Loving Mixed Media

Lately I've been trying to work on projects for pictures I don't want to put in a scrapbook on a shelf.  So, I decided to jump into the world of mixed media.  Since I've always used different textures, and lots of embellishments on my pages it was time to raise the bar.  I must say the distressing and the ink are very scary.  Once it done there's no going back, but it has been a lot of fun.

The picture I used was purchased at an art show. It immediately caught my eye, and it needed more than just a frame. I love how this turned out.

I used a 12x12 canvas that I inked with shades of blue, red, and yellow Distress Inks then added the photo corners, both by Tim Holtz.  The flowers and bling are Prima, the key and charm are Graphic 45. 

MCT Designer Challenge

The summer theme for this challenge was timed perfectly since I just completed a shadow box using our family portrait taken at the beach in Sea Isle City, NJ.  This is one of my first attempts at mixed media, and it turned out better than I thought it would.

I wanted the photo to look distressed to go with the background paper, so I used a wire brush and a distressing tool around the edges. And yes, since this picture was taken by a photographer I sat looking at it for a long time before taking a wire brush, and distressing tool to it. I'm not quite sure what I would have done if it didn't turn out well since it was the only copy I had.

The "sand" at the bottom of the frame is torn sandpaper from my husband's tool stash.

The hardest part for me was finding the correct adhesive to hold the non-paper items to the shadow box.  I ended up using my glue gun even though I always get glue everywhere, and burn myself.  It did the job, and I only burned one finger.

Well, onto my next project.  I think I'll use canvas this time. Thanks for visiting!!

It's All About Number 1

Wow, 2013!! Where does the time go?  Anyone making resolutions this year? I usually don't, but this year I feel the need.  My scraproom is totally out of control. I am by no means a neat freak, but this is even getting to me.  I just have too much stuff, so my resolution is two fold. 

1. When starting a new project check out what I have before going to the craft store. This will probably last until the new lines start to come out this month, but it's worth a try.
2. Get this room back in order.  This should be easier when I start number 1.

With that being said my daughter asked me to make 2 cards for a bridal shower she is attending. So today's post is all about number 1 above. I spent a couple of hours making the cards yesterday, and I didn't buy a thing. In fact the paper I used all came from my box of paper scraps.

For this one I started with a plain white card, and simply layered the flower paper on top.  After that I stamped the dress onto solid pink paper and attached it.  The dress is with Brilliance ink so it has nice shine.  The last thing I did was stamp the words Bridal Shower onto the card.  I had enough paper to make 4 of these. The other 3 are now in my card box ready to go for the next bridal shower.

The next card took me a little longer. I decided to use my Cricut to cut a wedding gown.  Once I found the cut, and the correct size I made 6 so I'd have them to use later. Again I started with a plain white card and covered the front with solid blue paper.  I attached white tulle to the skirt of the gown and used ribbon to cover the top of the tulle.  Along the top of the gown I used icicle stickles.  When everything was dry I attached it to the card using pop-up glue dots, and stamped Congratulations above it.

I'm moving on to Graduation cards now, and I just keep telling myself  "It's all about number 1".