Creative Chatter

Wedding Wish Tag / Wedding Favor Tag Giveaway!

2011-10-26T21:48:00.000-05:00

Wedding Wish Tag / Wedding Favor Tag Giveaway! I am being featured on the Wedloft by weddingwindow.com website!! In honor of that I am having a giveaway. Check out their website for details. One winner will receive 100 FREE tags of their choice. Winner to be announced on Wednesday, November 2nd!!

Pink Butterfly Thank You Gift Tags Wedding Tags Favor Tags Shower Tags Vintage Shabby Chic

2011-09-15T16:28:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Jen from "Blue Room Gems" on Etsy.com! My Pink Butterfly Thank You Gift Tags Wedding Tags Favor Tags Shower Tags Vintage Shabby Chic are featured in her collection that is being featured on Etsy's Front Page this afternoon!

Wedding Favor Tags Wedding Wish Tags - Personalized Love Definition

2011-08-26T15:17:00.000-05:00

One of my wonderful customer's sent me a picture from her wedding highlighting my Wedding Favor Tags Wedding Wish Tags - Personalized Love Definition Tags. Here it is:

These Wedding Favor Tags Wedding Wish Tags can be purchased in my Etsy Shop Paper & Other Oddities By luvs2create2. Many other styles available.

Wedding Wish Tags - From One Of My Customers...

2011-08-26T15:06:00.002-05:00

My customer, Christy Kelson Infiesta left this lovely comment on my FB Fan Page. I wanted to share it with my Blog readers…

“I received my customized wedding wish tags a couple of days ago from Shari and I couldn’t be more happy. They are PERFECT!!!!! The quality and detail of her work is amazing. Even the shipping package was unique. Thank you Shari for putting a smile on my face and adding a special touch to my big day! Highly Recommend...”

Thank you Christy for bringing a smile to my face too!

From One Of My Customers...

2011-08-26T15:05:00.000-05:00

My customer, Christy Kelson Infiesta left this lovely comment on my FB Fan Page. I wanted to share it with my Blog readers…

Thank you Christy for bringing a smile to my face too J

Wedding Favor Wish Tags - Personalized Meant To Bee

2011-07-30T14:33:00.000-05:00

Another wonderful customer of mine has sent me a picture of her wedding favors using my personalized "Meant To Bee" wedding favor wish tags. Take a look!!

Wedding Favor Tags - Personalized Meant To Bee

2011-05-25T10:18:00.002-05:00

Thank you to Stacie for sending me this wonderful picture of her wedding favors! She used my handmade, personalized Meant To Bee Wedding Favor Wish Tags! Don't these wedding favor tags look perfect on the little jars of honey? They would also make a great addition to a Beeswax Candle wedding favor. These tags are available to purchase in my Etsy Shop Paper & Other Oddities by luvs2create2. These wedding favor wish tags are also available without personalization. See picture below.

Handmade Gift Tags Featured on Etsy's Front Page

2011-05-08T12:18:00.000-05:00

Custom Hang Tags Go All The Way To India!!

2011-05-04T20:59:00.003-05:00

A wonderful review about my Custom Hang Tags!! Enjoy reading...
Dabbling in Jewelry and Gemstones: Etsy Purchase from Shari - luvs2create2: "I am so excited to tell you all that my Custom tags from Shari of luvs2create2 on Etsy came in over this weekend. I opened the parcel today ..."

Christmas Gift Tags

2010-11-14T11:15:00.000-06:00

Vintage look Christmas Gift Tags that ask the age old question, "Are You Naughty, Nice, or Borderline!!!

Find these and more styles and choices in my Etsy Shop, Paper and Other Oddities by luvs2create2

Wedding Wish Tags

2010-10-02T14:04:00.000-05:00

Another Wedding Wish Tag choice for the Bride and Groom's special day...Pink Vintage Butterflies!! One of many Wedding Wish Tags available in my Etsy Shop! Lots of styles to choose from!!

Wedding Wish Tags

2010-09-03T11:16:00.001-05:00

Wedding Wishes For the Bride and Groom to match the Wedding Favor Tags in my last post! Available in my Etsy Shop!

Wedding Favor Tags

2010-09-03T11:11:00.000-05:00

New Wedding Favor Tags in my Etsy Shop! "Love Is Sweet" Favor Tags make a perfect addition to Fall Wedding Favors. Perfect attached to Large Taffy Apples, Jars of Jam, or Honey!! Very vintage, very sweet! Other styles and items also available in my Etsy Shop.

Note Cards! Just For You!!

2010-08-05T10:08:00.001-05:00

My Just For You Note Cards were part of a Treasury featured on the Front Page of Etsy!! Take a peek!! Find them and other quality Tags, Note Cards, Greeting Cards and other Fun Stuff in my Etsy Shop Paper &Other Oddities!

Here is a snapshot of the Treasury!!

Wedding Favor Gift Tags

2010-08-01T10:13:00.000-05:00

A delightful way to have my Wedding Favor Gift Tags used! Many more styles available in my Etsy Shop Paperlicious & Other Oddities...take a look!

Gift Tags Just For You

2010-07-29T17:49:00.000-05:00

My Just For You Gift Tags were featured as part of a Treasury on Etsy's Front Page today!! You can purchase them in my Etsy Shop Paperlicious & Other Oddities!

Take a peek at the Treasury....

Wedding Wish Tags

2010-07-21T17:50:00.000-05:00

Wedding Wish Tags for your wedding. Custom wish tags and other styles available available in my Etsy Shop Paperlicious & Other Oddities . Custom wedding invitations, favors, save the date cards and other items available.

Wedding Gift Hang Tags Bee

2010-06-05T08:26:00.000-05:00

My "Meant To Bee" tags were just featured on the Front Page of the Etsy site!!! I am so excited!!!

These and many other styles are available in my Etsy Shop Paperlicious & Other Oddities !!! Take a look!!!

Gift Hang Tags or Wedding Wish Tag

2010-06-04T11:19:00.000-05:00

More Gift Hang Tags! Could be used as enclosure card or for Wedding Wish Tag. Sold on Etsy and re-listed for sale! Available in my Etsy Shop Paperlicious & Other Oddities . Many other style Gift Tags. Take a look!

Wedding favor Gift Hang Tags Tulip

2010-05-30T14:21:00.000-05:00

Wedding favor Gift Hang Tags Tulip...a new design available in my Etsy Shop Paperlicious & Other Oddities!! Take a look at my shop, many more styles available and custom orders gladly accepted!!

Wedding Wish Tags

2010-05-29T22:05:00.001-05:00

Warm Wishes Wedding Wish Tags. A brand new design!! Available in my Etsy Shop Paperlicious & Other Oddities .

Wedding Wish Tree Favor Tags Meant Too Bee

2010-05-27T05:24:00.002-05:00

Wedding Wish Wishing Tree Favor Tags for your Wedding!! It is currently fashionable for guests to express their good wishes to the Bride and Groom on the back of "Wish" Tags" and hang them on the Wishing Tree! It is also a trend to have Thank You Table Favors for each guest at either the wedding or shower. "Meant To Bee" Tags would be the perfect compliment to a jar of Organic Honey or a pretty Beeswax candle!!

These Tags are hand cut and printed on 65 lb. textured beige card stock with the words "Meant To Bee" and the image of a Bee. These Tags are 1-1/2"X2-1/4" and are hand distressed with sepia archival ink for that primitive, antique look. They are pre-strung with packaging twine, but any color ribbon can be substituted if that is more to your liking. They also can be done on white card stock stamped with black ink and strung with black 100% cotton black string for a more elegant, less primitive look. Available in my Etsy Shop Paperlicious & Other Oddities .

Wedding Wish Tags

2010-05-25T10:08:00.007-05:00

Warm Wishes Wedding Wish Tree Tags! Brides seem to be looking for something different for their wedding. They are moving away from the traditional guest book and are starting a new tradition with a Wish Tree. The Wish Tree is a Dutch wedding custom where guests are given a tag as they arriive made of card stock. The guests write their wishes to the bride and groom and then hang it on the tree. This creates a gorgeous centerpiece and the tree is placed at the entrance to the reception to wow your guests right when they walk in. I have been designing and selling "wish tags" on my Etsy site. Here are some pix and the link. Please pass the traditon on :)

Warm Wishes Butterfly Wedding Hang Gift Tag Wishing Tree Primitive

Warm Wishes Bird Wedding Hang Gift Tag Wishing Tree Primitive

Wishes Wedding Wishing Tree Tags - Primitive

I've been included in several Treasuries on Etsy!!!

2010-05-24T12:44:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't know what a Treaury is, it is a group of items selected by other Etsy shop owners that are featured together because the curator of the Treasury likes them and wants to promote them. I am in several Treasuries right now, but the latest one features my Peter Rabbit Thank You card!!! The link to the Treasury which is called Is It Summer Yet? is http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4bf9f8a1023d6d91dcce1e95/is-summer-here-yet it is curated by Soapy Blessings http://www.etsy.com/shop/SoapyBlessings, who has a lovely Etsy shop full of wonderful handcrafted soaps! Check out the Treasury and her shop!! Make sure to look at all of the other Artisans items in the Treasury...lots of lovely items! Here is a pix of my Peter Rabbit card and some Peter Rabbit tags that I have created!!!

Peter Rabbit Items available in my Etsy Shop Paperlicious & Other Oddities

Adding some new direction to my Etsy Shop!! Just listed...

2010-05-19T14:02:00.000-05:00

Decided to add more non-paper items to my shop!!! Hope you like these!! Let me know :)

Was thinking today...

2010-05-17T14:58:00.000-05:00

Today I'd like to share with you three of my favorite quotes. They are all "Winnie the Poo" and written by A.A. Milne.

1. "One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constanly making exciting discoveries."

2. "It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?"

3. "A little Consideration, a little Thought for Others, makes all the difference. "

My readers, my friends...I love you! ❤❤❤

Working on a Custom Order....

2010-05-10T21:31:00.000-05:00

I just completed an order for 200 "Wishes" Tags for a lovely woman named Clare to use at her wedding. I am delighted to have been able to play a part in such a nice occasion! Here is a pix of the tag...

I am now working on a prototype of a similar item to be used for table place cards. Here are those pix...

Graduation Card Handmade

2010-05-05T11:37:00.003-05:00

For that special Graduate in your life!!! Custom/Personalized cards available!!!

Both available in y Etsy Shop "Paperlicious & Other Oddities"

Only 60 Days till the 4th of July!!!

2010-05-05T11:33:00.000-05:00

4th of July is my absolute favorite holiday!!! Time with family, no big expectations, stress or presents! And of course the best part is the FIREWORKS!!! I love Fireworks!!! It doesn't take much to make me happy! ❤❤❤

For the special Teacher in our lives...

2010-04-29T11:23:00.000-05:00

The school year is quickly coming to an end, so I have made a few cards to show appreciation to the special teachers in our lives!!

Available for sale in my Etsy Shop "Paperlicious & Other Oddities"

More Mother's Day

2010-04-28T12:14:00.000-05:00

I have sold two of these...guess we all know that

Mom was ALWAYS right!!!

This one is sold too!!!

New Direction...Making Shabby Fabric Flower Brooches!!

2010-04-24T09:35:00.001-05:00

I was so excited to buy the Shabby Flower Die by Tim Holtz and find out that it works well in my Cuttlebug!! I have been busy "cranking away"!!! See what I've made...

All available in my Etsy Shop Paperlicious & Other Oddities!!!

Gone a bit vintage for Mother's Day!

2010-04-22T09:49:00.000-05:00

Available in my Etsy Shop Paperlicious & Other Oddities

Playing in my Jammies again!!

2010-04-22T09:39:00.000-05:00

I've been busy making an assortment of Gift Tags, Note Cards and Mother's Day cards. I am having so much fun! Getting back to the basics was just what I needed. A lot more mainstream than what I've been doing for the last few years, but I guess I needed a change!

Available in my Etsy Shop Paperlicious & Other Oddities

Mother's Day is coming...

2010-04-13T21:24:00.000-05:00

All available in my Etsy Shop... http://www.etsy.com/shop/luvs2create2

I've become a "Tweeter"

2010-04-12T19:50:00.000-05:00

Having so much fun playing on Etsy, Twitter and Facebook!! To follow me on Twitter...click here http://twitter.com/luvs2create, to Fan my Facebook Fan Page...click here http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paperlicious-Other-Oddities/115358871810917?v=wall and to check out my Etsy shop click here...http://www.etsy.com/shop/luvs2create2.

I'm kind of a novice with all three, but I am enjoying myself! Join me in the fun!!!

-hugs, shari xoxox

Oh my....I need an update!!

2010-04-07T15:09:00.000-05:00

Easter is over and spring is here and I need to update my blog!!! Look for some new posts very soon!!!
-hugs, shari xoxox

Easter in two weeks....back to basics for me

2010-03-25T08:57:00.001-05:00

I've been busy making more Easter cards. Taking a rest from the real "Artsy" and gone back to the basics---stamping and card making. That is where my "mixed media" journey began many years ago and I am having fun getting back to "my roots". Some of my cards are listed and selling in my Etsy Shop---what fun!!! Started out as a lark to see if any would sell and was surprised to see sales coming in! Check out my shop "Paperlicious and Other Oddities" cards and other paperlicious things!

In my jammies again...making more cards!!

2010-03-06T23:37:00.000-06:00

All available in my Etsy Shop "Paperlicious and Other Oddities" http://www.etsy.com/shop/luvs2create2?view_type=gallery

One more...

2010-03-06T09:13:00.003-06:00

Available at my Etsy Shop "Paperlicious and Other Oddities" http://www.etsy.com/shop/luvs2create2

Making more cards...in my Jammies!!

2010-03-05T20:18:00.000-06:00

All available in my Etsy Store Paperlicious & Other Oddities http://www.etsy.com/shop/luvs2create2

Having fun making more cards...

2010-03-03T13:45:00.001-06:00

For sale in my Etsy Shop

Paperlicious & Other Oddities

http://www.etsy.com/shop/luvs2create2

I'm elated...my cards are selling!!

2010-02-22T20:11:00.000-06:00

I had great success selling my Chinese New Year cards on Etsy, and now my St. Patty's Day cards are beginning to sell too! How fun to open my email and find another sale.

One more ATC Collage Art Card...

2010-01-29T11:26:00.000-06:00

My entry for...Theme Thurssday Challenge

2010-01-28T20:02:00.000-06:00

I seem to be back in the "creative zone"! "Theme Thursday Challenge" is another challenge blog that I love. This week the theme is "BUSY" and I just finished a page in one of my art journals that is quite busy!! So here it is...

My "Art Creations Friday" belated entry for this week...

2010-01-27T17:00:00.000-06:00

Do you ever participate in any of the online art challenges? One of my favorites is the Art Creations Friday Blog. Art Creations Friday is a lovely Blog Challenge site hostessed by Vintage Wil, Hermine, Femmy, and Pepeetje every week. Every friday they post a new challenge, a picture or a background. In order to participate in the challenge, you must use that picture or background to make an atc or card, or something else you like, add your art work to your blog and a add a direct link under the comments section on the Art Creations Friday Blog. This week they offered both an image and a background. The background was bluish-gray---a real challenge for me (hahaha)!!! Here is my contribution....

a new piece added to my Etsy Shop....

2010-01-27T01:10:00.000-06:00

I'm creating art one piece at a time. My newest addition to my Etsy Shop....

TA DA!!!! My first Etsy Sale!!

2010-01-26T14:13:00.000-06:00

Thank You ArtsyFaye for being the very first customer in my Etsy store!! I am so excited to have made a sale!!! Your purchase is on it's way :)

In My Silence, I've been busy....

2010-01-22T22:09:00.000-06:00

Paperlicious & Other Oddities

luvs2create2's Shop Announcement

It's a new year and a new venture for me! I have always loved to make fun, paperlicious creations for friends and family, and have finally decided to jump into the world of Etsy and offer my handmade "with love" creations to all of you! I hope you will love each of my handmade items as much as I loved to create each and every one of them. Remember, it is a good thing to make and to buy handmade!!!

It's a new year...thinking of coming out of hibernation

2010-01-05T10:59:00.000-06:00

Hmmmmm...time to join the land of the living again??? Thinking about it. Check back soon.

Miss Me???

2009-06-22T11:52:00.003-05:00

If I thought I was behind before...that was nothing compared to where I am now!! I am now in the "SUPER SLOW" mode. It seems that I have broken both my left ankle and my left foot. I chose to go Patriotic with my cast---I think that it brightened the Orthopedic Nurse's day to be a bit creative. About a 4-6 week healing time required---weight bearing as tolerated. I guess I am tolerating (with a little help from my friends), although the pain medication makes me really, really sleepy and non-functional. They say stuff happens for a reason. Hmmmm....the reason is ????

A little more art...entry for Created By Hand Tuesday Challenge "Pink & Green"

2009-05-19T12:58:00.002-05:00

Another ATC. This one is for the Created By Hand Tuesday Challenge Pink & Green

A little Art...Theme Thursday Entry

2009-05-18T19:39:00.003-05:00

Here is an entry for this week's challenge at "Theme Thursday". The theme this week is Masculine.

I am getting behind again...

2009-05-17T11:55:00.002-05:00

A public admission---I am the "world's worst" blogger, emailer, responder, regular snail mailer, etc.. I am the slowest art creator and I get myself over involved and committed and I FREAK OUT. In the past I have just hidden away and stopped communicating when I couldn't keep up. I am currently working on that issue, so if I owe you a response to a comment or email, a serious THANK YOU, a piece/pieces of art in an exchange or anything else---PLEASE be patient. I am working on it. Getting overwhelmed and procrastinating is one of my biggest flaws/faults/quirks. I hope you can love me, appreciate me and remain friends with me just the way I am. I am a work in progress.

Love this...had to share!

2009-05-09T10:08:00.001-05:00

Playing For Change

2009-05-07T06:51:00.005-05:00

The wonderful world of Blogging has brought me a new creative friend. Her name is Janet. She lives in Northern California (Ft. Jones) up by the Oregon border. Where else than on the Internet do we have such wonderful opportunities to meet people who touch our hearts?? I found the "Playing For Change" video on her blog---it spoke to me and I need to share it with you. It is beautiful and validates what we all really know---we are all connected.

Enjoy and reflect---the music and the story behind it...

Want to be jealous????

2009-05-03T17:06:00.003-05:00

I am the lucky winner...
I entered the "100th Post BladeRubber Stamps Blog-versary Giveaway" and won. Why should you be jealous you might ask---well, let me show and tell you why!!! To celebrate this special anniversary, Kaye and Graham of BladeRubber Stamps decided to give away a brand new, EXCLUSIVE set of unmounted stamps designed by the FABULOUS Susie Jefferson. They debuted on the BladeRubber Stamps blog on April 27th for the very first time! These designs are so new, they aren't even in production yet (and are only available by special order at present).

The winner (ME!!!) of the Giveaway gets all three stamps! Each stamp comes with its own First Edition Authentication Certificate... a real collector's item. And NOW they are mine!!! So here they are...

Sunday Best
copyright Susie Jefferson
8.5cm x 5.5cm

Parisian Gown
copyright Susie Jefferson
10.00cm x 5.5cm

The Men
copyright Susie Jefferson
5cm x 5cm

So, you are jealous aren't you!!! And I am lucky!! Look for some fabulous art from me using these stamps in the near future!!!

Today's ATC's...I'm still "arting"!!

2009-05-01T23:11:00.005-05:00

Did somebody say "Challenge"???? When I did these I wasn't thinking of a specific theme or challenge (other than I am attending the "live ATC trade" at Dick Blicks and needed some ATC's), but it seems that what I do is Collage and the theme at "Saturday's Workout Challenge Site" is Collage, so I am going to share these as my entry to the challenge for this week.

Decided to play along with this weeks Sunday Postcard Challenge too...

2009-04-29T16:09:00.003-05:00

This weeks theme at the Sunday Postcard Challenge Blog is Butterflies...

Thought I'd play along...Orange

2009-04-29T15:53:00.004-05:00

I thought it would be fun to enter a few of this week's Art Challenges. The Challenge at Wednesday Stamper Challenge Blog was to use the color Orange. Orange just happens to be my favorite creative color!! My ATC, Live Life...

It's been raining...I've been "arting"

2009-04-26T22:41:00.004-05:00

I am attending a live ATC trad next Saturday at my local Dick Blick's Art Supply store. I have never attended a real live trade and I am excited to be a part of one!! These are the ATC's that I've made so far. I've been working on a few new projects, so we'll have to see just how many I actually get done! I have a few other projects that are in the works. I'm feeling really good about what I am creating. My friend Harriet has been busy making ATC's for the swap too during this rainy weekend. Check them out at her Blog...Expressions of the Spirit.

One more ATC...

2009-04-22T12:01:00.003-05:00

Creating one at a time...one day at a time.

As promised...finally some new art

2009-04-16T23:10:00.003-05:00

Created a few new ATC's. I'm attending the International Quilt Show in Chicago tomorrow and they are hosting a live ATC Swap as part of the Mixed Media events. Thinking about trading---or not. It has been so long since I created any art, I think that I may decide to keep these just for me. I will be attending another live swap in May. Maybe I will feel more in the spirit of trading then.

Updating a bit...

2009-04-14T17:42:00.003-05:00

No new art to add quite yet, but I have been having fun updating the look of my blog. My new background (don't you just love it???) comes from a fabulous Blog I found "The Cutest Blog On The Block" . It is jam packed with all kinds of goodies to make your Blog look pretty---for FREE!!! Please check it out and have fun picking out some jazzy stuff for your blog!!

Also, check out my new "E-MAIL" button on the sidebar. Is it not the cutest??? That addition is thanks to the talented Susie Jefferson at:

I just found her Blog yesterday and fell in love immediately!! She is having a giveaway this week, so go check out her blog, enjoy her creativity and sign up for the giveaway!!

Feel free to click on my new E-MAIL button and send me a note!!!

I'm Still here...

2009-04-04T23:32:00.002-05:00

I promise.

Please be patient...

2008-09-03T23:16:00.002-05:00

NEW ART...LOTS OF CHATTER...COMING SOON!!!

WHERE I STAND....

2008-09-03T22:29:00.022-05:00

"NO WAY, NO HOW, NO McCAIN, NO PALIN"

I rarely get personal or reveal much about myself, my family, my politics, etc. on my blog, but tonight I've decided to be a little open about me. I'd like to let you know where I stand regarding my future, my family's future and my Country's future. I am 100% behind Senator Obama. After watching the Republican Convention this evening on television, I decided that I needed to become a little vocal and a little active in this Presidential Campaign---even if my activism is only a small contribution. I found this website that will send you a FREE Obama button. There are other choices for more elaborate buttons/multiple buttons, etc. if you make a donation (small or large). I am not affiliated with this website. I just think it is a cool thing that they are sending out FREE buttons. I like the idea that your contribution can be a monetary one or just a show of support by wearing a button. I just wanted to let you know.

So, if you want a FREE Obama button, MoveOn's giving them away totally free. Click this link to get a FREE Obama button:

http://pol.moveon.org/obamabuttons/?id=-10484556-pXj.2ox&rc=fb.ads.nonyouth

"NEWSFLASH"....UPDATE IN PROGRESS!! CHECK BACK SOON!

2008-09-02T22:53:00.006-05:00

***UPDATE UNDER CONSTRUCTION***

BEST FRIENDS...SANDY, ME & HARRIET

2008-07-06T22:49:00.004-05:00

Celebrating the 4th of July!!
Hope everyone had a safe and really fun holiday weekend.

Just a little ATC... Polka Dot George

2008-06-21T09:24:00.010-05:00

The Paper Imagery Design Yahoo group's challenge this week is
"Polka Dots". My entry is "Polka Dot George" ATC.

Two New Pieces...

2008-06-21T02:32:00.011-05:00

More Make a Moo or Two (or three)

2008-06-10T01:41:00.006-05:00

This is my entry for this weeks Make A Moo or Two challenge. The theme for the challenge is "CATS".

I've been making a Moo or Two...

2008-05-28T18:00:00.010-05:00

I've picked another Challenge to "jump into" this week!! What fun I am having!!! These are my entry into the Make A Moo or Two Challenge for this week. The theme is "Dots & Stripes".

4x4 FRIDAY CHALLENGE (AKA I'm up and running and up for a challenge!!)

2008-05-25T07:56:00.014-05:00

I've decided to jump in to the "Challenge Craze" out there in blogland! I've chosen 4X4 Friday's challenge for my first time out!!! The theme for this week is Favorite Color. I have several favorite colors, but have decided to go with Green for this project.

A BETTER LOOK AT THE QUEEN (AKA Make a crown and you too can be "The Queen"!)

2008-04-28T08:29:00.008-05:00

THE QUEEN (includes detailed instructions)
Originally uploaded by luvs2create2

I found this photo of the original crown that I submitted to Stampington's Stamper's Sampler magazine which was published in the February/March 2008 issue (see earlier post). I had several requests for detailed instructions, so here they are...

The template for the crown was from the Stamper's Sampler "Tempting Templates" section. I cut out the template from a piece of heavy poster board. I gessoed both sides of the poster board and allowed it to dry (with a little help from my handy-dandy heat gun!). I then used Golden's Soft Gel Medium to adhere torn pieces of dictionary pages over all to give it strength and flexibility. Again, I allowed it to dry completely. When dry, I added a thin layer of Golden Modeling Paste. While the Modeling Paste was still wet I stamped into it with stamps from Invoke Arts Mosaic Elements Sheet and a Stampotique Original – Josie Cirincione stamp that looks like Punchinella. After Modeling Paste was dry I painted it with Sophisticated Finishes Copper Metallic Surfacer. When the paint was dry I used Patina Green to make it look like verdigris. I stamped onto the Chipboard letters (K&Company) with a small flourish stamp (company unknown) and painted the same as the crown. I embellished with metal found objects that I also painted to match the other elements.

Had fun today....

2008-04-26T17:39:00.006-05:00

This morning I attended the monthly meeting of the Collage Sisthars Collaborative (the first meeting that I have attended in a really long time). The project demonstrated for this month was Shrine making (inspired by Michael DeMeng style). I need to look at it for a while and do some tweaking, but for all intents and purposes, it is complete, finished, a wrap---a "miracle"!!! It is a miracle, for those of you who don't know me too well, because I never, ever, ever start a project and finish it the same day!!

Walking in Wrigleyville last Sunday....

2008-03-18T21:02:00.007-05:00

I spent Sunday afternoon visiting with my son Dan who lives in the "Wrigleyville" area of Chicago (also known as the Lakeview Area and the home of the Chicago Cubbies!). His place is about two blocks from Wrigley Field. It is a lovely refurbished Graystone building on a charming street. Most of the buildings in the area are lovely old Brownstones with the most fabulous doors and windows. I just LOVE doors and windows!!! They inspire my art and I use them often in many of my pieces. We went for a walk and I took lots of pix. This is just one of them---if you'd like to see more, check out my flickr site. The link is: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26088419@N00/ . I've got more to say about my weekend, but that will have to wait until later.

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE...

2008-02-11T02:18:00.001-06:00

WARNINGS, WATCHES AND ADVISORIES
For Carol Stream, Illinois (60188)

SNOW AND WIND CHILL

Warning Issue Date: 1200 AM CST MON FEB 11 2008

A SNOW ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM MONDAY TO 12 PM CST TUESDAY THE WIND CHILL ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT.

THE WIND HAS DECREASED IN SPEED ENOUGH SO THAT WIND CHILL WILL INCREASE TO 19 DEGREES BELOW ZERO. SOME ISOLATED AREAS WILL STILL HAVE WIND CHILL AROUND 20 BELOW FOR THE NEXT TWO HOURS OR SO. A SNOW ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

Drum Roll Please.....

2008-01-30T15:47:00.004-06:00

Now Available.....

The February/March Issue of Stamper's Sampler is now available at your local Book Seller!!! I picked up my copy at Barnes & Nobles earlier this afternoon. I submitted this piece in October 2007 after teaching a class at the Peoples Resource Center of Dupage County based on the magazine's "Tempting Template" Challenge. As a class we each created a Mixed Media Crown---after all each of us is a Princess (or QUEEN)!!! I submitted all of the finished Crowns created by the following participants in the class---Rosie Dixon, Rita Moon Kain, Yolanda Robsertson, Carol Thomas, Mary Warner and myself. I included class notes/instructions and a little bit about how each individual Crown was created. I was notified by the magazine in late November that my Crown had been selected for publication. I immediately contacted the magazine to find out if all of the Crowns were to be included---because they all were so lovely. They told me that my Crown was the only one being published in this issue, but they were going to keep the other Crowns to be considered for another of their publications, The Stamper's Sampler "Catch Up" Issue. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they all will get chosen to be published in the upcoming Catch Up Issue! I would post pix of all of the submitted Crowns, but one of the magazine's submission guidelines is that they can't have been previously published in either a magazine or on the internet. I will keep you updated as to what happens to the "Queen's Court"!!!

SOME NEW ART...

2008-01-30T04:31:00.002-06:00

This is my final contribution to the Calendar Girlz 2007 Calendar Journal Round Robin. These are the pages I created in Joanne Thieme Huffman's Journal. The Calendar theme was "Library of Congress - Women Who Dare". My apologies to Joanne for the delay in finishing her pages and for being slow throughout the year. I learned two very important things during this Round Robin---I am not cut out to participate in long term projects, and having to create art within a specific time frame is a problem for me. My life gets very complicated at times and to quote John Lennon, "Life is what happens while we are busy making other plans". Completing this project ends ALL of my past collaborative/swap commitments. I have mentioned this before, but I will say it again---in the future I will not be participating in any collaborative projects or swaps. I will only be doing personal art exchanges on a one by one basis with a few of my "art friends". I plan on focusing more on creating art for myself and teaching. I'd also like to dabble in exhibiting and possibly selling some of my work. So with that said, here is my work...

One more thing for now....

2008-01-28T10:01:00.001-06:00

A New Year...a few new things and a lot of catch-up!!

2008-01-28T09:52:00.000-06:00

It has been forever (almost forever---before Christmas 2007) since I last blogged. I will be back later today to catch-up with what I've been doing/done since Christmas. I will leave you with a little tease for now....

Happy holidays from us to you!!!

2007-12-18T07:07:00.001-06:00

THE SCHNEIDER FAMILY
JOEY, SHARI & STEVE

An early Christmas Present from Saray-Viola in Germany!!!!

2007-12-18T06:12:00.001-06:00

THANK YOU VIOLA!!!!!

Please take a moment to check out this fabulous artist's blog...her work is incredible and I am now the lucky owner of THREE (yes three!!) beautiful pieces of her art!!!

I have been an avid reader of this talented artist's blog for some time now. A while back I commented on how much I liked one of the ATC's that she posted to here site and she replied back that she was going to send it to me!!! I was very excited to know that I was going to own a piece of her original art. This weekend a huge package arrived here in Carol Stream, IL all the way from Germany. I expected a small envelope with her ATC enclosed, but to my surprise she generously gifted me with THREE pieces of art and lots of fabulous goodies for me to use in my own art. I was overwhelmed with her lovely gift and I'd like you to see all that I received....

This is the original ATC that I commented on and expected to receive!!(above original art created by Saray-Viola)

This ATC is the first surprise piece...

(above original art created by Saray-Viola)

And this piece was the biggest surprise of all...

(above original art created by Saray-Viola)

HOW LUCKY AM I???????

And if this wasn't enough of a gift, look at all the goodies I also received...

I have not had much time to create art in the past month or so, and unfortunately I probably will not have time to do so until after the first of the year. Viola's artwork and goodies have inspired me to create right now---but my muse will have to be patient and wait till I have more free time!! Again I have to say thank you, thank you, thank you Viola!! As I have told her before, we are so lucky to have the Internet available to us!! It has made this a much smaller world allowing us to become friends across the miles.

One more Calendar Journal to work in and I will be finsihed!!

2007-11-01T04:28:00.001-05:00

Here are the pix of the artwork that I created in Vale McFadden's October 2007 Calendar Journal. This journal was the second to the last journal I will be working in this year. It is now on it's way to Joanne Huffman in Michigan. I will begin working in Joanne's journal later this week---the final one!!! At the end of November this year long collaboration will come to an end. Joanne's journal will return home to her and my journal will make it's way home to me. As always, thanks for looking and commenting!

Coming down the home stretch...

2007-10-27T07:34:00.001-05:00

Here are the pix of my contribution (23 pages) to the "Skinny Book Swap" hosted by Chrysti Hydeck. They are 4"x8" mixed media original art. I am happy to say that (besides one more month of a Calendar Journal Round Robin) the completion of this project marks the end of my current swap commitments.

Some New Fun Backgrounds...

2007-10-12T16:05:00.001-05:00

For a very long time now, I have envied the wonderful Acrylic Backgrounds created by my very talented fellow artist (the other Schneider!!) Belinda Schneider---see her blog "Bel's Nook" at http://belindaschneider.wordpress.com/ . She does all this fabulous artwork on these very complicated looking backgrounds and I love each and every piece she creates! I own two pieces of her art---an ATC that she sent to me some time ago so I could see an example of her backgrounds and a fabulous Gothic Arch page that I received recently as part of a Gothic Arch Collaborative project that I participated in with her and 12 other women. So, to make a long story short, I was at my favorite Barnes and Nobles several weeks ago doing what I like to do best---drinking a Starbuck's Latte and browsing the new magazines. I sat down with my stack of magazines and my latte and started to flip through the new Rubber Stamper Magazine. The first thing that caught my eye (on page 22 of the August/September issue) was an article titled "Fun With Acrylic Backgrounds" by the talented Belinda Schneider of Luxumbourg, Luxembourg!!! I don't usually purchase (I just take a peek at it while I am at the bookstore) this particular magazine anymore since Rubber Stamping is no longer the focus of my art, BUT I HAD TO HAVE THIS ONE!!!! Her article is an exceptionally well written one with lots of pictures and EASY to follow directions!!! So there you have it!! I am now fascinated with and busy making Acrylic Backgrounds to use in some of my ongoing projects!! I have quite a few more drying in my kitchen. I will post more later. I will also post some of my completed projects once they are done.

Back to 1x1's (just love those mini masterpieces!!)

2007-10-08T21:55:00.000-05:00

Some time ago (I don't remember when), I signed on for a 1x1 swap called "One Hundred Inchies In One Hundred Days". This project is being hosted by the wonderful Trudi Sissons (her blog---Two Dresses Studio) up in Canada. She is a terrific hostess---very low key and no "guilt trips" or pressure for delayed mailings. My dream kind of swap---where I don't feel the pressure of a rigid, looming deadline. Serious deadlines = creative block for me sometimes. Not only is Trudi a great hostess and talented artist, she has great recipes and holiday ideas to share. She celebrated Canada's Thanksgiving this past weekend and she shared her "secret plan" for the holiday. I am thinking of duplicating her plan for my family Thanksgiving next month!!! I am anxious to hear how all turned out for her so I can tweak it a bit before I put it into action!!!

Here are the scans of my Inchies for the swap and a few more that are just for my own collection!

The Audrey's and the Marilyn's are for my own collection....

Gothic Arch Template for you....

2007-10-06T19:53:00.001-05:00

Gothic Arch Template
Originally uploaded by luvs2create2

Feel free to download this template for your Gothic Arch Art!! Join the Gothic Arch Art group on Flickr and share your creations!!!

Something I've been up to....and you are invited to join!!

2007-10-06T18:47:00.001-05:00

In the last month or so I have gotten hooked on creating art in the Gothic Arch shape. If you scroll down a little on my blog you can see several samples of my newest obsession! I participated in a Gothic Arch Book Swap with twelve other talented artists (all overseas) and received back the most incredible pages in the swap back last week (I will scan the pages later and post them to the blog for you to see). Receiving these beautiful pages motivated me to start a Gothic Arch Art group on Flickr! This group is a place for anyone who enjoys creating (or would like to create) using the Gothic Arch shape. It will be a place to share your art and to view art from others. It will be fun to see all the different interpretations of the Gothic Arch Shape. So far there are 26 members and we are beginning to see some beautiful pieces of art added to the group page. I would like to invite all of you who are reading this to take a peek and join us if you'd like. The arch shape lends itself to any kind of art and any kind of medium. There is no limitation to size---big, small, tall, wide, skinny, whatever you would like. The only rule is that it has to curve and come to a point at the top! Here is the link to the group Gothic Arch Art on Flickr.

I will be uploading a Gothic Arch template in my next post. I posted it on the Flickr group site earlier, but there seems to be a problem with downloading it, so I will add it here and link it to the site. This is only one template for an arch---it does not mean that you need to create your arches with this template only! This is just an example for those who are not familiar with the shape.

Hope to see you there!!!

In addition to my last post and confession (two more)....

2007-10-01T22:34:00.000-05:00

I have been in a really strange mood for the past week or so. Kinda blue and depressed. There is absolutely not a thing or reason for me to feel that way---it is just the way I am wired (weird in October---hmmm...weird/wired kind of the same???). I usually don't get very personal on my blog. I have always pretty much stuck to posting my art and very generic "fluff" stuff. Don't know what is wrong with me, but here I go again.....

NO. 1 NEW CONFESSION FOR THE EVENING (aka more than you ever really wanted to know about me):

I was mad at my husband tonight after dinner so I did my "I'm mad at you and I'm gonna disappear for the evening thing" (am I bad or what???). I left Joey and Steve to fend for themselves---poor boys! Where did I go? I went to where I always go when I disappear---to my local Barnes and Nobles!! I buy a Starbucks, Triple, Venti, Non-Fat, 3 Equal, NO FOAM Latte and then I do..........

NO. 2 CONFESSION: I sit in a comfy chair and read all of the Art Books and Art Magazines that I know I will never buy----AND I take notes on the few things that interest me. I am really bad aren't I???? And you all thought that I was a really nice person---better take another look!!! Maybe it has to do with my recent RED HAIR dye job (love my hair red!!), or the funky boho/hippy real vintage, hand tooled pocketbook I bought on ebay for $20 bucks. Maybe it is the "real"??? me coming out????? The wanna be me with a little bit of attitude??? Maybe it is the full moon earlier this week---did you see that Harvest Moon??? It was amazing!

So friends, that is what I have been up to today! Maybe the "blues" are passing. Come back for an update soon.

I've also done a bit of art the past few weeks while I wasn't blogging. I have it scanned, I just haven't taken the time to upload it. I will try to do that later tonight. Bye for now!

I'm still here (also titled A Hoarder's Confession!!)

2007-10-01T22:28:00.000-05:00

One of my obsessions...

written earlier today and posted to my ZNE blog...

I just got home from picking my grandson Joey up from school. For those of you who are just getting to know me, I am raising my 4-1/2 year old grandson and enjoying every minute of it!!! Want to know one of my dark secrets???? Want to know what I do on Monday afternoons after I drop Joey off at school??? Well....even if you don't want to know, I'm gonna tell you! I do my ritual walk through my local Joann's, Michaels and Hobby Lobby with those hot little coupons in my hot little hands. Up and down EVERY aisle! I am a woman possessed---looking for something to spend my 40% discount coupon on! Most weeks I just can't seem to find anything that I"have to have" (that is amongst the full price/couponable items). I love the weeks that all the new magazines come out! I wouldn't think of buying them for full price. They are usually available at my local Border's and Barnes and Nobles at least a week to ten days earlier, but I try to be patient!! As a last ditch thing, if I can't find ANYTHING else that I really want or need, I buy one of the Golden Mediums at Michaels (my Michaels still carries Golden products) or some kind (any kind) of adhesive. You know how we artists need to keep the supply closet, drawer, room, basement, etc. loaded with stuff!!!! Today I purchased a jar of Golden Regular Matte Gel at Michaels and two silly pencil cases at Joann's (from the $1.00 bin!!!). I am obsessed and this is a sickness---but, not a bad one to have I guess!! At least it all keeps me happy!!! Anyone else out there have a similar ritual???? Hmmmmm....or is it just me??

2007-09-03T08:47:00.000-05:00

These are my contribution to the "Skylines and Skyscrapers" swap on the In This House Yahoo group. The instructions were to create 20 business card size (2x3-1/2) houses, skyscrapers, or buildings. I had so much fun making these that I actually made some extras to keep myself!!

Playing catch up...finally caught up on Calendar Journal Round Robin

2007-08-29T10:49:00.001-05:00

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2007-08-29T10:46:00.003-05:00

2007-08-29T10:46:00.001-05:00

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