Created ByHand Challenge - Blobs & Spatters

For today's Created Byhand challenge I made a quick skinny. The background is made using the Simple Green Spritz technique from the Apr/May '08 Technique Junkie newsletter. I added stamps from Oxford Impressions and Tim Holtz.

Not sure if I'm loving the new TH clear stamps - they smell funky, I tore one getting it off the sheet (I've never done that, ever. Some of them are connected and I didn't realize that when I was peeling one off!), they stain instantly, and they're weirdly sticky. On the plus side, they're really thick, much thicker than normal acrylic stamps, and the images are fantastic. Maybe I just need to play around with them more. My problem is that I am very much a RUBBER stamp lover, but I couldn't resist all those sets!

We Have a Winner(s)!

The winning number was 17! Then, when I started counting, I realized I'd left a comment. So I was like, do I include mine? Do I skip it? Hmmmm.....then I thought, hey! I will send something to both 17 AND 18! Much easier than trying to decide whether or not to count myself. ;-)

So, the winners are:

Beautiful tag, Shelly! Your work is always awesome. Thanks for the "tip" regarding picking up color from an acrylic block.
Debbie K.

and

Hi Shelly! These pieces are amazing!! I can't believe I never knew about Oxford Impressions! Hope you received your Where Women Create magazine in a timely manner. Thanks so much for all the artistic inspiration!
Hugs,
Natalie

Debbie and Natalie, if you could both send me your addresses I will get your packages in the mail asap! Thanks everyone for your lovely comments.

FYI, the card above uses the fantastic Newsprint Reveal technique from the latest issue of the Technique Junkie newsletter. The stamps are by Tim Holtz/Stampers Anonymous and Oxford Impressions. The fantastic black trim is from RockCandy Studios.

Gothic Arches - Chocolate

I haven't been participating in Gothic Arches lately - not sure why since it's one of my fave challenges! Today's theme is Chocolate and I was determined to get something made this time. When I found this little girl image, I decided to create something with a 40s feel to it. I absolutely love vintage trims and thought they were the perfect finishing touch.

Speaking of vintage trims.....I have loads. I would venture to guess that there will be some in your surprise package if your name is drawn for my blog candy! Leave a comment here if you haven't already. I have decided to wait until tomorrow morning to choose a name, so you still have time!

Created By Hand Challenge - Blue & Sand

Today's Created Byhand Challenge was to use the colors blue and sand in your artwork. I had made this blue tag using the Cuttlebug Stamps technique from the latest TJ newsletter and then set it aside, not knowing what to do with it. When I read the challenge I pulled it out and decided to try to work with it again.

I added a gorgeous French background stamp from the latest release from Oxford Impressions. Next, I stamped the label (again, from OI) on cream paper and trimmed around it. I stamped the woman (OI) on cream paper and used my water pen and Broken China Distress ink to color her dress. Hint - acrylic blocks make great palettes when using this technique. Just smoosh your ink pad on the block and pick up the color with your pen. Finally, I added various vintage trims to complete my tag.

GIVEAWAY! Ok, even if you didn't read all the blah blah blah up there, hopefully you will see this! Right now I have 49 followers, if you are the 50th person to follow my blog I will send you this tag, plus some other goodies. But wait! If you are already a follower, or just someone who is dropping in, I will also choose a winner from the comments and send another prize! Not sure yet what it will be, but I guarantee it will be something that I've posted here plus a few more little treats. I will randomly choose a winner on Sunday, so you have lots of time to get your comments in. Make sure you leave your email addy so I can contact you.

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to stop by - I really appreciate your kind comments!

Wednesday Stamper - Bella Italia

For today's Wednesday Stamper 'Bella Italia' theme I made a quick card. The background was made with the Cuttlebug Stamps technique from the latest Technique Junkie newsletter. For the texture, I used a Kabuka mold from Ten Seconds Studio (thanks Cyndi!). It made a fantastic impression! Stamps are all from Oxford Impressions.

Wednesday Stamper - 2 x 4

For Wednesday Stamper's 2 x 4 theme I did lots of experimenting! The base is cardboard covered with ledger paper and then painted w/acrylic paints. The next layer is a piece of an old AOL tin that I'd burned and then hammered a bit. The edges are covered w/drywall mesh tape that's been painted. Stamp of man and saying are all from Oxford Impressions.

It's nothing like I intended it to be at the beginning, but that's half the fun, right?