Art - It does a body good!

Tutorial, Custom Embossed Letters

2012-02-04T19:46:00.000-06:00

I have been swamped lately with deadlines and due dates. In making those projects, I've created a little tutorial for you to enjoy. Here's the project I made using this tutorial.

Monthly Journal Page - click to enlarge

First, you will cut your letters out using dies and any die machine. You can even do this with precut letters - pretty much anything you can cut from cardstock. I cut mine out using my Vagabond and Tim Holtz (Sizzix) Vintage Market Sizzlit on Gina K Designs Pure Luxury cardstock. I ran the letters through my Sticker Maker by Xyron (yours might be the "X" design).

Sticker Maker applies adhesive to the letters

I really love my little Xyron for alphabets. Just be sure to burnish the letters once you get them in the adhesive. I rub my embossing tool around the edges of each letter so I get a clean adhesive application.

Next, find an embossing folder you like that has a fairly detailed pattern. Since you are working with small surfaces, your detail pattern will have more of a chance of hitting all the pieces.

When you are satisfied with the placement of your letters in the embossing folder, run it through your machine.

Close up of embossed texture

I usually emboss my letters with the shiny plastic sheet still on the letters. It just keeps residual adhesive from building up in the folder. Isn't this simply gorgeous? I love all that dimension!

Sparkle it up with a Gelly Roll Star pen!

Now, you can do all sorts of fun stuff with this dimension. If you use Core'dinations cardstock, you can lightly sand the surface to remove the color and expose the inner paper. I wanted a chilly feel to this, after all it is a January page, so I used my favorite Gelly Roll, the clear star! Delicious bits of shine without the mess of glitter. I outlined my letters with a black Copic multiliner to help them stand out from the background.

Play around with this technique and see how many other ways you can use it. I would love to see your work! Have fun!

Ta for now,
♥ ~ky

Classic Doodling

2012-01-27T15:42:00.000-06:00

So I gave myself a little present for making it through the horrible stress of the holidays. I signed up for this class by Stephanie Ackerman. It's called Scrapbook Life, and it will be a year-long journey for me. We have weekly assignments, and a terrific Facebook group to share and encourage one another. In addition, I get to really focus on scripture, which is one of my goals for this year.

This is the header I made for my January page. I used some Tim Holtz letter masks, acrylic paints, pens and Sizzix dies (by Tim Holtz). I am not giving away the class info - but I will tell you it's fantastic. Check it out - oh, and you get an ENTIRE YEAR of instruction for just $40.24!

I created this page from collaged bits left over from other projects. I also used some packaging, old newspaper and book text. The White Rabbit looking at his iconic pocket watch, the ship, the plane, even the neighborhood celebrate the truth of the saying. It was a bit of a mantra for me in the last few months. I did so many new things during that time. I will be adding some secret journaling to explain it all.

I created this page for the Sketchbook Challenge. January's prompt was doodling. I love to doodle! It frees my mind up and really helps me zone out and relax. There are so many Zen doodling groups on Flickr - check them out! There's a great group that shares freehand doodle patterns on Flickr too. I get so many wonderful ideas from that group.

That's what I've been up to lately. I hope your new year is rolling along nicely. If you decide you'd like to join Stephanie's Scrapbook Life class, it's open until January 31. Come play along!

~ky

Painting with Snow!

2012-01-14T15:03:00.002-06:00

We got snow, finally! I love winter, and snow is just like the icing on my frozen cupcake. I wanted to play in the snow, but I didn't want to make a snowman. I wanted something a little more, erm, permanent.

click any image to enlarge

I pulled out my cheap watercolor paper, and my mini misters. I sprayed the papers liberally with my own concoction of Ranger distress inks and water. Water-based inks are the key in this technique.

I sprayed the papers liberally with plain water and tossed them out on the snow.

Then I buried them in snow! Caution, do not eat the ink-colored snow! LOL Yes, I know how corny I am...

The snow freezes the wet ink, and creates a unique pattern in the ink. Our temperature was around 18*F when I did this, and the snow was damp but not super wet. I dried the papers with my super quiet super hot heat gun - this took too long, so I switched to my trusty iron for the rest. There was no detectable difference between the ironed versus gunned papers.

You can see the texture the snow imparts in the ink in this close up. It acts a little bit like salting over wet ink, but yet it's different. I may try a different technique tomorrow with more ink and watercolor paper. If so, you can bet I'll let you know how it turned out.

I made 8 sheets of 9x12 inch watercolor paper using this method. I will use these as collage pieces or backgrounds for art journaling, cards and other paper crafts. You know, come summer, I will be petting this paper trying to reconnect with this cool day. Thanks for stopping by and sharing a bit of your time with me. See you soon!

Ta for now,
♥~ky

Home Sweet Home

A New Year, A New Calendar

2012-01-06T19:13:00.000-06:00

I wanted something different. I needed a new calendar, but I want to use my calendar to keep me busy when I am working my calendar. I want to sketch and doodle and fidget and stash stuff when I'm waiting for the doctor, or getting the oil changed. There are these 'new' things called SMASH books, and they look cute, but they just don't fit my style. They are too cutesy, too kitschy, too... um... neat.

Click on any image to enlarge.

I don't want a lot of money tied up in the calendar, so I grabbed stuff I always have on hand. I pulled out a pad of Bristol paper, 9x12 inches, and cut 6 sheets in half. I marked my grids for the calendar, and drew them in with Copic multiliner in black, added the numbers and days across the top. I still have my pencil grid tics on the pages because I still have things to add.

I inserted some old (winter 2009 CHA) Teresa Collins papers, envelopes and folded cardstock between the months to hold ephemera, receipts, appointment cards and the like. I love being able to put a little piece of art to work on in my book, like this one from Terra Bidlespacher's Haven image, seen here.

I am working on doing an illuminated Celtic letter for each month name. As you can see, some of the inserts are folders, perfect for coloring while waiting, or doodling new things to color.

I always need little tabs to keep me focused and in touch with what I need to do. So there are little places for my post it notes and tabs - what fun! I love making my own calendar each year. It's never the same, and always a creative challenge for me.

I hope you enjoyed seeing this small work in progress. Let me know if you make your own calendars, or how you choose to stay organized!

Ta for now,
♥ ~ky

It's not complicated, it's Tangled!

2011-12-28T13:28:00.000-06:00

I have been restored to one of my favorite pastimes - zen doodling. You might call it zentangling but that is a copyrighted word, so I choose zen doodling. Here are some of my latest works.

Down the Drain - Copic multiliners,
and Derwent Watercolor pencils

Peep Eye - Copic multiliner on kraft cardstock

Spain Rain - Copic multiliner on kraft cardstock

Bunny Treats - Copic multiliner and
Derwent watercolor pencils

I will be turning a few of these designs into tangle patterns very soon. I hope you enjoyed visiting today - try your hand at it!

Ta!
♥ ~ky

A little canvas

2011-12-23T18:49:00.000-06:00

Hello again - it is so nice to be able to bring you some new bits and pieces more often. I hope my muse stays content with this for awhile longer. I have two things to share with you today - starting with a neutral base and creating a miniature collage suitable for accenting a journal page.

I began with a manila tag, the kind Tim Holtz uses for his 12 tags of Christmas each year.

My first step was to cover the tag with torn pages from an old novel. I used to have such a hard time ripping text from a perfectly good book, but then I realized I have 2 copies of a novel. I was not selective of what phrases or words showed on the surface, and I made sure to use multiple layers in some areas.

Next, I gave the trimmed, text-covered tag a watery wash of ivory and white paints. I am using a very inexpensive acrylic paint from Apple Barrel by Plaid. The goal is to tone down the text, provide some unification across the tag, and provide a base for inks.

I used my blending tool and almost all the seasonal colors of distress inks to 'paint' the tag over the acrylic. Be sure the paint is thoroughly dry before adding the distress ink.

I love the randomness and how the layers of text create wonderful texture. I sprinkled blots of water over the tag to give the ink more variety. Now, with the addition of the ink, we have moved from neutral background to the beginning of a miniature canvas.

I have a stash of catalogs, flyers, packaging and left over bits and pieces of other projects.

I arranged them on the tag, sewed part of it to the tag, the added some ribbon, a bit of fluid acrylic circles, and a few staples. I like how it came out. I hope it inspires you to get creative! See you again soon.

Ta!
♥ ~ky

A New Deal

2011-12-22T18:33:00.000-06:00

Hey friends!

I was in the studio playing today, and it occurred to me that I really enjoy new techniques. I've also noticed journal work is slightly more appealing than cards at the moment. I think it was the big push to get Christmas cards and the like done. I'll be making cards again before long. Still - I want to capitalize on this journal fascination while I can.

I found an intriguing piece of art that I fell instantly, deeply in love with. I am a very geometric girl - absolutely love trigonometry and graphic design. Take a peek - now remember I DO NOT OWN AND DID NOT CREATE THIS PIECE. If you click on it, it should take you to the owner's blog, Journal Fodder Junkies.

Property of Eric at Journal Fodder Junkies blog
(used with permission)

The artist, Eric, used Derwent inktense and Prismacolor pencils to create this stunning piece. I pulled out my Canson Mixed Media journal and created the following using a slightly broader range of colors.

It is very much still a work in progress. I know I have a lot more to do and lots more practice to get anywhere close to Eric's ability, but it is quite satisfying to attempt. I used Derwent's graphitint, watercolor and inktense pencils and my water brush.

So, my new deal is this - I will do my best to post a new technique or something to get your muse working every week of the new year. If you have ideas or questions you'd like to see addressed, post them in the comments. I would be delighted to have you join me in this creative journey this year. If you try any of the things I suggest, please leave me a link to your work so I can enjoy your process too.

Now - go on and have yourself a Merry Holiday and a prosperous and healthy New Year!

Ta!
♥ ~ky

A Little Art

2011-12-20T16:07:00.000-06:00

I have been working in the art journal a little more lately. I spent all of November writing my novel, and most of December recovering. I wore myself completely out attending write ins and traveling to relatives' houses. Since I am spending a little more time in the recliner than in the studio, I thought I would share what art I've made.

I sketched Lady Green Eyes in pencil, then colored over that with a wash of neocolor II's water soluble wax pastels. I love her - I hope you do too!

This page is a collection of the flotsam of November - bits and pieces from my travels and accomplishments during National Novel Writing Month. I applied watermark ink through a stencil, and rubbed pan pastels over it (right page). The left page is acrylic paint over grey gesso, then layered with a receipt from Chipotle. We did our write ins largely at Caribou coffee shops, and shared a lunch at Chipotle's after we were done. I made a couple of tags with distress inks which will hold my journaling about the experience.

This spread is about a song that means so much to me. I sprayed diluted distress ink in a variety of colors all over these two pages, then covered that in salt and let it dry. I used some fluid acrylics in gold around the edges, and to trace some random shapes.

Close up of the salted background and a little of the lyrics. I used Sumi-e ink with my nib pen. I haven't written with my nib pen in so long. I really enjoyed it and need to remember to do more of that.

So - that's what I've been up to lately. Thanks for taking a moment to visit!

Ta!
♥ ~ky

Works In Progress

2011-11-21T21:35:00.002-06:00

Yep, it's been awhile. I've been busy, visiting folks, doing my NaNo things, helping a friend... I took a course quite awhile back from Christy Tomlinson, about the Chinese proverb "A woman has three hearts. One she shares with the world, one she shares with her family, and one she shares only with herself." Here is the lead page for my work in that course.

{click to enlarge}

Christy shares a lot of techniques, and some motivating, thoughtful insight from her own topsy-turvy life with 6 kids and fibromyalgia. You can find more info on her course by clicking here.

Another thing I've been doing is reviewing a brand-new class concept by a dear friend of mine, Samantha Kira Harding. Kira has been working diligently at developing this class with beta-testing her ideas with a small group. I was honored to be able to preview her concepts.

{click to enlarge}

This is a non-typical 'class' where all the content is in your inbox, and you get it weekly. You only pay $10 monthly for her guidance, prompts, techniques and experience. Let me tell you - it is a BARGAIN. Please respect the artist who developed this, and don't fall for cheap imitations.

Kira will show you how to review your work and evaluate it with an artist's eye. She is going to teach you how to learn from every stroke of your brush. You are going to be amazed. Check it out - Journaling Deep.

Ok - I have lots on my plate this month - NaNoWriMo and holiday travels, plus the usual medical issues. So, a short post, lots for you to consider (ask Santa!), and more ideas in my head. Hope you have a happy turkey day!

Ta!
~ky

Just a little something

2011-10-10T15:40:00.002-05:00

The Greeting Farm is hosting heART journal challenges. You had to start them from the beginning to be eligible for the prize, but it's still great fun to play along.

Recently, the challenge was to use a face from a magazine and dress her up. This is what I came up with.

{click to enlarge}

I think she still needs something, but my mind is drawing a blank. So, I'll just let her rest and get comfy in my journal.

I hope you got to play in your journal - you deserve fun time!

~ky

Hiatus!

2011-10-07T21:20:00.002-05:00

Hello my crafty friends - I took a little break! I've been on a little adventure, and in a few more weeks I'll be able to share some details with you. Meanwhile...here's a little few somethings I've been working on.

{click to enlarge}

Every so often, I like to take a little step back, and look through my past journals. Sometimes I find little nuggets that didn't seem like much at the time. This little bit of journaling and doodling were done in 2008 when I was thinking about how much had changed since I became profoundly ill in 2007.

{click to enlarge}

I remember that day as I sketched our bearded dragon, Oscar, as he sat on his favorite high branch. I started out scrolling the word Life, then let it take a life of its own as life often does. It got creative, was occupied by a faerie, a snail, a frog and a butterfly. It sprouted new growth, flowers, leaves, even a faerie swing!

My life had been like that - topsy-turvy, carving its own path despite my best efforts to confine it. So, I figured I could either embrace it and go along for the ride, or watch it depart.

{click to enlarge}

When I discovered this little gem, I took another look at where this crazy, creative, nightmare of mine had taken me. I tore away the excess areas of the original work, and burned it (yes, like, put fire to it!) around the edges.

I created a base page using distress inks (to be taught later!), and positioned the original work over that. Then I journaled about the difference between the 2008 life (reflecting the 2007 version) and the 2011 condition. This is what I concluded:

{click to enlarge, please quote me if you use this - it's my own}

I hope you enjoyed this little bit of art. Now for something almost completely different.

And here are a few things I'm working toward!

By the way, November is almost upon us. It's a busy, busy, evil-busy month. I will be participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and *hopefully* able to interact more with our local Naperville, IL group. I am so excited about my story this year! I've been sitting, waiting for that bolt of inspiration, and it finally came. It happened to come just as I was laying down for bed, of course - but it came! Now I can get busy on prep work.

I plan to participate in Dawn Sokol's NaNoJouMo (National Non-Stop Journaling Month) activities - you work in your art journal DAILY. I neeeeeed to do that. NEEEEEED!

Plus the requisite family travel, obligatory doctor visits, physical therapy and crafting obligations. It's gonna be busy! Which could be a good thing since we're projected to have another whopper of a winter. You know I like it!

Do you have plans? Does your journalistic creativity stagnate during the push to the holidays? If so, is there something I could help with to keep you inspired? Do we need challenges? I look forward to publishing this blog a little more frequently, and having a dialogue with you, my dear reader.

Thank you for spending a little time with me!

Creatively yours,
♥ ~ky

One of My Favorites!

2011-08-15T22:36:00.005-05:00

I love Rhonna Farrer and her art. I love her spirit. She's been through that shadow valley, and keeps on running. She issued a call for a design team, and I just had to apply. I don't expect to be selected, but I couldn't pass up the chance to tell her I adore her!

{click to enlarge}

I created this 2-page spread to explore the things that inspire me, or lift me up. I used some of Rhonna Farrer's digital products. I don't do a lot of digital work, so this was a bit of a challenge for me. I really enjoyed it! These kits are so affordable, too.

There are so many things that inspire me. I love to listen to music while I'm running. It's a great opportunity to put the mind in neutral and let things just roll out. However, I also really enjoy romp times with my bunnies and kitties. I can see the hand of God in nature, natural patterns, phenomenal colors and designs. How can you not feel uplifted by spending time reflecting on all the goodness in the world?

And don't even get me started on flowers! It's been a slow start to summer here in Chicago. Today (yes, mid-August!) we finally saw our first marigold bloom! I love those flowers - they are simple to grow and pack a powerful punch!

What day is complete without laughter? I really enjoy a good laugh. Cabana Boy and I have a long list of movies we watch, and frequently quote. I love commemorating a good laugh with a quote or three!

That background piece behind "Laugh"? Yeah - that's two of Rhonna's paper making images - I used the base turquoise and overlaid it with the brown feathery swirls. I flipped the swirls on every quarter to create this shape which I cut out and adhered. I went around it with some pan pastels to tie the cutwork to the background.

I struggle with many issues, like so many of you. I find that I do best when I focus on uplifting thoughts and activities, and share whatever positive encouragement that I can along the way. I try to capture those feelings in my art whenever possible.

I'm showing you the laboratory slide, close up. I adhered a piece of Rhonna's clip art to the slide with glossy accents. When it dried, I rubbed all the paper away to leave the ink on the slide. If you look closely, you can see the background paper through the slide. I love transfers!

I love experimenting. My studio is more Lab than Art, so it's aptly named the Art Lab. I hope you'll come visit me on Ustream sometime. We'll have a ball and try out some new stuff! Thanks for stopping by!

Ta!
♥~ky

Recipe: gesso, distress inks, Basic acrylic paint, pan pastels, Rhonna Farrer's Urban Junque 2 and patterned paper making kit, Tim Holtz Alterations by Sizzix dies, misc stamps (Gina K and others), glass laboratory slides, Tim Holtz Fragments and tissue tape, Basic Grey Olivia stencil.

End and Beginning

2011-05-05T20:34:00.000-05:00

I loved the Fake Journal Month - I learned a lot about myself, and became much more respectful of those who struggle with disabilities that differ from mine. Here is a page I did the other day.

{click to enlarge}

This is my "Friends" page - a celebration of my friendship with my Cabana Boy. I love the Gina K stamps and the melted pieces using Tim Holtz embossing folders and a stamp. I used some perfect pearls as a shadow from the hummingbird, and colored the flower with Copic markers. I hope this brings a smile to you.

♥ky

IFJM Post #6 - Me, Happier

2011-04-30T14:58:00.000-05:00

Tessa is practicing lettering and uniformity in letter height and roundness. She sees improvement that makes her happy.

Thanks for dropping by!
♥ky

*International Fake Journal Month information can be found via the upper left dog button.

IFJM Post #5 - Improvement

2011-04-26T18:42:00.000-05:00

So, Tessa is seeing some progress. It comes slowly, and she is very impatient. Her therapist, Lenny, encourages her, and her group of 6 using art journals as a therapy tool. Her drawing today is of Lissa, who is younger than most.

Lissa has a wicked sense of humor. She was injured in a car wreck. Tessa is noticing her drawing is coming back to her more easily than writing.

Ta!
♥ky

IFJM Post #4 - Playing Around

2011-04-21T16:19:00.000-05:00

Tessa finally went home from the rehab facility and was reunited with her own studio supplies. I think it made her happy!

{click to enlarge}

The text reads "Finally home with my supplies. I still get tired very easily. I have missed my things. Still going to therapy. They have a little van that picks me up. Next week, I will have a home-care specialist come over to show me some tools to help. 4-11-11"

This page was made using Tim Holtz letter masks, Distress Inks, spritzed it all with water & bleach.

Thanks for stopping by!
♥ky

IFJM Post #3 - Reflection

2011-04-20T21:24:00.000-05:00

Tessa is moving forward, but is still stuck in the past as the artist she will no longer be.

{click to enlarge}

Text: I used to love to doodle. Here's an example. I think doodling would be good therapy for my hand. I'm sure it will be awful to start. We walked about 200 yards today. I'm tired! April 9, 2011.

IFJM Post #2 - Out of the Dark

2011-04-19T18:26:00.000-05:00

Tessa worked on her sketching skills after preparing a background of watercolors and inks.

{click to enlarge}

The text is Out of the Dark, 4-7-11; {she is} waiting patiently for her therapy with pride. Pen and pencil over watercolor.

Thanks for visiting!
♥ky

P.S. yes - I'm still doing this only with my left (non-dominant) hand.

Courage

2011-04-14T20:54:00.000-05:00

This page was created while pondering what courage means to me. Suffering 10 autoimmune diseases, and recently getting a new diagnosis, courage means daring to get up every day when your own body seems intent on a different course of action.

{gesso, Neocolor IIs, watercolor}

I hope this inspires you to contemplate your own internal strength, however small the aggressor might be. You embody courage. Find it, capture it in your journal. You will need the reminder one day.

Creatively yours,
♥ky

P.S. Tessa will post some more work soon - just need to get some camera time.

IFJM Post #1 - Meet Tessa

2011-04-08T10:57:00.000-05:00

Tessa is the artist I will be fake journaling for this month. A fake journal is a way to explore your own artist soul from a different perspective. Tessa was an accomplished artist before she had a stroke. Her very smart physical therapist enticed her to do her therapy using an art journal.

{click to enlarge}

I'm doing Tessa's journal completely left-handed (I'm a righty) and I find it generates even more empathy for folks who have to retrain their brains. Wow - just a short time working and my brain and hand cramp!

Thanks so much for stopping by. Tessa's work will continue to be posted here throughout the month. If you're interested in doing a fake journal, click the doggie button up on the left to find out more.

Ciao!
♥ky

International Fake Art Journal Month

2011-03-31T14:54:00.000-05:00

It's time! I love this exercise, probably more than NaNoJoMo or NaNoWriMo, because it allows me to approach art from a completely unfettered place. Last year, I journaled from the perspective of an orphaned boy who was shifted from family to boy's home to yet another family. It was quite liberating, and self-searching at the same time.

Will you join me in creating a fake journal? There are prizes, but the biggest "thing" you receive by doing this is an awakening of new opportunities and challenges. The goal is to spend 30-60 minutes a day with your fake journal, but even if you do much less, you're still "in" the game.

What do you have to lose? What might you gain? I'm excited at the possibilities! Come join us!

Background information by Roz Stendahl on the Official International Fake Journal blog.

Ciao
~ky

Been Awhile

2011-03-08T00:26:00.000-06:00

Ok - so I'm not doing the challenge thing anymore. This is now my personal art journey blog - more of a complete 'by-Ky-creation' sort of place. I will be using some things created by others, but it's going to be more "me."

This is one of my favorite art journal pages so far. I made this late the other night when I was thinking about my cousin Susan's life, and how we all learned to cope with the less-than-ideal situations inevitable to all of us. Pat and Susan's Mom, Louise, was my favorite aunt, and my best example of the Christian ethic. I was a kid, so I was required to be reluctant about going to church when visiting, but secretly, I really found it interesting.

Susan was so special. She was such a giving and generous person, highly intelligent, and so willing to share what she knew. I remember her trying to help me with make-up (I had no clue, but I was a 'do it myself' kiddo), sitting fixing dinner and explaining how the hamburger would tell you when it needed to be stirred by the sound, all sorts of things were right there for her to share. She was wonderful. Beautiful, inside and out.

{lyrics of The Moon and St. Christopher, Mary Chapin Carpenter}

I made this to remind me that Susan, Pat and I all learned to trust in the moon and our faith. The universe (moon) was big enough that there was always room to find solutions, and our faith would always help us find the right path. I'm gonna miss her.

♥ky

Winter Doldrums

2011-02-15T16:40:00.001-06:00

Is it the winter doldrums? I've looked at the calendar and there is little to be inspired by, there. Yikes! We have a holiday in the next two weeks - President's Day. It's when we celebrate our nation's first president's birthday, and honor all those who have served our nation since then.

Spring is a distant hope, yet. Thoughts of tulips and bunnies, bird songs and new dresses are still on the horizon. What can we find to be inspired by for this fortnight? Hmmm...

Let's use this art journal page as an inspiration piece. She's an Irish lass visiting her favorite pool, surrounded by spring flowers, budding trees, and soft spring colors. Take anything you like from this page, and use it to push you into a state of spring Zen.

Let me see your work by 11:59 p.m. Central US time, February 26th. Get your friends to play, and just link me to your work in the comments section. If we have 6 or more participants, I'll share a lovely prize with a randomly drawn winner. Stay warm and create!

~ky

A New Snow Moon

2011-01-30T10:59:00.003-06:00

For this challenge period, the moon will be going from new towards the Snow Moon. This bi-weekly challenge will be to use the moon in your project. You can use the moon as your inspiration, use it as your art, use it to inspire your journaling, use it to explore mooning your boss (!) - anything at all.

{click to enlarge}

This page was created to note my evening time of peace when I reflect on the day by the light of the moon. Your challenge project doesn't have to be literally based on the moon.

Update from last challenge - I will not be selecting a winner unless we have 6 or more entrants. So, please, invite your friends to join us! I wanted to get this posted, so I'll be back with my sample artwork and some links for you to help with the moon theme. Enjoy creating!!

You have until 11:59 p.m. Central time on February 12 to upload a link to your work. Just leave your link in a comment on this post.

~ky

Farewell

2011-01-22T21:35:00.003-06:00

This blog is temporarily suspended due to the incredibly rude behavior of people claiming to be friends.

Please continue to create and love one another. It seems like more than I'm allotted.

I will return, so please enter your work as usual.

http://bunnynest.blogspot.com/2011/01/on-rebound.html for more info.

~ky

Holidays and such

2011-01-17T20:43:00.000-06:00

Keep getting in the way! LOL Thanks for the participation in the last challenge ladies! Kym is our winner this week, but everyone did great work!

This week, we're going to stick with an easy theme. Easy, but still a challenge none-the-less. Find some fabric you really like, or some that inspires you. Use it to make your page. Don't just paste a little snip on there, but really incorporate it! Here's my sample:

The entire left side of the page is canvas. The right side is watercolor over Masque Pen, journaled with a black Sharpie. The girls blouse is Basic Grey paper stitched to the canvas. You can see the work on the left hand page on Ustream.

Alrighty then - you have your challenge! Go create! Post a link here (In-Linkz wants to charge now) in the comment section by Saturday, Jan 29th at 11:59 PM Central time. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

~ky

Ink It Like You Mean It

2011-01-01T23:23:00.004-06:00

Welcome back! The holidays are over. Everyone can take a sigh of relief, a deep breath and a new perspective on your art area. Maybe you have some new toys? Maybe you have a wreck? Maybe you don't even remember crafting? LOL

We're gonna take it easy getting back into our art rhythm. Do you know where your supplies are? Do you know where your muse is? Did you have any moments of creative clarity over the past few weeks?

There are a lot of things going on out on the web - challenges to clean up your space (Journal Artista, Paula is participating in one), challenges to focus on a topic in your sketchbook each month (the Sketchbook Challenge), the challenge to focus on one little word (by Ali Edwards, but Paula has a twist with a new word each month), and the list goes on and on!

Don't get lost out there! If you need inspiration, however, feel free to pile up the challenges to feed your muse.

Our challenges will go to two weeks so you will have more time to play and less pressure to hurry. The first challenge is to use ink in your artwork. Yep, ink - it can be writing, drawing, outlining, doodling. It can be ballpoint, permanent, quill, inktense pencils - you get the idea? What's that? Watercolor pencils don't count, neither do Sharpie paint pens (see - no ink in them, you can use them, but you also must use ink). Got it? Good - now get busy!!!

Link your project back here by Jan 15, 2011, at 11:59 p.m. Central time to be entered in the drawing for a prize. Most of all - have fun!!

~ky

Break Extended

2010-12-12T21:52:00.001-06:00

Never fear - the challenges will return! I decided, after talking to a lot of you, that things won't really calm down enough to play until after New Year's parties! So, our first challenge of shiny 2011 will be on Jan 2nd.

Mark your calendars! I will have some great prompts, and some great prizes in the next year. I hope you will play along - not for the prizes (which are wonderful) - but for the excuse to make art. You need it. You crave it. I want you to share it, and encourage your fellow artists.

See you soon!
~ky

Taking a Break

2010-11-15T22:12:00.000-06:00

All of us are getting busier right now. Between NaNo this and NaNo that, and trips to NaNa's house for Thanksgiving - we're just dog-gone strapped for time. Don't despair! I'll be back after Thanksgiving where you can catch your breath for a challenge or two, then we'll break for the next busy season, Christmas and New Year's.

For those of you waiting for your prizes, I appreciate your patience. They will get out in the mail soon. Enjoy this break!

~ky

Motivation

2010-11-08T08:46:00.000-06:00

First off, congratulations to our winner from last week - Kerri! So many of us live by Michael's craft store sales and coupons that it was natural to see it appear in a journal page! Terrific work, Kerri!

This week's challenge is designed to help you look inside yourself. There are so many things that are negative in our world. We are our own worst enemy in so many respects.

As many of you know, I completed an 8-mile race. I will be examining what motivated me to enter this race with the crazy preparation of 1.5 weeks. Normally, we train for 8 weeks or more for such a race.

This is what I'm asking of you for this challenge - explore what motivates you! When you are absolutely at your lowest - energy-wise, emotion-wise - what picks you up to complete that next task? Use any method, techniques and supplies to help you tell this story. We are all busy - if you're doing NaNoJouMo, or following some other prompt - feel free to double-up your page purpose. You might just find a real nugget of wisdom for the future.

Enjoy your week!!
~ky

All Hallow's Eve

2010-10-31T18:06:00.003-05:00

Or Samhain in my native land. It's a celebration of the change of things. The end of the living year, and the start of the resting year. This old tradition has spawned many events held sacred by many cultures. To me, it's a time to reflect on the year past, and to have a brief glimpse toward the future.

This period causes a time of introspection for me. I find that I slow down now and look at the everyday bits of life. I see ephemera, the flotsam of daily living, in a new light. I realize that we sell the seconds, minutes and hours of our lives to the temporary, greedy, needy monster of progress. I stop to think what value I am getting in exchange for the breaths I take, the people I lift up, those that pull me down. It's stunning.

It's not negative, in essence - it's just the give and take of nature. I want to look for the enlightenment in little things through the day. I sift through the receipts, consider the packaging of services rendered, cheer in the small victories with friends.

How do I make those important details stick? I use a very particular net. A sieve actually - observe, collect, record. That is what I want you to focus on this week. As you plow through your day, what detritus is created? What is worth spending your time on and what should you let pass you by? This is your challenge this week. Document the detritus that lies in your wake at the end of the day.

{click to enlarge}

Just how do you spend your 86,400 seconds of each day? What progress can you report that is lasting in exchange of a day in your life? Pin it down. Write about it. Commit to what you learn and like or want to change. Come, walk with me. We will grow in the season of hibernation.

Create an art journal page about this challenge. Come back here and link it up. You have all week to consider a day in your life. What will you exchange it for?

~ky

Last week's winner is Leah! Congratulations Leah - I will get your prize in the mail to you soon. Keep playing!!

Doodlebugs

2010-10-25T11:09:00.001-05:00

I remember as a child being confused about one object having 2 or more distinct names. Like doodlebugs and ant-lions, or Siamese fighting fish and beta etc. Now we have a new 2-name thing in the art world (yes, I know there are tons of doubles out there, but just roll with me!).

ZENTANGLES/ZENDOODLES

This week's challenge is two-fold to celebrate the multiplicity of word meanings. First, create an art journal page based on a dream you've had. In this example, the Moon is watching over my sleeping fairie. When I was little, and life wasn't what a child's life should be, I always knew the moon would be there. How did I know? I had a moon shadow of course! I still dream of cool nights and a comforting moon.

Secondly, use Zendoodles in your piece. Here, the moon is made from zendoodle components. Don't know how to zendoodle? Need some fresh patterns to excite you? Check out this site - Flickr Freehand Doodle patterns. There are lots of other sites, too. Like Zentangles.com , Zentangles on flickr, even Italian artists have a site!

Did I mention the prize? Yes Prize!! Up for grabs this week is a Univenture 1/2 inch binder! Trust me. You really should play along!

Last week's winner was Kimber! Kimber's page must have impressed Random.org as much as it impressed me! I love her funky skeletons! Send me your address, Kimber!

Note to past winners - I apologize for the delay in getting prizes out. We did a major reorganization of the studio, so I finally have access to my prize goodies. They will all go out this week: Sheri, Darcy, Julie and Ketsia! Thank you for your patience. I will add a little extra something in the packages!

Now - get off the computer and go create!!

~ky

Spoooky!

2010-10-18T13:46:00.000-05:00

Yes, that has immediate mental images. We all have different definitions of what spooky is to each of us. I love spooky. I love autumn. I love the changes - temperatures, leaf colors, starting favorite sports seasons, even the shift in our home menus.

This week, I would love for you to challenge yourself to capture something about this season. You can make it Hallowe'en - y, autumnal, or anything else unique to this season. Consider a past season and use that memory, use an aggregate concept based on the colors or feelings of the season. Does this season remind you of how much you prefer a different season? That's fair game too!

Last week's winner is Ketsia! She has a beautiful page of what was lost, yet what the future held at the same time. Love it! Get me your address - scrapacat at yahoo dot com, or on Twitter, etc.

Ok - same thing this week peeps! Get busy, you have until Saturday, Oct 23rd at 11:59 p.m. Central to upload your project. Most of all, ENJOY the process!

Ta for now,
~ky

Temporarily Insane

2010-10-18T07:25:00.000-05:00

Actually - we had a busy, long, arduous weekend.I will be sleeping most of today (Monday). I promise, I will have a new challenge for you tonight, and our new winner!

I'm still behind in mailing out prizes, and I appreciate your patience. I PROMISE those will go out in Tuesday's mail. I love that all of you are playing along. YOU make this fun for me!

Hugs!
~ky

Squish 'em!

2010-10-11T11:06:00.000-05:00

Once again you all have created amazing and bold pieces of art! Loved all the creative ways you explored using chipboard, blue and copper. Blew me away!

Here we are again, with the beginning of a new week. And a new challenge!

It's October. A month ripe with aware of this, celebrate that, and Hallowe'en. So many things!

But there's one that's bigger. One thing that affects us all. It's international cancer awareness month. Most people recognize this as Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Are you old enough to need regular screenings? Have you taken care of it? Or are you like me, putting it off because it's uncomfortable or inconvenient? In "honor" of our reluctance, we will take a challenge. We will explore our feelings about these misgivings in avoiding what we know we should do. Here is my sample for this week:

Now, this is NOT finished. But it has the elements. Use pink or blue - pink for women's breast cancer, blue for men's. Use a shade of the color that has been hard for you to use. I find bright pink is hard for me to match up, so I pulled that shade out. The second element in the challenge - use something that represents what would be lost to cancer if early screenings weren't done to catch it early

For me, the loss would be that important home life that typically follows the woman's lead in the household. So, I used sewing icons - stitching, buttons, and feminine grace. I chose an image that is reminiscent of waiting for the mammogram, and the wonderful sentiment decorating the background (says, "Get 'em Squished").

If you were using blue, you might incorporate icons of fishing, a man's job, sporting ephemera, tools, vehicles.

Think of it as honoring more than one person - acknowledging how that loss would affect a family, a community, a nation as more and more people succumb.

We enjoyed the Chicago Marathon this weekend. There was a lot of pink. There wasn't much blue. I think men's cancer diagnoses are poorly represented, so I will do another page to face this one in blue.

Please tell, in your project description, what your focus was, what your symbols mean, anything you'd like to add. I encourage you to write about it on your page so you can look back on it. I will be writing about how I dread getting my mammogram. And about how I will "fight like a girl" even though I don't love pink.

This week's winner is Darcy!! Darcy - send me your mailing info at scrapacat at yahoo dot com so I can get your prize out to you.

Don't forget to link up your project here, using the inlinkz below!

Ta for now! ~ky

Feeling Chipper?

2010-10-04T04:39:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to everyone playing these challenges! I am loving the work I'm seeing. I love hearing that these weekly prompts are enriching your art journaling experiences. That is fantastic!!

Congratulations also to Julie! Julie is our winner this week! Yes, it was a random draw, but she also did a terrific job with the transfer technique and her daily calendar! Julie - get your information to me so I can put your prize in the mail!

Just fantastic work!

The other day, we were watching Paula create a beautiful art journal page. She used a lovely blue with that yummy copper glaze from Golden. I made the remark that we would be using that color combination this week. Yes! You may use any shade of blue, and any method that gets copper on your page.

The other requirement is the use of chipboard. I'm going to be very flexible with this requirement - you may use chipboard, heavy cardboard (like cereal box weight), book board, or corrugated cardboard. Here's my sample:

This is a close up of the text portion of the page. I've used a base of acrylic paints, and daubed copper glaze over the top. Then I layered mulberry paper, distressed tags and a stitched flap with a Tim Holtz sentiment.

{click to enlarge any image!}

This close-up shows the texture on the chipboard. I achieved this texture by pouncing my gesso-filled brush over the cardstock. I let it dry, then used my Artista GlimGlam over the gesso. The key and word are rub-ons. Tip - if you use rub-ons over acrylic paint, seal it with a thin layer of white glue, modge-podge or similar product.

So there you have it. To sum it up, this week's challenge is to use chipboard or similar weight product, along with blue and copper as the predominant colors for your journal page. You may use other colors, but blue and copper should dominate the page.

There you have it. I hope you enjoy playing with chipboard. It's a wonderful dimensional element with your page that doesn't add a lot of bulk. Post your project by 11:59 on October 9th to be considered in the drawing for this week's prize!

Ta for now! ~ky

Transfer it!

2010-09-26T19:04:00.000-05:00

How many calendars do you live by? Not how many calendars do you own. But how many different yearly segments do you recognize?

There's our regular, standard, January 1 to December 31 calendar.

There's the Chinese calendar, the lunar calendar, the solar calendar, ancient Egyptian calendar, the Roman calendar, the Mayan calendar, the Federal budget calendar, the State budget calendar, the public school calendar, the college calendar...and on and on. You get the idea?

What do we do when the date rolls back around to the 1st of a new month? We pay bills, pay balance, transfer money, transfer birthdays, transfer holidays... Everything shifts over to the new set of days.

(Where the heck is she going with this mumbo-jumbo?)

It means...I want you to transfer an image from a magazine (glossy, quality mags work best) into your art journal. Here's a great tutorial from Darlene Olivia McElroy (The famous Collage Goddess!):

I want you to use one of many tutorials and methods out on the interwebs (ANY - just describe or share a link) to achieve an image transfer. It doesn't have to be the gel medium method shown here, but please don't cheat and just print on, or glue down an image. You want to grow as an artist, right? Then journal about the schedule, calendar type or other circadian rhythm that marks your days on earth. Is it a struggle? Is it comfortable? Does it excite you and get you out of bed each day?

Do you have enough spoons to match your calendar? LOL Who ever does! What - not read the spoon theory?? Here - check it out at But You Don't Look Sick...and a big thankful shout out to Christina Miserandino for writing this awesome message that so many of us have rallied around. We've started a Spoon-olution on Twitter, and would love to have you join us if it strikes a chord with you! Just tweet with the hashtag, #spoonie .

So go spend some time watching yourself and your calendar. Figure out where you are and compare it to where you want to be. Even be so bold as to chart a plan for the future! We're playing, this week, for a new Fiskar's bypass cutter, and some custom cut paper rosettes (Tim Holtz new die!). Oh...and a CUSTOM made skinny composition journal!! How fabby is that?

I'm excited to announce Rita Cobbs was our winner from last week's Inchies challenge! Woot! Rita, get me your address so I can send out your Copic markers!!

Big warm fuzzy bunny hugs to everyone out there in Cyber land! Have fun!

~ky

Little Big Things

2010-09-19T16:21:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Sheri!! Her wonderful page about the movie "Across the Universe" was delightful, innovative and captured the time period of the movie perfectly. Way to go Sheri!! Send me your mailing info, and I'll get a prize out to you! scrapacat at yahoo dot com.

I really appreciate all the noise each of you kicked up about this blog over the past week. You make me so happy with your positive thoughts about the challenges and your willingness to bring in new people! Thank you all!!

This weekend, I am struggling with wheat issues, so I'm going to go easy on you with the challenge. Are you familiar with inchies? No? Inchies are tiny little 'canvases' for miniature artwork. They are, appropriately, one inch (2.54 centimeters) on all sides - one square inch.

Your assignment this week is to make a page using a minimum of 3 inchies. The inchies can be exactly alike, or all different. Additionally, I want you to use this quote for inspiration: "Enjoy the little things, for one day, you may look back and realize they were BIG." ~Robert Brault. It doesn't have to be written on your page, but it should be apparent by your page design or subject (don't get scared - remember, this is FUN).

You'll have until Saturday, September 25th, 11:59 p.m. Central time (US) to post your entry. This week's prize will be 3 Copic Ciao markers!!

Enjoy! ~ky

Bring a Friend!

2010-09-12T19:51:00.000-05:00

Do you know about the Art Journaling Ning website? A lot of people mention that's the first place they met some of these fabulous artists and connect on a personal level with people walking a similar journey. Less Herger and crew work hard to make this Ning a great place to "grow" this form of art.

They have wonderful videos, paid and free tutorials and classes, positive encouragement, a great photo library of creations, and a listing of many Ustream artists' scheduled programs. It really is wonderful! The best thing? Membership is free!!

Recently, the people there created a big sekrit projikt (LOLspeak for those unfamiliar, it means secret project). It's a beautiful electronic magazine (an e-zine) with stories, art, tips, and links from your favorite artists all for only $5 USD. Are you kidding me?? WOW! Best of all? The profits from the e-zine (aptly named, It's All Good) are supporting a particular project each release. This release, the beneficiary is the Oasis Studio - a new studio being built in a small community that appreciates art!

I tell you that to tell you this - I just thought you needed to know that! Seriously - this week we have a two part challenge. First find a friend who's just starting, or whom you think would be interested, and invite them to play this challenge, join Art Journaling Ning, or otherwise get involved. Have them mention you when they visit/join/follow/tweet/stalk/etc. from wherever you encourage them to play.

Edited to add: please don't be afraid of this part. The point is to spread the word about art journaling, the Ning site, and my blog. Do your best to share the word, and if your friends respond or at least come check things out, just let it be known you sent them. I'm not gonna disqualify anyone, but I would love for you to spread the word about our Art. This is about fun, not a technicality so - Play on!

Second create your project using this challenge. Select your all-time favorite movie as your inspiration (use it's color, mood, image, anything). Use that as the theme for your page. PLUS, use a hidden element or pocket - something interactive where you can journal about why this movie is your favorite!

We're making art journals - I want you to put some effort into the journal part of the art, too, ok? Here's my sample page to give you an idea.

There's another page to this, but it's not finished. I didn't want to hold anyone up on getting started, so I'll finish it and post it here when I'm done.

Last week, you all really knocked my socks off with all the web mining goodness you shared. I learned some new tricks, and you may see these techniques coming in a future challenge! Please understand that the winner is selected at random, so it is in no way a reflection of the quality of your work. Everyone has produced amazing work!

I'm thrilled to tell you that our winner this week is Melissa - God's Mixed Media Girl! Congrats Melissa! Send me your mailing info and I'll get your prize out to you!

Happy creating!! ~ky

Share the Love; Grow the Learning

2010-09-05T11:47:00.000-05:00

Wow. The last set of entries blew me away (sorry, you knew I had to say it!). Fab-U-lous. As I read about your projects, I felt your concerns, memories, laughter, sorrow, past and future. You lifted me out of my world and brought me to the window of yours. I love that. Absolutely LOVE that. We connected. I helped you learn, you helped me see.

I want that to continue. I want connectivity that's more than an electron wide and a megapixel long. So, this is my challenge for you. Go forth, discover, create, return and share. That's it. That simple!

GO FORTH: Find a blog, a Ustream or YouTube broadcast, a social website (Nings, Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, just to name a few).

Blade - the Artistic Biker's Flickr Photo

DISCOVER: Find something there that makes your creative Muse sit up and take notice!

Bud and Miller, the Famous Beer Twins

CREATE: An art journal page about what your Muse saw, thought, felt!

RETURN: to this blog, and,

SHARE: Show us your journal page. Tell us where you found your inspiration so others might learn from you and your source!

A few shout outs for this week

Artjournaling.ning.com and Willowing.ning.com are great social artist sites full of inspiration, techniques and ideas. Artjournaling also has a tab (at the upper right) called Ustream that lists what artists have shows, and when. Most of the past shows have been recorded so you can watch them at your leisure. Artjournaling also has an electronic magazine for a mere $5 with articles by several art journaling artists!

The Artistic Biker is working on opening Oasis Studio in Chickasha, OK as a learning center. He's aiming for October 1, and would love financial contributions and artwork to share in his gallery for the grand opening. Consider how you might participate if you would like. The Biker will open his studio to artists of all abilities and interests to come and teach or learn - more information as it becomes available.

YouTube has free subscriptions to many wonderful and diverse artists. Simply go to YouTube.com and type art journaling or other similar terms into the search box to get you started. Or, find some people like Diana Trout, ikerrilove, samanthakira, journalgirl, or journalartista and see who they subscribe to as a starting point. You can do the same thing at Ustream.com.

Keep in mind that most sites you visit also provide links to blogs and other opportunities to find more resources. Enjoy your surfing!

What's that you're saying? I'm not done yet?? I need to...what?? I can't hear you...what?? OOOOH THAT! How silly of me... The winner of last week's challenge by random drawing is: Jamie Lynn! Woohoo!! Send me an email to scrapacat at yahoo dot com with your mailing info so I can get your prize in the mail!

Creatively yours, ~ky

Like a Hurricane

2010-08-29T14:00:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to JOYCE for winning last week's challenge! Send me you mailing address: scrapacat at yahoo dot com and I'll get your prize out to you!

This week, we're watching several storms in the Atlantic ocean as Hurricane season fires up. Fortunately, it looks like the current spate of storms is going to veer away from land. This weekend marked the 5 year anniversary of hurricane Katrina, too.

Therefore, our challenge this week will be to include the category measurement for Hurricanes - wind speed. How, you ask, will we include wind speed? Why...with WIND! I want you to play with straws, compressed air or any other method of blowing paint or ink around on your page.

Your page can incorporate any theme, story or other elements that you would like. I want to see runny, drippy and spreading paint/ink in your final piece, though. That's it! So, let your imagination run, and get creatively messy! You'll have until 11:59 p.m. Central time, Saturday Sept 4th to link your project back here.

This week's prize is a paper pad from Basic Grey and 2 foil, glitter, and flock packs!

Have a blast! ~ky

Wrecked!

2010-08-23T17:04:00.000-05:00

Hello peoples! I'm so sorry for the delay and I appreciate your patience. I had a bit of a wreck on my bicycle, and I'm a bit banged up. I went to the hospital just as a precaution, and have been on pain pills. I lost a day in there somewhere! I'm ok - just bumps and bruises, and a badly sprained ankle. I do look a sight tho, so no videos. I knew I couldn't be hurt that badly, because I landed on my face! Hahahahaha!!

I loved all the entries from this week. I'm seriously glad that I pick by drawing because there's no way I could choose based on the artwork. Each one is uniquely beautiful and you all had something of a story within a story based on your song. Touching!!

Without further ado, the random drawing goes to POE!! She wins a set of one Tim Holtz distress ink pad and a roll of paper tape from 7 Gypsies! Yeeehaw Poe!

Now for the challenge. In honor (or satire) of my accident, I want you all to make something based on a childhood memory. See, I was doing something very childlike on a bike with a very non-childlike body! We call them stupid human tricks when they happen. In combination with the memory, I would like for you to include a favorite quote to keep the memory company. That's it - childhood memory paired with a quote.

Use any materials you like, just make sure what you submit is art journal related (i.e. sized for your book). Deadline is 11:59, August 28, Central US/CA time. This week's prize will be three unmounted (foam backed) stamps and an acrylic block. Pictures soon as I can manage.

I make things lots of times on separate paper or substrate, then add it to my journal when I'm finished. You are welcome to do this too. Thanks for making me feel missed, and for sharing your wonderful artful self with me! I just realized, I've not been posting the items I've made with the prompts, so I will correct that soon.

Happy creating!! ~ky

Sing, Sing a song

2010-08-15T13:56:00.000-05:00

Sing out loud, Sign out strong! ~Perry Como

I love music. I love all kinds of music and most genres too. Chances are great that you too, my reader, have a passion or connectivity to music. Music paints a story in my head and it's better than anything a Hollywood producer could make for VH1 or MTV. I never have liked music videos for just that reason. Music is personal!

Is it personal to you too? Do certain songs take you back to a specific event or stretch of time? Is music theraputic for you? Inspiring? Let's take a look at music in our art journals this week.

Here are the details: Pick a song and journal about those feelings, or that event, or whatever it is that made you feel the need to select that song. Use whatever media you need to make us feel what you feel about that song. Include the title or something appropriate in your page so we know what song you chose. Have fun with it!

Last week you all amazed me with your gesso textures! A-Maze-ING! I know some of you struggled with your pages, but you pushed on through. Some of you didn't like the results, but you shared with us anyway. I love that - it shows strength, and that it's ok to not love your work. It probably taught you something, all the same!

So - the winner by random.CabanaBoy (he drew the name) - is KYM!! Woot woot! Way to go Kym!! Email me your mailing addy and I'll get the 7-Gypsies tape and Distress ink pad out to you right away! My email is scrapacat at yahoo dot com.

Alrighty my lovelies - get your supplies out and turn that music up! You'll have until 11:59 p.m. August 21st to link your projects up here. Again, I cannot thank you enough for playing along with my challenges! They are so much fun!! Oh - we will have a prize, I just need to find and photograph it.

Ta for now, ~ky

Embracing Your Gesso Dragon

2010-08-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

Wow! What amazing work people! I am just so in awe of the response to my little challenge blog! Yippee!!

Mr. Linky wasn't very cooperative, so I will be checking out other options. I will be back to include the link language in a bit. You can always add your project in the comments to be included in the drawing.

This week, I've done a little tutorial video for you that explains and demonstrates your challenge. This video shows you the prize for this week's challenge, and also identifies the winner at the very end. It's my first video, so I promise I will get better!

Congrats to the winner!! Remember to post your link here when you're ready so you can be eligible for the prize drawing (deadline Saturday, August 14, 11:59 p.m. Central time). Enjoy and have a creative week!

~ky

Big News!

2010-08-01T09:40:00.000-05:00

Today's the day we start a new place in art journaling.

This is an Art Journal challenge blog!

What's an art journal? It's anything in a book form that you use to create art. It can be a ring-bound sketch book, a composition book you've altered, a book you've hand bound and used recycled cardboard for pages, a novel you've converted...just about anything that resembles a journal! I prefer to see a story told in the pages, and sometimes that requires writing, but that's just a personal preference. You can choose the materials and techniques that suit you!

Some of you know what a challenge blog is, but for those who don't, here's the skinny:

I post a challenge (can be a theme, a technique, a word prompt, you get the idea), and you have a week to make your journal according to the challenge requirements. You post a link to your project here, and we all go running over to see what you made, and leave you some love! You don't need to have a blog to play - you can use your Flickr website, a Ning site (so long as we can get to it), or even your Facebook photo section. At the end of that challenge's life (a week, remember?), I will draw from the entries for a prize!

Now, prizes at the beginning will be from my own stash, but I hope to get enough participants to eventually bring in sponsors. Wouldn't that be cool?? What should the first challenge be... hmmmm.

We just did the 30 Journals in 30 Days with Connie at Dirty Footprints Studio, so let us start there. Create a journal page based on someone's interview (yes, you can do a page about yourself!) to commemorate Connie's jubilant embrace of all things journally! When you have your page done, take a picture, upload it, blog (use the photo description area if you're on Flickr etc.) about this challenge and link your specific blogpost back here.

Please note: You did not have to participate in Connie's 30 Journals to play in my challenge. Just pick someone who inspired you to do a page, and let us know whom you selected! You may also do a page answering the 30 Journals in 30 Days interview questions (all or just one) about yourself! See? I'm easy!

Entries close at 7 p.m. Central time on Saturday, August 7th, 2010, and the winner will be posted in the next challenge on Sunday, August 8th. What are you playing for? This brand new, exclusive, luscious red rubber Ippity by Unity Stamp Set, a $21 value!:

So - get busy and get creative! I am so looking forward to your creations! Feel free to share the word - the more people who play, the better the prizes!

Ta for now, ~ky
(Sometimes, Mr. Linky is hiding. If that happens, leave your link in the comment section and I'll count it!)