Ilona & Kirk tied the knot!!

This evening was filled with laughter & good wishes for our friends Ilona & Kirk who got married recently. A little over a dozen of us gathered at Opah for dinner & to officially congratulate the newlyweds, who snuck away on February 4, 2009 to do the deed. Since they are planning a 4 week trip to Europe this summer, many of us wanted to give them cash, so I made a little (4 X 9) envelope book to stuff with little gift cards in tiny vellum envelopes. I made the book, the vellum envelopes, the embossed gift cards, & a presentation box. Take a peek..

Envelope Book

Oh BOY! This was another fun project! For CC Swaps, I participated in a swap that had to contain at least eight envelopes. I made a hand sewn binding embellished with charms. The covers are attached with ribbons. Here’s a peek at the spine, covers, & some of the goodies that are stuffed inside:

Spine

Back & Front Cover

Star Goddess

I found a wonderful stamp for a winter themed skinny book swap I sent recently. I can’t wait to receive everyone elses’ artwork! I titled mine “Star Goddess is brewing a Winter Storm.”

Star Goddess is brewing a Winter Storm

The “Tall Trees” & “Snowflakes” stamps are designed by Tim Holtz for Stampers Anonymous. The flourish is from Inkadinkado, & the Star Goddess is from Addicted To Rubber Stamps, manufactured by Third Coast Rubber Stamps. It’s actually called, “Stardust,” but I like my title better! I had a great time making 25 of these for my swap. There is a silver metalic fleck all over the piece, but I just couldn’t get it to show up in the scan.

My current project is a 14 page book on the {R}evolution of women’s fashions. I also have an Art Doll & an 8 page envelope book to make for swaps. I better get back to work!

Molatah!

“Pockets” swap

Ephemera Bank Cover

Epemera Bank page 1

Epemera Bank page 2

Epemera Bank page 3

Epemera Bank page 4

Epemera Bank page 5

I recently participated in a great swap called “Pockets.” The only requirement was to include a pocket page in the project & stuff it with goodies. I decided to make an Ephemera Bank & it took on a life of it’s own! I had fun with each of the 5 pages & could have continued, but the delivery deadline was looming.

I have learned that I fulfill all the requirements to be labeled a certified “sable” (stash acquired beyond life expectancy), so I decided to share some of the trinkets & goodies that I’ve hoarded over the years. Each of 5 pages included little things from tickets & stamps, to a tiny doll. I finished it off with border punches and wrapped it up with chocolate organza ribbon.

The very best thing for me was the overwhelmingly wonderful response from the recipient, Chrissy Bornfleth. She made every microsecond I spent on the project worth it’s weight in gold & I am truly looking forward to my next swap.

Tim Holtz style swap

Tim Holtz style

With ragged edges & distressed ink on the background, metalic alcohol inks, a clear detail embossed swirl on stone grey ink, a brass tag, and a wonderfully whimsical Tim Holtz collection stamp from Stampers Anonymous on the body, I think I succeeded in getting “the look” required for this swap. Although I tried several times, I failed to get a decent photo. The card looks much better in real life than in the picture.

I made three cards that were quite similar for this swap & I had a great time remembering my spectacular cruise to Alaska with Tim Holtz, my wonderful friend Dar, & 198 other classmates. 5 days of art projects with the amazingly creative & organized Tim, AND the wonders of Alaska. Time travel IS possible. Memories make it so.

Digital Dabbling

FatBooks

It’s a beginning

First day at blogging! I REALLY want to join CCSWAPS & an on-line presence is a requirement. Ok. I’ve been intimidated by the idea of going this public with my creations, but new experiences are good for the soul & stimulating for the art process. After I figure out how to upload some pictures, I’ll be back with more words. HA! This is fun! I’ve been talking to myself for years. Now I’ll be able to remember what I said!

Cards