Glam up your Grunge...

Hello,
Adiós weekend. Ola Monday! Hope your weekend was a good one. Over here we had a good dollop of British summer with bright sun and torrential rain...it's all those weddings and music festivals. Anyway, back to it and the new challenge at Simon Says Stamp & Show where we're all stitched up. Stamp, hand, machine or even faux (meaning fake it!) we want to see them all. I think it's high time to glam up the Grunge and created a clutch bag for my tools and an Art Journal cover. It's fun, personal and even splodge-proof - a Threefer in my book!

I love the funky designs and colours of Retro Grunge and set about dressing them up with some splatting and stamping. I used Peeled Paint Distress Stain and the Urban Chic images all over the paper for the bag. I did a test run on scrap paper to work out the best position for the images seeing as it gets folded. Also added some extra stitching using Pattern Pieces.

I used two pieces of paper for extra strength, kind of like a lining so you'll need to cut two pieces. I decided to keep the Journal cover simple and just enjoy the lurvely dots and curves... I also edged all the papers with Fired Brick to add contrast. Then it was onto the splodge proof factor which is a must for survival in Grunge territory ! I covered the paper in thin sticky back plastic (a bit like we used to do at school!) You have to go real slow to avoid bubblemania, but it's great to see the paper transform into something new. It actually enhanced the colours and I like that bit of sheen.

 I use a little tape to stick the two pieces together, just in the centre to hold them firm whilst sewing. Don't stick any tape where you want to sew as your machine needle will argue with the glue (this I know). I stitched with the top side up for a smoother finish and as it's a bit slippy, you'll need to help it along. My machine is a 1970's wonder so just speaking from a vintage experience. Didn't attempt to sew straight, allowing the Grunge style to be my artistic excuse!

Once all sewn, I trimmed the edges, rounded off the corners, distressed the edges and added lots of ink to bring out the red again. Here you can see the inside of the bag and my well-used tool kit.

I attached a string and ribbon trio as a closing with a touch of Idea-ology but you could go for a button or press-stud, whatever you fancy!

Quick shot of the journal. Sorry it's a pretty poor shot, but both the light and I were fading fast! But you can see there are two extra panels to hold your journal, or summer read if you like! So there you go, that's all folks. Really hope you like it.

Something completely different as Monty Python would say. Do take a look at the other fabulous creations from the very talented Design Team for more inspiration, or have you already started? The top three title is out there along with the chance of this...

Thanks again for all the visits and fabulous comments - always appreciated. Do let me know what you think or drop me a line if you've got any questions... Off for a swim and then I'm free all day today! See you soon...

Sarah.

Rainy days and Grungedays...

Hello again,
Well, it has been a very wet summers day here with heavy downpours just falling out of nowhere. But Mother Nature is a happy lady and all the greenery is looking perky. Maybe that influenced my colours and mood for Grungy Monday. See this week's arty dabblings from Mr. T here. I thought I'd see what would happen if I embossed my tag with paint rather than stamping and I am loving the result.

Texture, oozing paint... all fine with me. I've used several hefty doses of Stream and Lettuce, all laden with Perfect Pearls letting it run and seep where it wanted to. I didn't want to hide the detail so I stamped and cut out the frame image, adding a Mica scrap stamped with the birds.

 These words reflected the mood and I added a memo pin as a string holder. Inked and painted some string and attached it with rusty staples down the side to give a feeling of movement.

Here you can see a bit more detail and that oh so lovely paint. I think you get my point about liking it!!! All the splodges and smudges are right at home on a Grungy tag...

The rain filled day was my inspiration...what's yours? Maybe you'd like to share your piece with My Mojo Monthly? Would love to see you there and if you are into Art Journalling, then this months prize is for you!

Thanks for taking time to be here. Last weeks tag is off to it's new home with Shari in Michigan. Bon Voyage!

Be seeing you soon, Sarah.

Patriotic tones and Giveaway!

Good Morning! Before you ask...
Wednesday? Yes. Again? Yes. Right, that's sorted, let us proceed with some desk love, thanks to lovely Julia. A mid-flow shot. Not total chaos, until I look back at my first WOYWW posts. Who bought all that stash, violated my craft sheet and donated the dust? What's occurring? Well, it's all red, white and blue... joining in with the July 4th mood. It's an attractive theme and fun colour combo, love red any day of the week. My take on the patriotic theme, as a Brit gal, is to celebrate freedom of the heart. Something we all need.

Enjoyed some Wendy Art Parts, stamps and some unopened blue paint I thought I hated. Looked such a funny colour in the bottle and turned out to be fine stuff. I've had the heart and leafy wings idea for a while and this colour scheme was the perfect match. It's quite dimensional yet compact which I like a lot.

After lots of ink the heart needed something extra, but not a stamp. I was stumped until I thought, white pen! A few dots and all is well. I think it adds the right balance and I like how the colours are layered up. Chose Clearly for Art for the flowers so as not to hide the outlines of the larger shapes. The wings and flower centres (metal washers) are coloured with Ranger white pigment ink which is fab stuff indeed.

Among my stash I have lots of "metal stuff" I've acquired along the way. Definitely my Father's daughter. I dug out a sink plug chain to hang my piece! She's joining in with the Everything Wendy Vecchi group, the great Our Creative Corner and Use it Tuesday (that blue paint, white pen and chain).
"Embrace the possibilities" says much, so I'm wishing you all more freedom where it's needed and wanted. Sigh, two different things...

I also want to say a HUGE thank you to so many of you for all the wonderful words of encouragement for my new venture My Mojo Monthly. I really value your support! There are already FIVE great entries, do take a look and JOIN IN TOO! Looking forward to seeing your creations...

I'm also celebrating a year of blogging and reaching 200 followers. Fabulous! THANK YOU SO MUCH - THIS IS FOR YOU!
Octopode stamps and chocolate. What more do you need? You deserve a treat, so next week I will draw two winning names from my lovely followers. Just leave a comment (& blog/email) and let me know if you'd like Posy or Rupert!

Thanks so much for being here. Enjoy your day!
Sarah x.

CAS and OCD - separated at birth...

'Tis Tuesday...

So, therefore my Clean and Simple day. On the Blog to share some cards for Less is More and Simplicity. I do like the way CAS blogs choose names that embody visions of serene harmony... Non-CASsers throw our work but a fleeting glance..."easy-peasy and too many empty bits" they cry. They imagine a perfectly manicured, preened, well kept house-wife residing in her all white studio (just featured on Where Women Create) pressing a single pink flower stamp to paper, just dabbling with her creative side before heading off to the spa... My status is: in my slobber clothes, no make-up/hope I don't see anyone hairdo head, kitchen waiting, hubby given up hopes of cosy couch night, pile of washing migrated to landing and me three hours behind because... despite all appearances, I cannot move on with my life if that sentiment is 0.000001 mm off line. You either get this or you don't. If not, be very happy not perplexed. If you do, life as normal on the funny farm...

At Less is More it's about shades of blue. These splats are also major creative therapy. My other idea was jinxed, big time and as I approached double figure efforts, I decided to retain some smugness and sanity by dumping the lot. Not even into recycling. No, trashed and gone, but smug.

Splats made with Distress Stains, sponging through sequin punch and a Mr. Holtz butterfly. Simple words from Paper Artsy and keeping it 'CAS grungy' with string swiped with ink.

At Simplicity, it's quick and easy (!!!) layered stamping. I was given a Stamping up! set and thought I'd give it a go. Thought I'd gone mad when I realised the design stickers on the stamp tops were off line. Anyway, loving red and black and the fine detail.

Yes, the Eiffel tower is Plum, the sun has flourishes and love has gone Coffee! But I like it and it's straight too. That's a Twofer in my book.

Many of you know or can't miss I love to share and ponder. So I'm letting you all know I have started a new inspirational feature on my blog called My Mojo Monthly. There's project ideas (including cards), a great interview with journal artist Kelly Kilmer, a fab Giveaway and a photo link to submit your work. Got something arty you'd like to share, please join in! Full details here.

So that's me all done. Would love to hear from you - thanks for being here!
Sarah.

Behind closed doors...a flourish awaits...

My, oh, my Monday again!
Firstly, let me wish all those celebrating July the 4th a truly fabulous day! Meanwhile back here I'm all of a flourish with the new theme at Simon Says Stamp & Show. I adore ATCs and have wanted to make a chunky one for some time. I love the hidden potential in an ordinary piece of wood and felt inspired to create... After some wrestling with a long wooden beam and huge saw, I had my basic block. Hubby was out, but I survived with my best Beyonce impression "All the single ladies..." (Did anyone see that gal rock Glastonbury? WOW!)

I coloured my block with Wild Honey Distress Stain and then stamped three sides of the block with the Urban Chic flourish in Coffee Archival ink. I then continued the DIY streak by drilling four holes in the base for the big brass screws, adding a bolt which I think make great feet. I then set about creating the door and frame which are cut from scrap cardboard. I had no solid plans, just an image in my head which I hoped would come out. It was great to play all day and just let things evolve.

 I embossed the frame with Distress powder and inked up the door panel with lots of Distress inks. The block front is painted with crackle glaze followed by Vintage Lace paint from Paper Artsy. Once dry, I stamped the sentiment doing a test run on paper first for a size guide.The inside door is decorated with a distressed book page and a stitched and Papillon stamped panel, the frame with a small Grungy flourish and two metal flowers. Here you can also see the bolted legs better.

 Layers of Glassine paper, a flourish stamped book page and the butterfly is of course Papillon, resting on two skeleton leaves. The door is hung on two (fiddiliy-diddily!) mini-brass hinges. On top rests an uber shabby crinoline flower coloured with Color Wash and Glimmer mists. I also coloured some ball chain with Alcohol Inks to drape over the top and sides for a touch of luxury.

A view of her derrière with a little stamped detail...just a small touch makes a big difference.

 


A rusty old clock finding which I've been saving for a while is the perfect handle and you can also see a stamped Mica scrap under some copper thread.

 A close-up of that lovely crackled paint, textured frame and simple flowers... So there she is, and the little lady is just 9cms tall (without her heels on...)
I savoured every minute, just reaching for different tones, materials and products, seeing them all work together...
I'm all flourished out now, time for you to create yours. What image in your mind is waiting to come to life? Do tell! Take a look at the Design Teams fantastic takes on the theme for lots more great inspiration. The coveted Top Three place and shopping spree await...

Thanks again for coming by, I'd love to hear from you (because we all like a little Blog love...) Now close your eyes, and imagine your flourish...

Until the next time,

Sarah.

MY MOJO MONTHLY JULY-FAIR & SQUARE

PLEASE VISIT THE NEW MY MOJO MONTHLY HERE!!!

Hello...
And a very big welcome to the first My Mojo Monthly!
Thank you for calling by, I really hope you will enjoy your visit and look forward to our time together. There's lots to read, see and maybe win, but I'm here all month so take your time. I have a huge passion for the creative arts and a desire to motivate and encourage others. There’s so much loveliness out there yet sometimes we run out of steam, need some fresh air or just want to share more of our creative musings. I truly hope that My Mojo Monthly can be a place for YOU and your art...because they both go hand in hand. Through interviews, ideas and  imagery - in many styles and forms, whatever your passion may be, I want to get you thinking, discovering, sharing and enjoying!  So without further ado, let’s get going!

FIVE QUESTIONS TO MY FEATURED ARTIST...
I always love to hear what other artists I admire have to say, and I’m very excited to introduce My Featured Artist Kelly Kilmer. A year ago I stumbled across Kelly’s work and was captivated by her truly amazing art journals that abound with beautiful imagery and honesty.

Each page a true expression of life...all straight from the heart.

So I’m just thrilled that Kelly is willing to share a little of herself and story with us.

Who is Kelly Kilmer in five words?
Curious. Sensitive. Imperfect. Silly. Passionate.

Where are you right now as an artist?
I still feel like that odd little twelve year old girl who liked to draw, paste and stick stickers onto the pages of notebooks and little diaries. I'm becoming more comfortable in my skin and those feelings are reflected upon the pages of my journals. I've been keeping a journal since I was in 4th grade. I'm now 36 years old. The journal keeping process has evolved and changed along with me as I've grown up. I'm still learning and will continue to learn and my hopes are that those changes will be documented on the pages of my journals. I'm not one of those artists who feels that she knows everything. No one knows everything, though some pretend that they do. I love the simple, daily act of experimenting, documenting, pondering, playing and reflecting upon the world events around me on the pages of my little books. I love letting the real me unravel upon the pages of my books.

Which of your creations is closest to your heart?

My art journals are my treasures. There's something to be said about pouring your heart and soul onto the pages of a book. I am always happiest when I can look at a page and honestly say that I've said everything that I've wanted to say on the page. 

I don't worry about pretty or perfect pages, but I do worry about honestly expressing myself and getting what I want to "say" (whatever that may be) out onto the page.

I love looking back (I don't do it often) and seeing how both my work and my own self have changed with time. I love finding little treasures that I'd forgotten about, journal musings about a certain day, photos of my family or a drawing by my son had glued in the books.

 Where do you find inspiration when feeling Mojoless?
I'm a firm believer in finding at least 10-15 minutes of time daily to work in my art journal so I rarely suffer any form of artist's block. I find that taking time (however short it may be) to sit down and work in my journal automatically inspires me and keeps me on my toes. I've always said that you don't need to spend hours in the studio (though that is nice) to be an artist. If you take the time you have and use it in small chunks it really does add up. My students also push me on a regular basis, especially the ones that keep coming back month after month to take new classes. They inspire me to keep pushing the mediums we work with and see how far we can take it. 

I love finding inspiration in any and everything from the simplest thing of looking out my window to taking a walk down the street and finding graffiti that inspires and amazes me to opening up one of my many art books and being visually inspired to watching an old black and white film to talking to my son or husband. I really believe that inspiration IS everywhere, you just have to open your eyes and be receptive to it!

You are going back-packing in the Himalayas for a year and may only take 3 crafting items. Which, and why?
I would definitely take my journal, a dozen (or more) Coccoina Glue sticks (40 gr.) and my refillable Koh-i-noor Rapidosketch pen (size .35) with my refillable black india ink. These are my basic necessities when it comes to making art. If I have my journal, a glue stick and a pen, I can make art anywhere!
Kelly's blog and on-line courses can be found here and details of her classes here! Check them out!

BACK AT HQ...
Wasn't that just a great read? Wise words to all of us. Thank you so much Kelly! Do visit her blog and better still sign up for a class and let your fingers do the talking. Well, how do I follow that? Keeping things on a personal theme and drawing inspiration from my own surroundings I want to share three simple ideas with you. Yummy products abound, our computers are bursting with photographs and still we feel stumped by a blank space. Yet inspiration is on your very doorstep. I love paper and ink. Story told. I have a box full of "didn't make its", off-cuts and orphan trimmings that I just cannot throw away. Something about the texture, colour or imagery still speaks to me so I decided to pull them out of the dust and let them talk.

I used my upturned square punch as a frame to choose and then cut my favourite part. My squares are all 3.5cms but you can go with any mixtures of size and shape. I just fancied squares! I have chosen earthy tones, combining both soft and strong images for variation in detail. You want to be able to admire them all, without any of them fighting for your attention! I suggest making a "frame-finder" to help you select your image. Just cut the desired shape out of paper and slide that around (like making a movie!) You'll soon see the part that says "Choose me!" I've distressed and inked the edges and mounted them onto a French book page and then a piece of scrap cardboard swooshed with white paint. Just a touch of string and metal were enough for me. JUST THINKING... the last snippets of your favourite papers, a vintage magazine, wallpaper, books and photos...fabrics would look just fab with buttons!

Talking of photos... I used the same idea to create this piece using shots taken on my country walk in Shropshire. I'm no expert but these days even a simple digital camera takes a fine shot. By changing all the pics to B&W with a simple editing programme (see links below) and printing them out small, you end up with a concentrated image that hides a lot of imperfections. Many of these pics would not look so good blown up, but look great in a small format. If you're already thinking it's too technical I'm attaching a free download of these images for you to play with right here! I printed onto photo paper and punch cut the images as before. I used the punch upside down to cut the exact piece which gave a raw edge which I really like! But you can also cut by hand. Slightly inked the edges and then layered them onto paper and a canvas both painted in Snowflake by Paper Artsy for a chalky finish.
JUST THINKING...how many wonderful photos do you have but don't use because of "that bit". You know... a finger in a nose on the left, blimey, she looks miserable...who parked there??? Create an original scrapbook LO or keepsake. Hey Stampers! How about digging out all those stamps you've stopped using and rediscovering your favourite part. There's always a best bit on a flourish...

I know many of you adore cards, so here's one for you. I changed the colour of the flower photo to Sepia and printed onto ordinary paper this time. Trimmed, glued to paper and edged with ink. Layered up with a simple ribbon and stamped sentiment. Photo download here! But this could be your flower, your tree or loved one. It's great to be able to create personal gifts and designs that have more resonance, individuality or even commercial appeal if that's your line. But what I'm trying to say is...MAKE IT YOURS AGAIN!

NICE STUFF AND INFO...
So there you go, food for thought and your Mojo I hope. I would love to hear back from you and I invite you to share your musings and creations.
Where are you at, what moved you this week, what's your take on these ideas...? I'll be checking in regularly to take a look at your work and at the end of the month this wonderful book by Sharon Soneff will be winging it's way to an inspirational someone which could be you! In August we'll be talking to Kim Dellow! 
So now it's over to you...

  
A few guidelines on submitting your work:

- In the spirit of MMM please write a few lines in your post about your creativity and why you want to share your work.
- You are very welcome to share challenge pieces if you can tell me a bit about your inspiration and art!
- Please link directly to your post and not your blog so I can find you.
- Please add a link in your post to My Mojo Monthly - thanks!
- Feel free to take the MMM button for your blog - please do!
- Multiple challenge photos without description will be removed.

Now that's definitely a rap as they say...thanks for being here, the door is always open. Drop me a line if you have any questions and off you go now to play, ponder or just be. It's all good.

Sarah.

Useful Links:
Picasa free photo editor
Photoshop free photo editor

Grungeday - A Vintage Moment.

Good evening (well, over here),
If Grungy Monday was Grungy Thursday I'd be right on time, but I'd end up doing it Sunday so I'll just stick with calling it Grungeday...I hope you are all doing fine out there - in body, mind (he)art and soul. It's a busy old thing all this blogging frivolity...I love meandering through the streets of Blogland and wouldn't be without it but the logistics of getting it all from from my fingers to the screen can be a quite a task at times...  especially when Blogger fancies a foxtrot instead of doing it's thing. Anyway, enough of that and more of this...Over at Linda's we are delighting our selves in the joys and permanent finger staining qualities of Alcohol inks. Nice stunt-work from Mr. H here.
I was in a vintage mood which explains the romance, lace and  shabby green. I created three small tags to celebrate the beauty of a moment...

Alcohol inks dropped onto embossed metal is a favourite of mine. I also coloured a small frame, and cut a mica front to house these two lovebirds...she's blushing, but loving it too.

Just paper, ink and metal and a sentiment which is easy to stamp and a little harder to do...

Ah yes, the butterfly... stamped onto a glass fragment which I had first coloured with inks, creating a lighter pool with blending solution. I added a dictionary scrap definition of moment and a spinner because moments join together to create a journey. I cut a large tag shaped background which I stitched, stamped and distressed.
Another one for the collection, unless you might like to give it a home? I enjoyed making it but would enjoy it even more if I could make someone else happy with it. She's very petite. If you're into a little nostalgic green romance, let me know and I'll be more than happy to send her your way.

Also just letting you all know my new monthly inspirational feature, My Mojo Monthly started July the 1st. There's a great interview with Art Journal artist Kelly Kilmer, project ideas, great giveaways and a photo link to share your work! Do join in, I would love for you to call by and share your art and musings...



Thanks for being here - always glad to have people in my Bloghome.
See you soon,

Sarah.