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

Whatever Makes You Weird....

"Whatever makes you Weird, is probably your greatest asset" - Joss Whedon

This is one of my favorite quotes from one of my most favorite people in Hollywood.  

Mr. Whedon created Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel and Firefly; and each of these TV shows has a special place on my DVD bookshelf. 

So when I saw this snippet of a Joss Whedon quote within the Bella Blvd. Color Chaos collection I knew I just had to do an "about me" layout.  I haven't done one in some time and this was just the inspiration that I needed to get started!

Instead of writing a soul searching "Mission Statement", I decided to document what I've been digging lately: Watercolor, Hot Pink, Damien Rice, Outlander etc.  I think it's important to write these things down and so much fun to look back on these types of pages later on.

There are times when I get tired of scrapbooking cat photos (Gasp!), and I constantly question what I love most about this hobby, because let's face it, so many of us get caught up in the crap, the drama and the want of all new and shiny things.

Documenting these type of layouts keeps me grounded in what is important.  It also helps me see where I am in life (no matter how frivolous or trivial), and more importantly: how I've changed and grown over time.

I like things documented.  I want proof.*

Steph
xo

*Gilmore Girls fan here!

Mixed Media Bunny

I'm a bit of an online art class junkie.  Seriously, I can't help myself!  I love watching art process videos, especially when using mediums, products or techniques I've never imagined or encountered before. 

Some of my favorite classes are given by Juliette Crane.  They always inspire me and she shares so much!  She really puts herself out there for her students.  

The last class I took from her was called How to Create Whimsical Animals and I just couldn't resist when she had her sale last month.

Here is one of my "Whimsical Bunnies" that I worked on as I was watching her videos.  I loved working with Shiva Oil sticks for some of  the background and the entire bunny was painted with my fingertips!

Also, using Bristol paper (as Juliette does) changed the game for me.  Since I don't feel the pressure of working on canvas, I am able to work through any nerves I may have when staring at the blank page.

I really enjoyed this process, I'm slowly learning how to let go and try things out... as Juliette teaches us, everything can be painted over if it doesn't work out!

Cheers,
Steph
xo

YouTube: Mixed Media Blossom

Welcome to my updated Blog!

There have been a few changes in my creative adventures recently, and therefore I thought it would be nice to update my blog to reflect these different paths. (The site will be under construction as I learn more about the various settings.)

The biggest change since my last post, has to be my own YouTube channel!

I'm not even certain what specifically prompted me to start these videos, but I'm loving the unexpected influence the process has had on me creatively. 

Normally, when I sit down to create on canvas, it can take a day or two to arrive at the final piece, as I tend to over think every single step.  Having the camera recording helps me let go and just enjoy figuring things out on the fly! This freedom has helped me explore other mediums and even some sketching/drawing, which I've never done before!  I'm so far outside of my comfort zone, but I'm loving every second of it.  (Stay tuned for more videos in September)

I'm still learning all about video recording and editing, so hopefully as I continue to dive into this process documenting, the videos will improve in quality.

Here is the link to my first video, if you check out the channel link you will see all 5 videos uploaded so far. 

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
 

No apologies...

It irks me when people apologize for not updating their blogs, so I'm not going to do that here. It's been a very long time since I've felt the desire to post something, so I haven't. My blog, my rules ;-)

Most days, I don't even know what purpose this space on the internet serves for me anymore. Things have changed so much! Facebook and Instagram seem to have taken over the social media aspect of our scrapbooking community (IMHO).

So, until I have things figured out (which may never happen, let's be realistic here...), I'll post some of the layouts I've been working on during the last 6 months.

Cheers, Steph xo

Creative Scrappers Sketchbook Volume 3

If you're an occasional scrapper like me, and have limited scrappy time... then you will love these sketchbooks published by Kristine Davidson of Creative Scrappers!!!  They are wonderful to help kickstart your mojo when you find yourself pushing paper around your desk (as I often am these days!).

She has just released Volume 3 and I'm over the moon excited!  I was asked to create a layout for the publication based on one of the awesome sketches, and I chose to scrap a funny photo of Ralphie with some Studio Calico/Sassafras goodies.

You can download a digital copy of the sketchbook HERE, and see below for a discount code!

I prefer to have both paper AND digital, and there are still some sketchbooks available to order HERE.

And if these sketchbooks are new to you, check out the Digital copies of V1&2!

Happy fun!!!
xo

More Rectangles...



Here's an update on the Scrapbook Projects I've been working on over the last few months.  I've been going through a creative block or shift lately, and haven't been as motivated to work on anything.  I dig out my Studio Calico kits and just shuffle paper around my desk... I'm tired of my layered rectangles! 

One of my favorite of all time scrappers (and awesome friend) Nicole and I were chatting about this last week, and she just said "find another shape!" ha!  It sounds so simple, but that's exactly what I'm going to do.  Really try and get out of my comfort zone... and maybe try and scraplift a few of her beautiful layouts. ;-)

For now, here are my rectangles

 

Creative Scrappers Sketch #268

If you take a look at my online galleries, you may notice I tend to shy away from circles. The only time I incorporate them is when I'm working on a CS Sketch! (I guess my creative brain just likes rectangles LOL)

 I wanted to try something a bit different with this layout, so I grabbed a piece of white card stock and cut out the six circles with my Silhouette Cameo.  I used this as a stencil to create my circles using the Hero Arts Daubers (Love these!).

It still looked a bit plain, so I dug out my watercolors and got my fingers messy.  At first, I wasn't keen on the results and almost threw it in the trash.  However, I decided to wait until it dried before getting rid of it and I'm so happy I did! When it was wet it looked so gross and muddy.  I loved it once it dried!

A good "lesson learned" for me this week: no hasty decisions until my watercolors have dried completely :)

This layout was tons of fun as it includes: Letterpress (the Ampersand), hand cut star and triangles, watercolors, ink daubers, stencils and white mist, individual letter stamps and lots and lots of messy stitching!!!

Thanks for stopping by, don't forget to check out the Creative Scrappers Blog for the DT reveal and your chance to win a great prize from this month's sponsor!
Have a great week,
Steph xo