a tiny life primer

First off, I can't believe how long it's been since my last post--had a nasty cold, and you know how that can knock the stuffing out of you . . . thank goodness that's about over, it's time for a round of blog visiting!

And second, here are a couple of pics of a tiny little hand bound book:

You may recognize that textured cover from the Valentine making, or even from this trio of fairies.  Anyway, I'm making good use of all the bits!  You will find the rest of the book in my share today at Altered Pages, and if you're interested in the binding, it's simply a tiny version of THIS tutorial (use clothespins instead of binding clips).

Happy Thursday!

fairies and a helpful hint

 I love my alphabet stamps, but am just about rubbish at stamping them neatly.  A while back, I learned a little trick for keeping things neat--you probably already know this one, but if you tape your letters together, it's a whole lot easier to stamp the words.

 The blocks for these letters are different sizes, so I butt the rubber end up against a ruler, and then

slap a little Scotch type tape across the top, carefully flip, and then tape the other side.  This trio of words were stamped on watercolor backgrounds, cut out, and the edges inked:

SO much easier to manage, especially when dealing with small spaces, like an artist trading card.

You can see this little fairy's sisters, along with more details on her background, in my share today at Altered Pages.  Thank you for stopping by, I appreciate your visit!

collage backgrounds. and a mess. What's on Your Workdesk? #350

A new layer of stuff over the Valentine stuff---the workmat is nice and painty!

Making collage backgrounds, I'm planning on color copying these and cutting some animal shapes out of them.  It may not sound like a plan, but there's a plan here . . . we'll see how it goes, and I'll show you how it turns out next week, success or no.    :)

Happy What's on Your Workdesk, everyone!  See you around the blogosphere . . . want to join in?  Stop by Julia's for all the details.

mixed media Valentine hearts. What's on Your Workdesk? Wednesday, #349

My friend Julie came over, and we had a much needed art day. This is the result for me--some collaged, painted, textured hearts for Valentine making.

The book of Poe is a thoughtful gift from my friend--thank you, Julie!  :)

Gold highlights on the texture.

Happy WOYWW to you!  If you're not a desker and would like to know more, Julia says stop by for more information---HERE.

fairy dust

Been playing with some new fairy stamps from Faerie Song--I feel a Shakespeare something coming on . . .
You can see more in my share today at Altered Pages.  Happy Thursday, everyone!  :)

What's on Your Workdesk? Wednesday, #348

Trying out some new fairy stamps, on watercolor backgrounds.

And a couple more atcs for the 52 card swap Jessica Brogan is hostessing:

These are tempera and Pitt pen, with a little bit of crayon.

Maybe I'll see you WOYWWing this week?  (If you aren't familiar with What's on Your Workdesk? Wednesdays, you are welcome to stop by Julia's to find out more information, and join in, as well.)

What's on Your Workdesk? Wednesday, #347 (Thirty-seven atcs)

 

A couple of weeks ago, another WOYWW desker posted about a swap they were participating in--I can't recall who it was, but perhaps I'll find her again this week!  Anyway, it sounded like fun, so I joined, and have been making lots of atcs.  We have to have 52. 

 

Here is my stack of 37n so far.  These are all similar, but different colors and slightly different backgrounds.  Here are a couple of them, the general theme of the swap is Nature:

Happy WOYWW!  Many thanks as always to Julia for hosting!  (PS, she says you're welcome to join,  just check the link and drop in for details.)

A few how-to tips on making buntings . . .

I like making buntings, but I also have a life, and don't necessarily want to spend hours and hours creating them.  So here are a few tips from someone who has made a LOT of buntings, along with a lot of mistakes in the process!

1.  Rectangular panels = the fastest way to go
2.  Stitching the panels to the hanging ribbon or strip of fabric with a sewing machine = faster and easier than gluing.
3.  Colored staples look cute, too, and are even easier than stitching or gluing.
4.  Clothespins win for the easiest way to hang!
5.  If you're doing stuff like inks/paints around the edges of the panels, do that BEFORE sewing.
6.  3D elements are fun, but if you're planning on storing the bunting, they're a huge pain.  (Says the woman who added a million ribbon roses to the cutest little baby girl bunting ever, and then tried to fold it up . . .)

That's it.  That's my words of wisdom ***snorts with laughter*** for the day. 

Heed them, my friends.

More Valentine info today at my Altered Pages post.  Happy Thursday to you!  :)

What's on Your Workdesk? Wednesday, #346--piles of little buntings

So last week all I had to show were the bunnies, but this week I've been a busy crafter--

Piles of little buntings, five of them, and they're all finished.  One bottom center was going to be a panel for one of the buntings, but now it's going to be a Valentine.

Why so many?  I like making buntings, and saw some really sweet collage pages (it was the vintage baby images that got me), and that was that.  Here are a couple of the babies:

Happy WOYWW!  (If you aren't familiar with WOYWW, stop by dear Julia's to find out more.)

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday, #345--Moose

Today, I am cleaning the bunny room and their cages.  These are the girl child's rabbits;  here is a photo of Moose, who is somewhat wary of the camera:

He's very friendly, as rabbits go, and likes a good bunny massage.  When we first got him, years ago, along with his compatriot Isaiah, we were told by the pet shop that they were both males.

And then one day the daughter found these:

(Actually, they were all pink and pathetic looking when she found them.)

Yep.  That happened.  We're all much older and wiser now.  But since I didn't have anything new arty to share, I figured something cute would probably be even better . . .

Happy WOYWW to you!  If you aren't familiar with What's On Your Workdesk?  Wednesday, Julia is always happy for you to stop by and check out all the details, and join in the fun. 
:)