Butterfly Queen

Practice, practice, practice!

Practice makes perfect!

As you can see (I hope!), I've been practicing.

I've been picking up new tips and tricks

of the trade as I go along.  I've received

wonderful help from Jackie, Aleesa & Gale

with shortcuts in PS, how to load new

brushes & actions to PS, and support

in continuing my newest form of art.

Gale, over at Paper Whimsy asked if I

would consider writing a tutorial from

my point of view as a beginner.  I

agreed, and Gale will be sharing it

with those that are signed up to receive

Paper Whimsy's newsletter (https://www.facebook.com/#!/paperwhimsy)

 in the next week or so.  If you're

not already signed up, head over to

Facebook and "LIKE" Paper Whimsy and

while you're there...sign up for

the newsletter.  That way

you won't miss out on my tutorial when

it's unveiled.  It will take you step-by-step

through creating a piece of digital art

and I share lots of short-cuts with you.

Hope you enjoyed Butterfly Queen, and

I hope that she inspired you to try

something new.  Whether it's Digital

Art, or something else you've always

wanted to do.

Devoted

Digital art has quickly become my

new obsession as you can all see.

I have been trying to learn new features

during each piece so that it not only is

art, but a learning experience.

One of my newest lessons was offered by

Gale Blair over at Paper Whimsy.

She offered this shortcut.  Instead of

using the dropdown box to transform

an image, she offered Ctrl-T.  Works

great and I'm so happy to add that

to the other shortcuts I use.

I decided to go a little abstract on

this piece and play with colors.

Honestly, once you start playing

with Photoshop, you won't want

to stop...and digital is a wonderful

way to get your quick fix of art

when you don't want to

make a mess.

I see that I've added some new

friends to my blog. Thanks

for stopping by and seeing

what I have to offer.  I hope

that you'll take a few minutes

to leave a comment or ask

a question about Digital Art.

Hope you find time this

weekend to art. <3 

Boys & Cogs

My Delight

Here's my digital art from this weekend.

Learned something new from a friend and

was so happy to see how easy it is to do.

I wanted to add shadows and my friend Aleesa

showed me how to do it. Who knew it was

going to be as easy as click & pick a drop down.

Oh my gosh, I'm in love!

If you haven't ever created digital art, you

must try it. It is easier than you think

and with the images I've been using from Paper

Whimsy in the Hybrid section...it's easier than

cutting out an image.

I've noticed a few more folks working on

Digital Art lately. I feel some new artwork

inspiration coming from all directions.

Hope you have a super week. I'm working

on a secret project that I hope to have done

mid-week, so you may not see anymore images

from me until later this week. Hugs!

B is for Bird

Can't help myself!

I have now spent my 7th night up late at night working

on digital art. I find myself yawning mid-day, and

wishing I had slept just a bit longer. But what's the fun

of that? I much prefer looking at art.

Tomorrow I meet up with 4 of my friends for a

weekend of art and chatting. Two will be

scrapbooking and three of us will be creating

whatever our hearts desire. You all know what my

heard desires right now. Along with Digital

art, I'll also be working on my art for our

Hugo Cabret book club. I've got a good

start on it, and might even finish it

this weekend. That would be great!

I'd be ahead of the game.

Digital Art

I have started a recent obsession with Pinterest. While searching through images in Google for Altered Art, I came across Theresa Martin's blog along with her Digital Art. I have been familiar with Theresa's artwork for a couple of years, but have never been over to her blog or website. I began perusing and found her Digital Art that was featured in one of the Stampington magazines last year. Yes, I do remember seeing it...but NOW, it left an impression on me. So much so that I felt the immediate need to attempt some myself.


I do have a limited bit of knowledge with Photoshop and have CS4. I needed to get a quick refresher course from my 20 year old daughter for some options that I knew how to use last year, but have purged since then. Off to my Paper Whimsy folder to see what I had in the Hybrids that I could utilize in my creations. Found enough glorious images that I could begin my spiral into what I like to call....obsession.


So the obsession began by sending me on over to the PW Shoppe to start stocking up on MORE images. I spent about an hour deciding which ones I wanted, and then because of a slow server...spent another 2 1/2 hours downloading them. It really shouldn't take that long...


If you don't know me...I LOVE turquoise...and I LOVE turquoise & copper. But I also like other colors that enhance the delicious color I call my current favorite. Something else you should know about me....I love

monochromatic. I could have easily used turquoise flowers (if they'd been available) and been quite content with it.

I'm also very fond of Steampunkery....so I had to create this fun little page to satisfy that whim. I love the fact that in the PW images...if you use the PNGs, you can easily copy & paste them into your image.

Each of these pieces uses PW images only. "Cogs" & "harmonious" have two layers each for backgrounds with the top layer's opacity being set much lower.

I can really see me easily spending every waking hour playing with my new found delight.


If you haven't already tried your hand at Digital Art, perhaps you now have a little confidence to make the attempt...

By the looks of things, it appears that I need to spend a little time figuring out my Blog and how to get it all pretty and such. :)

Trash to Treasure Blog Giveaway

The before and the after of Gale's & my day of garage sale hunting and creating with what we purchased.

I spent a day arting with my art buddy, Gale yesterday. She noticed that her neighborhood was having a garage sale and suggested that we take $10 and find items that we could create art with and use those items only to create something.

While I believe that I heard Gale whisper at some point that she had in mind to create an ATC, I set my mind on some sort of display/assemblage. I think BIG.

I love garage sales and I know what to walk past and where to head for those items that are art worthy. I pass all the shoes, all the clothes and all the furniture and head towards the tables in the back.

Gale and I had a blast traveling around looking for treats and trinkets. The weather was sunny, but the wind was blowing, so I ended up with a good case of wind burn on my face. But that didn't stop us from crossing from Gale's neighborhood, to another nearby...before calling it quits.

I pretty much knew what I was going to do by the time we got back to Gale's...so I was off and running from the beginning. I used all of my items except for one...the Maurice Chealier Album. I wanted to scan it before I did anything with it. It is AMAZING...and the book also has an amazing etching of Queen Elizabeth in it that I can't wait to scan.

After working for a couple of hours, we took a break for some of Philips delicious Mac & Cheese. It was so wonderful that I over ate. I couldn't help myself. And the lemon cookie that Gale mentioned is just that....Heaven.

Anyway....as Gale mentioned, we both decided that we were going to give away our creations. So if you'd like a chance at winning my little Trash to Treasure Creation.....sign up to follow my Blog (if you're already a follower you can play too)....then leave me a comment and tell me what your favorite trick is when you go to garage sales.

Oh, Marie!

Last weekend I was creating in my studio and came across a couple of Marie images and decided that I wanted to play with them. I used a background provided from one of the Stampington magazines, some mulberry paper, and a few extra images from Paper Whimsy. The final touch after putting this all together was the hints of gold leaf and the pearl center for the flower.

My friend Jackie adores Marie....so I gifted her with it last night while we meet for dinner and to catch up. She's also an excellent artist, but I can't seem to get her involved in any of my groups yet.

I'm enjoying the weather here in Indiana this week....rather warm and enjoyable for this time of year. Hope you're all enjoying the same weather.

Whimsy Word Journal Swap

Over at Paper Whimsy Land I'm hosting a swap to create hand-made journals. I originally was going to host an altered composition book swap, but then Gale saw the hand-made journals in Cloth Paper Scissors (which I had seen too) and suggested that we try those. So, this is what I came up.

I found wonderful pain chips at Walmart and decided that I would create my journals using them. I could pick the colors I wanted, and had the stability of a thicker cardstock. On two of them I used the strip pain chips and on the first journal I made, I used a beautiful piece of Mulberry paper I've had for years.

Each of these books has composition book paper in them...but I'm thinking of creating another one with "other" paper. Not sure what...but I'm thinking.

These journals are SOoooo easy to make. REALLY! If you don't want to hand stitch the binding, you could use a sewing machine...or even use rivots and ribbon to attach them.

I hope you'll head on over to Paper Whimsy and join me in the swap. While there is only 1 spot left...I'm sure that we can convince Gale that we need to add a second group!

Altered Composition Books & Journals

Over a month ago, I started noticing altered journals, and decided to have my hand at a couple of them. Every once in awhile I'll find a clerance sale that I just can't pass up, and I'm sure this journal was one of them. The journal has blank pages and has an elastic band that goes around the front of the book.

I took some mulberry paper that I've had for about 20 years and ripped it to the right size to use for the binding on this book. I ran it through the Xyron machine first and CAREFULLY pulled it away from the wax paper. This doesn't always work, as the mulberry paper is very fragile...so just be careful when taking it off.

I used Punchinella to add some interest to the material on the journal and used some Paper Whimsy images to embellish the cover with.

Don't forget to add fibers and charms. They add fun and whimsy to any creation.

Copper Triptych

This is my Copper Tag Triptych that I made for a Paper Whimsy swap. I've never made one before, but I've seen them and thought they were very neat. I set out today to work on another project, but while it was drying...I decided to work on this one. A little more time consuming, but the finished product I was very pleased with.

While you could use one larger sized tag in the middle and two slightly smaller ones on either side...I went with all three the same.

A friend of mine was over last weekend and had some sheets of copper with her. I had an embosser with several embossing patterns, so she borrowed them and rolled us each a set of the patterns. They were still laying out on my desk...and because I'm quite partial to copper, I decided to try to make the center tag copper. I did lots of planning and laying out, and switching around this afternoon.

The copper tag in the middle was cut to size and I adhered it to the tag by running the copper sheet through the Xyron machine. Worked beautifully! After I was satisfied with the lay-out of everything, I decided that I was going to try out the Alcohol Inks I've had for a very long time and never tried. Guess I was too chicken. I practiced on a small piece of copper and found that they were pretty easy to use. While the ink I added is subtle, I'll maybe try to be a little more bold next time. I used the colors Mushroom & Eggplant.

Most of the flowers were attached with copper colored rivets...just to keep that touch of copper going throughout the Triptych. Added several other little touches of copper to bring the three tags together. Even though this piece is not monochromatic...it's the same family of colors. I REALLY love playing with colors, and have found by experimenting this year...that I must have an eye for color combinations. Things that I wouldn't have normally put together, I'm finding I rather like.

I attached the three tags together at the sides by putting in copper rivets, and then using contrasting ribbon to tie them together.

I hope whoever ends up getting this will like it...because right now, I'd like to keep it!

Small Heart Book Swap

Started another Heart Book Swap, but this book is smaller than the last. The first one I worked on was 6" x 6"...this one is 4" x 4" and is a cute little size.

The theme for this one was hearts...and the color Nancy picked was red. As you can see...I can't help throwing a little of my favorite turquoise in too.

I started out with a Maya Row chipboard heart book and took pink and mauve pins and pushed them in all the way around the heart.

I then took one of my newest scrapbook papers and cut them to size to paste on both sides of the heart. I used my Xyron machine to make this happen. I inked and chalked the edges.

I used Paper Whimsy images for both sides of the heart and added trim and blooms to enhance the images.

The first side I titled "Keep your hearts close, but your purse closer". Tee! Hee!

Art of My Dad

I've had this photo of my dad and his brother for several years. Many years ago I made a pillow out of the image. I think it is so sweet and when I look at it, I see how much I looked like my dad when I was that age.

This helps me stay grounded. Reminding me of when life was more simple as a kid. I wanted to make each creation unique, so they're all different.

I've used images from Paper Whimsy and Artchix to enhance each of my creations. It's always fun to create with both of their lines. They both offer unique items and are different from each other's products.

Thank you for sharing with me.

A Nest of Fairie Eggs

As you've read...I love a deal. This weekend was fruitful, even though I only spent about $5.

See this cute little next...well I actually got four of them just alike and they were brand new. I paid $1 for all of them. I decided that I wanted to have a little fairie standing in the middle of the eggs, and this little Paper Whimsy girl was a perfect addition to the nest. I added some wings to her, and a colorful silk bow. You'll notice some tatting at the bottom of her dress. This is some vintage tatting that a friend of mine brought me from a big antique show she visited in Ohio earlier this summer.

One last thing to note is her wand. Again...a deal! This is a bobby pen with a star on the end of it that I got at a garage sale for 10 cents. I knew that I would someday use it for a wand. I cut half of the pen off so that she only had one stick. I then cut her hand away from the rest of her and put the wand under her hand for deminsion. Isn't she adorable?

My New Compact

I've been thinking about this project for awhile, which made the process so much easier this evening. I got three projects done this evening...and I'm very happy with all three.

I found this old compact at an antique store earlier this year for $5 with the idea that I'd make art with it.

Today was the day...I came home and got busy....first I decided upon the main image and then started adding details. I used a braided trim inside the powder area and secured it with E6000. The metal ribbon on the mirror is also secured with E6000...I love that stuff. I'm already almost through the second tube of it this year. Two items I really love here is the Cameo in the lower right hand corner. I found this little lady at a garage sale last weekend. It was actually part of a broken pendant. Right below the Paper Whimsy girl's chin (she's one of my favorites), you'll see another great little gold piece...this was also part of the pendant. Did I mention I paid 50 cents for it. I love deals like this. Wouldn't this be fun to do for a Swap??

Rolodex Cards

These are four of the rolodex cards I made for a swap over at Paper Whimsy. This is the second Swap we've had with these cards. I made 8 the first time...and this time I made 8 more. These cards are two sided. most of the detail is on the front with less detail on the back and room about me, the artist.

I took my Rolodex to work with my art....and I also use it to keep business cards...so I get to look at the art all day!

Let's Go Green

Over at Paper Whimsy I'm participating in a Swap/Challenge by using "green" items. I'm still working on the first piece...but this one came to me, and I had to work on it right away.

My "green" items used here are: a page out of a book from the early 1900's, a used match, a CD sleeve, a zipper toggle, my name ripped from an envelope addressed to me, the lid off a container from a gumball machine.

I really like how this one turned out. If you look closely at the title this will all pull together for you. I really wanted to put the zipper on her mouth, but I restrained myself.

This was a fun excersize. Now, to finish my other project tomorrow.

What I'm currently working on

While at the cabin, I've started working on a project that is due this Friday. I'm a bit behind, so now I'm having to make up for lost time.


This project is a Paper Whimsy project that is all about going GREEN. So, for awhile I've been collecting items that I might use to create whatever it is that I'm creating. Right now, I'm in the laying it all out stage. I have a backing that is currently drying that you won't see in this picture. It's a pizza box, with a dryer sheet glued onto it. I plan to add some paint and embellishments to it when it's ready. What you see to the left started out as a part of a flyer from a "Victoria Secret" mailing. The cutie is hiding the bra wearing girl in boots from the ad. I added the wings to her to help conceal...the girl behind. The bottom left hand corner has a new sticker that is covering the prices from the flyer. Some of the other recycled items that I'll be using in this creation is the mini drink umbrella, the tag at the upper left hand that was a price tag off a piece of clothing, that will pull from behind the flyer. The tab at the top, is a tag that I clipped out of the back of the shirt the price tag came from. You'll also notice some bubble wrap, postage stamps, and some poppy seed heads. I have a few more things I may or may not add....it just depends what it all looks like when I start gluing it all down. I'm liking the colors so far. How about you?

Memorial Day Canvas Shrine

While making my shrines for the swap over at Paper Whimsy, I came up with this idea to use the poppy that I got earlier in the day at the store. I loved the color of the poppy and had originally wanted to use a turquoise to accent it...but found these PW images and really loved the colors.

Just feeling a bit proud of what our servicemen and women have done for our country and wanted to add it to some of my art.

Thank you to those who have or are serving.

PW Tussie Mussie

I signed up to participate in Paper Whimsy's Tussie Mussie Swap and got Peggy Gatto's name! Yippee!!

I picked out the pattern I was going to use right away, but then I needed to wait until my order of flowers came from PW.

While visiting Nashville yesterday, I visited a WONDERFUL little store down there. I found all kinds of goodies to buy and added a few of them to Peggy's TM...hope she likes the extra treats INSIDE of the TM.

I used lots of items I already had on hand too. The large pink flower is one that I already had at home. I is a pin. I stuffed the cone with pink easter grass to give it body and to stick the flowers into.

Hope Peggy likes it!