Always Remembered RIP Raj

I haven't really been in the right frame of mind to craft anything. My crafting partner died on 9/30/2014. Raj was my German Shepherd mix. She was diagnosed with mass cell tumors 7 months ago. I made this scrub top to honor her memory. To me, this shirt is Art. 

Many people don't understand what it feels like to lose such a huge part of your life, but those people usually aren't "animal" people. For those of us that have the unmistakable bond with a furry friend it is devastating to lose them. 

Raj was the only constant part of my life for 15 years. We were homeless together, slept in abandoned cars, the park. She made everything okay in the world. She was my rock. 

Every day that goes by makes me miss her more, not less, because it is yet another day that we aren't together. 

I am a veterinary technician because of Raj. I wanted to provide the best possible care for her and was successful for 15 years but I couldn't save her. All of my schooling and knowledge......we tried everything to beat the cancer. She was such a brave, fearless fighter until the very end and I couldn't have asked for anything more. She was happy and playful until the last surgery, she had 6 surgeries total and chemo. 

Not many people will read this blog post but to those that happen upon this and have lost a beloved pet-just know that you are not alone and my heart hurts for you. Only you will know what you are feeling, no other person can tell you when things will get better but when that day comes that you are able to talk about your lost loved one, know that I am there with you in understanding that feeling.

I miss my baby girl so very much and I am thankful that nobody is telling me to move on, or get over it, because I would probably go a bit PG-13 on them. Thank you for reading this and hugs to all the furry critters out there. 

RIP-Raj 12/25/1998-9/30/2014. 

ATB with a Sweet Twist

I had to try this and see what all the craze was about. I don't have the ATB die so I made this block by using a template I drew out. 4x4x13 with 1/2 inch on each end. Cut 2.

I painted all the edges black to go with my theme and then cut each paper down to the correct size. It was time consuming but good to do.

I labeled each side so that I would know the correct direction to put items and words and thank goodness I did!

I kept cutting paper and glueing to give my sides some layers. 

Once everything was dry it was time to decorate each side. I kept everything in the same color pallete of Tiffany Blue, black, and some pink to keep with my inspo-"Breakfast at Tiffanys". I wanted to keep clean lines and add an air of elegence to my ATB. I also added white feathers and pearls to keep it "soft". 

Now for the Sweet Twist and Disguise! Keeping with the Breakfast at Tiffany's theme, I made a washcloth cupcake to put in the ATB. How many of you have eaten a cupcake for breakfast? I have! So cute. 

This ATB is for a swap buddy and she lives far away so I knew I couldn't ship a real cupcake. I made this one from a rolled washcloth and then added the "wrapper" and some bling. Fun and easy to do! The feet of the box are some blinged beads. 

This project will be shared with the following:

Mixed Media Monthly Challenge (HERE)-Ribbons/Twines/Fibers-I used lots of Tiffany Blue ribbon

EileenHull Art with Heart Challenge (HERE)-October Tricks and Treats (my trick and my treat is the "cupcake" inside the ATB

Inspiration Emporium-In Disguise (HERE) (my cupcake is a washcloth, my ATB is actually a cupcake holder, and my bling diamond like pieces are shhhh! fake) :)

The Mirror Crack'd-Body Beautiful (HERE)(I used a curvaceous dress form, think Audrey Hepburn. 

Country View Challenge-Sparkle and Bling. (HERE) (This wouldn't pass for Breakfast at Tiffany's without bling and sparkle right? Lol! I used so many blinged items and sparkle, loves it in this piece!)

Halloween with the Raven-For World Card Making Day!

Did you know that today is World Card Making Day and there is a special challenge over at Mixed Media Mojo? I did and I made this card to join in.

I started by cutting out my paper to roughly a 4.5x5 I used a pewter colored chalk to edge the piece. This is the first card I have ever made so bear with me. 

I cut the purple paper just a tad smaller than the card and applied the Raven stamp on the bottom section of the paper. I used the Tim Holtz edging tool around the edges. 

I then used my spooky fabric piece to cover the top. This is to go along with the Mixed Media Mojo October Challenge of using Halloween/Fall and Fabric, check it out HERE. There is a prize if you join in our special edition CARD making challenge by Sunday Oct 5 Midnight EST HERE. 

After applying the fabric I added the purple and black twine/ribbon piece to help separate the fabric from the Raven quote. The metal skull piece was added last. 

On the inside I kept it simple. A few die cut spider webs that were embossed with black glittery embossing powder and the Trick or Treat stamp that I applied clear embossing powder to. 

Hopefully you are joining in the Card Making Spirit and remember-have fun and get sticky! 

Thanks for stopping by and leaving your lovely comments. It brightens my day! Carpe Diem!

I am sharing this with:

World Card Making Day Blog HERE

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge-Finishing Touch HERE

Aud Sentiments Challenge-Halloween Sentiment HERE

Halloween and Fabric

Happy October everyone! I love Halloween and wanted to make a piece that I knew I could put up in my house for Halloween. I also need to get started decorating my stoop!

This is my second design team piece for Mixed Media Mojo. The theme this month is to use a Halloween/Fall theme and add Fabric. You can check out the challenge HERE. 

I started with and 8x10 canvas and glued the orange paper to it after I edged the sides with brown chalk ink. I added the Sunrise/Sunset checkered stencil with some Graphite Ferro Special Effect paste (TIP: this stuff dries super fast so remember to clean your stencil and whatever item you use to spread the paste)!

Next I added the spider web looking fabric to the upper left corner and glued the Boo foam piece to it. That fabric was hard to glue to the canvas!

While that was drying I started my fabric pumpkin. I cut out a pumpkin shape using cardboard and then glued my fabric to it. I stuffed the fabric and added the stick as a stem. I am doing a more detailed tutorial on October 15th on the MMM blog if you want to learn more about the pumpkin. I will tell you now that cotton balls and glue don't mix well but if was a fun, sticky mess! I did use part of a stick I found in my backyard as the stem. 

I added the black stem items before adhering my fabric pumpkin. I think it looks like a corn field but black, not wheat colored. The stems were purchased at a local craft store as a pick and just snipped into pieces. The small glittery pumpkins at the base of the stems are made of foam-I cut those in half. 

That is pretty much everything that made this project. I hope you enjoy and Happy October!

This piece will be shared with the following:

Altered Eclectics-Anything Goes HERE

Rhedd's Creative Spirit-Halloween or Not? HERE

Fairy Door Altered Altoids Tin

Hello! First thing first-I am so happy to see that I have 3 followers! It means a lot to me as I am still so new to the mixed media art scene. Big thanks to my 3 peeps! Project time: This was totally a fun and frustrating project. I will tell you what NOT to do first. I learned the hard way. Here is my Fairy Door Altered Altoid Tin and ATCs.

First Don't: don't put any paper lining inside the top lid of the tin. It won't shut. 

Second Don't: don't put paper around the bottom of the tin that covers the little lips that allows the tin to close-it won't shut properly. I used lace to cover the edge of the paper that I messed up. Sshhhh!

Those are the big problems I ran into. Okay, onto the break down

First I cut all my paper to glue to the tin. I edged the papers with a purplish/pink chalk ink and then glued the papers using Mod Podge (love the stuff)! While that was drying I cut my ATCs to fit in the tin. 

Next I grabbed some polymer clay and set to work creating my fairy door, rocks (I didn't use these) and flower stems. I hand designed everything you see. I baked all items, let it cool down and painted everything with acrylic paints and Silks. This was my first time using clay. Fun stuff!

After that was all dry I glued my door to the front of the tin lid with Tombow glue and added some moss, the flower stems with glittery flowers and the grass moss at the bottom of the door. 

Now we turn to the inside part of the lid. I added a fairy, a mushroom (painted with Gesso and metallic purple acrylic paint), flowers and a small vial that had Wish Dust in it. So cute!

I then decided to start the ATCs that go in the tin. You can put anything or do anything for this part. I used everything from my stash. I used a pink ribbon as the "hinge" to fold the ATCs up in the tin and as the "handle" to pull it out. Don't use too many embellies or the lid won't shut-but if you do, grab a paperclip and clip the ATCs together so they don't spew out. 

Put all your parts together and Viola! Fairy Door Altered Altoid Tin with ATCs.

Thanks for stopping by and leaving your lovely comments. It brightens my day! Carpe Diem! ~Niki

This project will be shared with the following:

Altered Eclectics-Anything Goes HERE

Craft Hoarders Anonymous-School/Office supplies. HERE I used the paperclip to keep all the ATCs from spilling out-may have gone overboard on embellies. Oops!

Try It on Tuesday-Recycle It. HERE I recycled the Altoid Tin my hubby was going to throw away. 

Left of Center-anything goes in the mythical category. HERE

The Mirror Crack'd-Anything Mixed Media Goes Challenge #1. HERE

Mixed Media Monthly Challenge-Color challenge. HERE I used the pinks and garden feel from the photo. 

Steamed Up

We all need a way to vent our frustration right? This little Steampunk inspired box tells my story about being irritated, mad, frustrated or upset. I write down what is bothering me and at the end of the month I burn all the little papers, therapeutic huh? Yep. Sometimes there is only 1 paper, thank goodness!

I started with a box that I purchased at the thrift store and of course the little hat. I painted the box with teal acrylic metallic paint after I applied gesso. It took about 3-4 coats. While that was drying I was working on finishing my hat. I had started the hat awhile ago but wasn't sure what I was going to do with it. I based the box around the hat. 

I used paper from SOE/SOD that had a flourish design on it and cut 5 panels to cover the outer sides. I also used paper on the inside of the box to cover the inner 5 sides as well. 

I used a wooden corset on one side that I painted with the same teal paint. I added a lace trim and a pleated skirt (it didn't photograph well) to the corset. On the other side I used a TH die to make paper roses. I also painted these with the teal paint, and added black ink to the edges of the flower and clear Stickles to give it some sparkle. 

The front of the box has a black clock on it that was embossed with black glitter embossing powder and a peacock feather with black tulle behind it to tie the box and hat together. The metal corner TH pieces were added last. 

This little box is probably my favorite project done so far. I wish you all could see it in real life. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your lovely comments, it brightens my day! Carpe Diem!

This little story box will be shared with the following:

SanDee & Amelie's Steampunk-Steampunk Stories (HERE)

Craft Hoarders Anonymous-All the Pretty Flowers (HERE)

Anything but a Card #39-Steampunktember (HERE)

Through the Craftroom Door Sept 9th-15th (HERE)

Falling Leaves

Hello! I started this project with a mad hatter theme in mind but switched it up to Fall to fit with the theme for Mixed Media Mojo-Fall/paste, where I am a new Design Team member. Thrilled is not even close to how happy I am to be with this team! Enjoy!

First I use gesso on my 8x10 canvas, then painted small strips of blue to show the "sky" between the wood panels I applied. 

The wood panels were made out of chipboard. I used a Mod Podge stencil and made my texture paste a light brown color. I use homemade texture paste made from baby powder, white acrylic paint and Elmer's glue. I then added a layer of gesso over that, dried it and then used Archival brown ink to add some color. 

I cut out plenty of leaves with my Cuttlebug using a Momenta die from Hobby Lobby. The pumpkin was from the Dollar Tree, I just cut it in half and painted it with Silks Spiced Pumpkin. The original pumpkin is the bottom one. 

I found these amazing top hats and bought every last one they had (4 total, lol!) because I knew I could do lots with it. I cut the hat in half and sprayed the hat with Smooch Spritz copper (not a fan of their bottles-too messy but the color is wonderful) and added a red stitching design, a leaf, and a gold band to fill it out. 

Next comes the box holding the leaves. I purchased this with the top hats. I applied Distress Crackle paint in Peeled Paint and Vintage Photo to the box and added  the words "Leaves are Falling". I embossed the words with black glittery embossing powder and edged the orange paper with brown Archival ink. Adding the straw (Dollar Tree) put the finishing touch on this box. 

Thanks for stopping by and leaving your lovely comments, it brightens my day! Carpe Diem!~€

I will be sharing this project with the following:

Rhedds Creative Spirit-Anything Goes. HERE

Artistic Stamper-Autumn Colors and use a rubber stamp HERE My stamp in Leaves are Falling that I embossed.

Inspiration Journal-Fall is in the Air HERE

Try It on Tuesdays-Use Your Stash HERE. I have had the leaf die cut in my stash but never thought I would use it. Thank goodness I had it and the orange construction paper is from an art class I took in High School, yes, I save everything art related and orange is not a favorite color for me. :)

Altered Eclectics-Anything Goes HERE

Mixed Media Mojo

Hey y'all! This is my first post as a Design Team member for Mixed Media Mojo! So exciting!

For our September Challenge we would like you to create a project that incorporates Fall and uses paste (modeling paste, embossing paste, etc). Get those creative hats on and enter HERE!

Here is a sneak peak at what I made. Enjoy! I will post more later. 

You can check out the other Design Team members projects by clicking on their names.

Maria

Amber

Tameko

Shery

Barb

Kim

Flutterby Butterflies

I wanted to create a canvas with a layered tag look to it and incorporate soft colors. This is not my usual art but I think I did a good job. :)

I started with the tag and used the colors from that to design this piece. I found this amazing metallic acrylic paint and just had to have it. Lol! The blue, purple, and green are metallic paint and it is so gorgeous! I used a TH edger tool to roughen up my paper edges (paper is from Scraps of Elegence/Scraps of Darkness store) and then layered the papers behind the tag. I stamped the bottom two layers to give depth and to tie in my chipboard embellies that I also stamped. 

I then started on painting the canvas with the green metallic paint. I added some cheesecloth that I sprayed with Luminarte sprays and glued it to the canvas. 

I painted the chipboard flourishes with gesso and stamped words on both. I then used a butterfly cutout to make the small blue butterflies that are around the canvas. 

One of my favorite pieces on this is the small little container in the bottom left corner. It started as a bronze color and I hand painted the blues, green and purple to make it look like it belonged with this canvas. I thought it looked like I let the small butterflies out of this jar. :p

I then glued everything where I wanted it and added the finishing touches. Carpe Diem!

Thanks for stopping by and leaving your lovely comments, it brightens my day! Carpe Diem!~€

This canvas will be entered into the following, you can enter as well:

SOE/SOD mid month challenge on Facebook (HERE)

Country View Challenges-Word Play (HERE) I used the words Unlock Your Dreams and Explore Your New Reality to express my open mind about all things crafty I will, or may, get in to.

Artistic Stamper Creative Team Blog-August Challenge Anything Goes (HERE)

Our Creative Corner-Summertime (HERE) Summer to me means plenty of color and butterflies and exploring!

Craft-szafa-Challenge #42-mood board (HERE) I used the soft colors and texture I took from the welcome sign.