Mixed Media Monday: Surprise!

For this week’s Mixed Media Monday project, I would like to share a bit more about my newest album, the Surprise! Birthday album. I will be teaching a class on how to build and decorate this album at Paper Pals on Saturday, July 13th starting at 9a. The cost of the class is only $75, which is a great deal considering you make this entire book – just chipboard and paper, a little ribbon, buttons, and brads – and go home with a completed album ready for photos!

These pictures aren’t the greatest (it’s not easy to photograph a book standing up!) but I’d like to tell you about some of the great elements inside. The pattern was designed by and purchased from Kathy Orta Files of Paper Phenomenon. I recommend checking her out, she has some brilliant projects!



On the left is a shot of the spine (the back is just the red paper with the fun dots); this book is just over two inches thick and has eight pages. Each page measures 9 in wide and 10 in high, with a large pocket on the right side that can easily hold an 7.75 in x 9.75 in photo mat, journal page, or other ephemera.

In the middle is the first layout, the inside front cover (there’s a cute ribbon on the bottom of that 5x7 mat now) and the first page. It has two 4x5 pockets on the top half, and one long 4x9 pocket on the bottom half, with a large 4x6 mat (the balloons lift up so the photo can be under them, and two smaller mats (about 3x4).



This is the second layout, first two-page. The left side of the page has a 4x6 mat under the “Hip Hip horray!” cutout (as you can see, it folds out), and a smaller mat on the bottom. The right side has a 6x5 pocket opening on the top, and a 5x6 pocket opening to the right, as well as two 2x5 pockets on the left side. You can put a small photo on the “Happy Birthday” cutout, and there’s room for journaling on the three little houses and the red banner.



The third layout has two classic birthday party icons:  a large cake on the left, a wrapped present on the right. The cake has two small mats on the bottom layer; the next layer up (Surprise!) is actually a pocket, with a white 3x4 mat in it. On the opposite page are four 4x5 pockets with mats as well as a gift tag for journaling.



Layout four, with the fourth and final pocket style; on the left are a few fun tags for journaling as well as a four part waterfall to hold photos and more journaling (fun element!). Plus a cute little pile of gifts at the bottom. On the right side are two photo mats (the 3x4 is under “wish big”, which is only adhered at the bottom so you can slip a photo behind it), and the larger one is 4x6. This page has two 4x5 pockets on the top half, and one 5x8 pocket that opens to the right.

The page styles repeat one more time as far as pocket size and placement, so I’ll just briefly describe how I decorated each layout.



This is the fifth layout (using page style one on the right). On the left is a large 6x6 mat with a few journaling spots. The left has three 3x4 mats as well as a circle to journal on (green with a red button to pull it out from under the cutout). Sorry for the not so great photography, it was getting dark outside and I was losing my light!



Layout six repeats page style two. On the left are two 4x6 mats under cutouts(each opening up) ; on the right is a 3x4 mat under a cutout (opens to the left). The little cupcake is popped up on dimensional foam squares, the other three squares are glued down just for funsies [smile].



Layout seven repeating page style three. On the left side a 4x6 mat and a 3x4 mat. Keep it simple; after all, this book is for photos. On the right are some fun banners for journaling as well as a 4x6 cutout that can be covered with a photo, or a you can use the cake for a journal spot.



The last two-page spread repeating page style four. On the left is a 3x4 mat and another 6x6 mat with some more cute balloons (had to hand cut all of those out by the way!). On the right just some fun decorations and a fussy cut photo spot cut out of a 4x6 cutout on the bottom. Again, keep it simple!

                           

This is the back of the eighth page and the inside of the back cover. The last page has two mats 3x4 and one 4x6; the 5x7 mat on the right now has a cute ribbon along the bottom of it. So that’s the album! It was a lot of fun to design the layouts, and if you can’t attend the class I can make you a kit! Or even a whole album if you’d like one. These books are very durable and have 36 pockets (not including all the elements I added) – a great investment!

Mixed Media Monday: The ABCs of ART

On Mondays I would like to focus on Mixed Media; this will include projects I've created, as well as techniques and projects I find in my adventures. (From now on, you can find posts in this particular series by clicking on the label at the bottom of my Home page or at the end of each individual post.)

This is a canvas I made for a Paper Pals Design Team Challenge:  Art Squares. You can read more about them by clicking on that link, and see some other projects created with them as well. For this project I used four of them on the bottom holding the title. It was my first experience working with Art Squares, and I enjoyed them.

Back to the process:  I tried to follow the steps that I learned last summer when I took my first (and so far only) mixed media canvas class at Paper Pals. It was called Home Is Where the Heart Is; it's now hanging in my art room. No matter the end result, the process is basically the same - it's all about the layers. This time, I started with a patterned paper collage background (I wish I had taken a picture of it!) I adhered the paper to the canvas using Claudine Hellmuth Studio Multi-Medium (basically a better version of Mod Podge). I've found it works best for me if I put a thin layer on the canvas as well as the back of the paper.

Next, I painted the edges of the canvas with green acrylic paint, coming up over the sides and onto the paper to blend it all together. To add more depth and texture to the background, I used alphabet stamps with Archival ink and stencils with acrylic paints, both by Dyan Reaveley, randomly stamping and painting parts and pieces, most of which you can still see. I then took a spiral stencil and randomly painted a few swirls. I wasn't sure how much would be seen when I finished adding layers.

For the top layer, I added the Art Squares with the title (for a description see the Design Team post), stamped the list along the right side, and created the tag embellishment. For the list of ABCs I cut pieces of cream cardstock to 3/4" and use small alpha stamps and brown Archival ink. I then adhered them to some orange patterned paper with ATG and trimmed it down before adhering it to the canvas with more Multi-Medium. For the tag embellishment, I covered a manila colored large shipping tag with music paper, then tore a piece of patterned paper and adhered it to the right side (inking the edges of everything as I went). I then stamped some grid lines going off the edges in a few spots, and adhered the swirl (which I had fussy cut from a piece of patterened paper for a different project but hadn't used yet).

For the bird, I took a pre-cut and embossed chipboard bird and darkened it slightly with Vintage Photo Distress Ink, then stamped on it with a script stamp. I adhered it to a tiny clothespin using Glossy Accents, and adhered the clothespin to the tag. The sentiment is from a Tim Holtz stamp set, stamped in Archival ink, edges torn and distressed, and held in place by the clothespin. I also put a dimensional square under the bottom of it to help keep it in the right spot. I also used Glossy Accents to adhere the buttons, and finally, I took three charms and attached them to a special safety pin that has loops on the bottom, then put the safety pin through the tag itself. The tag is adhered to the canvas using more dimensional squares. I used a scrap of ribbon in the top, as well as behind the "t" in art.

Overall, I would say I'm pleased with the end result. I'm not happy with how much of the stamping/stenciling layer on top of the paper is still visible, so in the future I'll have to experiment with that a little. I'd also like to try making some more 3-D tags as embellishments and/or stand-alone projects. I had fun trying to find the right combination of materials to achieve the look I was going for (although I'm not entirely sure what that look actually was).

Next week I'd like to have some photos to share of my end-of-year gifts for a few coworkers, most of them being canvases, so be watching for them in the next installment of Mixed Media Monday! And be sure to comment with questions and/or photos of our own projects.

Idle Hands

No doubt you’ve heard (and probably quoted) the old adage “Idle hands are the Devil’s tools” in one form or another. Though I can’t remember a specific instance, I’m sure I’ve said it to at least one of my students or the child of a friend. So I did some “research” (meaning I typed it into Google) and found this:

“‘Idleness is the root of mischief.’ This maxim has been traced back to [Geoffry] Chaucer's 'Tale of Melibee' (c. 1386). [It was] first attested in the United States in 'Collections' (1808). The proverb is found in varying forms:  ‘Satan has some mischief for idle hands to do’; ‘The devil finds work (or mischief) for idle hands to do.’ From ‘Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings’ by Gregory Y. Titelman (Random House, New York, 1996).” [italics mine]

Upon further “research” I found some information regarding The Tale of Melibee here. It was the second tale in Chaucer’s collection The Canterbury Tales, the only one that Chaucer did not write himself. In fact, it was a translation based on a story that was a translation based on another story. For that reason alone I would think it worth reading, although you apparently can’t find it in some contemporary versions of the collection (that link explains everything).

Like most maxims/proverbs/adages/clichés, it has lasted for centuries because it states a simple truth about human nature that will never change. In this case, referring to the necessity of constant forward motion. I find it very apropos (very appropriate to a particular situation) as an elementary Special Education teacher. When a child’s hands are idle, mischief is never out of reach! Which makes Fridays in our classroom particularly stressful some weeks [smile]

As many of you know, I work in the Resource Room at a local elementary school. Taking some time on Friday afternoons to cook something simple and delicious has become part of our routine; we only have four students from 12:30-2:00, as compared to our normal group of fourteen who come and go (most kids are served M-Th for one or two half hour blocks). These particular students are in greater need of some independent living skills than extra academic work, so we’ve been working on basic recipes. This past Friday, our resident supervisor of the cooking process was out sick, so we decided to try a Valentine’s Day-themed art project. Here are the hands at work:



I must say they did remarkably well for students with fine motor difficulty and short attention spans. The idea was to make a “mixed media canvas” using a cardboard base, Valentine themed scrapbook paper and embellishments, and some good old fashioned Elmer’s School Glue. I cut the paper into 6x6 inch squares and had them tear strips and/or pieces to collage the background. They used paint brushes to apply the glue and embellishments. It was my goal to have this take an hour; they finished up after about 50 minutes, and each one was as unique as its creator (these children happen to be in grades two, four, and five):



My instructions were simply to choose three or four of their favorite papers to layer on the background, tearing them (no scissors necessary) and gluing them down. They were given some embellishments, and the rest was up to them! I am so proud of their creativity and determination, and I know whomever they gift these to will receive them with big smiles and hugs. I look forward to future projects, and will try to share more photos of the great work they encourage.

For those of you with children, this might be a fun way to make an extra special gift for someone you love – it’s quick, easy, and allows for a great deal of individual creative expression. The possibilities for materials are cheap, easy to access, and endless! (I cut up an old box for the bases, and some paper I didn’t particularly like for the decoration! They can be any size or shape. Tearing paper is a good release of energy and helpful for kids who struggle to use scissors.)

Two Birds With a Patchwork Stone?

Well it’s time for week seven already; not sure how that happened! I haven’t done my page/project for week six yet but I will post photos as soon as each step is finished. I admit, the last two prompts were difficult even on their own! “Behind the Fence” and “Date Night” is an odd combo, and I want to do something worthy of the creative challenge. A few times in the past week I considered adding to one of the first pages I made for my first art journal:

   

This was it’s progression – from a basic green background (using Dylusions Cut Grass ink spray I got from Paper Pals) and a some painted bubble wrap texture on the top and a tree on the bottom (its orientation was landscape originally), to a pair of trees (and a portrait orientation) which I disliked even more, to a gesso covered background with a house, a fence, a yard, and a two faceless people (haha) in swimwear. I made them that way because of the page it goes with:



This page is on the left in my journal, the people on the right. It says “Five-0 Reasons to Love Me….” with a surfboard for two reasons I think the new Hawaii Five-0 rocks (and Alex O’Loughlin is hot!); and I would like to have my wedding on a beach some place warm (preferably Hawaii, but I’m flexible). Eventually I’ll put a list of 50 reasons to love me, but I’m still trying to decide how I want that part to look. So really, the fence is already there, and date night would go along with the existing concept. But two things. First of all, the fence was an afterthought of decoration and background layering, not an integral part of the page.

Second, and more important, I don’t want to use a pre-determined idea as my response to this week’s prompts; the intention behind this project of drawing two cards a week for 52 weeks (or one year) was to help me achieve my goal of making art every day. So I still have nothing for week six, but I’m thinking on it.

Back to week seven, which starts today:  collage background from scraps. This is a fun one; in fact, I already have one almost finished, but I made it a few weeks ago so I’ll be making a new one with some different colors. I find the act of layering a background with smaller pieces of paper very relaxing, almost meditative, so perhaps it will free my subconscious from the dreaded (dare I say it) “artist’s block” and help me finish last week’s as well (hence the “two birds” title).

While we’re on the subject of layering backgrounds with scraps, I find myself wondering how many of you reading this made some sort of resolution/goal or perhaps even edict (a proclamation having the force of law – very intense, very pertinent) to use up your scraps of paper you’ve been hoarding.

This would be a great project to get that ball rolling! Especially if you can find a way to use this prompt for something other than a small art journal page (like say about twenty ATCs for trade night next week? They would all be unique, make great backgrounds, even for a later trade….)

It would also be a great exercise to let go of your control a little and just randomly grab, say, [insert number here, preferably an even one, if not don’t tell me] pieces of paper – and use no more, no less – to fit together. A collage based on reckless abandon…. hmm. Very intimidating, very daring, very….creative?

Explore Possibilities

We all want to feel as though we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. We want to know that we’re making a difference in the world, that we have a purpose for being here, that we’ll be remembered when we’re gone. Every day we impact the world around us; sometimes we are even blessed enough to see it happen.

If I’m honest with myself, I would say that I have moments every day when I make a difference, live out my purpose, and directly impact the future. Moments that remind me of why I accept the challenge of teaching Special Education children. Although I don’t always have what I need to invest in them as much time or direct instruction as I’d like, they continue to push themselves to be better readers, writers, thinkers, and/or mathematicians. Some struggle to learn the ins and outs of social situations (an area that I can relate to on a very personal level). All need to be taught, with patience, what’s expected, what’s acceptable, how precious and important they are.

I have to show up every day willing to offer a safe place, to remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is cause for celebration. I also have to let go, every day, all the frustration, stress, sadness, and physical abuse I’m confronted with; if as teachers we neglect ourselves, who will be left to educate the future?

I must confess I’ve been failing in this. Lately I’ve begun to question the path I’ve chosen to follow. Perhaps it’s because I’m not letting go, or perhaps it’s a natural rhythm of my life. Whatever the reason, I know that I am coming to a crossroad, and soon a decision will need to be made.

With this in mind, I begin “one little word”. I wrote about this new adventure in my post One Little Word. That was really just a brief introduction as the excitement of having made something consumed me. The past couple of days I’ve spent far too long simply staring at the cards, not sure how I would begin to live them out.

Yesterday I was able to participate in the beginning of a great change in the life and business of a friend. Her excitement was encouraging and contagious; she was stepping out of the familiar and daring to believe that she would land on something greater. She was doing what I’ve pledged to do this month – explore possibilities.



This is a photo of that change – it’s the new clearance wall at Paper Pals. Karen let me help her arrange stuff, which was like a giant puzzle – so relaxing! It represents a sort of cleansing, a clearing out of the old to make room for the new, letting go of the past so the future is more clearly seen.

Soon this amazing little “scrapbook” store will have a new look. The outside (the store itself) will more closely resemble the inside (the owner’s journey deeper into her own creativity and artistry). The transformation has already begun, with more classes and supplies for those experimenting with and learning mixed media and paper crafting beyond the more “traditional” scrapbook. It is a great honor and privilege to take part in this journey of exploration.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future’” Jeremiah 29:11 (or at least how I remember it). One of my favorite promises! And so true, if only we’ll step out on nothing, expecting to land on something.

As this month quickly fades away, I hope to share more about this intention to explore possibilities, and begin to answer “What if….?” In fact, tonight I’m going to answer it by working on my art challenge page for week three (vision) and see where it leads me. Let inspiration find me working!

(Sometimes I feel like I’m talking to myself in this blog! I would so love to hear about your “one little word” and how you intend to act on it.)

Welcome to Paper Pals!

“She created a life she loved.”
~ Donna Downey

Well friends, today I would like to introduce you to one of my new favorite places! It’s called Paper Pals, and it’s a local paper crafting supply store here in Pullman. The owner, Karen, is very friendly and knows a lot about the world of paper crafts. I’ve been hanging out there for the past couple of weeks working on projects.

See those big windows? That makes up one whole wall of the store, and right on the other side of them are six-foot-long tables that are available for public use. That’s where I’ve been working. She also offers classes on making cards, mixed media canvases, mini albums,and art journaling; she has a 14-hour crop once a month at the Quality Inn; she brings in someone to teach Intuitive collage; she hosts birthday parties; and she does custom wedding invitations! Oh my!



This week is a special one because Karen is celebrating the store’s 10th Anniversary with a big sale on Saturday! You can win this awesome tote full of great stuff, get 20% the entire store, and make a mini squash album or Cuttlebug card! Lots of fun and great deals! If you live here, or you’re visiting for the Lentil Festival, you should stop by between 10a and 5p – you get a raffle ticket just for showing up! (Plus an extra for every $10 you spend!)

I love hanging out there and working. I’ve been going in every day she’s open for the past two weeks! (Tuesday – Saturday from Noon-6p) During that time I’ve learned how to make mixed media canvases (photos available at Mixed Media Projects), create backgrounds for art journals, and make ATCs!

       

Oliver came with me today to help take some photos. On the left you can see some projects from the classes she offers, and on the right he’s sitting at her wedding invitation station. More photos of the store and products will be appearing each week here on my blog (under a new Paper Pals tab I’ll create tonight).

One of the most important things you should know about this store is that it’s not just a scrapbook store – it’s a paper crafting/mixed media project/art journal store. You can find supplies, ideas, and inspiration for just about any type of creation you’d like to make. Even if you’re not sure what you’re doing! Just come in and say, “Here’s what I need, and what I got,” and be open to suggestion. You’ll be surprised at the amazing things you’re able to create with just a little push!

   

This awesome paper is some of the new product she’s getting in a couple times a week. There are stickers and books that coordinate – and with the big tables and awesome view, you can buy everything you need then sit right down and get to work! And chances are you’ll be seeing Oliver and me working on something, too!

Check out Paper Pals on Facebook at Paper Pals and be sure to “like” them for great photos, newsletter information, and updates. You can also visit the blog at www.scrapatpaperpals.blogspot.com. And don’t forget to stop by this Saturday, August 18th, from 10a-5p for cupcakes, card making, and great deals!