Card Making with Liquid Pearls - A Makeover!

Hi guys!   Just a quick share and fun "before and after" photos to show you just how much Liquid Pearls can transform a card from blah to Wow!  Below is a fun stamped card made with watercolor markers.  It's pretty cool all on it's own.....

Adding a layer of Liquid Pearls transformed the card by giving it a sassy star quality!  It just took a couple minutes.

My newest class Card Making with Liquid Pearls is available for purchase!  For an in-depth look at all the techniques you can use with your Liquid Pearls, this class is a steal!  Take your Liquid Pearl prowess a step further with Card Making with Liquid Pearls!

Too C(You)te Onions and Calendars!

I thought I'd share about two classes I'm currently taking at The Art Studio.  Virginia's Onion envelope class is FABULOUS!  If you're looking for a fun quick class to take in a day, this is it!  It's like a non-traditional mini album.  You'll have to check it out and read the description HERE!

And yall know I'm into digi but for those of you hesitant on jumping in because of the cost of the program, you really should check out Paint Shop Pro X5 (from Corel).  It's quite affordable.  Cassel's class is a great introduction to digi!  You'll have downloadable calendars, fonts, letters/alphas, and awesome PDFs to help you along.  Cassel is also quick to respond by e-mail for any questions as are all the instructors at The Art Studio!  For more info, go HERE!

Speaking of digi!  I've got a couple scrapbook pages to share.  These digital scrapbook pages were published in the April issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

Digital scrapooking allows you to do lots of fun things you can't easily achieve with traditional scrapbooking.  That's why I love this layout of my cute niece.

In this layout the idea was to use lots of blue.  I threw in some yellow to balance it out a bit.  We played around with stick mustaches and frames at a family party.  I had to capture some of the fun!

And documenting day-to-day activities is always fun.  I don't think I set out to document this day, I just made it a point to remember to snap a few photos.  Periodically I do this and come up with some day-in-the-life type of layouts that are priceless.  

I hope you're having a faboo day!  As always, thanks for stopping by!

xoxo,

Mo

Summer Schoolin' Kinda Fun!

The Art Studio has lots of new classes and new classes on the way!  Summertime for me is a mix of lazy days and busy times.  It just depends on the week!  The new schoolyear is around the corner and I know I'll be switching gears and getting back to a more static schedule.

Summer has always been a great time for me to learn now crafty things and take some crafty classes.  I really try to cram in some creating since I know that with the First Day of School comes lots of busy to-do's and Christmas just around the corner from there (forehead smack).  I really don't have time to breath until Spring and that's only IF the kids (or me) decide NOT to do any sports!

So go to summer school this year!  I'm trying to practice at my Mixed Media skills so I am slowly working my way through the classes, but here are some I am DYING to take!

Katie's Distress Ink class is oh so exciting!  Here's a description for you.  Click on the photo for an outline of the class!  You won't believe how much is crammed in it!

This class is the most comprehensive color theory guide you’ll ever come across and even better, it was designed with paper crafters in mind. In Color Theory with Distress Inks, we’ll focus on the use of the Distress markers line watered down to resemble watercolor paints. Of course, you can substitute Distress inks and stains for the markers and/or use the markers full-strength. Please use whatever you enjoy creating with the most!

I guarantee that this class is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Check out what you’ll learn in Color Theory with Distress Ink – From Head to Toe:

• We’ll discuss all your options when it comes to Distress inks and how to decide which form suits you best, such as inks, markers, paints and stains.
• We’ll then tackle the basics of using them, what surfaces to use them on and what to apply them with.
• Then we’ll move on to color theory where you’ll learn everything related to color theory, the color wheel and what color categories, such as Primary, Secondary and Tertiary colors, the Distress ink colors fall into.
• After that, we’ll break it all down by creating 11 different color schemes based on Primary, Secondary, Tertiary and Neutral colors, and learn how to mix colors to make your own custom blends.
• Last but not least, we’ll wrap up the class with several dozen hair color and skin tone combinations that will provide you with an incredible array of possibilities and dramatically change the look of all your stamped images. All combinations have colored examples so you can see the differences and pick out the ones that work best for your projects.

There are over 150 examples, a few dozen color charts, a simple and friendly explanation of the color wheel as well as a complete breakdown of color groups as applied to the Distress ink color range.

Just think, you’ll combine the artistry of being able to add life and personality to any image with Distress Ink markers in a remarkable variation of colors. And forget just Tattered Rose for peachy keen faces. In this class, you’ll learn a rainbow of skin colors, from the palest Nordic skin tones to striking ethnic skin tones from all around the world. All with a simple set of markers instead of over 300 choices of other popular markers.

You will never, ever find a class like this one and when completed, you’ll know everything there is to know about color theory and how to apply this knowledge to make your colored in images look polished, balanced and full of visual interest. 

Please note that all lessons are available for download upon purchase. 

And I've GOT to make time for this one from Christy Butters - Pan Pastels for Scrapbooking.

Have you seen Pan Pastels on the web or walked by them in an art supply store and figured there’s no way you would ever use them? Or maybe you’ve already bought some and now you’re at a loss on what to do with them. Just because Pan Pastels are marketed as a “fine art supply” doesn’t mean you can't use them on your scrapbook pages. In fact, you can do just about anything and everything with Pan Pastels that you can do with other coloring mediums and sometimes, even better!

In Pan Pastels for Scrapbooking, I’ll show you a multitude of ways to use Pan Pastels on your layouts and we’ll cover the basics such as color loading and mixing, how to alter patterned paper, how to create your own unique patterned paper, and then jump into a whole lot more!

Moreover, just because this class focuses on scrapbook layouts doesn’t mean you can’t use the techniques on cards, tags and more, so get your creativity jump started with a bunch of Pan Pastel techniques that will have you using them on all your paper crafting projects.

Each lesson has a step-by-step videos and some lessons have step-by-step PDFs as well. I’ll also be on hand to walk you through the entire class, ready and willing to answer all of your questions.

So, are you ready to learn all the possibilities of using Pan Pastels? Then join me for Pan Pastels for Scrapbooking and have some fun.

Please Note: You don't need a ton of Pan Pastels to get the most from this class. A few complementary colors in colors, tones and shades will work just fine.

I KNOW RIGHT?????  I'm sooo excited!  I'll be sure to share any creations with you!

Thanks for stopping by lovies!

xoxo

Mo

Hauls, Warriors, and Turkey Legs!

So I recently did this haul video for fun.  I picked up some fun stuff at Michaels and thought I'd share.  I also made it a point to USE what I bought almost immediately after I bought the items!  If I keep this up, I'll be "allowed" to buy more ;)

I'm happy to report that I DID use most of the items I bought!  Most items I created ended up as example projects in my A String of Ideas:  Creating with String Class.  But I'll share you a sneak of one of my favorite items.

I used the textured cardstock (Recollections), the yarn-wrapped wire, and a handmade flower I created using yarn, ribbon and raffia.  I also used one of the Memory File clear stamps sets by Heidi Swapp as well as the cute instaframes and rub-ons from that same collection.

All of these items were on sale or clearance!  I am so happy with everything I bought!

I scrapbooked about a recent sister day I had.  The three of us decided to do the Warrior Dash here in Washington and it was good fun!  Actually, I signed up with a friend who go pregnant and then I begged my sisters to sign up so I wasn't alone.  I think there were about 12 obstacles and it was AWESOME!

Over the last month I've been packing and moving items out of my craft room.  That also meant purging LOTS of items from my house and hauling boxes upon boxes up and down the stairs.  Anyway, I decided that this was all great training for this event and I was right!  Amazingly I was able to complete the obstacles without much of a struggle due to all the arm and leg strength training.  The running...wasn't so great ;)

Here are some fun Instagrammin' photos to share!

I'm currently working on my next class.  It's a frame photo magnet you can put on your fridge.  It's the perfect gift to give and I'll be sharing some gift giving ideas soon!

I've got some blog plans in the works.  Just planning things out a little more and getting on a good blog and YouTube schedule.  If I keep my mojo going, it's helpful when coming up with class ideas.

I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!  Thanks for stopping by!

xoxo

Mo

All you need is some STRING...

Yes, you read that right. Creating with String focuses on using string in your crafty play. Employ other stash items such as baker's and hemp twine, embroidery thread, yarn and even ribbon as a tool in your artwork and partner them up with different mediums such as ink pads, reinkers, acrylic ink, mists and watercolor for various looks. Spritz, splash, dribble, drizzle, roll and stamp until your heart's content. Get ready to get your hands good and inky with this inspiring class.

I'll show you how to stamp, mask and make impressons with string.  I'll even go over fun way to store them either very cheap or even free!  You'll learn how to create beautiful backgrounds to incorporate onto your cards, pages, tags ATCs and even altered items.  You can also apply the techniques to mixed media projects and art journal pages.  Everything you'll learn in Creating with String is applicable to multiple disciplines of crafty fun.  You'll also get to see artwork in action as I share and discuss scrapbook pages, cards and tags created for this class.

The class is presented in video format and accompanied by helpful PDFs to illustrate the ideas and techniques you'll be using over and over again.  CLICK HERE for a peek at the outline!

For a chance to win a FREE seat in my class, check out my YouTube video (a free technique share from the class) and comment there for a chance to win.  Spread the word and give me some love by hitting the THUMBS UP button!

I will be offering more opportunities for a free seat in this class soon so stay tuned.  If you subscribe to my YouTube Channel, I'll be sure to let you know when and where you can enter to win!

xoxo

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!

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!