Kodak Slide Frames Recycled

I had fun covering these Kodak slides to make frames for putting on cards, collages, atc's etc.
The bottom two were covered with aluminum tape then done with alcohol inks. Stamped with a permanent ink before rubbing away the ink, which then left a design on the alcohol ink. I used various tools to make a emboss design at random. Background design can be found at my Rustic Pixel Background Blog.

Card Keeper with Ribboned Closure

Made this for a friend when she lost her Dad. I intended for her to put the sympathy cards in each pocket. I also made a couple signatures out of card stock so she could add her own pictures and memories. On the edges of the pockets I glued or stitched a fuzzy trim to add a finish and prevent paper cuts when putting paper in and out of pocket. She is very creative and hoping to see what all she does with it. This would be a great idea for a new baby as a shower gift. The mom can add baby's cards and photos and they will all be in one place. Another suggestion is grad, special anniversaries etc. The first ones I made I would fill with greeting cards that I designed and would place 5 cards of different occasions in each pocket and present the entire package. It makes a lovely gift that is useful. Without making the cards to insert it takes approximately 5 hours. The ribbon bow enclosure sets it off and almost doesn't need to be wrapped. Watch for more .... coming soon!

Heart from my doodling pink paint background

Used the background ( see my other blog: http://rusticpixelbackgrounds.blogspot.com/ ) What more can I say with a quote like that!

Alphabet storage using a CD case

This is a storage idea using a CD case for those little things like die cut letters and numbers etc. Had some fun first decorating a sheet of 1/4 inch foam core. I took some colored pens and made designs at random. (If you don't want to make your own designs with pens try stamping an allover design or glue on a sheet of paper from your scapbook and card making supplies.) I added some glue glitter. After it all dried I measured off 1/4 inch then took a cutter and cut strips on a cutting mat. I then measured and glued them into the cd case making compartments for my letters, numbers or die cuts etc. I have designated a cd case for each alphabet letter. I love being organized. This way when I am doing a project and need them I grab the box A for example and choose the letter suited to my designs. Remember your imagination is the only limitation when creating these storage containers. Have fun! Warning: to do the full alphabet it will take some time but you will be so glad when it's done.

My First ATC'S

My first Artist Trading Cards!

I have submitted these for a ATC Swap this weekend. Sometimes I find these little works of my art hard to part with ( as much as my larger pieces.) But I also like the thought that I will exchange for something different.

I have started another Blog! This one is for the backgrounds I have been creating with paint; some have been digitally altered. Please feel free to have a look and download any of them. Have fun - use in collages, altered art, ATC's, decoupage, greeting cards, digital scrapbooking, tags, use in your favorite digital imaging software. Enjoy!

Here is the link: http://rusticpixelbackgrounds.blogspot.com/

Glass vase with shells

I love shells - some of these I purchased at seaside shops in our continental travels years ago. Natures art - can't add anything to that can I!
The lace collar is very old. Taken off a garment sleeve.

Note About E-Mail

Just about every reader/viewer or blogger has an email address or more. That's good. But what isn't good is many people don't check their Spam Folder. Many a good email goes in there too! At least daily when I check for emails I also check the Spam Folder and if there is any in there that are wanted I make sure they get marked "this is not spam". My reason for posting this is over the last month or so I have sent lots of emails from a Blogs Profile page and did not get a reply. I'm certain it's got something to do with Anti-Spam. Some email providers will delete all spam after 30 days. In order for this social network to really work we must look after our emails. You could be missing something nice! I have lots of times emailed someone and put a compliment in the email. Not always do I want to use the Comment option for certain questions etc. The criteria set for Spam is often faulty - putting legitimate emails in the Spam Folder. When I first started I probably missed a few "wanted" emails too because I was not aware of how it works. Hope this can help!

Altered Rose Greeting Card

I'm smiling as I post this one. "Careful what you give someone - you may get it back." This past summer a close friend turned 65 so I made a Card Keeper * for her and filled it with my own designed cards. This rose card was one of the cards. Then on my birthday a couple of weeks ago I received this card in the mail from my friend. I was delighted and am enjoying it again!
I took the picture of the rose then altered it in Photoshop.
* Watch in the near future for pictures of some of the Card Keepers that I have made. These make awesome gifts if you like working with paper like I do.

Stencilled and applied 2 golds to get this look on a mirror.
Isn't wonderful (thanks to Blogger.com) and the internet that we can connect to areas/interests in our life with that of our fellow Artisans etc. Over the last year I have been seeing the creativity of others that has stirred my creative juices to overflowing. Sometimes the ideas just flow and when that happens I am known to capture the idea in a notebook wherever I happen to be resting. Notice I said "resting" - this is when I can imagine ideas to try when I'm stretched out reading one of my favorite craft magazines. Due to some health issues I must take a rest break after lunch and supper and the time is sweet because it's here and now that I gather creative energy for these projects. Often I will see an idea in a craft or decorating magazine and it will give me a idea for a totally different project. One other of my favorite sayings "you give me the spark (idea) and I will make the fire (next design project)."