Kat Baker, Elena and Ice Resin

Copied Kat's Project She Made in Ice Resin Class

I was unable to go to CHA this year and gave my ticket to my friend, Robin Sanchez.  (Check Robin out on Pinterest - Wow!)  I was able to view Elena's live broadcast from CHA and support her charity - Charity Wings.

I purchased raffle tickets and I won three of the prizes to my surprise.  I have already blogged about my win at CHA in my March 17, 2013 Blog.

Well, the product I won that I needed help with was the Ice Resin and embossing powders.  At one of my weekly "playdays", Kat showed up with a bracelet and a necklace she had made in an Ice Resin class she took at Elena's new facility in San Marcos.

We all loved her results, but I was the only one who already had the supplies - just didn't know what to do with them.  Kat and I scheduled a playday at her home.  It took the better part of the day to get everything ready and decide what I was going to do.

We broke for lunch and I treated Kat for her birthday to lunch at Panera's and then followed it up with some art supply shopping at Aaron Brother's where I purchased PanPastels at 50% off!

The Ice Resin product takes a couple of days to really dry properly and so the following week, Kat brought my pieces to my house for my weekly playday and we did some jewelry stuff.  I now have two bracelets and some pieces to use in my art in the future.

It was fun and I am so glad Kat shared her knowledge and skills with me.  Thank you Kat and Happy Birthday again.

(My photos of my results do not do the product justice.  Truly they look amazing in person!)

Scrapbooking Just Became So Much More Fun with Suzi West!

Title Cut with Pazzles Inspiration Revisited

On July 13, 2013, I took a scrapbooking class from a new teacher (well, new to me!) Her name is Suzi West.  The class was at Stamping Details in Poway and I had seen her sample pages and canvases displayed at the store and immediately loved her style.

What was different?  She took gesso, paints, pens, stencils, gel pen and altered the scrapbook paper. Plus, we embossed on our scrapbook painted page with WOW embossing powder!

I LOVE altered art and I truly want to continue to be the person who puts all my grandson and our family's photos and memories into albums, just like I did for my children.  But, I was getting so bored and had so much paper that I didn't exactly love anymore.  Not to worry!

From 9:30 am to 1 pm we completed three pages.  Below are the photos of the pages I completed.  The photos were added at home.

Gesso, Craft Paint and Stephanie Barnard Sprays

12x12 Transparency

Brick Stencil Embossed

Then the next day, so inspired, I took a photo taken a couple of weeks before when we were celebrating my son's birthday and did a one page layout, using what Suzi West had taught me and using just my way of doing altered art.  Loved the page that is below.

My Son's Birthday

Then, two weeks later, I made a two page layout of going with my son and his family for the first time to a pumpkin patch in Fallbrook.  I had never been to one and had never taken my kids to one when they were growing up.  I got out some really old paper stickers that I had for a while to embellish my creating.  The sunflowers are a paper napkin I got from my dear friend Georgia Lichon.

Title Cut with Pazzles Inspiration Revisited

Grandson was never in the wheel barrow
nor standing where I put him.

Two Page Layout

Plus, a week ago, I got back to using my Pazzles Inspriation after talking to Klo Oxford online and updated my software, watched an entire morning of fundamental video's in the Pazzel's Craft Room (which I joined and is so inexpensive and worth every penny) and I'm back in the grove.  I made the titles on my Pazzles.

Also, I was at Aaron Bros. with my dear friend, Kat Baker, and ended up with a super deal on two PanPastel sets after watching Kat play with hers.  Then off to Donna Downey's website to watch the instructional videos.  Couldn't believe my luck that Donna was using her PanPastel's in her weekly "Inspirational Wednesday" post plus video.  Check it out!

At Gee Gee's in Carlsbad, where Gail and her husband are going to retire at the end of September, I added to my PanPastel "pots".  Got a deal there also by popping an 18% off balloon in their store.  Sure will miss them (the owners).

Hope someone purchases their store and keeps north San Diego County in scrapbook and stamps, etc. Best store in North County as far as I am concerned.

Hopefully, I will now get caught up with my scrapbooking because I can combine the two things I love to do in one project!  It has been a win, win!

Sally Jean's Jackalope Journal Book

or "How to Mount your Rabbit".

March 13, 2013 I once again set off for Cheryl Simpson's beautiful home and Sally Jean's Jackalope Journal Book.  My car was packed the night before 'cause I was ready!

Sally Jean always remarks how her students trust her so much and know they will learn new things.  Once again, when we signed up for the class, we had no idea exactly what the project would look like.  We are always happily surprised when we arrive and see the finish project waiting for us.  This was no exception.  We all were thrilled to see what we would be creating this day.

Sally Jean's Jackalope Book

We learned some really kool techniques which I don't share with you on my blog.  That is what we take Sally Jean's classes for and all her students are very protective of Sally's creative ideas that no other teacher seems to come up with (I know, don't end a sentence with a preposition. . .)

Pam with her book

Close up of Pam's Book

We were only told to bring little books about 6 inches tall and our soldering gear along with our cookie sheet.  Sally Jean had our little kits ready for us and they were little but all we needed.  She supplies wire, flux, a torch (which we used for the first time with a new technique) and the Cordless Dremel 8200 and anything else specific to this project that we might need like wire, tape, etc.

Rita Reade brought a book that she chose to cover with paper first and then work with that theme.  So you don't need a vintage book to have fun!

Lovely Rita Reade of Vintage Market Place
Rainbow Springs

Rita's Book up close

There were a lot of demonstrations this time around and once again Sally Jean went over making soldering balls.  (By the time I finished with my balls I was getting pretty good).  This only proved that we really should practice some of these techniques before applying them to our final project.

Michelle Hurtt of Glitter Fest fame

Gathered around the teacher

Oops, didn't get her name. . .

Unknown Artist from above's work in progress

Here are more of the gals who gathered at Cheryl's for Sally Jean's class and their Jackalope Journals in progress.

Karle holding her Jackalope

Not everyone had a 6" book to work with

Lou Ann at her work station

Tiffany Smith with her blue Jackalope

Lunch was in Cheryl's beautiful backyard where we got to reacquaint ourselves with old friends and learn about new friends and their interests.  When we arrived there was fresh fruit cut up for us and an apple coffee cake.  After lunch for our afternoon pick me up there was Cheryl's "Next Best Thing To Robert Redford" (at least that is what it was called in the 70's!). 

Earrings purchased from Cheryl

I also purchased one of Cheryl's earrings she had made and a wonderful little vintage photo   album that, of course, I have no idea what I will do with. . .

4" x 5" Vintage Photo Album

Interior of Vintage Photo Album

Like always, I am disappointed with myself that I didn't also sign up for Sally Jean's two day Bug Class that my good friend Robin took.  I am hoping that she will post photos of her project and Sally's on her website.

My work in progress

I had this great book to use - just the right size.  I don't know if you can see my "balls" around my jackalope. By the time I finished with them, I was getting good at them.  Still a lot more "balls" to add to my bustier that holds my jackalope.  Plus, I have to complete my collage work for the top piece of glass and re-tape my bottom two pieces of glass and then attach the glass with this great method Sally Jean taught us!

Can't wait for Sally Jean to return and see what new ideas she has in store for us.  Great Class and Great Artists!

Sally Jean looks great and I am just plain tired!

The top banner on my book says, "Whisper" and then under that it says, "Who are you?"  The next straight banner asks, "What it's name".  And the last straight banner states, "Delighted to see you sir."

Silly Sally's Jackalope Book

Silly Sally's Jackalope
out of it's bustier

I now see a big mistake I made. . .  Oh, well.  Next book.  Once again not being carefully enough.  When will I learn?!

Score with Charity Wings Raffle at CHA and Ice Resin

This year I was unable to go to CHA 2013.  I registered but when the time came, I had other commitments and was very sad to miss this event and being with my friends.

But, I did participate from afar through Elena Lai Etcheverry and her Charity Wings three day event at CHA. I purchased raffle tickets to support her charity and "yea" once again won three great prizes for three of her vendors supporting her cause.  

One of the vendors was Flora Crafts and a huge box came filled with decorative  and wire, styrofoam, mesh and straw wreaths.  A bundle of stuff.

Floral Craft Burlap Ribbon

Floral Craft Colorful Mesh Runners

I also got some great small stamps from a company called Fun Stampers Journey.  Plus, they included some delicious greeting cards they had already made.

Fun Stampers Journey Stamps

Fun Stampers Journey Valentine Cards

But, the best raffle prize was from Ice Resin and Jen Cushman and Susan Lenart Kazmer and their products.  They did a huge demo at Elena's both which I saw.

EXPLORE, CREATE, Resinate by Jen Chushman

Last week the first of the products arrived.  There was Jen's book "Explore, Create, Resinate", and Susan Lenart Kazmer's book "Making Connections".  Plus, there was a heart that was made at Elena's booth along with a chain ready to wear. 

Making Connections by Susan Lenart Kazmer

 In and of its self that would have been enough.  But, "NO" Susan and Jen went overboard.  A couple of days later another small box arrived containing the products pictured below including:

Ice Resin - the products

Iced Enamels Relique.  Colors - Ivory, Chartreuse and Rasberry

5 packages of Susan's ART MECHANIQUE Silhoettes 

4 packages of Susan's ART MECHANIQUE Bezels, large and small

WOW.  Jen's book tells me how to use the Ice Resin Product that is listed under Susan Lenart Lazmer's name.  I can't wait for my weekly "playday" to show all my artist friends theses products and for us to play.  

Thank you Ice Resin, Flora Crafts and Fun Stampers Journey for my prizes and "Thank You" Elena for theses wonderful raffle prizes.

PlayDay at Jackie's

First Suitcase I ever collaged

For  a couple of years I have been trying to have a playday at my home every week for my friends where we work on whatever art projects we are trying to finish.  It could be jewelry, soldering altered art, painting, collaging - you get the picture.

Towards the end of last year, a couple of people had expressed an interest in the playdays being more structured.  My dear friend, Georgia Lichon who lives in Oceanside, has a playday once a week at her home that is very structured.  The group gets together and decides what projects they are going to work on.  The ideas for their projects can come from the arsenal of Somerset's Magazines.

That has worked for them for a couple of years but was a little too structured for the group of gals "playing" at my home.  But, I came up with a work around.  Our eclectic wonderful friend, Jackie Baxted, had for a while had a playday once a month at her home where she kind of directed a project and supplied a lot of the items to be used by her friends.  Plus, she had opened her home to teachers and the area was perfect for this sort of thing.

The idea was born that starting in January 2013, that one of us in this group would devise a project and lead the activity at Jackie's.  No money involved and lots of times it might be something we had learned in a class we had taken and just wanted to share the experience with our friends but in a group setting.  We always share  the name of the teacher from whom we either learned the technique or lesson.  Credit is always given!

The first month, Georgia led the group.  It involved sewing by hand, cloth, and Milagros type dolls that Georgia had available. The day was a success and I have seen some of the final Milagros that my friends created under the guidance of Georgia.  I was unable to attend and it was my loss.

February was the month I had volunteer to lead the group.  I had two items that I had finished over 10 years ago when I was just starting out to explore the right side of my brain and the world of art for the first time.  I took a class at The Stamp Addict in La Mesa from a person who later became a friend - an amazing teacher who can do just about anything - Tammie Moore. The class she taught was turning your old suitcase  of any size into a work of art to carry or house your art supplies or what ever you so desire.  Essentially,  we were just collaging, but for me this was very challenging.  She provided suitcases for us to purchase and I got two.  She also provided scrapbook papers and magazines to tear up for us to use.  I had never collaged before.  It's amazing that these two suitcases have become my pride and joy!  Plus, they are so different. How could I impart what I learned from Tammie?

Other side of first suitcase

Well, the supplies were easy.  I told everyone to bring a suitcase and either Modge Podge or Golden's Gel Medium or something to glue down paper to the suitcases and seal the top.  I suggested that in advance they decide on a color pallet or a subject for the collage or they could just "wing it." 

Top of my first suitcase

 I brought my two completed suitcases to show and demonstrate how they were totally different.  Everyone jumped right in.  There were eight of us.  The best part of projects like this is what we learn from each other and how we see others interpreting the project and it's outcome.  

Second suitcase I did

Top of second suitcase

Mary, loves to travel.  She has been collecting for a long time travel labels  She decided to cover her suitcase both front in back with theses labels in more of a linear fashion rather than just hap-hazard. It will be fun to see if she goes further with her project.  It looked great as it was.  

Mary's Travel Case

Kat had decided on a Marilyn Monroe theme.  She chose to cover her little suitcase with beautiful paper Kathie G. had brought to share with gold foil and rich green and blue colors.  She would have been a lot further along before we disperse if she hadn't realized that after "fussy" cutting (a term we have acquire from Magda Cortez) an infamous photo of Marilyn with her skirt flying up, that she had glued it on upside down.  It wasn't funny.  In the end, she covered it and felt she could find another photo of this particular pose again and still use it.  In the meantime, she continued.

Kat's Marilyn Monroe Case

Magda purchased a 50's makeup case from Jackie and began to work on her background collage.  Her theme is SteamPunk and had amazing ideas using die cuts and Tim Holtz's alcohol inks to create a one of a kind carrier that reflects Magda's imagination using scrapbook supplies in new and exciting ways.  She teaches both in stores and online and has taught internationally in Mexico and Spain.  Check out her blog.  She has an amazing number of followers internationally.  Magda speaks perfect English and by profession is an Engineer.  She is precise in her designs and we have been privileged to watch her create before our very eyes some of the most intricate little books.  I believe in the near future she will be offering her classes and tutorials in both Spanish and English.  Be sure to visit Magda's blog "Axes Designs" to see more of her finished SteamPunk suitcase.

Magda's  make-up case in progress

Magda's completed make-up case

Jackie also worked on a 50's makeup case.  Her theme appears to be a color.  She started with a bright hot pink/red case.  Since she was the hostess, she made sure we were all comfortable and when we ordered lunch, she went and got it for us.  She still managed to get her case finished!

Our hostess, Jackie

Jackie's almost finished

Kathie G. brought a suitcase and elegant papers from Dick Blick to share with us all.  Her suitcase is a vibrant pink and vintage creams.  The overall appearance is beautiful.  Both Jackie's, Kathie's and Debbie's made me wish I had worked with brighter colors for my collage background.  I do not know if Kathie is going to put other images over her background or go with the suitcase just as it is - beautiful.

Kathie G's Suitcase

Kathie introduced me to her friend Debbie.  Debbie had also come to Georgia's Milagro class that I missed.  Debbie worked on what looked like a hat box.  Very cute.  She also worked in very vibrant pinks, my favorite colors.

Debbie's Hat Case in progress

Our Master Solderer, Margo Beatty, came to play with us.  Instead of a suitcase she decided to work on a blank clipboard.  She also worked in pink but a softer pink.  She also muted some of her edges and the paper with paint.  Below you can see her finished clipboard.

I neglected to learn from some of the artists whether they were just doing a background or if they were going to go farther with their projects when they got home.  My bad. . .

Margo's Clip Board in progress

Margo's Finished Clipboard

I decided to do a background collage using scrapbook papers in vintage muted colors and for contrast, black.  Then I had a theme - Men I have loved  (obviously in my dreams). . .  The range is from Leonard Cohen to Freddie Mercury (even though we play for different teams) and capping off my bizarre interest - Henry Kessinger. . .  Not sure what they all have in person.  Power?

One side of my background collage finished

Layout for one of my sides

Sally's Suitcase one side almost finished

Can't wait for next month to try something new!