Friday, June 29, 2012

Some News + Sneak Peek


I finished up the VLVS! Newsletter today - you should check it out for 20% off storewide!!

I also finished my term at Basically Bare today and won't be renewing with them, the best of luck in the future BB!


and here is a sneak peek at all the goodies I'll be using for the 2nd round of applications for May Arts:


aaaaaaaand... have you left a comment for the set of flowers giveaway?!? I'll be choosing a winner this weekend! Scroll down and comment :)

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Family - Journal Page #2 - a little history

(It's totally worth it getting through this post to the journal page!!!)

First of all.. I love Tim Holtz as much as the rest of the world (I think..) but I've found much more inspiration in other crafters (Sorry, Tim!!) ... two of them seriously astound me with each and every piece of work they produce. 


I've always been involved in the fine arts... then I went to school for Industrial Design.. trying to make sure I'd never be the "starving" artist my parents warned me about.. I messed around for a few months after college and then went home to mommy and daddy. Best decision ever.. a friend in college had introduced me to crafting with paper goods and adhesive.. while I learned about metals, woods, plastics, and other various materials and manufacturing processes from professors and industry professionals. 

So now under my belt I've got painting, drawing, ceramics and some graphic design from high school, a little bit of dabbling in paper goods from a very close friend whom I still hold dearly in my heart, and industrial knowledge from college. 


I arrived at home and promptly got a full time job at a local craft store.. got introduced to my father's secretary who is the DEFINITION of Crafter and then the red carpet of crafty goodness unrolled. Then crafting became a way of life for me. 

So now I've got all these experiences, wants, have to dos and haves and just IDEAS rolling around in my head. I've been collecting bits n pieces, spare parts, pop tabs, packaging, papers, embellishments, foreign coins.. you name it I've probably got a collection for it! But I couldn't necessarily make it work together FOR ME. 


these two ladies (whether they know it or not) have helped me put all the jumbled mess in my head into a neat and organized pile. That's the best way for me to explain it. Whether it was.. being unsure of myself, or hesitant to try something new.. I can't put words to it exactly.. but whatever it was. It's over. and I'm so happy! I've yet to meet Anna or Louise, but I'll be seeing Anna in California at the end of July. and I cannot wait to say THANK YOU in person. Louise -- girl -- you're next! The two of you just taking the time to share your work and be so supportive of others.. sharing your ideas and being so giving of your knowledge - it's just AMAZING. 

and here... after the last few years of crafting and being proud of my work but always slightly unsure and not really "me" is a page... that is at its fundamental core.. "ME" 


products used include: A Clairefontaine art journal, Inchworm and Charcoal tattered angels glimmer mist, tim holtz ideology clock face and game spinner, Imaginarium Designs chipboard, Gel medium, memento ink in tuxedo black, Viva Las Vegastamps! Feather stamp and Ultra High Gloss Embossing Powder, TH distress tool, diamond glaze, basic gray brad. 


I'm also really loving the no title necessary feel of these pages. =)

I'll link this bad boy up to Simon Says Stamp and Show for "distressed" - it may be minute distressing.. but it plays a huge roll in this piece. 

WOYWW #160

Have you see this Whats On Your Workdesk? Wednesday ?? 

I love the idea of crafters and stampers and just people in general sharing their spaces and what they're working on. I follow a couple of fab bloggers who participate and now I've decided to jump in! I'm hoping it will kick me in gear to share more than just finished products.. but processes and mid stream photos, too. 


and here's my workdesk photo for 6/27



I work on the kitchen table.. which is actually pretty nice because I have TONS of space.. and the hubs can work across from me!

Here's a journal page I was working on.. there's my miracle tape, ultra high gloss EP, a viva las vegastamps! stamp and you can see the making of some vines for my July kit. 

that's all folks :)

Sunday, June 24, 2012

310 followers!! Lets do a giveaway!!

That's exciting isn't it?! I can't believe I even got to 300 let alone another TEN! :D 

I just put a few new flowers in the etsy shop...





leave a comment here to be entered to win the set of your choice :) 

Saturday, June 23, 2012

"Inspiration"

Today I'm sharing my very first Art Journal page with you. 




I'll share more details about this guy on the VLVS! Blog tomorrow - but really I am so loving this art journaling business!!! 

Anyways.. products used: Distress stain in broken china, distress ink in mustard seed, broken china, vintage photo, pine needles and tumbled glass. Spellbinders die, corrugated cardboard, Viva Las VegaStamps! stamp, memento ink, baker's twine, floral beads, zig glue, water, a heat gun and a Clairefontaine journal. 


I'll be linking this up at Simon Says Stamp and Show as it's "a bit of brown" :)

Friday, June 15, 2012

Do A Little Dance!!!


I made the 30 + 1 finalists for May Arts!! 


Check it out HERE


I am super pumped.. now to brainstorm for my final project!!! 

My World..

..is up on the Basically Bare Blog today - check it out :)


Thursday, June 14, 2012

With a heavy heart..

I say a final farewell to the CropChocolate Chocolatiers Design Team.. 

Yesterday was my final post on TheCrop. Read my message there.

I did a project inspired by Louise Nelson.. her layouts utilize space and graphics in such a beautiful way I had to finally just quit drooling and give it a go. 


Out :) 

Monday, June 11, 2012

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!!

I love saying that now that I live in Vegas... CHICKEN DINNER!!!


Did you want to win one of June's Kits? FREE? including SHIPPING? 


I had SEVENTY comments on the giveaway post and thank each and every one of you for continued support :) 



and that comes to Laughing Sunshine Creations -- who I THINK is Michele McKay! What are the odds? :D

hit me up with an email girlie - umwowstudio@gmail.com 


Thursday, June 7, 2012

Chocolatiers Blog Hop + Giveaway


Welcome to our farewell blog hop.


It's sad to go.. I've probably said it a MILLION times.... but it was SO fun while I was a chocolatier.. Sharing ideas and tutorials.. gathering inspiration from the other DT members and from Chocolate lovers. It was a great experience all and all.

and I'm always open to sharing ideas.. today I've got my favorite organizing tip ever... seriously. and really I have to say I owe it all to my fabulous Hubby!!

First order of business though... this is a HOP.. so if you've come from Corrie's blog you're in the right spot :) but if not.. start over @ Amber's Blog



Second order of business --- My organization tip:

 Use those spice racks that slide in and out to store your mists, powders and paints!!!!!


This is what it looks like in my box of shame.. I say box of shame because I HATE keeping everything in a giant cupboard.. but right now it's all I have.. and I get to find great organizing  solutions like this!


Pull out the drawer...


And spin it!!


and apparently spice racks are popular in my closet! lol

Third.. Here's some BLOG CANDY I'm giving away.. a WHOLE June's Handmade Embellishment Kit.. "Summer Lovin'" -- please be a follower and leave a comment to be eligible for the candy. If you so choose, share the candy on your own blog and let me know here.. you'll get a 2nd entry. :) Share on Facebook, Twitter and anywhere else you can.. leave a comment for each separate share and each will be an additional entry! Let's work up some final love for the end of the first official CropChocolate Design Team! 


And final order... Head on over to Jenn's Blog to continue your hop =)

Kit Sample Giveaway!!

Guess what?? it's my last month as a CropChocolate Chocolatier (their design team) and we're having a farewell blog hop tomorrow with some organization tips from our own rooms!

I'll also be offering up some BLOG CANDY :) 

a little of this.. a little of that... maybe June's Kit...? :)

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Summer Lovin' - REVEAL

I want you to know.. I had originally intended to do six days of sneak peeks.. but have revised my plan ;) I also now have TEN kits waiting to be ordered.. rather than making them all as the orders come in. You live and you learn and I thank you all for being patient through my learning process ;) 

Full Kit:



The Contents:
One large turquoise Peony
Three medium sized yellow roses
One medium sized turquoise rose
Two miniature turquoise cabochons
One white crocheted flower
One yellow sun rosette
One eighteen inch burlap string and muslin banner
Two recycled corrugated cardboard butterflies
One nest with three loose paper eggs
One turquoise resin owl
One yellow and turquoise shabby kite with extra long tail
Five white doily clouds
Five white cardstock clouds
Three vintage book clouds

What do you think? Something you could create with?? 
Trying the Paypal buttons..

--RETIRED--

Monday, June 4, 2012

Summer Lovin' - Sneak #3

Last Sneak peek!! Come back tomorrow for the reveal and list of goodies included in June's Kit!



Friday, June 1, 2012

Introducing : Summer Lovin'

Here's the inspiration for our June Kit :) 


I made the collage, but the photos I did not take.
photo source : - | - | - | - | - | -