tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36216892926487183622024-03-21T18:12:33.978-07:00Desiree at play!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.comBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-17865981690834487902013-10-27T17:38:00.000-07:002013-10-27T17:38:18.906-07:00My Santos doll – completed!<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PLu45FVBcQo/Um2xUHEKP7I/AAAAAAAACRQ/8CahiB30JK4/s1600-h/santos-4%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NvW7AU5oyCo/Um2tsz9HDKI/AAAAAAAACRU/hrDyTzhU5g4/santos-4_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="my Santos doll - completed!" width="184" /></a>I finished her!!! My first Santos doll! A few months ago I signed up for <a href="http://jeanneoliver.ning.com/group/santos-cage-dolls" target="_blank">Jennifer Rizzo’s class</a> to learn to make Santos Dolls. <br />
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Prior to this I hadn’t heard much about <a href="http://www.santoscagedoll.com/pages/history-of-santos-dolls" target="_blank">Santos Dolls</a>, but I had seen a few here and there in antique shops and around the web. I am intrigued by them. When I saw the class advertised, I couldn’t wait to sign up and learn how to make them myself.<br />
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It took me a little bit to gather the supplies… the craft stores that I go to (Michaels and Craft Warehouse) did not have the three main ingredients… paper mache eggs, paper mache mannequin, or paperclay. It took some searching online to find the eggs and the right size mannequins. I was really surprised at that. Creative Paperclay was readily available online. When I finally found them, I accidently ordered 24 eggs, heeheehee!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dZLgVp_l1W0/Um2tt0vkNBI/AAAAAAAACRg/pOwf0TfIRIs/s1600-h/santos-2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KRXXLFay65g/Um2tud6FEQI/AAAAAAAACRo/Ki9eOMvgM70/santos-2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="my Santos doll - completed!" width="281" /></a><br />
Jennifer did a really good job of walking us through sculpting the face. She went step-by-step and broke down each part of the face into it’s very simplest form. Even though my face is a ‘bit’ off, I felt successful because it is actually a face and not some weirdly deformed mass of clay.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xiAmxybuqKI/Um2tu87QFZI/AAAAAAAACRw/5juXV7pFIhY/s1600-h/santos-3%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-q0vT6dorwVQ/Um2tvZ_8uTI/AAAAAAAACR4/hVdPhtOWPpE/santos-3_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="my Santos doll - completed!" width="184" /></a>Through this class I also found the courage to experiment with mixing my acrylic paints to create the exact color I wanted for skin tones and the dress. Speaking of the dress, the first layer is book pages and the second layer is <a href="http://www.sevengypsies.com/" target="_blank">7 Gypsies</a> tissue paper. They I made a glaze of the dress color to go over it. I’ll be trying the cage design next.<br />
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The necklace features a piece from my molton lava stash. More about that <a href="http://desiree-at-play.blogspot.com/2013/03/molten-lava-bracelet.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I felt the little cross was perfect in size and concept given the religious connotation of the doll. <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mh7L-AsUMyM/Um2tv7_QyzI/AAAAAAAACSA/cj-AEEeViTw/s1600-h/santos-1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iDtNFUtBiSI/Um2twc1CKTI/AAAAAAAACSI/lNGA6S6SBo0/santos-1_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 3px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="my Santos doll - completed!" width="161" /></a>Now that she is finished, I’ve brought her out of my studio. She looks lovely in my living room. I am excited to start the next doll. Perhaps I’ll create a series – designed around the major holidays or seasons.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by to take a peek!<br />
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Have a great day! <br />DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-39881639717888039462013-09-18T19:38:00.000-07:002013-09-18T19:38:11.740-07:00Taking a birthday spin!<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9xMei9iPaB8/UjpiYCMZI3I/AAAAAAAACOE/Z-48Ii8TQVg/s1600-h/sle-birthday%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pn9Vv9zm8QU/UjpiZFFUHmI/AAAAAAAACOM/0ZcqOSAmCzI/sle-birthday_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="birthday spinner card" width="229" /></a>Just like every other craft hoarder out there, I have tons of stuff that I’ve never used… like these stamps, and ribbon, and spinner. There’s a lot of craft stuff stored here and there that I haven’t used. And I always feel so good when I break something out of it’s package for the first time and do something with it!<br />
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The stamp set that I used is called Take a Spin from <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/" target="_blank">Stampin’ Up!</a> I pulled out my markers and colored each of the sections a different color (Blushing Bride, Soft Suede, Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party) to coordinate with the cardstock. Most everything I used is a Stampin’ Up! product unless specified.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3yEXv5gEUZo/UjpiZnqLPcI/AAAAAAAACOU/1kSTVvoGWc4/s1600-h/sle-birthday1%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fooy2CnsEac/UjpiaJ3vGzI/AAAAAAAACOY/8mg52poI1vI/sle-birthday1_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="birthday spinner card" width="364" /></a><br />
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I used a set of Spellbinders for the stamped piece and the Pool Party cardstock underneath it. I ran a piece of Blushing Bride cardstock through a Swiss dot embossing folder and swiped it with white pigment ink. The crocheted pink ribbon is from the stash of goodies I received from <a href="http://desiree-at-play.blogspot.com/2013/06/melissa-frances-was-my-assistant.html" target="_blank">Melissa Frances</a> last April.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-up2XR98bqH4/UjpiavH5Z4I/AAAAAAAACOk/TEj4ioiX2F0/s1600-h/sle-birthday2%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-id_c_jbRlA4/UjpibS6fdXI/AAAAAAAACOs/7ZdtNWTzvNU/sle-birthday2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="birthday spinner card" width="304" /></a><br />
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I used some softly colored paper scraps and the Mini Royal Rose die from <a href="http://www.mftstamps.com/" target="_blank">My Favorite Things</a> for the roses. They looks so sweet on this card and make a great accent. The leaves were made using the Little Leaves Sizzlit.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4rCTm89Bc5o/Ujpib1zcWOI/AAAAAAAACO0/h7l62BOufFQ/s1600-h/sle-birthday4%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-byf5VNeX4_I/UjpicRLftlI/AAAAAAAACO8/Mg9hwCMTwfc/sle-birthday4_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="birthday spinner card" width="364" /></a><br />
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This is the inside of the card… and this is exactly how it looked when I gave it to her. Yeah, because I FORGOT to write something inside and sign it. And since I put it in the cool little clear box and enclosed it with a fab little belly wrap, I couldn’t just rip it open and write something at the last minute. Luckily she knows just how wonderful I think she is!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lblJjsk7dyg/UjpidNMnhaI/AAAAAAAACPE/tYH7GKI0OBM/s1600-h/sle-birthday5%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-81KsD0BApfU/UjpidUOGo8I/AAAAAAAACPM/XwTZ0oZ3MGY/sle-birthday5_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="birthday spinner card" width="229" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cxC__REf49Q/UjpieGqC76I/AAAAAAAACPU/DZpiLd-wxMI/s1600-h/char-bodypaint%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vl_eilLIY3w/UjpierGJWhI/AAAAAAAACPc/H8FVzIHPIkE/char-bodypaint_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Charlotte - body paint" width="161" /></a><br />
Little Charlotte is working on developing her artistic talents too. We stationed her at the picnic table with some acrylic paint and a canvas. She was very focused and had the best time creating her masterpiece. Oh, and she did get a smidge on the canvas too, heeheehee!<br />
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Summer’s ended and the rains have begun. It went by too fast!!!<br />
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Are you looking forward to fall or lamenting summer’s end? Or maybe both?<br />
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Thanks for visiting, <br />DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-62638917856354224572013-07-16T00:00:00.000-07:002013-07-16T00:00:19.071-07:0012 Tags of 2013–June (a little late)Early in June I created two tags… then I never got around to posting them…<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DMX0I-AXfco/UeLkSzX-cII/AAAAAAAACMo/1S4Edzgy7XQ/s1600-h/DSCF3582%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Happy Second Birthday Charlotte!" border="0" height="206" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LOYJ0COf4C4/UeLkTdx605I/AAAAAAAACMw/te4DiE-zeIk/DSCF3582_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Happy Second Birthday Charlotte!" width="364" /></a><br />
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Truly, I was really busy. My daughter, Em, decided to have a BBQ at our house for Charlotte’s second birthday. No problem, except that our backyard was not worthy of guests. Since we live in a rental house (in a super crappy neighborhood) I never feel like spending any money making improvements. Em and I are always talking about moving and one day, when I have some extra cash, we ARE going to move! </div>
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Ok, back to the party… we did so much yard work. I bought a ton of flowers and planters and soil and trellises. So many trips to the store. Not only that but we bought a picnic table that we put together and Em stained. Em bought a cute playhouse for Charlotte that we put together. And we bought some patio furniture. I haven’t had a decent backyard in quite a long time. The party was a success except for the cupcakes. Never, ever, try to make buttercream frosting in 95 degree weather. No fluff, just melty gooeyness. yeah.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-r8YCZ38E-Z0/UeLkUCQFFgI/AAAAAAAACM4/tQ8bEOXb7eA/s1600-h/june1-tag-1%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="June 2013 tag www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hL3eZVOegow/UeLkUSyx0UI/AAAAAAAACNA/IazBGYmDWrY/june1-tag-1_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="June 2013 tag www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="184" /></a>Now we can talk about the tag. Take a look at <a href="http://timholtz.com/12-tags-of-2013-june/" target="_blank">Tim Holtz’s blog for June</a> to see the techniques. He used <a href="http://rangerink.com/?product=tim-holtz-distress-markers" target="_blank">Distress Markers</a> to create a watercolor effect. It’s really easy to blend the Distress Markers on watercolor paper with a pain brush or aqua brush. I really need to get more of those markers because I only have five (Peeled Paint, Barn Door, Tumbled Glass, Frayed Burlap, and Picket Fence). The Picket Fence marker is great for highlighting. I used the key from the <i><a href="http://stampersanonymous.com/" target="_blank">Industrial Blueprint</a></i> stamp set and stamped it with Black <a href="http://rangerink.com/?product=archival%E2%84%A2-0-pads-2" target="_blank">Archival ink</a> on watercolor paper.<br />
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For the background I used the Vintage Photo Distress Ink pad, Peeled Paint Distress Stain, and Wild Honey Distress Paint. The stamp is from the Way With Words stamp set. The tag is one that I found on a piece of clothing. I flipped it over and used some words from the Tim’s Chit Chat book. The ribbon is black grosgrain.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7p77vNXbz28/UeLkVcyogLI/AAAAAAAACNI/g081ux214GI/s1600-h/june1-tag-2%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="June 2013 tag www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" border="0" height="220" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-77XEc2F7V1g/UeLkV2oBvXI/AAAAAAAACNQ/Q_WRJbxB6FE/june1-tag-2_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="June 2013 tag www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
Here is the second tag that I made… I used the <i>On the Grow</i> stamp set from <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/" target="_blank">Stampin’ Up!</a> I really enjoyed coloring the flowers. So pretty!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D0LY6unOE-s/UeLkWfWy2XI/AAAAAAAACNY/6ZUU4K-iWqc/s1600-h/june2-tag-1%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="June 2013 tag www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ao4jAPzVC3Y/UeLkW91hjyI/AAAAAAAACNg/sCtuf30AHF0/june2-tag-1_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="June 2013 tag www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="184" /></a>I swiped the tag through Tumbled Glass stain, Spun Sugar paint, and Frayed Burlap ink.<br />
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I wanted a lot of texture on this background so I lightly stamped on a piece of tissue paper, crumpled it up and glued it to the tag. Then I went over it with a very light application of ink.<br />
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I added Glossy Accents on the bottle to make it shiny. Ribbons are from Stampin’ Up! and the pearls are from my stash.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XMC8nDIOiOM/UeLkXrCzbNI/AAAAAAAACNo/fczaQMmGRFI/s1600-h/june2-tag-3%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="June 2013 tag www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e9tktw_W1B0/UeLkYSJW-pI/AAAAAAAACNw/zKuPLkzpR9w/june2-tag-3_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="June 2013 tag www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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There are so many great markers out there. What markers do you normally use?<br />
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Have fun crafting! <br />
DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-68605070289244866122013-07-10T22:38:00.002-07:002013-07-10T22:38:54.369-07:0012 Tags of 2013–July<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-86Qo0LAjAGQ/Ud5D5bOcrmI/AAAAAAAACLg/Bse49t6SzRU/s1600-h/12-tags-july-1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="July 2013 tag" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oUTfd0SAOdA/Ud5D5_fjPPI/AAAAAAAACLk/QjwdWoFbaA0/12-tags-july-1_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 4px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="184" /></a>I decided to get on the tag-making gig early this month so I don’t miss the deadline, like last month…<br />
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Moving on… <a href="http://timholtz.com/12-tags-of-2013-july/" target="_blank">Tim Holtz’s July techniques</a> this time revolved around Rock Candy Crackle Paint and using a brayer to create the background.<br />
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As usual I used watercolor paper for my tag. I really like the texture and how well it works with the distress products. I used Squeezed Lemonade and Frayed Burlap <a href="http://rangerink.com/?product=tim-holtz%C2%AE-distress-stains%E2%84%A2" target="_blank">Distress Stains</a> and a brayer for the background. Then I stamped over it using black <a href="http://rangerink.com/?product=archival%E2%84%A2-0-pads-2" target="_blank">Archival Ink</a> and the <a href="http://www.stampersanonymous.com/" target="_blank">Attic Treasures</a> stamp set. To keep the images light I stamped off on scrap paper before I stamped on the tag. The edges are distressed with Walnut Stain Distress Ink pad and applicator and roughed up with a distressing tool. A couple of pieces of tissue tape add to the sewing theme.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LTTkBMcwBAA/Ud5D6odyh_I/AAAAAAAACLw/2ANwKeE9Jlo/s1600-h/12-tags-july-4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="July 2013 tag" border="0" height="220" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wzUqKHkXICg/Ud5D69YbkoI/AAAAAAAACL4/mvYJ1VLqOqc/12-tags-july-4_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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I dyed two Stampin’ Up! ribbons using Distress Stains and then I stamped on the yellow ribbon. Now it looks like a measuring tape!<br />
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The little tag was made using the Tiny Tags stamp set and punch from <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/" target="_blank">Stampin’ Up!</a> I pinned it on with a mini safety pin.<br />
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I stamped and cut out the flag and embellished it with a button brad and two more small buttons. I also used a little distress ink on it. “be” are rub-on letters that I’ve had forever – Making Memories.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QC9_CteRbcY/Ud5D7_RFocI/AAAAAAAACMA/cneAdeKIkr0/s1600-h/12-tags-july-3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="July 2013 tag" border="0" height="220" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tKZqLzYnEO4/Ud5D8YD7PlI/AAAAAAAACMI/X8Dy5sq1VDo/12-tags-july-3_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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The main focus of the tag is the dress form from <a href="http://www.mayaroad.net/" target="_blank">Maya Road</a>. First I swiped it with a Tattered Rose Distress Ink pad. After it dried I put on a pretty thick layer of Rock Candy Crackle Paint. That took a while to fully dry and crack up. Then I blobbed some Broken China and Walnut Stain Distress Stains on it here and there letting it soak in really good into the cracks. The stand and knob on the top is where I used Tarnished Brass. You can barely tell that I dyed the checkered ribbon with Broken China. It’s more apparent in real life. I used a piece of scrap fabric for the skirt.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ngf-6recIZE/Ud5D9SUDZdI/AAAAAAAACMQ/s41ALantuPY/s1600-h/12-tags-july-2%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="July 2013 tag" border="0" height="220" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZWyN3b4u8eQ/Ud5D9xi0O5I/AAAAAAAACMY/u7ESCr6awt8/12-tags-july-2_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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The spool is a Maya Road chipboard product as well. I wiped it with my Frayed Burlap Distress Ink pad before adding the Rock Candy Crackle Paint. I used Picket Fence over the crackle. It gave it a cool milky finish. I wrapped it with the same ribbon as the dress form and added a pretty little pin.<br />
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So that’s it for me. I love checking out everyone’s tags!<br />
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Have a great day! <br />
DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-31165427615324557752013-06-11T19:48:00.000-07:002013-06-11T19:48:08.525-07:00Melissa Frances was MY assistant!!!In April, I went to <a href="http://www.terribrushdesigns.com/" target="_blank">Terri Brush’s Art Camp</a>. LOVED IT!!!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SdfVr49JP-8/UbfgnUEzLOI/AAAAAAAACJI/G1Yvc7z5rxs/s1600-h/artcamp-bracelet-18.jpg"><img alt="Molten Lava and silverwork bracelet - Art Camp" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nTK2-JULKlM/Ubfgn0s4anI/AAAAAAAACJQ/4q08_2O05AM/artcamp-bracelet-1_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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Super long post…. limited photos because my camera is broken so I didn’t get a chance to photo-record this fantabulous adventure. I’ve included photos of the jewelry and mini album that I made at camp. One of my new-found friends, Kathy, did a great job of photographing the experience, check out it out <a href="http://katalinajewelry.blogspot.com/2013/04/who-knew-camp-could-be-so-much-fun.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Where do I start describing it? The first evening was a time to gather and meet each other. Lots of laughter, some wine, and hors d’oeurves. Campers came from all over! Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, Minnesota, California, and Canada… and lots of locals from Washington and Oregon. A fabulous blend of women.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tYqsMTohlLo/UbfgohOaOqI/AAAAAAAACJY/tm2THs1s4es/s1600-h/artcamp-bracelet-210.jpg"><img alt="Molten Lava and silver hearts on bracelet - Art Camp" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4FEgbmlagpk/UbfgoymAwAI/AAAAAAAACJg/SUhr2rr_M34/artcamp-bracelet-2_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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I met several really great friends that I hope to keep in touch with. They are wonderful, wonderful women.<br />
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Experience levels ranged from none, to beginner, intermediate, to advanced and professional. We learned new techniques from each other and as the creativity flowed we bounced ideas back and forth. It was really cool to see all the different creations. These women are amazing!!!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L6QaffstHv4/UbfgpT7RWAI/AAAAAAAACJo/C3wA1eVZhvM/s1600-h/artcamp-bracelet-37.jpg"><img alt="Molten Lava heart on bracelet - Art Camp" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NDTPs3-JDOQ/UbfgqJVYPoI/AAAAAAAACJw/u21lCb2jrOU/artcamp-bracelet-3_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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Terri brought a group of five women (love you!), one of whom has been featured in Where Women Cook magazine, to cook and care for us. The meals were full of great comfort food with lots of salads, bowls of fruit, and cheeses on the side. The chicken salad was my absolute FAVORITE!!!!<br />
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On Friday and Saturday we had jewelry classes. Terri taught Molten Lava (same class that I took with her mid-March) and Amy Hanna taught us beading and wire wrapping. It was so cool to see everyone start with the same basic kits and come up with such different pieces. Many campers worked into the night making additional pieces or experimenting. Most people brought a collection of beads, vintage jewelry, findings, and such to create with. I didn’t, but I will next time!!!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YjzBNWA9tYE/Ubfgs7TXecI/AAAAAAAACJ0/ebR1LSF4obI/s1600-h/artcamp-set-18.jpg"><img alt="Necklace - Art Camp" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5BxoIkXssFQ/Ubfgtz1UQnI/AAAAAAAACJ8/h3bCk9oqWfw/artcamp-set-1_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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Terri Brush and <a href="http://amyhanna.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Amy Hanna</a> are very genuine and down-to-earth women. Super creative and very open to sharing their gifts and knowledge. It was a pleasure learning from them.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q5LHOsqPiXE/Ubfgu38dB6I/AAAAAAAACKI/-9JzD7tmEfg/s1600-h/artcamp-set-37.jpg"><img alt="Bracelet - Art Camp" border="0" height="229" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-62LgjUBLeG0/UbfgvAhbx4I/AAAAAAAACKQ/ExbxDpMh3rE/artcamp-set-3_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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Jenny Doh, <a href="http://blog.crescendoh.com/crescendoh/index.html" target="_blank">Crescendoh</a>, was our speaker. For me, the message was that our lives are beautiful even with (or maybe because of) the imperfections. At first I though Jenny was aloof, but later when I had a chance to converse with her in a small group I realized that she is very well spoken, intense, has a great laugh, is very focused, and strong, inside and out. I hope that our paths cross again.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0Dm34yXocSM/Ubfgv6ZaDJI/AAAAAAAACKY/XEoSOAN62gI/s1600-h/artcamp-set-27.jpg"><img alt="Necklace - Art Camp" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1_ZDKvn1wGY/UbfgwfDbHSI/AAAAAAAACKg/H8vG_X_IAtA/artcamp-set-2_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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On Sunday, <a href="http://www.carolynpeeler.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Carolyn Peeler</a> taught a mini album class. Carolyn is the Senior Creative Director for <a href="http://melissafrances.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Melissa Frances</a>. Again, we started with the same kit but each book was so different. Each cover was a masterpiece! I made my book for Charlotte.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-chsAQcBbT_4/Ubfgw_fCUsI/AAAAAAAACKo/cP9Ec5yPEiM/s1600-h/campalbum2%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Charlotte's album" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U0pvrnXNID0/UbfgxaXoAGI/AAAAAAAACKw/g1MR3B87oeg/campalbum2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="229" /></a><br />
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Carolyn is a great teacher and will be teaching the same class, among others, in Italy and other parts near and far. Lucky girl! She is really a lovely person. Her work is gorgeous and filled with vintage and vintage-inspired lusciousness. Delightful!!!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qJCxf1MSZsM/Ubfgx48zbOI/AAAAAAAACK4/VcLwjU4vJk8/s1600-h/camp-album1%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Charlotte's album" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uum9yPxWwWM/UbfgyXaJM8I/AAAAAAAACLA/UEdR3mIBrSA/camp-album1_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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So after the class on Sunday, I was sitting around and Melissa Frances came to sit at my table. It was pretty cleared up and the table she had been at was cluttered. She was working on making some samples for an upcoming episode of <a href="http://www.mycraftchannel.com/shows/Melissa-Frances/" target="_blank">MyCraftChannel</a>. Well, since I had nothing left to work on, I offered to help. Melissa was under the gun to get samples done and was having a super busy week ahead with not a lot of studio time built in and still need to pack for a 3 a.m. departure. At this point it was about 8:30 p.m. Her creativity mojo was not working in her favor so she said she was happy to do the grunt work, pasting and cutting, while I and another camper did the creating. What a blast that was!!! To work with she gave us a heaping pile of ribbon and embellishments, and paper from her new product line, soon to be released!<br />
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Watch the episode here: <a href="http://www.mycraftchannel.com/Shows/Melissa-Frances/Melissa-Frances-A-Treat-for-You/">www.mycraftchannel.com/Shows/Melissa-Frances/Melissa-Frances-A-Treat-for-You/</a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UnG2oRIH4tk/Ubfgy6W4iaI/AAAAAAAACLI/ydlbXKEwe4c/s1600-h/melissafrances6.jpg"><img alt="Melissa Frances and Desiree de Monye" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GTenAgCVCQg/Ubfgzdl5KYI/AAAAAAAACLQ/Ut6PT54UKNk/melissafrances_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="228" /></a><br />
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That was a fabulous end to an amazing weekend. The next morning I was off. I drove up the coast from Lincoln City to Canon Beach.<br />
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Thank you for letting me share this fantastic experience with you! I’d love to hear about art retreats or workshops that you’ve been to, please share!<br />
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DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-59435002970501262852013-06-01T12:30:00.000-07:002013-06-01T22:11:11.854-07:00May 2013 Tag–take two!<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oIG56bfovgw/UagjtVhiSwI/AAAAAAAACFQ/HO31oixj5Mg/s1600-h/may2-tag-2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="May - 12 Tags of 2013" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9pob3EAOaL8/UagjuIJb5xI/AAAAAAAACFY/hLE7BCaAJs0/may2-tag-2_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="204" /></a>This is the second tag I made for <a href="http://timholtz.com/12-tags-of-2013-may/" target="_blank">Tim Holtz’s 12 Tags of 2013 - May</a>. Check out the other tag <a href="http://www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com/2013/05/12-tags-of-2013-may.html">here</a>.<br />
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I tried the technique with <a href="http://www.sevengypsies.com/" target="_blank">7 Gypsies</a> rubbings. While they had some white area around them, it wasn’t as dramatic as the Tim Holtz Remnant Rubs. You can see it a bit in the close up image below around the word “remember” and the doodle just visible below the ribbon.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JEPY9dFtxmA/UagjvLnLZmI/AAAAAAAACFg/UQCKhUbHq5k/s1600-h/may2-tag-detail-1%25255B6%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="May - 12 Tags of 2013" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-V-xa6o6Tmxg/Uagjv3JFatI/AAAAAAAACFo/2cvV7WuY7IY/may2-tag-detail-1_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BlLO3v0zspw/UagjwkkHOjI/AAAAAAAACFw/Ysprmy-CoBs/s1600-h/ma2y-tag-detail-3%25255B2%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="May - 12 Tags of 2013" border="0" height="205" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TSp5_41ikAY/UagjxAzDbCI/AAAAAAAACF4/8xo2lMlz-Y8/ma2y-tag-detail-3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="202" /></a>This photo shows the little rosettes that I made with <a href="http://www.mftstamps.com/" target="_blank">My Favorite Things</a> Dienamics. The paper that I used is a calendar photo from a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustav_Klimt" target="_blank">Gustav Klimt</a> calendar. I love the soft colors and little bits of glitter.<br />
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The stamp set that I selected is Elements of Style from <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/" target="_blank">Stampin’ Up!</a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r_E6kjTxAlo/UagjxyfPNaI/AAAAAAAACGA/BtYhwzw-uEY/s1600-h/may2-tag-detail-2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="May - 12 Tags of 2013" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bicSQ-IeDrE/UagjydgiwJI/AAAAAAAACGI/MdxGCCNMDXk/may2-tag-detail-2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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The <a href="http://rangerink.com/?product=tim-holtz%C2%AE-distress-stains%E2%84%A2" target="_blank">Distress Stains</a> that I used on the tag and crinkle ribbon are Seedless Grape, Broken China, Peeled Paint, Barn Door, and Squeezed Lemonade. The black ink is <a href="http://rangerink.com/?product=archival%E2%84%A2-0-pads-2" target="_blank">Archival Ink</a>.<br />
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So what do you think? Is it pretty?<br />
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Have a fabulous crafty day! <br />
DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-38517119243366350052013-05-30T20:14:00.001-07:002013-06-01T22:09:22.923-07:0012 Tags of 2013 - May<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cGzXDVjthYQ/UagUVat2dHI/AAAAAAAACEI/QBB22rPck38/s1600-h/may-tag-17.jpg"><img align="left" alt="May 2013 Tags" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_fEwGwL0ILA/UagUWH9eNaI/AAAAAAAACEQ/4SzaTkJXTfE/may-tag-1_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="171" /></a><br />
This tag came together really well. I love the Tim Holtz rub-ons. I received two sets (plus a stamp set) when I was picked as a winner for my <a href="http://desiree-at-play.blogspot.com/2013/04/12-tags-of-2013april.html" target="_blank">April tag</a>.<br />
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As usual I used watercolor paper for my tag. The <a href="http://rangerink.com/?product=tim-holtz%C2%AE-distress-stains%E2%84%A2" target="_blank">Distress Stains</a> that I used are Peeled Paint, Barn Door, Frayed Burlap, Broken China, Seedless Grape, and Bronze. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2dgpj1MMoLE/UagUW7__RjI/AAAAAAAACEY/nyfvdQxKVG8/s1600-h/may-tag-detail-26.jpg"><img align="right" alt="May 2013 tag" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x8PsyMMW1x0/UagUXTeqCSI/AAAAAAAACEg/k9fLWA3iMZc/may-tag-detail-2_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="171" /></a><br />
The rub-ons are called Remnant Rubs – Elements. It’s cool how they have this great white space around and within them. The resist effect really comes through. The images are fun and quirky and very detailed. There is a lot of variety too.<br />
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The light bulb is the main embellishment. Isn’t it fabulous? It is a <a href="https://www.primamarketinginc.com/shop/store/products/collections/by-designer/ingvild-bolme/junkyard-findings" target="_blank">Junkyard Findings</a> from Prima. I added a bit of film strip – finally bought some of that! I attached a knowledge <a href="http://rangerink.com/?product=tim-holtz-idea-ology-findingsmuse-tokens" target="_blank">Muse Token</a> with a small brad. <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EefqqBR9BMk/UagUYcrvhdI/AAAAAAAACEo/Ksw2oL6SKww/s1600-h/may-tag-detail-111.jpg"><img align="left" alt="May 2013 Tag" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Y4hGU3zWipg/UagUY8Wj8KI/AAAAAAAACEw/FpT2NIn_sDM/may-tag-detail-1_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="171" /></a>I used two stamp sets, both are Tim Holtz by <a href="http://www.stampersanonymous.com/cat-index.html" target="_blank">Stampers Anonymous</a>. The gears are from the Industrial Blueprints set and the text is from the Way With Words set. The ink is black <a href="http://rangerink.com/?product=archival%E2%84%A2-0-pads-2" target="_blank">Archival Ink</a>.<br />
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You can’t tell from these photos, but the bronze distress paint leaves a faint bronze shimmer. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YFwjzl31fmY/UagUZi7Uu_I/AAAAAAAACE4/J328drFUYqU/s1600-h/may-tag-28.jpg"><img align="right" alt="May 2013 Tag" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-78Hl_El3G0U/UagUaZk57_I/AAAAAAAACFA/ytXdxnYdtZE/may-tag-2_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="171" /></a><br />
I used the same distress stains as listed above on white crinkle ribbon. I didn’t realize that I had a package of that stashed away too. Happy discovery!!! (I think I have too much craft crap.)<br />
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I made a second tag that you can see <a href="http://www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com/2013/06/may-2013-tagtake-two.html">here</a>. Check out Tim’s <a href="http://timholtz.com/12-tags-of-2013-may/" target="_blank">technique post</a> for a how-to.<br />
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On a side note, I had no idea how freakin’ hilarious <i><b>Arrested Development</b></i> is. I have been laughing so hard I can barely breathe!<br />
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What is your favorite sitcom, past or present?<br />
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Hope you are having a great day! <br />
Desiree Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-74266262822026214252013-04-09T20:44:00.001-07:002013-05-03T20:27:12.151-07:0012 Tags of 2013–April<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FUptrC3wOw0/UWTLZHoHShI/AAAAAAAACB8/p_A0km7OfkI/s1600-h/sew-tag-3%25255B6%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="12 Tags of 2013 - April" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TFPEg2cqyTA/UWTLZdhNeHI/AAAAAAAACCE/86yuoISANus/sew-tag-3_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 3px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="154" /></a><br />
This was a fun tag to make. <a href="http://timholtz.com/12-tags-of-2013-april/" target="_blank">Tim Holtz’s techniques</a> were all about creating a patina look using <a href="http://rangerink.com/?product=tim-holtz-distress-paint" target="_blank">Distress Paints</a>. <br />
I don’t have all of the supplies that he used so I did have to make some substitutions.<br />
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I’ve run out of the manila tags so I just cut a piece of watercolor paper. It generally works well for the techniques.<br />
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The Distress Paints that I used were: Broken China, Salty Ocean, and Wild Honey. To add a little metallic to it I had to substitute Bronze <a href="http://rangerink.com/?product=tim-holtz%C2%AE-distress-stains%E2%84%A2" target="_blank">Distress Stain</a> and for the green I used Peeled Paint Distress Stain.<br />
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I do really like the creamy texture of the Distress Paints. Soon I plan on getting the metallics. The colors blend really nicely.<br />
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The stamp is from the <a href="http://www.stampersanonymous.com/CMS147.jpg" target="_blank">Tim Holtz Sewing Blueprint by Stampers Anonymous</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A-fLHSPUG0c/UWTLaP0_wLI/AAAAAAAACCM/0xgmHMELiYQ/s1600-h/sew-tag-5%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="12 Tags of 2013 - April" border="0" height="229" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-40Gn_bLe2KM/UWTLaVoStHI/AAAAAAAACCU/_CJfENQE-s8/sew-tag-5_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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The clear surface that Tim stamped on is called <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-28602/Wendy-Vecchi-CLEARLY-FOR/Detail" target="_blank">Clearly for Art</a>, but I didn’t have that (hadn’t even heard of it) so I grabbed a piece of transparency. Clearly for Art can be heated and shaped. I’m gonna get me some! Don’t try heating a transparency… because it curls up and gets brittle. Yep, tried it…<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WwnJRt8o_bs/UWTLa8QsvyI/AAAAAAAACCc/tZCN0_lquyg/s1600-h/sew-tag-6%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="12 Tags of 2013 - April" border="0" height="229" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eABKyTR4MI8/UWTLbUsmWXI/AAAAAAAACCk/L4HUZwNlLTM/sew-tag-6_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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So after stamping on the transparency, I cut it out and kind of folded it in half to give it a little dimension. Then I used Glossy Accents to glue it in place.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VsFa9LZBuSU/UWTLcB4IiZI/AAAAAAAACCs/5WzjWN-2Mb4/s1600-h/sew-tag-7%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="12 Tags of 2013 - April" border="0" height="229" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9Kx0kdWdOnQ/UWTLclr0p4I/AAAAAAAACC0/zpilyeOfI4c/sew-tag-7_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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I patina’d some letters and metal embellishments using the same paints and stains. The triangular piece is something I made in the <a href="http://desiree-at-play.blogspot.com/2013/03/molten-lava-bracelet.html" target="_blank">Molten Lava</a> class I took recently.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0OiqkGQ-dms/UWTLdJo4PyI/AAAAAAAACC8/SGy_3UjMdoM/s1600-h/sew-tag-4%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="12 Tags of 2013 - April" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hoEFmgdB3E0/UWTLdlKAopI/AAAAAAAACDE/HotLLmQffK8/sew-tag-4_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="154" /></a><br />
The ribbon was colored by swiping Broken China paint and Bronze stain on it.<br />
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So this is my tag. Did you make a tag for April?<br />
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Busy time ahead… I won a spot in <a href="http://www.jeanneoliverdesigns.com/item_431/The-Journey-of-Letting-Go-Creating-Beauty-from-Ashes.htm" target="_blank">Jeanne Oliver’s The Journey of Letting Go</a> mixed media class that started today (yay!) and she extended a second spot to each winner to give to a friend. So I picked my daughter, Lilly, who is getting back into sketching and painting. I can’t wait to share art with her! So thankful to Jeanne for her generosity.<br />
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Second, I’ll be at <a href="http://www.terribrushdesigns.com/Spring-Art-Camp.html" target="_blank">Terri Brush’s Spring Art Camp</a> at Lincoln City. So fun. It starts on Thursday evening and runs through Monday morning. My very first art retreat! WooHoo!!!<br />
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What are your weekend plans?<br />
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Thanks for visiting! <br />
Desiree<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GnD57kOgX5M/UYR_ooILhyI/AAAAAAAACDc/eB13narHmig/s1600/th-tag-winner-badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GnD57kOgX5M/UYR_ooILhyI/AAAAAAAACDc/eB13narHmig/s1600/th-tag-winner-badge.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Edited to add:</b></span> This tag was a winner!!! So excited!!! Thank you all for the well wishes. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-1893775461559386692013-04-07T22:01:00.000-07:002013-04-07T22:01:46.446-07:00My Life ListDo you have a life list? Or a bucket list?<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VKQK12bOzKg/UWJGxdFlfJI/AAAAAAAACAU/5BuQnpYeczI/s1600-h/lifelist-5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lifelist-5" border="0" height="256" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-22T6hi253j0/UWJGxyZn_JI/AAAAAAAACAc/z5YWm5QAgAE/lifelist-5_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="lifelist-5" width="364" /></a><br />
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At work, we have this huge white board and from time to time someone posts a question. It’s entertaining to read it as I walk by and see new comments or answers. I try to guess which of my clever coworkers have responded.<br />
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A recent question was “what is on your bucket list?” and some of the answers were things like…<br />
<ul>
<li>I need to buy a bucket first </li>
<li>Climb the ancient ruins </li>
<li>Australia </li>
<li>Save Lindsay Lohan </li>
</ul>
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4knJ-_sQIYc/UWJGy9az9xI/AAAAAAAACAk/ZXmtUTP4dW0/s1600-h/lifelist-7%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lifelist-7" border="0" height="256" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uCCbgGD541g/UWJGzZNDU_I/AAAAAAAACAs/OC_VanSFsSE/lifelist-7_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="lifelist-7" width="364" /></a><br />
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In my bloghopping I’ve noticed quite a few people posting about their life lists.<br />
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Karen Walrond posted on her blog, Chookooloonks, about <a href="http://www.chookooloonks.com/blog/2010/4/27/on-creating-a-life-list.html" target="_blank">creating a life list</a>. Thoughts on how to go about putting a list of 100 +/- things that you want to do in your lifetime. Maybe they are simple things, maybe they are crazy, out-of-this-world things. Maybe you’ll cross some things off your list tomorrow, maybe some will never be crossed off.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p18ACqrsX1U/UWJG0qdKfII/AAAAAAAACA0/vDs_DOvQ8IE/s1600-h/lifelist-2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lifelist-2" border="0" height="256" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Sz6QZeKGLJ4/UWJG1mmc_lI/AAAAAAAACA8/zqo2QlFlZ1g/lifelist-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="lifelist-2" width="364" /></a><br />
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What about stuff that you’ve already done that should have been on your life list but you hadn’t created your life list yet, can you put it on and immediately check it off? Or maybe that could be the “I did it” list, a prequel to the life list?<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cOQKPS7amzc/UWJG2kF67GI/AAAAAAAACBE/V13-brCQ0LQ/s1600-h/lifelist-4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lifelist-4" border="0" height="256" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OKECvNeXS8A/UWJG23lqUAI/AAAAAAAACBM/pLXzDZUrFNc/lifelist-4_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="lifelist-4" width="364" /></a><br />
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I don’t think I can create my life list in an afternoon. Of course, I would add to my list as I discover new things to do over time. But what I mean is that I think it will take me days and days to think about all the possibilities and dreams and desires that I would want on my list.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uTl9NXuFvIM/UWJG4MV490I/AAAAAAAACBU/O-WoW56ohhc/s1600-h/lifelist-3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lifelist-3" border="0" height="256" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WWDdTf2NDYc/UWJG4qRJdoI/AAAAAAAACBc/klShtE9dRGk/lifelist-3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="lifelist-3" width="364" /></a><br />
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My life list needed a place, so I created these pages in <a href="http://desiree-at-play.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-living-canvas.html" target="_blank">My Living Canvas</a> book. First, I sprayed the canvas pages with different shades of blue. I ModPodged on scraps of paper next. I used stencils and paint to add a little texture. Stamped the title, then started adding my life list. I also have an area for stuff I’ve achieved so far.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gNTXlZV1g8w/UWJG5UYk6II/AAAAAAAACBk/Zimrx43pGxs/s1600-h/lifelist-8%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lifelist-8" border="0" height="256" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eyE8xCfOhqw/UWJG6JxU_BI/AAAAAAAACBs/X54vHQZnyC0/lifelist-8_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="lifelist-8" width="364" /></a><br />
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If you’ve made a list and posted it, I would love it if you would include a link. I think it would be fun and a great way to get even more ideas about the possibilities out there.<br />
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Lots to ponder….<br />
DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-79437928811964904732013-04-01T13:42:00.000-07:002013-04-01T13:42:00.426-07:00A rock candy heartSweet hearts…<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Cth5PlEHHQQ/UVifMRREYXI/AAAAAAAAB-E/DeB6VHzAsF0/s1600-h/hearts33.jpg"><img alt="SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4s880rriDxY/UVifMzbMiII/AAAAAAAAB-M/seHM0wpBHdo/hearts3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA" width="364" /></a><br />
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Forever ago I signed up for the <a href="http://christytomlinson.typepad.com/christytomlinson/she-had-three-hearts-art-journaling-workshop.html" target="_blank">“She had three hearts”</a> workshop taught by Christy Tomlinson. Every once in a while I create a page for that art journal. I am WAY behind on doing the actual journaling, some day I’ll catch up. HA!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ootAz1VqLgk/UVifNizTVcI/AAAAAAAAB-U/fv3cYFpVuBo/s1600-h/hearts53.jpg"><img alt="SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R8ziElowxNk/UVifOHsYZ4I/AAAAAAAAB-Y/SL-i9W2bgKQ/hearts5_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA" width="364" /></a><br />
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First, I glued a piece of text paper to the top of the watercolor paper. I went over it with sprays and stains.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D0ZC1ms3PNM/UVifOhYInGI/AAAAAAAAB-k/qIggO99D6GM/s1600-h/hearts23.jpg"><img alt="SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QTS53LdSy3g/UVifO67WP_I/AAAAAAAAB-o/Wm5EodGQV5I/hearts2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA" width="364" /></a><br />
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The focal point is a patterned paper torn in the shape of a heart. I used an image transfer technique to add it to the page. Then I used punchinella and white or red paint to dab dots randomly over the page.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x_bUnUz4mbE/UVifPnizDII/AAAAAAAAB-w/zCwRD7L72qA/s1600-h/hearts13.jpg"><img alt="SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1xozQRA0Rjc/UVifQG6yKZI/AAAAAAAAB-8/0dRT_jNxZIQ/hearts1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA" width="364" /></a><br />
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I used a stencil that I cut out of an manila file folder for the hearts. I used the hole part with red paints and stains. The heart shape I used to dab white paint around then I outlined the heart with a white poster paint pen.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mDXmUTNQ95A/UVifRpxHhQI/AAAAAAAAB_E/ifbxDGRfSLM/s1600-h/hearts43.jpg"><img alt="SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6lRypaeH-J8/UVifSbkKu3I/AAAAAAAAB_M/ifujuBnHM-c/hearts4_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA" width="364" /></a><br />
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I used <a href="http://rangerink.com/?product=tim-holtz%C2%AE-distress-crackle-paint" target="_blank">Rock Candy Crackle Paint</a> over the large heart. I love that stuff! After it dried thoroughly, I dripped Barn Door distress ink and wiped off the access. I think the overlapping hearts look cool. To frame the page I swiped the edge of the paper with distress stain.<br />
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It feels good to make at least a little progress in my classes!<br />
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Have a great week! <br />DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-47060298101267551632013-03-31T12:49:00.005-07:002013-03-31T12:49:53.099-07:00Bloglovin’<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5738237/?claim=uuu73a6ucf5">Follow my blog with Bloglovin'</a><br />
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Hey, I hear there is a new blog reader in town! Now that Google Reader is going away readers will need to find some new ways to subscribe and follow their favorite blogs.<br />
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Moorea Seal posted about a few readers <a href="http://www.moorea-seal.com/2013/03/a-review-of-few-blog-readers.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I’ve decided to use Bloglovin’. It’s simple, few distractions, and I do like that it opens a new tab when I want to read more of the post.<br />
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Which blog reader are you switching to????Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-8082210616015282602013-03-25T22:19:00.003-07:002013-03-25T22:19:46.202-07:00Watercolor puddlesWatercolor puddles turned into root vegetables…<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DG9gxtKxqkA/UVEvM2uX7UI/AAAAAAAAB78/TpCP38Y-T-c/s1600-h/puddle-veggies-4%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Watercolor puddle veggies" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UF4d9m8ZeIE/UVEvNS9oKDI/AAAAAAAAB8E/qDCOWxeUR_E/puddle-veggies-4_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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The <a href="http://christytomlinson.typepad.com/christytomlinson/the-art-of-spring-with-junelle-jacobsen.html" target="_blank">Art of Spring</a> is yet another online class that I am taking. I am SO glad that these classes are available for a full year because it takes me that long to get through them!!! Yeah, I am in the midst of six classes right now and three more are starting in April. Plus, I am trying to do some challenges here and there. Have I taken on too much?<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5wgyIz0bZDM/UVEvONrZU6I/AAAAAAAAB8M/80zq0WuGLwg/s1600-h/puddle-veggies-7%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Watercolor puddle veggies" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xJTIrJ0knI0/UVEvO_46d1I/AAAAAAAAB8U/k5q2TRw2UFY/puddle-veggies-7_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="154" /></a>Ok, back to watercolor puddles… <a href="http://yesandamenblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Junelle Jacobson</a>, our fabulous teacher, had us create pages of puddles, drips, and drops in a few different color combos on watercolor paper. The trick is to keep the colors from blending too much and becoming a muddy yuck. I had some trouble putting together some colors that I really liked. We started with orange and added a bit of green, blue and red. We wanted the watercolors to be really wet so that they would run down the page when it was held up. Adding a drop of water helped. We also used different brushes to get different widths of runs.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EFT8G-V2w3Q/UVEvPIE97HI/AAAAAAAAB8c/fjLU_H6HPuU/s1600-h/puddle-veggies-8%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Watercolor puddle veggies" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6hODnkYv-a4/UVEvP7NYa6I/AAAAAAAAB8k/vCbNJ7qRE8k/puddle-veggies-8_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="154" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XHCf_AKcbLw/UVEvQUof4eI/AAAAAAAAB8s/kP7X9iXzkWs/s1600-h/puddle-veggies-9%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Watercolor puddle veggies" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0fKh-xyFX-A/UVEvQ-rpZJI/AAAAAAAAB80/cdPJGurB3HI/puddle-veggies-9_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="154" /></a></div>
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The basis for this exercise was to become familiar with what different brushes can do. And so that we create our puddles in vain, Junelle encouraged us create something with our puddles. I went with one of her suggestions to make veggies out of mine.</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qj71SBws5O4/UVEvSHNwTEI/AAAAAAAAB88/HtKvCPXCZew/s1600-h/puddle-veggies-3%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Watercolor puddle veggies" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sXEInbu-keg/UVEvSvF_maI/AAAAAAAAB9E/Pgg21xy0-Ig/puddle-veggies-3_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a></blockquote>
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I sketched and cut out the veggies and leaves. I used a fine black pen and a few markers in shades of grey to make a ground line so that my veggies could be underground. I glued the veggies into my art journal and outlined them with a black pen. Next, I shaded around them with markers and charcoal pencils.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YCcmebV4CLg/UVEvTKIf4YI/AAAAAAAAB9M/0xgSxgLdi6k/s1600-h/puddle-veggies-6%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Watercolor puddle veggies" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZE3vIauHQXM/UVEvT110mqI/AAAAAAAAB9U/yZXqFvtO_YE/puddle-veggies-6_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="204" /></a><br />
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Here are my beets with a radish on either side. Carrots enclose the row on both sides. I kept the background very neutral so the colors would pop.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DSu4CkCS0Z8/UVEvUlU8ujI/AAAAAAAAB9c/dYAKgY5jqlM/s1600-h/puddle-veggies-1%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Watercolor puddle veggies" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OKTOf-ksmGQ/UVEvVOJ0MKI/AAAAAAAAB9k/vpE9NfabqvE/puddle-veggies-1_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a></div>
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I don’t really know much about veggies. And I don’t like beets or radishes. Maybe next time I’ll make fruit.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c_k1-ixGKcE/UVEvVpulvuI/AAAAAAAAB9s/2F8EM0jXZdE/s1600-h/puddle-veggies-5%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Watercolor puddle veggies" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3jDaaJXcSqw/UVEvWJVas1I/AAAAAAAAB90/lw263eSLP8E/puddle-veggies-5_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="204" /></a><br />
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Are you a fruit or veggie person? Raw or cooked? Do you grow your own or shop at a farmer’s market?<br />
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Thanks for visiting! <br />DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-67476817998298183132013-03-24T22:01:00.000-07:002013-03-24T22:01:17.920-07:00Molten lava braceletSometimes I am so lucky…<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ytruj1VpBy8/UU_UkkLhttI/AAAAAAAAB60/fFr38OyO-Ts/s1600-h/lava-bracelet3%25255B19%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lava-bracelet" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FrDApE3DU2s/UU_UkxKLUYI/AAAAAAAAB68/dl9GermMgZ4/lava-bracelet3_thumb%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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I won a Molten Lava class on Facebook by sharing a post. Of course, I didn’t think I would win and was pleasantly surprised when I did. This is the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/121672039/online-ecourse-soldering-molten-lava?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">class</a> that I won and it’s an online class. If you enjoy making jewelry, then I suggest that you check it out. Anyway, the teacher is <a href="http://www.terribrushdesigns.com/" target="_blank">Terri Brush</a>. She creates and teaches lots of different soldering projects.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KB1MtUb6eh8/UU_UlkXknKI/AAAAAAAAB7E/IOjwhL01MwM/s1600-h/lava-bracelet1%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="lava-bracelet" border="0" height="264" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Eq2c6jwc_p0/UU_UmMNSY7I/AAAAAAAAB7M/bHTmcAzxC4A/lava-bracelet1_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="175" /></a>What made me even luckier is that Terri suggested that I come to her studio and take the class in person rather than online. She lives in Chehalis which is about an hour and a half up I-5 from Vancouver. I loved that I was able to join in on her class because I met some great people, got hands-on instruction, and made this amazing bracelet!<br />
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Basically, we cut shapes out of sheet metal, melted solder on it with flux and a micro torch. While it was wet, we used a rubber stamp to press a design or texture into it. We also learned how to melt a gem or filigree into the solder.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d7ou8GOzuV0/UU_UmkwAloI/AAAAAAAAB7U/bcS2nMtT_qg/s1600-h/lava-bracelet4%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lava-bracelet4" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0CDsqxatiAw/UU_UnBm0n7I/AAAAAAAAB7c/ttDTsALlbuU/lava-bracelet4_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="lava-bracelet4" width="304" /></a><br />
Lots of different textures and designs… After that we put a patina on it, used steel wool to shine it up, punched holes, and used pieces that we made to make the bracelet. We also created the large rings from silver wire, using a different type of flux and solder. We aged and distressed them as well.<br />
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Terri supplied freshwater pearls, gems, beads, rings, and a leather strip to string them on. Terri designed the bracelet to wrap around the wrist twice, however that was too tight for me. So I attached the leather strip piece as a second strand. The heart hangs down as a separate charm. I used three rectangular molten lava pieces in between the large rings.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gOBgU_JLnEw/UU_Un-AbcxI/AAAAAAAAB7k/9nUVu6kFYEg/s1600-h/lava-bracelet5%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lava-bracelet" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2Q0WZUnvva8/UU_UoYA8n6I/AAAAAAAAB7s/55pQGCvALHI/lava-bracelet5_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="304" /></a><br />
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Meanwhile on the home front, Charlotte is getting potty trained and is crazy active. Em did really well in her classes and is awaiting her Winter Quarter grades. Lilly surprised me with a weeklong visit. Happy and busy times!!!<br />
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In April, I’ll be going to Terri’s Spring Art Camp Retreat at Lincoln City. Besides another Molten Lava class with Terri, <a href="http://amyhanna.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Amy Hanna</a> will be teaching a jewelry class and <a href="http://www.carolynpeeler.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Carolyn Peeler</a> will be teaching a mini album class. I am SO excited!!!!<br />
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Thanks for visiting!!! <br />Desiree<br />
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PS: My luck did not extend to buying the winning Powerball ticket, however I will keep trying!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-37211783099396484142013-03-03T17:08:00.000-08:002013-03-03T17:08:38.228-08:00Susan’s calendar–part 3 and a beach trip!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ApmmEjS3Q6Y/UTPzGcOctmI/AAAAAAAAB5c/KAMCVd6kOkg/s1600-h/13-calendar8.jpg"><img alt="Susan's 2013 calendar" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JDCI3vAMdKQ/UTPzHCOxQvI/AAAAAAAAB5k/E5QlcrTY4RQ/13-calendar_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="340" /></a><br />
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This is the third part post about the calendar gift I made for my friend Susan. <a href="http://desiree-at-play.blogspot.com/2013/02/susans-calendarpart-one.html" target="_blank">Part one</a> features January through April and <a href="http://desiree-at-play.blogspot.com/2013/02/susans-calendarpart-2.html" target="_blank">part two</a> shows May through August.<br />
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Take a look at September, October, November, and December:<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nwb3lt0-Ur4/UTPzH_VIINI/AAAAAAAAB5s/tRT_G97MrVg/s1600-h/13-calendar-sep%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Susan's calendar - September" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ss7dn3Z6Ie4/UTPzITbwjDI/AAAAAAAAB50/DqzSQacrQnM/13-calendar-sep_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="168" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3pxKfF4Z2BA/UTPzJmaB0GI/AAAAAAAAB58/KBt4ul2AqpM/s1600-h/13-calendar-oct%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Susan's 2013 calendar - October" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XHyGEGcfEL4/UTPzJ9rTKYI/AAAAAAAAB6E/4EB_mmi0jgA/13-calendar-oct_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="168" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hhh1gINDmmo/UTPzKieIL0I/AAAAAAAAB6M/5oCLraqv_yw/s1600-h/13-calendar-nov%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Susan's 2013 calendar - November" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K5QMG0cssqI/UTPzLGDF85I/AAAAAAAAB6U/OF789-zL_Bg/13-calendar-nov_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="168" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nCfQbfqts4E/UTPzMasss_I/AAAAAAAAB6c/gtVMnL7uqhA/s1600-h/13-calendar-dec%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Susan's 2013 calendar - December" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xenaW-qCgAU/UTPzMpFAVJI/AAAAAAAAB6k/1zKW3oW0GAo/13-calendar-dec_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="168" /></a></div>
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Basically I used <a href="http://teresacollins.typepad.com/teresa_collins/2012/07/full-reveal-vintage-finds.html" target="_blank">Teresa Collins’ Vintage Finds</a> collection with additional embellishments as noted:<br />
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<b>September</b> – <a href="http://www.timholtz.com/" target="_blank">Tim Holtz</a> pen nib, <a href="http://www.sevengypsies.com/" target="_blank">7 Gypsies</a> rubon <br /><b>October</b> – <a href="http://www.eksuccessbrands.com/jolees/" target="_blank">Jolee’s Boutique</a> spider web, <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/" target="_blank">Stampin’ Up!</a> stamps, Tim Holtz bottle, black glitter <br /><b>November</b> – Stampin’ Up! stamps and ribbon <br /><b>December</b> – reindeer charm, white bottle brush, gems that I painted red with alcohol inks<br />
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When the year is over, Susan can take all the tags off of the hanger and put them together with a ribbon or ring. She could add photos or journaling to the backs and have a little album for the year. the frame could then be used to hang other tags or photos or whatever.<br />
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Friday, my friend, Jennifer, and her daughter, Kelsie, invited Emily, Charlotte, and me to an overnight stay at Rockaway Beach, Oregon. We stayed at the <a href="http://rockawaybeachcottage.com/" target="_blank">Beacon Street Cottage</a>.<br />
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<img height="270" src="https://www.reservationsoftwareonline.com/resources/propertyimages/3429_1.JPG" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="360" /><br />
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It is SO cute, filled with retro fun including a record player with lots of albums from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. I saw a few that I had owned as a teenager!<br />
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We stopped in this fun shop called <a href="http://www.the-frugal-crow.com/" target="_blank">The Frugal Crow</a>. More vintage goodness!!! I bought an old globe, a vintage push toy for Charlotte, and a shirt for Em. A couple doors down, we picked up a bunch of saltwater taffy. It was too stormy to spend more than a few minutes on the beach.<br />
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It was a fun impromptu trip. What did you do last time you took an unplanned getaway?<br />
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Thanks for visiting! <br />DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-63315030047036940892013-02-26T20:35:00.000-08:002013-02-26T20:35:00.283-08:00Susan’s calendar–part 2<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XKCVtzIQpZY/USrpfSQTZVI/AAAAAAAAB3w/8TkrMH_efTM/s1600-h/13-calendar%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Susan's 2013 calendar" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c9WX9SvDypM/USrpgOLliuI/AAAAAAAAB34/QodHTKlgQdA/13-calendar_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="340" /></a><br />
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I made this calendar for my friend Susan for Christmas. Read the first part <a href="http://desiree-at-play.blogspot.com/2013/02/susans-calendarpart-one.html" target="_blank">here</a> including the tags for January, February, March, and April.<br />
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Here is May through August…<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ab16BnujpHY/USrpgxHkiXI/AAAAAAAAB4A/FPJNrt4ynsw/s1600-h/13-calendar-may%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Susan's calendar May" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pycG0GgR2Uc/USrphb1sNWI/AAAAAAAAB4I/G1vCf7qS4PI/13-calendar-may_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iRsB5Ihw1kM/USrpiPY2lqI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/QsnnwIHa95s/s1600-h/13-calendar-jun%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Susan's calendar June" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n3EYcNfwa90/USrpizTnqKI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/PAN6a6jIqrY/13-calendar-jun_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="184" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iIVmFV-BXN0/USrpjuHeMZI/AAAAAAAAB4g/3hq-5oZIluY/s1600-h/13-calendar-jul%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Susan's calendar July" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-H_wTWTNZ8r0/USrpjztn0MI/AAAAAAAAB4o/Pm9ZlvvxvCE/13-calendar-jul_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xaVCsC5aU74/USrpkj4rJfI/AAAAAAAAB4w/17xUGwkr1ZU/s1600-h/13-calendar-aug%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Susan's calendar August" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ldh4qKMS0kM/USrplCV5xSI/AAAAAAAAB44/uRm2TPVY-do/13-calendar-aug_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="184" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://teresacollins.typepad.com/teresa_collins/2012/07/full-reveal-vintage-finds.html" target="_blank">Teresa Collins Vintage Finds collection</a> is the basis for all of the tags. Additional embellishments are as follows:</div>
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May – <a href="http://www.zvacreative.com/" target="_blank">Zva Creative</a> gems <br />June – <a href="http://www.kaisercraft.com.au/newsite/index.php" target="_blank">KaiserCraft</a> wood butterfly, ephemera <br />July – <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/" target="_blank">Stampin’ Up!</a> patterned paper <br />August – <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/" target="_blank">Stampin’ Up!</a> stamps, <a href="http://timholtz.com/" target="_blank">Tim Holtz</a> crown, gold gem brad<br />
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Part three coming soon…<br />
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Thanks for visiting! <br />DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-75158190832858487492013-02-24T19:52:00.000-08:002013-02-24T19:52:10.676-08:00Susan’s calendar–part oneI know, it’s February, and I am just giving my friend Susan her Christmas gift… She is such a patient friend!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AyDJHuaLNW0/USreszUbenI/AAAAAAAAB2M/g78SGYpTBhw/s1600-h/13-calendar%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="2013 calendar for Susan" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VpRqbvKCrQs/USretr0JqrI/AAAAAAAAB2U/cYYFz8iRL-U/13-calendar_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="340" /></a><br />
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Figuring out a gift for Susan was really hard for me this year. The past couple of years I’ve come up with an idea and then not finished it. In fact one of them is still sitting on my craft table 14 months later… I’m lame.<br />
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So an idea started percolating in my brain. I pulled out a bunch of Teresa Collins paper and embellishments that I had stashed away. And this cool wire hanging thingy was calling my name at <a href="http://www.craftwarehouse.com/" target="_blank">Craft Warehouse</a> – I just had to get it!<br />
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It took a while for the idea to gel until I decided on creating a calendar. Each of the tags is about 3.5 by 6.5 inches. I used chipboard that I had on hand. Each tag is covered with patterned paper from <a href="http://teresacollins.typepad.com/teresa_collins/2012/07/full-reveal-vintage-finds.html" target="_blank">Teresa Collins’ Vintage Finds collection</a>.<br />
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For the calendar, I found a 2013 one page calendar that I printed on Very Vanilla cardstock, trimmed down and mounted on black cardstock.<br />
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January through April are shown here…<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U9RkTYqFvsA/USreuplplBI/AAAAAAAAB2c/qJGPer99Ovc/s1600-h/13-calendar-jan%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Susan's calendar - January" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nIiMrZR_WaM/USrevTYuB8I/AAAAAAAAB2k/4OknFHBI86s/13-calendar-jan_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wBh_TuS24Vo/USrewHaTKGI/AAAAAAAAB2s/5CWTW75KJz8/s1600-h/13-calendar-feb%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Susan's calendar February" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QFvASyMAQZA/USrewcvJNgI/AAAAAAAAB20/vJlSDjkCgng/13-calendar-feb_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="184" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R55lCptvD5Y/USrexYmF7CI/AAAAAAAAB28/9drLkxD61k0/s1600-h/13-calendar-mar%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Susan's calendar March" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hX50JNVW6yY/USrex9lg8oI/AAAAAAAAB3E/IptbUOBlzUI/13-calendar-mar_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9knEsECOXDw/USreyr-5CJI/AAAAAAAAB3M/lkYso3j3UNg/s1600-h/13-calendar-apr%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Susan's calendar April" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w3bmnSzZvNA/USrezAoKiSI/AAAAAAAAB3U/9tH4kVkqJZc/13-calendar-apr_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="184" /></a></div>
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Most embellishments are from the matching collection except as noted:</div>
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January – clock face and arrow by <a href="http://timholtz.com/" target="_blank">Tim Holtz</a>, snowflake <br />February – white felt, lace tape, red gem brad, various stamps <br />March – word plaque by <a href="http://www.melodyross.com/" target="_blank">Melody Ross</a>, <a href="http://www.zvacreative.com/" target="_blank">Zva Creative</a> gems <br />April – rosettes made with <a href="http://www.mftstamps.com/die-namics" target="_blank">Die-namics</a> die, sprayed with <a href="http://www.studiocalico.com/shop/color-mist-singles" target="_blank">Mister Huey Overdue</a> mist<br />
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Parts 2 and 3 coming soon…<br />
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Do you think it was worth the wait?<br />
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Thanks for visiting! <br />DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-15130609773558439042013-02-18T22:41:00.000-08:002013-02-18T22:41:13.876-08:00La petite boutiqueHave you heard of <a href="http://yesandamenblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Junelle Jacobson</a>? Last Spring she taught an online class called <a href="http://christytomlinson.typepad.com/christytomlinson/the-art-of-wild-abandoment-workshop.html" target="_blank">The Art of Wild Abandonment</a>. This is a sketching class and it was really informative and enjoyable. We started out sketching radishes! I’m not really a sketcher so I wasn’t sure how I would do. Really I just followed along with the things that Junelle sketched. I like her whimsical style.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_2W8ckc9N70/USMb9xe9CPI/AAAAAAAAB08/ONRGsquH7Uw/s1600-h/boutique1%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="La petite boutique" border="0" height="256" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-o_NtlMGUi9I/USMb-SLqxNI/AAAAAAAAB1E/nqj8ovOmTX8/boutique1_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QjqbuQt2Vxk/USMb_XEiOOI/AAAAAAAAB1M/s5SoI8gSYss/s1600-h/boutique4%25255B11%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="La petite boutique" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e4aiuxxDlig/USMb_g_h2KI/AAAAAAAAB1U/zbzeNiMXc4s/boutique4_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="214" /></a>Here is one of my projects, La Petite Boutique. First, we sketched it out and then put together a finished piece. It was fun to come up with a few bits of clothing and accessories. For the background I used white crackle paint, a floral stamp with black <a href="http://rangerink.com/?product=archival%E2%84%A2-0-pads-2" target="_blank">Archival Ink</a>, and <a href="http://www.rangerink.com/pcbfall10.htm" target="_blank">Vintage Photo Distress Ink</a>. </div>
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Next I cut the clothing, etc., out of patterned paper that I pulled out of my scrap bin. I put a good coat of <a href="http://www.plaidonline.com/mod-podge/brand/home.htm" target="_blank">Mod Podge</a> over the background, and over the papers before outlining everything.</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wvL_eVdI43A/USMcAVFw-CI/AAAAAAAAB1c/3L3mgAKRZ6U/s1600-h/boutique3%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="la petite boutique" border="0" height="256" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MG9C-lZersU/USMcAz3I12I/AAAAAAAAB1k/08IL5x3VQp4/boutique3_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9P4CswB4Di8/USMcBoOpgiI/AAAAAAAAB1s/erJ8hNWzq5U/s1600-h/boutique2%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="la petite boutique" border="0" height="256" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GJ-vMcLnX44/USMcCAPaaHI/AAAAAAAAB10/gctWQ5lcM-g/boutique2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
I am planning on taking <a href="http://christytomlinson.typepad.com/christytomlinson/bless-this-mess-workshop-the-art-of-wild-abandonment-2.html" target="_blank">The Art of Wild Abandonment 2</a> soon. I have to figure out when I can squeeze it in between all of the other online classes that I am taking! Do you take online classes?<br />
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Thanks for visiting! <br />
DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-89005529616610789412013-02-12T22:19:00.000-08:002013-02-18T22:42:39.874-08:00Sprucing up for Valentine’s Day<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ACkhyAVnd5U/URsvOgFRT5I/AAAAAAAABzM/BjLnuS1yA5g/s1600-h/be-mine-card%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Be Mine card" border="0" height="415" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eMaOje0QbCY/URsvPEcSdEI/AAAAAAAABzU/v9LoFasBHqY/be-mine-card_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
Generally, I’m not a Valentine’s person. In the past I haven’t really been into the decorating thing, or really the giving of gifts (except for my girls), or making special treats. However, this year I feel different. <br />
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There are so many cute Valentine’s crafts that I’ve <a href="http://pinterest.com/desiree_demonye/valentines/" target="_blank">pinned on Pinterest</a>. And I just had to try a few…<br />
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First, I saw this <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/121949102381738321/" target="_blank">pin</a> but instead of hanging my heart, I put it in a frame. It was a pitiful little gold frame at Goodwill. I painted it white with a little brown glazing to show off the design.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2KAt4MAjdBc/URsvPjIjCKI/AAAAAAAABzc/g_H0cuFh7Yg/s1600-h/layered-heart%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Valentine's layered heart" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lnjeLuLIQ5E/URsvQA3-Y3I/AAAAAAAABzk/igQ_cwTAzFg/layered-heart_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a></div>
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I used cardstock, tissue, patterned paper, music sheets, and book paper for the hearts. I sewed them down the middle on my sewing machine. The background is a piece of cardboard that I Painted white and then sprayed with a few different reds. I also painted a little brown in the grooves to make the texture stand out a little more.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZQHL_ajEeEM/URsvQzREFcI/AAAAAAAABzs/T6poXW7QIeM/s1600-h/love-letters%25255B17%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="Valentine's love letters" border="0" height="204" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3tDyTpXpO48/URsvRJZF5qI/AAAAAAAABz0/lIhiW7LSdPM/love-letters_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="154" /></a>I also picked up some letters At Joann’s to spell LOVE and painted and glittered them white. I was inspired by this <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/121949102382035185/" target="_blank">pin</a>. I wish that I had used a chunky glitter but I didn’t have any and didn’t think to buy some. Instead of red, I picked white because it would show up better on my mantel. I live in a rental and the fireplace wall is paneled. <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eqwpQfBoRXk/URsvR8qGkxI/AAAAAAAABz8/hx-xyrpzpuQ/s1600-h/valentines-bottle%25255B11%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="Valentine's bottle" border="0" height="204" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lX0amxvurso/URsvSNbr7SI/AAAAAAAAB0E/WysmbnpqLKQ/valentines-bottle_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="129" /></a>I decorated a little bottle that I also picked up at Goodwill. I needed some additional items to fill up my mantel. I used some scrap paper, ribbon and a little heart shaped button. It’s a little cutie. <br />
Luckily, I also had several white candles and two larger frames. Last year I made a “Be mine” banner in a class at Art Soiree. Overall, I think that I was able to pull off this Valentine’s décor bit. Here’s the mantel…<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-twazbb0WqRo/URsvSlwErfI/AAAAAAAAB0M/agfV81If7C8/s1600-h/mantel-february%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Valentine's mantel" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gkueCO2ZWa8/URsvTDC8RTI/AAAAAAAAB0U/X-g_waIIIDg/mantel-february_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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And here is a large frame that I hang little goodies from. The frame is quite large, about 4’ by 3’ and it’s about 5” thick. I put this together in another Art Soiree class. We painted and distressed the frame and hung wire from side to side. We get together often to create new art bits to hang in the frame. for February I pulled paper out of my stash and ideas out of my head and any Valentine’s ephemera I could find. This photo doesn’t do it justice.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0I8m9ai6Dlo/URsvTlRfZLI/AAAAAAAAB0c/JrLvSO9ILIk/s1600-h/framel-februrary%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="February frame" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TpUr87cfaV8/URsvUIApUJI/AAAAAAAAB0k/z9zC-pxMoMY/framel-februrary_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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Are a lover of Valentine’s Day? Do you decorate and go all out or keep it low key?<br />
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<a href="http://thecsiproject.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Visit thecsiproject.com" class="aligncenter" src="http://thecsiproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/thecsiproject.com-logo-150.png" /></a>I entered the <a href="http://thecsiproject.com/2013/02/13/time-to-link-up-for-the-valentine-crafts-and-decor-challenge" target="_blank">CSI Valentine's themed decor challenge</a>. Go check it out!<br />
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Happy Valentine’s! <br />
DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-29519307191994403332013-02-10T21:13:00.000-08:002013-02-10T21:13:07.897-08:0012 Tags of 2013 – February<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZcqWoMQ-vVs/URh9L-QNpBI/AAAAAAAABxo/Ykt28GqmkGU/s1600-h/poppytag1%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="12 Tags of 2013 - February" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m5c-NUbiVak/URh9MhbQYCI/AAAAAAAABxw/3H9C_SKhP6U/poppytag1_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="292" /></a><br />
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Ok, I didn’t completely follow <a href="http://timholtz.com/12-tags-of-2013-february/" target="_blank">the challenge</a>… there was something about creating a tag with a “love” theme… I chose “poppies” instead. Oops!<br />
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Don’t you just love poppies? Such beautiful, bold, and bright flowers.<br />
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I started with a white tag and covered it with <a href="http://rangerink.com/?product=tim-holtz%C2%AE-distress-stains%E2%84%A2" target="_blank">Tumbled Glass distress stain</a>. I flicked some water drops on it and after it dried sprayed it with <a href="http://rangerink.com/?product=perfect-pearls%E2%84%A2-mists" target="_blank">Turquoise Perfect Pearls Mist</a>. I roughed up the edges of the tag. I wish I had one of those distressing tools, I just use scissors.<br />
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The stamp set is Poppy Patch from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.flourishes.org" target="_blank">Flourishes</a>. I stamped several of the poppies and leaves on watercolor paper with black <a href="http://rangerink.com/?product=archival%E2%84%A2-0-pads-2" target="_blank">Archival ink</a>. I colored them using <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=119802" target="_blank">Stampin’ Up! watercolor crayons</a> and a small paint brush. I blended several colors to get the bright orange-red that I wanted. I trimmed them out and set them aside.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zpOy8Vrzc4I/URh9NRb9MqI/AAAAAAAABx4/kLOzJL9seyw/s1600-h/poppytagdetail2%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="12 Tags of 2013 - February" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BT50M67X-UY/URh9NyrSLvI/AAAAAAAAByA/CYXVl7FR6s0/poppytagdetail2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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Next, I stamped the poppies and leaves on a small piece of watercolor paper using a masking technique. I colored these as well. Then I layered the cut flowers using <a href="http://www.plaidonline.com/all-night-media-embellishments-pop-dots/1/73dot/product.htm" target="_blank">Pop Dots</a> and <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWEB/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=104430" target="_blank">Dimensionals</a>. Pop Dots are much thicker so this gave different levels of depth to the flowers. I adhered this piece on the tag over additional stamped poppies.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KW-ulXKHEUY/URh9OarpQPI/AAAAAAAAByI/fWojb3lHD_I/s1600-h/poppytagdetail%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="12 Tags of 2013 - February" border="0" height="204" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h4yyOQfVZxs/URh9PF1QQvI/AAAAAAAAByQ/58W4l3_ewg0/poppytagdetail_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="204" /></a>Along the bottom of the tag I ran a piece of olive cardstock through my <a href="http://www..sizzix.com/" target="_blank">Big Shot</a> using an embossing folder. Since I don’t have any <a href="http://www.coredinations.com/" target="_blank">Coredinations</a> I brushed over the raised areas with a black ink pad. I also stamped the word “poppies” on the tag.<br />
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For the little embellishment, I found a little metal tag and glued a piece of blue-stained cardstock to it. Then I added the word “live” to it and poured <a href="http://rangerink.com/?product=inkssentials%E2%84%A2-glossy-accents%E2%84%A2" target="_blank">Glossy Accents</a> over it. Lastly, I added a bit of black ribbon to the tag.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5e1RK_HtW1E/URh9P1K3iGI/AAAAAAAAByY/f0AAyh7anMo/s1600-h/poppytag2%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="12 Tags of 2013 - February" border="0" height="220" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-90YgrCAKkBM/URh9QQhMUyI/AAAAAAAAByg/Ab66uz81LUU/poppytag2_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a><br />
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I grow poppies in a large half barrel on my back patio. I love them! Do you have poppies in your garden?<br />
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Thanks for visiting! <br />DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-9943277925592616992013-02-03T22:57:00.000-08:002013-02-03T22:57:00.292-08:00Pretty little candle<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6LFQEpZjDOY/UQ4Jf3DV75I/AAAAAAAABws/BD4LpJGtAP4/s1600-h/glitter-bottle-candle1%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="candle redo" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ipW_0kZKhjQ/UQ4JgbvQeHI/AAAAAAAABw0/gvgAoEQtNyc/glitter-bottle-candle1_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="229" /></a>This started out as a Christmas candle. Frosted glass with a bright red Christmas tree on it. Cute, but doesn’t really match my décor. I thought about giving it to Goodwill, and it even made it to the donation bag a few times. My lovely little Charlotte likes to play in the hall closet where I keep the donation bag and that is how this candle kept finding it’s way back into the house. It must have really wanted to stay here. And if it was going to stay, then it needed a redo!<br />
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I cut a piece of music paper to fit then tore the edges. I sprayed it with water and added a little color with sprays and ink and watercolors. After it dried, I sponged the edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink. Before adhering it to the candle I scraped the red tree off as much as I could.<br />
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To embellish, I tied a piece of Baja Breeze seam binding and tucked in a key that I’ve had around for sometime.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-90Grqyzkp6I/UQ4JglSaD-I/AAAAAAAABw8/pWJL5B9Q9f8/s1600-h/glitter-bottle-candle2%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="glitter bottle and candle" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-814ZcFqJXk8/UQ4JhJmm-aI/AAAAAAAABxE/MjdzLCyzuAs/glitter-bottle-candle2_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="229" /></a>As long as I was sprucing up the candle I thought I would fix up this Starbuck’s Frappuccino bottle Emily saved for me. I mixed ModPodge and light blue paint and put on two good coats. While still wet, I covered with glitter.<br />
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The bird is painted and stamped and sponged. Then I added a vintage button, a ribbon rose and a pearl. And a little bit of twine around the top. Pretty!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ADD_Kz_IDcc/UQ4JhvZAzzI/AAAAAAAABxM/1RjTriegC9w/s1600-h/glitter-bottle-candle3%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="glitter bottle and candle" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1Qtteb0d60Q/UQ4JiJK1UJI/AAAAAAAABxU/jrWQA0egqJg/glitter-bottle-candle3_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="229" /></a>Now these lovelies are sitting on top of my escritoire next to<br />
a light blue vase filled with dried Hydrangeas.<br />
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Have you ever rescued one of your own Goodwill donations?<br />
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Thanks for visiting! <br />
DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-28741502866681731272013-02-02T20:46:00.000-08:002013-02-02T21:00:00.781-08:00Rain, splendid rainOk, I really don’t love the rain. In the Pacific Northwest, rain has become like white noise to me. It’s cold and dreary and by the time May rolls around I don’t think I can stand another day of it. I remember growing up in the Southwest. We had the most glorious thunderstorms, warm rain, walking in the puddles, the smell of wet earth. I might have to do another art journal page now that I’ve pulled those long-ago memories back up.<br />
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I discovered this blog, <a href="http://oneyearartjournal.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Year in the Life of an Art Journal</a>, last December. I really like their <a href="http://oneyearartjournal.blogspot.com/2013/01/monday-mugshot-collaboration.html" target="_blank">plan</a> for this year. The idea is that whether you are a photographer or an art journalist, at the end of the year you will have a coffee table book full of your art.<br />
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The <a href="http://oneyearartjournal.blogspot.com/2013/01/monday-mugshot-collaboration-jan-15th.html" target="_blank">first prompt</a> for January was resolutions or your one word for the year. My art didn’t look blogworthy. The <a href="http://oneyearartjournal.blogspot.com/2013/01/monday-mugshots-collaboration-jan-30th.html" target="_blank">second prompt</a> was rain… the gal who writes the blog lives in the Pacific Northwest too, heeheehee. So here is my art…<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nXfI9jiUAuQ/UQ3qmM_QQoI/AAAAAAAABwA/PIrznDm9oX0/s1600-h/rain1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-e9SKZlRYuNQ/UQ3qmg6gV6I/AAAAAAAABwI/P-d_qmHSau4/rain1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA" width="364" /></a><br />
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For the background, I used Tumbled Glass distress stain, then I sprinkled water and dripped distress ink and alcohol inks. I also sprinkled a couple of different colors of Perfect Pearls over it.<br />
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I cut a girl similar to the ones I made during the <a href="http://www.scarletlime.com/workshops.html" target="_blank">She Art 1</a> class. The umbrella is cut from a Gustav Klimt calendar. He is one of my most favorite artists. The rest of the papers came out of my box of scraps. The umbrella is a little wonky. first I cut the standard umbrella shape, then I decided that you should be able to see the underside, so I cut a piece for that. After I was done I realized that the front part should have been curved too. Oops!<br />
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This is the first time I’ve given my girl a face. Not easy… I’ve been practicing facial features since I’m taking the <a href="http://www.scarletlime.com/workshops.html" target="_blank">She Art 2</a> class, but still it took several times to get the face to look half way decent. So don’t look too closely!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZUrz37X0Vws/UQ3qnnYpwjI/AAAAAAAABwQ/iH02hkOOLAg/s1600-h/rain2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zH8Eo9SKJoI/UQ3qoEHZBkI/AAAAAAAABwY/cOSewv8gjHY/rain2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA" width="364" /></a><br />
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So tell me, how do you feel about the rain???<br />
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Thanks for visiting! <br />
DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-39136206494415519062013-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:002013-02-01T00:00:08.954-08:00My living canvas–week 2<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0tTbetGtxWg/UQnoWA5i4vI/AAAAAAAABvE/gsjevJfTaJ8/s1600-h/week2a%25255B28%25255D.jpg"><img alt="My living canvas - week 2" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Mc7atRqlJ3k/UQnoW-mxoBI/AAAAAAAABvM/DAe_bE8LZAI/week2a_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="454" /></a><br />
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Week two is all about finding balance between the six main areas of your life: family, friends, faith, fun, fitness, and finances.<br />
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Three of them I am great at; the other three, not so much…<br />
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For me, balancing life is like juggling, only there are way too many balls in the air and I don’t juggle well! Another aspect is that I think it’s easy to get in a rut and focus on the parts of my life that I enjoy or, at least, are easy to manage and let the other aspects languish.<br />
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When I was creating this layout in my journal, I really wanted to have a simple “action plan” that I could rely on now, next month, or even next year.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xiI1SdY-E20/UQnoXzsNf_I/AAAAAAAABvU/0L20iuV-hfQ/s1600-h/week2b%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="My living canvas - week 2" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZgFJBkiuC5w/UQnoYZpKBtI/AAAAAAAABvc/J6TJKfn-Dz4/week2b_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="454" /></a><br />
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I don’t super love the overall color of this page. I’m not really a yellow person so why did I pick that color as a base??? Hmmm, weird. Anyway, the technique that <a href="http://www.christytomlinson.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Christy</a> taught was fun: layering a stencil over a stencil and spraying with a mist. You can really see it best here… I cut different sized circles out of a manila folder and layered that with different pattern stencils. Then I started spraying!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kvyXz_YzG7E/UQnoY1Ij92I/AAAAAAAABvk/c82ptWiQLSI/s1600-h/week2c%25255B6%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="My living canvas - week 2" border="0" height="154" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X_9IW6yI36o/UQnoZRXG3bI/AAAAAAAABvs/vaxg8ZhhgpY/week2c_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="154" /></a>I pulled out a stamp set called <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/" target="_blank">Circle Circus</a> – perfect!!! – and used black archival ink. The white circles were made by dipping the end of a toilet paper roll in paint. I finger-painted the purple circles and I couldn’t resist dabbing a little blue through some punchinella.<br />
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My action items for each subject area are printed on a transparency. I dabbed a little <a href="http://www.rangerink.com/" target="_blank">Picket Fence distress stain</a> on the backside and then adhered them to the page. I didn’t want to print on paper because I wanted to see through them a bit.<br />
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I am really enjoying the process of just creating and letting the page evolve. Learning techniques and experimenting is really cool!<br />
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Do you have some favorite techniques that you use often?<br />
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Thanks for visiting! <br />DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-82533495101215279152013-01-30T19:37:00.000-08:002013-01-30T19:37:40.117-08:00Owls, owls, and more owls!Are you loving all the owls out there? At first I was so not going there. Owls? Really? But there are some super stinkin’ cute owls out there – décor, paper, fabric, pillows – owls are everywhere and they are so fun!<br />
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So, of course, a couple of owls made it into my Christmas gift making…<br />
<h5>
Kelsie’s owl</h5>
Have you heard of Scherenschnitte? It’s papercutting. Generally with scissors. It’s also usually very delicate. I got into it several years ago and made some really cool paper cuts. Anyway, I saw something somewhere (probably <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>) that inspired me to do an owl for my friend Jennifer’s daughter Kelsie. Kelsie is a high school freshmen so I knew I could not make her anything that looked childish. Creating a paper-cut seemed like it would fit the bill. I decided that I would use a canvas instead of paper.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dAycD9sMkcQ/UQNF_z86TcI/AAAAAAAABrU/7JroHKQ1hnE/s1600-h/cut-canvas-owl7.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Cut canvas owl" border="0" height="191" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2l5E4U933po/UQNGAu-bCbI/AAAAAAAABrc/8g2PKWKWB6U/cut-canvas-owl_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="244" /></a>I found a drawing of an owl that I could trace as a pattern for cutting out. Then I gesso’d the back of a 12x12 canvas for ease of cutting plus I was afraid that as I cut the canvas it would unravel or fray. Next, I transferred the pattern onto it. I carefully cut out the owl. After it was done I decided that I wanted to do some water-coloring on the front so I gesso’d that too.<br />
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Word to the wise… gesso both sides of the canvas before cutting!!! As it dried the canvas curled and stretched a little so there were a few spots that tore. I was able to do some repair so that you can’t really tell. I felt lucky that I didn’t ruin the whole thing!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Bij8fIgsGeo/UQNGBPgYzAI/AAAAAAAABrk/nrTL6ppqCQU/s1600-h/cut-canvas-owl-1.jpg"><img align="right" alt="cut canvas owl" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Bq5le4Y1Mq0/UQNGBieCc5I/AAAAAAAABrs/AcKjBMRXT5c/cut-canvas-owl-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="304" /></a>Next, I water-colored the owl plus branches and leaves. Blue sponging around the edges and a coat of clear spray sealer were the final steps on the front side. Finally I added a piece of cardstock to the backside to give the canvas a little stability.<br />
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I love how it turned out. What do you think?<br />
<h5>
Charlotte’s owl</h5>
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ekZib7pHlSM/UQNGCC0e0dI/AAAAAAAABr0/FaLpbHP0J-w/s1600-h/target-owl-wallhanging3.jpg"><img align="right" alt="target owl wall hanging" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-h7SnfYvmX3w/UQNGCVwujYI/AAAAAAAABr8/TGGIeXFgvCw/target-owl-wallhanging_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com " width="184" /></a>Target has this super cute bedding and accessories set called "Love n Nature". When I saw it I just couldn’t resist buying the bedding for Charlotte’s crib and the pillow and the mushroom night light.<br />
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I really liked the wall hanging as well but I knew that I could make something very similar for a lot less. In fact, I had everything that I needed to create it.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_wOSgToCr0A/UQNGDPpmFgI/AAAAAAAABsE/5xnf9aztxHA/s1600-h/charlotte-owls%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Owls for Charlotte" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8P1r6U4aD-s/UQNGEbYuS-I/AAAAAAAABsM/bGgcemmZKlY/charlotte-owls_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="347" /></a><br />
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The base coat is a warm pink that I mixed up. I added the tree limbs using a couple of . The owls, leaves, and hearts are all paper pieced using paper scraps. I added a little outlining and sparkle too. The canvas board that I used was 16”x20”.<br />
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From Charlotte’s perspective, she probably doesn’t even notice it but I had fun making it and it really fits her new room décor.<br />
<h5>
My owl</h5>
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E3biZ4_FFiM/UQNGE1_g1DI/AAAAAAAABsU/yWivJ65rdZU/s1600-h/owl-before9.jpg"><img align="right" alt="owl-before" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B9PH9a_hOW0/UQNGFS3nvoI/AAAAAAAABsc/lx-wii3w1mA/owl-before_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="175" /></a>I made this owl in October, I think. I bought this wooden owl at Target in the super cheap section. It was $2.50 and not very eye-catching (or at least not eye-catching in a good way). At the time I didn’t know why I even grabbed it. In the end I wish that I had bought several!<br />
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My plan was to cover it with paper. You know, dress it up a little. He needed some real help…<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jLCg_PoscSw/UQNGFnQrkUI/AAAAAAAABsk/fRjdeYq9BqE/s1600-h/owl-after.jpg"><img align="left" alt="wood owl - after" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5tN8GjOccBo/UQNGGMOKOiI/AAAAAAAABso/wCIQcskOWxc/owl-after_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="254" /></a><br />
This photo doesn’t really do it justice. This little owl turned out fabulous! It’s covered with scrap patterned paper, doily pieces, ribbon, paint, glitter, crackle paint, ink, and a smidge of glitter.<br />
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Mr. Owl is perfect for Halloween so he’ll come out for a visit every Fall. <br />
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Are you a fan of owls?<br />
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Happy crafting! <br />
DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-32381868522453034462013-01-26T21:52:00.000-08:002013-01-26T21:52:02.812-08:0012 Tags of 2013 - JanuaryDo you just love <a href="http://www.timholtz.com/" target="_blank">Tim Holtz</a>???? His creativity is really impressive. The new release… sigh… I “need” it all, plus the winning lottery numbers so I can quit my day job and spend all my time in the craft room playing.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OXQ3gOp6Zgc/UQNzaEG_h-I/AAAAAAAABts/oESv_uq6cbg/s1600-h/2013-jan-tag%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="12 Tags of 2013 - January" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zK3KXlxE7xs/UQNza9g5PJI/AAAAAAAABt0/WyzVtVUafWo/2013-jan-tag_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="772" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 4px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="388" /></a></div>
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In the past I’ve made a tag or two during the 12 Tags of Christmas gig that he used to do. About a year or so ago, he changed it to a tag a month throughout the year. This year I am going to follow along as much as I can. <br />
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Generally, I don’t have all the products but I am pretty good at substituting. And sometimes, the things Tim is demonstrating are so cool that I have to rush out and just buy them, heeheehee!<br />
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I only have Kraft tags right now so I used one as a pattern to cut this out of white cardstock. The embossing folder that I used is an old one from ProvoCraft. It has delicate branches and little birds. <br />
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Using a blending tool, I blended <a href="http://rangerink.com/" target="_blank">Ranger’s</a> Peeled Paint, Tumbled Glass, Tattered Rose, Frayed Burlap, and Dusty Concord distress inks over the tag. I’m getting a lot better at this blending thing!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XHo3UyB8DPo/UQNzcOVftSI/AAAAAAAABt8/ppqdMv1yH4o/s1600-h/2013-jan-tag-1%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="12 Tags of 2013 - January" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zQzVUbswEQc/UQNzc6koVmI/AAAAAAAABuE/8W304yECClE/2013-jan-tag-1_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="229" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a></div>
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The birds and branches are punched out of <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/" target="_blank">Stampin’ Up</a>’s Confetti White cardstock with their Bird Punch. I sprayed the birds with Tumbled Glass ink mixed with Blue Smoke Perfect Pearls and the branches with Peeled Paint ink. It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to stamp on the Baja Breeze seam binding. I finally decided on a strip of music, a stamp from the Nature’s Pace set. The crochet ribbon is from Stampin’ Up as well.<br />
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The quote towards the bottom of the tag is out of the Spring set from <a href="http://www.mftstamps.com/" target="_blank">My Favorite Things</a>. It’s a pretty set with birds and trees and nests.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dGPt8cyUo_k/UQNzdQ_CFTI/AAAAAAAABuo/-J3BCPyo1dI/s1600-h/2013-jan-tag-2%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="12 Tags of 2013 - January" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CE_VVwl6Qrs/UQNzd5VOPfI/AAAAAAAABus/omi-2WCaiQg/2013-jan-tag-2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="229" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" width="364" /></a></div>
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The last little bits are a piece of ephemera, a sweet little bird house charm, and a beautiful paperclip. You can just barely see the music notes stamped in Tattered Rose over the words “be true.” I’ve been gathering a nice collection of ephemera and charms. When my favorite scrapbooking shop was open, Denise had lots of it and I couldn’t resist picking up some on every visit. <br />
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Are you joining in with Tim Holtz’s 12 Tags of 2013?<br />
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Thanks for visiting! <br />
DesireeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621689292648718362.post-80950498767905437552013-01-25T19:05:00.001-08:002013-01-25T19:06:06.689-08:00Warm scarf and wristlets<p>My daughter, Lilly, moved to Wyoming and is now freezing her little tushy off. So I thought I would whip out my knitting needles and knit a scarf and fingerless gloves as one of her Christmas gifts. It’s been a LONG time since I’ve attempted knitting anything and it wasn’t long before I realized that crocheting was the way to go on this project.</p> <p>I did a bunch of searching online before I settled on this <a href="http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/lacy-bobble-scarf-and-wristlets" target="_blank">pattern</a> on the Red Heart Web site. Then I found a nice purple yarn on sale (score!) at Craft Warehouse  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-T3vcFzqUNA8/UQNH8NADLXI/AAAAAAAABtA/c9FMRQAkLcI/s1600-h/scarf-wristlets.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="www.desiree-at-play.blogspot.com" border="0" alt="scarf and wristlets" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WVaTrhYSwEk/UQNH8uVo8QI/AAAAAAAABtI/LvDbZVRczTU/scarf-wristlets_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="274" /></a></p> <p>The pattern was ranked as easy and I liked the design. Instead of fingerless gloves, the pattern was for wristlets. I actually messed up a little on the pattern – it’s been years since I’ve picked up a crochet hook. Even though I watched a bunch of YouTube videos, I missed the difference between single and double crochet stitches. Yikes! Luckily you can’t really tell that I didn’t completely follow the pattern. </p> <p>I also made her a set of heart-shaped hand warmers. I found the idea on <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/121949102379518129/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. They were so cute that I made a set for Emily and the boyfriends, Kyle and Tyler. They are wool felt, filled with rice. I machine stitched them together and then went around the edge with a blanket stitch using embroidery floss.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Uncfd-O7cwE/UQNH9Nzv2qI/AAAAAAAABtQ/y-kFt9V0udQ/s1600-h/handwarmers%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" alt="SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qh2T3UwyeC0/UQNH9kA2pbI/AAAAAAAABtY/DyhlmXYxgqU/handwarmers_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="287" /></a></p> <p>Lil told me that the scarf and wristlets are really warm and she uses them all the time. She wears them with a white coat – I bet that looks striking!</p> <p>Do you knit or crochet? What do you enjoy making?</p> <p>Happy crafting!</p> <p>Desiree</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912640100800197316noreply@blogger.com0