This gallery contains photo's of the class projects. All class projects are on display at Rocky Mountain Framing and Gallery as well.
Click on a photo for a larger view.
Life has been speeding past me at a dizzying pace. I have some artwork and some storage solutions to share with you, but I've been so busy some days I'm not sure if I'm coming or going......
But this stopped me dead in my tracks......I was scrolling through Facebook and saw the most amazing cowgirl boots....Old Gringo Cowgirl Boots that I have been dying to purchase ever since I first layed eyes on them about a year ago......they cost $500 or so.....and I just can't quite bring myself to spend that kind of money on one article of clothing just for me lol. The embroidered flowers and vines are just divine.
Curious to know more about these boots I clicked on the blog post by Melody Ross. She is one amazing artist, who is always inspiring women. What I love about her is that she is totally honest with her successes and her hurdles in life. She is real, she is honest, she is true to herself.
She is also auctioning off her favorite pair of Old Gringo Boots to help young girls. She has seen their tragic situation up close and personal. I could hardly hold back the tears when I read her blog post.
Melody is giving up her favorite pair of cowgirl boots to help those in need, and many other people are giving up their favorite things to auction off as well. I can't help but wonder if the lucky winner of these boots will feel like they are walking a few steps in Melody's shoes, and find themselves being inspired to help others too. Please visit Melody's Blog and do what you can to help out. I really appreciate it.
I have a quick and easy Keepsake Baby Album to share with you today!
I have been so very busy with a full time job as a counselor, being a wife and mom, a Boys and Girls Club Board Member, Graduate School and being a member of Spellbinders Inspriation Team, Tattered Angels DT and Social Media and DT Coordinator for Julianna Hudgins Positively Me.....that I often don't have any time to carve out to just create art for me. Whew, it's exhausting just reading about all my duties. lol
Most days I enjoy juggling my many hats and feel very productive in all of them. But, sometimes my plate is so full I don't know where to start. That's when I really have to make sure to take time for myself. I do something that feeds my soul.
This Keepsake Baby Album was just what I needed to create, as a gift for a co-worker, with no specific products or guidelines, and the hope and wonder of a new life as my creative mojo.
I made this Baby Album in one night. It measures about 5x7". I started with a Maya Road Board Book, which has rounded corners. I chose a variety of My Mind's Eye patterned papers that blended well together. I kept the theme focused around vintage baby and neutral colors, as my co-worker doesn't know yet if she's having a boy or a girl!
I traced an inside page onto my paper then used my paper trimmer and scissors to trim it perfectly. I kept this to use as a template for all the rest of the pages.
I left an 1/8" on each page near the book binding to allow it to close easier. I let the base of the board book show through at the binding. It gives it more of a vintage feel. I used industrial strength adhesive to adhere each page.
I cut and embossed several different Nestabilities Spellbinders Paper Arts die templates to create mats for the baby pictures. I adhered the Heidi Swapp BABY letters to the front of the album, along with a strip of ribbon. Then I signed the back of the book.
I placed the BABY Album in a gift bag and included several types of adhesive. This way the new Mom has an album all ready to go, knows exactly where to include the pictures and has a way to adhere them as well.
This is was such a fun project, that really helped me enjoy the creative process, ramp up the mojo and create just for fun.
I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed creating it.
Zuzu is home!!! I've had so many emails and facebook posts asking how we found her....so here is the story - a little long, so grab your glass of wine...and maybe a box of kleenex.... and kick up your feet......
Her story began on Sunday December 9th (2012) ~ Aaron and I have spent 2 1/2 hours searching for her after she left, following her tracks, calling her name. We were snowshoeing and looking for a Christmas tree and having so much fun.
Oh no.....we noticed she and Willow (our black lab puppy) were gone. Willow came right back, Zuzu did not. We drove down the mountain to get cell service and called the sheriff, police, animal control, ranger stations. It was cold - almost 20 below Zero with the windchill. Up the mountain again to search for her for another hour or more, it grew dark. We reluctantly went home and put the kids to bed. Made flyers, called everyone we could think of, posted on Facebook, sent emails, said prayers...couldn't sleep....knot in my gut.
I went back Monday searching all day, went back to the spot we last saw her...... Dumping snow all afternoon. (Probably a little dangerous for me to be up there by myself - but hey you don't know my Mom, Dad or my Grandpa Harry! lol). Getting dark, so I started back down the mountain. I talked with snowplow drivers, restaurant owners, loggers and even ran into a sheriff. He actually went up in a snowstorm looking for her Sunday night in a blizzard in the dark - what an amazing man. (I noticed his truck said "Canine Unit") Gave flyers to everyone we knew. Sent out more facebook posts and emails.
Made a plan for tomorrow, stayed up late....can't sleep....stomach really hurts. Dreampt of her all night.
Tuesday, Aaron and I went back up. He went to exact spot we lost her, trekked through the woods, called for her, marked some trees ;), he was up there for a few hours. I stayed in the low grounds looking all over, we met up and looked together, didn't find her. Today the deep sadness crept in......and wondering how she could survive the cold. We went home, sent out more emails and flyers. My girls cried themselves to sleep, heartbreaking. Decided we were going to tie some of our socks around rocks and leave a trail for her. Feeling so sad, trying not to lose hope. Happened to check Facebook - up to almost 300 shares on my post of our missing Zuzu, many people I don't even know. Oh my gosh, how can that be?...... Found some hope again.
Wednesday ~ Went to work today, the schedule changed, I didn't have any clients magically...... and my boss was an angel and said family is first, go do what you need to do.....wow - who has a boss like that?........
I drove up the mountain again, late afternoon today to the spot we started our snowshoeing.....I saw dog tracks in the fresh snow. They led into the campground we always go to and back to our snowshoe spot. I drove in further, had to put the truck in 4-wheeldrive, lots of deep snow, wondered if I might get stuck, didn't care. Got out, trekked around, marked a spot ;), called and called and called for Zuzu.
Kept looking at the tracks, got my phone out to take a photo of the tracks......the paw prints were 3 circles, close together, but really long, more like ovals.......... like Zuzu's..........caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of my eye.....and there she was! Limping down the mountain road towards me!........... skinny, exhausted........I thought she was a ghost...... or a mirage.
I called her and she trotted up to me and we fell in the snow, her licking my face and pawing me. Tears and more tears. It was like a scene from the movies. I could not believe I had actually found her! What are the odds?! (who gives a shit about the odds anyway...it's about going beyond the odds)
I can't remember the last time I cried so much.....Zuzu wanted to get to the truck...she jumped right in..... I gave her some food. She was sooo hungry. I drove like a mad woman down the mountain, let's just say waaayy over the speed limit. It was about 20 min before I had cell service. I called Aaron, he could hardly understand me. "You got her?!!" - yes I've got her!
Stopped for food in Saratoga, then took her to the vet. She no longer had on her pink fleece coat on .............and had no fur and deep abrasions under her arms. I think her coat got caught and she fought to get out.
What a brave soul. No major injuries.....She lost almost 10lbs total. Here she is snuggled beside me on the couch a few hours after she was found.
I can't imagine all that she has been through in her 3 nights out in the cold in the mountains. She is an amazing animal full of fight, strength, determination, bravery, love and spirit. She never gave up and never stopped believing.
I am absolutely certain........... that all the Facebook shares, tweets, likes, comments, prayers, positive thoughts, healing energies and love from friends, family and complete strangers, helped my family and I have this Christmas Miracle.
I cannot truly put into words how utterly grateful and amazed I am by everyone's help and kindness. There is still so much goodness in the world and miracles to be seen. Don't lose your hope, keep believing, never give up.
We rescued Zuzu from the animal shelter 3 years ago at Christmas. Every year we love to watch "It's a Wonderful Life", and so we named her Zuzu - after Zuzu's petals. As Ken said earlier - I think an Angel got it's wings tonight by bringing Zuzu home.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. ~ Holly
I have a sneak peek of a Tattered Angels project to show you.....but first, I thought I'd share some of my photos.
I am so very blessed to get to spend a glorious weekend with my family. We were able to soak in the hot springs and then have a picnic on the mountain. The sunset was even better, but I didn't get a photograph of that unfortunately. The fall colors were amazing and it was so warm and beautiful.
I love how the photo of Aaron and I turned out.....and the silly family photo is pretty hilarious too. Maybe we'll use that for our Christmas Cards this year. lol
The color wheel was our theme, and I chose analogous colors that reminded me of the mountain sunset. There's lots of photo's and a tutorial for you over on the Tattered Angels blog.
Today I wanted to show you a quick project that I created. It's an altered Gift Bag featuring an Ombre affect, using various shades of the color purple to create a color progression. It is absolutely one of my favorite techniques using Tattered Angels paint products.
I created this Ombre Style Wine Bag to give to my dear friends Jerry and Sandi Parks.
They were high school sweethearts, who have found each other again. They were married recently on a beach in St. Lucia. It's rather a romantic tale, and I'm so very happy to be attending their wedding reception tonight. I can't think of two people more deserving of this happy occasion. Friends and family will share a toast to them and celebrate their happiness. Don't you just adore a good love story?!!! (Swoon)
So here's a few tips on how I created this Ombre Wine Bag for this fabulous couple......
I poured Puple Passion Glimmer Glaze onto a non-stick craft sheet, then rolled my brayer in it, coating it evenly. I rolled the Glimmer Glaze loaded brayer onto my stamp and immediately stamped onto the kraft colored wine bag. I did this twice at the top and bottom of the bag and allowed it to dry.
That's all there is to creating a Tattered Angels Ombre Style Wine Bag for that perfect couple!
Please join me in toasting to Sandi and Jerry and sending prayers and lots of positive energy to the happy couple. See....dreams really do come true.
Love you both so much!!
Thanks for stopping by tmy blog today and for letting me share a little of my excitement.
I've been at the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Show in Chicago this week! Lucky for me, being with Spellbinders Paper Arts since 2006 comes with some perks. I am on the Inspiration Team, doing projects and tutorial videos for Michaels and Joann's, and I am part of the Travel Team who gets to go to the CHA shows and work the booth.
This company is like family to me. I love every second of my trips, even when it's a lot of hard work. I'm so thankful to be a part of this fabulous and amazing company.
Here's a little recap of my week!
Dinner at our hotel. On the right side of the table you'll see Kirstie Rylon - Director of Marketing for Spellbinders, Julianna Hudgins, Kim Hupke - Spellbinders Education Director, Cathy Chlebana Design Team Coordinator, Stacey Caren - Owner of Spellbinders, Kellie Forton - President of JustRite Stamps.....then you might notice Becca Feekan on the left. That's just a few of us at dinner that night.
Our old friend Kar came to see us. The four of us were on the 2006 Design Team together. It was so great to see her and catch up.
The Spellbinders crew heading back to the hotel after set up. I must say, this show went together and came down very well. We are all seasoned at the CHA shows and know how the booth needs to look. I helped put artwork up on the towers during set up. I swear that is my favorite job. Cindy was a huge help with all her pre-organized rubber bins, bubble wrap and labels.
Dinner at Gino's East. We always have a company dinner one night. Stacey always has a little gift for each of us as well. She is so lovely and generous.
Spellbinders Booth at CHA, one of the Make and Take cards in the center, booth artwork, Jeff Caron demo table, and then tear down at the end of the show.
I was lucky enough to have dinner with JustRite Stamps - Kellie Fortin and gang. Here is a shot of her booth as well. Gorgeous!
I can't really put into words how much these women inspire me. They are all so creative, fun, kind and full of personality. I'm so thankful they are a part of my life. I am honored to know each and every one of them.
Spellbinders won the CHA 2012 Summer Innovations Award for the new Majestic Elements die templates. Kim, Stacey and Cathy, and Stacey doing a live feed with Charity Wings. This company never ceases to amaze me every single day!
New Want2Scrap by Julianna Hudgins!!! Look at that gorgeous Jewel Flowers and Flourishes bling, and all that new chipboard!
Spellbinders group of ladies.....I just adore this photo. We all wore black and white, and didn't even plan it! We are connected creative souls for sure.
Our last night together we all went to dinner at Gibsons. It was sooo much fun. We shared good food, drinks and lots of laughter.
We told stories and celebrated all of Spellbinders accomplishments. I am such a lucky girl to be part of this amazing group.
It was an incredible week. Spellbinders has grown so much since I started with them in 2006. I am in awe of the business sense, creativity, and innovation from this company. Miss you all already!
I hope you enjoyed seeing photo's from this past week at CHA. I'll have more in a few days.
I love creating with my girls. We have an entire room in our old house dedicated to creating. They have their own space, which usually looks like a tornado blew through it. lol I wanted to share a kid sized canvas apron that I created with Arianna. We had so much fun creating it.
There is a full tutorial over on the Tattered Angels Blog! This month we are celebrating crafting that is so easy even kids can do it.
To see the full project click on my post on the Tattered Angels Blog. Please leave a comment there and let me know what you think, and what ideas you have for more kids projects!
It's the second day of the Heidi Swapp Design Challenge. Heidi selected an assortment of supplies from Heidi Swapp products, Tattered Angels, Canvas Corp and 7 Gypsies and asked us to create two projects using our own style.
I absolutely adore the idea of creating something along the lines of a mini album out of layering several Color Magic Memory Files.
We recently heard about a puppy and her sister who needed a foster family. They were in a shelter and set to be euthanized in about 5 days if they were not pulled out of the shelter. The word spread through Facebook, and I talked my husband into letting us foster this darling puppy. So many volunteers pitched in to save numerous animals that day, and to drive them across two states to foster families and people who wanted to adopt them. It was an amazing feat that was pulled together within a few days.
Well, the minute I set eyes on this puppy I was doomed to fall in love with her. She was very quiet, shy, timid and scared. It didn't take long for her to warm up to us, and I think my husband Aaron fell in love with her first. We could not even think of letting this sweet baby girl go. Our daughters named her Willow after a Native American Medicine Woman they read about in a book. Love that.
Willow was about 3 months old when we got her. So I used a wooden "3" on the canvas corp canvas flower.
We took her to the park often, and I spent many hours shooting photographs of her playing and enjoying her new family.
Willow's story is handwritten on the manilla tags, and tucked into the 7Gypies envelopes.
I misted, layered and painted pieces of the Memory File Album with Chandelier Glimmer Glam. It gives it such a sparkle and shimmer.
I created this Scrapbook Page, just for me. No deadlines, no directed themes, no products to feature.....just creating with my favorite things for pure enjoyment. I can't tell you how long it has been that I have been able to create like this. I just haven't had the time. It's so freeing, and really helps the creative process to just be able to create for yourself. Don't get me wrong, I love creating for companies of course, but I have recently changed the work I do for some companies, and it's been such a wonderful change.
I find that I reach for my favorite products time and time again. I also realized that my favorite products are usually the companies I design for. That's why I design for them, they make products that fit my style and sense of creativity. Funny how I'm drawn to them, and they in turn are drawn to me.
The lovely stamp is a new release called Garden Delights by QuietFire Designs. Suzanne Cannon designs these lovely stamps, and I just can't get over how beautiful the quotes and the fonts are. So gorgeous.
The paper is My Mind's Eye - Miss Caroline. I love the feminine look, with a bit of a rustic Wyoming look. I distressed the edges, added some ink and used Spellbinders Paper Arts Jar Labels designed by Becky Fleck. I love to hide die cuts to create the look of a tab.
Velvet ribbon, decorative stick pins, and of course several Spellbinders Bitty Blossoms were added to finish off this layout.
Bitty Blossoms were colored to match this layout perfectly by cutting them out of pure white cardstock, then misting them with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist. I love being able to make my own embellishments, and getting that perfect color match and shimmer.
I hope you've enjoyed the Scrapbook Page, learning about my creative process, and hearing about all the details......now on to the Giveaway!
I'm sure you're just as busy as I am this holiday season. I have made an effort to get stuff done ahead of time and not wait until the last minute. lol So far I've made 9 jars of Apple Butter, all the Christmas presents are bought but 2, the Christmas Cards are almost finished, my home is decorated and one Christmas program has been attended. Whew! I'm feeling pretty good about it all!
Here's a sweet picture of my Arianna Faith taken last night, right before her Christmas program. She sang her heart out. She has the most beautiful voice ever!
Ok, now on to crafting.......here are two projects I made recently for the Spellbinders Blog. Candy canes seem to be my creative theme at the moment!
And a few different ways to use this Holiday Decor.....
Supplies include: Classic Petal Edgeabilities,2011 Heirloom Ornament, Holiday Tags, Premium Craft Foil; Best Creations Glitter Paper; Worldwin Paper Treasures White Cardstock; JustRite Stampers; Want2Scrap Bits of Bling in Red; Scrapbooks Adhesives By 3L 3D Foam Squares; white ribbon, red and black ink, soup can, candy canes, poinsettia, chocolate and christmas flowers.
Hey Check it out! I just got my first iphone 4s (that goes perfectly with my Macbook Pro) and I am in Heaven!
I love QR codes and decided to try one in my blog to see how many people actually use them. So, if you have a smartphone with a QR code reader app, scan this QR code to be taken to the actual blog post with video tutorial!
Isn't technology fabulous?!!!
Wow! Lots of eye candy in one blog post huh? Hope you enjoyed this. Let me know what you think of picture tutorials, video tutorials and QR Codes. I'd love to know.
