Party Smartie Cupcakes - Castle Bakery

Party Smartie Cupcakes - Castle Bakery

Just another Manic Thursday

Oh, crazy Thursday mornings...I have so much to do, and so little time! In the middle of creating some AMAZING Bar Mitzvah invitations. I can't wait to post them on here to show you. Meanwhile, Baptism and Communion Invitations are in the wings to be done later today, and then some notecards to be given as gifts for a Gigi Hill Handbag Stylist to her team as awards. How cool! My work given as an incentive! These are the cards...you can get them if you like them

on my Artfire site. I love how colorful they are.

Crazy Busy...it's all good!!!

Wow! Have I been on a run these last few days! The hardest part is getting the pictures taken, adjusted and listing on my Artfire shop, but it's so worth it! Tryin a few new techniques, like the last card below, that I hand dye the paper before adding my images. Lot's of fun!. These are a few I put up today. Hope you like them!

Steampunk Card!!!

Well, my first jump into Steampunk! How cool is that? I hand colored the yellow/blue paper with dye-based ink, water and my handy-dandy craft mat (need a few more of those puppies!)
Afterwards I stamped and embossed the lady with two different colors, , then white Hue stamped the image of the clock for a "watermark" look, finally stamping the clock in dark brown in the upper corner. A homemade ticket reads "Time Flies". The artwork was stapled onto a coordinating matte, then adhered to a funky cool wavy lined opaque paper! Super awesome! I love it, what about you??? It's for sale on Artfire! Click on the Rapid Cart link to purchase it!

Some Cool Soaps Found on Artfire!

So Soapy

Curated By: ScrapItBeauti...

Handmade Gifts

Contest!!

Are you a follower of Scrap It Beautiful on Facebook? If so, click the link, and go on to the page! I'm having a contest over there for my followers: each person who comments on the page below the announcement of the contest is entered into a randomized drawing to win 10 cards! Go on over, become a follower, and good luck!!!

Just blogging...

So, I can't believe February is almost over! I'm getting ready now for St. Paddy's Day, with green things and shamrocks all over my studio...

I spent yesterday and part of the day before reorganizing everything in there. So much stuff!!! The problem for me is, I love everything artsy-crafty, and want to do it all. My goal this year is to try to incorporate different techniques into some of my traditional work.

I'm taking a technique class this weekend, and hoping to perfect it over the next several weeks. The results, if I succeed, will be spectacular. There is nothing, truly, like handmade. I see the card racks at the local drugstore and take a peek here and there. So many have such a cold feeling to me when I hold them in my hands.

Well, off to the workplace! So much to do, pictures forthcoming!

Moving right along...

So, I'm now on both etsy and Artfire. Since etsy removed the ability to "bid" for jobs, I took a look around for other online stores I could set up shop in, and found Artfire. What a difference! I have a feeling that alot of people from etsy will be migrating over there. Anyway, here is an announcement that I made this past week for a beautiful little girl. You can find it on both my etsy and Artfire accounts, and as always, if you are interested, they will be custom made for you in the colors you desire!

And speaking of beautiful little girls, it seems like mine, Darcy was as little as the one in the baby announcement picture just yesterday! Here she is, so pretty!

Finally....

So, here I am, the biggest loser when it comes to blogging. However, I am on the uphill swing, and with my products selling more and more, it's time I kept my blog and website updated. Working on some whimsical getwell's and anniversary cards right now, as well as some last minute father's day.

Sometime early next week, I plan on showing you what my toothfairy boxes look like. I'm so proud of them!

So, if you are reading me, thanks for being patient. It's been a rough several months, and I'm back in the saddle again!

Working with Copic Markers

Using so many other mediums to make my cards, I have just recently discovered the joy of the Copic Markers. I have wanted to use them for several years now, but couldn't justify the expenditure considering all of the other things I am constantly buying to make my art pop. They are a pretty hefty investment at first, but the possibilities are endless! These markers allow you to blend, shade and customize pictures/art in so many ways, it's truly amazing. I'm working on hand coloring a picture of the Holy Family for a set of 100 Christmas cards right now. I'll post the picture as soon as the cards are finished.... it's truly amazing what these markers can do!

Happy Tuesday

Just another day in the neighborhood...busy making Christmas cards. Thankfully, many people want to avoid the big rush and are planning ahead, but not to worry, I intend on keeping some "stock" on hand for last minute shoppers. I will be able to have the inside blank so that we can add personalization at the last minute! Getting ready to go to Wisconsin with the family for some R and R, but, true to my nature, I'm bringing things with to work on. I can't imagine my hands not busy for 5 days!

On a final note, if you live anywhere near Chicago, we took a day trip yesterday to Fair Oaks Dairy in Fair Oaks Indiana, about 30 minutes south of Merriville. What a fantastic place! Kids and I even watched a calf born, which happens all thru the day there. They tell us anywhere from 85-100 are born daily and it was a fantastic learning experience. I would certainly recommend it.

I'll be posting some of the cards by next week.

Summer is in full Swing...Here come the Holidays!

Stepping "out of the box" can be a blast. Here are some examples of techniques I employ when creating elements for cards and scrapbooks:
The picture above is of "clouds". Using Liquitex Texture Medium Opaque Flakes, I paint them into the predetermined area, dry and cut out. This Medium also makes great snow!

Here I have made water: using alcohol inks on transparent paper. Afterwards, pieces are cut out and layed on cards or scrap pages and the effect is very realistic.

Lumiere paints are my favorite. They have such a beautiful sheen and the colors are very unique. In this picture, I have painted palm trees that were used as an embellishment on invitations.

Finally, using Liquitex Sand Resin, I applied it directly to card stock, painted over it with acrylic paint and misted some great copper glitter on the paint while it was still wet...the effect...a glistening sandy beach!

Anyway, gearing up for the Holidays already...cards are being made constantly.

Some pretty little 5 x 5 notecards with envelopes, of course! Loving the glitter. They are fun and colorful cards, bright and cheerful with a bit of "glitz" and sold in packs of 25 for $30. These same cards can also be ordered personalized, as Happy Birthday, Thank You, or Monogrammed (or anything you wish!--it's all about YOU! ) for an upcharge of $5 Again, since each one is handmade, the patterns will vary a bit. Please specify "Sweet Glitter Girl" when ordering.

Basic Notecards

Well, the website took longer than anticipated, so I waited to begin further blogging, but since it's up now, I feel comfortable publishing these photos.

These are basic notecards, no embellishments, that were just ordered. Since they are basic, the price is a bit lower, 1.50 each, or if ordered in "bunches"--25 or more, they are 1.00. They are 5 x 5, no brads, tags, etc. Some have a bit of basic inking or chalking if I thought it enhanced the card. Each comes with an envelope, as well. I need to work on clearing up the photography. Mine are coming out a bit blurry, so I apologize.


Now, the one thing you should know is that each are Handmade, one of a kind, for the most part. Not all papers are always available, but I will work with you to come up with just what you like! Pictures soon to follow: Moderately embellished and lavish cards. Thank you notes, invites, Birthday, anniversary, announcements...everything is custom made and I'm happy to work with you to achieve just what you are looking for!

Lisa

Update...website

Just a quick update: The website listed above is not up and running yet, but I do hope to have it going soon. Please feel free to email me or post here any questions you may have!
Thanks for your patience.

I've just added the black and white picture up on the top of the blog. It was taken two weeks ago by my 11 year old Rob. He has such an eye for photography, and as part of a school project, was assigned the task of taking a pic. in the style of Ansel Adams. He must have taken 40, and there wasn't a bad one in the bunch. I think I'm going to start using his pics in some of my cards, they are so nice! It's a proud moment when you see one of your children find a true passion for something....

First "actual" day on the job

Well, here we go! My business has officially been launched, and my website will be up and working by weeks' end. I'm so excited. To date, it's been strictly word of mouth orders, but I'm hoping that putting my services on the web will help me expand. Right here and now I'd like to thank the phenomenal Kymberlee Raya of Big Shot Marketing ( www.bigshotmarketing.com ) for designing my logo and helping me realize the power of the world wide web. She is nothing short of a dynamo.

In the next couple of days, I will begin uploading images onto the blogspot so you can see just what I've been up to lately. Obviously, papercrafting--cards, scrapbooks, and the like. I totally dig ephemra. There is a great odds and ends antique shop near me that keeps the greatest old magazines, newspapers, post cards and music books around.