january 31!!

what happened?  It's already the end of January, 2017!
That means I have what's left of this day to complete my art journal for the year.  I am challenging myself to create one page (yes just one page) per month in an art journal.  Wow big challenge, huh?

Well, it can be more than one, if I want, but at least one is the challenge!  Luckily I have been getting things done.  Saturday I folded the signatures.  Sunday I found the chipboard.  Yesterday I sewed the signatures together, cut the chipboard to size, and decided on the cover papers!  Whew that was a lot!
This morning I will be finishing the covers and attaching the signatures.  Oh, there are four signatures that create 8 pages.  That way if I do get inspiration, I have more pages.  And it leaves room for a double page or two, if I decide I need to go big....
Oops!  no completed pages for January planned today.  Maybe I can sneak one in, though.......
The journal is 4 x 6 ( so double pages would be 8 x 6) - not too big but then it seems do-able for me.

I will be back to show the "finished" journal later.

Want to join me????

look what came in the mail!

Prima pads and flowers!

looks like a few baby albums will be made
I love this paper and it took a while to
find........so cute!!

decided to get this one, too
and some little flowers

Prima has more coming, too.  So does every company!  Watch your favorite store or check out Funkie Junkie online.  They have great prices and reasonable shipping.  That's where I found the Heaven Sent paper pad.  It was long gone from every other store.  

My kitty hats are finished.  The Baby Shower items are finished, too.

I'm ready to get started on some new projects!

Stop back again!

margie

playtime on a rainy day

raining here.  cold (relatively speaking) too.  working on some ideas.  and something jumped in my  hands and I couldn't let it go......

this is the sketches and scraps project for January 2017.
see the previous post for more info.

practice for this year's valentines.
now I just "need" to get to Michael's for
the valentine paper that is on sale!

they jumped right in my hands and I couldn't put them down.
the tin alone is great!!

notice the little card above the tin?
watch for directions soon!

still my favorite technique but now with an added twist!
clear gesso protects the distressed ink background
and I can add texture and color without losing it.

got out the sewing machine.  no
more excuses about how "difficult"it is.....

the start of our grandbaby's afghan!
yep, baby bunny donovan is due in April!

from Trisha's cookbook shown here

my attempt.  tasted great!

photo heavy but I've been having fun!

margie

something new....

I am starting something new with Sketches and Scraps 2017.  There will be a little project added to the monthly cards.
This month I will be posting a cute little pop out card that is sure to wow you!
I am almost finished and will post a picture soon.

Like always, I will include pictures, measurements and ideas and hints along the way!   and the only way you can get it is with the purchase of a monthly card class.

What a deal!!  Eight cards and a project for only $8 per month.

watch for a picture or two real soon!

Sketches and Scraps 2017

I am pleased to announce the 2017 monthly card (and more) classes!

Sketches and Scraps 2017

a monthly class emailed to you

8 cards using 4 sketches

examples using papers, stamps, dies/punches, new and old techniques and more

complete instructions including step out pictures

suggestions for substituting what you have

bonus projects 

and more!!

all this for only $8 per month.  You can order one month or subscribe to as many as you would like.

January samples

This month the focus is on rubber stamping, dies and embossing.  And using up your scrap papers that are just too pretty to throw away!

Several techniques will be included.

I will also be using the paper collection Rossi Belle by Prima (A-4 size) for one set of cards this month. This pad includes 5 sheets of each double sided design, stickers, die cuts and more.  I love it because there is so much paper and the designs are the perfect size for card making. 

You won't be disappointed!!  Give it a try.  You can order by the month, or subscribe for more. And once you have them, they are yours forever!

Email me for ordering directions:  mad48152@gmail.com

or leave a comment on this post.

I will also have two kits available for purchase. The cost is $8.50 (postage included)

They will include all papers, cut to size, embellishments and stamped images; everything you need to create 4 cards except adhesives.  Samples can be seen in the above photo in the middle column.

I hope you join me in all the fun this year!  

that's better....

It's good to be back in the swing of things!

Sketches and Scraps 2017 is on it's way!

Watch for more information on this year's monthly card/project offerings.

Designs, samples, detailed instructions, tips and more for only $8.  

Kits will be available, too - everything you need to make 4 cards except the adhesives.

Sign up for the year, sign up for the month.  Your choice!  

You won't be disappointed!!

here is a little sneak peak of January's cards.......

Happy New Year!!

margie

When isn't the Grand Canyon so grand????

When it is completely filled with fog!!!

It is down there somewhere but no one saw it on this day.

Still enjoyed the time even though the main attraction was "missing in action"

Luckily we were familiar with snowy roads and knew to turn back when we couldn't see anything but snow out the front wind shield and felt the car slipping a lot as we drove up.  We turned around and went back to wait out the night. We made it to the park the next day but fog filled the canyon.  Wild life was everywhere and even posed for pictures.

And we love it when people ask us to take their pictures.  

We knew to get out of there before the big snows fell, too, 8 - 12 inches!

There is snow on the mountains surrounding Tucson but we are enjoying the desert winter.

Hope your day is joyful!

Merry Christmas!

this is what happens when.........

this is what happens when I finally clear my work table off in preparation for Christmas dinner......

absolutely nothing!!

I haven't done any crafting since this picture was taken and it's been difficult!  A clean work space is very inviting and tempting.  My list of projects to try is growing by the day but I know if I start, I will be in trouble.

So......the day after Christmas should be loaded with fun!

Tucson holds a lighted Holiday parade every year.

Hundreds of entries, covered in thousands of lights parade through the downtown area.  The streets are lined with children of all ages. 

Santa followed the last fire truck on a bicycle powered sleigh.

Merry Christmas!

I'll be back right after Christmas!

margie

snow anyone???

Happy Snow day to all my friends and family back home!!

I built a snowman just for you!!

margie

just for fun

I've been crafting just for fun.  My Christmas cards are patiently waiting for me to go to the store for adhesives.  In the meantime I played a little.....

a thank you card using up some Melissa Frances papers, maya road frames and flowers that came in a little glass bottle.  I used Ranger Enamel for the flower centers and added some Prima Snow paste for a little glisten.

I saw these somewhere and decided to try them using things I had.  Next time I will use silver wire.  The black is too dark.  These will be nice additions to future mixed media projects.

and I have always wanted to make one of these.  What is it?  You will have to wait and see.  I need to paint, distress and assemble, but all the components are ready.  I really want to make one for Halloween but that will have to wait.......

We also attended the community tree lighting last week.  Lots of happy kids, cookies and hot chocolate.

there was also a Gingerbread village:  "Barrio Tucson".  the buildings are familiar ones around the city.  Notice the javalinas (pigs maybe to you).  and the cactus.  It was very colorful!

Lots of color!!

Check back soon for information on 2017 Sketches and Scraps!  This is the monthly card/project class I will be offering.  It will be sent via email for you to complete at your leisure.

thanks for stopping by.  Hope you are staying warm!

margie