Try Something New!

I took a watercolor class a couple of months ago and have been practicing some of the techniques I learned. As a beginner, it’s more challenging to learn than what I thought it would be! One thing that is cool and complex at the same time is that you are in complete control of opacity in watercolor painting. It’s amazing to see how one color can change depending on the ratio of paint to water that you use on the brush. I obviously still have a lot to learn and need tons of practice, but I think the most difficult part is to start. If you’re thinking of trying something new, don’t hesitate – just GO FOR IT and have fun!

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda

I’ve had so many missed opportunities to post on my blog lately. I could figure out an excuse to tell you why I’ve neglected my little blog, but I won’t. I could tell you that I’ve been really, really busy…but I won’t do that either. Instead, I’m gonna share a tag project I worked on recently, and get back on track!

These pretty, tropical themed tags started out with using my Cricut. I know there are lots of versions of the Cricut machine available now, but I have the original machine and I love it. I started out by using the Art Philosophy cartridge to cut the tag shape. On the tag, I stamped and embossed the image, and used ink & sponges to create the sunset effect.  Supplies used were: Stampin Up paper, Memento black ink,  Colorbox tropical color ink pad, my favorite old Stampscapes rubber stamp from 1995 called Palms w/Bungalows, embossing powder & heat tool, sponges for inking the sky, stardust Stickles to give the sand some shimmer, twine, ribbon (of course), and chalk to add some color on the hut roofs.

  

On the Paradise tag, I attached a scrap piece of black chalkboard paper, used a corner punch, and wrote with a pink Crayola chalk to write the word. In addition, I used the masking technique to create a moon in the colorful sky.

Did you notice my cool metal “frog and pin holder”? It is actually a needlepoint holder that is sometimes used for floral designs. I’ve wanted one for a long time to re-purpose as a card holder.  My sweet friend Celeste gave it to me as a gift, with a note attached that said Happy Blogging!  With the holidays quickly approaching, I know I will be making more tags and I also hope to finish my Recipe Recap project by the end of the year. Now that I’m back on track, I hope that you won’t have to hear me say shoulda, woulda, coulda anymore!