For the Love of Texture

I'm so sorry I've been quiet.  Sometimes life gets in the way.  But I'm trying to rework things so it should be better in the future.

You may recognize some of these ATCs from previous posts.  This is a photo I took after I was having more playtime with my supplies.

I had ATCs leftover from a piece of 12 x 12 scrapbook paper where I didn't like the pattern side of it.  I also have old tags in my stash.  Unfortunately, some of my paint supplies dried out.  No they weren't open.  I had Dina Wakley tubes and some Dylusions tubs, so bright and colorful.  Very disappointing.  I can imagine a lot of reasons.  Air could have possibly gotten in at some point.  Life events, moving, or somple mistakes that you're not expecting can cause it.  I remember using them, but I went through a big dry spell due to life, so it's possible that dry spell affected my supplies.  On the plus side, my mediums seem to be okay for now.  And while I love a good psychic, or medium, that's not the type of medium I'm talking about.

Now I have not gone to art school, nor have I taken any strict art classes.  I've taken in person and online classes from several artists (Dina Wakley, Dyan Reaveley, Joanne Sharpe, and Dawn DeVries Sokol come to mind).  In taking the classes, reading blogs, magazines, all of that, I've learned techniques and terms.  Mediums in art are things like gesso, texture paste, and gel medium.

I like using paint with stencils, but .  Also, different paints have different thicknesses.  Some are heavy body so they hold form very well, others are free flow, so they are good for gelli printing.  But for this experiment I wanted more depth without compromising the color.  Most colors I don't mind them being lighter.  However, I'm not the biggest fan of pink.  I can handle it in certain cases, but I was using red, and didn't want pink.  So I know I couldn't use gesso.  Enter texture paste.  I grabbed some red paint, mixed it with texture paste, and used it with a stencil to add the mixtures to some ATCs and tags.  The picture is the result.

I also had some green/blue watered down paint that I didn't want to let go to waste, so I had some play with both stencils and freehand brush strokes.

When you play, do you have a plan or do you just see where things go?  What was the result?  I'd love to hear more!  Come back soon!

Hello

As you've seen I like using lots of supplies.  Sometimes things come together quickly, sometimes not.  This one was a bit of a challenge, and it's a bit different, but that's a good thing!  Less doodling in my usual ways, but sometimes a little different can be good.

The background has a bunch of layers.  Some paint, stenciling, stamping, then I added some die-cuts, doodling, and paint splatter.  I also broke in a new stamp, a big wood-backed rubber stamp of small dots; you can see it in the bottom left corner.

I'm entering my ATC into the following challenge:

Crazy is Our Fame Challenge

Do you struggle when creating?  What roadblocks do you come across?  Tell me in the comments below!

Ugh...Revisited

So I promised more information, and here we go....

I did a lot of stuff on this ATC.  Tried some new techniques and discovered something new about a stencil.  SO this ATC started out as gesso through a Dylusions stencil and then watered down paint colors added to it (the orange and yellow).

Then I added some darker teal, and then when I was playing with texture paste, I added what I was playing with to the ATC.  I'm going to post more about that soon.

I traced around a few of the numbers with a Sharpie pen as well as around the edge of the ATC.  I also had some ultramarine and purple paint mixed together and added to some projects with a sponge.  I decided to use a stencil that I call a pie chart stencil and only filled in two petal shaped sections with the paint.  I loved it, so I did it again on notebook paper and cut out the heart.

I stamped the star, added the paint bits, and sectioned off letters on another Dylusions stencil to create the word, before outlining the letters with my Uni Posca white paint marker.  I've seen that technique used several times.  I don't know if that's how it was done, but it worked for me.  I will say it took a looooong time.  I used washi tape to block off the letters, but between that and trying to add just the right amount paint to prevent bleed through, the whole process took time.  More time than I thought, though I like the effect.

Will I do it again?  Not sure.  Maybe finding a way to make the process faster.  The paint bits are that paint that spills out over the opening and dries.  You pull it off and save that part.  Those I really love.

I also entered the following challenge:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge

I'd love to know what you think.  Have a great day (or night) and come back soon!

Ugh

I was playing around making ATCs and I discovered something interesting with this one...

Come back tomorrow to find out more!

I'm also entering the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge

Do you like this ATC?  Let me know and have a great day (or night)!

Meh

So I did a thing, I created an ATC heh...I was experimenting and it took a little while with what I was doing.

I used washi tape to mask off the letters and then outlined the letters in white.  And that red bit in the top right corner?  I don't know if there's a name for it, but it's when you pull the dried paint from inside the cap of a paint bottle.  I had done a few layers before it got to this point, and I really like it.

I'm also entering the following challenges:

Creative Fingers Challenge

Crafts Galore Challenge

Enjoy the awesome ATC and let me know what you think!  I hope you visit again soon!

Nope

I played around with some ATCs tonight.  Here's one to feast your eyes on!

I've included affiliated links for items I used for this project or similar products.  If you click the link I get a small commission.  The price does not change at all for you.  Enjoy the links and thank you for your support!

• The Crafter's Workshop Chevron Stencil
• Dina Wakley Chevron Stencil
• AlteNew Alphabet Die Set 
• Sizzix Framelits Circle Die Set
• Tim Holtz Mini Metal Gears 
• Tim Holtz Metal Sprocket Gears
• Cross Stitch Embroidery Floss 
• Blick Acrylic Paint
• Ranger Archival Black Ink 
• The Crafter's Workshop Gel Medium
• Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Caribbean 
• Sizzix Tim Holtz Texture Fades Arrow & Boardwalk
  

 

Lots to look at, lots to enjoy!  Come back soon!

What Attitude?

Anyone have a teenager in your life?  If so, then you can definitely relate to this tag, heh.  I think at some point in adolescence, everyone has to deal with a moody teenager.  Not that attitude is limited to teenagers, far from it!  So I wanted to pay a little homage to the sass we all can exhibit from time to time.

I covered a vintage tag in gesso and used my Dylusions sprays and my stencils to start a nice background.  Then I used more stencils and paint to add some more patterns.  I also smeared some watered down orange paint then added my other elements.  Inspired by my Dylusions border stamps, I doodled the border.  I grabbed some tissue paper from a package I had received and hand cut a star, and used The Crafter's Workshop Gel Medium to adhere the tissue paper star.  I stamped the word "ATTITUDE" with my alpha stamp and my Archival Black Ink, and colored an Oddball Art boy digi stamp with my Tombow markers.  I also adhered a couple Tim Holtz gears and colored some little chipboard alphas with my Uni Posca green paint pen and adhered them as well.  I threaded some yarn through the top and my tag was finished.

I'm also entering my tag in the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge

Through the Purple Haze Challenge

I've included affiliated links for items I used for this project or similar products.  If you click the link I get a small commission.  The price does not change at all for you.  Enjoy the links and thank you for your support!

• The Crafter's Workshop Chevron Stencil
• Dina Wakley Chevron Stencil
• AlteNew Alphabet Die Set 
• Sizzix Framelits Circle Die Set
• Tim Holtz Mini Metal Gears 
• Tim Holtz Metal Sprocket Gears
• Cross Stitch Embroidery Floss 
• Blick Acrylic Paint
• Ranger Archival Black Ink 
  

 

What do you think of the tag?  Let me know in the comments and thank you for stopping by!

I Really Like Gesso

I really liked a bunch of ATCs that I found with gesso smeared through stencils and then color added to them.  So I grabbed a bunch of blank tags and a bunch of stencils and went to town.

 

I've done this with paint, and I don't mind it, but depending on the thickness of the paint, it seep through.  Now that's not necessarily bad, but it's not always the look I'm going for.  So in this case I went back to my gesso, which is definitely thick enough to make a great impression but not seep through.  Above you'll find three of my tags.  From left to right, I used a chevron stencil from The Crafter's Workshop, a Dylusions circles stencil, and a raindrop stencil from Prima Marketing.

And yes, I purposely didn't cover the entirety of each tag.  It's more fun that way.

I've included affiliated links for items I used for this project or similar products.  If you click the link I get a small commission.  The price does not change at all for you, so it's a win win!  Enjoy the links and thank you for your support!

• The Crafter's Workshop Chevron Stencil
• Dina Wakley Chevron Stencil
• AlteNew Alphabet Die Set 
• Sizzix Framelits Circle Die Set
• Tim Holtz Mini Metal Gears 
• Tim Holtz Metal Sprocket Gears
• Cross Stitch Embroidery Floss 
• Blick Acrylic Paint
• Ranger Archival Black Ink 
  

 

How do you add texture to your projects?  Thank you for visiting and hurry back!!

Hello Tag

I'm bringing another fun project today.  An old tag that I added to and really enjoyed it, although at first I wasn't sure what direction it was going to take.

This tag is one of those projects.   It's a tag I found and added to with paint pens, stamps, die-cuts, and some hardware.

 

I've include affiliated links for items I used for this project or similar products.  If you click the link I get a small commission and there's no price change .  The price does not change at all for you.  Enjoy the links and thank you for your support!

• The Crafter's Workshop Chevron Stencil
• Balzer Bits Numbers in Arrow (last I checked unfortunately out of stock, but could have changed)
  
• Dina Wakley Chevron Stencil
• AlteNew Alphabet Die Set 
• Sizzix Framelits Circle Die Set
• Tim Holtz Mini Metal Gears 
• Tim Holtz Metal Sprocket Gears
• Cross Stitch Embroidery Floss 
• Liquitex Phthalocyanine Blue Ink
• The Crafter's Workshop Well Rounded Stencil  
• Liquitex Gesso
  

What are some ways you use your mixed media?  Thanks for stopping by!

Fun with mixed media

Hey everyone!  I'm so sorry I've been quiet.  Life can sometimes get in the way for sure.  Have you eve gone through that?  You have a to do list, or something that you keep wanting to do, and then one thing comes up, then another, and then you realize your goof?  Yep, that's me.  But I missed all of you, and wanted to share some new projects.

This tag is one of them.  It combines stamps, die-cuts, stamping, paint splatters, and ink drips.  I really like it.

I'm entering my tag in the following challenges:

Crazy is Our Fame Challenge

Creative Fingers Challenge

 

I've include affiliated links for items I used for this project or similar products.  If you click the link I get a small commission and there's no price change .  The price does not change at all for you.  Enjoy the links and thank you for your support!

• The Crafter's Workshop Chevron Stencil
• Balzer Bits Numbers in Arrow (last I checked unfortunately out of stock, but could have changed)
  
• Dina Wakley Chevron Stencil
• AlteNew Alphabet Die Set 
• Sizzix Framelits Circle Die Set
• Tim Holtz Mini Metal Gears 
• Tim Holtz Metal Sprocket Gears
• Cross Stitch Embroidery Floss 
• Liquitex Phthalocyanine Blue Ink
• The Crafter's Workshop Well Rounded Stencil 
  

What are some ways you use your mixed media?  Thanks for stopping by!

Duct Tape Solves Everything

Isn't that what they say?  Anything can be fixed with duct tape?  Duct tape has come a long way from the wide, super sticky, heavy duty tape that could be used to fix pretty much anything.  Attached anything.  Seal anything.  I'm not sure when, but it went from the simple gray to colors and patterns.  I've even seen plenty ofcraft projects using colorful and patterned duct tape.

I don't know if it's done yet, but as you can see I was playing around, heh.  It's been awhile, but I see paint colors of red, neon orange, some aqua green, and some purple through a Dylusions stencil.  A bunch of stamping, including Balzer Designs, are at play, and the interesting addition, patterned duct tape.  I was experimenting with have bits and bobs of the tape in different spots on different tags.

I've include d affiliate links for items I use a lot for my projects.  If you click the link I get a small commission, with no price increase for you.  Enjoy the links and thank you for your support!

• The Crafter's Workshop Chevron Stencil
• Dina Wakley Chevron Stencil
• AlteNew Alphabet Die Set 
• Sizzix Framelits Circle Die Set
• Tim Holtz Mini Metal Gears 
• Tim Holtz Metal Sprocket Gears
• Cross Stitch Embroidery Floss 
• Blick Acrylic Paint
  

 

What do you think of my tag?  Is it finished?  If not, what do you think I should add?  Thanks for coming by to visit!

Stamps and stencils

I really like the first layer of this tag and I'm really curious how it will turn out.

I've include affiliated links for items I used for this project or similar products, as well as other fun items I've included.  If you click the link I get a small commission.  The price does not change at all for you.  Enjoy the links and thank you for your support!

• The Crafter's Workshop Chevron Stencil
• Dina Wakley Chevron Stencil
• AlteNew Alphabet Die Set 
• Sizzix Framelits Circle Die Set
• Tim Holtz Mini Metal Gears 
• Tim Holtz Metal Sprocket Gears
• Cross Stitch Embroidery Floss 
• Blick Acrylic Paint
  

 

Any ideas on what I can add?  What do you think about the color combination?  Thank you so much for coming by!

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow WIPI found a work in progress

I found a work in progress tag!  I love when I do that.  Play a whole bunch and then it's gets buried to be found later.  A new year's treasure hunt!

This tag is actually quite stiff to the touch.  It's covered in gesso through a stencil with some great colors added over the background pattern once dry.  Then I added more gesso through another stencil, after which I added paint through the same stencil and then outlined the letters with my Sharpie.  I also added some touches of orange on the edges.  I don't love the orange on the edge because it looks more brown.  Almost like rust.  I don't mind the rusty look at times, but I'm not sure how I'm feeling about this one.  It's definitely not done, so still some more work to do.

I've include affiliated links for items I used for this project or similar products, as well as other fun items I've included.  If you click the link I get a small commission.  The price does not change at all for you.  Enjoy the links and thank you for your support!

• The Crafter's Workshop Chevron Stencil
• Dina Wakley Chevron Stencil
• AlteNew Alphabet Die Set 
• Sizzix Framelits Circle Die Set
• Tim Holtz Mini Metal Gears 
• Tim Holtz Metal Sprocket Gears
• Cross Stitch Embroidery Floss 
• Blick Acrylic Paint
  

 

Any ideas on what I can add?  What do you think about the color combination?  Thank you so much for coming by!

Tag Magic - A First Layer

Do you ever have a craft supply that maybe you don't use as often, and then you rediscover it's potential?  I've got a lot of supplies, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, except sometimes I end up neglecting a supply.  When I find the supply again, I wonder about getting rid of it because I do have some supplies that I haven't used in a long time and don't plan to use.  That could have happened to the stencil I used on this tag.  Thankfully, I didn't upon seeing the first layer on this tag.

Sometimes I find myself at a loss with color combinations.  Sometimes they work, other times they really don't and I get annoyed at having to start over.  However I was very glad to se this tag with the color combination on it.  It's not a usual combination, but I think it works really well.

I've include affiliated links for items I used for this project and others.  If you click the link I get a small commission.  The price does not change at all for you.  Enjoy the links and thank you for your support!

• The Crafter's Workshop Chevron Stencil
• Dina Wakley Chevron Stencil
• The Crafter's Workshop Rounded Stencil
  
• AlteNew Alphabet Die Set 
• Blick Acrylic Paint
• Teal Paint 
• Artist's Loft Orange Paint
• Liquitex Purple Paint 
  

 

Comment below about supplies you rediscover!  Thank you so much for coming by!

Finding Something Forgotten

By now you might be enjoying yourself at a New Year's Eve party.  Maybe you're relaxing in your jammies at home.  Maybe the littles are trying to convince Mom and Dad to let them stay up until midnight (c'mon, it's only one night out of the year...).  Or the bigger ones are up and you're playing game together while you await the ball drop.  However you celebrate New Year's, I hope it's a wonderful, happy, healthy, and prosperous one for you and your whole family. 

Have you even set out to clean or organize something and find something forgotten?  I did.  I was trying to clean out my supplies and discovered a huge pile of tags in all different stages of play.  So I thought I'd share one with you tonight.

I know, it looks super busy.  And it is, but if you look close you can identify all the layers.  It started with a bunch of stamping with Archival Black Ink.  Then I used a Sakura Moonlight pen with a stencil, and then a red paint marker to fill in the lines left by the stencil.  And I used a blue paint marker and a Sharpie to make the border.

Is it done?  I don't know.  I'm still deciding.  What would you do?

 

I've include affiliated links for items I used for this project or similar products.  If you click the link I get a small commission while keeping the price the same for you.  Enjoy the links and thank you for your support!

• Archival Black Ink 
• Tombow Markers
• Artist's Loft Markers
• Apple Barrel Mint Paint
• Sizzix Thinlits Framed Tags Die Set
• Sizzix Thinlits Stacked Deckle Frame Die Set
  

What do you like about this tag?  Is it done?  What would you add?  Let me know in the comments!  Have an awesome day!

Stash Away

I'm trying to use things in my stash in a fun way.  I've got lots in my stash, and some of it I wasn't really sure how to use it.  Maybe not a huge problem for some, but it can get overwhelming to have so many supplies, especially when you like to use a lot of stuff.  Trying to put the items together can sometimes be a challenge.

This ATC has a patterned paper base.  It's called WhiteOut, and I think I found it at the craft store.  The basic premise is it's colorful, but subdued.  Every color looks like it was lightened, or white was added to it, hence the name.  Even the red is lighter, but not pink, which I also like.  I like many things, but pink is not one of them.

I added some red paint through a small Balzer Designs stencil, and added some blue later.  That's how I found the ATC in my stash.  I added cros-stitch floss, a remainder of a die-cut I had, as well as a few other die-cuts, a paper clip, and some sticky punchinella type paper that I swiped some turquoise paint over to add interest.

I'm entering my ATC into the following challenges:

Creative Fingers Challenge

Crazy is our Fame Challenge

I've include affiliated links for items I used for this project or similar products.  If you click the link I get a small commission.  The price does not change at all for you.  Enjoy the links and thank you for your support!

• The Crafter's Workshop Chevron Stencil
• Balzer Bits Numbers in Arrow (last I checked unfortunately out of stock, but could have changed)
  
• Dina Wakley Chevron Stencil
• AlteNew Alphabet Die Set 
• Sizzix Framelits Circle Die Set
• Tim Holtz Mini Metal Gears 
• Tim Holtz Metal Sprocket Gears
• Cross Stitch Embroidery Floss 
• Blick Acrylic Paint
  

 

DO you have a stash of supplies you're working to get through?  What are some ways you use your stash?  Thanks for stopping by!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

I'm enjoying the holidays with my family, so I set this up beforehand.  I hope everyone enjoys the holidays with family and friends!

 

 

 

I include affiliate links for items I use or similar products.  If you click the link I get a small commission while keeping the price the same for you.  Enjoy the links and thank you for your support!

• Archival Black Ink 
• Tombow Markers
• Distress Ink Festive Berries
• Square Frame Die Set 
• Artist's Loft Markers
• Apple Barrel Mint Paint
• Liquitex Titanium White Paint
  

 

Enjoy!  Let me know what you think in the comments and have a great day!

ATC Naughty List

I'm enjoying some holiday fun with my family, so I set up some posts ahead of time.  When it comes to the holidays, I love the Grinch.  Everyone has different feelings about the holidays, but I feel like the Grinch is a welcome friend.  It's a nice redemption story but also a fun way to be a little snarky and sarcastic during the holidays.  And I think at the very least, the Grinch started out on the Naughty List, especially when he's throwing his own kind of party for the holidays.

However, since I'm lacking Grinchness in my craft stash, I used an Octopode Factory digi stamp with a mini alphabet stamp set for the sentiment.

 

I'm entering my ATC into the following challenge

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge

 

A forgotten piece of patterned paper got cut up into a bunch of ATCs.  This one has some old markings, that might be from actual markers.  There's also paint through some stencils.  I added a die-cut frame, my digi girl, and a funky star for a fun, and maybe little bit naughty, holiday party fun.  The star is from an old gelli print.

I've include affiliated links for items I used for this project or similar products.  If you click the link I get a small commission while keeping the price the same for you.  Enjoy the links and thank you for your support!

• Archival Black Ink 
• Tombow Markers
• Artist's Loft Markers
• Apple Barrel Mint Paint
• You're So Tweet Stamp Set 
• My Favorite Things Birdie Brown Stamp Set
• Punchinella 
• The Crafter's Workshop Chevron Stencil
  

 

Please let me know  hope you like the ATC!  Let me know what you think in the comments and have a great day!

ATC Let It Snow

One thing that many people might say the holidays need is snow.  Or at the very least the winter season.  Others can do without snow.  I love the look of snow myself. There's something magical about it. The world is fresh and full of possibilities.

This ATC brings the magic of snow with some charm and a cuteness factor.

 

I'm entering my ATC into the following challenge

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge 

 

The background is from the long forgotten patterned paper project.  There was already the stamping and I added some yellow paint through a The Crafters Workshop  stencil.  I glued all my layers together after I stamped and cut out my polar bear.

I've include affiliated links for items I used for this project or similar products.  If you click the link I get a small commission while keeping the price the same for you.  Enjoy the links and thank you for your support!

• Archival Black Ink 
• Tombow Markers
• Artist's Loft Markers
• Apple Barrel Mint Paint
• You're So Tweet Stamp Set 
• My Favorite Things Birdie Brown Stamp Set
• Punchinella 
• The Crafter's Workshop Chevron Stencil
  

 

Please let me know  hope you like the ATC!  Let me know what you think in the comments and have a great day!

ATC-Lit

Do any of you struggle with using certain things in your crafting?  Maybe you're working on tieing that perfect ribbon.  Perhaps you have a stamp or stamp set that you're still trying out in different ways.  Or maybe you hoard some supply, like patterned paper, waiting for the perfect project that seems to never come.

For me, it's animals.  Despite having some images in my arsenal, I still struggle to use the images in my creations.  I like certain styles, funky, weird, creepy; I'm not one for the cutesy images.  Absolutely nothing wrong with other styles, just not my cup of tea.

 

I'm entering my ATC into the following challenge:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge

 

The background is from the long forgotten patterned paper project.  I added some red paint through a Dylusions stencil.  I added some punchinella, embroidery floss, and a button from my stash.  I glued all my layers together after I stamped, colored, and cut out my polar bear.  Letter stickers gave me my title, and a Sharpie pen for the doodles.

I've include affiliated links for items I used for this project or similar products.  If you click the link I get a small commission while keeping the price the same for you.  Enjoy the links and thank you for your support!

• Archival Black Ink 
• Tombow Markers
• Artist's Loft Markers
• Apple Barrel Mint Paint
• You're So Tweet Stamp Set 
• My Favorite Things Birdie Brown Stamp Set
• Punchinella 
  

 

Please let me know  hope you like the ATC!  Let me know what you think in the comments and have a great day!