SuzeBlogz

Chicks & Ducks & Geese better scurry

Give me a cookie cutter and I'm like a mad scientist! I had this obsession to make little yellow chicks after I bought a chick cookie cutter at the craft store. I experimented....

• Melted Sunflower Yellow UTEE Brightz in the Melting Pot
• Poured it onto my craft sheet
• Placed cookie cutter into hot UTEE and immediately poured some Gold Glittery Embossing powder into the cutter.
• When the UTEE hardened I gently heated the surface embossing powder with a heat gun to get this cool effect.

Well..if that worked...what else....GLITTER. Threw some chunky glitter on top of the hot UTEE.



Most of the glitter just stuck to the hot UTEE. Whatever didn't I returned to the jar. This could be me...a glittery chick.

Well then....pink bunnies would be good too...nothing like overkill.
 
Pink was simple...I mixed white UTEE with Fuchsia UTEE Brightz. The more white, the lighter the pink.


What will I do with them...no clue...I celebrate Passover...we don't do bunnies and chicks. Maybe I could figure out how to make faux Matzoh balls out of UTEE !

Waxing the 7 of Spades

It was a dark and stormy night.......oh wait...that's a different story......

This story begins with a playing card...the 7 of Spades and a round tag with the Scrabble letter 'S' glued to it. It was the beginning of a project for the really fun group I belong to called
"The Tiara Chronicles"
These are my local NJ friends who get together once a month to have a fantastic time and often to do a project. The project was to alter this playing card.

I brushed beeswax over the surface from the melting pot
I fused the layers of wax with a heat gun in between each application of wax.
I laid down a piece of foil over the warm wax to transfer foil to the surface
I placed a high contrast photocopy of the girls face on the warm wax and burnished it down very well.
I used water on the backside of the photocopy to get 99% of the paper off
Then, I used my heat gun to melt off the rest of the paper, which somehow just disburses into the wax.
Brushed on some Perfect Pearls. It sticks to the wax.
I added a rub on, glued the tag to the card and added some Zamora Beads and fibers.

I'm happy with it ! I have no idea how the beeswax will hold up over the card surface but I suppose I'll find out over time and then I'll let you know.
Now....I'm off to get a root canal.....isn't THAT a barrel of fun first thing in the morning !
 

and speaking of God....

This weekend was a unique experience, religiously speaking.
On Friday night I was a part of a special 'Rosh Chodesh' service that our synagogue put on.

Rosh Chodesh means beginning of the month or head of the month...the word 'Rosh' meaning 'head' like in our holiday of Rosh Hashana (meaning 'head of the year') .
So, every month in the Jewish calendar begins with Rosh Chodesh.

On this night the women in the congregation ran the service (instead of the Rabbi) and I led all the singing. Okay...the secret is out..I really do sing....and in Hebrew, no less !

If I get around to uploading it I'll post a very short video of one of the musical pieces I did called 'Shalom Rav' where I did harmony with one of our gals who plays guitar. but..no promises...it's a busy week and I'm getting a root canal and a haircut ! Now that explains everything, right ? You can't possibly be busier than that !

The following night we went to see a local, but totally professional, production of 'Godspell'. (that's the archaic spelling of the word gospel) with our friends Gail & Jerry.


I'm very open minded ! Jewish...Christian....doesn't matter a lick...I LOVE all music and the music from this 1970's musical is so fabulous.
I couldn't wait to hear 'Day by Day' again.  In fact...I've seen 'Jesus Christ Superstar' 3 times and plan on going again cause they're reviving it locally. But, this particular evening was terrific because this cast updated some of the script with modern lyrics which made it so relatable.

Today, Sunday,  I chilled out on my daughters couch with a soft Spiderman blankie, the Lenster, Sydney the cat,  and 6 year old Jared and watched BOLT ! What a great weekend.

They're So Clever

the things people think up to do with UTEE....I just love it. And, when they become inspired by an online tutorial like the Faux Sea Glass from Julia Andrus and me on You Tube well, that makes it so much more worthwhile.
Look at this gorgeous dreamcatcher from Sherry Cheever (she'll forgive me for "borrowing" her picture, Im sure.

then....drop in on Julia Andrus who has some delicious free downloads this month and some new stamp sets coming out soon. Julia is doing really well health wise for those who have asked me.

Still have time? Catch the lovely Bonnie Egenton demonstrating PERFECT PEARLS on the Ranger website...it's a 2 part video. Here's PART 1 and here's PART 2


Now...here's something exciting & new....FLAT BACKED RINGS that you add your own dimensional pieces to. We added Tims Ideology trinkets, but think flowers or even UTEE molds.


and dont you just Loooooove the new large HOUSE PENDANT

that you can wear around your neck and fill with all sorts of photos, doodads, trinkets and beads and seal them in with UTEE (like I did) or Glossy Accents.

well...that's a lot for today friends....
I added Scrappy Chic in Livonia, MI to my list of where I'll be teaching this August. I don't suppose its ever too early to sign up !!! My classes this May at Stampers Ink in Shawnee, KS may already be full but it never hurts to inquire !.

now....I'm off to get a massage!

Schmoozing

Even though I've lived in my development for over 7 years I haven't gotten to know that many people because I'm still working and I travel a lot and many of them are retired.

but...even though I wasn't yet a member (I am now ) , back in January the Brandeis Womens Organization heard about me and asked me to do a class on Melt Art which I did. It was so well received that they've asked me to repeat it....which I will !

Tonight they had their big meeting and those of us who are going to do programs this year put out small displays so people could sign up. MELT ART was a huge sign up success. Everyone wants to make jewelry that really only takes 5 minutes ! Schmoozing is good !

One of the ladies who took the first go-round was wearing a piece she made at home after the class. She bought all the materials and has been making some nice extra money selling her creations. I couldn't be happier ! She used the Instant Art Transferz technique and a cookie cutter.
And guess what..... she shared her little secret with me for making a bale on the necklace.....she used a picture frame hook and squished it closed after she put the cord through it. Brilliant ingenuity !

When I was demoing in Paris our French distributors gave me this great wire framed torso as a gift  to display pieces on..I took it with me tonight...everyone loved the display.

and now.....please take an extra minute and watch the video tutorial on my friend Patti Behans Blog. Patti has been doing really great things with alcohol inks.

Repeat; There's no place like home....there's

no place like home.....

Right On Dorothy......

But...don't get me wrong...oh boy do I love France...I can't wait to see it again. A new place, something different..maybe southern France next time ( are you listening Sally..??)
My friend Wendy says I'm like the energizer bunny...Wendy should know...when I visit her in California I schlep her too!!! That's me...a schlepper! A total tourist. Give me a camera and something to see or buy or make and it's a GO !

Let me share one of the fun projects Tim, Leandra and I did during our demos at the show.
I thought a collaborative piece would be fun so I had Tim alcohol ink a piece of Ranger's Glossy card, then I gave it to Leandra to stamp on with a Paper Artsy image then I put it in a Memory Frame and poured clear UTEE over it.

This "look" is very different for me, but I loved it.

I'd also like to show you a display I saw at the show ...very clever I thought-  and I pictured it made of big styrofoam balls from a craft store and covered with decorative papers.
 

My friend Monda Gettman from Creative Imaginations loved the little Mona Collage I made for her using beeswax...and,

check out her necklace again....she made that in another booths make it, take it. This wire is soooooo hot in France and Belguim that I ordered some for the website and I will certainly let you know when it arrives.

here is another idea with the wire..... (sorry a bit blurry !)

As I mentioned....I took a bazillion pictures. I'd like to share a few more that were visually interesting. This church intrigued me.


and, I loved this train station (Concorde stop) ....there were letters all over the walls and ceiling.


and this hand made clock was done by one of the French demonstrators using Tims style and products. Just beautiful and very inspirational.

and this heart was made from a UTEE Mold

and lastly.....try adding just a smidge of some WHITE UTEE to your other melting pot colors and see what happens......

and now....a power nap !

Castles, Shopping & Fun, Oh My

So....off we go, down the miles and miles of dirt road from our Chateau and into town.


tomorrow its off to home and then I'm going to need a week to catch up on sleep, start dieting off the crepes and soak my feet from all the walking. And, who knows..I might have to redecorate castle style. LOL !!!

How's this for a simple bedroom motif ?? And, you know what else I noticed...the beds are all so small...those kings & queens must have all been very short people with expensive taste !! Hey....I'm short ! Can I have a bed like that?



Game of chess anyone? I mean, seriously !

Doesn't everyones bedroom ceiling look like this?
Mine has a light fixture !

and everyone should have their own private chapel.

and beautiful flowers and fireplaces everywhere

now...check out the babys' playroom

THEN......after the castles we ate and shopped in TOURS in the cool historic district. Food is a way of life in France...lunchtime is just as busy as dinner and everyone has their wine or beer with food and the shops close for 90 minutes for lunch, which is always leisurely.

There was this incredible Cathedral right in town right next to a modern building.

and then chocolate...yummy. We indulged of course.

A resturant window

Flowers on the street

The Lenster finds a delicious cappuchino

and a funny "sculpture"

and after another full day of culture we head back to Paris


now mind you....I have thousands of photos that I took and because the Lenster and the Jenster did their own thing on the 2 days I worked at the show they did an amazing amount of touring and picture taking on their own....they even climbed down the Eiffel Tower at night (yes down...not up!!)...but even that is a feat!
Here are two of their pictures taken from high up....


and they did The Louvre which I did on my very first trip...
Recgnize these famous people????



Oooops...she's famous to me...!!!


so...that's it for today.....I promise more when I get home.
Watch for exciting things to come and don't forget the free download on the website cause I'll be changing it really soon.

Au revoir !

658

That's how many pictures I took in one day of our tour of the LOIRE Valley to see some of the castles built in the 1400's....and we've only just started....

This area is positively incredible...about 2 hours outside of Paris by car (1 hr by train).
We had such a grand time...so...I will just post a whole bunch of pictures and hope you enjoy the abbreviated tour.....we started at the largest....Chambord Castle....

close your eyes...imagine the knights, the kings, the queens, the jousts...the opulence...it's all unbelievable until you're there and then all of a sudden...its real !

another, smaller castle......Cheverny. Privately owned, fully furnished in the style of the 1600's.We loved this one. Is it for sale??? Would make a great craft space !!! LOL

with the sepia setting on my camera....cool, huh..like a postcard.

Can you find The Lenster and the Jenster in the castle maze????


and here is where we are staying...at the Chateau de Vau in Ballan-Mire...huge bedrooms and private bath...found it online..but it is truly in the middle of nowhere....really, nowhere.... !!! It has been in the family of its current owners for 5 generations and was built in the 1600's.

And when you wake up this is what you hear.....there are sheep on the property...

and here are some of the castle interiors....plus the Kings potty !!!!




this was the 16th century Castle of Chenonceaux....gardens and very feminine inside. It was the castle of Catherine de Medici.  Lots of upkeep and renovation going on in all of the castles. Heaven forbid something old should fall down on you !

Okay..it is time to go and see more and do some local shopping in TOURS (thats a town, you dont pronounce the 's').....more posting later...have to go now and spend those Euros, drink more wine (oops..not me), eat more crepes, see more stuff. oooh la la.

 

 

Shows Over...but, we're still going !

well....let me tell you...one whirlwind after another.


Lets just get right to the heart of the matter...pictures for your enjoyment.... the entire group from the ACICAM booth (those are Rangers French distributors)....too many to name..you know most of us !

The booth...

Tim demoing...intense, huh??

and he came up with this fabulous design with his Grungeboard sheets and made them for many of the buyers...I know it looks very big here, but it was actually the perfect size to go on a hair comb and the French women are VERY into adornments. Isn't it just gorgeous??!!

Mona and I did a Make It-Take It at a jewelry booth...wahoooo!!! Making our own rings and necklaces with wire...right up my alley. She made her necklace and......

I made this ring...goes with every outfit I have !

and here are more....

and here I was Schmoozing with Canadian Scrapbook Extra Magazine editor Ludmilla...great magazine...in French...so, if you speak the language and live in Quebec...get it. Plus...she's a hoot.

and now to My DARLING friend Sally.....my shopping buddy...my French soul "twin"....I love to see her each year at this show..

I received this beautiful hand made box decorated with Ten Second Studio Metal from my friends at ACICAM...I thank you again. They are such gracious people.
and then I made UTEE donut necklaces for several people who stopped by to watch the demos...I used the UTEE Brightz...they were really sharp looking.

Then...one lady dropped by to watch the demos and SHE was wearing a terrific necklace that used UTEE on several of the peices. This should be inspiring.

and this too....UTEE pendants in memory Frames hanging from a purse....I loved this idea..

Lest you shoud think the show was all we did.....
Afterward The Lenster, Jennifer and I did our own little jaunt about town....
I'll save some of those pictures for tomorrow...but...as a teaser...well...

we hit some famous shopping...

We visited some of the seedy side of Monmartre...LOL

we saw the original Moulin Rouge

and tomorrow...I promise there will be more...castles and everything....
Now...my battery is dying on both my computer and on my brain...au revoir

and today....the show..

Arise super early...schlep luggage to the Metro (across the street in front of the Louvre)........schlep...schlep...okay..get the guys to schlep the
luggage...we tag along behind....change trains..
Tim hides behind little 5 foot me....

...schlep more...finally...we get to the location of the SMAC show...yipee...set up to demo....busy..busy..busy..all day. Fabulous.
See some old friends, like Tanya from Belgium who was also demoing there and stops by to say Hi.

I make her a cool UTEE pin in a memory frame.....


Watch Leandra demo...I love Leandra...she's just a doll plus she invented the Leandra bead...and wait..she's got another really cool technique...more on that on another blog....

Then of course there's my friend Mona from Creative Imaginations (R) ...we've known each other umpteen years....she was doing Make-It, Take it's...all day..she was sooooo tired by days end.

Here's a pix of a really fun looking booth at the show...taken before anyone came

in... I looove
the corrugated Eiffel Tower....lots of corrugated stuff at this show, especially furniture.
Then..I actually saw another of our french distributors demoing the melting pot...
that was kind of exciting for me !

Then...6 pm...long day..the show ends..first day...we celebrate with wine, beer, sausage, nuts and candy in the booth.....VERY different than in America ...especially the sausage part...that was a first for me !!!


After dinner the Lenster, Jennifer and I go directly across the street from the hotel and stand, breathlessly, in front of the Louvre. No matter how many times I have seen it it still takes my breath away....

and here's my parting shot...with the beam from the Eiffel Tower in the background....It's really amazing...

More tomorrow, if I don't poop out first.