SuzeBlogz

Why Shop ?

not that we ever need to answer that question.....

We live for shopping....especially when it's at a store that's away from home and not one you might have in your own town...Like STEINS garden center near Zanas house....

I'm a sucker for garden centers.
Not once did I worry about how I'd get anything home in the suitcase...there's always my 3 favorite words...
DO YOU SHIP ????

Bought lots of fun bird items......have NO idea what for....Cause I'm an addict obviously !

Then we stopped at Zana's dog sitter...who runs a business called DOODIE FREE...now I ask you...is that not the damnedest cutest name for a doggie business


Then we went back to her house and crafted....ho ho ho !

Zana has this amazing TORSO class that she does.....she showed me how to make one...which I can't divulge or she'll have to kill me....it's her special techniques.


If you keep tabs on her website you'll get to see all of her unique classes...they are completely unlike anything that anyone else does. if you have a store...you need to invite her to come and teach.

Here is one that Zana has done. I'll finish mine now that I'm home again.


Then I got out the Golden Paints we'd bought at our class a few days before and made a skin

I spread out the gold acryic paint nice & evenly and let it dry thoroughly.
Then I brushed a coating of Non Porous Digital Ground over the paint.
Once that was completely dry I lifted the skin from the plastic and, using the blue removable tape, taped it down to a piece of copier paper taping down 2 sides of the skin.
Then..Ran it through an ink jet printer.

So...in other words, this image (from Le Miz) is copied right onto acrylic paint.
DAMN...I love this.
Once the ink is really dry (which happens quickly) I can lift the skin off the copier paper and place it over anything I like. Just glue it down using gloss or matte medium.
I think this is such a cool technique
All I want to do now is make skins !
and I'm definitely going to try this using Claudines Studio Line paints !

Tomorrow my Mac goes in for service..hope they don't need to keep it for a while. Or is that just a good excuse to buy a newer one !!!
Tee Hee.

Square Art

That means Art Fair on the Square...Madison, Wisconsin...yippe ay oh ay A !

First Zana and I had a jolly good breakfast...this is not a fair representation...LOL This is what greeted us in the display case as we walked in the door.....Cholesteral nighmare ! Bring it on ! I can always take a pill later !

 

Then, off to the art fair via the MOST spectacular bead shop I have ever laid eyes on - just a tiny weeny side trip - ECLECTICA BEADS...dear God...died and went to heaven....you have NO IDEA ! I'm guessing 4,000 sq feet. Lovely help. And...I was recognized...lions, tigers & bears, oh my.

 

Off to the fair....where we were inundated with art of every genre....here's a taste....

This looked like a metamorphosis of animal to man or vice-versa...sculpted.

 

One of Zanas and my favorites came from Whipplebirds...paper machine hand painted...fabulous and with so much character.

 

Zana planned the whole eyeglass matching bird thing !

 

Zana's cousin Shelby had a booth....

The family....Shelby (& son) ...you ROCK !

 

This is NOT part of Zanas family in any way shape or form...this shaped form was  Marc Sijan's  sculpture that was so real looking it was scary !

 

I really adored this gals "dress painting" collages. Katherine Allen Coleman

 

Inspiring. nuff said..

 

Birds were very popular

 

I want so much to go on & on...problem is...I don't have my Mac and I'm working on a borrowed computer making it so difficult to post quickly & efficiently...and I'll all about easy!

Tomorrow Zana and I are going to do some art together, hang out & relax...if I can..I'll post more of the fair then.

Till then...tally ho !

GOT SKIN !

Today I made skin! Lots of skin....

No...I didn't say I showed any skin....I made some ...in the class that I took from Golden's acrylic artist Patti Brady...who, by the way has a new book and the most unusual hair colors I've ever seen...not counting some of the weird things I've been known to do to my own !

 

I'd really never played with Goldens products before so this was a nice treat. Zana and I sat side by side while we made "skins" from their acrylic paints, gels and digital grounds. The grounds is the last overlay and the one that allows you to run the skin through your ink jet and print on it. Fabulouso !

 

But, did we shop, you ask?? New? ..what else...there was a nice exhibitor vendors thingie that we dropped some bucks at while we munched sandwiches and chips going from one vendor to the other. Yes...we picked up a signed copy of Patti's new book...excellent.

Here is the beginnings of a collage I made using a picture of classmate Debby Kiels grandmother Marie.

It starts with a gel medium applied to something it will not stick to, like the non stick craft sheet or a plastic sleeve. You brush it on an 8.5 X 11 surface. You let it dry - thoroughly. That process creates what is called a "skin".

 

Now, you brush on the digital ground. Let that dry. Next you tape it down using low tack artists 'masking tape (blue). What we did then was to put the image to copy on the scanner bed and hit the print button...printing it on the "skin".

Because the digital ground medium is water soluble a simple paint brush in water can lift, blur & change the ink on the surface...that was our next step.

Now...I turned it over and on the backside I could apply acrylic paints....let it dry.

Last step...flip it over and adhere with a Gel Medium to a base we made using Golden's Crackle Medium.

 

Tomorrow we're going to  The Art Fair on the Square (over 400 vendors ON the square) in Madison, Wisconsin.

Tonight I'm burying all my credit cards!

Shirmp or...shopping ?

 

Yes...yes...that is what it says...SHIRMP.....it's got to be something I've never tried before or someone needs new glasses OR...they don't believe in spell check...or...it's a new dish!

I'm out in Milwuakee visiting my beautiful friend Zana Clark, owner of Stamp Zia rubber stamps.

I landed and got into her car and before I'd even changed the time zone on my watch we were off to shop!

 

Did the damage at the Chicos Outlet.....Ooooh outlets.....the best. On to Coldwater Creek OUTLET where I tried on hats to match my nail polish....is there a better reason? 

and Zana bought alphabet balls...

Stores are even cashing in on the Michael Jackson T shirts...but I miraculously tore myself away !

and so on and so on...as the wallet depleted itself ! You know how that magic works.

Then, back to Zanas where we were greeted by the King of the house...Kona...a rat terrier Chi mix...cute little bugger !

 

Zana and I call each other sisters. Must be the red hair....or that we just really love each other.

Tomorrow we're off to take an art class in Chicago...have to be up at 5:30 AM...not sure I'll love anyone at that hour!

Lovely day...bad computer

Lets start with the death of my 3 yr old MacBook....kernel panic...kernel panic.!! Thats Bad...very bad. And, of course it happens right when I'm leaving on a trip first thing in the morning...oy vey !

Murphys Law !

So...a very fast trip to the Apple store tonight to review what my choices will be once I get back home and make an appt to have the techs look at the old Mac ......meanwhile I will  contemplate a new MacBook Pro. I love an excuse to shop! I'm actually very excited over the prospect of a new Mac, especially since I'm now typing on a slow as molasses old Sony Vaio PC & struggling just to remember how a PC works !

But today, otherwise, was such a special day.

I invited my lifelong friend Gail and her friend Ruth, who I'd never met before , to my office for some "therapy".

Ruth lost her husband 5 weeks ago after over 55 years of marriage and needed something to take her mind off it. So...we waxed...not our bodies (altho God knows I could use it) ....frames !

what fun. Gail on L and Ruth on R

 

we took this shot on the camera timer...it's hilarious when you run into a picture & You're smiling at a blinking red light waiting for it to go off.

 

Then I taught them how to make rings in 3 minutes using the Wire from Belgium ....let me tell you...we had a great day and Ruth felt totally renewed.

 

Is there anyone who doesn't need renewal ??!!

 

 

 

some days....

.....there just ain't a whole lot of shakin' going on.
It happens
It's okay.

I've been getting deeply back into an old favorite hobby - photography. I dug out a ton (and I do mean a TON) of COKIN filters & masks that I'd bought years ago when I had the very first Minolta XD-11 SLR to come out. They were buried up in the attic.

I think there's many things buried in the attic I've forgotten about.....hmmm! But, that would involve climbing stairs (like a ladder) in an UP position to a high place.....I sent the Lenster.

Now I have a SONY Alpha (first edition) so I bought a new Cokin Filter Holder and the correct adapter rings for my lenses and I'm good to go....go where I don't know- but I'm good !

This filter makes everything hazy except the very center spot.....I love this effect

This is actually a face fountain . Water runs down the side of her face.



One of the masks I tired is a keyhole


I can see where I'll be obsessed and busy with this stuff for the next few days.

You won't want to miss Debbie Tlach's incredible technique using Ranger's FROSTED Memory Glass. I have always told Debbie she is a genius...and she is !
She uses alcohol inks, black cardstock, white pigment ink , clear embossing powder and a heat gun to make something spectacular.



and also......let me use this space to turn you on to some other good sites.
My friends Stan and Russell at Twisted Papers are back in the groove. They sort of disappeared for a while but now....WOW. Catch their wonderful deals on collage images.

Check out Lynne Perrellas ETSY shop for some of her gorgeous handmade work

One of my personal favorites, always, is Corinne Stubson

See Claudines No Sew Purse on When Creativity Knocks - it's so adorable and so Claudine !

and this looks like a fun book I might want to buy. Anyone have it?

It's a celebration

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA. We are 231 years old since the time the Declaration of Independance was signed!  And, we are still evolving. GOOD JOB !



The Lenster and I took an hour ride in the convertible today, down to the Historic Village of Smithville. (we vetoed Atlantic City cause the traffic down was horrendous ).
 


Sadly it's not the same really historic village as it was when we first moved to New Jersey, many years ago. It's gotten kinda touristy, but, we had a great day anyway

The weather was scrumptous, warm but no humidity (for us..that's amazing ) so people were out in the paddle boats on the water.

 and I did find a small bead shop called Bumble Beeds that had cool beads from Kenya and a soap shop with delicious smelling potions and lotions. Oh yes..I bought stuff from both  !

And...I did shoot some fun pictures





 AND...we did have Sushi for dinner....AND...
we stopped for the geese to cross the road on the way home


we did go to see PUBLIC ENEMIES with Johnny Depp (very entertaining) and we almost made it to the fireworks (it's ok..I don't have any guilt !)....so...after all is said & done...we had a super nice day.

Now..... remember I bought that cool book "Wreck This Journal"...well..check out what the people on FLICKR have done with theirs. I MUST get mine started now

Aside from everything else ...let me say....I want to be President of the Patti Behan fan club - should she ever start one - because she comes up with the coolest ideas and then videos them. This time she does a resist using Clear UTEE and Claudine's Studio paints and she has a big give-a-way....so..hit up her blog and enter. You have everything to gain !

Parting thoughts....Birds of a feather.....


well....you know the rest

Xmas in July ?

I know I'm strange, but now my plants are strange too.

I just finished reading "The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane" about the Salem witches...maybe it's that.

Why is my Xmas cactus blooming in July?

Seriously......Don't tell me. I don't really want to know...the whole thing is over my head...and truthfully...who cares. It's one of natures little miracles. Lets make believe it's a 4th of July miracle.
Let's just do the happy plant dance.

But Xmas in July generally means a sale of some kind.......hows this ....
The return of THE INSTANT ART COLLAGE BOOK.
What.........you didn't even know it was gone..?.....well..it was.

The original 5,000 that were printed all sold and that was going to be the end of that limited edition book.....but...our printer offered to do a small run and we said...GO FOR IT DUDE !


In case you have no clue what I'm yapping about....I created this book all by a cut & paste method...no computer...no photoshop........no brains ! Tons of work.

It has 22 pages of collage images sized to fit Rangers Memory Glass (and frames) with extras to fit bottlecaps, ATC's and paperweights.

It's only $15.99...it's a freakin'  deal...seriously. And, I think we have about 50....so...WHAT R U WAITING FOR. Here's a typical page...
Nice, huh ?!

I love modesty.

Okay....more things with more product...

Look at what Diane Long did as wedding favors using a Wonder Tape sheet......(NOW ON SALE FOR 1 WEEK ONLY !) Bless her little artistic heart....
It is so cool and she is so smart.

This is all you' ll need
Supplies:
Pillar candle - You can also use the flameless (battery operated) flickering candles as this technique is not intended for extended burn time. When using regular candles that you would like to burn, place the photo somewhat lower on the pillar.

Photo of your choice- Printed on regular copy paper, normal print setting.

Patio Paint- clear-by DecoArt (you can substitute with double stick tape if using a                 flameless candle)

Sheet of Wonder Tape-  This tape is extremely sticky, try not to touch the exposed surface

Clear Micro Beads and bead tray or plate with rim to hold beads in.

 

Directions:
1.Cut out the photocopy.
2. Dry fit it around the candle to see if the picture goes all the way around or if you need to fill in the back with a verse and/or stickers.
3. Glue (or tape) photo on candle. The colors should not run but be careful just in case as different brands of printer ink react differently.
4. Roll candle on work surface, use a bone folder to remove any air bubbles. Allow to dry.
5. Measure a piece from a Wonder Tape sheet so that it is an extra ½ inch taller than the photo. (This allows for a ¼ inch border on the top and bottom of photo). Cut the length about ¼ longer than the candle.
6. Peel up and crease a ½ inch strip of the pink protective layer of either the left or right side of the Wonder Tape
7. Turn the sheet of tape over so the white side is facing you. Line up the tape around the photo candle leaving the exposed sticky piece for last.

8. Once you feel the tape is lined up evenly, firmly press the exposed ½ inch of tape onto the candle. Slowly start pulling away the remaining pink layer from underneath. Make sure there are no air bubbles as you are pulling away.

9. When you come near the end you need to stop, go back to the beginning edge, and pull away a bit of the white protective layer, so you can finish pressing down the last part of the tape. if you don’t, you will trap that piece of white protective layer underneath.

10. Begin pulling up the rest of the white protective layer, Lightly sprinkle with glitter and roll in the tray of micro beads as you go. Continue rolling and pressing the beads into the tape.

Optional- If you would like a  border around the top and bottom of the candle, you can apply a ¼ inch strip of Wonder Tape (from a roll) and sprinkle with glitter or micro beads in the color or your choice.


Optional Additions- translucent ultra fine glitter, stamped or printed verses. metallic stickers such as ones by Starform.

It's super when people share......anyone got anything else exciting they've done with my stuff......let me hear from you !
Otherwise I get lonely....LOL !

The house began to twitch....

Who do YOU know that is either so dedicated or totally nuts as to lay mulch in the rain....

no...its NOT sweat..it's raining..its also thundering and I just saw a burst of lightning...and there he is...THE LENSTER...who was determined to get it down - all 5 bags - before the rain started...he didn't calculate too well.

ok...in just the time it took to post this it's now pouring...he's still out there...
The sky just turned black....

I expect the wicked witch of the north to come riding in any moment now.....
Does anyone know how to diagnose an Obsessive Compulsive ?

L-e-n-n-y  c-o-m-e  h-o-m-e..........!!!!!

here's lookin' at you

Looks like a happy face, huh?  2 eyes, smiley mouth.

Okay.......so here's how it goes....I am afraid of heights.
Not the airplane kind....fortunatey.

When I was little and we lived in an apartment building in Brooklyn. We were only on the 2nd floor and I was already crazed by that....and let me assure you...that was nothing.
A piece of cake. It wasn't even high up.

Bridges...Whoooooa.
I actually used to think that the Verrazano Bridge (connecting Brooklyn to Staten Island) was made of rubber bands and they'd snap & break. Now mind you...... I was 21 at the time.....does that give you a clue ??!!


The degree of irrationality varies.....so....even watching a movie that involves height (remember 'Cliffhanger' with Sylvester Stallone ?)....well....that would rate a triple WHOA.....
I lose ALL feeling in my legs....my kids think it's hysterical because these are just movies - not reality - and I'm hyperventilating ...doesn't matter....mom is weirded out again with that Acrophobia thing.


amusement park rollercoasters........happened once......never happening again.
the Stratosphere in Las Vegas...got talked into once...biggest mistake of my life. Thought I'd die.

Needless to say....high places, even ones with big railings, are for the brave of heart...that would NOT be me ! There's no way to minimize this.

So...what would prompt me to go OUT onto the observation deck of a building at the nature preserve...damned if I know ! And, you'll note...the deck isn't even that high up. It's relatively small potatoes.
 

I believe it was cause I wanted pictures of the Eastern Bluebird....or...perhaps because I am a mental case...either way...ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER........it took me half an hour to slowly proceed from the elevator door to the railing.....then, hold it tightly, lift the camera to my eye and...BINGO......nothing !
The birdies were just not in plain sight today.
Big sigh.
I went home. Never looked down.
But I felt proud and decided...

NOPE...not doing that again ! I'll look at their pictures in a book.

Yes...the view straight out was stunning...you could see the Pine Barrens for miles & miles.
Been there, done that.
Moving On.............

I'll stick with the chipmunks in my roof drains. At least they're on the ground.


Aside from all that.......I took a little shopping jaunt this morning into the college town of Princeton (yes..right past the splendid University)..which is about 1/2 an hr from me.
I wandered into a bead store.....yes, there I am just w-a-n-d-e-r-i-n-g and I happened upon THIS...


IT'S MINE NOW AND IT'S FABULOUS AND IT'S OLD.
No..I do not have a clue what I'll make with it but I won't alcohol ink it...that's for sure.!

Ready for ANOTHER IDEA FROM MY 'WRECK THIS' JOURNAL ? I'd skip the barf part !


and...here's an interesting link I happened upon today...Creativity Portal.
then, watch Gina do a Polished Stone Bleach technique on her video. We carry the waterbrush she uses.


ART ALERT :.....if you live anywere near my office (Tinton Falls, NJ) reserve October 18th cause The Impatient Beader, Margot Potter is coming to teach for us. She'll do 1/2 a day and I'll do 1/2 a day. Too soon for all the details...we haven't gotten that far yet....just keep watching.