SuzeBlogz

Canvas with a Niche

Don'cha feel great when you fall in love with something cool.

I am feelin' great about the new 12 X 12 Canvases from Ten Seconds Studio.

not to be confused with my love affair with Claudines Sticky Back Canvas. That's a different love relationship.

This is a wood backed canvas with a 4X4 inch niche in the center. It is almost 2 inches thick on the sides. It's double primed for anyone who is worried about 'true artistry' !

Naturally my gut said...wax it baby...wax it. So I did. Now mind you....wax really doesn't like things that are 'primed' (unless it's primed with an encaustic gesso), but I'm going to break all my rules because I feel this incredible urge to 'just do it'.

The whole thing is layers and layers and layers of Rangers white Beeswax which I then I dusted with various mica powders including Perfect Pearls. Remember to 'fuse' (heat) between layers of wax. When you fuse that last layer the mica powders shine like crazy.

Then came an urge to drip....drip...drip

I had no idea where I was going with this...I just went...I added some foils to the waxed surface. This is something I can do at any time after the wax has hardened -  even a month later. I place the foil color side up on the surface of the wax. I take a wire brush and scrape the foil onto the wax and it miraculously transfers.

 




Next step very easy....If you have any tulle fabric or netting of some kind just place it on the project and wax over it. Then just pull it off. It leaves a fabulous pattern. Dust with Perfect Pearls.

Then I created a face using UTEE from a Mold n Pour mold.

Attached using Glossy Accents and threw in a bunch of Beadazzles (from my line) plus other beads. When this dries by tomorrow morning it will be all dimensional and laden with textured beads.

I also poured beeswax into my favorite hexagonal silicone mold and attached it to the project.

In my collection of 'stuff' I found a message stick.

 

If you're under the illusion that I had a clue where this was going ...wrong.....no clue...just all an experiment. A 'go with the flow' feeling. So far so good.

 


Now, for those of you who have taken classes with me you know what I'd say right about now...

DON'T GET OONGAPAHTCH !

That's Yiddush for 'tacky & overdone'

Less is more....right??? Lets consider it D-O-N-E !

I'm off to make another one !

and while the sun continues to shine

on Angelas quiet tree lined street....

all is well with the world this glorious Sunday and we are safely tucked inside with the (bless you God ) air conditioning, playing with beads...

Angela used to own a bead store so there were supplies aplenty

  

and it's always good to work alongside an EXPERT !!!

 

she knows all the wonderful 'finishing touches'. She knows ALL the tricks !

and SHE SHARES !!! She helped me make this !
 

now who would think to put these two entirely different beads together ? ME !!
 

it reminds me of something I'd find at CHICO's.  Only I made it !

 
working on another piece as we speak

and Angela is busy too...she saw something at J Crew that was overpriced and she's making her own inspired copy !

then we took a little break, zipped over to that faaaahbulous SWEET shop for more frozen Red Velvet Yogurt with coconut and 8 bazillion chocolate sprinkles on top

  and next we wandered into the pet store next door for a lot of ooohing & aahing...I'm a sucker...doesn't matter if its a fish, a dog, a cat, a bird....and the girls were suckers too...

 

to be honest though...for me it's all about the "Photo Op" !
 

and shooting through glass isn't always easy !
 

 

so....now it's pizza time and then back to the beads....tomorrow I head home so I have lots to finish

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Oh..and for those who asked and were concerned....not to worry...ZGallerie SHIPS, of course and, the Powertex website to order was linked on yesterdays BLOG but here it is again. Go buy something !

Have you Powertexed ?

 

well...it was another hot, hot, hot day in Paradise...another scorcher...another killer. Angela introduced me to a super product...just spray and go...I love it. How did I not know about this before. But, I know now !!!

After I spritzed we were off and running....

 wait till you see where Angela and I went today...

to visit Regine and Valerie in Ocoee, Florida.

They are the distributors of POWERTEX Textile hardener. Powertex will harden almost any fiber that it will soak into. Natural fabrics, yarns, rope, leaves and organic material, leather, paper, and much more. We first met them at a CHA show in Orlando. Today they showed us how to use their product on canvas.

Regine greeted us at her front door

this fabulous marble looking statue is outside her front door

but it isn't marble at all...it is made entirely from STYROFOAM with Powertex (and it's related product STONE ART) over it. Your mind just starts flipping out ! Ooooh...the possibilities ! And, another thing

Powertex is environmentally friendly and can also be used by children. 

 and who in the mixed media field doesn't like a wonderful mess....c'mon fess up !

 

To begin: Pour the Powertex liquid. It's is a highly versatile product that makes nearly any porous surface hard and weather resistant. It also is a remarkable adhesive and is ready to use from the package.

 

then, you simply throw on some of the powered STONE ART and rub it into the liquid. It dries very fast.

 

you can press all types of materials into the Powertex & work them in for added texture. You can also apply mica powers over it like Perfect Pearls or even things like Pan Pastels.

and, they have other 'add ins' that allow for patterns and designs. We were treated to 2 hours of fabulous demoing. What a treat.

They have a terrific book and DVD which I bought for inspiration because I already own many of their products and I want to start really playing.

and, should you need more inspiration....well...this began as a Styrofoam ball as well

and a paper transfer

 

even the beads are made from Powertex & Stone Art mixed together to form a 'clay'.

Thank you Regine for such a wonderful morning !

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Then I needed to make a quick stop at The Apple Store which meant a small detour to the Mall at Millenia 

good God....I am now in the BEST mall ever..EVER.....I cannot stop myself...I must detour into ZGallerie

.....heaven help me....I spot a SALE ITEM and, it's a Buddah !!!! I am in serious trouble. It's the LAST one left in the store. This is a serious decision....

I ask the sales girl...

DO YOU SHIP !!!!!

Angela texts The Lenster.....get ready...Suze is asking the salesgirl about shipping

then I spot MORE.....

 

DO YOU SHIP..SHIP...SHIP...please please..

jeez...a rhinestone & crystal ship chandelier....who thinks of these things...

I've just had the most brilliant day and, to top it all off, Angelas hubby Wayne has grilled Tilapia (fish) for dinner....I am one seriously happy camper !!!!

TOMORROW WE BEAD....

Oh boy.

99 and counting

yes indeedy....

my God it was sooooo hot/humid here today, brutal was more like it.....even Spidey was having trouble staying upright...

BUT..that surely did not stop Angela, her girls and I from having a full day out and about. We did Winter Park, College Park and Lake Eola and Thornton Park...I am now officially 'all parked out' !

 

 

remember Mr. Miyagi from the original Karate Kid...well..here he is in the crane pose reincarnated !!





 

aaaahhhh window shopping...

its a purse shoe.....hilarious !
 

and trying stuff on

 

The Lilly Pulizer shop

 

 

see the key to wind it up !!!



 

The famous glass blower Chihuly painted this motorcycle

 

that's what I could use right about now.....a good nap !!!

 

 

like I said....today was something to crow about !!!

My life is an.......

yes...that's right...an open book...c'mon...you guys know me....visiting friends is always a joy for me...and I really love my friend Angela who I'm now visiting in Orlando Florida.

This my favorite blonde in her home beading area

and with Maddie...her Lab/Rottweiler mix, 100 pounds of pure giant furball. I'm a cat girl...why does this animal insist on sniffing my crotch !

I mean hello....look at these paws....now that's a clue...she needs a little manicure in MY humble opinion.

and then again there Angelas' gorgeous girls, Mackenzie (10) and Riley (12)

don'cha just want to pinch their checks ??....They call me MISS Suze.....I looooove this....true southern upbringing

OKAY..so...Angela and I are in the car...where do we go....3 guesses....SHOPPING, SUSHI (with Angelas mom Suzanne) and CUPCAKES....in that order

The gal who owns this cupcake shop was just on TV

and now they've installed a yogurt bar in the shop that has such incredible treats as Red Velvet soft ice cream or Cake Batter soft....Oh My God...you can't even image. They let you take samples in those little cups....so...there I was

  stuffing my face with several FREE samples....

 

nothing compares to a sugar high....

and I'm not the only guilty one....oh no...

well...evening grows nigh ....

we've eaten the cupcakes, the moon is in the seventh house and Jupiters aligned with Mars....

tomorrow is yet another sunny Florida day...

let's see...what will we do for adventure ????

Walk the Walk

The Brandeis Womens' Group in my community held their house tour today and my house was on the list to visit ! It was a pleasure to host some 40 ladies (who came in 4 separate groups) throughout the day beginning at 10:30 and ending at 4 pm.

They lined up outside waiting to be escorted in. So patient...it was almost 90 degrees outside !

 

No problem...we have central air conditioning ! Come On In !!

I don't have a very traditional house....

I don't think they ever expected to see so much mixed media throughout and in some unusual & unexpected places. They couldn't stop raving...I'm positive they liked it !

 

 

then everyone went for lunch at the Clubhouse Grill and the tour continued for the second two groups

Some highlights

guestrooms

so, for you guys out there on Facebook who wanted to bring the wine and eggs...come on over !!!

Movin' on Up

Today was middle granddaughter Alyssas' 6th grade graduation. She's a great kid. Does really well in school. LOVES to read. Has a great sense of humor. We all went to dinner to celebrate.....Japanese Hibachi style, of course, at a New York restaurant called FUJI ! As you drive up the hill to FUJI you think you're in Japan.

The graduation girls, all good friends,  arrived in a limo

loved the food...catch the steam from the Hibachi in Alyssas face !

 

see how it says "I LOVE U"....

lots of merriment...

Jen and Jared were there too

Michael (14), Alyssa, Marc and Patti

I remember when Michael didn't even come up to my shoulder...and now....damn..it's like so weird !

but of course you know teenagers today....always 'communicating'. Seriously...they could be sitting NEXT to one another and yet they're texting or playing games !!

But..I have to admit....it was a great evening because family is everything for us. It's one big God given present....

 

He's Dead !

Long Live The King

 
well....my fantasy life is over ! 

Jonathan Rhys Meyers has gone back into rehab and Showtime ended its "Tudors" series tonight with the death of Henry the VIII. So goes my obsession on Sunday night at 9 PM. What will I do without Jonathan (heart pound pound)/Henry and his many wives, his let heads roll policies and all the hoopla of the royal court.  I have to wait until next year when The Borgias series begins and the epitome of Papal corruption starts. Hope I can I hang in till then... !

I already did 2 seasons of "Rome" on HBO...and wow...that was fabulous. So..anyone got any suggestions?? I'll keep my crown at the ready !

**********

and oh....by the way....I'm lapping up book 3 of the Millennium trilogy. Almost finished.

and I understand that the 2nd Swedish movie installment is due out beginning of July. I loved the first one (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) ...can't wait for number 2 movie. (the Girl Who Played With Fire). Can't imagine how the 'soon to be filmed American version' of the movie could even come close to the raw Swedish version.

******************

Had a wonderful Fathers Day with The Lenster and oldest son Marc, his kids and Jennifer. Went to Marc's house for a cookout and the pool.

Thought of the 26 students sweating away at Ranger U and I missed them, but wouldn't trade my day for all the Distress Pads or Melting Pots in the world.

if you were hoping for any pix of yours truly in the pool you'll be waiting an awfully loooooong time.....don't own a bathing suit, hate the water, don't swim and don't even dunk my feet...and then there's always that small issue about the cellulite ...so stop holding your breath!

 

lets just say I pigged out on the chicken cooked in beer, the great potatoes and the Jersey corn.
 

Celebrations are good !

Inky Fingers Day 2

 

well, I'm sure I don't have to tell you how much fun these students had at Day 2 of Ranger 'U' today..it's completely obvious from their creations...so..let's just get past the hoopla and post some great snaps...Jon Garry from We R Memory Keepers did the first two below

Well...hi to you too Sam !!!

 

everyone goes home with their own personal handmade tag book full of technique projects.

 

and, their own little tag holder box that they made using Claudines products.

 

and, if you aren't in a seat that's up close and personal you can always get a great view on one of the two T.V monitors in the classroom

 

and not to be outdone....who's off quietly tweeting in the corner..??..why it's Super Mario !! Watch out...you're on Candid Camera !

 

BIG THANKS to our wonderful gal Patti Behan who helps to pull the whole thing together

***************

so....when the day ended a few of my dear friends came over for some of The Lensters home cooked food, wine and camaraderie

I gave them a super fast lesson in how to make the famous "Leandra Bead"

Say Hi to my good friend Wendy Vecchi (owner of Studio 490), Glenda Vijoen , store owner in South Africa, Jeanne Holland & Jess Lincoln owners of VINTAJ, my friend of over 20 years Niki Zipp owner of Paperchain in South Africa, Lyn Van Den Berg another friend of over 15 years who is Rangers South African distributor, and Robin Zipp, Niki's hubby.

What a great evening it turned out to be...everyone thoroughly enjoyed my very eclectic house, the delicious food and great company

But Linda...if you're reading...how did we lose you? I think we forgot to connect at the end of the day

....so...you'd better come back again soon so you can come over too.

We missed you !!!

Tomorrow being Fathers Day I'll be with the family...so..no Ranger U blog !

A day at the University

So...what is "Ranger U" ? 

Well...this morning it was 4 hours of Tim doing his magic

which always includes well loved & oft used stamps....

 

it's students learning the most up to date & fun techniques

and learning all about the different Ranger embossing powders by taking notes, hands on experience and great charts explaining everything.

it's about friends from all over the world like Lyn (l) and Niki (r) from South Africa and Linda (c) from the UK coming together to share & learn

and, for me, in the afternoon it was about UTEE and Beeswax!!!

and cookie cutters and brushes !

and wonderful UTEE colors

 

and not being afraid to pour and let go !

 

and experimenting with black UTEE, Perfect Pearls and the 'Faux Closionne' effect. Wendy's came out great !

and learning about UTEE, Foils and torn paper and how they work with Wonder Tape when embossed using a heat gun

 

UTEE on one side.....Beeswax on the other.

then...when my four hours were over we all went into the glorious sunshine for the annual Ranger 'U'  Bar-B-Q...The Lenster always helps cook

and my adorable South African friends (some of whom I've known for over 20 years) gave me the plastic trumpet that is so famous at the World Cup for making that bleating, throbbing sound. It's called a Vevezula (pronounced voo-voo-ZAY-lah)...I couldn't manage to get a single sound out of it.....

 

The Lenster did much better !!!

it's been one terrific looooong day...but...we'll be 'catching' you again tomorrow

(no worries about Linda...she's having a ball !)