Mixed Media with Less Mess!

I've got some things in the works.  I'm editing a tutorial right now which will likely be shared on my YouTube channel and blog.  This is going to be easier than it looks....

I'll fill you in on it later, so I'll tease you with this sneaky peek!

Here's a card that was published in Scrapbook News and Review Magazine's January 2013 issue.  It was a card I created for someone at work.  It's probably one of my most favorite cards and I created it with a specific person in mind.  Usually when I do this, I'm able to infuse a lot of personality into the card and I always love what I end up with!

Believe it or not, this is a hybrid card.  When I say hybrid, it's really not that difficult.  You don't even need a computer program, just a trusty camera!

Can you pick out the digitally generated part of the card?  Even in person, it's difficult to tell!  Here's the secret...

All I did was create that background (the one with the yellow, blues and greens) on mixed media paper.  You can use watercolor paper or even some white cardstock.  I brushed on some watercolor in several colors and ended up with a 11" x 14" background (watercolor paper).  I then photographed the background and cropped it to a more manageable 8.5" x 11" digital image.  From there you can print it out or even use it as digital paper when creating a digital project.  I've used this very same idea to create this scrapbook page (published in the January 2013 issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine):

This wasn't the same background paper as above.  Here I played with a dauber-topped mist bottle and some dark mist.  I created this new background that I photographed and turned it into digital paper to make more projects.  If you saw the SNR January 2013 issue, I have another hybrid card using this background.

I love this because your artwork adds an something extra special to all your projects.  It's truly one of a kind artwork you can continue to bring in to several different projects.

So there are two ways you can use personal artwork to give your projects a mixed media feel without all the extra time and mess!  I love love looooove it!

And for more ideas on using your Crop-A-Dile in more projects, check out my steal of a class.  The card above uses a technique from the class.  I've got lots more just waiting for you to learn about all wrapped up in my jam-packed class at The Art Studio!

Stash CPR: Breath new life into your stamps and Crop-A-Dile

Hugs,

Mo

Wishing You Love...and drips and mists!

A few months ago I started taking classes at The Art Studio to expand my crafty talents.  I thoroughly enjoyed this mist class by Heidi Myers and came up with this ATC in the process.  This project was published in the September 2012 issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

This was super duper easy and I got to play with my mists that had been sitting around doing nothing!

Check out Heidi's class HERE!

Got mists....CAN Art journal!

I've got more inky art journaling fun for you!  Thankfully last Saturday I had a rare few hours to myself which I chose to spend in my craft room (rather than cleaning...ha ha).

I took a class called Creating an Art Journal Page: Leave Your Mark by Christy Butters.  I finished the modules and PDFs in about an hour and immediately was struck with inspiration.  I spent a couple hours in my craft room creating and came up with two art journaling pages.  Actually, they are backgrounds right now which I will finish later.

Here's a photo from Christy's class:

And here are a couple photos of the pages I did:

In the page above, I also incorporated a couple techniques I learned from Mists: Not Just Point and Shoot by Heidi Myers.  THAT was another fabulously fun class I took last summer!

All I can say is...fun...fun...fun!!!!  I had a blast!  Thank you Christy and Heidi for the inspiration!!!!!

And the April 2013 issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine  is out!  Get your copy now!

Here are some the calls/content packed into this fabulous issue!

Scrapbooking Color of the Month: Blue

Cupcakes

Everyday Things

Masks & Stencils

Mixed Media on Layouts

Sleeping Cuties

Stamping on Embellies Cardmaking

Pinwheels

Mother's Day

Retro Look and/or Images

Congrats - New Job, Home, Baby, etc. Mixed Media Artist Trading Cards Artist Trading Cards: House of Blues (All Blue or Blues Music) Inchies: Corrugated Cardboard Tags: Vintage Ephemera and/or Old Ads

And I'm also working on a few calls for the May issue.  I'm having so much fun.  It's going to have some awesome stuff!  I've even got a mixed media scrapbook page in there!  I hope you all have wonderful week!

Sister Sister Sister

In celebration of sibling day (yeah, I didn't know there was a day - apparently it was yesterday according to Facebook posts...he he), I'm sharing a sister scrapbook page!

I totally forgot to share this one!  This is a scrapbook page I did in celebration of my sister's birthday last August!  This page was published in the September 2012 issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

I played with modeling paste and added it to that kraft colored tag above.  I've been using lots of the techniques I learned in Christy Butters' class at The Art Studio.  I absolutely loved that class!

How to Use Modeling Paste on Any Project

I've got an evening to myself coming up and I think I'll be spending it in my craft room playing around with mixed media supplies!  What are you up to?

It's been a few...

Hello all.  It's been awhile.  2013 has proved to be a bit of a challenge.  I'm trying to keep it as manageable as possible.  My family has lost two beloved souls...two grandparents in a span of 2 months.  It's sad and it takes some time to mourn, support others in the loss and then trying to get back to life.  But slowly I'm getting back into the swing of things.

It's been quite a challenge as far as mojo is concerned but I'm mustering it as fast as I can so I can bring you all more fun quick tutorials and also fun classes.  I've got a few ideas rolling around in my head and a couple classes in the planning stage.  I was hoping to get them up and running in April but I don't think that's going to happen.

So hopefully you'll hear more soon and I'll get them running by May.

I haven't shared a traditional scrapbook page with you all in awhile.  Here's a rare one...scrapping about moi is necessary but doesn't happen often.  If they do happen, it's in response to a prompt or challenge and I'm always pleasantly surprised at what transpires.

I'm a spontaneous person.  That can be a blessing and a curse.  I tend to run my mouth unfiltered which puts me at risk for foot-in-mouth moments-a-plenty.  But luckily most of the time I think with my heart and not often do I say horrific or hurtful things...I hope....lol!

This scrapbook page was published in Scrapbook News and Review Magazine's August 2012 issue.  I don't think I had a chance to share it yet so here ya go!  If you'd like to see a supply list, click on the photo of the layout and you'll be brought to my Flickr photostream.



Here's some more fun stuff to share.  I recently created this tag for The Art Studio blog.  I play with layers of ink.  If you want to see the full tutorial, just click HERE!



There are a few new classes by the other instructors, you should check em out!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,
Mo

Give your Crop-a-Dile a Workout!

Hello Everyone!  Boy do I have a treat for you!  I have for you a sneak peek into my newest class.  This time I've come up with a fun cardmaking class which focuses on stamping and using your Crop-a-Dile!

If you’ve got stamps and a Crop-a-Dile, then you’ve got what it takes to learn how to use them together to create fabulously fun cards. Whether or not you’ve been getting some good use out of the investment you’ve put into your stamp collection, my class will help fuel your mojo to create cards galore.

 

A Crop-a-Dile isn’t just a hole punch. It’s so much more! Join me in this jam-packed class that features photos and a combination of step-by-step written and video tutorials to illustrate the many techniques you’ll learn.

You’ll be inspired by the smart and savvy tips and tricks I’ve developed to transform cardstock, scraps and ink into beautiful cards you may not want to give away.

I’ll even show you how to jazz up your cards with equally ignored items such as glitter glue, Liquid Pearls, embossing powders and chalk pastels. They’re not a necessity, so it’s okay if you don’t have such lovely materials -- you’ll still be inspired to use what you’ve got on hand.

Stop neglecting your stamps and Crop-a-Dile and learn how to revive them with this class. No CPR certification required.

For more details, just check out my Class Outline for Stash CPR: Breath new life into your stamps and Crop-a-Dile!

I'm so very excited!

Splatter Me Perfect!

Hello my friends!  I've got some fun challenges and prizes to tell you about!  The Art Studio is celebrating a Grand Opening now that we've got some teaching under our belts!  Stay tuned for bigger and better things to learn and see!  Take advantage of the fun kickoff and join in on the challenges and opportunities to win fabulous prizes!

Right now, we've got The Logo Challenge going on.  With the new site, there's a new logo and boy is it gorgeous!



Here's my take.  I create a couple projects to share.





Both projects feature fun tutorials and techniques I share in my Convertible Halloween Mini Album to Banner class.



Head on over to see what great projects The Art Studio instructors have shared!  They are beautiful.  Also, head on over to The Art Studio's Challenge Group to share your take on this challenge.  You'll be eligible for the prizes if you do!  You'll have to register on the site to submit your artwork.

A couple more things to note:

The Fine Print: All entries must be submitted by Sunday, November 11, 2012. You must have your name (or username ) clearly visible so we can contact you for more information. Please note that any prizes not claimed within 30 days will go to another randomly selected artists.

Please Note: If it doesn't allow you to upload to the challenge's album (some browsers have restrictions), then please feel free to start your own album. 

 

Have fun, good luck and Happy Creating!

A TREAT Card! No Lie!

The day is drawing near!  That means you need to GET ON those projects you've been meaning to create for Halloween!  YES!  Remember to MAKE TIME to create!  I can really sneak up on you and I know time and time again I fully mean to make something and then the day arrives and I yell a real big "DOH!" because I forgot to make time for my projects!

My Convertible Halloween Mini Album to Banner class not only covers making a BANNER, it covers SCRAPBOOKING and creating a mini-album too.  But the fun doesn't stop there.  There are printables and techniques you can use for other non-Halloween projects!  

Here's a description of the class:  

The fun doesn’t stop there. Watch as your creation comes to life as the banner converts into a coffee table mini album. Zany, I know! But zany is as zany does. Take advantage of my crafty, mad scientist mind and get ready for an adventure. In this class, you’ll learn how to create a Halloween banner with photographs and if you’re not big on photos, I’ll show you how to use fun images from Halloween themed patterned paper instead. Your banner can be any length, and its design will allow you to add an additional page for each new year...and another...and another. Many of the ideas and techniques I developed for this class are applicable to various themes, occasions and crafting projects. You can use them over and over until your heart’s content. My fun-loving personality infuses this class with innovative and trendy ideas to keep you in vogue when it comes to paper crafting. Treat your crafty hands to some cute flower making techniques, clothespin decorating, mummy doll making, spooky fence crafting, spider web weaving, fun pocket folding, tag constructing and mini frame embellishing – all wrapped in one jam packed Halloween themed class.  You’ll also employ misting, glittering, embossing, painting and maybe even some dancing while you’re creating your Halloween banner. I’ve also got a surprise or two hiding in the class for you. If you’ve got fun photos or a stash of spooky Halloween paper, then don’t wait for the holiday to arrive, buy the class and start today!

Here's a sneak peek video of what you'll learn in the class....




Want more Halloween fun?  Here is a card I've create for a very special little lady.  She'll be getting this in the mail with some treats and some non-candy goodies.  This Trick or Treat card features a couple design ideas I cover in the class.  My favorite is the pocket template I used.  It really takes center stage on this project.  Just print the template onto some cardstock, cut it out, fold it and add some glue!  This pocket template is part of my Halloween Mini-Album to Banner class.  You can continue to use the design techniques in other projects (even non-Halloween ones)! Too cute!



Trick or Treat Card by Mo Esquillo Kao Supplies Patterned Paper: Fancy Pants Designs, K&Co.; Ink: Ranger; Crackle Accents: Ranger; Black Acrylic Paint: Plaid; Other: Cardstock, baking cup, candy, felt sticker, die-cut, yarn; Note: The pocket was created using a pocket template included in my Convertible Halloween Banner to Mini-Album Class.



Here I covered a die-cut greeting with some crackle accents by Ranger.  Gosh that stuff is fun to use!

Andrea and Shaylenne also have classes available so check them out!

Andrea's Bootiful Creations class features Halloween-inspired flowers!  Just think of the fabulous projects you can make!  I adore flowers in my projects...they just seem to make them ZING!

For another fun tutorial check out this Halloween Frame tutorial!

This is Halloween....

Ahhhh....my favorite time of the year.  Dare I say, even more exciting than Christmas!  We're pulling out the Halloween decor.  And the kids are chompin' at the bit to get their little hands on the fun Halloween booties to help with the decorating!

And it's been awhile since my last post because I've been slaving on my new Halloween-themed class to offer at The Art Studio!  Soon it will be up and available....hopefully by Saturday.  But until then, here are some sneaks....

Now I don't know how the idea came about but I somehow got it in my head that I wanted to make a class where you can create a Halloween banner to hang or you mantle, doorway, or wall.  But I couldn't leave it at that...oh NO I couldn't and so I'm going to show you how to morph it into a mini-album to display after Halloween has graced us with it's spooky presence!

Take advantage of my digi skills and benefit from the fabulous downloadable patterned paper, journaling library cards with pocket, and journaling tag!  Oh and the fun doesn't stop there.....gosh....kinda sorta feels like Christmas, doesn't it????

Well, when the class debuts for sale (it's self-paced so you get it instantly when you buy...no waiting till class is in session), I will have FOR FREE a small tutorial to share via video on The Art Studio website.  I'm even contemplating a FREE printable as well!  So come by, sample some fun and if you likey....BUY-ee!

And to celebrate some Halloween fun I've got some Halloween projects created last year for the EK Success event we held on the Scrapbook News and Review forum!  I'm gonna keep some of them from you  to share later but this is what I've got for your viewing pleasure today!

Want a little sneak of some ideas on my Scrapbooking with Punches and Die-Cuts class?  Well, her ya go RIGHT HERE!  I'll be releasing this class soon available as a bundle or separately by shape (circles, squares, and hearts...oh my)!  Ahem, the best buy is the BUNDLE!  So watch the video now, because I'm thinking of editing it down because it really is a bonus for those who purchase the entire bundle.  I think I'm going to take out some of that content REAL SOON!  LOL!

So stay tuned!  I hope you are all happily busy with life and crafting!  And if not, just happy!  Thanks for stopping by to visit!

Misty Drips and Gesso

Not only am I lucky enough to be an instructor at The Art Studio, but I'm blessed with talented peers from which to draw knowledge and inspiration from!  I recently took Heidi Myers Mists: Not Just Point and Shoot class and it has opened the door to new possibilities for me!  (Note: It says registration has closed but it's SELF-PACED so you can access all the materials at once, just buy!)

Here is a sneak of a project featured in the September 2012 issue I just created.  I was able to apply some techniques I learned in Heidi's class.  I am in LOVE with this creation!  I can think of so many offshoots to this project and I can't wait to get in my craft room after this post to play with misty goodness some more!

And I am EDGE OF MY SEAT excited about Kate Koch's class:

 

Class starts August 11th!  Here's a CLASS DESCRIPTION:

All right. Raise your hand if you know what gesso is. One, three seven, eight...that’s it? I kid. Sort of. Gesso is one of those silly paradox types of products. Paper crafters tend to see gesso as something only a true artist (whatever that means) would use and true artists (let me know if you have a definition of one) tend to think what paper crafters do with it is ridiculous.

Well, that’s what I was recently told by an art school professor who was flipping through one of my scrapbooks and couldn’t get over how much gesso I use and in “such absurd and non-traditional ways.” Pfft. What’s traditional? Doesn’t being creative with a product that’s basically a primer make me a true artist? (Let the record show that she didn’t have an answer for that one.)

As I watched her thumb through the pages and scratch at things with her fingernails (can’t imagine how she’d take it if I went around scratching on her carefully placed fine art wall hangings, but I digress), I realized I’m one of those paper crafters who likes to do ridiculous things with gesso.

Want to slap this crazy label on your forehead? If so, then this class is perfect for you and it’s taught by a true gesso fiend. Now I can’t make you a list of all the things you’ll learn in this class cause then what would you need to take it for, right? But what I can tell you is that it’s more than just a primer or an adhesive and my obsession goes way beyond swipe and paint.

In Gesso: It’s More than Just a Primer, I’ll teach you the basics and how to apply it correctly (cause it really does matter!), simple uses for it, the way it was intended to be used (to make Ms. Prissy Professor Pants happy) and then get you thinking way outside the proverbial box.

Sadly, that’s all I can tell you but if you gather some stencils and some glitter and some sparkly stuff and some embellishments and some photos and oh heck, just sit in the middle of your scrap space and be ready to reach for anything and everything cause if gesso can stick to it (unfortunately, it doesn't stick to everything), you’ll learn how to slap it on there and do some mighty cool tricks with it.

I guess you’ll just have to jump in to the fray and find out if it’s worth the hype. Now, as with my other classes, I put a strict student cap on my classes so if you want in, then click on that Save My Spot button now and make your voice heard. Otherwise, when you do get around to buying that “kooky girl’s gesso class” and you click on the button, you may see the words “Class Sold Out” and you’ll be wishing you had listened to me in the first place. Go ahead, I dare you. Press the button.

SAVE A SPOT, because it will fill up FAST!  Katie will be there in the Group Area of the class helping you with whatever you need.  Take advantage of her presence, she's a wealth of knowledge!

Oh, and I hear you need to get a gigantic bottle of gesso for the class!!!  I  know I need to go BACK to the craft store for more!

Ha ha...I know....LONG POST, but I can't say goodbye without some quick eye candy, right?


(click on images for supply lists if you're curious)

Had some digi fun scrapping about my niece and nephew.  Gorgeous kids.  They're growing so fast!




This one's a hybrid scrapbook page about how the Kao Clan has this awful ugly FACE we make.  It seems to pop up when you least expect it!




I love this paint-splattered card made with stickers and rub-ons!




And, we can't forget my roots....ha ha...a traditional scrapbook page with lots of prints and a burst of red!

All creations were featured in Scrapbook News and Review Magazine this year!

Just finishing out the rest of my summer trying to get all our old stuff out of the house!  I'm hoping to get a garage sale going in the next couple of weeks!  I seriously don't care what I sell everything for, just that I get it OUT of the house!  It would feel sooooo nice!

I hope you're having a great Summer so far!

A Winner and Eye Candy!

Hi Folks!  I have a winner of the free seat to my online class Scrapbooking with Punches and Die-Cuts!  Barb Turpin, if you don't already know, you won!  Thanks so much to everyone for your interest!  Class starts August 3rd if you'd like to sign up!  You don't have to be there the first day or any of the days I actually post the class.  I'll be there for questions and feedback and for at least a couple weeks after the class  finishes up!  You will have access to the class material for an unlimited time so it doesn't go away after the class ends, it will be there hanging out for you!  :)

And because I haven't posted anything to look at for awhile, here is some creations full of love.  The first layout was created for one of my bestest buddies ever!  Oh how I love this girl!  She and her Hubby have continually inspired me to strive and work at my marriage.  For those married, it's not that easy at times, it takes lots of work!  Am I right?  These two serve as a constant reminder of how to stay thoughtful, how to understand each other, and an example of immense loyalty.  I love these two with all my heart.

My dear S and T if you're reading this, I love you guys so much!  Thank you for bringing both of those beautiful babies into this world.  I love your two rug-rats with all my heart and am so honored I am blessed with you all in my life.

I Wish You Love by Maureen Esquillo-Kao Supplies Patterned Paper: Luxe Designs, My Mind’s Eye; Overlay: Luxe Designs; Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts; Journaling Card, Tab: My Mind’s Eye; Flowers: Petaloo; Button: Nikki Sivils; Mists: Lindy’s Stamp Gang, Maya Road; Label Maker: Dymo; Other: Felt hearts, rhinestones, flowers, ribbon

And this next card was very fun to create.  I think my favorite part is the dotting of liquid pearls behind that glittered fairly.  Such a fabulously textured card!  For supply lists of the next two creations, just click on the photos and you will be brought to my Flickr account which has supplies listed!

This third project is actually a hybrid layout.  Most of it is digitally created and I went in and added buttons and bling, liquid pearl smatterings and some fun flower trim!  If you don't want bulky pages, this is the way to go!  And in this day and age of skimping and saving, digital creating is a viable option.  Buy a digital kit and you can use it over and over and over.  Think of all the moolah you can save!  Create hybrid or fully digital layouts.  I'm so happy I explored Digi!

All three projects were created for the March 2012 issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

Have you tried digital creating?  If you've been intrigued and haven't started learning, what's stopped you?

I hope you are all having a fabulous week.

The newest issue of Scrapbook News and Review is available!

My class is starting this Friday and I am beyond excited...but nervous as well!  Wish me luck!  Wish me more students while you're at it (wink wink)!