Adorable Vintage Snowmen

Hello friends, welcome and thanks so much for stopping by. For those of you who have been wondering where I have been - it has been a challenging time in the lead up to Christmas - more than usual.  My brother had a massive cardiac arrest and only survived thanks to a Specialist being on hand in the ER - he had a stent and a pacemaker fitted and just when we started to relax - only a couple of days later he had another - thankfully they feel they have dealt with the problem and he is going well at this time...so....that was a little stressing not to mention distracting.  There has also been a very tragic loss in our extended family - heartbreaking!  Our adorable Grandson has been staying on a regular basis and I love that but it does mean time in the Studio is very limited - if at all...I am blessed to be able to be so 'present' in his little life -so am not complaining - but seriously -roll on 2020!!

In the meantime I have managed to create something - a gorgeous vintage Snowman - Sallianne McClelland shared these with us at a 'It's Almost Christmas Getaway' which I was privileged enough to teach at as well.  You can click on the above link and see some photos.  The original designer of these adorable Snowmen is Sue Pelletier . I can take no credit in any way for designing these - I was inspired by her beautiful work and added my own touches.

I have used a recycled Jam jar, recycled Sari Ribbon,vintage buttons and lots of embellishments from my stash!!

The Owl on the branch is made with Air Dry Clay and has been coloured using Chameleon Pens.  I added two owls as I created this for a gift and our friend whooooo loves owls!! LOL!  The sentiment is from an older Kaisrcraft Christmas Collection - although it is a sticker I glued it onto the jar - sure to make sure it doesn't go anywhere!

I may be a little addicted to these Snowmen - but can you blame me!! The three in the photo take pride of place in our Christmas cupboard - the two in the left were made by me and the one of the right was gifted to me  by Sallianne after the Workshop!

These snowmen are linked to the following challenges:

Allsorts - Anything Goes

Crafting by Design - Anything Goes

Just Us Girls - Anything Goes 

Crafter's Castle - Anything Goes

The Paper Shelter - Anything Goes

613 Avenue Create - Anything Goes w/Optional Twist: Doodling or Zentangle

QKR Stampede - Anything Goes

International Art & Soul - Anything but a Card 

Brown Sugar - Anything Goes

A Vintage Journey - HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS 

Pixie's Crafty Workshop - Anything Goes using snippets

Aud Sentiments Challenge - Christmas/Winter + ASentiment

Word Art Wednesday - Anything Goes

Crafty Gals Corner - Tis the Season

Everybody-Art-Challenge - Winter Landscape or Christmas Color

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

                                                          {{{hugs}}} and happy creating

Want2Scrap - Live by Inspiring Other - Art Journal Page

Hello Friends -  thank you for stopping by. Today I am have another page from my ART Journal on the Want2Scrap Blog. I love the challenge of using products differently and even venturing out to use some different products - the range at Want2Scrap is wonderful for this.

                                                     You can see the details in full HERE

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{hugs}}} and happy crafting

Want2Scrap - Art Journal Page - Keep Calm

Hello Friends -  thank you for stopping by. Today I am sharing a page from my ART Journal, using Want2Scrap products.  Journaling is a fairly new art form for me but I am loving the journey and am continually learning - and having a lot of fun doing it.

You can see the details in full HERE

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{hugs}}} and happy crafting

Want2Scrap Upcycled Jars

Hello friends, I am sharing a project on the Want2Scrap  Blog to share a quick and easy projects using Want2Scrap products.  I am a keen recycler and am always looking around the house to see what can be recycled/upcycled and is just begging to be given a 'second chance!'

                                    You can see the full details on the Want2Scrap Blog HERE

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{hugs}}} and happy crafting

Spreading my Wings

One of the things I love about this creative journey we are all on, is the evolving - growing and learning and coming to the place where we feel free to do 'it'.  'It' being the ability to step out of our comfort zones, from doing that thing that we can do so easily and while it is fabulous, we have the inner knowledge that there is more....so much more to be discovered.

My signature style is Shabby Vintage/Vintage and I love it - it will always be a strong part of me and what I create. I have had an inner battle about labeling what I do - not so much for me but to have an answer when people ask what I do and expect me to label myself...for someone who predominantly creates cards and 'dabbles' with scrapbooking and some altered art, I have never needed a label to justify what I 'do' but more to have an answer for people who ask.

xxxx Relics and Artifacts Rising Spirit IV with Wood Support

I am very grateful to have input and encouragement from my dear friends Seth Apter and John Creighton Petersen, the 'other men in my life'  Three years ago while in Phoenix I was able to get some clarity - Seth told me, 'I have seen what you do with paper - you are an artist!' Later that day the amazing Linda Moldern Peterson added, 'you are an artist - maybe not a fine artist, but an artist'  This was a moment of 'clarity' for me - and I am so grateful to both Seth and Linda for their input.

My very dear friend John Creighton Petersen - my 'brotherfromanothermother' was always been there encouraging me to 'spread my wings' - pushing me when I got too comfortable and encouraging me in new things.  It was during one of John's Workshops on the Australian Mixed Media Roadshow that I decided to 'spread my wings' and create something very different for me - but so comfortable too.

I have used the Relics and Artifacts Rising Spirit IV with Wood Support, along with lots of Finnibair paints and product, under the great guidance of John, who showed me how to use the products and then let me 'do my thing - and I was in my element.  I don't think John was quite prepared for the freedom I felt - it was a great feeling when he came past and exclaimed 'Linda!! Where did that come from!?!'  I have to say, it was always there - definitely a part of me, that just needed encouraging to surface.

If you have any questions about product - please feel free to leave them here and I will ask John (LOL) I was too busy using them to take notes - but I do know there was black gesso - love that stuff.

I could not finish this post without thanking all those who have been part of my journey - and continue to do so - especially Sallianne McClelland, my dear friend, dynamo and Sistah who has believed in me and given me the most amazing opportunities - enabling me in every way!!  To Andrea Mantus DeMeng, Michael DeMeng and Kecia Frazee Deveney - you guys are amazing and I am so grateful for your friendship love and support - you have inspired me to reach further and not to be afraid to try anything - I {{{heart}}} you all!!  Love my #artfamily!!

Take care friends - thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{Hugs}}} and happy crafting

International Ambassadors Unofficial Upcycling Blog Hop

*** This card will stay at the top of the Blog during the Blog Hop
Please scroll down for new posts ***

Welcome to the International Ambassadors Unofficial Upcycling Blog Hop - we are excited to be back and to share our UPCYCLED projects with you.  The International Ambassadors love to get together and create - and love it that so many of you hop along with us - I hope you enjoy what we are sharing today!!

  This Blog Hop is purely for fun and inspiration, totally unofficial and an opportunity for you to get to know us (and our styles) more.

Spellbinders Products:

• S5-086 Bitty Blossoms
• S5-171 A2 Curved Matting Basics
• GC-200 Grand Calibur Die Cutting and Embossing Machine

Preferred Partner Products:

Cosmo Cricket: Tiny Text Stickers

Imagine Crafts 'featuring' Tsukineko: Memento Ink in Rhubarb Stalk; StazOn Opaque in Wedding Dress; Sponge Dauber

Mat Arts: Ribbon

Want2Scrap: Baby Bling - White Pearls; Beautiful Bling Borders! by Nina Brackett

Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L:

Other:  Sanding Block, Patterned Paper; Tin for altering; Frozen Charlotte; Metal Wing embellishments; Handmade Resin Embellishments; 

1. Cut/emboss patterned paper using A2 Matting Basics # (#1 being the smallest)
2. Lightly sand the embossed edges using a Sanding Block
3. Cover the tin using E-Z Runner 

4. Attach the Die Cut paper to the tin, making sure the edges are well attached
5. Attach Ribbon around the edges of the tin using double sided tape
6. Cut/emboss patterned paper using A2 Matting Basics #  (#1 being the smallest)
7. Adhere to the inside of the tin lid and base
8. Sponge the edges of the tin using StazOn Opaque in Wedding Dress and a Sponge Dauber

9. Cut/emboss Bitty Blossoms, roll and glue, sponge with colour and add some shimmer
10 Adhere to the lower portion of the base of the tin using liquid glue
11 Adhere wings to the Frozen Charlotte using liquid glue, allow to dry, adhere to the tin base as shown in the photo applying a little pressure as it dries
12 Attach roses onto the inside corner of the lid, along with Swirls Finesse
13 Add sentiment using stickers
14 Adhere embellishments to the front using liquid glue, add sentiments.

I hope you have enjoyed my tutorial, make sure you pop in and visit the other International Ambassadors - these girls are amazing - each one is picked to be an Ambassador for their country because they are seasoned designers and so inspiring!!  The list of International Ambassadors is below, in case you get lost along the way.

  Linda Lucas - Australia (you are here)

Yvonne van de Grijp - Netherlands

Christine Emberson - England

Christina Griffiths - England

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{Hugs}}}

Want2Scrap and DecoArt Altered Frame

Want2Scrap and DecoArt have joined together to bring you lots of inspiration - DecoArt generously sent the Want2Scrap Design Team an amazing box of product and we are sharing our projects with YOU.  

I have decorated a plain frame that has been sitting at the back of a shelf for a long time - you know, on the 'one day I'll do something with that' pile....I am happy to say it is no longer plain and is on the front of the shelf - showing off a favourite photo of my eldest daughter when she was a lot younger.

 I have used Want2Scrap chipboard and DecoArt Glamour Dust Glitter Paint.   The frame has been painted using Crafters Acrylic and the Want2Scrap Flourish has some Silver Dazzling Metalicas applied.

 

The metal butterflies have also had some of the DecoArt Glamour Dust Glitter Paint.added to the wings.  These have been adhered to the glass using liquid glue and highlighted using Want2Scrap bling.  I have finished off with some flowers.

Make sure you check out the Want2Scrap Blog so you can see what the design team has created for you!  And while you're there be sure to enter our giveaway too -you have an opportunity to win an assortment of these DecoArt products for yourself - to add to that Want2Scrap is going to throw in some of their fabulous bling

To enter to win this great prize package, use the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{Hugs}}}

Linda

 

AIR #1 - Photo Transfer Tutorial

 I am excited to be sharing an Artist in Residence for Imagine Crafts/ Tsukineko with you today - it is Artist Choice and after being so inspired by the Tutorial on the Imagine Crafts/ Tsukineko facebook wall, I decided to give Photo Transfer a try!

I have to add at this point I was also greatly inspired (and excited too) to experience John At Imagine teaching a LIVE Class at the Spellbinders Retreat - I made the most of it and took my photos there for this tutorial - with John's permission of course - thanks John! LOL!   I have to say - there is nothing quite like being there - especially when the teacher is such an inspiring artist!  You can see a couple of photos of this Class at the bottom of this post.  BTW - don't you love the new mat from ImagineCrafts Craft Mat- we got to use them and - I have to say - you are going to LOVE it - wipes clean with every ink - even StazOn - but that is another Tutorial! :)

 Imagine Crafts/ Tsukineko Supplies:

• IMAGINE Crafts®/Tsukineko® Fantastix™ Multi-Purpose Applicators
• IMAGINE Crafts® InkBlushers™ 
• IMAGINE Crafts® Creative Medium™  
• IMAGINE Crafts®/Tsukineko® StazOn® Solvent Inks in Teal Blue
  IMAGINE Crafts® Monterey Pine™

  IMAGINE Crafts® PHOTO Elements™

  IMAGINE Crafts® Craft Mat™    

Preferred Promotional Partners:

•  MB1-002 Susan Lenart Kazmer for Spellbinders™ Media Mixage™ Squares One Bezels

Other: Brayer, Cup with water, Ice Resin



Cut/ trim the Photo Chip so it is slightly bigger than the Monterey Pine™ embellishment you are using.  Add some  IMAGINE Crafts® Creative Medium™ using the IMAGINE Crafts® InkBlushers™.

Place the PHOTO Elements™ onto the Monterey Pine™ - face down and use a Brayer to remove any air bubbles.

Add some water to a glass and wet the PHOTO Elements™ using a IMAGINE Crafts® InkBlushers™ as shown in the photo below.

Wet your fingers and roll the paper off the Monterey Pine™ - remember to do this gently otherwise you will remove some of the PHOTO Elements™.  Using a Fantastix™ Multi-Purpose Applicator sponge around the edges using  IMAGINE Crafts®/Tsukineko® StazOn® Solvent Inks in Teal Blue.

Using the IMAGINE Crafts®/Tsukineko® StazOn® Solvent Inks in Teal Blue and the

Fantastix™ Multi-Purpose Applicator, colour the inside of the Spellbinders Bezel.

I have adhered the finished Monterey Pine™ Embellishment into a Spellbinders Bezel using a few drops of Ice Resin, the added Ice Resin over the top - it has given it a fabulous finish and allows the pretty shimmer from the Creative Medium™  to show through.  I have added this to a string of tiny beads I have had sitting waiting for the perfect bling to complete it.

 You can find the Imagine Crafts/ Tsukineko Video Tutorial HERE

and see John in the photo below.

I hope you are inspired to try something different, perhaps step out of your 'comfort zone' - it is easy to create something that is timeless and unique - 'art from the heart!'

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{Hugs}}}

AIR Tutorial #1 - Arists Choice

I am sharing my first Artist in Residence post for July and it is Artists Choice - this is where we got to use whatever IMAGINE Crafts®/Tsukineko® product we like in any way that we want - love that!

  

 I have a very quick and easy project and Step by Step Tutorial to share with you today - inspiration came when my daughter came home with an adorable little owl ornament - she was so excited and loved it, buying it even though it had chips out of the paint - because it was the last one and she could not resist it ... it was already repaired in my mind! LOL!

Imagine Crafts/ Tsukineko Supplies: 

•  IMAGINE Crafts® GlazOn™ Layer Protectant 
• IMAGINE Crafts® InkBlushers™
• IMAGINE Crafts®/Tsukineko® Sponge Daubers
• 
  

  IMAGINE Crafts®/Tsukineko® StazOn® Solvent Inks in Fuchsia Pink

  
  

 You an see just how many chops there are by the photos below - just goes to show that 'love really is blind'  but it wasn't going to be a problem for too long.

I started by wiping the Owl with a clean cloth to have a clean surface to start with. 

IMAGINE Crafts®/Tsukineko® StazOn® Solvent Inks are perfect for ceramic surfaces, using the Fuchsia Pink and a IMAGINE Crafts®/Tsukineko® Sponge Dauber the chipped areas have been sponged, allowed to dry and coated with IMAGINE Crafts® GlazOn™ Layer Protectant using one of the IMAGINE Crafts® Ink Blushers™.

 

I added the Fuchsia Pink StazOn® Solvent Ink around the raised areas to make it blend in.  It looks as good as new.  I love it that I can use the IMAGINE Crafts®/Tsukineko®products for things other than paper.  All of the inks clearly list what they can be used for - definitely makes me think 'out of the square!'

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{Hugs}}}