Showing posts with label mixed media. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mixed media. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

More Than Words!

Hello. Hello. Hello! Don't mind me...I am just dusting off my blog a bit for an exciting new post! 

Recently Nicole reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in being the November Special Guest at More Than Words! It's a FABULOUS challenge blog with tons of inspiration and talent! Check it out please!  http://morethanwordschallenge.blogspot.ca/





































As soon as I read this month's challenge I knew the exact photo I was going to use: a very special shot from my son's wedding. It fit perfectly with the quote too! The wedding was a high point in our family as we celebrated this special love and welcomed another daughter into our crazy family!



"Something borrowed, something blue, something old, something new"...I love symbolism in my projects so I could not wait to incorporated as many as I could on the "Wedded Bliss" shaker canvas. I started with a canvas (something old) that I had discarded because I messed up the stencil work (so don't ever throw those projects away!) A four inch photo was trimmed to fit the shaker dome, then I filled the dome with glass beads (something new and blue), adhering the photo to seal it all in. Clips of lace are added around the dome, while flowers, metal, and wood pieces embellish the dome. A sweet little dove was added as a symbol of their new life together wishing them a very special lifetime together filled with peace and love!


Okay- so you need to go check them out to see the close-up shots!!! And you can also find me on Facebook and Instagram! I'd love to be friends with you! ~ Sharon

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Art Venture - Canada





Art Venture Canada was quite the experience! To make a long story short we started a wee bit late, but once we got rolling it was REALLY a blast. I love teaching. I love sharing my passion for new products and new techniques with others. And I really enjoyed each gal sharing their personal photos, their family stories, and their techniques with me. It doesn't matter where I travel, or who I meet in the craft industry...when we find out we both scrapbook we instantly have an artsy connection!

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

It's a Simon Says Stamp Birthday!




Okay...that sounds a bit confusing! Lets' clarify things a wee bit. First off I just have to say THANK YOU to SSS for inviting me to be featured on their blog again! It is always a huge honor, but this time it's extra special because TODAY is my birthday! Woohoo! Okay, on to the project! I sure hope you like it! Here's a teensy-weensy sneak peek!




Planners and journals are all the rage right now and while I LOVE those out on the market I always like to make something unique for myself! When I received a sampling of Prima's new summer releases I instantly fell in love with the Memory Hardware Tall Journal Book. It is the PERFECT size (about 5"x7") for a journal or planner...and for slipping into my purse! You can check out the whole project, including step-by-steps right here on the SSS blog! xoxo

Monday, February 9, 2015

Romantic Mixed-Media Tags & Simon Says Stamp!







I'm a nerd, but I get so excited when I see an email from someone I LOVE hearing from! Simon Says Stamp recently emailed and asked me if I'd like to create a NEW project featuring fresh-from-CHA products. That's like asking me if I want a bowl of ice cream!

So I mixed a few of my favorite NEW Prima products together (Finnabair, Bloom Girl, Julie Nutting, Gold Foil Icons, etc!) to see how they would look and was so excited with the results! These tags could be PERFECT for Valentine's Day!!! Hop on over to see the three tags right here on SSS's blog! Pssstt: here's a peek of one of them.


Products:
  • 911195 Julie Nutting Armoire Tag Pad
  • 580070 Mixed-Media Cling Stamp
  • 580124 Mixed-Media Cling Stamp
  • 980399 Bloom Collection 6x6 Stencil- Spark
  • 980429 Bloom Collection 6x12 Circles Stencil
  • 980405 Bloom Collection 6x12 Ricket Stencil
  • 990473Memory Hardware - Parisian Ruffle Trim
  • 579746 Wood Icons with Foil
  • 578930 Bella Rouge Journaling Card
  • 961800 Finnabair Art Ingredients-Art Sugar- White
  • 962593 Finnabair Art Ingredients-Micro Beads - Blush
  • 961381 Finnabair Art Basics-3D Gloss Gel
  • 580304 Farfalla Vellum Butterflies
  • 582647 Aquarelle Watercolor Flowers
  • 580667 Butterfly Flowers- Bette
  • 580636 Butterfly Flowers- Pupa
  • 581701 Isabella Roses-Dani
  • 581954 Valentina Flowers & Hearts-Roma
  • 577032 Lace Trim-Frosted
  • 547424 Precious Metals Leaves-Gilded
  • Archival Ink-Jet Black, Coffee Brown
  • Other: tulle, ribbon

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Happy Fall, Y'all!


Every time I receive an email from Stephanie at Simon Says Stamp it puts a HUGE smile on my face! My goal was to create  a shabby-chic piece filled with fall touches. I dug out some of my new favorite Prima products that shouted "FALL" to me and went to work. In the back of my mind I had a dual purpose for this altered birdhouse...my house really needed something seasonal on the entry table. So that is where this sparkly, texture-filled baby is going now!



Make sure you check out ALL the photos, plus the step-by-step instructions, over on the SSS blog! You can find almost ALL of the products there too. I also linked them below for easy-peasey shopping. (Just keep in mind that I scrap LATE at night, when the kids are asleep, and I can chill... so some of my step-by-step pics are not the best! It's a decent trade-off though!)



Prima Products:
Weave Trim- Camel
Lace Trim- Cloud
Ingvild Bolme Junkyard Findings Clock Parts
Finnabair Resist Canvas Sheet
Other: Tiny Attacher, Gold Paper, Fabri-Tac Glue, Craft Acorns, Pine Cones, Gold Branches, 3 inch Ceramic Pumpkin (I found this at Michael's for $2.99!)

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Celebrating STAMPtember!




Guess who was asked to be a guest for Simon Says Stamp's amazing STAMPtember® month-long party!?! I was so honored...and humbled...again! I knew I wanted to work with a VERY special stamp by my sweet and mega-talented friend, Jamie Dougherty, created just for Prima!

This Bloom Girl is named "Sharon" and I think she is just LOVELY with curly hair and butterflies all over! The stamp is a bit larger than you think, so it is PERFECT for home decor and other FUN pieces. Here's a little peek at what I created. You can catch the whole project, step-by-steps, and full product list all over at the SSS blog...so go check it out!!!!!


Simon Says Stamp  was founded in 2002 with an interest in exclusively selling rubber stamps. It didn’t take long until we realized we couldn’t stop there. For more than 10 years we have celebrated rubber stamping and its glory. We work to bring companies from around the world together in a one stop shopping environment. Rubber stamps still remain the heart of our business and we are celebrating by hosting a “STAMPtember®" event intended to inspire, educate, and celebrate the delight of rubber stamping. Part of the enticement of rubber stamping is that stamps can be used in creating or complementing ANYTHING! From stamping dates on bank documents and postage parcels in the early 18th century, rubber stamping has dramatically expanded to include card making, scrapbooking, mixed media and many forms of altering and expressing art.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Come Have Some Kitschy-Cute Fun With Me!


Today I am on Live With Prima teaching a few sweet tags, mixed-media style! The new Coffee Break collection is simply gorgeous with all of it's retro touches! Watch as I mix the line with our new Art Basics and Art Ingredients  to create colorful texture on each tag. (I also created an "Art Recipe" for each tag so you can see which products were "mixed" together!)

Art Tag Recipes with Sharon Laakkonen (that's ME! ;))
Tuesday, September 2nd at 11:00am PT/ 2:00pm ET/ 7:00pm UK

Septsharon

Whimsical and fun, these Coffee Break tags are simply perfect for sending to a friend, or attaching to a coffee or tea gift set! Join me as I share how to create each delightful tag from start to finish using Prima's new "Art Recipe" theme! You'll be "bubbling over" with inspiration with two custom "art recipes" created with brand-new, summer releases, while quickly mixing everything together for gorgeous results! Glass Beads, Art Sugar, Glitter, Pastes, and Gels...they are all included in this delicious class! 

Recipe 1: Love Your Life Tag


Recipe 2: Read, Drink, and Be Merry




Extra Materials:
  • Sizzix Floral Grande Butterfly Die
  • Black Seam Binding
  • Turquoise Tulle
  • Circle Punches (Marvy Green Scallop, Marvy Pink Circle)
  • Fiskars Border Punch
  • Corner Rounder

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Packing. Packing. Packing.

This isn't my first time to teach. And it isn't my first time to teach in Paris. BUT, I swear I have more stuff to bring this time than ever before. And I've gone through my suitcase twice already. (I am now invading Bill's suitcase with artsy stuff. HAHA. He doesn't need that many clothes, right?) So, you lucky duck students are going to have a blast with everything I bring over!!



































I am REALLY looking forward to teaching this week-end! It's one of my favorite things to do in the whole world. I love sharing my love for the hobby. I love meeting people and seeing their amazing creativity. I love experiencing new cultures. And I love French food! Version Scrap is a wonderful event to experience it all! (Isn't that Paris print gorgeous? You can find it on Etsy! I just might have to buy myself one!)

So here is a run-down for those who signed up for my classes and what to bring!

Custom Art Journal:
Photos are optional. You can add them easily later. If you want to include some in your art journal.  (About 6-8 2x3 and 4x6 photos in both orientations will work for the pages we will go over. There are lots of additional pages to finish at home.)

Supplies to bring:
Heat Gun (if possible)
Paper Trimmer
Fancy-Edged Scissors or Edge Punch
Adhesive for sequins, paper, and flowers (I use fabric liquid adhesive- Helmar or Fabri-Tac)
Crop-a-dile or small hole punch
Small paint brush for details
Gold Ink
Wet Wipes
Paper Towel or Towel
Class sponsors include Faber Castell, PanPastel, Prima


Family Mixed-Media Journal
You may bring 3x4 and 4x6 landscape photos, or add them at home. This book holds a lot of photos, but we will be concentrating on the page backgrounds.

Supplies Needed:
Heat Gun (if possible!)
Apron
Paper Trimmer or Scissors/ruler
Adhesive for fabric, flowers, paper, ribbon
Decorative scissors or paper edge punch
1 inch foam paintbrush
Water spray bottle
Wet wipes/paper towel
Black or Brown Permanent Ink (Ranger Archival or Staz On)
Class Sponsors: PanPastels, Faber Castell, Stampendous
Blush Project Life Album


Supplies to Bring:
Black Pen
Scissors
Paper Trimmer
Adhesive for paper
Photos (not required, but you can bring a variety of 4x6 inch (horizontal) & 3x4 inch (vertical) shots. Each page holds two-three photos. There are 40 pages in this album. We will go through 4-5 spreads.)
Sponsors Include: American Crafts, Becky Higgins, Simon Says Stamp



Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Custom Home Decor


I love making special pieces for the home! See how I used Pinterest as inspiration to create this sweet canvas for little Amariah's bedroom! (Just change the colors to match your decor. It's fast and easy!) I'm teaching LIVE at 11 AM PT/2 PM ET today!
Gilded Angelic Canvas
 Tuesday, March 18th at 11:00am PT/ 2:00pm ET/ 6:00pm GMT



Combine the latest trends and turn them into a beautiful, sparkling canvas for your home! Sharon will share how she incorporates fun trends and color palettes she loves on to her projects using Color Bloom sprays, stencils, sequins, stamps, chalk edgers, wood, lace and cherub resins! Watch for simple and fast techniques for coloring different mediums to fit your tastes. You might even catch a glimpse of Prima's new metal dies in action! It's going to be a full, fun-packed show.



















Prima Products:

573911-Color Bloom Spray-Gilded, 573904-Color Bloom Spray-Peony, 573805 Color Bloom Spray-Gold Foil, 572815 Doily Metal Die, 574666 Luna Gold Flowers, 574680 Talia Gold Flowers, 574826 & 574840 Jute Canvas Flowers, 574628 Ivy Bay Gold Leaves, 564506 Cartographer Vine, 573669 Crochet Icons, 573454 Floral Lace, 573478 Angel Resins, 572921 Wood ATCs, 572235 Tulip Stencil, 891954 Metallic Chalk Edgers, 891053-Raspberry Pie Chalk Edger, 891268-Teak Wall Chalk Edger, 891107-Rusty Keys Chalk Edger, 563097, 961015, 563004 Prima Stamps


Extra Materials: 11x14 Canvas, White Paper, Molding Paste, Sequins, Ranger-Liquid Pearls

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Life at Full Speed Ahead

That's how I feel right now...I've been running to and fro and have just been BUSY! (As you can tell by my poor blog!) First there was the CHA trade show in January held in sunny California. I love creating with new products! Here are a just a few of my projects. (Both feature my daughter Brittany's wedding pics...cause Miss Breanna's were not ready yet!)

This layout uses the new Free Spirit collection by Prima. It's bright and cheery and totally perfect for Britt's wedding pics.
Something Blue is another new collection by Prima and is made for wedding photos! (Like this gorgeous shot by Honey Heart Photography!)


Shortly after CHA Tami and I hopped over to Germany to work another trade show there. I wasn't sure what to expect, to be honest, as I had never been there before, but I LOVED Germany! CreativeWorld was fabulous. I love our distributors there. The people I met were just so amazing. And I LOVED the gals I was working with. 


Did I mention the weather? It was SO much warmer than I thought it would be (that's always a win-win in my book!) And the food???? Tami and I found a little restaurant right by our hotel that served authentic German food and we sort of PIGGED out a bit! Haha. We actually ate there three times in one week. Yeah. THAT good! One day after the show the train skipped our stop so we made friends with two other gals, while trying to figure out what to do, and then threw caution to the wind and ended up going shopping downtown with them! They were so fun...and we were quite lost, but it was a grand adventure!
I even found a Starbucks (behind us in the pic) and got my German mug...you know how important that is, Cari & Rommel!

After the show we went sightseeing. It was so hard narrowing down where to go and what to see! Seriously, Germany has SO MANY cool things. Being the girly girls that we are we decided Neuschwanstein Castle was a MUST SEE. In America we have the famous Disney castle fashioned after this very castle...thus us poor girls, who cannot pronounce Neuschwanstein to save our lives, just called it Cinderella's castle the whole day. ha.

 Now getting UP to the castle is a whole 'nother story. pant. pant. You think you've paid for drop-at-the-door service and then the carriage actually drops you off WAY far away. With a steep mountain climb in front of you. So we run to make our ticket time. pant. pant, cough. run faster still.
 And we're there and they open the front door with 2 minutes to spare! (Still coughing, but we rocked it!) No pics were allowed INSIDE the castle, so I can't post those. (And I finally stopped coughing near the end of the tour!)  :)
But, isn't it gorgeous? It's so regal and HIGH up in the mountains. (The other side looks more like the Disney castle, but I couldn't GET a good pic of that.)


A few other highlights of the day: Buying Schneeballens

Visiting old cities...

Going down the autobahn at a break-neck speed (146 mph/234 kmh.) Go, Sharon! I videoed it just to show my guys at home, cause I knew they would never believe me. (Secretly I LOVED going that fast! The video proof is on Facebook!)

And, this might rank right up there with one of my most favorite surprises on a trip, our driver took us into Austria! 

I knew we were right on the border, but thought it would be too much to ask him to go off the route. Austria (and Bavaria) were so beautiful...snow-capped mountains and little villages in the valleys. I swear I heard the Sound of Music playing...

SEE?????


So jump forward. Every time I get home from a trip it's mass chaos catching up on everything work-related and family-related! This time my guys did such a fantastic job of cleaning the house. You couldn't REALLY tell they had been living in a man cave for over a week. My hubby & boys did a great job getting rid of the evidence! And I missed them so much! Homecomings are always so sweet.


Being back home meant focusing on the next adventure! All of February...and I mean almost every spare evening and week-end...has been spent working on my Version Scrap classes. 


(I LOVED putting this colorful book together with the gorgeous kit! We also have some cool dies, sequins, and so many other embellies to add to the pages!)

(This class has the BIGGEST kit of all...and has many Mixed-Media pages and photo pages all mixed into one FUN journal! If you love playing with art supplies you will love this class! I even got a few NEW Color Bloom sprays & Nathalie Kalbach's new stamps for ya!)

(I love the colors of this kit, the wonderful selection of pages in the book, and the custom touches each technique will let you add to your art journal. Eeek...it's gonna be an artsy adventure!)

Whew. I am ALMOST done with everything! Hopefully all kits will ship out next week...and they are very FULL! The box weights this year have gone up from last year, so that means more goodies for those of you signed up for my classes! If you have not signed up HURRY UP!!!! Some dates are sold out already.

These are just some of my amazing sponsors. You are going to LOVE playing with their products!!!