Making Collage Paper

I often use this quick and easy way to add interest to my collage projects.

I take freezer paper and top it with bits and pieces of fabric, paper, thread, dried tea bags, tea-stained dryer sheets and other ephemera.  Then using a pressing cloth placed over the items and a not too hot iron I adhere everything to the freezer paper.

This process satisfies my need to recycle, reuse, and reduce,  as well as create some interesting foundation pieces for my mixed media art.  Some folks skip the hot iron and use Gel Medium.  I prefer the ironing method because it renders the paper more flexible.

The Envelope IS the Card

  Many of us who make handmade cards also make the envelopes for the cards.  I really hate the thought of the envelope just being tossed or thrown away after it is opened because it took time for me to make it.  Personally when I receive a card I save the envelope so that I can recycle it later.  I thought it would be fun to put the focus on the envelope and make it a keepsake!

 

Inside the decorative envelope is a card with a printed message with room for the giver(s) to sign at the bottom.  I used a lot of the techniques I love: stamping, stitching, inking, distressing and layering.  I also love that I was able to incorporate a scripture from the bible and encouraging messages on the envelope flap and the signature card.  I believe baptism is the most important step a person can take in their lives so I was very happy to make a unique card for the special occasion!

Irregular, Misshapen, Tarnished - PERFECT!

As you can tell by the title of this post I am currently obsessed with imperfection.  I found tons of irregular, misshapen, tarnished gunmetal beads in my stash.  I believe these were inexpensive beads I bought many years ago from a local big box store when I first started beading.   I kept the beads but in the back of my mind I was never planning to use them, because who has time to pick through the bunch trying to find the perfect ones?   Looking for a challenge and armed with a positive attitude and a desire to create something organic I put them to use, and voila! 

I was able to use the irregular beads along with some metal beads and buttons and create the designs below.  I also discovered a really fun technique.  After making a wide cuff style bracelet, I folded it in half, sewed it up, adding beads where needed to create this texturelicious bangle.  Love it! and of course I'm obsessed - for a while anyway.  Moral of this story - never throw away any beads.

INSPIRED BY NEW ORLEANS!

I recently visited New Orleans last month, and I was so inspired by the "Crescent City".
For me New Orleans is a melting pot of many things:  people, food, and architecture.  I was able to find inspiration in all these areas.  The "City" is much like the Gumbo for which it is known.  I think of my jewelry designs as gumbo sometimes.  I try to design using a multiple techniques, colors, and bead sizes in one piece in an effort to create unique details.    The piece below was designed while I was visiting New Orleans.  I used my latest obsession: Picasso beads - love them! 

New - The Interlocking Loops Necklace

Okay, I finally finished the chunky links necklace I was working on, and it's now in my Etsy Shop.  I absolutely love this necklace it drapes beautifully, the length is great, it closes in the back with an easy beaded toggle, and it is so comfortable to wear.  I designed this necklace using 2 of my favorite colors which happen to be on trend right now!

 

The matching earrings compliment the necklace perfectly and are also really comfortable to wear.  I plan to offer a tutorial for the earrings in my shop soon.  I also will be making another set like this in a different color combination - stay tuned!

  

Back to the Beads (for a minute)

I'm currently finishing up this necklace made up of large loops.  It was inspired by a necklace worn by a national news reporter.  The stitch I'm using is cubic right angle weave or CRAW for short. This is a stitch I learned a few years ago from a David Chatt tutorial.

I thought it was a neat stitch at that time if you wanted to make geometrically shaped jewelry.  Now I appreciate the stitch for the beautiful drape it gives my pieces, and it's much more fun to work with.  The colors I used in this necklace are 2 of my favorite and are on trend for 2014/2015 season.

Scrapping Project #2 - BRAVE

This is my second scrapbooking project.  I'm trying to be freely creative , but part of me wants steps to follow or a process.  This is part of my process - it helps me get started and then I feel my way through the rest.  Maybe it will help you too!

Disclaimer:  I love the shabby chic, imperfect look.  I'm not that into the picture perfect layout and I love to embellish!

INTERESTING PHOTO

1.  Pick an interesting or sentimental picture.  It's true a picture says a thousand words.  The subject matter gives you a lot of direction on how to proceed, when it comes to what type of embellishments to use, and how to title your layout.
    
2. Choose the layout papers. Use the colors in the picture to help you decide if you want to go monochromatic or complementary with the embellishments.
3. Mat your photograph - it helps it to stand out as the focal point and it gives the eye a place to rest when you use a lot of embellishments.
4. Of course you need to consider the elements and principles of design.  I'm working on this right now I just rely on my eye and what I think looks good to me.  I do know colors are important because they add to the story you are trying to tell.  Color evokes emotions and feelings.  Contrast helps give your layout interest, and Texture is just amazing - I love texture because it brings life to the layout.  More later, most importantly have fun showcasing your memories.

 

COORDINATING PAPERS

 

ROUGHED UP AND TORN EDGES THEN INKED

 

 

ADDED STAMPING, STENCILS, EMBELLISHMENTS FOR A FINISHED PRODUCT

 



Supplies Used:

Stamps

Stencils

Die Cut Flower Shapes

Embossed Die Cut Flower Shapes

Dry Wall Tape (for texture)

Inks, Dyes, and Paints

Cheesecloth

Alphabet Stickers