Pretty bird

Took this pic at the K.C. Zoo parrot cage.  Its not the best picture but does show the variety of colors in the feathers since he is fluffing them out.

Focus on Clear Embossing

Here's a technique that I really like.  Take a piece of scrapbook paper and coordinate a card front.  Select a 5" x 7" section for your background.  Then stamp and emboss a reverse image stamp on a  quieter part of the paper.  A reverse image is one where you stamp the background and the images remain un-stamped.  The technique is to use clear ink to stamp with and clear detail embossing powder on that.  The purpose of the clear medium is to see through the background to the design of the paper.  Then, taking water-based markers such as Marvy, color the designs.  Use a baby wipe frequently to wipe off excess marker ink from the clear embossing.  A totally coordinated design to layer on top of your background piece.  Use coordinating colors to mat the layers.

Zentangles

Here is my entry into a recent Zentangle card contest.  Because I had been doodling faces in my sketchbook in a zentangly way, I thought I would add faces to a background of traditional zentangles.  No, I didn't win the contest but I had so much competition it put my shaky hand to shame!

Little Tramp

This ATC was made from Tim Holtz's ATC-sized embossing folder.  The man with umbrella is also available as a rubber stamp and a die for cutting that shape.  I stamped reverse text onto the inside of the embossing folder, inserted paper and ran it through the cuttlebug.  I also sponged some tea dye ink over the raised image.  Since this image reminds me of Charlie Chaplin in the movies I added a piece of tiny film strip and called him the Little Tramp.

I kissed my stamp

Love this technique.  There are two stamps involved.  The main stamp, the dress form is inked up.  Then take the second stamp which is reverse text and press it to the other stamp (kissing).  Pull them apart and stamp the dress form with a new design.  Try checks, swirls, dots.  Lots of new looks for one stamp.

October sky

I am a fan of Silk Baron's dupioni silks.  The excellent array of colors are scrumptious and delectable.  This beauty is call October Sky.  Check them out at http://silkbaron.com/silk/index.html and don't forget to register for free fabric.

Garden Green

From my own tomato vine, some small tomatoes have ripened and we used them in a salad today.  My first of the season!  Of course I bought this pot last month when it had alot of tiny green babies and a bunch more flowers.  In a pot with a trellis.  How easy is that?  They were very yummy.  I don't care how red the store tomatoes are, they still don't taste the way a home grown one does!

Big Win!

My husband won a jackpot recently on his favorite Monopoly slot.  A thirty cent bet for $430!  He hit a bonus and free spins to go around the board.  All aboard the money train!

Trees and Bluebells

 My recent Watercolor effort.  It's a practice piece from a step by step instruction book.  I liked the textured look on the tree trunks achieved by building up alot of dry brushing.  Not too bad for my first painting in a really long time!