Creative Chemistry 101 - Day 2

So I finally did it -- I signed up for Creative Chemistry 101, an interactive online art class taught by Tim Holtz that teaches you the chemistry behind different crafting products and how they work together to achieve really cool techniques. For anything that produces a visual I will share it here (as well as trying to catch up with showing other cool projects I've been working on).

Day 1 was an overview of the class and explaining how different mediums work (dyes vs pigments for example) and then I went through what I had and filled out a cool chart to help me choose the right tools in the future.

Day 2 is where the projects started. I won't share the secrets of how to obtain these techniques because 1) Tim asked me not to, and 2) you should sign up for the class! It's super cool and only $35.

But I AM allowed to share my own projects showing the techniques, so here we have (From left to right) Blended Distress/Spritz & Flick Technique, Brushless Watercolor Technique, and Wrinkle-Free Distress Technique.

My first RetroSketch Challenge!

Well I am being a horrible blogger when it comes to getting my posts up in any sort of timely manner that feels like there is regularity. Sorry about that.

This week I tried my hand at a challenge from the RetroSketches Blog where they essentially give you a sketch of a project, and you turn it into a real thing. After a week or so, they pick a stand out project and a few other awesome honorable mentions. If you win, you can use a fun button on your blog that basically tells people that you made something cool and sort of award worthy. You will see from my project that I could really use a gift card (so few supplies... sigh...) but pride is also cool ;)

I also needed to make someone a thank you card, so this worked out as a good starting point for my inspiration for what to make.

So this is the sketch for the week:

 And here is what I created:

I used a basic card and envelope set that I inked with Vintage Photo and some green and orange chalk inks. Then I used some fun "autumn" paper for the first layer and the blue side panel, and then ran some brown cardstock through the Big Kick to make the embossed texture. The stamp was a coordinated set that came with the cutout dies and then I painted the edges a little for fun. Then, typical me, I went and distressed the edges of everything, then regretted it, but alas, I did it. The "enamel dots" are actually just a few brads from a big pack that I bought once. I'd love to use dots instead (probably a lot easier than creating little holes for brads) but if you need a quick fix, there you go!

Scrapbookception! Mini Scrapbook within a Scrapbook

Just wanted to do a really quick post about part of my Vegas scrapbook update. I finally had the time to get the project started and after putting photos and collected items into piles for what I wanted on each page, I had a bunch of pictures left over that I really wanted to use but they didn't have a specific place, so I made this Mini Scrapbook that is attached to the inside back cover!

I started with using photos that were all the same size.

6x6 Mini Scrapbook - Part 1 - Making the book

I'm back! And making a scrapbook to commemorate my trip to Las Vegas where lots of fun ensued. Before I get started with my own craft journey here and show you some pictures along the way, I want to give credit to www.dawnsinspirations.com who made a 40ish minute youtube video that shows you in real time how to make this. I took the design and added my own spin and this is the result. I also want to say that with the exception of the paper cutter and folder thing, I got all of the supplies for under $2! Watch for sale coupons, buy things one at a time until you get everything you need. I also had a $10 coupon to AC Moore and a 15% discount for working for a school. Huzzah!

Now to get started. I will omit some of the boring obvious pictures that involve preparing paper and just list what you need to finish with here:

• Two pieces of something firm that will serve as covers. I used grunge paper by Ranger. It's a 6x6 book so use that sized paper or maybe a little bigger.
• A pad of 6x6 paper (or your own paper trimmed to 6x6). I used a set called World Traveler by Teresa Collins ($2.99 for 24 double-sided sheets). Pick 12 sheets out that you like and go together. The rest of the pack is pretty guaranteed to coordinate well for embellishments or matting photos.
• Six 6x6 squares of cardstock. You may see the cardstock so pick a color that goes well with the pattern and don't waste nice cardstock. I just used a basic brown from the Core'dinations Chocolate Lovers set (it was also on sale that day).
• Five 6x2.5 pieces of cardstock (can be the same) this is for the binding of the pages. If you have 8.5x11 cardstock, you can cut it to 6x8.5 and then chop off the 2.5 part to get this and the previous squares you needed ;)
• One piece that is 7x3.75 for the actual spine. You may see this so you might want to pick a nicer cardstock for this or a color that coordinates well with the paper you want on the cover.
• Glue (liquid is best here)
• Other fun stuff like an ink pad and applicator for distressing edges. I also found some sweet washi tape that I wanted to use.

I'll be back! Don't worry!

Hey friends. I just wanted to take a quick moment to let everyone know that I will be back with more work soon. I had some health issues pop up that kept me from doing much, and now I'm a little busy with work, but all busy things come to an end, and I'll be back to creating. I actually have a few things I made in the interim that I need to get words to go with pictures and then it will be up. Thanks for being patient!

-Steve