Friday, December 30, 2011

Yippee- Featured Artist at The Color Room for Palette #90


Featured Artist at The Color Room for Palette #90 (December 30th)

Thanks a million kind folks at The Color Room!   I am honored and humbled by the incredible talent there.


This is Lexie.  Isn't she cute?    You can read Lexie's story, or rather my story regarding Lexie here at The Color Room.     Lexie's momma, my Aunt, sure is gonna be proud of her lil angel. 

Here is the Palette:  


Thanks a million for looking.  

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Angel - The Color Room Palette #90 - Scraps Of Darkness


Angel - The Color Room Palette #90 - Scraps Of Darkness
I am having so much fun with this palette #90 for The Color Room so I created a second layout. 

This is a photo of my niece that I took in October, 2011.  She looks so sweet here.  

I paired it with the wonderful starkness of the Bo Bunny Enchanted paper from the Scraps of Darkness Dec. Kit -Winter's Eve.  The kits are magnificently assembled and can accommodate any style of scrapping, from the romantic to shabby chic, grunge, alternative, or just fun loving.  Check the kit out and see for yourself.  


Here are the close ups.   Below, I used the Bo Bunny chipboard dress shape and added Sizzix wings with the magenta tulle. 


Here is the Color Room Palette #90:


Thanks for looking.  I appreciate your time.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Lexie and The Color Room Palette #90


Lexie - TCR#90 - Scraps Of Darkness 
This is This is Lexie.  And boy do I have a story for you!

In the beginning of December, a friend called and asked if I would accompany his family to a tree farm to cut their Christmas tree.  They wanted me to photograph the event for them.  How fun!

The tree farm was an hour from my house so I decided to make the most of the day and do a little covert photography.  

The tree farm happened to be a mile from my Aunt and Uncle's house so I was hoping my Aunt was gone so I could sneak over there and photograph their 4 month old Yorkshire Terrier puppy as a surprise for my Aunt -she adores her new baby.  

I had my fingers and toes crossed for good luck as I called their house hoping my Aunt would be out of the home. Boy do I know my Aunt - yep she was away for the weekend  and my Uncle said "come right on over". 

I swore both dog and Uncle to secrecy as I snapped my photos and made my exit.  I knew my Uncle was good, he being an ex-military man.  The dog?  Not so sure if the fluff face could keep a secret.

Later that night, I realized I had lost a precious  earring sometime during the day.  Drats and doubledrats!  I hate spending money on a tiny gold earring with the price of gold as it is when I would rather spend the money on scrappy stuff.   Forget it!  I'll be a pirate and wear only one earring. 
(I am super lazy and NEVER change earrings which is the reason losing the earring  was irritating for me).

On Sunday, the next day, my Aunt called and asked if I had lost an earring in her carpet.  WHAT??????  uhhhhhhhhhh - panic!  Quick think think think what to say.  Who spilled?  The dog or the husband.  "yes, I did".  ugh I don't even make a sly Christmas elf.  My Uncle had to spill it lest my Aunt think he was cheating on her.

But I found out on Christmas day that my Uncle never told her I took pictures -he only told her that I had dropped by because I was in the area at the tree farm.   He did say he panicked when she found the earring on her living room carpet and knew it was not hers.  Plus she was away for the weekend so either my Uncle had another woman over for some hanky panky or it was mine.  

Sheeeh - there's always a story, isn't there?  

Anyway, Lexie posed for me like the Diva she is.  Thanks Uncle Jerry!  Nice job.

This was created using the Dec Scraps Of Darkness kit, Winter's Eve and for the Color Room, #90. The kit is packed with such amazing papers and fun embellies. It's very diverse and can fit into any scrapping style preference. Come check out the fun. 

I also used some Dusty Attic at the top corner, painted and stickled.


Thanks for looking
Lots and lots of fussy cutting on this layout with the Bo Bunny Enchanted paper.
                             

I used the Prima Mask 6x6 Mix 7 for this and simply sprayed with Lindy's Stamp Gang Starburst in magnolia Magenta Gold.  The colors are magnificent and very bold - the photo above appears to have an orangey look but it's really gold.  Downside to an on-line photo I guess - or perhaps my bad photography but highly unlikely.   (smiles)

Here is the Dusty Attic piece that I painted with Adirondack paint.  I usually paint a white coat so that my next color will bite a bit more.  Then I painted black and a touch of silver.  

Here is the palette I used.  Very cool fun colors.  If you have not checked this site out, please try it.  It's a design "free for all", as long as you stick to ONLY the palette colors for the week.  Palettes come out every Friday so be quick about it!  No time to waste -get scrapping. 



Thanks for looking.  here are a few more photos of Lexie, Queen of hearts. 





Monday, December 19, 2011

Featured at BoBunny for their Enchanted Line!!!

  How exciting! 
Scraps of Darkness is being featured at BoBunny this week. 
Check us out.  The whole Design Team, including Escape Kitty, is featured for the December Kit - Winter's Eve.

That is sooooooo cool.  Thanks BoBunny. I am so honored and privileged to use your papers.

Here is Escape Kitty's layout:

These were both based on the design of suepup, Charlotte.  She is got some amazing sketch talent.

Thanks for looking and listening to my internet scream!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Scraps Of Darkness Reveal Day - December Winter's Eve

Introducing Winter's Eve - The Scraps Of Darkness December Kit

This was eye popping gorgeous.  I opened the kit box and did not know where to start.    So I started with the sketch:


Christmas on the Farm – Scraps Of Darkness


This was a photo I took at a tree farm only a few weeks ago.   I thought the wreath was funny.  
I did a whole lot of fussy cutting on this to transform it into a wreath.  The Dusty Attic Bird of Paradise was fun to create also.  
This was made using the Scraps Of Darkness December Kit - Winter's Eve. Based on the sketch of Charlotte - suepup.  She is a sketch genius.  

Now the little pine cones...that's a story.  The same day I took this photo, Dec. 3rd, it was 60 degrees F out. Unheard of in NY where it should be snowing.  
I had seen this LO with some great digital pinecone flowers and thought, I can do this in real life.  So I asked my husband if he wanted to take a nice romantic stroll in our local park.  

Yep - he fell for it.  But asked why on earth I was bringing along a shopping bag.  What?  Me?   Then I had to spill it.  My real purpose was pine cone fetching. Keep your eyes open for the big whoppers please honey. 
walk walk walk, no cones.  Anywhere!  Found a few medium sized ones but I swear some other scrapper got to the park first and scooped up more than her share!  Maybe for a wreath?  sheesh the nerve!

The hubby joyfully spots a bunch of tiny little cones still on the tree.  So we picked to our hearts delight and I was happy.  It was NOT exactly what I wanted but life seldom is. 



I love the Dusty Attic Bird of Paradise.    First I added some molding paste to the feather section.  Then I misted with Tattered Angels Glimmer mist - Santa Baby (how appropriate).  Then I rubbed with gold leaf wax.   To finish, I added gold micro beads on the belly.  

Smile for Me - Scraps Of Darkness



This was a photo I took of a friend’s granddaughter this past  Sept.  
I used the Dusty Attic peacock feathers  because her hat was adorned with peacock feathers.


                                                                                   Dec 2012 Edition


 Sleigh Ride -  Scraps Of Darkness

This was a photo I obtained from Amanda Howard at CreativeSouls.com    
I used a Dusty Attic decorative Sweetpea frame that I cut up to suit my needs.  I love doing that with Dusty Attic.  Make the pieces so versatile. 
The design was based on a  sketch from Beggahuna 2010.  It is a stunning sketch. 



The Lily - Scraps Of Darkness

 This was a photo I took of MY garden.  Finally, a flower to behold from my very own garden.  I usually have to run next door to the neighbor’s house for any kind of nature shots.  She’s got it going on over there.  I have 1 flower, but am trying to make the most of this one lonestar lily. 
I used a Dusty Attic decorative piece here.



Sleep Baby, Sleep – Scraps Of Darkness


This was a photo I took of my Great Niece in Sept.   She is only a few months old.    I used nibs to paint the Bo Bunny paper.  I assure you I did stay within the lines when I was coloring



Please check out Scraps Of Darkness.      If you wish to view the work from the rest of the design team,  you can find them here.

Thanks for taking the time to visit.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

The Garden Gnome


Come travel With Me - created with Scraps Of Darkness Nov Kit called "Purple Haze".   
I know,  not a shred of purple here but that's because the kit is really diverse.  I am having a ton of fun with this kit and the endless possibilities. 

This is a photo I took while visiting my friend and fellow scrap artist Maggi Harding - Maggi43.   We took a drive in the country and hopped out to snap some photos of the house her dad grew up in.  I found this critter hanging around the fence welcoming travelers or maybe warning them to stay away?  Little bugger does have a spear in his hand after all.
 




Here is a close up of my details and then my gnome photo below. 


 OK - I admit that the Dusty Attic barbed wire would have been spot on here.  Sadly I have NONE left -until my next package arrives next week.  I'm out, but not for long.

Thanks for looking.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Happy 100th Layout Post on Dusty Attic!


Happy 100th post to Dusty Attic!  

This layout celebrates Escape Kitty and my 100th layout post on Dusty Attic.  We decided to scrap a "Mommy and Me" type photo. 

I used the Dusty Attic columns, painted it, used a rub on, rubbed some gold leaf on it and applied my trim. 


The lace is a gift from Rachelle Sigurdson or perhaps you know her as RachieBabe.
The punch suggestion was from Lisa Novogradski aka Raining.


So thanks Dusty Attic for bringing so much scrappy fun into Kitty and my life.

Thanks for looking.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Hearts A Glow Flowers created by Other Artists


These are my Hearts A Glow flowers.  I created a video tutorial here for them.

but what I wanted to show here were other wonderful creations from other artists:




This is Michelle or Bubbachooka.  You can see here amazing gallery here.   Gorgeous flowers and the middles make these pop with such drama.



And just look at this gorgeous flower.  I noticed this creation done by Barbara, Lunie2nz.  If that isn't a fun name!  You can also see here that she has a wonderful sense of creativity in addition to a sense of humor.   Please check out here gallery here.


Then I found this sweet little flower.  Wow the christmas twist is stunning.  Thanks Carol, NMscrapper.  You can see her talent here.


Monica made this gorgeous flower.  She is Mmlsweet and her amazing gallery can be seen here.

Thanks you talented artists for letting me feature your fabulous work.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Fall Garden #2 - Scraps Of Darkness


Fall Garden #2  - Scraps Of Darkness
This is a photo I took of my cousin in a garden in October. And again no story for this! A perfect fall day. Her daughter is scrapped in my LO called "Fall Day". 

This was made with the Scraps Of Darkness Nov. Kit, Purple Haze. Tons of color and fun with this kit for the lighter, brighter side of life or the darker days when you feel some grunge coming on. Come check us out and see what you can create. 

The papers used were the wonderfully vibrant Quick Quotes Papers Designed by Joy - Julie Je t'aime and the coordinating Quick Quotes vellum quote tag. 
The colors matched my photo dead on.   Gotta jump for joy when that happens.  Makes scrapping so much easier.  



 I also used some Dusty Attic at the top and gussied up with stickles. 


This is a Prima - Cradle Collection - Bird Nest ( Sparrow) that came in the Scraps Of Darkness Nov. Kit. 

Thanks for looking and have a great day.  







Sunday, November 20, 2011

Fall Garden


Fall Garden  - Scraps Of Darkness

I took this photo of my little cousin a few weeks ago. 

ho-hum. No story to even make up with this. The day was fall perfection as was the lil darling in the photo. 

The rose is Spellbinders Spiral Blossom One and the leaves are Heartfelt Creations/Spellbinders. 

This was made with the Scraps Of Darkness Nov. Kit, Purple Haze. Tons of color and fun with this kit for the lighter, brighter side of life or the darker days when you feel some grunge coming on. Come check us out and see what you can create. 
http://www.scrapsofdarkness.com/ 


Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Scraps Of Darkness- Purple Haze - Reveal Day


Boy do I love reveal day.  I work hard to get the layouts ready, the team creates feverishly, and then it's here.  Reveal Day - goody, I get to see what everyone's vision is with the kit.  We all have the same resources and it never ceases to boggle my mind how differently each designer approaches the kit.  

Here is my vision.  

Back Roads
Back Roads - featuring the Technique Add-on with Vintaj and Dusty Attic Barb Wire

This is back Roads.  I took this photo in May 2011, in the mountains of  Colorado.  A little rustic.   I did some sewing , stamping, embossing , ripping and painting.  Tons of fun.   

I used the Scraps of Darkness Technique Add-on featuring Vintaj embossing plates.  I added some beads and used the big bite to punch a hole and attach to my layout. 




Ohhhhhh nearly forgot to mention the cool garbage I used here.  In both the close ups above,  I have some black netting.  It was taken off a packaged Spiral Ham.   I stashed it away in my garbage box ( my handy box of assorted garbage finds I picked out of the trash) for later use and it found it's home here.  Looks better here than on the ham.

I also used a Dusty Attic brad wire.  Perfect fit here for the environment I am trying to portray.


At The Beach

The papers are the deliciously stunning collection from Quick Quotes that I turned into a seaside getaway.

This was based on a the November Sketch by Michelle Grant and Dusty Attic.  I had fun with this inspiring sketch.   I also had fun with the particular Dusty Attic pieces that I selected.  Those shells are a great design.   Slapped some molding paste on them, some  Adirondack paint Daubers in Pool , then stickles in Icicle.




This is a Prima Border I also created using molding paste once again really thickly applied.  Then when I was done, I poured mica flakes to the paste to dry.  I sprayed them with spray adhesive to bond more securely.  No one wants mica flakes fluttering about the house as if the sprinkle fairy paid a visit.
I also glues a string of beads for accent.

Sunset at the Pier

This was based on the sketch design for the month by the wildly talented Charlotte - suepup.

This is a photo of me at sunset at the picturesque Naples Fl pier.  The evening sky was amazing and I did not even enhance this.   I brought my tripod and my remote control to the beach -which is how I can get me in the photo.

After I was done taking photos - about 30 minutes, we packed up the gear and headed back to thecar.  I passed by a man talking on a cellphone.  All I heard him say was "I found this cellphone...blah blah blah".  At that instant, my head snapped to focus on the stranger on the phone.  Quick glance at my purse to see my phone is missing.  Wouldn't you know - it was MY phone. He was talking to my dad telling him that he had been waiting around for 30 min for someone to claim the phone he had found in the sand.

No joke -can you believe it?  I lost and found my phone in the same moment amidst 200 people, in the sand at twilight.   My husband told me I was lucky I had not realized it was missing sooner because I would have lost my mind endlessly searching the sand.

What are the chances I am going to be walking past a stranger the very moment he utters the buzz words, "I found a phone"..... And people say there are no such thing as angels?  My personal angel earned another feather for her wing.

I Understand My Friend

Created for Lisa Novogrodski's  challenge at Scraps Of Darkness called Skeletons In the Closet.
The challenge focuses on friendships.
In Lisa's words, "Do you play a certain role in your friendships? Are you the giver, the taker, the nurturer, the doormat? Do you seek (not on purpose) people who treat you a certain way? Do you gravitate towards people you can control or are you controlled by them.  Are you happy with your friendships? Are there things you would like to change? Do you stay with a frienship a long time or do you change friends often. Take some time to think about the pattern you have with the friends you have sought over the years. See if you can figure out where you role stems from."


I selected this photo of Lisa and I together as roommates and scrapping table partners at a scrapping cabin get-away in Colorado. Lisa and I spent long hours just the two of us chatting and this very topic came up.  It was amazing to find her particular history with friends  was similar to mine.  I feel like I understand where she has been and where she is now because I too, have been there and am moving forward.





I chose a Dusty Attic dress form as an accent piece here for a few reasons.  First, we are no longer simple dress forms where people can hang their problems on us to fix, then walk away.   We are strong.  We are complete and we are moving forward.  

Lisa was also a seamstress a few years ago.   So this further represents the old Lisa.  The new Lisa and Jen are in the photo with smiles.  

I also used one of Mandy (Craftysprinkle's) stick pins in my layout.  They are so gorgeous that I almost hate using them though the world need to see how gorgeous and talented she is. 


I focused on making this light, girly, feminine and frilly.  Lisa prefers the feminine girly layouts so I wanted to honor her.  Plus it's her birthday Nov. 13th - so she should be all smiles. 

So thanks for looking.  I am off to see how the other Scraps Of Darkness designers interpreted the November Purple Haze kit. 

Kit ingredients are listed Below.


Cardstock:  Bazzill:  Brandywine, Melon, Hot Pink, Cutie, Pajama

PP:  Bo Bunny Garden Girl:  Arbor, Poppy, Wisteria, Wild Flowers, Stripe, Vines, Garden Girl
        Basic Grey Indie Bloom:  panache, pico de gallo
        Quick Quotes Julie Je t'aime:  200

Coordinating Paper:  Glitz Design Dance In Sunshine:  Birds, Polka
                                    Quick Quotes Julie Je t'aime: 400
                                    Fabscraps High Tea:  Garden Party, Music Note

Romance:  Prima:  Shabby Chic Resin Treasures Mini Windows, Sparrow Birds Nests, Amore Violet
                   Bo Bunny Garden Girl:  Rub Ons
                   Quick Quotes:  Vellum Quotes - Scatter Sunshine
                   ZVA:  Lavender Crystal Dots
                   Craftysprinkles:  Pin
                   General:  2" White Fringe

Color:        Crafter's Workshop:  Tye Dye template
                  Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist:  Blitzen, Candy Corn
                  Ranger:  Mint Green Liquid Pearls, Lavender Lace Liquid Pearls, Picket Fence Crackle Paint

Flora:        Prima:  Regia - Redwood, Bretton Vines - Alyssa
                  Petaloo:  Glitter Critters, Canterbury Glittered - Amethyst, Crochet - Yellow and Orange

Main:         Kaisercraft Alpha Chipboard #3
                  Bo Bunny Garden Girl:  Noteworthy die cuts
                  ZVA CR-03CA-116
                  Paper Moon Supply - Magic Tag
                  Quick Quotes - How Wonderful Vellum Journaling
                  Basic Grey - Indie Bloom Accordian Stickers
                  Ranger Liquid Pearls - Cantaloupe
                  Hand dyed Silk Bias Cut Ribbon
                  Peace sign brads