THE ARTISTIC AVENUES

Cards Cards and more Cards!

The Christmas season is nearly here... Well the season is really here! That is why you haven't heard from me for a while. I've been making cards! We've done cards for a nursing home for about 4 years, so I thought I would share some of our ideas. Let me tell you how I got motivated! I have a box of scraps under one of my craft tables. In the box are plastic bags of scraps of paper in all different colors
so... I just plain dumped the 'blue bag' and made a zillion cards, (almost), so I could try to use the blue scraps! I used stamps from all different companies. The ones above (not blue yet) were from PSX and the tree stamped simply with stazon on gold cardstock, is from Stampington.

 
  Just love the medallions! Usually I emboss a bunch of them and them do the cutting while I watch TV. I was going to say mindless  tv. I used the cuttlebug background and lots of punches. These two are Fiskars border punches.

  Both Santas are photocopies of old prints. Added bows and ribbons. Used different embossing powders on some. I feel justified, there I said it, justified when I use my supplies! The background for Santa on the left evne has two different powders! Silver & Champagne.

The Ornament card was a fun one! It was made entirely in photoshop! It was done with brushes. I forgot where I got them. I would link to her if I could remember. Maybe in the next post. Have 1000's of brushes. Love photoshop..just addicted..Made several of these using different blending modes! Different colors.

The next cards are from my good friend Sande. She sent me a ton of card fronts. I think the stamps on both cards came from Onyx Impressions.

Sometimes the detail on the pop-ups scare me!

The next cards were made by another good friend, Emily. These are sooo nice. Emily uses her punches almost exclusively. You should see the punched valentine cards (from last year) in the gallery at The Artistic Avenues. Emily is definitely the Punch Queen!

Same punch (little tree), just punched different colors or different backgrounds.

I want this one for me! She used punches, cuttlebug backgrounds and the nestabilities. Don't forget the tiny cord & all the glitter!

Lastly for today is our Inkadinkadoo tree and Happy Holidays. Easy card!

We have over 100 done and about that much more to do. I will add more when we can share some new ideas!

Meanwhile tomorrow is our Friday GirLs ATC exchange.... That is going to be fun. Did I say Clay ATC'S?? Share that after tomorrow!

Day out Las Vegas Style

Traveling down Las Vegas Boulevard..

 

 

We ended up at the Venetian. Just walked around and enjoyed the view....

 
look for more from inside!
 
 

More Mosiacs

We are still making our beautiful, yes they are beautiful, Mosiacs. I am convinced that they are addicting!! I have containers and containers of tiles waiting for that perfect frame or collage. Al cut us all some 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 wood squares for our base.  It isJust like painting mixed media on a canvas. Add layers in different shapes of clay, add embellishments or glitz it up with beads!

  Linda Elliott and Diana  are both into "Clay Mode". I am not sure what Linda is making, but note we all have our coffee, pepsi and snacks for refreshment!

Did I say Friday Girls like to eat?

Diana is assembling a Mosaic to frame her kitty 'Spaz".

 

 

This lovely Blessings Mosiac is Linda Elliotts.I wish the photography did it justice!

 

 

 

Below are a couple of my little square mosaics.

 

Work table full of tiles ready to go in the oven!! Linda Freitas making more tiles.She made a Christmas collage.  Emily made a 'cat' collage in midnight blues, but she says she gave it away already, so we will have to get Emily and Linda in the next photo session!

Birthdays Candles & Surprises

This month is going sooo fast! The Friday Girls celebrated two birthdays this month.  We shared, we ate, and we shopped! Our Mosaics were on hold for one week, but we all are still making tiles. In fact a couple birthday cards had tiles on the covers! I hope you can see the little painted flower in the center.

 

 We added  a quick and easy project. Embellished candles are so easy just wrap some pretty tissue paper around the candle.

  Secure and gently heat. Add sparkles, glitter, ribbons, buttons, and more. They would make nice gifts or table decorations for an event!

Mosaic Tile Play!

Another project for The Friday girls! We have been making clay tiles for the last two weeks. I've been dreaming of mosiac tiles!   I wake up in the middle of the night and try to remember where I put that 'perfect' stamp for clay... I've used old stamps, and stamps that are from companies that are now gone! The selection at the top are made with white clay, and painted with the irridescent paints.. The tiles that look blue really are blue clay.  I Just took time to embellish with beads, wire, pearl ex, foil, watch parts and stones.  Oh, so many possibilites!

The picture below is a close up of some of the embellishments. It is so worth it to take the time to add those extras!

This is my first mosiac collage. I still have some more work to do, but thought it would be nice to show the stages. There should be another 'arm' on the right side of the shrine. And there are tiles or beads to add at the top and the bottom.

Thanks to Sally W for visiting us on friday and sharing her ideas. Thanks always to Linda E for her guidance and so much wonderful stuff!

more than a week!

Just had to add a couple more of the "doodle" templates. This is the Merry Doodle and it has so many images included. The tree is central, the packages can be used anywhere, the stars are in several sizes,  ornaments, holly and a sash. The ornaments are the three on the left. I just turned the stencil upside down and stenciled the other side. I used chalk inkpads for the color and a uniball pen for some of the outlines. The stars were done with  Encore inkpads. Yes, I plan to write something on both pages. Just isn't the right time yet!

  I Just did this (now) in about 5 minutes! Not a great page, but super easy! I could make the arrows and the dots myself, but not as neat. I know my 5 minutes makes that debatable! The arrows were done with the copic markers. They do bleed some, but with more time,maybe less. Yes, I could have been neater. This is the Arrows template. It was fun anyway!

Long time between!

Embarassed is an understatement! Such a long time since posts. All I can say is that I have been busy with life! No fascinating trips this year, no family activities except the usual birthdays, and holidays! We always cook, eat and sometimes swim at these events. This year Kyle brought his x-box over and we all played scrabble on line. That was an experience for me! Personally I like pushing my letters around and hiding them from the other players....

I have been reading and journaling. I got the 'mini' or 6x6 journaling templates from CW. They are so much fun to play with.  One template is called Windsong and the other is the Square dots.  The second one features the 'Ornament.' It has lots of 'little' designs within. One is the Mini Flowers and the Paisley. This is probably my favorite!! They will be on the website this afternoon.

Friday Girls are still doing 'Friday' get togethers! I will try to add some pictures soon! The last 2 Fridays we have been learning and working with clay. Made a skinner blend a couple weeks ago and this week we made canes. Even though I had the store and various teachers available, I really enjoyed these classes with Linda E. She is certainly a good teacher. 

My personal challenge... as my day starts again...is to post on the blog at least once every two weeks. Maybe if I commit myself here in front of everyone I will have a reason to actually post. You wouldn't believe, but I do keep 2 journals going!

Fridays Fun!

We set aside our collage project for a couple weeks!That is good as It gives me time to experiment with faces!  Last Friday five of us got together and made charms! What a change from paper, to wire and beads! We had a great time! Linda set up a 'virtual' store on my dining room table! She shared her wonderful treasures with all of us! What a treat!       

 

The girls  are either shopping or matching up their beads.

 We made the bottle charm, the ribbon flower charm, several bead charms, and a fuse charm.

Linda holding her bracelet.

 

Shapes & Papers

  I  tried to get pictures of the Friday girls yesterday, but kept getting side-tracked! I promised an update on my purple girl. This is my progress so far. Now the big challenge will be 'the face'. The hardest part is to try to make the face fit the personality of the woman. She could be late 1800 or early 1900's.

She wouldn't have to stay in that 'time frame' but with the long dress, it seems fitting.  

Most of Friday was spent doing what we call 'serendipity'. The only difference is that we used the thin deli wrap paper to adhere our scraps. This time we tried to use thinner paper scraps. Our other serendipity is done on cardstock with a wider variety of textures than we used on these. We can use these in place or combined with the 'gessoed papers'.     There are three papers in this group. Used Golden glaze in gold over the papers on the left. Notice that the paper on the far right is lighter. That one wasn't glazed. The glazes are beautiful transparent colors. The come in the metallic bronze, gold, silver, and copper, as well as earth and primary colors. You can change the concept of a piece of art just by applying the glaze!

I should update my blog!

  There, I said it!! I should update my blog! I look at my blog and zillions of others, and think how can I make mine as cool and pretty as others.Then I close it and look again the next day, and wish I had something brilliant to say! Today I looked at a blog from rather "famous" artist and she hadn't blogged since December! Notice my last post was Dec 30th. That almost makes it January don't you think?  So I figured I would apologize to all of you who hoped for something more consistent. Please accept. I will try to pick up the pace even if I think it is boring and maybe some of you will comment!

It has been a nice winter. I read the whole Twilight series, and I just baked a fabulous 6 layer cake. Chocolate toffee... was going to take a picture, but we ate it! Next time I will share the recipie! The Friday girls finished up our valentine cards for the nursing homes. We did 150 cards. Was fun. The last 2 weeks we have been experimenting with collage. This is mine 'work in progress'.   The collage was baised on a DVD by Ann Bagby. We start by gessoing pages, painting a shape, stenciling and building the collage. This is just the begining of one of mine. The papers are made ahead to be used later. 

As I work on it I will post my progress. The gals in the group have some different ideas so I will post them too! As you can see my "face" will be a big challenge!

Closer than we think!

I love Pretty!! And I have been inspired to make more cards. So in the last 2 days I've made tons! Okay, for me 10-20 is 'tons'!  The cards feature only one set of "Inchie" stamps from Inkadinkadool These are so much fun! Most were just inked with colorbox fluid chalk in red.

My goal is to deliver 50 cards by Valentines day for people that need special care or that might not be remembered at all that day.  

We did some for Christmas and I keep thinking that we must (at least) double it next year! So maybe I will double the Valentines project. After all, it is still December!

Merry Christmas to all..

It really is a Merry Christmas season! My life has been blessed beyond words! I have an awesome God, whose birthday is soon, a fabulous husband, family and wonderful friends! And, because I haven't posted for awhile this could be a looong post! First let me tell you a short story of the season and the true meaning of 'blessings'. Linda and I were buying lattes Saturday and we went to pay the ticket. It had already been paid! No one that we knew, we were told. It was someone in 'hiding'. But we understood that the bill was paid by card and the employee was to use the card till it ran out!! That was a true 'Pay it Forward". We have two plus days left, lets think of something to do for someone that we don't know! And if you are our Angel of the 'Latte' lady, Thank you for your generosity and bless your spirit!

Al and I made our Holiday trip (semi-annual) to the Bellagio yesterday to look at their beautiful decorations.

                                      

It is nearly the end of October and it has been a busy year. My thoughts were, that because there was no earth-shattering news, that I didn't have enough to share. Looking back it is the day to day life that is the inspiration! I have had classes in my home for the last year. All summer we have been busy with art projects. We have made cards, transparencies, Christmas, inchies and more! This week we are doing making art with the "Bandana" technique"! Remember Friday Girls? Okay, in one of the last posts we mentioned that several of us get together and make art, shop and eat on Fridays... well, this     (on the left) is a page of my journal. I was going for the more modern look from the book "Taking Flight". I totally missed the concept for the face ... So take a look at just a "piece" of the page. I liked it. So this week we will make a 5x8 technique page and cut sections for two or three projects!  Besides our 

Classes, I started a new endeavor. So I will share that next time!

Here we go again!

This is kind of a 'short' continuation of the last post.... so I will get the personal stuff over and move on to Art news for the month! We adopted! Isn't she adorable?? Her name for the last 8 years was Cupcake (we think), so we kept it. She responds to it, although the SPCA had another name for her. But then, they said she was 5 years old until I got home and read the papers.. She is almost perfect! She is trained, she shakes, she doesn't get on the furniture and yes, she barks just to let us know someone is here, then she quits! Look at thoses eyes!

I ask myself 10 times a day how anyone could turn her in after so many years?? It looks like our 'lucky day' and hers too, as she will have a great home. Don't forget that gray pile in the background of the picture is our Zoeie girl. They get along and my Zoeie has been awesome!

Heidi & Maxie

I told myself that I wouldn't do this. Maybe I will post this and maybe I will just type. Two sweet girls, and yet very different. We found Heidi in California in 1991. She had  been hit by a car, as she had a broken leg when we found her. We took her home she broke the same leg again and started 'puppy life' being spoiled silly! She played, she dug under fences and chased the deer. She would be gone for hours and we would be scared to death that we would never see her again. I called her Heidi bird, Missy bird. She was about 4 or 5 in the picture on the right and busy busy. Heidi and Maxie,they were busy girls! Heidi is play crying she looks to see if you are looking! She is so funny!                                                  

This is our little Maxie on the left. I bought her out of an Albertsons shopping cart. They wanted $80.00 and I paid for her... Best little girl. She would walk up and put her head on your shoulder. She gave kisses and hugs.  Today we said good-bye. She was almost 13. So, we had lots of great years with Maxie, or my little 'prancy Dancy'/Swishy tail. And Heidi was with us 16 plus years in June. Is it hard? Would I do it agaIn?? Life is the best with a dog to greet you when you come home. They are interwoven in the memories of my family forever, dog hair, chew toys and all! These two truly are the most beautiful girls in the world. If this is the price of love I wouldn't trade it for anything.

For now we do have one more "Beautiful Girl". I got her with those famous last words that say.... "If you can't find her a home, I will take her. That was 6 years ago.

She is funny, funny funny, as she rolls over upside down and begs for a tummy rub! We named her Zoe as she was supposed to be the last... But then, you never know............

The Friday Girls

Well, another "longish' story here! When I closed Stamptacular in 2004 my life changed. No more pouring over catalogs, preparing classes, doing one last demo card, hurrying out the door and just hitting the brakes at 10:00am. Usually. Changes are good, but that change was really quiet. The one thing that has been constant for the past 4 years is that Emily and I do Fridays. What a blessing. We draw, stamp, cut, color, shop, did I say shop? Okay, we always eat. Sometimes (almost every week) we argue over the state of the world.

When I set up The Artistic Avenues Emily helped me, she watches my dogs when we leave, she and I are friends on Fridays....So this week we found our 'niche'. We are now the Friday Girls and from now on we are going to journal  and make art on Fridays.

This is Emilys. It  says we are trying to think of something "profound". We started this because we wanted to practice the lettering, then couldn't think of anything to say! 

Here is mine... The Good Girls who sometimes  well.... Call me on Fridays!

We used Golden Paints,dry brushed and squished (very painterly), we collaged pieces of paper and text. Then we tried to think of something to say and fit it all in somewhere!

I am addicted! This is one half page in my journal. Keeping the Friday Girls Happy. Must leave now and go buy some pens!

classes

When I look at my blog I realized I am only writing about once a month. So I decided to do this little show and let you see what we have been doing at The Artistic Avenues! I have been busy! These are just a few of the classes we have had since March. I forgot the Mixed Media class, so next time I will add the examples from that class. We did an accordian folded Technique Book that included the techniques on one side and the instruction on the other side! Six techniques in one day! The next Technique book is scheduled for August 12th and yes, you can take this class even if you missed the first one. Last week was our 'Christmas in July' classes. So definitely more to come!! What a nice bunch of gals we have attending the classes! Everyone brings either ideas or food to share! 

Inchies

Just wanted to show what I finally did with my "inchies". They are such pretty little works of art, they should be displayed! I decorated a cigar box lid and inside the lid with layers. This is the first time I've used the 100% option.

Pretty big, but at least you can see the various themes and colors!

This next one is the inside cover of the lid. I use the box to display some unmounted stamps.

Photoshop Class Monday

These are two digital art pieces that I did right before the class. It was then that I started getting good! I had spent days preparing, like we all do, when we have a class. Yet I didn't allow myself to create. Funny how much you forget when you don't use what you learn!  Talking it and doing are so different.  In days gone by I had a darkroom and I would go in and come out 5 hours later. Photoshop is much the same way. You can lose yourself in the art!  The green leave is one that we did in class. We used layers for the brushes. Then we experimented with text. Each one presented a feature using a tool.

Took the time to play with blending modes, adjustments and filters. Going to get ready for class number two. Not sure what to call it, but it definitely takes more than one class to cover just the basics!

Today is a Mixed Mixed Media class... Have to add some pictures to that if I get to create!! Take the time!

Getting Ready!

The Artistic Avenues has been busy getting ready to open! Las Vegas  is losing the only fully-stocked stamp store that we have here. Linda is retiring! So after having had a store myself and closed it I am re-opening a small area for supplies that we can't buy at the larger stores. Like ink, reinkers and new 'stuff' because I can't resist!! I guess it never ends! The picture to the right shows a wall of stamps from lots of companies, magazines and books are on that same wall. We do have new clear stamps but they are not in these pictures. Have lots of Paper Artsy unmounted and Magenta self-cling stamps too! The picture on the left shows a rack of paper, golden products, charms, CDs sets and more.

Ink and stencils (you can't see them very well) are featured in the picture to the left and below. There are glass slides, glue and cleaners too. This photo to the right shows Emily helping me set up. Let me say I couldn't have done it without her!

We have been having classes here too. And what a good time. If you would like to know more just take a look at the newsletter on the website. http://www.theartisticavenues.com/newsletter.htm   Maybe we will see you soon in Henderson!

A Year Later!

This is a year later! Can't believe that it was a year ago I started this blog. My first post was about going to the CHA show in Anaheim. If you aren't familar with the CHA, that is short for Craft and Hobby Association. It was a good show and as usual, very big. I went with my friend Barbara, so when I say we, we really did shop for new products and make new items offered by the vendors promoting their new products. This is the tag we did at a booth from Australia. They had wooden tags, boxes, albums and letters.  There were double-sided papers and flowers and ribbons too.Really liked their selection. The card was Hero Arts. We stamped with Stazon on a transparency. Then glued various patterened or text  papers behind the stamped image. Easy and quick.  Most of the demos had to be as there are so many people! The tag on the left is made of Chipboard and inked with the new Adrirondack Pigment inks. We just did direct to paper/chipboard, and with the lighter color and stamped the flower stamp over. Then we inked the butterfly, stamped the pattern on and embellished swirls and dots with the new white pen. Love the inks........As an added bonus Barb and I got to spent Tuesday night at Disneyland. It was only 3 1/2 hours, and it was so much fun as I hadn't been there for years!

Disney at night with the Mouse ears and all reflected in the water.

SmallWorld at night. Pretty!

No Mixed Media here!

 

No Mixed Media here! Been making pop-up cards for a nursing home. Have done 52 altogether so far. Took 50 cards Christmas of 2006  and that was barely enough. There are two homes  on the highway. Think about how many we really could do!!Started doing some extras with the Cuttlebug heart background. I am really hooked on making simple cards with it. No "direct to paper", no gesso, no shading, and of all things ribbons, stickers and glitter?? 

These are the covers for the pop-up cards. Two of the cards  are made with stickers as the focal point. The gold card features the "Happy birthday background and I used my dusty laminator for the "package" that actually slides open with the eyelet. This one has a transparency on the package, but stamp the message on the front  and swing open for a suprise picture underneath.

 

This is my favorite! Yes, I got to use the gesso and tags and distress inks! The background is the bubbles on foil with the alcohol inks, yes then I ran through the cuttlebug. The other feathures the script background.Ok one more thing! The stamps are from Cats Life Press.  Have fun if you have one of these!!

A Day in Las Vegas

A Day in Las Vegas!

So Christmas is over, but the holiday spirit remains at least in our decorations, food, and family. We Went to the Las Vegas Strip on Thursday. Notice how busy the streets are! Just wait til December 31st for really busy!

Went to the Bellagio and saw their decorations. They are changed with each season and are always special!

Aren't the Christmas balls stunning! Seeing them close up is the best! Tree and the stagtalittes are lovely with the reflected lights of the windowed ceilings.

Below the tree are beautiful flowers. Last year it was a moat of cranberries. On the right side of the aisle are reindeers made of thousands of pecans! Just a couple more holiday greens and red to look at in 2007!

Tagged!

I've Been Tagged by kristy

Here are the rules

1.Link to your tagger and post these rules....

2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird

3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them)

4. Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs!

This is hard enough, but I've timed out twice and had to rethink this each time!

1. Love Photography..Had a darkroom once, got chased by a Bison once, and I chased a skunk (head hanging out of a moving car) once. What was I thinking??

2. More photo 'stuff'..Had a friend that bought a hearce. I collected wedding dresses from Goodwill. That idea didn't pan out, so my daughter modeled the dresses on the beach! Lots of whistles that day!

3. Can play any Church Hymn on the piano and nothing else. It is a Gift

4. Can't sing anything either.

5. Get up at 3:30am. Play on floor with dog by 4:00am.

6. Love Cappuccino in  round bowls.

7. Cookies, cookies, sugar cookies, buttery cookies. Take them anytime, breakfast, lunch dinner! Going now to finish the Almond Crescents.

I tagged:

Angela

Susie

Lori

Trish

Sparkling New!

This is a real post quick just to let you see one of the fun things we've been doing! When we started this project I wasn't particularly excited, but I have to say the excitement comes as you add the sparkle and see every one turn out different!!  Even with one kit of the Polished Pigments/Primary Elements the possibilities are endless.   Next week I get to start the Christmas cookies and candy... Stay tuned!                                    

Altered Photos

Everytime I look at my posts I am suprised that another month has passed. I need one of those icons that say "blogging without obligation". Hope no one minds that I seem to post at three to four week intervals. What is that saying Life comes at you fast! This week we are making stockings for soldiers. But I did have some time to play. I love going through past issues of magazines and finally getting a chance to try new techniques... This time I chose Randi Feuerhelm-Watts book Wide Open. The book is formatted in 4x6 cards with journaling, life and art prompts on every card. Yes, we need this book! My Journal page on the left is one of the excersises in altering a photo. We mixed part bleach, part water, (less bleach than water) in a spray container. Then one shallow container of the same mixture and one container of water for rinse in another. The faces show because we used a mask. I just held the square on the face as I sprayed, then use tongs to hold the mask as I dipped it in the bleach tray and finally the rinse.  Mask ....       

The card on the left was a picture of a card. It would be fun to stamp on except I am in a hurry so here is another digital idea. Used a photo and photoshop and the 'altered card for the background! How fun is this!!

The last picture I did was an experiment to see if I could get more blue.. Seems most of the pictures retain the red, and blue washes away. All of the pictures were regular emulsion based prints. The ones that were printed on my inkjet printer turned out aqua. Or I used too much bleach! I can see more experimenting in the future!

Seasons of Rust

Fall isn't really the season of rust, but since this is October and most everything is orange or copper, this really could be a good time for all kinds of rust ! From that box of  rusty screws, bolts and  wires that was free for the taking and I didn't take... Can you believe that... to the backyard rusty rods and  odd  shaped parts. Pretty cool. The 'gray' rust is from the streets of England. The
wavy rust is actual rust from   Roman  baths in Bath  England.  And so one must have a picture of the rusty water!

What can one do with all this rust?

Wow! How about background textures? How about mix them up in Photoshop and make several textures from two or more together! Okay you could try something funky like this!

Feel free to use these as you like. To the left is the album with more pictures that you can copy and use! Have fun!!

Weekend Garage Sale

Had a great week and weekend shopping with friends. Saturday we went to an awesome garage sale. It was a feast for any of us who love the vintage, old, worn, antique or grungy! There were beautiful ribbons, and cut lace. I did get a few pieces of them. The magazines and paper always win me over. Days gone by, nostalgia, whatever it is I love it! The McCall's magazine is dated 1902. The Paris London/America is the spring edition for 1912.  The inside graphics are just as good as you can see. There are coats for $19.90 and dresses for $2.90. Very cool. Did I mention that the ribbon was lovely....

Below are just a few more of my buys, check out the old post cards. The small food publications, jello, kellogs, and more are just perfect as inserts in our books or in a special pocket! We really did have a good time.

Paris Mosiac

Started out having some fun in photoshop! Worked with some 'actions' and got stuck and, as you can guess it was five hours later and very simple to do!

In the meantime I made a sheet of mosiacs from Paris. Maybe more like a contact sheet, but I did take some time to get them in a particular order! The second two pictures are of Graffitti as we entered the city and taken from the train. The window and street views were from the hotel. The Arch de Triumph, the cafes, the people, and a walk on the Champs-Elysees are the next. Add in the beautifully decorated storefronts, and another walk to the Eiffel Tower. Take a trip on the River Siene and enjoy a whole other perspective. The last pictures are of the Louve.

Mixed Media

Still working but it is early and am up early, so decided to post my mixed media album. Somehow it got deleted! We need an instruction book for blogs! Sure someone, somewhere must be working on one as we speak!   I See the fairy could use alittle more work. Sometimes I think a  piece is done, then days later I go back and add to it! Maybe some words, text or just a frame.....

                

                

               

               

                Remembering Paris and the birds in song are two new ones.