Projects Are Calling Me

Margaret from Scrapbook Friend'z gave me a scroll coaster book and some new mini pieces from Maya Road and sent me out the door Friday to create a store sample. Houses, snowflakes, and Christmas, oh my!

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Tim Holtz pine trees in the background. And Distress Rock Candy Stickles on the snowflakes. Hard to see here, but great in person. And layers of Distress Inks on all the chipboard.

If you know me and Row Houses....that's what got me started!!! Oh, boy! Here is the cover. Waiting on some papers.....not a good waiter.

I've been working on it in between the GK's here this weekend and painting the windows.

All's going well today with the last stage. So I'm happily crafting away doing ART in the Studio....with the drill and saws going full blast downstairs.

Update later....OH! And the new papers have arrived at Prairie Art Stamps in Springfield, Il. from Graphic 45!!!

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GO GET THEM!

WHEW! Six windows done!

The worst part is moving everything from around and under the windows.

No, the worst part is all the sawdust created in extracting the old windows, cutting them out, literally.

No, wait the worst part is washing, ironing and hanging all the curtains. And painting the little bit of trim that goes around each new window.

Or maybe, just maybe the worst part is knowing that only half of them are done and we get to do this all over again on Monday. I have muscles that hurt I had long forgotten about.

But, the sun is supposed to shine and the windows on the top floor are all done, and sparkling clean. And I know 2 people in this house who will sleep good tonight!!!!!

Good news....or bad, the class for the TransAtlantique Journal at Prairie Art Stamps is SOLD OUT....and that's with adding 2 extra seats today!!! You guys are fantastic!!!!!

There are a couple of spots left in the Make It Your Own Collage class....don't be late. It's gonna be a fun day!!!

Sleep Well!

The Contractors are Coming????

The call came yesterday...we decided to get new windows and a post railing for the house. Signed the contract, and they said probably October.

But Steve called and said they'd be out Thursday!!!! THURSDAY???? I have all my wood mounted stamps under my window on shelves in my studio.

Everything else is in a surround under and around the corner. Books, tools, papers, ink, pens, punches......good grief. And my computer, too!

So, the project of clearing out lots of "stuff" I hadn't seen in a LONG time began.
I'm a night owl, so I started last night.

This is what made it's way into the trash. Then I thought I'd crop it. I guess I've loved purple longer than I thought. A little purple here? Still could use something.
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I came back and had to add Tim's Fabulous Flourishes to the watercolor just for kicks.

So, I may or may not be blogging and arting for a few days.

I may dig out another watercolor for fun.

It's a good thing I didn't paint to put food on the table. Thank you Alexander Graham Bell!

Be Well.

Rock Star and Rock Candy Crackle

Here is a close-up of Rock Candy distress Crackle Paint. It's very different, and VERY cool!

I stamped and used Distress Embossing Powder Vintage Photo 1st, then over stamped with black ink. Somehow I got it right over the image and slightly to the left. The Dimensional Pearls Red Pepper add a bit of....you guessed it...DIMENSION!

The closeup shows you how neat the Crackle is over the heart.

Some Numerals from Idea-ology were added. My classmates from HS would understand the significance. Ha! We just had a milestone Birthday Party last weekend. We graduated from Rock Island HS....the "Rocks"....hence the Rock On!

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You figure out the numbers...I can't bear to tell you!!!! NO, it's NOT my age!!!

Enjoy!

New Tim Holtz Stamps

I LOVE the birdcage!!!!! And the bird is pretty cool, too!

This tag was made using Tim's Artful Flight and the stars from Rock Star. The flying birds in the background are from Mini Ornates.

I stamped with embossing ink and used Holographic EP on the bird. You cannot tell here, but he sparkles. And I roughed him up a bit with Black Soot Distress Ink.

Had to add some white pen marks for contrast.

This floral swirl stamp is sooo cool! You can put all kinds of wonderful dots using just the end of it. VERY easy to place them!!!!

And of course, the Idea-ology pieces adorn the bird. Gotta have some metal!!!

Have fun and Create ART!

Want to Rock with Tim????

Have not been a good blogger today, but I do have a great place for you to go for a wonderful video!!!

Jump on over to Tim's Place and see the new video on Rock Candy Distress Stickles and Crackle Paint.

You won't be sorry and you will be hooked!!! I've used them both on the 2 flowers I posted here and they are fantastic.

Two totally different looks to them.

Go, what are you waiting for????

Rock Candy Crackle+GrungePaper=Fun

Is this a cool effect or what?????

This is Grungepaper cut with the Cuttlebug Astericks die-cut. I added Distress Ink. Stamped. Then coated with Tim's great new Rock Candy Crackle Paint.

Add a brad and its the cutest little 1 1/2 inch flower you ever saw!

I'm so easily amused. My husband will tell you....sometimes he has no idea why something tickles me. Comes from having been poor as a kid. We had to make our own fun....I guess.

Anyway...had to share this. I think it should go on something for a class somewhere. Maybe an ATC. I think I've said that before.

Have a great weekend...and one other little note...check out the new addition to Tim's Blog roll. OMG! I almost fainted!

Got 3 new sets of Tim's stamps. Maybe tomorrow!

Have a great weekend!

Prairie Art Stamps-Springfield Illinois

Yesterday I had to make a Road Trip and I am so glad I did. I think I found my soul mates down at Prairie Arts. They are Stampers and Dabblers in the ARTS!

This is Judy, the Manager, and Terri, the Owner of the shop. Talented ladies who have tried just about everything from soldering to felting to oil painting and beyond.

The shop has wonderful samples of so many mediums. The cutest sock monkey I've ever seen by Terri's daughter, Altered Books, soldered pendants, felting kits, charms, and tons of INK! You know me, I LOVE INK!

I'm really impressed with the lines of stamps they have. I don't get out all that much, but some I've never heard of that are beautiful. And the classroom is on the other side, behind me here, with even more goodies!

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There's Deb over at the counter. We just shot the breeze for quite awhile and enjoyed the company of those "who just get it!"

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Thanks for a fun afternoon, ladies.

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If you're in the area, stop in. I try to shop at all the shops I can find. They are all different. So support these Jewels of the Industry. We NEED them!

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Create ART!

Technique ATCs Class-Bloomington

You asked for it, I hope you like them. The girls wanted to do a class with ATC's and this is what I came up with. Scrapbook Friend'z-Bloomington, Il. Sept. 6th from 1-3PM.

There are at least 6 or more techniques in here learned from the Master....Mr. Holtz! Ha! Lots of Ranger products to use, and Tim Holtz Collage stamps!

We're working on a date and it might be sooner rather than later. UPDATE(Sept.6th)

They were really fun to come up with. I did change the flower on one as it was too much like the other one. And added a little more bling....it was a snap!
Literally.

Enjoy the day!

Holographic Embossing Powder and Perfect Pearls

This is a sneak peek at one of the elements for our Technique ATC class. It was soooooo hard to photograph!!!!

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Every time I got the copper glow of the Holographic Embossing Powder, the camera would refocus and turn it to a black tar looking glob!!
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Anyway....this is 10 time cooler in person. And the Perfect Pearls are vibrant.

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I'm thinking something is attracting the butterfly. A really cool background. Change of plans...now it's Paint Dabber stamped and Distress Ink background...you will love it!!!!

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You've heard it before....TRUST ME.....you'll love the look!!!

Watermark Ink and Distress Embossing Powder? AND ADDED Penny Smith's Slide Show!!!!!

Tim Holtz stamps, Distress Embossing Powders, Glossy Paper, Watermark Ink, Paint Dabbers......know what to do with them?


We're getting together at Scrapbook Friend'z to make ATCs and learn different techniques with all the cool products you've had to have....and then stored away.


Hey, I've done it. I buy things and put them away. I'm a hands-on person. So I went to Ranger U and learned to use a lot of inks and paints. Now I share.


Want to have fun, and learn at the same time? Come and join us.

See you there.

Linda

UPDATE:You have got to see Penny Smith's Slideshow of the classes from Satureday!!!! WOW!

http://www.slide.com/r/wx2i5LB26j-v0785vRAdODdK6UD8mSxl?emt=1067381811229489416

WOW! Look at Charlene!

Well, Charlene took her new found talent from class at Scrapaganza Saturday using metal from TSS, and her terrific idea for design, and made this WONDERFUL collage for her daughter Amber!

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Is she good or what????? Amber likes black and white, so Mom really made a spectacular gift for the girl!!!

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She didn't get a chance to frame it because Amber, recognizing the stunning work of art, and knowing exactly where she wanted it, immediately planted it on the back of her bedroom door!

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And we all KNOW that is a teenager's shrine...so Charlene....ya did good!

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Thanks for sharing....and go Create ART!!!

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Linda

Scrapaganza-A Terrific Day

Three different classes...and this was the last. We were able to keep everyone here for a class picture. The others were larger groups and we couldn't ask everyone in the store to make way for a picture. But the store was closed here, so we made it work. What a wonderful group of ladies!!!!

They sold every last piece of Ten Seconds Studio metal in the store!!!! YEA!!

No one would lay on the floor like the soccer goalies do in pictures....none of us would probably be able to get up!!! Fun, fun day...and thanks to the ladies!

MIL gave up her class spot for this little gal. WOW, her lucky day. And my BFF from Junior High, TJ! So glad you came, Terri.

These ladies had a great time. Charlene, in pink, was my right-hand gal! Thanks, girl!

Linda and friend. Sorry, my brain doesn't remember all the names. But I will always remember the smiling faces.

Sistas!!!!! Catherine, and her sister on the right came and brought cupcakes. Someone had a birthday...we weren't supposed to know...but mom would be proud of her girls!

We had such great group who shared and helped each other.

Can't say enough about Charlene....thanks.

Wanda brought her very talented friend Michelle for all 3 classes from somewhere around Des Moines! Wow! Had a great time and was so happy to meet her. We were on a design team together and her work is wonderful. Check out her blog!

TJ (Terri) and Holtz (me). There's a funny story about how she came to be in the class, but it's long. We just know somehow she was supposed to be there. BFF before we knew the phrase. Miss seeing you.

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Thanks to Beth and her fabulous staff at Scrapaganza..you know who you are! We're setting up more classes!!! BE THERE!

Linda aka Holtz (nickname from Junior High)

as my maiden name was Holtzer

We're Off......

....to the Quad Cities!!!! Should be a great time.

We generally eat our way through the towns. LOVE their food there. And we know all the haunts since that's where my husband and I grew up.

If you want a new video from Ranger with Tim using the new Rock Candy Crackle and Suze demoing her vibrant UTEE, Patti just emailed me that they were up. There is some goofy lookin' woman in both of them! Geez! (Yes, it's me.)

I should have been standing on the other side. You don't know how hard it is to get a front row spot at Tim's demo table!! Must have been there at the right time....or not....


Tim: http://www.rangerink.com/videos/videos_timrockcandy.htm
Suze: http://www.rangerink.com/videos/videos_suzeagatescha09.htm


Patti takes great videos! Check them out on her blog!


Enjoy!

Prairie Art Stamps

Just talked to Terri at PAS. The classes are 9:00-11:30 for the Collage class and 12:30-4:00 for the Transatlantique Journal. I'm posting here because she is having computer nightmares and if you need to contact her, call 217 725-7331.

We've all been there!

AND she wants to do an ATC class next! She's on a ROLL!

Antiquities-Rust and Verdigris

The girls want to have a class on ATC's!!! Hey, make my day!!! I LOVE making these little works of ART. I thought they'd never ask.

This is just a sample of what we'll learn using Ranger U backgrounds. I learned so many cool techniques that we'll put them on ATCs and learn while we have a good time.

Sound like fun??? Well you can thank Susan for this idea. We're going to use all those cool Tim Holtz Collage stamps....they are sooooo neat.....and PERFECT for this project.

Guaranteed to be a great time!

And Tim thinks it's a great idea to use the techniques in classes...so we have the blessings of the Master. That's what Ranger U is all about! TO TEACH!

What a FUN class!!!!

***********************Are these guys good or WHAT?????? Jen, Elainia, Angel, and Deb.

Cheryl's

Susan's and Sheila's. Not everyone likes their picture taken...so we have their ART.

Kathy's.

And our student who brought a friend...she's 35 wks. pregnant....Malika!

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I think I got these all right. I know we put a lot of thought into them together. But I think this was my favorite class ever! Because they all were sooooo different, and yet they all started with the same things.

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We all scrounged through the boxes of "junk" for collage treasures. And they ended up TERRIFIC! I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED every one of them!!!!!

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I think we all had a great time....thanks to everyone....

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See you next time....3 classes Margaret and the students have requested are in the works! Whatever MT wants....

Kitting up for next weekend in Davenport!

GrungePaper and Cuttlebug

Had to shop a bit yesterday and picked up the Cuttlebug Astericks die cuts. I thought they were flowers!!!

I was going to take the new Idea-ology stuff to show at class today, but the adorable little tin the Film Strips come in looked just right for a flower.

Here's the layered up flower on Grungepaper, with Distress Inks in many layers and colors, and then the new Distress Stickles Rock Candy!!! Whoo! Hoo!!!

Fun in the sun....It's finally hot in the Midwest.

Have a great day.....and Create ART!'

UPDATE: The Pearl is KaiserCraft-Mango. Should have told you..LOVE their rhinestones and pearls....so many colors. Thanks Melissa for all of them.

Flower Charm-Tip of the DAY!

This is what you can do with the little 2 hole punch from Dick Blick....now known as just "Blicks." Or Contenti has them.

I punched the center of the snap and the bottom layer of the flower to make more holes. It's difficult to see the hole in the petal as it is in shadow....

It becomes a hole large enough for a brad or a hole for a jump ring.....making it a charm for the side of any creation. Like the GrungeBoard coin purse.

So there you have it.....a tip for the day!

Enjoy

"A Rose is A Rose is A Rose"......

...from the poem by Gertrude Stein.

I learned how to make the cool GrungePaper Roses at CHA from Wendy. My petals are a different shape, but I had to try it!!!!

Here is my rendition on the Grungeboard Wallet. Just a few tweaks here and there so I could get it secured. I used Broken China, Faded Jeans and Dusty Concord.

This is the Swirled GrungeBoard on the coin purse. VERY cool, don't you think?

Getting classes together....Terri from Prairie Art Stamps just emailed to confirm a date September 12th down in Springfield Illinois.

Should be fun, one class in the morning and one in the afternoon. Make It Your Own Collage and TransAtlantique Journal are the classes.

We'll let you know more as we get times together.

Create ART!