Let's dust things off a bit here with a few scrapbook layouts

It's been over a year since I've blogged.   I don't think it's unusual though, many of my favorite blogs have gone silent... Social media is changing things up, and blogging just isn't the current format to share anymore!

Figured I'd post a few photos and at least have ONE 2018 post under my belt... who knows, it may become a habit ;-)
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Messy Calico: Fast, Intuitive Painting

One of the things I love to do is fast, intuitive painting.  These are SUPER QUICK sketches in ink and watercolor.  They only take a few minutes, and often end up being some of my favorite pieces since I didn't over think things.

I love doing them to loosen up in my sketchbook, and warm up with my supplies.  They are also something that I dive into just before I go to bed on days when I didn't have the time to be creative.

Taking 5 min to loosen up helps keep my daily practice fresh and satisfies that urge to make something.  (If I don't, the ideas running around my head can keep me up at night! hehe)

Give it a try, just put pen to paper and see what you create! You may surprise yourself :-)

Happy Friday!
Steph

Orange Kitties

A few months ago I decide to build and maintain an online art gallery to post my mixed media and watercolor paintings.  I wanted something simple and easy to use, so that with one click, someone interested in seeing my work could view it all (instead of sifting through Blog tags etc.).

I stumbled upon Weebly, and was able to put something together quite easily once I got the hang of formatting the template that I chose.  And it was free, so that was a bonus ;-)

I now scan and upload my art to Weebly as part of my weekly routine and I love the idea of having a chronological view of my creative journey! I've only been painting for a few years now (and watercolor for just over a year), so it's encouraging when you can see obvious improvement.

One of the unexpected results of having this one click view, is seeing "my style" come to life.  In a digital world where we are influenced by other artists and creative folks everyday, it's often difficult to find your own voice.  Through consistent and every practice though, I am finally seeing it evolve and it makes me so happy. 

Last week, when uploading my art, I noticed something that made my heart ache for a moment: lots of orange kitties.  I never realized I favored painting them until now, but it makes sense as my very first cat was an orange tabby named Seymour.  He and my beautiful calico Bronte were inseparable, they were always found snuggling in various cat beds around the house. 

Grief is a pain in the ass.  It grabs hold of your heart and squeezes it without warning, even after all these years.  My cat art helps me remember these beautiful souls, and I'm so grateful I discovered it... even if my gallery is full of orange kitties.

Steph
xo

Herding Cats: Scrapbook Layout

Ahhh yes, the art of herding cats.  I am all too familiar with this term, and it couldn't be more true with these fuzz butts!

No matter how hard I try to get them all together for a nice photo, they just can't seem to focus on me for even one second while I try and take their picture!

And let's not even THINK about getting all six together, as that will never happen with the dynamics between Summer and the younger ones... she just doesn't like them, and never will (her nickname is Mrs Bitchypants for a reason... typical Tortie LOL)

The layout was created using Studio Calico's Lollipop Kit and some Studio calico alpha rubons I had in my stash.

Thanks for stopping by!
Steph
xo

Mixed Media Cat Trio: Process Video

This painting was so much fun to make!  It was just more of an exercise on Bristol Paper, but I love how it turned out!  I'd like to explore simple backgrounds a bit more, bringing my subject in as the focus and see where that takes me.

Here is the process video if you're interested!
Music by Minnutes (used with permission)

Thanks for stopping by!
Steph

Charity Cats and Artist Insecurities: Watercolor Process Video

I don't know about you, but sometimes my insecurities regarding the art I make can be very annoying.  It gets in the way of so much that I want to do, and by George, 2016 is my year for kicking that shit those negative thoughts to the curb.

I'm tired of feeling like what I make isn't worthy of appreciation, or admiration.  As artists, why do we let those negative voices in our head take over?  The ability to create something beautiful and bright from a blank piece of paper should be enough to feel confident!  It may not suit every one's tastes, and that's OK.  All art is beautiful to someone in the world, especially if it comes from the heart.

I strayed a bit with where I wanted to take this blog post, but I just had to get it out there.  We all have insecurities about the work we create.  Some of it can help us grow as artists, but we can't live in that headspace, or it will hinder the entire creative process.   I need to get better at getting past it and continue to make things that I love.  Bright colors, crazy cats and messy splatters all the way!

Over the last few months, I had been thinking about contacting a few of the local animal shelters here in Nova Scotia about donating art prints and original watercolors.  Most of them have monthly Facebook auctions to raise funds, but was always hesitant and doubtful that they would be well received.  See?  Stupid insecurities are like the devil on my back.

Last month, I contacted two of the shelters and was met with a lovely and excited response!!  One of my art prints auctioned at almost double the retail amount and I had to pick my jaw up off the floor.  (I in turn contacted the winning bid and will be sending them an original 5x7 as well!)

Here is my first original watercolor that will be auctioned off at the end of the month for H.A.R.T (Homeless Animal Rescue Team)  Please visit their Facebook page for more information on the wonderful work they do!

This piece was created with the yummy QoR & Gansai Tambi watercolors. 

Roxy Baby: Scrapbook Layout

Roxy is our 3 year old Silver Doll Faced Persian, and she is such a sweet little girl.  She loves to  fetch, and brings us her favorite foam balls when it's time to play.  She's lean and long, and has a fur coat that can mat after nothing more then a sneeze. 

Grooming her has always been a challenge; she's not aggressive, but sooooo squirmy!  She's also very smart, and knows that I'm a softy.  I let her get away with the wiggle worm routine and half heartily scruff her when I try and comb her out.  So after trying to maintain her fur on my own for about a year (and failing miserably), I asked our groomer to give her a lion cut. 

She didn't enjoy the process much the first time, but within about 5 minute of it being finished you could tell she felt so much better!!  No more mats and she started playing and carrying on like a kitten.  Since then, she is cut every every fall when the winter coat starts coming in... and she hardly squirms at all for the groomer now!

I still maintain her cheeks/tail/nails on my own, and she pulls the wiggle worm routine on me all the time, but I'm getting better at it!  Unfortunately, since I'm the "bad guy" in our house, she tends to ask Dave for snuggles and not me.  I can hold her and give her some love, she's such a sweetie... but I'm not her favorite.  It makes me sad, but I'll win her over one day!!

The layout was created using papers from Gossamer Blue, with some diecuts from Dear Lizzy and embellishments from Studio Calico.  I'm loving all things hand cut these days, scallop borders being my favorite!  (the wonkier the better!)

Hope you're enjoying the weekend!
Steph
xo

Studio Calico Color Theory Ink: Process Video

The Studio Calico Color Theory Ink refills have been on my wish list for quite some time, and I finally managed to snag the collection during a sale last month! I had seen how others have used it on their scrapbook layouts instead of traditional watercolor washes, and wondered how they would fare if I used them for one of my cat watercolor sketches.

Whenever I want to test anything new, I always go to my default project: Cat sketching!  I just can't help myself, and I've decided not to fight it.... it's what appeals to me, so why not!?

Similar to watercolors, the color vibrancy for the inks vary depending on how much water you add to the ink drops.  Also, the working time is also very limited with these inks,  you can't linger or over think anything.  

I struggled a bit at first with the limited working time (in the video, you can see what happens when I'm adding color to the grey kitty's forehead), however it didn't take me long to gauge how fast I had to work.  Although, I do need to be a bit more careful when I'm working that fast as things tend to splatter around if I don't pay attention.  That's a Stephanie problem though, no fault of the ink ;-)

Thanks for stopping by!

Steph

xo

Meow: Scrapbook Layout

These four furry critters crack me up!  I often feel like I'm part of a never-ending Conga line, and I love it!  Sure they are underfoot, and I have to watch out that that I don't trip over them, but having  their company in the house is so lovely.

All four cats are VERY different from each other, and they all show affection and cuddle in different ways.  However, they are all so social they can't help but follow me around the house even if it's just to the washroom and back!

I scrapbooked this favorite photo with a lovely collection by Studio Calico's Seven Paper.  I think it is hands down, my favorite release of 2015.  I love that it's all about cats/dogs and in a pastel palette!  Often pet lines are in browns and oranges and I just find those colors difficult to work with as I'm still on my "bright" kick.

And the kitty wood veneers?!?  I may have ordered about 10 packs of those, I never want to run out!

Thanks for stopping by!
Steph
xo

Tuxedo Kitty Watercolor - Twinkling H20

Some days you just need to get it down on paper.  No thought about your end result, just pick up that pencil, pen, paint or whatever you need to express yourself. 

I've been trying to sketch or paint something every day.  It isn't always easy to squeeze in, and some nights I'm scrambling during the last few minutes before bed to put a doodle to paper. 

However these quick drawings feel wonderful, even if the sketch is crap.  (and many of them ARE crap!)  This aspect of practicing my creativity surprised me; these bedtime sketches calm my mind, sate that need to "make something" and helps me improve every day! 

A concept so simple, and so obvious!  I know it sounds so corny, but I feel like this is such a lovely new chapter of my creative self. 

Steph
xo
 

A Clowder of Cats in Pencil Crayons

One of the things that I love to do when trying out a "new to me" product, is to draw a cute group, or clowder of cats and color them in!  So far, I've tried it with various watercolor products, Distress markers and I'm currently working on a large piece with my Faber-Castell Gelatos.

Here is my favorite clowder so far using Faber-Castell Polychromos pencil and Gamsol on 11x14 Bristol paper.  I've tried other "high end" pencil crayons before, and wasn't very successful; the leads kept breaking when I was sharpening them, and most are all down to nubs after using them for only a short time.

The Faber-Castell Polychromos pencil crayons are a dream to color with!  They can be sharpened to a nice fine point, and they lay color down smoothly. I'm still learning about shading, and I find these cat collages are great practice.

Gamsol was used to blend the pencil marks with a paper stump. (Be sure to use Gamsol in a well-ventilated area)  It took a few cats to get the hang of using it, but going in a circular motion seemed to work the best.

The paper stumps have to be sanded down after every color, so it does make a bit of "dusty" mess in your work space.  Be sure to have your dust buster handy if that bugs you!

Have you ever used Gamsol?  Any tips/tricks are welcome!
Steph
xo

Scrapbook & Cards Today Fall Issue and a Double Layout

Have you downloaded the latest copy of the Scrapbook & Cards Today issue?  If you haven't,  I suggest you click here and do it now!  It is a wonderful issue with so much inspiration! They knocked it out of the park again and I can't wait to receive my paper copy in the mail soon.  There's just something I love about a printed copy in hand (I'm old school I guess).

I was thrilled when they asked me to contribute to their Pet Feature, and thought it would be the perfect time to create a layout featuring ALL 6 CATS!  Yes, you read that correctly... I had yet to do this with our new gang!

*The last time I did this, was with my old gang in 2008

I pulled out my American Crafts Shimelle collection and created a double layout.... because when you have 6 cats, you need a double layout to accommodate them all!

I struggled with photo placement on this one, but I think that has more to do with the fact that I'm not used to scrapbooking more than one photo at a time.  I wanted to be sure all cats had equal focus, and I think I was successful.

For those of you who are new readers, 6 cats really isn't a lot once you get used to it.... For a short time before we adopted the Persians we were down to 3 and the house was so empty!!   I could do without the fur though, thank goodness for a robust vacuum cleaner ;-)

Thanks for stopping by!
Steph
xo

Watercolor: Tortie Kitty Love!

Here is the latest kitty doodle!  A 9x12 cute Tortie, inspired by our beautiful cat Summer Girl.
(aka Summer Lovin', Summer Breeze and Miss CrankyPants...LOL)

This was my first time using Watercolor Paper: Fabriano 140lb Hot Press, and I really enjoyed it!

If you are unfamiliar with the difference between Hot and Cold pressed Watercolor paper, it's very simple: Cold=Textured   Hot=Smooth
(I'm sure there are other variables that distinguish them, but I'm still learning)

The paint and water flow differently when you're working on a smooth surface, so I'm sure there will be a bit of a learning curve while I work through the paper pad.

Along with the Fabriano paper, I used my lovely Twinkling H20s and favorite Pilot pen.  I still can't seem to leave the dark pen marks off my page.  I love the soft watercolor look on other artists work, but I never feel like my pieces are finished until I messy mark them up with black!

Until next time!
Steph
xo

Scrapbooking with Echo Park

Over the last few years I have been trying to make a real attempt at using up my supplies, rather than hoarding saving them for a rainy day.  It's not always easy with all the new goodies that are released a few times each year, but I'm getting better at it!

Stashbusting has been my term for using up what I already have, and that's what I've been doing lately!  Stashbusting up a storm!

A couple of weeks ago I dug out a lovely Echo Park collection that was released a couple of years ago, and here are two of the few layouts I created.  I almost "killed" the entire kit!  What a great feeling to use up your supplies :-)

I've been working on a lot of mixed media projects lately, and I guess you can tell by the layouts below!  A bit of hand cut scallops on the first layout, and lots of ink on the second!  I also dug out my favorite old mini alpha stamp set for the journaling.  I love that look! (especially since I'm not keen on my own handwriting)

Thanks for stopping by!
Steph
xo

Twinkling H20s and a Process Video

It was just by chance that I was visiting my local Scrapbook Store a few weeks ago and stumbled upon these lovely watercolor paints.  How is it that I had never heard of them until now?  I'm so far behind, that I'm scrambling to purchase all their discontinued colors before they are no longer available!  (I had read somewhere there were issues with their 200+ colors and they are now only going to make 50 or so going forward - unconfirmed)

If you've never tried these paints, and you enjoy watercolors, then I recommend giving these a go!  I love the look of soft watercolor, but sometimes I just want my pieces to POP! and these really do the trick!  They are gorgeous, full of pigment and have a lovely iridescent quality to them... I'm hooked!

Here are a few of the kitties I've painted these past few weeks, and I also created a YouTube process Video using these yummy paints! (scroll to the bottom)

Steph

xo

Watercolor + Cats

I have been absolutely enamoured with watercolours lately.  Well, perhaps a little obsessed would be a better description.

I've always loved the soft look and feel of watercolours, and after taking a few online classes that touched on the medium, I've been practicing up as storm!

My first class with Carla Sonheim was: Cats! Cats! Cats!

I have to admit, the class appealed to me due to the subject matter (naturally...), but the lessons and paradigm shift that I experienced after I watched the lessons and then completed all of the homework were incredible.

I've always been stuck in my own head when it came to painting/sketching/drawing and Carla's class really helped me figure out how to let go and work on my hand/eye coordination.

My big revelation: Your work will improve if you practice!!!  Not all artists are natural born talents that can whip something up in a heartbeat.  Most artists spend countless hours working in sketchbooks and finding their "style".

I'm not certain why this concept never occurred to me before, I'm just thankful I had my "lightbulb" moment and I've been working in my sketchbook non-stop ever since :-)

This class has been my starting point, and since I love the subject matter so much, I figured I would just continue on trying to figure out "my style".  I started trying create watercolor cats based on work from Surfing Sloth, and I think I'm starting to figure out what appeals to me.

Many artists have said that if you keep using colors, mediums and techniques that inspire you and make you happy, you will eventually find your own voice... it just takes time.

Steph
xo

Princess Luna de Noche

Some call it a weak moment on my husbands part, I call it the best Christmas present ever!

Princess Luna de Noche. She is lovely, adorable and we are completely smitten with her. She loves with her whole heart and has brought us so much joy.

Here is my first scrap page of her, I'm certain there will be many more to follow :-)

Steph
xo
 

Cat In the Hat

I've been collecting Blythe dolls this past year, and one of the trendy items to outfit your doll with are these beautiful critter hats by Sweet Days.  When Ingrid posted this pink cat hat I just had to have it!

It was just by chance that one day when I was sorting through my Blythe hats, and poor Ralphie was sleeping on my desk, that I noticed the hat would probably fit him.  Well, it's safe to say that Blythe doll heads are about the same size as a Persian Cat's head!  haha! 

Since that day, whenever I receive a new Blythe hat, Ralphie has a little photoshoot with it first.  I have to schedule them just after a nap while he's still groggy, but I don't think he minds much anyway ;-) 

I dug out one of my favorite kits for this layout: Studio Calico Sugar Rush  (They still have some of the SC patterned paper left)

Thanks for stopping by!
Have a great week!
Steph

Creative Scrappers - Birthday Bash

Welcome to the Creative Scrappers Blog Hop!

 

Creative Scrappers is celebrating 6 years of Creating with Sketches and we’re so excited to share 12 new sketches for you today and some inspiring layouts as well.

 

We’ll be giving away a few prizes so be sure to play along and check back on Saturday night April 26th to see if you’re the lucky winner!

Here are the different ways you can play along:

1. Like Creative Scrappers on Facebook
2. Comment on our blog or on Facebook page
3. Help Spread the news!

Here is a copy of my sketch created by Kristine Davidson:

 

And here is the project that I created with photos of my sister's Birthday last year!

I loved working with this sketch because of all the mix of patterned papers I had to use.  The different layers and stitching really helped me get the texture I was in the mood to create. 

Please join us in celebrating this wonderful milestone for Create Scrappers!!! 

Here is the Blog Hop Order

 

Amanda Johnson

Amanda Johnson Ashley Horton
Danielle de Konink
Jenny Evans
Jody Rogers
Kathy Skou
Kristine Davidson
Michelle Whorwood

Missy Whidden
Sherri Funk

Stephanie Hart (<-You are Here)
Tara Elias

Back to

Creative Scrappers

 

Head on over to the Creative Scrappers blog and download our sketches from today's birthday bash blog hop! We have tons of giveaways on our facebook page today thanks to our our awesome blog hop sponsors : 
Creative Scrappers, Let's Capture Our Memories,  Paper Camellia, Creative Embellishments, My Scraps & More, Scrapbook & Cards Today, Simple Stories, Jillibean Soup, Pinkfresh Studio, Davida Stafford - CTMH, Paper Issues, My Creative Scrapbook

Thank you for playing along today and helping us celebrate 6 years of awesome sketches and layouts!  Check in Sunday with us for more layouts using Sketch 267.

 

Please visit Tara's Blog to continue the Blog Hop!

LCOM's Monthly Color Spot Challenge!

I was thrilled when Isabelle from Let's Capture Our Memories contacted me to participate in their monthly Color Spot Challenge!  I loved the inspiration board and digging through my Maggie Holmes collection seemed like a perfect fit!

 

Here is my layout of our Ralphie!  I can't get enough of those crazy ears!

 

 

Here is the lovely Inspiration board!

Be sure to check out the LCOM shop, they have added lots of new Winter CHA goodies lately! 

Have a great week!
Steph
xo