Mummy cat rubber stamped and redacted recycled book page Halloween decoration

Have you tried redacting book pages to make quotes and fun phrases? I love it. It's like a puzzle but creative.

I thought I'd make some more book cover art with the redacted book pages and adding my favorite new Halloween stamp - a mummy cat from Judikins.

 This page I actually found Kat and craft on the page!

The other 2 say

"One of the problems...an ordinary...person....is to keep a covert eye on him. He....would...hide behind.....tombstones.....of course.

and

What do we know?....asked....the....tail....he's....to...destroy....incriminating.....information.

Try hide and seek with words!

Election year U.S. map and recycled dictionary page card

I remember being at an election part for Obama's first term and the hostess had a map on a board that was colored in every time a state was announced. This U.S. die cut card is inspired by election year maps.

For the background I used a page from an old dictionary and I chose the page that had California on it. To embellish the page I stenciled a field of stars with a blue ink pad and a Judikins field of stars stencil.

I used the Sizzix United States die to cut out both the outline of America and the individual California state.

Happy Election Year!

Glow in the Dark secret inspiration word art

I am a big fan of little secret things in art, hidden messages, images, etc. I thought it might be fun to paint a secret message on two stenciled panels.  During the day they look like pretty decorative stenciled art and at night they glow with the inspirational word "DO".

I started out with some recycled square pieces of wood.
I painted them with two different shades of FolkArt paint- Cascade and Dutch Aqua.

When they were dry I taped the Floral Wallpaper and Nouveau Damask stencils onto the blocks and stenciled them using Waverly Chalk paint in plaster color.

 When the decorative stencil paint was dry I then laid the Waverly letter stencil over the decorative stencil (THIS IS IMPORTANT NOT TO REMOVE THE UNDER STENCIL!) and painted the letter with the glow in the dark finish paint. It doesn't show during the day but when the lights go out they show up.

How to make fallen soldier uniform pendants

It is important to always remember the soldiers who give their lives for us every day but we do dedicate a very special day to them. So it is this weekend that I bring you my second fallen soldier project. Last year I posted about the tote bags I made for two Gold Star Moms out of their son's uniforms. This year I have to share with you a pendant that I made with scraps from one of the fallen soldier's uniforms, SPC Nick Steinbacher.

If you would like to make one here is how I made the uniform pendant:
I made a little square window the size of the Judikins pendant. I then could move the window around to get just the right bit of digital camo to fill the pendant.

Then I placed a bit of double sided Scotch poster tape on the back to stabilize the fabric, prevent it from fraying when cut and to stick it in the pendant.

I cut out the digital camo uniform piece and stuck it in the pendant.

Then I filled the pendant with Gel du Soleil Sunlight Curing Epoxy.

I am so grateful to all who serve and give me the freedom to do what I do.

Thank you.

Paper Jewelry inspired by The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Jewelry Making Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide for Jewelers and Metalsmiths

This is my latest experiment in jewelry making inspired by the positively fabulous book The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Jewelry Making Techniques. I tend to love design that pushes the edge and this book is packed full of not only those types of designs but the "how-tos" to go along with the modern looks.

On this page you can see the cool flourish earrings. The design is actually in sheet metal but I have another idea! They reminded me of one of my Sizzix die cuts (Flourish #8) It is a thin die so it only likes to cut paper. Well I wanted to make a piece of flourish jewelry so I cut a bunch out of black paper.

I stuck two pieces together with a dry adhesive. Then I coated each side with Judikins DG3 Art Gel.

I linked a chain through each of the flourishes and then linked the flourishes together.

I've been wearing it while I writing this post and since the necklaces were two different weights it has shifted to have the focal flourishes on the side. It looks really cool!

I'll let you know how well it wears and how long it lasts. I am curious myself! But I guess that's why they call it an experiment. Hehe.

Love modern jewelry and want to make some yourself? Try this wonderful book from Interweave Press:

The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Jewelry Making Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide for Jewelers and Metalsmiths

by
Vannetta Seecharran

"Find creative direction, inspiration and the countless possibilities for designing contemporary jewelry.

The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Jewelry Making Techniques

is a comprehensive guide for jewelers who want to create sensational, one-of -a-kind jewelry.

• All of the techniques are enhanced with step-by-step instructions and clear photographs
• Essential metalsmithing techniques are covered along with methods for working with a wide range of other materials which can be used on their own or in combination
• Included are techniques and processes for working with plastics, rubber, resin, ceramics, glass, leather, textiles, paper, natural and found objects, mixed media, and precious and non-precious metals
• Along with a helpful guide to the essential tools you will need, you???ll find that each chapter includes a thorough introduction to the properties and possibilities of each material and an examination of the techniques possible with that material

Finally, there is an invaluable resource of surface textures that can be achieved for all of the media featured in the book as well as a practical guide to the different kinds of clasps and closures available."

Craft Super Show and CHA WInter 2010 pictures

OK I am coming up for air and I have some super fun Craft Super Show and CHA pictures to share with you!
First off, as stated in my previous post The Queen of crafts-Carol Duvall was in the Judikins booth at the Super Show and we had a bonus guest Mary O'Neil of Hot Potatoes, ah to be in the company of such great crafters!
OK, now for some real wackiness. Sarah Moore, The Editor in Chief of CraftCritique.com had Carol Duvall autograph her arm and was seriously considering having it perminantly made into a tattoo, so I just had to share mine with her from one serious crafter to another.
Now on to CHA. I always love seeing Margot Potter. She is so fun and has great energy. Also in the F +W booth was Katie Hacker. She has designed the most amazing line of jewelry components called Katiedids with Beadalion. You will positively love to design with these!
And the Pièce de résistance I got to meet and have a photo taken with Brini Maxwell! There will be more to come but that's what I have for you right now!

CHA Carol Duvall in the Judikins booth news and Crafty blogger links

If you are coming to the retail Craft Super Show, come and take the Customize your Greeting Card Album register here with me.

Class Description:

Saturday January 23

3-5 PM

Put your personal touch on a Card Album specifically designed to store, gently bind and display your cherished greeting cards that you've received or made. Crafters will get their groove on with Judikins stamps, inks, and glazes along with Sizzix dies using beautiful papers and embellishments from Creativity Inc.'s Autumn Leaves Collection.

In addition to my 2 classes (the Sweater Surgery Bird Necklace in previous post) the fabulous and talented Jeannine Stein

author of:

Re-Bound will be teaching a class.

Class description:

Learn how to make eye-catching and functional handmade books using recycled materials and the latest in scrapbooking and paper crafting supplies. Jeannine Stein, author of "Re-Bound: Creating Handmade Books From Recycled and Repurposed Materials" will show quick and easy ways to take every day objects and made them into one-of-a-kind books. Projects include a planner made from a decorative file folder, a two-sided mini book made from a vintage flash card, and a photo album made from food packaging. Come away with three books and countless new and exciting ways to use papers and embellishments.

This class is Sunday, Jan. 24th from noon 12-2 PM. The # is W0507 and here is the link.

And she will be doing the Make and Takes on Monday the 25th from 11 AM to 1 PM. in the Quarry booth #2144 where you can make this super cute book made from bingo cards and the inside pages are Montgomery Ward catalog pages and old ledger pages. The binding is a five-hole pamphlet stitch.

For the full CHA schedule of author signings and Make and takes see Monday's 2 posts at Craftside.

Also in fabulous fun CHA news:

Carol Duvall will be signing copies of her book

Paper Crafting with Carol Duvall

in the Judikins Booth #720 on Friday And Saturday

There will also be 4 fabulous demonstrators in the Judikins booth so you should definitely swing by and pick up some cool techniques and while your there do some shopping (This is where you can buy Greeting Card Albums!)

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week Craftside's got tutorials on how to make a paw print place mat, a tasty "bite" from the new book The Designer's Graphic Stew, how to sew a neckband into a neckline, all the CHA author details and how to make a scratching box for your cat.

About Family Crafts
Sherri shares a collection of craft projects, all made from fleece fleece fabric. You can make everything from Sleeved Blankets for yourself and your pet to simple hats and scarves.

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
Get into the early Valentine spirit with these colorful and cute Valentine brooches!

Cathie Filian
Check out Cathie's CHA plans! Her new book 101 Snappy Fashions and her new product line will be unveiled.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Is it really possible to quit your day job and become a full-time crafter?

Cross Stitch at About.com
Cutesy Cross Stitch not your style? Seeking stitches for your sarcastic friends and family members? Check out Connie's snarky stitchery patterns for a refreshing change of pace that avoids an X rating.

Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style
Learn to make Linda's favorite baby-quilt standby--Baby Blocks.

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
It's Chipboard Week at The Impatient Crafter and Madge throws down an 80s inspired mixed media necklace for iLoveToCreate!

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi's shibori fabric is finished...and it was easy to make!

The Artful Crafter
Are you sometimes frazzled by all the demands for your time? Here's Eileen's plan to make more time for her art.

The Crochet Dude
Drew reviews Arctic Lace by Donna Druchunas, and enter to win some lace weight qiviut!

Die cut, stamped and shrunk deer Christmas necklace made with inspiration from the book Beyond The Bead

This is my Christmas necklace for this year:

I am still going with the reindeer as my theme (I did reindeer last year too).
I have learned lots of new techniques this year and have been working with lots of traditional and non traditional materials has become one of my passions.

A book that really exemplifies this is
Beyond The Bead: Making Jewelry With Unexpected Finds
a wonderful book by Margot Potter

It is packed full of wild and crazy and cool designs that are made from practically every material under the sun.
Not only that, it includes great step-by -steps so you too can make these fun projects.
I pulled a little from a whole bunch of projects in Beyond The Bead: Making Jewelry With Unexpected Finds and this is what I made.

First I die cut a piece of shrink plastic in the shape of a heart with wings by Sizzix.
Then I stamped the shrink plastic with one of my new deer stamps from www.iloverubberstamps.com and inked the edges a bit.

Then I shrank it.
Then I added some silver with an Elmers Painters pen and then coated the top with some Judikins Diamond Glaze.
Then all that was left to do was link up some chain and beads from my Blue Moon Beads stash and I have some new bling!

More from the Publisher about
Beyond The Bead: Making Jewelry With Unexpected Finds:

"Written in Margot's humorous voice, Beyond The Bead leads readers through a series of techniques for creating unique mixed-media jewelry. Step-by-step instruction is provided for all the techniques including working with glass, resin and plastic, polymer and metal clay, felt and fibers, hardware store goods, paper art supplies and even odds and ends from around the home. A gallery of finished pieces that utilize those same techniques fill each chapter, inspiring readers to create pieces all their own. Focuses on teaching techniques versus the traditional format of step-by-step projects by demonstrating a variety of techniques then showing a gallery of finished projects using them in different ways. About the Author: Margot Potter is an author, designer, TV spokesperson, blogger, consultant and gal about town. Better known as The Impatient Beader, Margot is the author of the very successful Impatient Beader series and her work is frequently featured in Simply Beads. She appears on QVC as a jewelry expert and her blog, www.margotpotter.com, receives more than 6,000 hits daily."

The Card Album in The Judikins Booth at The Carson Rubber Stamp Show and Crafty Blogger Links

This is the Judikins booth at this past weekend's Carson Rubber Stamp Show. As you can see I couldn't get very close because of the crowd watching all the cool techniques that Cherryl Greene was demonstrating!Not only was Cherryl teaching cool techniques, Judi, yes one in the same of Judikins was also sharing cool stuff you can do with all their great new products. One of which is the Card Album, as seen below. Not the best picture but hey it is such an exciting event, picture taking was a little crazed!
OK, that's the stamping and shopping news of the weekend here is the crafting news from my fellow Crafty Bloggers:

Vickie Howell-Craft.Rock.Love
Vickie's 10 Craft Tips for Busy Parents!

The Impatient Crafter
Madge shares the 411 on how she made a gorgeous crystal, rubber and exposed wire collar inspired by African jewelry.

The Crochet Dude
See a sneak peek video of Drew's new pattern line that launches August 1st!

The Artful Crafter
If you’re a polymer clay beginner or just want a quick professional looking project, use molds!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there is the latest episode of Look, Learn & Create featuring the fabulous cloth doll artist, Patti Medaris Culea, a fun vegan recipe for Frushi (fruit sushi), a how-to on making a tennis ball training tool, and an Illustrator tutorial to make a digital word ATC and as always a bunch of questions that if you answer you are entered to win a free book!

Mixed Media Artist
Do not fear...making altered books will not cause lightning to strike you!

Cross Stitch at About.com
What do you do with odds and ends of embroidery floss? Read these ideas and share your own.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Have you thought of starting your own craft weblog? Here is why crafting rocks when it comes to niche blogging.

Cathie Filian
When you need a crafty break - whip up this quick and easy snack of homemade hummus and baked bagel chips.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen gives you a sneek peek at some felt banners she's making for a swap, and tells you how to make easy rolled felt flowers to use as embellishments.

About Family Crafts
As a parent, one of the biggest crafting dilemmas you may face is what to do with all the wonderful masterpieces your child creates. How do you display each piece so it gets the attention it deserves?

Earth day Jewelry Making Inspired by Heidi Boyd's Simply Beaded Bliss- making charms from button covers and advertising buttons

Bliss is soooo true!

Simply Beaded Bliss: Adding Unique Elements to Classic Beaded Jewelry, Gifts and Cards
by
Heidi Boyd

Every project in Simply Beaded Bliss features classic beading that will appeal to readers of all skill levels and inclinations.

Step-by-step jewelry projects show the reader how to combine a wide variety of interesting elements, including sequins, buttons, phone wire, snaps, washers and tin with traditional beads, all created in Heidi's uniquely pretty style. The innovative selection of gifts and cards shows readers how to use those same elements in multiple crafts, therefore expanding the practical application of the techniques presented.

Jam-packed with over 40 projects and 15+ project variations, Simply Beaded Bliss offers a great value to mixed-media and jewelry-making enthusiasts alike. I am both so I am so good to go!

This is the way cool piece that I took my inspiration from. Heidi made her charm from a button cover-brilliant! Well, I happen to have a million promotional buttons from all sorts of events I go to and I flipped one over and it looked perfect for this technique of placing an image in and then filling with a protective coating!

So here is what I did:
I pulled the wire pin part out of the promo buttons, this was very easy, they are simply in with a bit of tension.
Then I used a round paper punch the same size as the interior of the button and punched a bunch of images from magazines and catalogs.
Then I simply popped the images into the backside of the buttons and filled them with Judikins DG3 Art Gel and let dry.
Then after they dried over night I drilled a tiny hole just big enough for a jump ring and linked them up on a chain.

I can tell this is going to be addictive! Have a "green crafting day"!

Skull and Winged Heart Shrink Plastic Earrings

I have been playing with shrink plastic since I was a kid and I love it just as much as I did then as I do now. I watched Judi's Plum & Verdigris Episode - Punch It, Shrink It, Wear It

TVWeekly peeps at CHA

Here are a bunch of the TVWeekly.com peeps at CHA.

Here is Jami Petersen posing in front of the big screen with, oh who's that on the monitor? Why it's Jami Petersen!
Well you can never get too much of a good thing!

Forget the Oscars- Jeanie Sumrall-Ajero and her super funny and snarky(which I love!) hubbie with their award for best Tech Booth for Kaleidoscope Kreator 2.0 (or something like that) They can correct me in the comments section!

TVWeekly.com had buttons made of some of the hosts and here Jeanie is showing off her mini Jeanie!

Here Judi, Rosie and I pose in the fabulous Judikins booth.

Here I am with Karen Thomas in the Yasutomo Booth. I haven't seen her in forever!!!! We need some paper folding-stat!

And I already posted the Fabulous Michael Strong demo-ing his great heart project on Valentines Day.

Tricia Morris from Club Scrap was there but she was moving so fast I couldn't get a picture of her!
But I do have this one from the last shoot, Sparkle and Shine:

I hope you all enjoy seeing all these crafty people doing there thing! I love working with them and learning so much. I am a very lucky girl!