Monday, December 24, 2012

My new art studio circa 2013

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It' funny how you can live some place for many years and yet it always looks different. I live on 5 acres in the middle of nowhere off of a dirt road. I guess you could say its quite secluded.lol I have lived here for about 14 years and now is the time that I have decided to build my own studio on the property. I have toyed with the idea of renting a place and opening a shop, I have toyed with the idea of buying another piece of property to put a studio on but in the long run I love where I live and I love to create where I live. So what better place to put my very own studio but on my own land. It will only be a minute away from the house and if I want to wear my PJ's who is going to see me. Of course when I have retreats and open houses I will have to actually get dressed.lol Below are 2 pics of what will be soon be the site of my new studio. I think I have decided on a size and its going to be 16 feet wide by 40 feet long. The area gets full sun, which is perfect for a studio (and lots of flowers). I am still deciding on how many windows to put in. I am so excited to see where this will lead, I have alot of goals for 2013 and one of them is building the studio and sharing it with you and all my friends around the world. So come back and see the progress of my studio and I hope when its all built you will get to join me for a little creating. Wishing you all a very happy holiday season and new year full of dreams and possibilities. 







Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Mixed Media Wall Art Vintage Look

I love the look of vintage, worn and loved items. Clearly I am not the only one as more and more people are creating using old found objects. This was the feel I was going for with this piece with a modern twist. I used some elements from the Dreaming kit  http://craftylink.com/page/monthly-kit
some old lace I picked up at a garage sale, some die cut snowflakes I cut apart, markers.a couple of pieces of printed fabric, a stencil, some paint and a little bling to top it off. I still need to add some ribbon to hang it with but I have to find the right one to compliment it. I often work in stages, some pieces take me weeks to complete and some just a few days. This piece evolved over a couple of days until I was happy with it. I will post a photo when I find the ribbon so you can see the completed piece.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Fun Christmas tags I made

I have been making tags to add to gifts that I give this holiday season. I am trying some new things this year. Here are a few of the Christmas tags I made, they were fun and easy to make.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Video Tutorial on Transferring onto fabric and paper with Magic Transfer Paper

Now you can use Magic Transfer Paper on almost any substrate to produce beautiful image transfers in very little time! For image transfers on paper, canvas, fabric and raw polymer clay all you do is print your image (backwards) onto the paper using a LASER printer (we take it to Office Max, Office Depot, or Kinkos and advise them that it is vellum) and then cut out your image. On paper and fabric you need a medium and we've tested them all- guess what? Good old Elmer's glue works just great! Also gel mediums, fabric mediums, matte and gloss medium...basically anything sticky will work. You can do it on a transparency using gel medium then peel it off. For clay you just stick it on, no medium. We have other videos on how to do that. You can watch the video below. 





You can purchase Magic Transfer paper at this link http://emeraldearthdesigns.blogspot.com/p/magic-transfer-paper.html



These are some of the Monday linky parties I participate in.
http://www.skiptomylou.org
http://www.thediyshowoff.com
http://www.craft-o-maniac.com
http://www.brassyapple.com
http://www.thegirlcreative.com
http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com
http://www.sewcando.com
http://www.sarhnddipities.blogspot.com


Sunday, November 4, 2012

Opportunity to get a free Dream digital kit

Things Crafty is working with Totally Tutorials on their exchange program which you can check out at this link  http://totallytutorials.blogspot.com/p/exchange-program.html




We will provide up to 10 artists with our Dreaming Digital Kit FREE, in exchange for creating a tutorial using the kit. This beautiful kit has over 50 pages to use while designing your tutorial.

You can make anything from jewelry to furniture, the sky is the limit, but please be creative! Does this sound like something you want to be a part of? If so then you can e-mail us at thingscrafty@gmail.com
Please put Totally Tutorials in the subject line when applying. Please send at least 2 photos but no more than 5 photos of things you have created, along with your name, e-mail address and blog or website address, if you have a Facebook or Twitter, please include those addresses.
The deadline to apply is November 14th, 2012 and we will notify those chosen to participate by November 16th, 2012 via e-mail  We will send you the digital kit upon your return e-mail notifying us that you are ready to get started on the tutorial. You will have until December 16th, 2012 to submit your tutorial to the Totally Tutorials website using the submit your tutorial button on the site. You must also post the tutorial you create to your blog with a link to http://craftylink.com/page/monthly-kit  and with a link to our website http://www.thingscrafty.com
If you do not have a blog or website than you must post to Craftster, Instructables or Cutoutandkeep and send us the link to your tutorial. When your tutorial is complete you must notify both Things Crafty and Totally Tutorials, via e-mail. Your participation in the exchange is an agreement to abide by all of these above instructions and allows Things Crafty & Totally Tutorials to use the tutorials and photos on our sites and on our social networks. You also agree that anyone can use your tutorial to make items to sell. This is a great way to get promotion, both of our sites generate thousands of visitors. You also get a wonderful kit that you can create limitless things with. So come join the fun! We look forward to hearing from you. If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the kit it is available at http://craftylink.com/page/monthly-kit

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Just Dance Mixed Media Wall Art

Sometimes I get in my studio and nothing comes out that I am happy with but other times it just flows right out of me and that was the case with this piece. I love that song that says "Just Dance" and that was my inspiration for this piece. The lyrics go something like this, When you the get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance". Life is meant to be lived and that is the point of the song, don't waste your life not doing, take chances and don't worry what others think, just dance....


8 x 10 inch unframed on canvas $40 + $6.00 shipping in USA, outside of the USA, please contact me for a shipping price.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Artist Trading Cards using Magic Transfer Paper

I wanted to share a few ATC’s I made. I have been experimenting with Magic Transfer Paper to push its limits and see what else I can transfer on besides polymer clay and I am pleasantly surprised. I was able to print on cotton fabric and transparencies for a super cool look. Kira is doing some experiments with transferring on paper that are working out really well too. We will be putting together a video to show you what we have found out, so stay tuned for that.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Handmade Holiday Ornaments

We have started some fun swaps over in the community and one of them is to create a holiday ornament. So I decided to work on my handmade ornament over the weekend. I had alot of fun making it and I love how it came out. Its really lightweight even though it doesn’t look it. I hope whoever gets it really enjoys it. Want to be a part of this fun swap, its free to join us and the community.
http://craftylink.com/group/art-exchanges-and-swaps

I made this using a paper mache star base. I added the embellishment, used some paint mists and a polymer clay flower I made with a metal center. Total mixed media!





I have added this to the following linky parties, come join us!
http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/
http://www.brassyapple.com
http://todayscreativeblog.net/link-up-party/
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/
http://www.vwbblog.com/

Friday, October 26, 2012

I made this fun duct tape wallet rock on...

My niece has her sweet 16 birthday coming up in 5 days and at that age all kids want is money. My sister already bought her a car so she is going to need gas so I thought why not make her a wallet and put money and a gas card in it for a gift, I'm throwing in a Game Stop card too. I don't like to just give her money, I always liked to have presents to open and get excited about. So this is the perfect solution. On Tuesday Shmoozeday on Nov. 6th I will be demoing how to make one for yourself or to give as a gift. I hope you will join me at http://www.craftylink.com



I have added this to several linky parties, come check them out.
http://whipperberry.com/http://whipperberry.com/

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

My artwork created with the digital art kit

I am having so much fun creating with this months kit  http://craftylink.com/page/monthly-kit
This is one of my pieces that is in the works. Its a wall hanging and all together it cost around $3.00 to make. Super easy and super inexpensive. I used a wall plaque I found at the dollar store that was meant as a Halloween decoration and turned it into a piece of art. This is still a work in progress and I will share more photos when its complete.


October 2012 Autumn Theme digital mixed media kit











This has been added to several linky parties, come join the fun.
http://www.thethriftyhome.com/ 
http://thetrendytreehouse.blogspot.com/

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Fun ways to make leaves with polymer clay

This Friday on a new episode of Polymer Clay TV I show how to create leaves out of polymer clay. I show an easy way to create numerous leaves for your fall projects. Make sure to check the show out and I would love to see what you make.



Here are some linky parties I have joined.
http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2012/10/17/hookin-up-with-hoh-121/
http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/
http://christinasadventures.com/
http://www.the36thavenue.com/

Friday, October 12, 2012

A new rubber stamp I fell in love with

I have had this stamp for a few months but hadn't had the chance to try it out. I finally got the chance and fell in love with it. Look at the awesome detail in polymer clay. Polymer clay requires a deeply etched stamp to get a nice impression and this stamp hit the mark. I have all kinds of ideas and started one project already with it. I will share that when I can.


Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Polymer clay flower pendants

Here are a few polymer clay pendants that I made that have a flower theme. I have used a combination of techniques to create these.


I have added these to the linky party at http://www.thingscrafty.com
Come join the party!

Some more handmade buttons

Here is another set of handmade buttons I made using polymer clay. The smaller ones are about an inch and the 2 larger ones are 1 1/2 inch across. They are lightweight and durable.






I love to make buttons out of polymer clay

I love to create buttons using polymer clay, its great to be able to make buttons to go with any outfit or project. You can make them out of millefiori canes, stamps, molds or anything you want. Here are a few pics of some of my handmade buttons.  Eight buttons come in this set. I have way too many things I have made its time to find a good home for these.They are all about 1 inch across.






 I entered this into a linky party at
 http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/

Friday, September 28, 2012

A page from my art journal

I love creating in my art journal. I usually start by coming up with a backround I like and then sometimes I add text and sometimes I don't. It all depends on my mood. I am very influenced by Indian tapestries and Morrocan and Turkish style. I love the rich colors and detailed patterns. They are warm and inviting to me and I am so often drawn to them. This page is definitely influenced by those cultures. Hope you like it.


I love using mixed media in my polymer clay creations

One of the reasons I wanted to start Things Crafty TV is that I have so many mediums I love to work with other than polymer clay. Polymer clay is my first love so I try to find other mediums that I can manipulate so that I can use them with polymer clay. In this photo I am showing you the center of what will be a pendant. I have used 4 different items to create it, while you may have never thought to pair these 4 things together I thought the effect was that of faux dichroic glass. Can you guess what I used?


Thursday, September 27, 2012

Polymer Clay and Paper Mache Torso

This is one of my fun torsos that I created using magic Transfer Paper, polymer clay and paper machine. There are a variety of techniques I used on this piece but I love the way it turned out. I also created a video tutorial where Kira (my biz partner) and I both worked on creating a torso. You can check that out at this link.

Creating a paper mache lady torso video


 I am entering this into a linky party at 
http://www.partyblog.mygrafico.com/
http://www.mygirlishwhims.com/
http://www.cleanandscentsible.blogspot.com/
http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/
Come check out all the entries.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Polymer Clay Ball Chain and Deco Edge Scissors

I made this using bottle caps, decorative edge scissors, ball chain and some polymer clay. Now to figure out what to do with it. LOL
I am also adding this to a new Blog Hop linky party we started over at http://www.thingscrafty.com





I added some things to that butterfly pendant, I like it better then before. I think I will add resin to it after I bake it.

NEW Tuesday Schmoozeday Author Interview Series!

NEW Tuesday Schmoozeday Author Interview Series! To read more about it check out Martiel's post.
http://thingscrafty.com/2012/09/25/new-tuesday-schmoozeday-author-interview-series/


Things Crafty Weekly Wednesday CraftyLinks Party Come Party with Us!

Things Crafty is about to get the party started….a Linky Party that is.  The Linky Party is one of my favorite ways to find new BLOGS, new PROJECTS, new INSPIRATION, and new FRIENDS.   Beginning this week, Things Crafty will be hosting a Weekly Wednesday CraftyLinks Party and YOU are invited to Link your projects.
We are looking for projects in all media- Polymer Clay, fiber arts, sewing, paper crafts, kids projects, and mixed media.  If YOU made it WE want to see it. After you Link your handiwork, take a few minutes-or more- to see what our Party Guests are Linking.  Click the thumbnail of your favorite projects to visit the artist’s blog.  It is always nice to leave a comment.  It doesn’t take long to realize there are a lot of talented bloggers out there.

You can join the party at this link.
http://thingscrafty.com/2012/09/26/things-crafty-weekly-wednesday-craftylinks-party-come-party-with-us/


Tuesday, September 25, 2012

The New season of Polymer Clay TV has started and the Easiest transfer onto polymer clay ever

This is the 6th year we have been producing Polymer Clay TV and we have tons of fun things planned. We talk about some of them on the show and then I demonstrate how to do the easiest transfer onto polymer clay ever with Magic Transfer Paper.




An Inspirational Mixed Media Piece I Made

This is a piece I have been working on using the Dreaming monthly kit. September Dreaming Digital Mixed-Media Kit

Monday, September 10, 2012

Contest you could win a polymer clay handmade pendant

I thought it would be fun to have another contest and this one is super fun. Can you guess who this is in the photo? If so leave a comment with your guess and I will pick a winner from all the correct answers on Friday. The winner will receive the polymer clay pendant that is handmade by me and pictured in this photo. Good luck!

Friday, September 7, 2012

Free Live Craft Demos & Giveaways Sept 18th New Season Launch Party

This says it all, I hope you will join us for the new season launch party! We have free craft demos all day and giveaways on every show. You must join the community to watch and chat. Hope to see you there. http://www.thingscrafty.ning.com

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

The coolest handmade wall hanging, You won't believe what it's made from

Seriously this is one of the coolest ideas I have seen, Annie took old paint brushes and made this super cool wall hanging. I absolutely love it and the idea is so simple but yet so effective. You could make these and paint them any color you want. Annie makes this live on Tuesday Shmoozeday but don't worry if you missed it, the shows are always recorded. Want to watch Annie make this cool wall hanging, then watch the video. Want to join in the live demos then come sign up for the free community at http://www.thingscrafty.ning.com

Monday, September 3, 2012

Polymer Clay Experiments are so much fun

As you get to know me better you will realize that I love to experiment, especially with polymer clay. I think that is how you grow as an artist by lots of experimenting and discovering new and exciting things. I guess experimenting in some ways is a challenge to me. How can I challenge that particular medium and make it do something it wasn't meant to do? Of course you need to be careful when dealing with toxic things but if your not then go for it, let your imagination run wild. You might be pleasantly surprised by some "happy accidents".  Here is an experiment I did today, I'm not going to tell you what it is but I promise I will be demoing the technique and variations that I learned from my experimenting at our big online launch party on Sept. 18th 2012 at 10AM. Our new season of Polymer Clay TV and Things Crafty TV starts Sept. 21st and we hope you will join us for the fun. We have an amazing season planned with lots of fun demos and lots of other goodies. Mark your calendars for Sept 18th we will be having giveaways all day!



Sunday, September 2, 2012

New Digital Kits to use with Mixed Media & Polymer Clay

We have been hard at work all summer long to get ready for our new season of Polymer Clay TV and Things Crafty TV, which airs on Sept. 21, 2012. We are having a BIG launch party on Sept. 18th during Tuesday Shmoozeday. We will be giving away lots of awesome prizes and doing some super awesome FREE craft demos. We hope you will join us for all the fun! We are also debuting several new things and one of them is our new monthly digital kits. These kits are being designed so that they can be used with a variety of mediums. They work great for making jewelry with polymer clay, mixed media artwork, ATC's, scrapbooks, cards, the sky is the limit and its only limited by your imagination! Here is a small sampling of what fun things are in our first digital kit. I can't wait to show you what cool things I have made with it!






Thursday, August 30, 2012

Inspiration from Polymer Clay Books

There are so many polymer clay books on the market that it can be very overwhelming to choose which to start with. When I started working with polymer clay over 23 years ago there were no books at all on polymer clay. Its hard to believe that with all of today's options at your fingertips and all the resources available on the web that a little over 20 years ago there was absolutely nothing available. Boy times have changed but in a good way.

When ever anyone asks me what book I would start with I always refer to the very first book published on polymer clay and its called "The New Clay", by Nan Roche. The book was published by a little known publisher called Flower Valley Press but it was monumental in my clay experience. It let me know there were others out there that shared my passion for this amazing medium and showed me there were other creative things happening with this medium. So if you are just starting with polymer clay and want a book that has a little of everything in it, then I suggest you pick yourself up a copy of The New Clay and see where your imagination and creativity takes you!

Front Cover

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Tuesday Shmoozeday Video on Creating Molds

Like every Tuesday, yesterday was no different we had several live demos that were so much fun. Edie showed how to take a dollar store air freshener and turn it into a fun necklace. Kira showed how to make molds from every day objects. If you missed the live shows they are always recorded. Here is Kira's video on creating molds. You can see all the other videos in the community when you join the free Tuesday Shmoozeday group at http://www.thingscrafty.ning.com



Here are product links to everything Kira used: Amazing Mold Putty
Alcohol ink: Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Ink Sets dockside picnic
Sculpey Etch & Pearl: Polyform Sculpey Tool Set Etch n Pearl

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Tuesday = Live Craft demos

This week we have an exciting line up for our weekly Tuesday Shmoozeday craft demos. Tuesday Shmoozeday is your chance to watch an informal demo by members of the Things Crafty design team. We will also be interviewing authors of craft books and all kinds of creative souls in upcoming events, so stay tuned for that.

http://thingscrafty.ning.com/group/tuesday-schmoozeday/forum

Kira will be live at 9AM molding unexpected things from around the house. So get out your Mold Putty and mold along with Kira.

Kelly will be NOT be live at 2PM today as she is feeling under the weather but she should be back on schedule next week.

Edie will be live at 7PM showing how to take an air freshener and turn it into a piece of jewelry.

Annie will be live at 8PM making a wall hanging using old paint brushes.

How cool is this going to be, we hope you will join us! If you can't make it to the live event all of the shows are recorded so you can still watch.

We are always having giveaways and Kelly will be giving away this journal on NEXT weeks live event when she returns. The journal is handmade by one of our talented community members, Liz Rosky, make sure to be there NEXT WEEK when Kelly returns at 2PM so you will have a chance to win.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Giveaway of Polymer Clay Pendant

OK, so no one guessed correctly what the blue butterfly was made from, so I am going to make this one easier. Can you tell me what this was made from? If you guess correctly you will be entered to win the blue butterfly. I will pick a winner this Friday from all the correct answers. If you want to know what the butterfly is made of join us Sept 18th at our new season launch party on Tuesday Shmoozeday, I will be doing a demo of the techniques I used to make the butterfly. Its FREE to join us, all you need to do is be a member of our Ning and the Tues. Shmoozeday group to join in and chat live with us. Post your answers below, good luck!

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Halloween Comes Early, Fun Placemat Repurpose

So I found this super fun placemat at Dollar General of all places and it cost me $3.50. When I looked at it I didn't see a placemat I saw some possible coasters or the cover of an art journal or perhaps something else entirely. I plan to repurpose it into something else more fabulous, so stay tuned for what I do as I will share it with you as it progresses. I might even share it on Tuesday Shmoozeday, which is a day we do live craft demos.  http://thingscrafty.ning.com/group/tuesday-schmoozeday/forumhttp://thingscrafty.ning.com/group/tuesday-schmoozeday/forum


Friday, August 24, 2012

What is this Butterfly Pendant made from?

Can you figure out what this butterfly pendant is made out of? *Hint there are 3 things used. Post your answer below and if you get it right you will win the butterfly. If more than one person gets it right I will put the names in a hat and draw one. I will announce the winner on Monday. Good luck!