SuzeBlogz

and, as the clock strikes midnight

I'll be wishing everyone a great new year.

and a ba-zillion thanks for all the support you've shown.

Here are some other people who have cool things for sale that you might like to visit in the new year.

Julia Andrus has some gorgeous new stamps, including steampunk

 

and

another friend, Cyndi Duncan owner of Altered Arts Magazine is running a great sale. here's a copy of the email she sent

  One Day Sale

 Year-end Clearance

 

Help us clear the shelves of our warehouse. 

 

Club Kits:  40% off

Purchase 3 or more back issue club kits and save 40%.

 

Back Issue Magazines:  up to 50% off

20% off your purchase of 5-9 back issue magazines.

35% off your purchase of 10-14 back issue magazines.

50% off your purchase of 15+ back issue magazines.

 

SAVE on Our Back Issue Bundle

Now only $77! 

This bundle includes ALL 26 available back issues plus a FREE one-year subscription.

and don't forget the guys at TWISTED PAPERS who have the BEST collage sheets and CD's. They are also having a

Year End Inventory Clearance Sale     

3 Days Only

 

Lets keep art and crafting going strong in 2010

support your stores and magazines

warmest hugz, SUZE

 

Book Smart

I HATE WINTER.

The thermometer says it's 28 degrees outside...that's below freezing....but I do love a visit to either Borders or Barnes & Noble Book stores...especially when I have discount coupons.

Found the newest good book....

authored by the very famous and talented and creative LYNNE PERRELLA, 

I read all the current magazines showing artists studios.

I can proudly say I was featured in the very first book on this subject:  WHERE WOMEN CREATE by Jo Packham. I'll never forget when Jo and camera crew came to my home & took pictures of my studio. Damn..things were all clean then and uncluttered...a lot has happened in those few years ! Clutter for one !!!!

But, one of the cool things for me about this new book  ART MAKING & STUDIO SPACES is that I actually got to visit Judy Wilkenfelds studio in Australia which is  featured in the book. Judy...HUGE congrats...but you know it didn't look this neat when I was there ! LOL

There is also a quote in the book from another designer, Laurie Zuckerman

and, when I read this I thought..OH MY...that could be me ! Everything in my entire house comes from something I've collected on my many trips, always reminding me of where I've been and the great people I've met. I feel 1,000% lucky.

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and today, 2 books came that I ordered from AMAZON.

Steampunk Style Jewelry

and CHAINSTYLE

These ought to keep me busy for a while. !

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In the meantime....there's been no lack of busyness around these here parts. Even tho it seems far away The "INSPIRED" EVENT by Donna Downey

will roll around in May 2010 and I needed to get samples done for my "WAXING POETIC" class. Ya can't do these things last minute !

Here's just one of them. I've done a bunch.

This is good...one more thing off my mind.

Now...off to work on the samples for ART OPERA which happens in April

I'm telling ya...the years fly by...so many projects...so little time ! LOL

Facing Things

Well, with The Lenster off to Portland on biz I had some open time after - what would have been one of his delicious dinners - but alas was sushi instead.

Oh..what a shame !

I was so inspired when I got Susan Williamsons book and CD last week that I decided to set time aside and play with Photoshop.

Now, mind you........I AM a RANK BEGINNER with this program. I know a few tricks that I am able to make look waaaaay better than they really are. That's the total truth.

I found some magazine cover art...faces..that I thought I'd fool around with.

and I mean fool.....stretched, pulled...I love that Free Transform feature !

same girl...new face !

and another

and then I decided I should do a whole series of great faces (obsessive compulsive, huh?)

I mean...why do things small. A little heavy on the shadowing but that's the fun of saving the layers...you can do back & fix anything.

Now I'm running around scanning everything in sight.

I'm happy to share a basic technique. I use a Mac, but I'm sure the commands are similar for your PC. Also..I'm using CS4, but I'm guessing this works on any version.

Creating Composite Photos

(how I put the butterflies & the watch parts into the pictures)

 

1. Select background photo
2. Select subject photo
3. Use reg. Lasso tool & roughly outline subject. Connect outline
4. Control C
5. Go to file-select New
6. Control V into new file
7. Then Use Eraser tool around image
8. And then Use Magic Wand Too to clear any additional background
9. Now…Select/Inverse to select subject
10. Control C
11. Control V to activate
12. Resize with Control T (Transform)
13. Save

Changing the background is also easy...we can save it for another day.

Don't forget....office is closing VERY soon....get those last minute things now.

The Dead Lawn People

Okay...I need to fess up....I'm guessing I am in a very small minority of people who just don't seem to 'get it'.

I do NOT understand the fascination with the winter/holiday blow up lawn ornaments. They appear at Christmas, on Halloween and I'm sure for other occasions.

In the daytime they are always DEAD !

D-E-D...dead !

We pass this one house on the way home every day and everyday they are DEAD ! Scads of them. Knomes, Santas, Grinches, Elves, Snowmen...this house must have a third acre of frontage full of DEAD blowup objects. Too weird for me.

Then bingo...at night, rain or shine..snow or blizzard...hail or hearty..they come alive. The little merry-go-round comes alive. The globes start dancing...I feel like an electrocution is gonna take place when the homeowners throw the switch and everything on the DEAD lawn rises! I'M ALIVE...I'M ALIVE !!!

I need to get over this crazy impulse I have to go around with a pin.

It was POURING rain when we shot this through the car window so we're one sandwich short of a picnic too ! The pix doesn't even do it justice. There are easily  30+ of the dead people on this one lawn. If YOU are one of these people don't hate me cause all I have to deal with is one little Menorah !

Well...what the hey...good for them....it's their lawn, their Christmas spirit and it ain't me who has to take it all down.

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Yes...the office is still functioning....we are steadily emptying it of everything but, if you've followed the blog you'll see there are some very good bargains. For most of them you need to either email or call Maureen (in NJ 732-493-1390) because several web pages have been taken down.

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Here are a few things we have never had up B4.

AN EMBOSSING LIGHT TABLE. ONLY 6 IN THE OFFICE

Originally $14.95 now $10

5 X7 Clear see-thru LUCITE POSTCARDS $2 apiece

These are amazing for alcohol inks, stamping or for simply gluing images down and mailing off. See some samples below. Now this is important....It will take a good strong tug to pull off the brown protective craft paper on both sides of the frames..just bear that in mind. Can't say we didn't tell you.

I found these beautiful journals when I went to China. They were originally $10 each, now $5 This is all we have

We have 2 sets of TIMS RULER BOOK + Refill

Both for $5

THE BOXED BUNCH...just 2 left...$10

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and...we have some boxes of new AND used rubber stamps from my personal collection. These boxes each have 20 stamps in them of various sizes. They are each $25

BOX 'A'

BOX "B"

BOX "C"

BOX 'D'

BOX 'E'

BOX 'F'

or...BE BRAVE...TAKE ALL OF THEM FOR $140. This is a crazy, amazing deal.

and...We have now marked all the remaining rub-ons and masks down to their lowest point....stock up

MASKS

(Like these from heidi swapp plus many more)

RUB ONS

(like these plus many more )

  - and the last 2 items going up today -

Just 1 set left of these Holiday Books

star & tree book 2/$5

GLIMMER CHIPS

Nature & regal 2/$10

Our loss...your gain...and that makes us very happy....GO SHOP !

Good Tidings

The mailbox has seen another happy day.

The Tzatzkeh Queen, Lynne Bright in Illinois, has sent me a hilarious book by that favorite of mine, Anne Taintor. Even the wrapping baby was 'weather appropriate' ! Thank you Lynne. I L-O-V-E it ! I've now got a great Anne Taintor collection of hilarity...napkins, books, cards, coasters, luggage tags.....it's the BEST !

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well, the witching hour draws near...we will be closing the office soon....we are pretty cleaned out,

but there are definitely still some things you can get at great prices

***  FOR ALL OF THESE YOU MUST EITHER EMAIL MAUREEN OR CALL HER at 732-493-1390 (EST) 8:30am-3pm  ***

and please REFRESH the website when you visit so old items that we have deleted no longer show up.

JUST 1 LEFT....be the first (& only ) Save $7

Tonic scissors & Guillotine paper cutter -value $32 NOW $25 for BOTH

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we have just these 4 left of Tims Idea-ology Corners, Reg $8 each, now $5 each or all 4 packages for $19.00

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Just 1 TINY ATTACHER stapler left, reg $16. Get it NOW for $12. Ask Maureen for extra staples too (cost additional)....

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MINI PINS & MINI FASTENERS, reg $3.50 each

Now 1 package of each- together 2/for $5.00

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only 2 left....grunegeboard elements, REG $6.99, now $4.99

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This is whatz left in stock on Adirondack Pigment Ink Pads. Reg $6.00 each

Who would like all 6 of these colors for $28? Just call or email Maureen

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There's just 1 left of Tims DVD. Save $ 7

Sells for $29.99. Grab this last one for $23

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GLOSSY ACCENTS: Just 2 left in Crackle and 1 left in Sepia...reg $6.95. Now $5 ea.

and todays last special**************

10 pack of glaze gel ink pens. Write and colors or plastic, glass & metal. Reg. $15.00, now $12

not a creature was stirring

The Lenster and I wish you all a wonderful holiday.

Good health, much happiness, lots of great family.

Lots of beautiful blessings

and a heap of good food !

I'll be back after Christmas to let you know whatz left at the office & what super duper sales you can still take advantage of. We're down to the nitty-gritty now !!

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la la !

Short & Sweet

There are days you just relax, unwind, have a facial, take it easy

and then watch something like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGODurRfVv4

to remind us of whatz really important in this world.

Hope you're having a great day too.

Refresh !

Mercy Me...it's only been a few days since I announced we will be closing the online shop pretty soon and we have been drowning in people wanting stuff ! As we speak poor Maureen is beating her swords into plowshares trying to get things out to you guys as fast as her little hands will move !!  

BUT HERE'S THE KEY....you must REFRESH your pages because we are getting orders for things we have clearly removed from the website.

refresh....refresh....refresh !!!

Okay then.....NOW THAT WE'RE ALL REFRESHED ! Whew........Here are a couple of very good specials. I have only 1 of this set. If there is someone who wants to take advantage of it email Maureen today and if you're the first it's yours.

23 dabbers reg $3.50 each...the whole lot for $60.00 (that better than 25% off)

 - Sunset orange, Juniper, Mountain Rose, Sandal, Bottle,Stream, Copper, Eggplant, Lemonade, Sail Boat Blue, Willow, Clover, Citrus, Sunshine Yellow, Pink Sherbet,Peach Bellini, Pool, Cool Peri, Lake Mist, Cloudy Blue, Aqua, Pebble & Mushroom -

AND

This set of 17 Distress Powders..worth $85. I have just this 1 set left.

EMAIL MAUREEN if you'd like the full set as is $63

  - Broken China, Antique Linen, Aged Mahogany, Brushed Corduroy, Dried Marigold, Concord, Faded Jeans, Mustard Seed, Milled Lavender, Frayed Burlap, Peeled Paint, Walnut Stain, Vintage Photo, Shabby Shutters, Spiced Marmalade, Tea Dye & Tattered Rose -

and this is our last CRAFT SPINNER left - value $23.99

EMAIL MAUREEN if you'd like this last one at $19.99

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and we are offering this as a set as well - it's the only one we have

Tim's Hammer, Ruler, Paper Clips and Trinket Pins valued at $29.50

EMAIL MAUREEN if you'd like it ALL for $24.50 

and, our last special in todays blog (yes..there will be more !!)

BRILLIANCE PADS...one of my absolute personal favorite inks.

Set of Black & White Pigment ink pads value $16.00 (we have only 2 sets of these)

both for $11.00

remember...you can also call Maureen (she'll be back in on Thursday) at 732-493-1390 EST from 9am-3 pm

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and now...on to more lovely stuff.....

My mailbox has been a happy camper the last few days. Today a pressie came in the mail from super good friend Michele Charles, designer extraordinaire, who lives in Oklahoma.  Look at what she MADE FOR ME

 

MICHELE...I LOVES YA !

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and now I want to take a minute to wish old friend Jenny Doh, editor of Somerset Studio and so many other beautiful Stampington Publications, all the best..best...best... life has to offer in her new venture CRESENDOh

Anything this beautiful lady puts her hand and mind to will be a great success. You Go Girl !

It's in the mail

Something faaaahbulous came in my mailbox today....from my Canadian friend Susan Williamson...her new book. CREATING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. 177 pages of her thoughts, inspirations and BRILLIANT...(let me underline that 400 times), photoshopped black & white art.

Treat yourself to this wonderful, chock filled with ideas,  book.

This is NOT a how-to book. This is better.

And, better yet..inexpensive. If someone were to ask me what I'd want if I had one wish....it would be to spend a weekend with Susan learning an eighth of what she knows about collaging and photoshop !!! Oh..okay..maybe world peace too!

But...speaking of mail...I also read my friend Ginny Carters blog every day. Ginny and I have known each other for a lotta, lotta years...a lotta ! Ginny has highlighted a lot of beautiful Mail Art done with Calligraphy in her blog  and it got me digging in my garage for some of my old mail art....stashed in boxes.

At one time, probably some 25+ years ago, I started as a calligrapher & owned a calligraphy business,.Then, when I discovered rubber stamping, I incorporated the two. This envelope was an early entry into that foray.

The stamp (if memory serves me) was from Magenta. I did this on a large 8X8 inch glossy envelope that could actually go through the mail. All we did back then was ask the post office clerk to hand cancel & they did.

I was really digging this mail art thing and every envelope that left my house was decorated. Then I made and framed a set of four large glossy envelopes that I hung in my office.

These weren't so much about the calligraphy as they were about decorating the envelope using rubber stamps & cutting out the images, markers, glitter, 3-D objects and air brushing. I have to confess...it's been YEARS since I've done one of these but I think I need to do it again....just to see if I remember how !

and, my friends were into it too

This one is from my very good friend from Sydney AU, Jo Mansell...who has sent me many a great mail art envelope.

I need to dig through a lot more boxes...who knows what I'll find. I just know it's a shame we pay most of the bills online these days...Mail art made a lot of people happy !!

& it was evening, & it was morning the 2nd day

whats to say....Oy VEY

the snow, overnight, completely covered my car in the driveway. The Lenster flagged down the community plow guy and got his car taken care of so we could at least have 1 vehicle today...we have B-I-G plans today..nothing can spoil them.

front of the house  They say we got 25 inches.
 

a new look in landscaping ! Who says you can't wear white after Labor Day !

anyway...off to Atlantic City. Most of the major roads were cleared.

We bought 9 tickets to see WONDER, the Michael Turco high energy magic and Illusion show at Ballys Casino and Resort as part of our Hanukkah gift to the kids & grand kids

Little Jared (almost 7) got picked to be a part of the show and afterward had his picture taken with the magician...he LOVED it ! What kid wouldn't

It might have been hard getting out of the driveway but it was worth every bit of trouble for the great time we all had as a family !