Sunday, September 23, 2012

Vintage Style Camera Album

Hello Friends! I spent yesterday working on a mini book that took a life of it's own! I am really happy with the results!
The majority of the supplies used were Tim Holtz Ideaology trinkets, Grungepaper, Distress Stains, and the decorative paper for the book covers is from his Destinations Stash, it is the backside of the matchbook page.

 I have drafted a tutorial, which should be available later today.
 Leave me a comment! Let me know what you think!
 Hugs,
 

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Spare Change Drive for Artedar...

Hello Crafty Friends,

 This post is not about the latest thing I made, or about a new product, or company, or a funny hotel story. I am afraid this post is far more important than anything I could ever make, it is about a dear friend to many of us, who is going through a really rough time.

 I am very proud that I have a dear friend, named Darlene Mariano, who you may know by the name of Artedar. I am fortunate that someone so talented, and caring and loving not only lives 30 minutes from me, but that she chose me to be her good friend.

 Darlene is exactly how she appears on YouTube or Ustream, funny, talented, generous, and caring. She has inspired so many of us to try new things in art, and in life, that now it is our turn to help support her.

 About 3 weeks ago, Dar's beloved husband, Deogracias (Dickie) , fell ill with some bowel complications, which resulted in two surgeries. As he was recovering from the surgeries, he underwent a lot of swelling and stress, and had a heart attack. The hospital where he was, was not suitable for his care, and he has since been transferred to a local trauma center. His recovery has been up and down since, and in the last few days, his kidneys have become problematic as well.

 Our Darlene is by his side each day as he fights for his life. I am sure you can image the stress this brings, and many of us have been left feeling that we want to do something, just unsure of what we can do. We have all been praying, and being positive through facebook messages, and phone calls.Darlene would love it if you can keep up the positive energy, as miracles do happen....a sad fact is support for the family is expensive, and Darlene travels an hour 1/2 one way to the hospital, and has been unable to get much rest.

 A group of us thought that donating some pocket change to Darlene to try and ease the expense of the travel, and meals might help.

 Give what you can, and I will be certain she receives every dime. Include a message with your donation and I will pass that along as well. I also am collecting handmade cards for Darlene and Dickie, so if you would like to create a card, you may mail it to me to forward to her at the address below.

 Every prayer, card or penny you can give means so much.

 My Address for the card drive:
 Laurel DeViney
 307 Kirklin Ave
 Linwood, NJ 08221

 Darlene's Facebook profile to leave a message: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=608419446

Donate by selecting the button beow:
Thank you for your care and concerns.
 Hugs,
 

Friday, August 31, 2012

2012 Ranger Warehouse Sale.....

Hi Crafty friends,


 Just wanted to update you on the dates for the Ranger Warehouse Sale this year...it is really early, Saturday 9/15/12 from 9am-2pm. Cash or checks accepted, no credit cards.

 Let me address the inquiries about the art Retreat. Last year I hosted an art retreat that incorporated attending the sale in the festivities. Due to the date change , the art retreat will not be held at this time. I am now in the process of choosing dates for a small gathering to take place in October or November...stay tuned.

 As far as the sale goes, in years past it has been priced per pound. Last year it was $6/pound. You can find irregular products there, and older retired colors of things in glitters, stickles, ink pads, and all of the Ranger products. I have never had one problem with anything I have ever bought there, I have had to add a little water to the paint dabbers, but that is all.

 Last year following the sale, I organized a lunch for attendees primarily from YouTube  at the Applebees restaurant across the street from the warehouse. I plan on repeating this , and welcome you to join us for lunch for a meet and greet at around 12:00pm, give or take. Lunch is pay your own check, and I would love to meet all of you.

 Following the lunch, I have made it my tradition to head over to Scrappers Cove in Milltown, NJ. It is a fabulous scrapbook store about 20 minutes drive away. I make it there about once a year following the sale, and it is not to be missed

. So mark your calendar, and plan to be there.....

 Here are some links to the formal announcement on Ranger's blog:
 http://rangerink.com/rangers-2012-warehouse-sale-is-just-around-the-corner/#more-8170


 and here is a link to Scrappers Cove:http://www.scrapperscove.com/

 I really hope to see you there!
 Hugs,
 

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Queen's Ink Tim Holtz classes and girlfriends..

Hello there! I am just wrapping up almost a full week off from work, and was so grateful to have an actual vacation! I was even more fortunate to attend a few classes at the Queen's Ink with Tim Holtz. It was a truly wonderful time, good friends, fab store, great classes... more fun than you could imagine.
Here is a picture Tim was nice enough to pose for with me! and....
Here is the whole gang! Thanks again to all the ladies and Tim and Mario, I really had a great time! Hugs,

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Life....

So my Summer resolution to keep up my blog and do more art is not going so well. I feel as though I owe some of you an explanation, so here it is.... I really have no excuse, other than I am overwhelmed.

 It is season here at the Jersey Shore, and my work keeps me very busy from Memorial Day to Labor Day. So busy in fact, I just can't think once I get home. It has been the hottest Summer on record, that I recall, and the weather is absolutely nuts. Horrible storms with terrible damage, and cranky customers who take things to such levels, I am stunned.

 Many of you know, Keith is out of work, and a bit down about it. I think the stress of that is just getting to me, factor in 2 aging parents with health problems, the shoppe at Teaberry, not enough sleep, or inspiration, and you get the picture.

 Something had to give, unfortunately my life dictated it was my art this time. All of the above, does not leave me much inspiration either. But I am trying to hang on to the one thing that makes me happy, which is making little things from time to time.

 I also appreciate and miss all of you, but found it best to take a break, and try and find the silver lining. Although it has been a bit allusive lately, I am trying to find my way back, one card at a time.

 I hope you all are having a happy creative summer, and I hope to join you once again very soon. Thanks for reading, and your friendship and support.

 Hugs,
 

Thursday, July 12, 2012

My life is a reality TV show......

Some days I feel like my life is a reality TV show. I am waiting for the cameras to show up, because things that happen to me just seems unbelievable.

 I live in NJ. In this state, we are required to register our cars annually, inspect them every other year, and keep up insurance coverage always. We used to have them inspected annually, but due to state cutbacks they have extended this to every two years. I used to, register my car online every year on my birthday, and then trot on over to the inspection station. This year, since I was already inspected, I somehow forgot to register my car. And that is where our story begins.....

 Yesterday, I left work, and drove to the Hotel's bank, and made the night drop deposit and was continuing on my way home. I noticed a police car behind me, so I was extra cautious, obeyed all the traffic laws, and speed limits. I made sure I was not on my cell phone. Imagine my surprise when I was pulled over. I was asked for my License , registration and insurance card, by a young female officer. I dug out my license, handed over the insurance card, and was dumb-founded to find that my registration had expired. The officer asked where I was going, I replied home , some 10 miles away. She told me to sit tight, whilst she ran my information. I complied. Then I notice another cop car has pulled up. Really? 2 cars and officers for me?


 I am then informed that I am a hazard to the roadway, and my car will be towed. I ask where are they towing it? Can't they follow me to say the hotel? I am willing to leave it there until this is sorted out. No absolutely not, this is hazardous to other drivers is the reply.

 At this stage, the steam is pouring out of my ears, and I am clamping my mouth shut. A hazard? Because I overlooked a fee to the state? Really? I could understand a lack of insurance, or faulty inspection, but those are fine in my case. Within 20 minutes, a huge flat bed appears, and my car is taken. I am then told that the cops are going to make sure I cross the street safely. I cross, and watch as they drive away with my car. The cops the trailer and all. They have left me on the side of the road, by myself, at 7pm at night. No ride to the police station, just flippin left me.

 I call home, then realize, if I had forgotten to register my car, I most certainly forgot to register Keith's. No ride there. I call all of our friends, and receive no answer. I then call Mr. Dee the taxi man for our hotel. and he comes to my rescue. Mr Dee is from Haiti. He has a lovely accent, and is a kind and generous man. He explains what will happen to me if it had been insurance and not registration. He also drives me home for free, as I think I had $1.50 in my purse. He is a prince.

 As you can imagine, I am beyond pissed off. I am so mad I am out of words. I do however make arrangements to borrow my neighbors car today, to go take care of this crap. The silver lining is, she drives a registered Lexus. So, whilst I am a cavorting criminal, at least I will be driving a cool car.

 I ask you, does this law make sense? Take your vehicle for non registration? I think not. But please my friends, if you ever move to NJ, be certain you keep up your paper work or the cops will run your tag, and impound your car. Today's escapade will set me back about $300 and a days work. I also got a $55 summons. In the area where this occurred, there have been recent shootings, robberies, and major problems. The crack Absecon police force is on the job, so we should all feel safe from unregistered driving. Just my luck, I am the example.

 

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Update 7/1/12


Hello Friends!

Wondering where I have been?  Well, it is our busy season for me at work right now, and I have been there far more than I would like.  Add in blistering heat in a non air-conditioned home, a major storm that took out power for days and days, and you get the picture.

We are all fine and well, just muddling through as it were.

I have not "made" anything in about a month. Just very uninspired at the moment. A break from it all seemed in order. I have found when I place stress on myself to do a Ustream show, or create anything, I become frustrated in the process. And it is still something I do for enjoyment, so I do not want to rob myself of that.

I have received a lot of questions regarding the next round of the box swap, and the Ranger Retreat this year.  I would like to continue the box swap, but my work is taking over at the moment, so nothing until August.  As far as plans for the Ranger Retreat in October, I am working on them. Please watch the blog for details.

I hope everyone is well, and I do miss you all. Hope to see you all soon.

Hugs,

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Update.....

Hello Bloggers! Wow! Where did a whole month go? I notice my last post to the blog has been March 30. I know I have been busy, so I thought I would take a few minutes to recap what I have been up to. What a whirlwind of a month! I have so many folks to thank. First and foremost.... big hugs to Julia StrayDreams, for her dutiful update of the blog under the Secret Sister updates. Without her, I would be lost! I also want to thank Sheri- pinkij- for her secretarial support. Fantastic job to both for keeping all the box landings, and associated videos up to date. So, I was so fortunate to teach a class for Lindy Stamp Gang this month, down in Great Mills Maryland, at Cecil's Old Mill, at the Scrapbook Nook! We had a turn out of 9 great ladies who sprayed, and got all inky, and are Lindy's girls for life! I have to say a special THANK YOU!!! to Martha, Seeking for Art, and Dar- Artedar for a great weekend, and the support. Martha was a lovely hostess, and took great care of us. I was so fortunate to meet Beth- who came down for my class, and the art love of the gifts shared was unbelieveable!!! Thank you so much ladies! I was thrilled to come and teach, and also to hang with all of you. I hope to see you all again in the fall. The store update is that our first month was going pretty well. I have been hitting the yard sales every weekend, and finding some treasures, which I have cleaned up and put in the shop. It is only a tiny space, but I have put in some of my art. A few canvases, some cards, and some journals, and past projects of boxes, and assemblage. I can't sell anything handmade to save my life.... It is early in the season, and I am not getting discouraged. In April, we celebrated my Mom's 70th birthday, and I am happy to say she is feeling a lot better, and has been working on lap quilts for the store. It is still a day to day process. Mom and Dad also celebrated 48 years of marriage in April as well. We had some nice meals and days out together as a family for each. I have been busy working a lot. I am hopeful to sneak out early this friday for my birthday. So if I have not been around, apologies... my cup runneth over with things to keep up these days. Hope you are having a wonderful Spring! Hugs,

Friday, March 30, 2012

Our little "store"....

Hello Friends!

Many of you are aware that Keith and I have undertaken a new venture. We leased a little space in the Marketplace at Teaberry, and have spent today, laying carpet, and cleaning tables and hanging shelves. We do not have much space, about 48 square feet, and we do not have much stock, but Rome was'nt built in a day either...

Here are a few links: FB:http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Marketplace-at-Teaberry/162836143774871

website: http://teaberryantiquesnj.com/

It has been a real adventure, and so much fun getting our little nook together, and we have tons more to do, like name it! I am really enjoying making things for it, and hitting all the yard sales for rusty gold. The best part, is getting to do it with Keith. We have long wanted a shop, or at one time a restaurant, of our very own, and now we have it. Just have to get stocked up!

Here is a before picture:


and here is an after picture:
























It is really fun and exciting....
Stay tuned for updates!!

Hugs,


Monday, March 12, 2012

Secret Sister Box Swap............

Hello Friends!

Well, it seems the Secret Sister Box swap is a smashing success!!!!!!

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am, to see such great participation... 27 girls the first round, all of the great video' and streams as we get to open each one, and most importantly, all of the great friendships that have grown closer.

I could not have wished for a better outcome. Thanks for all of the participation, and the interest to keep it going! Because of the great response, and all the girls who missed out in Round 1, I have decided to have a round 2......

So Round 1 girls.... you still have 3 days to get your box mailed. If Life has intervened, please, please, just e-mail me! I got your back!!!!! ldeviney@comcast.net
If you need an extra day, to make payday, that is fine. Just please e-mail me and let me know!

Also-- if you do not get a box... I need to know that too. Give it until 3/25/12, and shoot me an e-mail, and I will check up on your status.

I think we will keep the same rules for round 2... quick sign up and fast turn around, it seemed to work for everyone. So, if you want to be a part of round 2... here is what you do..... leave a comment on this post by 3/31/12, and e-mail me your mailing details to ldeviney@comcast.net Title the e-mail Round 2 Box Swap, and make your e-mail so I can forward it to your secret sister. I wind up with your address, and so will your secret sister. If sharing your address is a problem, unfortunately you cannot swap. Please include your YouTube, Twitter, and Blog addresses in the e-mail. I will close round 2 sign ups on 3/31/12 and your box must be posted by 4/15/12. 2 weeks to complete it! International girls are encouraged to participate, but keep in mind.... the post takes a long time, and it is more expensive. I randomly select the secret sisters, so if you cannot afford to have an international sister, I am sorry you cannot swap... catch us next round.

Hopefully that is not too many rules, and I encourage you all to get in on the fun! The reactions and the art work has been Fabulous!!! Decorate a box approximately 4 inches wide x 8 inches long in a manner your sister would love, and fill the box with handmade craft, or items from your stash. We prefer hand made, but if you have to shop, I will not tell you no!

Any questions? e-mail me!

Hugs,

Thursday, February 23, 2012

A few cards.....

Hi Bloggers!

Today I was working on a few cards which I submitted to be considered for the Ink Pad's Design Team. I just love this store. You have to check them out when you visit New York next. Also, I understand that they will begin selling some things online in the near future, so everyone will benefit.

It had been a dream of mine to even go to their store, which I did this past Monday. I was really fortunate to have a few crafty girls with me as well. Artedar, Darlene, Fran-ladyoflosttimes, and Julie imjkmd. It was a great, great day.

We also went to Rock Paper Scissors- a FABULOUS Store in Montclair , NJ. I really loved everything they had there as well.

Here are the websites for each: www.theinkpadnyc.com
www.rockpaperscissorsnj.com

and.. here are my cards:
































































So... fingers and toes crossed! Wish me luck!

Hugs,

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

The great box swap......

HI Bloggers!

So the cleanup is still underway. Good progress each day. I hope you are following on YT.

Today I was playing with some new stamps, and decorated an old Cricut box. The idea was hatched to host a box swap, similar to the SSSS Cigar Box swap many of us have seen on YT. Here is what we came up with:

1. This will be a partner swap, and secret. I will draw random partners, following sign ups.
2. Two people will have your address, me, and your partner.
3. My box dimensions are 7 1/2 x 4, but you can use something close in size.
4. Decorate your box in a manner your partner would love.
5. Fill your box with handmade craft, or stash only items. Handmade is preferred.
6. I will take sign ups here, please leave me a comment, AND, send me an e-mail to ldeviney@comcast.net. Please include your snail mail address details, blog address, and your e-mail address. I will pass those details on to your Secret Sister.
7. Please have your box in the mail by March 15, 2012. You will mail to your secret sister. Don't worry if it does not arrive by then, please postmark it by then. Once you mail your box, please e-mail me, that you have done so. This way I can keep track, and if someone has to flake, I can make up the position.
8. International participants welcome. Please note, it is quite likely you will receive a partner who is overseas, and postage is more expensive and takes longer. If this does not work for you, perhaps you can swap with us next time.
9. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!! Make a new friend.
10. Sign ups will be until Friday 2/24/12. I will draw partners on Saturday and send out e-mails.

I hope this sounds fun. I look forward to seeing the opening of the boxes, and perhaps hosting this more often.

Hugs,

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Update.....the great clean up

Hello Bloggers!

I know... long time no see , right? Life intervenes in a big way sometimes. So I can guess you all are wondering what happened to me and my Featured Artist Series? Well, I had to work. For about 6 days a week for about 5 weeks. No time to do anything but work. The series is not abandoned, but rather on hiatus....

My intention is to pick it up after I complete the most pressing of projects, begun today. The great clean up, and Move the Studio project.

So I was coerced into making a before video... (thanks Dede!) and from the looks of it you would think a certain TV show may be knocking on my door soon, but it really is not THAT bad. Bad yes, but achievable.

So for posterity, I have recorded a Before video...which is here:



I am using the before, as encouragement for the After...
Don't judge! It took a lot of creative hard work to get it this bad!

Stay tuned for updates.

Hugs,

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Welcome to the world baby girl.....

Hi Bloggers,

So I have been inundated by work as of late, so please pardon the interruption to our Featured artist series. My intention is to complete a full month's worth, but- life intervenes.

So today I have a different feature to talk about. Today my Assistant over at the hotel, his wife delivered a healthy 8 lb, 8 oz 22 inch baby girl! It is their first child, and Mommy and Baby are doing well. No name for the new darling as yet, but they are settling on a few top choices.

Some of you know about my private life, but many of you don't. I do not have children, was never blessed in that way. So the birth of this little girl seems a little closer to home, and I could not be more ecstatic for Tim and his wife.

So welcome to the world little one. I am so happy for your safe arrival, and your parents could not love you more.

Big Hugs,

Laurel

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Featured Artist Series...Day 12.. Joy Fotojoy

Hi Blogggers!

So I had a few days of rest, and work, and I back to share with you my featured artist for Day 12, and yes we are behind 2 days...yeesh!

Day 12's artist is....... Joy!! Fotojoy to you and me, everywhere.

I met Joy through the Ustream gang last year, and I find her to be truly what her name says, a Joy. She is extremely talented, long been a scrapbooker, painter, art journaler and all around crafter. She is a neighbor to another good friend of mine http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifMitzi, and they have been able to get together quite often when their schedules align, for a little shopping and visiting. Most recently, Joy is participating in DarcyW's postcard challenge, and I really have enjoyed the postcards so far. Just amazing work, and such a cool idea.

Here is everywhere to find Joy:

Blog: http://fotojoys.blogspot.com
Ustream: fotojoys artful delights
YouTube:1fotojoy
Twitter:@fotojoy

I almost got to meet Joy at a gathering last May, and unfortunately could not make it. I truly hope to meet her in person in the future. The Ustream crowd encouraged her to start her own show, and I hope her schedule permits her to do some more shows, because the talent she shares is really spectacular!

Here is a tag I made for Joy:


Thanks for sharing Joy!

Big Hugs!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Hi Bloggers!

Today I am bringing you Featured Artist for Day 11. The lovely Linda, known to you as LindaLap over on YouTube.
I first discovered Linda via YouTube last year, when she showed a creative way to make a zippered bag out of a piece of 12 x 12 paper. Ingenious, and cute! I contacted Linda to ask if I could share it on my Ustream show, and we have been following each other, ever since.

I really like a lot of the projects Linda makes. She re-purposes thrift store items, makes cards, participates in a lot of challenges, and has a really great way of sharing her creations via YouTube. I love all of her videos. Linda has a really soothing voice. Her videos are put together really well, with great music, and videography. I am hoping Linda and I could become friends on skype and she could walk me through how she creates her videos, and edits them.

One of the ways I have connected with Linda, and she may not know it, is she followed a gal in an Urge to Purge organization project. Well, great idea! I have a need to move my craft room to a larger room in my house, and she gave me the tools to do it, without spenging a fortune. and to complete it a little at a time. Thanks Linda! Love the stickles box you created.

Here is everywhere to find Linda:
Blog:http://cardsbylinda.blogspot.com
YouTube:LindaLap

Here is a video of a tag I created for Linda.




So keep creating Linda! I love all of your projects, and how you have inspired me.
Hugs,

:

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Featured Artist Series- Day 10...Sarah 3dogs2kids

Hello Bloggers! Well here we are back on track for our day 10 Featured Artist Series! See, sometimes things work out! BTW- all tags will be mailed out to the artists following the series at the end of the month. I have a desire for a group photo of all the artwork this year.
So without further ado....Day 10's Featured Artist is: Sarah...3dogs2kids

I met Sarah this past year via her Ustream channel the Green Craft Workshop.
I cannot tell a lie, I first thought it meant "Green" as in going green or enviornmentally responsible? It turns out it is a literal Green colored workshop in Sarah's yard. But, Sarah is also a great repurposer. I have seen her take inspiration from bakery boxes, bottles, beautiful photos of her world around her as well as her family, and wonderful dogs.
Sarah is my favorite "shabby chic" style artist. We share that vintage twist to things that I really like. I also could listen to Sarah talk all day long. Love her Scottish accent. She is quick whit, and shares so many of her projects with all of us, and makes it look so easy. After watching Sarah, I often feel inspired, empowered in a sense that "I can make it too"!
Sarah has a lovely family including 2 dogs called...Chunky and Mitzi. They sound adorable, but that could be the accent.:) Sarah and I have a lot in common, and I thrilled we have become friends. We cardmaker's stick together!
Sarah is a member of the Wild Orchid Crafts Design Team, the Wild Bunch over on YouTube. So you can see her beautiful creations on two channels.

Here is everywhere you can find Sarah:
Blog: http://thehandmadecardblog.wordpress.com
YouTube:3dosand2kids
WOC YT:wildorchidcrafts
Ustream:The Green Craft Workshop
Folksy store:The Blue Shed
Twitter:@SarahJAllan

Love everything you make and share Sarah! Love, the cool words you use... and love to hang out and faff around crafting with you!



Hugs,

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Featured Artist Series Day 9- Jean-the Musical Scrapper

Hi Bloggers! So here I am a day behind again! What can I say, Life intervenes! My work schedule has been crazy as of late, so I am not going to worry about what day I am on, just going to create a total of 31.

So for Day 9, I would like to share with you my friend Jean. MusicScrp in a lot of places.

I met Jean on Ustream this past year, and I really enjoy watching her create mini books, and complete challenges. She participated in my Rolodex swap last year, and the detail of her rolodex card was amazing. What I like most about Jean, is not only her talent in papercrafts, and her dedication to completing her projects..(something I totally lack.), but her efforts to keep the community together with her Stickam group. Now it is a secret, and you have to be invited, but I have had some really good laughs crafting along with all the girls.

Here is where you can find Jean:
Blog: the musical scrapper
UStream: The Musical Scrapper Mondays 4pm EST
Twitter:@MusicScrp

So Jean is a fun loving, musically talented, scrapper in the purest sense. Loves to take the pictures of her adventures, and loves to share the albums, and layouts, and cards, and mini books she seems to quickly produce with all of us. This year she has taken the UIU pledge to "Use it Up", and she is also participating in Darcy W's postcard challenge. Her story is pretty amazing, and she has put a lot of thought into the characters. I look forward to her progress, and her Ustream Shows every Monday night at 4PM EST. Most of all, I love Jean's easy laugh, and positive outlook.

So here is a little tag I made for Jean:



Thanks for sharing Jean!
Hugs,

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Featured Artist Series- Day 7, Day 8--Resources

Hi Bloggers! Today we are going to go in a different direction with my series and feature a few great website resources, that also have YouTube channels and sometimes Ustream shows. This is what happens when I get stuck working the weekend.....what are you going to do, eh?
The websites below I am going to categorize as resources. I follow them all year round, and I learn a lot about upcoming products, and get CHA previews. The 2 great websites I am referring to are:

www.craftcritique.com and www.paperclipping.com

Both are useful but in different ways.
Craft Critique is a website that does product reciews from all over the crafting world. Different crafters will purchase a new product or tool, and use it as a test run, and give thier opinion about how it worked. I find this really helpful for when I want to know how something works, and in what applications. Especially, if the tool is a little costly. It's kind of lie having a team of personal testers, just like you. I encourage you to check them out. They do reviews for every kind of craft imaginable.

Paperclipping.com is a little different. They hold interviews of scrapbooking industry professionals, review product lines, hold live instruction classes, and one of my favorites is thier video series from CHA. Noelle Hyman goes booth to booth ,with her microphone interviewing all the rock stars and filming all the displays. You can get a preview of all the new products coming out. Pretty cool. I really like thier website as well where you can find podcasts, and resources, and calls for design teams, and information. So, with Winter CHA upon us, you will want to subscribe to Paperclipping4u over on YouTube , so you do not miss a thing.

I did make a tag tonight as kind of a stress relief from my crappy work day. I hope you do not mind that I think I am keeping this one for myself, or will at least keep it around for a bit, finish it off and make a gift of it to a future artist. I am working tomorrow, and have been quite tired, so I may use the evening to catch up with another artist for the upcoming week, as I will not have my Ustream Show tomorrow. Gotta make the doughnuts.... So forgive no video tonight, or tomorrow, but perhaps you will enjoy visiting the two resources I mentioned.
Thanks for reading!
Hugs,

Friday, January 6, 2012

Featured Artist Series- Day 6- Julia- Straydreams

Hello Bloggers! Well, I am almost caught up to being a day behind.... Thanks for all the lovely comments here and over on YouTube, I am really enjoying this series this year.
Today's Featured Artist is.....Julia--Straydreams.
This avatar I think is hysterical, and is so me, and also so Julia. She has such a great sense of humor. The avatar is from Julia's Ustream channel.
I was fortunate to "meet" Julia over on Ustream this past year, and I absolutely adore her. She is a really creative gal, who works in a lot of mediums. She has shown how to make paper buttons, decorated a hat (gorgeous), by the way she made the hat, made great journal pages, and tons of great storage books, mini books, cards, canvases, the list goes on and on.
Here is everywhere you can find Julia:
Blog: http://straydreamsblog.blogspot.com/
YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/user/straydreams44?feature=watch
Ustream:http://www.ustream.tv/channel/straydreams
Twitter:@straydreams

Julia your art inspires me. I love how you make something your own, and use re purposed materials, or follow through on an idea. Your art is great, but your soul is better. I love how easy you are with a laugh, and I am very glad to have made friends this year. Here is a little tag I made for Julia:

Thanks for sharing all you do Julia!
Hugs,

Featured Artist Series- Day 5- Jenny-Ozegran

Hello Bloggers! Here I am again sans the Geddy Cat to bring you another Featured Artist. Today we are on Day 5 of my Featured Artist Series, and yes, I am still a day behind.:)
Today's Featured Artist is the wonderful Jenny or Ozegran .
Jenn is extremely talented in many mediums, but I happen to love her mini albums the absolute best. I was fortunate to meet Jenn over on Ustream last year, and have been able to catch a few of her shows when I get the time change correct. Not only is she super talented, but she is really, really funny. We have had a great time cutting up on Ustream a time or two.
What I love about her crafting is the time and care that goes into every step. Take some time to watch a few of her 300(!) You Tube videos and you will see magic in the making. Gorgeous art journal pages, and mini's and Jenn showing you how she did every step.
I also frequent her blog, which she shares her latest projects and obsessions from our wonderful arty world.

Here is everywhere you can find Jenn:
YouTuube: Ozegran
Ustream: Scrap N Share- Ozegran
Blog:www.ozegran.blogspot.com
Twitter:@ozegran
So below is a video of a little tag I made with her in mind. Jenn loves Tim Holtz as much as I do!
Thank you so much for all you share Jenn!
Hugs,

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Featured Artist Series- Day 4- Tracy- TracyTreasures24

Hello Bloggers!

Yes we are still a day behind with the Featured Artist Series...

Day 4's Featured Artist is... Tracy, TracysTreasures24.

I first started following Tracy over on Youtube a year or so ago. She is from Ontario, Canada, and I was introduced to her via her 365 project. She was talking about a project where you take a photo everyday, and then scrapbook it, as a visual diary of a year in the life.
Since then, I have enjoyed many, many of Tracy's projects. She makes amazing Mini Albums, colors beautiful cards, and makes ingenious designs. She is a very, very talented gal. She has recently joined a design team for a local scrapbooking store, and I am sure their displays are beautiful, as everything Tracy makes is.

Here is where you can find her:

Blog:Tracys Treasures
YouTube: TracysTreasures24

Below is a video of the tag I created for Tracy:

I thought she would enjoy the Bingo background as she works in the accounting field....


I hope you like my creation Tracy! Thank you for sharing all you do!

Hugs,

Featured Artist Series- Day 3- Christina - acraftygirl cabettsutubeuser

Hello Bloggers!

Day 3 featured artist on the 4th? Yes, my friends...I had to work the night shift last night and it has thrown my schedule off a bit.

Day 3 Featured Artist is... Christina! A lovely gal from BC.

Here is where you can find her:

YouTube:acraftygirl cabettsutubeuser
Blog:http://freshbrewedeverymorning.blogspot.com

I first came across Christina a while back on YouTube. She and her husband had built a storage house for copic markers, that I thought was just darling. I have followed her ever since, and have found that we have a lot in common. Christina loves the thrift stores, (just like me), and she is a great repurposer of her treasures. We also share a love for vintage things, or the aesthetic of vintage things, and we both love to cook and craft.

I love Christina's mini books that she creates, with so much detail, and care. She is a wonderful gal, who you need to go check out. Her projects are gorgeous, and she has a wonderful personality. Since we share a lot of common loves, I hope to get to know her a little better through YouTube. I just love making friends through this wonderful medium.

Below is the video showing you the tag I made for Christina...



Thank you Christina for all you share! I just love everything you make!

Hugs,

Monday, January 2, 2012

Featured Artist Series- Day 2- Fran- Lady of Lost Times

Hey Bloggers!

Betcha thought I forgot my challenge already? No way, just had a visit from the wonderful Artedar which delayed my posting a bit. Dar and I had a great day creating. It is great to have a girlfriend who loves to art and lives fairly close:)

But I would be remiss if I did not take the opportinity to tell you about another girlfriend of mine.... Fran known to you as Ladyoflosttimes. I met Fran on Ustream, and then met her in person at the Art on the Ranger retreat. I am amazed by her, as she is primarily a knitter, crocheter, and an art journaler. 3 things I do not do very well. She taught a great book binding class at our retreat, and is extremely patient and creative in beading. Really, anything with an intricate pattern that seems impossible, Fran is your girl.
One of my favorite qualities about Fran is she has a marvelous spirit, is warm and open hearted, ( you know how we Jersey girls are), and her laugh fills a room. She makes me happy, happy, happy.

Here is where to find Fran:

Blog:http://ladyoflosttimescrafts.blogspot.com/
Ustream:http://www.ustream.tv/channel/randomly-crafty
YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/user/ladyoflosttimes
Twitter:@ladyoflosttimes

Thank you Fran for reminding me to face my crafting challenges, when a pattern is too difficult, work through it! Thank you so much for your friendship and support.

Below is a tag I made for Fran:



Forgive the raccoon eyes, bad lighting, and grainy footage...no sleep lately, lamp broke and not my regular camera... long story...lol

Love ya Fran!

Hugs,

Sunday, January 1, 2012

January 2012 Featured Artist Series- Day 1- Martha

Hi Everyone!

Happy New Year! Let's start the new year off properly with my featured artist series!

Today's Featured Artist is..... Martha , better known to you as SeekingforArt.

Martha is just one of those downright lovely people, who is incredibly talented. I had the good fortune to meet her when she joined us on the Art on the Ranger Retreat this past October. Martha is extremely talented, in a lot of mediums, and you need to go check her out:

Blog:http://seekingforart.blogspot.com/
YouTube:SeekingforArt
Ustream:SeekingforArt
Twitter:@seekingforart

So there is everywhere you can find her. and find her you need to. She is a treasure who has been published many times. Her Melted Crayon Frida's were in Somerset Studio, but she is far to humble to mention it. Martha has been involved with ATC's for All, Art Trader, which is juried, and tough , tough to get into. My favorite quality of her's aside from her art is her warm personality and great sense of humor. ("That would be your technique then Fran").

I can just hug her to bits!

So, here is my little tribute tag made for Martha, my good friend, who taught me the joys of melted crayons, and to smile with your heart everyday.



Hugs,