Poe-etic Blog Hop

Blog Roll:

Terra

Tori

Susan S.

Lady Brayton

Black Dragon

Julia

Jane

Windy

Kristy

Lisa

Shell

Candace

Wendy

Joyce

Monique

Madelein Bouquet

Ike

Vee Cassidy

Sandy

Little Black Kitten
 

Woo Hoo! It's time for the August Smeared & Smudged Member's Blog Hop. The hop theme is called Poe-etic! What a great way to celebrate the master of mystery and the macabre! I have created a mixed media piece for my Poe-etic entry!  My Poe masterpiece is created from a wooden block, an old wooden spool and a rectangular block from a game similar to Jenga.
 

The Edgar Allan Poe image and the word "nevermore" are digital stamps from the Quoth the Raven set by Smeared Ink. The crown is a page from a damaged book that was cut with the Cricut machine, painted red and stamped with a chain link pattern stamp from Great Impressions. The wings are from a Tim Holtz clear stamp collection set. Once I assembled my Poe bust, I put it through the laminater to give it stability.

The images around the base of the block are from collage sheets. They have been decoupaged onto the block base. I added the Edgar Allan Poe quote "to elevate the soul, poetry is necessary" . The piece is embellished with black and red rhinestones, lace flowers that I painted black, striped ribbon yarn and black eyelash yarn.

 Please leave me a comment about my Poe-etic assemblage piece and then hop and bop over to the next blog site which is

                                     Joyce

 I am entering my altered piece into the following challenges:

That Craft Place - vintage
The Crazy Challenge - #127 anything goes
Craft Your Passion - #124 (three flowers with 3 red rhinestones)
Created With Love - #3 (three flowers with 3 red rhinestones)
Simon Says Stamp - no rules
Bearly-Mine - #49 anything goes
Creative Card Crew - #17 newsprint
LEJ - #17 vintage
Tammy's Scrapin - #24 anything goes

As always, Smeared and Smudged have given the members a great blog hop theme. Visit the participating "hoppers" and leave them some love. Also check out the creations on the above mentioned challenge sites. You will be amazed and inspired to start a crafting project of your own. 

~ chasing after my paper whims ~ wendy

Edgar Allan Poe Hanging Sculpture

Edgar Allan Poe Mixed Media Hanging Art

This Edgar Allan Poe hanging mixed media sculpture was created from a cereal box and paper. The art piece measures 6.5 inches long by 6.5 inches wide (wingspan). The images are digital stamps from Smeared Ink. This piece was created for a week long art challenge. You can see the posting here.

The dangle is embellished with red and black feathers, a gold tone raven charm, striped ribbon yarn, three ruby red rhinestones and a black chain. The backside of the dangle is painted black. The paper has been varnished to increase durability.

This dangle is now available in my Etsy Store. If you are an Edgar Allan Poe fan or know someone who is, this is the perfect lightweight piece of original art for you!

Itsy Bitsy Spider?

Itsy Bitsy Spider Card

I created this card using a sketch from the Smeared & Smudged Challenge for August. I also wanted to use the dark fairy tale/nursery rhyme theme going on at Smudgy Antics and Poisoned Peas.

The web and spider are clear rubber stamps from Inkadinkado. I just purchased them on Saturday and couldn't wait to use them. The glittery orange spider is from a Prize Pack I won at a challenge last year.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Smeared & Smudged - August Sketch Challenge
Smudgy Antics - itsy bitsy spider
Fat Pages with Attitude - #20 anything goes/texture
Poisoned Peas - #6 dark tales
The Crazy Challenge - #127 anything goes
Whoopsi Daisy - include a sentiment
Simon Says Stamp & Show - no rules
Tammy's Scrapin - #24 anything goes
Bearly-Mine - #49 anything goes
Card Crafter's Circle - #36 rich earthy colors

I hope you can spare a minute and take a look at the artwork displayed on the above mentioned sites. You will be so impressed!

~ following my paper whims ~ wendy

Upcycled Anthropologie Catalog Bobby Pins

These handcrafted paper bead bobby pins were created from an upcycled Anthropologie catalog page. They are bold and colorful. They will add some excitement to your hair while taming your tresses.

The paper bead is 2" long. It is varnished to help resist moisture. It can be used in wet hair and can be worn in the rain but it will not withstand being immersed in water. You apply the bobby pin to your hair the same way you would an unadorned hair pin. You can wear one, two at a time or all of them at once. It's up to you. Have fun!!!

I have created a paper bead bobby pin tutorial if you are interested in making your own bobbies. But if you like the designs on the pictured bobbies shown above, you can purchase them in my Etsy Store.

Alice in Wonderland "Surprise" ATC

Hidden Surprise ATC

Surprise!

I created this "surprise element" ATC for a couple of challenges. The challenge going on at Altered Alice is to incorporate a disappearing element into your creation. Using a metal brad as a pivot, my ATC has a secret reveal. This was a new technique for me and it took a few tries to get it right, lol!

I also used the Bingo board on The Game for elements of my ATC. I used the collage image, paint, ATC, shimmer mist and fabric line. The Alice collage image is from Paper Imagery Designs. I used the same Tim Holtz rubber stamp with black ink (fabric) and gold paint on the botton ATC. I sprayed the image with golden shimmer mist and used a piece of yellow and white gingham for the fabric background.

I am entering this ATC in the following challenges:

The Altered Alice - disappearing element
The Game - Bingo
ABC Challenge - V is for vanish
The Stamp Man - precious metal
Allsorts - #168 heavy metal
Dilly Beans - bright colors
Card Makin Mamas - try something new
That Craft Place - vintage
The Crazy Challenge - anything goes
Whoopsi Daisy - include sentiment

I hope you spare a minute to visit the above mentioned sites. You will be amazed by the wonderful artwork on display.

~ chasing after my paper whims ~ wendy

Altered Game Piece Pendant

Frida Pendant Necklace

I created my Frida Pendant from a Toy Story Memory Game card. I purchased the game at a garage sale on Saturday and I could not wait to alter and repurpose it. I saw so many possibilites!

I tried a new technique for the background. I used a piece of paper torn from a damaged book as a base layer. I then used gesso, watercolor crayons and plain old Crayolas to give the background some color. The Frida image I used is from Dilly Beans. I colored Frida with MS Paint and then gave her cheeks a little blush with chalk. The butterfly is from Dover. The pendant is embellished with two black metal snaps and one shiny red rhinestone.

Altering this game piece was so much fun that I can't wait to make more!

I am entering this pendant in the following challenges:

The Stamp Man - precious metal
Stampotique - #261 alter it
Paper Play - #33 upcycle/recycle
Dilly Beans - bright colors
Card Makin Mamas - try something new
Allsorts - #168 heavy metal

Please visit the above mentioned sites and take in the wide assortment of artwork.

~following my paper whims ~ wendy

Fashionable Card

1917 Fashions Card

I created this card with a collage image from my Flickr Group called Collage Images (not for posting art). They have wonderful images that are free for collage artists to use. I added some rubber stamped swirlies to two corners of the card.  The card is embellished with a sticker, fiber, lace, button, pearl, rhinestones and a dark brown button. I followed a recipe from the Rogue Redhead Challenge and used a square, circle die cut and a rectangle shape on my card.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Craft-room Challenge - fashion
Card Crafter's Circle - #36 rich earthy colors
ATC's and cards with Attitude - anything goes/lace
Rogue Redhead Challenge - shape up card
The Game - Bingo (sticker, die cut, fiber, collage image, create a card)

I hope you will take the time to visit these sites. There is some fantastic art on display.

~chasing paper whims ~ wendy

Bobby Pins created from Magazine Pages

DIY Paper Beaded Bobby Pins

These handcrafted paper bead bobby pins were created from magazine pages. There is a flirty orange geometric pattern, a purple marble-look pattern and a multi-colored brush stroke design. These colorful hair pins will add some fun and flair to your hair.

The paper bead is 2" long. It is varnished to help resist moisture. It can be used in wet hair and can be worn in the rain but it will not withstand being immersed in water. You apply the bobby pin to your hair the same way you would an unadorned hair pin. You can wear one, two at a time or all of them at once. It's up to you. Have fun with them!

If you love these prints, you can purchase this set of three bobbies at my Etsy store. I also have a tutorial on my blog with step by step directions on how to make your own.

~ chasing paper whims ~ wendy

Bobby Pins - DIY from Paper

Pretty Bobby Pins

I have relisted these paper beaded bobby pins in my Etsy Shop. This collection of handcrafted paper bead bobby pins focus on four colors: turquoise, black, white and yellow. The hair pin designs contain some flowers, polka dots and circles. The images were found in fashion magazine pages. They will add some color and creativity to your hairstyle.

I have a tut on my blog if you would like to make your own OR these are available for purchase in my Etsy Store.

Big Bad Wolf Card

Look out Red - it's the Big Bad Wolf!

I wanted to create a project for the "dark fairy tale" challenge going on at Poisoned Peas. I think Red Riding Hood better watch herself the next time she enters the forest. I created this card with a wolf digital stamp from LEJ Designs. I colored the wolf with MS Paint. I used lots of layers and a die cut to frame my image. The card is embellished in all four corners for the challenge on Haunted Design House. Embellishments include three metal steampunk gears, two red rhinestones and a scrap of fabric.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Totally Papercrafts - #120 frame it
Just Some Lines - layer it up
Poodles Parlour - die cuts
Poisoned Peas - #6 dark fairy tale
The Secret Crafter - gold, silver, bronze
The Stamp Man - precious metal
Haunted Design House - hiding in corners
The Paper Make-up - 3,2,1 recipe
Paper Pretties - #52 anything goes
Whoopsi Daisy - anything goes
Pile it On - Bingo (gems, image, fabric)

I hope you will be inspired to create some artwork of your own. Check out the beautiful samples provided by the design team members on the sites listed above.

~following my paper whims ~ wendy

Beware of Dragon Tales

Dragon Tale Card

I created this dragon card for the challenges going on at Smudgy Antics,  and Haunted Design House.The challenges this week deal with dark and gothic fairy tales. The card is layered with shapes (square, circle and rectangle) and some of the papers have been scrunched and sanded for some distressing. The sequins hiding in the corners represent dragon scales.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Sweet Stampin - things with wings
Allsorts - #167 going around in circles
Totally Paper Crafts - #120 frame it
Just Some Lines - layer it up
The Paper Makeup - 3-2-1 (3 shapes, 2 red bead eyes, 1 image)
Smudgy Antics - dragon tales
Dilly Beans - distress it
Haunted Design House - hiding in the corners
Paper Pretties - #52 anything goes
Whoopsi Daisy - anything goes

Beware the dragon...please take a minute and look at the artwork displayed on the above listed sites. You will be delighted!

~chasing paper whims ~ wendy

Clean & Simple Card

Clean & Simple Square Card

I created this square card for the clean and simple challenge going on at Cas-ual Friday. The image is called Dia De Isos Muertos from Strange Skin Digital Stamps. The challenge for me was to keep it simple, lol! I minimally chalked the design and added a little red marker. The image is embellished with two red rhinestones.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Cas-ual Friday - #65 clean & simple + square card
The Crazy Challenge - #126 black, white + one other
Paper Pretties - #52 anything goes
Whoopsi Daisy - anything goes

I hope you like the simplicity of this card. Check out the artwork on the above mentioned sites.

~ following my paper whims ~ wendy

The Raven Tag

The Raven Tag

I created this tag for the Oh! The Horror! August Challenge on Smeared and Smudged. The challenge was to create artwork that represents the movie "The Raven". The movie poster features a black background, red wings and John Cusack as Edgar Allan Poe.

The Edgar Allan Poe digital stamp is from Smudgetastic. The heart with wings digi is from Smeared Ink. I used some oval red rhinestones to represent blood drips. I haven't seen the movie yet but I did watch the trailer and  it looks like a "wet" one. My tag and circle were cut with the Cricut die cut machine. I enhanced the images with a little chalk and red marker.

I am also entering this tag in the following challenges:

The Crazy Challenge - black, white + one other
Pile it On - Bingo (image, tag, raffia)
The Sisterhood of Crafters - tag you're it
Dutch Dare - #177 tag you're it
Poodles Parlour - die cuts
Pattie's Creation - anything but a card
Paper Play - #32 shaped card

Please take a minute and view the artwork on the above mentioned sites. You will be inspired to get creative.

~ following my paper whims ~ wendy

SmudgeFest - Day Seven

Today is Day Seven and the last day of SmudgeFest. The challenge for today was called Sketchy Sunday. The challenge was to create a card using the provided sketch. I don't usually choose to do sketch challenges so this was a "challenge" for me...(especially this sketch)!

Candy Bear Card

The stamps I used are all from the Candy is Dandy set by Smeared Ink. I colored the bear with MS Paint. Her cheeks are blushed with some chalk. I used the cricut machine to cut out my perfect oval background. The card is further embellished with a pink button and green ribbon bow.

Along with Smudgefest, I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Tuesday Alchemy - Bingo (button, ribbon & bow)
Simon Says Stamp - Bingo (button, diecut & ribbon)
Crafting for All Seasons - #33 bright colors
Fat Pages with Attitude - #20 anything goes/texture
Just Some lines - layer it up
Paper Crafting Journey - anything goes

This has been a terrific week for crafting...thank you Smeared & Smudged and Smudgy Antics for sponsoring SmudgeFest 2012. It was really a fun adventure.

Rock N Rolla Tag

Rock N Rolla Tag

I created this tag for the August Rock N Rolla Challenge on Smeared and Smudged. The inspiration song was Buried Alive by Creature Feature. One of the lyrics was "heart under the floorboards, beats for Lenore, nevermore". I decided to try and capture that verse in my artwork. The music video was really creepy. It reminded me of the old black and white horror films of the past.

I used three digital stamps for this challenge. The cracked heart and the word Nevermore is from Smeared Ink. The skeleton is from Wonderstrange. I used my cricut machine to cut out the puzzle shape for my tag. The tag is "blinged" out with a fabric bowtie, a silver metal heart charm, glitter, rhinestones and black and white fiber. I think it rocks!!!

This tag qualifies for a lot of challenges going on this week:

Tuesday Alchemy - Bingo (die cut & bling)
Simon Says STamp - Bingo (die cut & glitter)
The Crazy Challenge - black, white + one color
Digi Doodle Shop - #120 things with wings
The Crafty Pad - #182 add some metal
Pattie's Creation - #50 anything but a card
Sweet Stampin - things with wings
Whoopsi Daisy - die cuts & punches
Poodles Parlour - die cut
Pile it On - #32 add metal
CRAFT - #167 add a charm
The Stamp Man - precious metal
The Sisterhood of Crafters - tag you're it
Delightful Challenge - fabric fiber trim
Art Impressions - #75 any sentiment

Whew! I'm going to be busy linking all these up...hope you have a minute to look at all the gorgeous artwork displayed on the above listed sites.

following my paper whims ~ wendy

SmudgeFest - Day Six

Today is Day Six of SmudgeFest. The challenge for today was called Saturday's Song. The challenge was to create an ATC  with the song "Blackbird" by the Beatles as an inspiration. Blackbird is one of my favorite songs and I love crafting with blackbirds and ravens so I was stoked for this challenge!

Blackbird Fly ATC

I cut out the base of my ATC with my cricut machine. I used the baby wings digital stamp from the Smeared Ink Heart Wings set. I colored the wings and hearts with colored pencils. I added some bling with glitter on the wings and along the edge of the birdie's hat. I scrunched up my background paper, sanded the edges and distressed it with ink. The blackbird is cut from a discarded catalog. I further embellished the card with a tiny seed bead, black tulle and a pinky-red pom-pom.

Along with SmudgeFest, I am entering this ATC in the following challenges:

Dilly Beans - worn, torn and distressed
Simon Says - Bingo (die cut & glitter)
Tuesday Alchemy - Bingo (diecut & bling)
ATC's with Attitude - #20 anything goes
That Craft Place - things with wings
Digi Doodle - #120 things with wings
Sweet Stampin - things with wings
Love to Create - #27 die cuts & punches)
Dream Valley - #38 die cuts & punches)

Please take a minute and look at the artwork on display at the above listed sites. It will put a smile on your face!

SmudgeFest has been so much fun, I'm sorry it is going to end tomorrow. Can't wait to see what the last challenge is!!!

always following my paper whims ~ wendy

Steampunk Skull Necklace

Skull Necklace

This colorful skull paper pendant necklace was handcrafted using a technique that I have developed. I call my paper jewelry creations Gypsy Paper Trinkets.

This skull on a red bowtie measures 3" x 2.25". The skull is a digital design by Smeared Ink. The pendant is embellished with a fabric bow, a round piece of hardware and a pink donut shaped bead. The necklace is hung on 20" of black chain with a spring ring clasp closure.

I have a layered paper tutorial on my blog. You can try to make your own lightweight paper jewelry or this necklace is available in my Etsy Store.

always following my paper whims...wendy

SmudgeFest - Day Five

Today is Day Five of SmudgeFest. The challenge for today was called Freebie Friday. Smudgy Antics provided the players with a Red Riding Hood digital stamp. The image is crazy cool. I couldn't wait to work with it!

Red Riding Hood Card

Stand up Card

I decided to create a free standing card for the challenge. I colored the image using MS Paint and then just chalked around the edges to take the glare off the white. I added the words "what a tender young creature" from the Brother's Grimm fairy tale. The card is embellished with lots of layers and a piece of red burlap to give it some texture. It was a fun image to work with. Thank you Smudgy Antics for sharing!


Along with SmudgeFest, I am entering my stand-up card in the following challenges:

Art Impressions - #75 any sentiment
Crafty Catz - #145 anything goes
Paper Crafting Journey - anything goes
Delightful Challenge - fabric, fiber, trim
Fat Pages with Attitude - #20 add some texture
ATC's with Attitude - #20 anything goes

I hope you like my card and will look at some of the other fine work displayed on the above mentioned sites. Can't wait to see what the challenge for Saturday will be!

Red + Green+ Amber = Red Light Green Light

ATC for Challenge at The Game

I created this ATC for the Red Light Green Light Challenge going on at The Game Challenge site. You had to create an ATC using the colors red, green and amber. I have just begun playing with ATC's and have discovered they are so much fun to make.

I made this ATC with a image from the Artchix Hat's In Bloom collage sheet. As if she wasn't pretty enough with her flower top doo, I blushed the lovely ladies cheeks and embellished her with three red rhinestones and three buttons. The piece of fabric is sewn on (the things I will do to win a challenge at Dilly Beans). I love working with vintage images. Artchix has a great collection of collage sheets for all types of interests. Check it out!

Along with The Game and Dilly Beans, I am entering this ATC in the following challenges:

Tammy's Scrappin Corner - show us your bling
Vintage Elusions - #1 anything goes/mixed media
Crafting for all Seasons - #33 bright colors
Di's digital Designs - no squares allowed
Delightful Challenge - fabric, fiber & trim
Paper Crafting Journey - anything goes
Pixie Dust Studio - vintage

I hope you like my ATC and have been inspired to create one of your own. Visit the above listed sites for ideas and inspirations.

SmudgeFest - Day Four

Today is Day Four of SmudgeFest. The challenge for today was called Thursday Throwdown. The challenge was to create a project using three out of five colors. Pretty easy peasy today!!!

I created a card using the cupcake image from the Smeared Ink - Candy is Dandy set. I colored the image with MS Paint and highlighted with a little chalk. I used my cricut machine to cut out my background pieces. The spider web is a rubber stamp from Hampton Art. The card is embellished with glitter, glossy accents, seed beads, ribbon, eyelash yarn, a Tim Holtz metal spider and glitter. Whew that's a lot of BLING!

Along with SmudgeFest, I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Quirky Crafts - quirky cupcake
Crafting for All Seasons - #33 bright colors
Whoopsi Daisy - die cut or punches
Stampotique - #260 sketch
Tammy's Scrappin Corner - #22 bling
The Crafty Pad - #182 show some metal
Simon Says Stamp - Bingo (glitter & die cut)
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - #167 add a charm

Please visit the above mentioned sites and enjoy the beautiful artwork that is on display!

Frankie's Bride

Frankie's Bride ATC

This ATC was so much fun to create. When I saw the Frankie and His Bride challenge listed on Wicked Wednesday, I let out a Whoop. I just got this gorgeous digital stamp from Smudgetastic and I couldn't wait to use it. Voila...my Frankie's Bride ATC. Bride of Frankenstein is one of my all time favorite horror movies.

I used my Cricut machine to cut out the background paper and a heart punch for the heart. The ATC is embellished with distress inks, glitter (it's hard to see in the picture but the streak in her hair is very glittery), and steampunk parts and pieces.

Along with the challenge on Wicked Wednesday, I am entering this ATC in the following challenges:

Craft Punked - #31 at the movies
Simon Says Stamp - Bingo Board (used die cut and glitter)
Catch the Bug - anything goes
Love to Create - #27 punches & dies
Craft your Passion - #122 anything goes

I encourage you to check out the artwork on the above listed sites. You will be happy that you did!

SmudgeFest - Day Three

Today is Day Three of SmudgeFest. The challenge for today was called Wordy Wednesday. The challenge was to create something using only words. It was actually more difficult than it sounds. I usually start with an image and then the words come to me...

Insidious Inspiration

Sweet Nightmare Tag

Tag

I decided to create a tag today. I used my Cricut to cut out the tag shapes. I layered them and then did a little sewing (twice in one week). The words "Sweet Nightmare" are from the Smeared Ink, Candy is Dandy digital set. The set is a real sweet deal with 17 images. I painted the skulls with some thinned acrylic paint. I added three old metal washers from my junk drawer to give it a punk feel. The tag is rocking out olive green eyelash yarn and black and white ribbon yarn.

Along with SmudgeFest, I am entering this tag in the following challenges:

Pile it on - #32 add some metal
The Crafty Pad - #182 show some metal
Dilly Beans - sewing
The Crazy Challenge - black, white + one other
Love to Create - #27 die cuts and punches
Dream Valley - die cuts and punches
Whoopsi Daisy - die cuts and punches
Robyn's Fetish - #119 tags
Haunted Design House - insidious inspiration
Craft Your Passion - anything goes
Di's Digital Designs - no squares allowed
No Matter What - #1 anything goes
Catch the Bug - anything goes

There are so many fun things going in the crafting world. Check out the sites listed above and you may be tempted to get crafting.

SmudgeFest - Day Two

Today is Day Two of SmudgeFest. The challenge for today was called Trashy Tuesday. The challenge was to create something out of trash! I love to repurpose and recycle so I really enjoyed making a "trashy" project.

Raven's Nest Brooch

I saw all the newspapers hanging from my neighbor's doors this morning and my creative juices made a smoothie. My brooch is made from paper circles punched from newspaper that I painted with gesso and stenciled with red polka dots. I had to cut the plastic bag circles with scissors.  The raven image is from Smeared Ink Quoth the Raven set. I printed the raven on scrapbook paper and then used a paper punch to pop it out. The raven was then adhered to a bottle top that I flattened with pliers and a hammer.  I gave the layers a little scrunch and hit it with a little brown chalk to make it look old and vintage. This brooch would really add some fun to a boring headband or purse.

Along with Smudgy Antics SmudgeFest, this brooch also qualifies for a slew of other great challenges going on today.

Paper Play - layer it up
Diva's by Design - #46 flower
Dream Valley - #38 die cuts & punches
No Matter What - #1 anything goes
Pile it On - #32 add some metal
The Crafty Pad - #182 show some metal
Di's Digi Designs - no squares allowed
Craft Your Passion - #122 anything goes
Critter Sketch - #127 circles
Love to Create - #27 punches & dies
Simon Says Stamp & Show - paint it up
Whoopsi Daisy - die cuts & punches
Vintage Elusions - #1 anything goes/mixed media

Wow! I hope you have time to view the beautiful artwork displayed on the above listed sites. You will be inspired to get out your paper and stamps.

Whew! Day Two of SmudgeFest is complete for me.....can't wait to see what we have to create on Wednesday.

SmudgeFest - Day One

Today is Day One of SmudgeFest. The challenge for today was called Monday Mash Up. You were given a fun list of elements to work into your creation. So much fun!

Edgar Allan Poe Dangle

hanging

backside of dangle

I decided to try something new. I created a hanging dangle from paper and a cereal box for the challenge. I used the Edgar Allan Poe and raven wings digital stamps from Smeared Ink to do my project. They were both from the Quoth the Raven set. As an overachiever, I used as many of the challenge elements that I could. Starting at the top of the list:

fiber or ribbon - fiber is attached to the raven charm
metal - metal raven charm and metal wire
paint - the backside of my cereal box is painted black
chalk - the design is highlighted with red chalk
deco paper - Edgar is printed on scrapbook paper

The dangle is also embellished with glass beads and red feathers.

I am entering this piece in the following challenges:

The Crafty Pad - #182 show some metal
Craft Punked - #31 at the movies
Octopode Factory - wings
Pile it On - #31 add some metal
That Crafty Place - things with wings
Paper Crafting Journey - anything goes
Catch the Bug - anything goes
Joanna Sheen - try something new
Smeared & Smudged - August Junk Funk - feathers

I hope you will take a minute to look at all the gorgeous artwork that can be found on the above mentioned sites.

Love Birds ATC

Love Birds ATC

I have had fun experimenting with ATC's lately. They are the perfect pallet for my smaller stamps and collage images. I created this ATC for a couple different challenges that are going on this week. The love bird matchbox image is from Dover. The stamped words are from a Dawn Houser, Inkadinkado, rubber stamp. I used a little red chalk to outline the phrase on my ATC. The ATC is embellished with black zigzag stitching and five golden rhinestones.

Challenge #6 on The Game is to create an ATC with the colors red, green and amber. Their sponsor this week is Artchix. The Artchix prize package is a great one to win.

The challenge on Dilly Beans is to create something with stitching. I hope the quality of the stitching is not being counted. The sewing machine always gets away from me.

I am entering this ATC in the following challenges:

Octopode Factory - wings
Stampalot - take flight
That Craft Place - things with wings
Dutch Dare Card - #176 anything but a card

I encourage you to visit the above mentioned sites and check out the beautiful design team samples and the challenge submissions. You will be inspired and impressed.

Renaissance Men Challenge

Mona Lisa Flies Card

I created this card using a Mona Lisa rubber stamp from Inkadinkado. I stamped on a color mottled piece of scrapbook paper. The Leonardo da Vinci quote came from a Limited Editions rubber stamp. It's been awhile since I pulled my rubber and ink out of the craft cupboard. I added some butterfly wings from my Dover clipart collection. The card is embellished with a pink wooden bead, six red rhinestones and a pink paperclip.

I created this card for the "Renaissance Men" challenge going on at Frilly and Funkie. The challenge was to create a project inspired by one of the great art masters. I chose the Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci.

The card also fits into the following challenge themes:

Octopode Factory - wings
Simon Says Stamp and Show - what do you say
The Crafty Pad - things with wings
Catch the Bug - anything goes

I hope you like my altered Mona. Please take the time to look at the artwork displayed on the above listed sites.

Triple Threat Card

Triple Treat Card

I created this card for the Smudgy Antics Challenge - triple threat. You had to use three images in your artwork. I liked how these images worked together cohesively. The skull flower and web flower images are from Anita's Art Blog. She has some freebies to offer on her website.

I printed the images on scrapbook paper and then cut them out. I printed the skull flower on purple and then white paper. I added the words "night blooms" with my computer. The card is embellished with lots of layers of paper, a fabric bowtie, a dark purple button and glitter on the skull.

Along with the Smudgy Antics Challenge, I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Haunted Design House - #144 freakers free for all
Jackson's Digital Expressions - #16 anything goes
Paper Crafting Journey - anything goes
Diva's by Design - #46 flowers
Art Impressions - #74 stitching or fabric
Paper Play - #31 layer it up

There is beautiful artwork on display at the above mentioned sites. I hope you take a look!

Unusual Alice

Unusual Alice Card

I can't resist creating for any Alice in Wonderland Challenges. The challenge on Poisoned Peas is to create an "unusual Alice" piece of paper art. Could my life get any better?

The white rabbit image is from Wonderstrange. I love it! Check out their wide variety of digital stamps. I colored the image with MS Paint and added some shadows with chalks. The clocks are cut out of advertisements. The card has lots of pretty papers and layers. It is embellished with a fabric bow, turquoise seed bead and a steampunk element. I added the words "tea time?" for a giggle.

Along with the challenge on Poisoned Peas, this card also fits the themes listed on the following challenges:

Dilly Beans - ribbon challenge
Paper Crafting Journey - anything goes
Jackson's Digital Expressions - #16 anything goes
Pile it On - #31 cute as can be
Sassy Cheryl's - #126 pretty papers
Paper Play - #31 layer it up
Art Impressions - #74 stitching or fabric

Please click on over to the above mentioned sites. The artwork on display is amazing.

Meet you at the Beach

Summer ATC

Wow! It sure feels like summer in Hamburg, New York. It is in the mid 80's today but feels much warmer. With all the summer themed challenges listed on Feline Playful, I decided to do a summertime ATC.

The image I used was a digital stamp from Broken Box Stock. They also have a "free for all" challenge going on at their site. I colored the image with MS Paint. I added the words "meet you at the Beach" to my image and then printed it out. The card is embellished with two golden rhinestones, a bright orange ribbon and glitter.

Along with the challenge on BBS, I am also entering the following challenges:

Fab 'n' Funky - # 132 anything but a card
Pile it On - #31 cute as can be
Jackson's Digital Expressions - #16 anything goes
Dream Valley - #37 summer
Secret Crafter - #196 bright & cheerful
Dilly Beans - ribbon
Just Some Lines - beach, sand, surf
The Doodle Garden - summer fun
Whimsy Stamps - #49 summer fun

If you have some free time, take a look at all the gorgeous submissions made on the above listed sites. You will be happy you did!

Smudger Challenge #5

SMUDGER CHALLENGE #5 - vintage and green

I am so pleased to be a part of the new Design Team on the Smudger Challenge Blog.

The Smudger Challenge for the month of August is to create something VINTAGE with a little or lot of GREEN! The prizes for the winners will be a choice of two digital stamps or this cute handmade mini fairy door. YAY!

After much thought, I decided to use the quirky Dr. Death image from Smudgetastic Digis. Please check out the great selection of digis that are available in their store.




I colored the Dr Death image with MS Paint and added some chalks for contrasts. To give my card a vintage feel, I used the cover of an antique book I found on the Graphics Fairy. I colored the book green with MS Paint and chalks. The card is embellished with an amber colored feather, green glitter, black rhinestone and a stick I picked up outside on my daily walk. I added the word "oddity" using my computer. I covered the completed image with light green tulle.

I hope I have inspired you to create something "vintage and green" for the SMUDGER CHALLENGE! Also, please check out the other Design Team samples that are listed on the site.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Crafty Catz - #143 all that glitters
Haunted Design House - #144 freakers free for all
Tammy's Scrapin' Corner - #21 anything goes
Jackson's Digital Expressions - #16 anything goes
Party Time Tuesday - #79 anything goes
The Stamping Boutique - #44 anything goes
LEJ Designs - #14 mystical, magical or mysterious

Please stop in and look at all the beautiful creations on display on the above listed sites.

Wendy

Sweet Wishes ATC

Sweet Wishes ATC

I created this ATC with a digital stamp from A Day for Daisies. I colored the image with MS Paint and enhanced the colors with chalks. The card is embellished with purple rhinestones, a green bow with pink polkadots and a metal charm that says "wish".

I am entering this ATC in the following challenges:

Crafts & Me - #94 anything goes
Wicked Wednesday - #42 sugar and spice ATC
Aud Sentiments - #59 inspiration on tag
Pile it On - #31 cute as can be
Simon Says Stamp & Show - what do you say
Tammy's Scrapin Corner - #21 anything goes
Jackson's Digital - #16 anything goes
Party Time Tuesday - #79 anything goes
The Stamping Boutique - #44 anything goes
LEJ Designs - #14 mystical, magical or mysterious
Dream Valley - #37 summer
The Crafty Pad - #181 things with wings
Digi Darla's Designs - things with wings
Secret Crafter - Sat. Challenge #196 bright & cheerful
Di's Digi Downloads - mystical creatures

I hope you find the time to view some of the above listed sites. You will be amazed by the beautiful design team work.

Skull Necklace - Paper Pendant

This skull cameo on a bowtie paper pendant necklace was handcrafted using a technique that I have developed. I call my paper jewelry creations Gypsy Paper Trinkets.

Gypsy Paper Trinkets are made from re-purposed paper. Layers of paper are transformed into wearable art using a technique that I have developed. They are textural and pliable, not completely glued flat like chipboard. Held sideways, you can count the layers of paper used as the base of the trinket. Designs are sealed for durability and moisture resistance.

This necklace comes with a 22" gold-tone chain and a spring ring clasp closure. The bow tie skull pendant measures 3" x 1.75". The skull is a digital stamp from Smeared Ink. The pendant is embellished with six golden rhinestones.

This necklace is listed in my Etsy Store.

See my blog for a tutorial on how to create layered paper jewelry of your own design.

Oh The Horror July S&S Challenge

Dr. Horrible Card

This month the "Oh! The Horror!" Challenge on Smeared and Smudged was based on the movie "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog". I didn't watch the movie but listened to the videos on Youtube to get a feel for the movie.

I used an image of Dr. Horrible I found on Google. I added the lyrics from the song "My Eyes" found in Act II of the movie. I used a raven from my "Quoth the Raven" digital set from Smeared Ink to add to the cards "creep" factor. The card is embellished  with tulle, a blue seed bead and two black rhinestones.

I am also entering this card in the following challenges:

Crafts & Me - #94 anything goes
Willow Sketchie - anything goes
ATC's with Attitude - #19 anything goes
Fat Pages with Attitude - #19 anything goes
Poodles Parlour - anything goes
Haunted Design House - #144 freakers free for all
Simon Says Stamp & Show - what do you say
Tammy's Scrapin Corner - #21 anything goes

Take a minute to look at the beautiful artwork displayed on the above sites.I hope you will be inspired to create a paper craft of your own!