resin layer. So fun! You may not want to trade the final product (so make sure you make more than one of each one!) Wait, but we aren't done! We are also going to do an EZ-to-put-together folding booklet that will house several ATCs and/or tags so dazzling that you will want to make several to send to your friends.

Link to Create Art Retreat Website:
http://www.cvent.com/events/create-mixed-media-retreat-chicago-2011/custom-17-a4d0340eab2d40929f862fe0f88339c9.aspx?Refid=cre8110522

Create Chicago - Altoid tin treasures

I will be teaching this workshop on Saturday evening, August 27th. This is your chance to use the little things you have hoarded and saved but never got the chance to use.

Here is the description of the workshop:
Time to get out all those tiny treasures that you have hoarded but never knew what to do with them! Take a few treasures and create a permanent background in the candy tin that can later be filled with trinkets, treasures, charms, or whatever else you like. So, join us in transforming a plain candy tin into a resined treasure holder that family and friends will love receiving!

Link to the Create Art Retreat Website:
http://www.cvent.com/events/create-mixed-media-retreat-chicago-2011/custom-17-a4d0340eab2d40929f862fe0f88339c9.aspx?Refid=cre8110522