SSS Wednesday Challenge -- Beauty & and Altered Notebook

Hey there!  I have a fun project I'm sharing today for yesterday's Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge, which was Girl Power.  I needed a notebook, because I have to make lists or things don't get done, and I found a notebook at Target in the clearance section.  One of my favorite things to do is alter notebooks, since I use them so frequently.  I have a process video to share on how I made it, so please check it out :)

I really love how it turned out, and that sentiment is just so perfect 'beauty is being the best possible version of yourself'.  How true is that?!

 Stamps:  Unity Stamps by Donna Downey -- Windows to the Soul-Large & Imperfection is Beauty

Ink:  Distress Oxide Inks -- Black Soot, Picked Raspberry, Fossilized Amber, & Peacock Feathers

Paper:  Canson XL 140lb Watercolor Paper

Accessories:  notebook, Distress Sprayer, 1/4" hole punch, Tonic Studios Stamp Platform, Craft Mat, Uniball Signo White gel pen

Most items can be found at either Simon Says Stamp or Amazon.  Thanks for stopping by!

PanPastel Poppies

Hey everyone!  I've been a crafting, artsy little bee lately.  With contracts up, and yes that made me sad, my super supportive husband encouraged me to take some classes.  I jumped full into the PanPastel Classes that Donna Downey offers online.  I have had the best time, and it has actually awakened something in me to try new things and be even bolder.  I'm still making cards.  In fact, I have  a couple to share with you, that I will post over the weekend.  

So, let me show you what I've made!  There are several classes to take, and I'm currently on the last class, PanPastel 203.  This first ones are introductions to PanPastels, and can I just say that I am VERY in love with my PanPastels now.  I've learned some great new techniques, and I don't want to stop creating. 

These pieces of art of from PanPastel 202 'Poppies'.  The final project was to be done on canvas, and once I did it I couldn't stop there.  I did three total pieces for the class.  This one is an 11 x 14 canvas.

I feel a bit vulnerable sharing these with you, as it is me to the core.  I drew them, I painted them, they are mine.  I know they aren't perfect, but sharing the art is part of the process for me.  

This piece measures 18 x 24, and was the first one I did for the assignment.  I don't even know what made me do it on a canvas that was so big. . .probably because it's all I had.  I will say that I seriously loved every bit of the process.

My husband has been so encouraging about hanging them up on our fairly empty walls.  It's encouraged me to purchase more canvas.

 This final piece measures the same as the red poppy.  It gave me the most challenge, but helped me grow.  I know I have a lot more to learn, but practice can only make one better, right?

I really do hope that I've inspired you to try some new things.  I don't think I consider myself an artist. . .it may take a few more canvases to get me thinking like that.  I do know that this art has been very healing.  I can't explain it, but I know that God has worked on me during this time.

Thanks for stopping in to see what I've made!  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me:  cassandratrask@yahoo.com

Taylored Expressions: Wall Art & Stencil Making

Hey friends!  I hope you have a lovely weekend!  I'm so excited to show you this project that I made using new products from Taylored Expressions.  I've really been enjoying making wall art, and TE products are perfect for them!

I started with a canvas board and some Gelatos.  After rubbing them around and blending them well, I decided to make my own stencil using the Quatrefoil Cutting Plate and some clear plastic sheets.  The trick with that is using the metal shim and running it through your machine a few times before pulling it out.  I now have a stencil I can use again and again!  I wiped a baby wipe through my stencil to give the look I achieved.

Then I just splattered some white acrylic paint with a toothbrush.

I stamped the Shade Tree Scripture stamp using black acrylic paint.  The other dies I used were the Postage Stamp Stacklets, and the new ones Garden Arbor and Gate & Arbor Fence, along with Flower Box Sprigs & Flowers, and Little Bits Flowers & Stems.

I'm just LOVING how it all turned out.  I don't know if I should give it as a gift or keep it all to myself ;)

I better get going.  I'm sure I can find all kinds of things that need to be done around the house.  Thanks for stopping in, and if you have any questions about this project, shoot me an email:  cassandratrask@yahoo.com

Here are the links to the products I used from the TE store:

Garden Arbor & Gate	Arbor Fence	*shade tree scripture	Quatrefoil Cutting Plate	Postage Stamp Stacklets
Flower Box Sprigs & Flowers	Little Bits - Flowers & Stems	Clear Plastic Sheets	100% Wool Felt - Dark Berry	Premium Cardstock - Sugar Cube
Premium Cardstock - Oreo	Premium Cardstock - Strawberry Milkshake	Premium Cardstock - Sweet Basil	Metal Adapter Shim

InLinkz.com

Taylored Expressions: Fancy Banner 1 with Coordinating Die

Hey there, crafty peeps!  It's getting to be wedding season, and this month's Taylored Expressions release is stuffed full of wedding related products!  One of the stamp sets that was released is called Fancy Banner 1 with Coordinating Die.  As soon as I saw it, I thought it would be brilliant to make place card settings.  Wouldn't these be cute sitting around a table?!  I stamped it out, colored it, then wrote my name in cursive, and used the die.  The place card was made using the Take Your Place die, a new Floral Vine Embossing Folder, and the Flower Box Sprigs and Flowers die.

I'm really going to have to make these for our next dinner party using seasonal colors.  That banner is just perfect for a name!

Thanks for stopping in today!

Here are the links to the products I used from the TE store:

Fancy Banner 1 with Coordinating Die	Flower Box Sprigs & Flowers	Take Your Place	Embossing Folder - Floral Vine	Premium Cardstock - Sugar Cube
Premium Cardstock - Cookie Monster	Premium Cardstock - Granny Smith	Memento Tuxedo Black Full Pad	Copic Markers	Foam Tape - 1/16" Thick

InLinkz.com

Pixie Toppers

Happy Monday, peeps!  I'm hope you're all enjoying getting ready for the Holidays. . .reflecting on family & friends, togetherness, and the real reason for it all.  I've been working ahead on some Valentine's projects using some Taylored Expressions goodies, and these little guys will be a win with my kids and their friends for sure.  I used a couple of new little dies from the Little Bits die collection called Stamp of Approval and Light Bulb.

Both use the Pencil Topper die and the Skinny Mini Borders dies, which fit pixie sticks so perfectly.  The Stamp of Approval die was paired up with Big Bold Valentine.

The Light Bulb die was paired up with one of the past Petite sets called Light Up My Life.  These turned out great!

I'm off to get a few more Christmas things prepped.  Thanks for stopping in!

Check out the products in the TE Store:

Little Bits - Light Bulb	Little Bits - Stamp of Approval	Pencil Topper	Skinny Mini Borders	*light up my life with coordinating dies
*big bold valentine	*zing! embossing powder - white opaque

InLinkz.com