An Inkurable Shabby Christmas tag

Over at Inkurable Stampers they are having a Shabby Christmas challenge. Now that craft shows are over I can now play with paper and this is what I came up with for the challenge.

This is a manilla shipping tag which I used Dusty Concord (DI) distress ink and distressed the background. Then while that was drying I painted some  Tim Holtz grungeboard snowflakes with acylic paints, the top snowflake is a metallic and the darker is a flat dark purple. The background of the stamp I stamped again in Dusty Concord DI with a snowflake stamp from  Inkadinkado Ornate Christmas stamp collection. I also inked the edges of the tag with the same ink.

The image I used was from FlickR , a great source for art images, and, I used Starform glitter border to give it a bit of bling. I added some lace and button embellishments and the Let is Snow stamp was from Studio G Holiday stamps also stamped in Dusty Concord and it was mounted on a paint chip strip.

Well thanks for looking and stay tuned for Lesley's version of the 12 tags of Christmas.

I won some blog candy

The other week while I was taking a break from painting I was blog hopping and visiting some fellow artist sites.  I met Fee (Fiona) through Inkurable Stampers Gothic Arch Challenge and I have been visiting her blog.  Fee was having a 100th post anniversary and if you posted a comment on her blog you had a chance to win this......and.....I was the winner.
Thanks so much Fee and I so can't wait til my matchbox arrives. Just take a look at all the details, it is so shabby and I wonder what goodies she has stuffed inside. I am just busting to find out.
Will keep you posted when it arrives, it is coming from Australia so I have to be very very patient.

Been working on catch up with my Gothic Arches, and I am stitching a Christmas gift for a friend, an I am going to be making cards and Christmas cards/tags and the list goes on.
Thanks for dropping by.
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Show report and now some down time

Hello blogger friends and family.
Craft show season is now over for another year. So much work and preparation and anticipation for what to expect. Rattled nerves and excitement. I survived it all with a few hitches here and there.
I had fun, I met some wonderfully talented people out there and I received many positive compliments on my work. To me that mean more than you can know.
Sales were not what I expected to be honest but the economy like many places is not the best here. Factories have closed down and most retail jobs hire people on four hour shifts so many people with families come to working more than one job. Too bad but that is the way it is.
I had some goals set but unfortunately they were not met but on the flip side I made a few contacts and even had a few ladies ask if I taught painting. I did a very long time ago to a few girls I knew when I was working and some neighbour friends but then painting sort of died out.
 I had really no competition at the show except for one girl who tole painted but she had totally different style and items than I did so really it wasn't that bad.
 Back to these women who asked if I taught I gave them my card that I made up and we will see if they call after the New Year. I am not really a pushy person so I will let them contact me and if they lose interest and don't want to bother then I don't have to go contacting and feeling like I am pressuring them.
I also met a girl at the show I had not seen in almost 20 years. We used to work in a retail store at the mall and when I hear Roseanne's voice then saw her face I immediately recognized her. Unfortunately we didn't get too much visiting in as she was volunteering in the kitchen plus she had a table to run with her family so I am sure I will hear from her via email. Please Roseanne if you read my blog contact me as I really want to keep in touch.
And.....through Facebook a girl I went to school with 30 years ago...yikes did I really type that???? Sherry contacted me and came to the show around noon then left just before the end of it. We chatted and had a good catch up visit. Sure made time go by and she looks the same and her smile is just so warm just like her personality. I know we will be keeping in touch.
Well during my show and Sherry was there I had to use the ladies room so I ventured off found the restrooms and walked in did my business and came out of the stall. I was washing my hands and to my horror I saw a reflection of urinals????? did I see that right??? I turned my head around and yup there they were all lined up....urinals. Well I never washed my hands so fast then I got to the entrance of the washroom and looked up and down the hall, the coast was clear, phew I will walk out real fast. No one noticed and all is good. Can you believe it??? I was sure I saw a skirt on that sign. Nope it didn't have one....I looked when I came out. Well that wasn't the first I can now say it was probably my second or so time I have been in the men's washroom but when you gotta go you gotta go.
And here is a pic of my friend Sherry and a pic of my table.
The table was 8 feet and I thought I could have had another one but maybe it was just as well I didn't. Peeps were looking, sales were low but nothing of one particular thing.
I sold a sled, some inchie tree ornies, wood ornies, canvas stocking, signs, canvases and many other things I can't remember them all, oh those wreaths with the snowmen with bird house hats all sold they were very popular this season. Must do some of them for next year.
Well thanks for dropping by. Now a bit of down time but Christmas is coming so I will be back to card making, sending gifts out very soon, catching up on ATC challenges and the like.
Stay tuned everyone and thanks for dropping by.

Pacing.......

I was up early this morning and found myself since pacing like I was expecting someone to have a baby. Well I am not expecting just pacing for pre jitter craft show nerves.

Somehow I remember all this years ago but as I get older seems I am more nervous now than I was back then.

Well here are a few items left I wanted to share with you all, more items for my show.

I am all packed and ready to go.

Ho Ho Ho sign by Kim Klassen

                                              
 
 

Angel pattern by Monika Bring on canvas. I added the verse, I used fun foam to make the music notes then stamped in black acrylic paint to stamp them on. I then antiqued the whole thing with Burnt Umber. I just love antiquing things. I know I made a lot of mud pies when I was a kid, something about grunge really appeals to me......

                                                        
  

This hanging canvas has a design by Monika Brint. I just purchase the e-pattern a few days ago and I did up 2 of these. If one doesn't sell I just might have to claim one. Again a lot of heavy dry shading and more antiquing. Turned out better than I imagined.

 Canvas stockings.... the first one here is a Monika Brint  snowman and the one below is a Terrye French Santa. My Mum gave me a bolt of canvas and I really put it to good use this year. I did cut out floorcloths but just didn't have time, Maybe next year, they are all sewn and ready to be painted on.

A thrift store find here, I got this little wood basket for next to nothing and thought I would make it a year round thing. I just painted some stars with vine and berries on it. The original painting was all plain wood with a stecilled heart in green on it. I painted both sides. This would look cute with a little dried arrangements and some battery operated tea lites in it. A great gift idea!!!!!

 And lastly some recycled jar trees. These are fun and sell well.

Well thanks for looking. Back to pacing and will be heading out soon for set up.

Show starts tonight from 5-9 and tomorrow 9-3.

I will be reporting back in my next post.

Have a super blessed day  and thanks for dropping by.

L

My wish list.....

1. More time

2. more hands

3. Wish I didn't have to eat

4. No sleep

5. blink and everything would be done

6. I want my Mumsy.....

this is just a short list I have compliled but gradually things are getting done for my next show. I have been at it pretty much  non stop since my last show and this show is supposed to be very busy with lots of peeps.

I had many items to complete, sewing involved, how did that happen? Sorry Mumsy but I had to use glue , you know that works great on hems, might have to try that on my jeans sometime. Making more tags and more painting was all packed in since 2 weeks ago.

I have some new items to show you and a couple more to add for another post. Lighting was not good this time of night and these stockings I made  I  am so happy with how they turned out. My Mum gave me a bolt of canvas last year and I made some cute stockings then painted on them. Unfortunately lighting was an issue and my pics turned out blurry so hopefully tomorrow I can do a better job.

Without further ado.....here are some more things to add to my stock for this next show.

Monika Brint is a huge fan of mine as well as Terrye French. Monika has always caught my interest with her snowmen designs and her angels I just love.

I added the wording and made a stamp out of fun foam and stamped the music notes in black acrylic paint.

I just received this e-pattern from Monika and enlarged it and put this cute snowman on canvas. It was a lot a bit more painting than I really had time for but I just loved this pattern. I enjoy the heavy dry brushing but it really does do a number on your brushes, but, much worth it in the end.

And here is a little design I put together which I was inspired by something I saw not too long ago but I put my own elements together.  I used a Katrina Roncin candy cane and Sandy Holman snowmen headsfor this and I added a wire to the snowpeep with the ear muffs. This was fun, I did 6 sets of these, I almost hope I have a set left over because I think it would look cute on a wall or door in our house. If not I can alway paint one, yeah right.....LOL

Well it is rather late and my eyes are tired, but my mind keeps busy thinking and organizing.

Only 2 things left to complete, 2 painted recycled jars with trees in them and the lights have to be strung on them. That can wait til tomorrow.

Thanks for dropping by and til next post,

be happy, be healthy, be creative

and enjoy the blessing of each day.

Each day is a gift from God.

Lest We Forget

                                                            THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass.

'Step forward now, you soldier,

How shall I deal with you ?

Have you always turned the other cheek ?

To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,

'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was tough.

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,

That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear.

And sometimes, God, forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,

It needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod.

As the soldier waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.

'Step forward now, you soldier,

You've borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~



Post craft sale report

Well my first sale is over and it was not the best but it was nice to meet some new peeps and get out in the circuit again. I made some new friends, at least I hope we keep in touch through email until next fall.
The woman who hosted the show Kim and her hubby Claude are really nice people and they have a wonderul daughter who had a little area where she sold items as well.
I have to thank both Kim and Claude for including me and I have been asked to return next year and I will.
Our area has been hit  hard with unemployment like so many places and so I believe peeps were holding onto purse strings and wanting  to spend less and  get smaller items.
I must say I did sell a few of those tea light card and some ornies and a canvas and some other wood painted items. I did fairly well considering the small crowds.
I have less than 2 weeks to prepare for my next show and won't have to restock too much but I will be busy getting ready for it so if I don't post much you know where I will be.
Today I just fiddled around the house and then decided to take a nap. Something about laying on our couch for a minute then the blanket sort of covered me then I sort of turned my head and drifted off. Guess  I have been putting in late nights, getting up early and just trying to cram what time I do have into the day or evening.
I also cannot stand time change whether I am travelling west or the seasonal time change here. My body really does not like it. Even an hour really throws me off. Oh well another day or two and I will be adjusted but man I feel like I could go to bed now and stay there til morning.
Well off to make more things. I do have a pic of my set up but it isn't very big and the lighting was poor at the time but Kim set up a light above my table Friday night before the show started on Saturday. We all brought a dish or plate of something and had potluck for the weekend. The food and kinship was wonderful.
I fit right in and met some really nice talented ladies.
Well til next time.....keep healthy and happy and go make something.

Is this chaos?

I don't know why I chose this title but you may look at my table and say , oh yes this looks familiar, or you may say, oh my, isn't she a messy one, or you may say, hey doesn't look so bad, a few things to pick up and clear off and it will be a dinner table again.
I say........DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING or I will have to put you in a rear naked choke hold ( yes I watch UFC!!!!). This to you may look chaotic but to me this has been an ongoing sight for months now. Sometimes it looks worse than this but I know most of the time where everything is and at what stage it is at. Tonight the table is actually looking like it is clearing off a bit.
Tomorrow I must go and set up for my first craft show that starts Saturday for  two days. This one is along the route of several shows in the area so hard to say what kind of traffic it will yield but if the weather is pleasant and the shoppers are out and about we hope it will be a good one for everyone involved. including me. LOL
Here are the little tea light cards I found online to make and even tho I couldn't read dutch and there wasn't a translator on the blog I was able to print off the template and figured it out. Here in Canada we are used to metric measurements so my paper cutter I got last year for Christmas has both standard and metric on it. Lesley has used that paper cutter and scorer so much, a tool I cannot live without now. I do not have a straight eye, I swear I was born to see slants on everything so this way I can cut everything straight now although at times I wonder how I cut my paper crooked but it has happened, we won't go there .

                                                     This is the chaos I was talking about below.....

 Here are the tea light cards I made, the inside has a piece of cardstock inked on the edges and left blank for a message or note. I thought these would make great hostess, teacher, bus driver or even a child's grandma gifty items. I just used plain white tea lights here but today I found some in different scents so I bought some up to make more of these for my 2nd show middle of November. These take a bit of time for the first couple but they are fun and good way to use up those scraps of paper you collect. Here is the link for the template.
At this blog the tea lights were on the left side and the card opened the opposite way so I just switched it around because I like to open a card like a book but you can do whichever way you like.

 I just had to make an oriental style one since I have a fondness for anything oriental, probably my fav of all.

 Next are tissue box covers for the square tissue boxes. Kleenex has boxes this size and some no name types. I am including the tissue box with the cover so they will be a little more appealing to sell. These were fun but be warned they use up a bit of paper. I used my Cuttlebug to emboss the papers ,click on the image so you can get a good close look. I got this pattern from Splitcoast Stampers Newletter. Splitcoast offers such great tutorials and info about stamping etc.

 Another Splitcoast idea here are these cute little totes I made 4 little notecards to match and tucked them inside. I thought stamping the little tags was a great idea so I stamped several in a vintage postcard stamp set I got at Michaels and just used distress inks on them. Quick and easy and add a little fiber for colour.
Oh and those red flowers, you will never guess what I used for those, you know those paint chip cards you get with like 5 or 6 shades of colour in the paint sections of the big box stores? Well any chance I get I go raiding, I have used paint chips for a lot of things, I wonder if they have video of me raiding the area? Most of the time these things get tossed anyways so I actually give them a use and so you can as well.

Well I am almost ready, most items are packed up and all labelled and priced. If you don't hear from me til Sunday night or Monday it is because I will be busy at the show and will report back on the event. I will try to take pics of my little table after I am set up if allowed.

Thanks for dropping by.

Your comments are always appreciated.

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