A stitch in time

This week the theme of Simon Says Stamp and Show's weekly challenge is old wives tales.  At first I was at a loss and thought I would pass for the week.  But, I then decided upon "A stitch in time saves nine."  I do believe in taking time to produce quality results, so this saying fits me.  I also love to use clock imagery and the time theme in my work. 

I tried to represent each part of the saying.  The ledger paper was my nod to "save."  I love a good play on words.  One thing I did to add interest to the page, was weave washers along the edge.  I like the texture that this adds.  I was inspired to do this after seeing Ingrid Dijkers journals at a private workshop I recently took.  Another trick I used on this page was the technique used to color the number.  I started with a direct application of alcohol ink, but then added Perfect Pearls before the inks were dry.

I am excited to add this to the book I have been creating from my challenges.  It has been a while since I added a page, so I was long overdue.

Celebrating a milestone!

I have decided to host my very first blog giveaway.  I recently hit a blog milestone, by gaining over one hundred followers!  I am humbled everyday by the feedback I am provided by my readership and I thought this would be a fun way to thank you.

So I recently joined a swap for Chotski pins through Red Lead and All Things Tim, both wonderful crafty resources and communities.  The problem is, I cannot stop making these little pins!  Since I have several, and more on the way, the thought emerged to host my happy celebration with a give away.  Interested?

It is a very simple entry process, simply be a follower of my blog and leave a comment on this post.  I will randomly choose a winner this Sunday evening.   

Thanks to each and every one of you for fueling my creative spirit!   

Really Mixed Media

Well, I have to say that since starting to blog and attend a few altered art groups, my creative circle has expanded considerably.  I just love spending time with and learning from like minded individuals.  I am so grateful for my growing artist community.  Recently, via the wonderful world wide web, I connected with a fantastic steampunk artist named Tashera Jean.  We decided to set up a swap, lucky me!

She reported to me that she likes robots, cute robots.  Now, I am not into robots, but I knew I had some goodies from my latest estate sale that would make for a good robot.  I did send her a mock up to ensure that he was "cute" enough.  Here is what I came up with.

I started with a 12x12 canvas.  I used several spray inks, glimmer mists, distress inks and perfect pearls in the background.  I then added my bits for the horizon.  When doing this I realized I needed a sealer, as the glue was lifting the color from the canvas.  I used wax for postal seals and dripped it all over for more texture.  I really like this little touch.  The body was wired on.  This is a backing from a large clock movement.  In fact, most of the metal pieces are all from clocks.  I love the bell.  To make this piece interactive I tied on a charm that is able to move so you can ring the bell.  Cute!

I have no idea what the head was.  It was in with my watch parts from the estate sale and makes a fair robot head, in my humble opinion. It is made of wood.  Texture was added with inks and glimmer mist.  Large metal buttons layered with gears, washers and beads make for some industrial eyes.  The object the robot is holding is a former pendulum.  Perhaps it is a balloon, an umbrella, a robot toy, who knows...I am just happy to have found a use for it!

I also made a small trinket box for Tashera, the robot loving recipient.  I want to be sure that it is a fair trade, as her stuff is just awesome.  This was an old vintage tin that I embellished with embossed metal and tissue tape.  Easy peasy.  I sincerely hope she likes her stuff.  She has been amazing to work with, as we have had a ton of communication about the owl necklace she is making for me. 

Another project I just completed is a Chotski Pin.  This was created for a swap sponsored by Red Lead.  This was so super easy and quick to create.  I was so happy to dip into my jewelry making strategies and stash.  I see a few more of these in my future.  I am not sure I will send this one for a swap, or hang on to it as I really like the result.