WARM WINTER WISHES

I am sending my warmest wishes for a lovely, cozy holiday spent with family and friends out to all.

  I started this blog less than a year ago - little did I know what a rich and rewarding experience it would be!  Almost 5,000 visitors, 275 posts with 319 comments, now 40 followers and any number of regular visitors, some treasured challenge wins, a new design team membership at Pages In Time and most importantly more new friends than I can count.  I have opportunity everyday to meet yet more talented women artists to be inspired by and in turn to share and learn with.

Hugs always!

NEW YEARS EVE 1939 - A VINTAGE PHOTO

What fun can you have with this one! 

NEW YEAR'S BOY WITH TOP HAT - A VINTAGE IMAGE

How about an image for New Years.  A Canadian Post card from around the turn of the century.  Remember to click on the image and then save the larger one for the best resolution enjoy!

THE 10th, 11th and 12th DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - ATCs

10 Pipers Piping - The ATC Artist is Dana

11 Ladies Dancing - The ATC Artist is Electra

12 Lords A Leaping - The ATC Artist is Robin

Please do go and check out each of their blogs - lots of inspiration is what you will find!  Click on the title of this post to go to Wendy's blog "BlissAngels".

Thank you again Wendy and all of the Artists who joined this swap, I feel like I have been part of a lovely and incredible gift. 

The 7th, 8th and 9th Days of Christmas! - ATCs

Seven Swans Swimming - ATC Artist is Karla  (I just don't have the skills to photo this one well - it is really lovely and you can't tell! Do go check out her blog.)

Eight Maid's A Milking - ATC Artist is Marlene Letendre (a friend from Victoria)

Nine Drummers Drumming - ATC Artist is ME!  Like Angela I love saying "Artist!"

THE 4TH, 5TH AND 6TH DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - AN ATC SWAP

Four Calling Birds - the ATC Artist is Francie

Five Golden Rings - the ATC Artist is Wendy (also our swap hostess)

Six Geese A'Laying - the ATC Artis is Terri

Do go and check out their blogs! 

ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS - ATC

The ATC artist is Debbie!  Thank you Debbie - I am happy to play along with you.  Click on the title of this post to check out our hostess's blog.

ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS - ATC

The ATC Artist is Blanche

Do go and check out her blog!  Click on the title of this post to visit Wendy, hostess of our swap.

ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS - ATC

The ATC Artist is Angela of Sew Loquacious

You can't see it in my photo but the music of course is the appropriate line from the theme song - she was a clever girl on this one!  Do go and check out her blog!  And click on the title of this post to check out Bliss Angels our Swap Hostess.

THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS ATC SWAP - BLISS ANGELS

My 12 ATCs arrived today!  In a fun decorated with the swap theme envelope, which held a sweet decorated box, which held a delightful decorated folded book which held all of the 12 ATCs!  Our Swap hostess Wendy Aspinall is such a sweetheart and went to such great lengths to make this swap even more special.  Click on the title of this post to go to her blog "Bliss Angels".

ADVICE FROM A SNOWMAN

A little reality is just what I need today!  The "Advice" Courtesy of Shelly (One Amazing Paper Artist!) at Bungalow Bling.

Be A Jolly, Happy Soul * Spend Time Outdoors

It's Ok To Be a Little Bottom Heavy * Avoid Meltdowns

Be Well Rounded* Live Well, Life Is Short

Good night everyone!

12 TAGS OF CHRISTMAS BY TIM HOLTZ - #6

Who says you have to go in order?

I just don't take good pictures!  This one is much nicer IRL.  The turquoise blue/greens tone on tone and gold remind of art pottery from the 50s/60s.  Would do another go a bit differently but this is pretty much me - which despite all of my whining is the whole point!



12 TAGS OF CHRISTMAS BY TIM HOLTZ - #10

The icy overlay on this one is embossed recycled acrylic packaging - isn't that fun!

12 TAGS OF CHRISTMAS BY TIM HOLTZ - #9

(#3 for Sandi)  Crazy over rosettes - don't have the die but it is still on my "maybe wish list".  I made a gazillion rosettes last year for different projects and really had an inspired (which totally worked which is not always the case) idea!  Use the ScorePal!  Cut 12" strips of paper in half the width you want the total diameter of your rosette to be.  Then score where you want the fold lines ie every 1/2" works for larger rosettes and 1/4" for smaller.  Don't worry about hills and valleys you can still fold back and forth.  So watch Tim's Tutorial for all the rest of the bits after you have cut and folded your paper.  Is that cheeky of me or what?  For this tag I used a 1 1/4" inch strip and cut a nice edge with "postage stamp" decorative scissors. 

Dipped into my vintage buttons for the "accoutrement's" picked out a few that I liked on this and Bob's your uncle!  Well actually Bob is my DH.  It is sleep deprivation folks - I predict there is going to be an official syndrome named after Tim that occurs on the 1st 12 days of December every year.

MY TAKE ON A PREVIOUS TIM TAG

Now looking back I am not even sure which tag this was inspired by (I think the one with the lamppost which is a stamp I still don`t have)!  I remember following Tim and burning the edges of the music paper that first time- that was fun at the time but nope gilding, inking and spraying is just fine for edges thanks.  I do like the fussy cut reindeer which is heat embossed and popped up. My version has lots of shimmery mistiness, gilt pen and glossy finish.  It`s easy to follow and I spent sometime last night doing a few.  I have left off all of the pretties around the ribbon, it`s easy to add bits which go along with whatever gift or you use these on.  I adore the Tim Tags but needed a break from the technique heavy poinsettia tag!  Have you seen today's tag!  Rosettes and truly vintage - I`am going to have fun doing that one..

12 TAGS OF CHRISTMAS BY TIM HOLTZ - #7

Ok so I have managed to finish two out of seven!  I know there are any number of crafters who are keeping up - I swear they do not sleep!  Love learning all of the techniques but holy doodle they are labour intensive.   The technique on this one that I know I will use lots is inking the top of the embossing folder before embossing!  You just hit the high spots and then after you have embossed your piece you hit those high spots with ink..try it, you will like it.

YOUNG GIRL IN WINTER WHITE WITH LILACS - 1908 VINTAGE IMAGE

Isn't this the sweetest image, I felt very lucky to have found this one.  "New Year Greetings, To Baby Verna, From Do Do". 

VINTAGE CHRISTMAS POSTCARD - FAIRY AND ELF

This one will be a hit with those of you who love fairies!  European but I am not sure of the country of origin.

VINTAGE CHRISTMAS POSTCARD - 1908

I love these old embossed and sprayed cards.  A little bit surprized that no one has come out with similar embossing folders as these images are generally not under copyright. 

STYLISH BLOGGER AWARD

I received this award from my Australian friend Kelly at "Craft Until Your Heart's Content".  I think I came across Kelly on one of the challenge sites, when I checked out her blog she was a new blogger and I signed up as a follower.  Being a new blogger myself I knew how exciting it was to check in and find a new and unexpected follower!  Someone unknown to comment on your projects and encourage you. 

Ok a few (8) things about myself which Kelly tells me is part of this:

1.  I was born in San Antonio, Texas and grew up in  Chehalis, Washington. I moved to Canada in 1972.

2.  I graduated from highschool in 1972 - you figure out my age!

3.  Bob and I got married in Coeur d`Alene, Idaho in 1976.

4.  Between us we have 4 children, 4 children-in-law and 8 grandchildren! Six of those are 5 and under!

5.  I have always loved to read - fiction please!  You could always find me with my nose in a book as a child.

6.  I won the ``Betty Crocker Homemaker Award`` in my senior year of high school. 

7.  My mom was an ``antiquer`` and had a small shop in our home when I was a child.  I have always collected things   -     many things!  Since becoming a papercrafter it is vintage ephemera which I love to share on my blog.

8.  I try in both my work and art to share what I have learned and give the same encouragment that I have  received.  

I haven`t asked ahead and I know some bloggers don`t accept awards and if not that is fine but you will know that I value what you are doing.  Some of you are new to blogging and I hope this will keep you going.

     Robin - who got me set-up and going as a blogger in the first place!  Thank you Robin and Marianne for the continual encouragement.  These two make the most incredible cards.  Another couple of genuinely kind and caring crafters.    

     Helene Huber - who I stumbled across in a blog hop for Pages In Time and  immediately connected with her and fell in love with her art work.    She kept me interested in staying around at Pages In Time.

     Sandy Ang - who creates absolutely stunning and wonderous pieces.  And takes little or no credit for doing so.

     Marilyn - who I met through joining a local ATC trading group.  She is wicked fun! One of my friends who really helped me get through months of less mobility and being generally housebound.

     Susie Jefferson  - who created the current  background and new set up on my blog.  A very talented artist who is so patient and generous with her time.  New bloggers head to Susie she has lots of information for you on her blog.    

     Shawn - who has an incredible, distinctive style which is very new and fresh looking.  Keep an eye on her.  

    Maggie - who is so genuinely warm, kind and encouraging in addition to creating lovely papercrafting projects.

     Starr - another beginner blogger who has made a great start and is also new to the Design Team at Pages In Time.  

Some of you are just beginning and struggling with your blogs, take this now and pass it out at the time it fits for you.   

FROSTY MIDNIGHT the DECEMBER KIT OF THE MONTH at PAGES IN TIME

Here is a must have papercrafting kit put together especially for the holiday season.  "Frosty Midnight" is full of blues and creams - so versatile for whatever your holiday celebrations are.  The two add on kits are perfect in everyway.  Click on the title of this post to go to the website.  Have a peek!

HOLIDAY ATCS - ARTChix Studio Images

Another set of simple holiday ATCs this time using fun vintage images from ARTChix Studio.   I've used white german scrap trim on each of these which I have colored with VersaMagic chalk inks and a gold leaf pen to match each scene.  You can often find inexpensive white paper trim and ink it to match your project.  I've either created a title and added it to these or used a Quickie Glue pen and fine glitter to highlight the title that was there (Joyeux Noel, Bonn Anie).

HOLIDAY ATCs - CRAFTY SECRET IMAGES



I've used images from "Crafty Secrets" which is one of my favority companies to make these relativelysimple holiday themed ATCs.   Since I have scanned these you can't see where I have used pop ups to raise some of the images.  But that and some Stickles, a bit of glitter, German Foil (can you see the bird on PEACE?), a holly brad or leaves and a gem, gilt or silver foil pen and my favorite Sugar Beads - I've  used here and there to make the most of some sweet images. 

CREPE PAPER TREE

Click the title of this post to go directly to Creative Chaos for the tutorial.  Love and adore these!  I have some REAL vintage pink crepe paper that I have been saving - I had no idea what I would be doing with it until I saw this, courtesy of a post by Susie Jefferson for Blade Rubber Stamps

Copyright Karina Guirre at Creative Chaos

12 TAGS OF CHRISTMAS BY TIM HOLTZ - #4

If by chance you don't know about the "12 Tags of Christmas" do go and check it out!  We have a group at "Pages In Time" who are following these together and sharing our tags as we do them.  It is great fun to see everyone's take on each one and to encourage each other!  I confess!  I have only done this one out of the current 5...

JOLLY OLD ST NICHOLAS - A VINTAGE SONGSHEET 1958

Remember to click the image and then save that image for the best resolution.  Have fun!

ON SANTA'S LAP 1949 - A CHRISTMAS PROJECT

I've entered this  in the "Anything but challenge" at "Pages In Time".

I adore this picture and just can't leave it alone.  It's the DH at Woodward's Department Store in Vancouver BC.  I've made a series of these for each of the kids and myself now.  Maybe each of the eight grandchildren need one too!  Below this is a copy of the 1950's Children's Christmas Songbook that I used for the background on this one.  Have fun and let me know what you use it for!

INCREDIBLE JOURNEY - A PAGES IN TIME DESIGN TEAM STEAMPUNK CHALLENGE

I'm calling this style "Steampunk Lite" ..  the owner/originator of "Pages In Time" challenged the Design Team members to create a project in the "Steampunk" genre.  It's one thing to admire the art and another to create it!  Steampunk is becoming more and more mainstream and of course the interest in the papercrafting community is growing.  There is a new "Steampunk" Group at "Pages In Time"  - check it out! 

This image is the Design Team logo for this term.  The "clockwork" background is from a Sissix Embossing folder, TH Distress Inks, watch bits, gold thread and fringe, blue gems, vintage hammered metal buttons and the balloon image I had.

MAIL ART FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM

One of the discussion groups I have participated in at Pages In Time is the Mail Art Group.  We use the envelope and postal system to create art.  I received this earlier this week.  Absolutely lovely!  What a delight and it arrived in perfect condition.  This is from Bevely Heath of Stoke-On-Trent.

Front and back with a set of golden butterlies enclosed!  Thank you again Bevely!

DESIGN TEAM MEMBER AT "PAGES IN TIME"

I am absolutely thrilled to have been selected as a Design Team member for my favourite papercrafting community site (my on-line home)  "Pages In Time" !  My term starts today for six months.  Over the next few days I will be posting links to the other Design Team members etc. - please go and check both them and the "Pages In Time" site out.  You will find a warm, encouraging and talented group of papercrafters.