Owl Love You ATC's

Owls may be an overused trend, but I'm still a sucker for these wide-eyed creatures. Here are four owls I finished for an ATC swap.

I procrastinated on this project for several weeks, agonizing over how I should create them. I originally considered a DIY scratchboard technique, like I did on my Frida Kahlo postcard and Stained Glass ATC's. You can read about that process here.  

But when I finally came around to completing my artist trading cards, I was inspired by something from my art paper stash, an experiment I did painting acrylic washes over crumpled paper a few years ago. It creates a type of batik effect which I loved. There was a random mix of rainbow colors I knew would be perfect to create the bodies and wings of my feathered friends.  I put that aside for later. 

First, for the base of each ATC, I used my cards cut from recycled food packaging. I traced and cut several rectangles from some leftover DIY scratchboard to use for a background The dark black color reminded me of night-time, and the foliage seems to glow. 

I played for a while to figure out what kind of embellishments to use for eyes. I knew I wanted to use buttons, but when I spied my jar of bottle caps, I knew they would help me achieve the wide-awake look owls are famous for! 

Bottle caps and buttons held up by glue-filled fingers!

I adhered the buttons to the bottle caps with E6000. I chose to use two layers of buttons for contrast and to create a pupil. It was important to get the right placement to give them a slightly cross-eyed look, like they're staring you down from their ferocious little beaks. 

Pieced together, awaiting glue

I then cut out pieces from my artful "batik" paper in Matisse-like fashion, enjoying mixing and matching different colors. I wanted to make sure to make each owl unique with its own distinct personality and MOOD. Yes, owls are very moody creatures. ;-)

Since I was being a night owl myself, I decided to reach a stopping point, and let my pieced owls rest on my art table while I got some shuteye. But before I did, I snapped the picture you see above, so that I would remember the placement of my owls. The next morning, I went to work first thing gluing them together. 

I grabbed my new hot glue gun...a replacement when my old one had a meltdown. 

My old hot glue gun gave me a temper tantrum

Using my photo as a guide, I began gluing the paper pieces down for each owl. I giggled before I began each one. Their expressions were pretty funny, or maybe I was still a little giddy from staying up so late the night before. I worked quickly and tried to avoid the hot glue burn that sometimes happens when gluing fabric or paper. Because the batik paper was fairly thick and textured, it really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Whew!

Here are my finished owls. 

#1 ~ Inquisitive and colorful 

I loved the color combo on this one the best, and almost kept it for myself, but I felt a small voice say to release it. 

#2 ~ Intimidating, deciding if you're dinner

I loved adding the longer wings on this one and the bright red buttons. 

3 ~ Up too late...yup a real night owl

I ended up keeping #3, since I have a tendency towards insomnia and late-night creating. The wide-eyed look was achieve by placing her eyebrows behind the bottle cap. She reminds me of WALL-e or Johnny 5 from Short Circuit. ("Johnny 5, alive!")

I cleaned up the glue on her mismatched-button eyes after taking her picture. I think the different buttons give her a slightly crazy, off-kilter look. Yup, that's me!

I want to show a detail of her breast feathers. I cut some v-shapes with an exacto knife to add more dimension. 

Detail

And finally, #4:

#4 ~ Mean and Lean

Well, he doesn't look as mean as the original photo where they are pieced together. But still he lets you know, "don't mess with me!"

Before I forget, I want to show how I made the white details on the owls.

Bistro Chalk Marker

My normal Sharpie paint marker ran out, so I grabbed my Bistro Chalk Marker. I added white edging and little highlights and spots to the owls. I used a dark pencil for shading. Hoping I didn't ruin my chalk marker, but I just had to add those details to jazz up the owls.

My number one lesson from making these owls is:

It's all about the Eyebrows.

Do you agree? 

Happy Creating!

Sandra Lee

Frida Kahlo Postcard Art

I spent an all-nighter in the studio completing a couple mail art swaps. I've been going through a creative block lately. It's not so much that I don't have any ideas, but I haven't been able to really settle down and create. My brain is all over the place! Last night I was determined to make some art. Everything else was on hold! 

Here are the results of last night's art session (well rather...this morning). 

Frida Kahlo Scratchboard - Postcard Art

Stained Glass Scratchboard ATC's

So, for these two projects, I decided to use a homemade scratchboard technique. I loved scratchboard art when I was in elementary and junior high. We also used a DIY method, using black tempera paint over crayons. This DIY scratchboard technique is very similar, but I used oil pastels for the base and a wash of black acrylic paint and plain old dish soap. 

I began by tearing a sheet of mixed media paper from my Canson Sketchbook, a generous 11x14 inch size. Then I began scribbling with my oil pastels, pressing firmly to get good coverage on the page. I can't tell you what a stress relief this was! I enjoyed laying down a rainbow of colors from my "vintage" pastels. I thought a good deal about my late mom who bought the pastels for me from the hospital gift shop after one of her many hospital stays. She proudly presented them to me along with a pack of watercolor pencils. As I reminisced, I silently thanked her again for the gift, knowing she helped nurture my art even in my teen years.

Mom's Gift: My "Vintage" Pentel Oil Pastels

Oil Pastels and etching 

As you can see in the picture above and below, I also began scratching the surface with a bamboo skewer. Yes, the same ones you use to make shish-kabobs. Now obviously I hadn't put down the black acrylic paint yet. But when I've used oil pastels in the past I enjoyed etching on the solid surface. It has a batik look to it. 

Etching with a Bamboo Skewer

So, if you're creating a homemade scratchboard, this step above is completely unnecessary. But at this stage of creative play, I couldn't decide if I wanted to make a diy scratchboard, or simply use the paper as is for art projects and ATC's. 

Here are a few details of the etching:

Lots of swirlies and loop-de-loops

Etching at any stage is messy. I had to use my old makeup brush to clean up the messies. 

Makeup Brush makes a great dusting tool! 

OK, so when I finally decided to go ahead with the homemade scratchboard technique, I mixed together some black acrylic paint and dish soap. I used a ratio of 2:1; two parts black acrylic paint to one part dish soap. My dish soap was clear, but it probably doesn't matter what kind you use. I used Golden Heavy Body Acrylic in Mars Black. 

Drying DIY scratchboard with heat gun

Now, as you can see, I didn't cover the whole surface. This is because I was using my paper for multiple projects. I also liked the textures and layers that were happening, and didn't want to disturb them. The black paint actually seeped into the lines I previously etched with the bamboo skewer. I also liked how texture was still maintained when the paint was lightly applied. 

If you are trying to make a solid scratchboard, cover the entire area with a nice even coat of your scratchboard mixture. 

Texture shining through and beginnings of scratching

I painted a generous coat on bottom half, because I knew this would be used for my four Stained Glass ATC's. The top half was my "experimental" half. 

Scratching the surface with tiny screwdriver

Once my surface was dry, I used a variety of tools to etch the surface. Some homemade styluses included:

• 1 blade from a pair of small broken scissors (had a curved tip)
• Tiny screwdrivers in various sizes used for jewelry and watch repair
• my trusty bamboo skewer

I continued using my makeup brush to dust away the particles I scratched off. (Speaking of scratch-off's, this homemade scratchboard mix can be used to create your own scratchoff tickets, too. I saw it here on Lindsay's Frugal Crafter YouTube Channel. I told you my brain is all over the place!) 

I etched a lot of abstract patterns and designs, all the while trying to capture the feel of stained glass windows. Then I took an ATC template, cut from a recycled clear package, and placed it on the scratchboard, looking for compositions I liked. I traced around it and cut out my ATC's. The final touch was adding some yellow 3D paint. I cut out a template of a gothic window and traced around it with the paint. I tried to make it sketchy and a bit uneven. I added a few yellow paint splatters for good measure! 

Here are the finished pieces.  These were adhered to recycled cardboard packaging with decoupage to make a sturdy Artist Trading Card. I added my ATC label on the back and filled it out. I kept the one on the top left.

I see a school of fish and a sunset on the left.
A choir of people sing on the right
(they look like tiny sprouts there on the bottom.)

I see vibrant roses on the left. One the right I see music,
movement and sound waves. Even a stringed instrument
like a harp. Make me think of a church choir.

Detail

Detail

Detail

Detail

The rest of the scratchboard was used to paint Frida Kahlo. I decided to go with a standard 4x6 inch postcard size. The emphasis of the postcard was supposed to be on her hair ornaments which she is famous for. So I really let my imagination run wild with flowers and designs. I scratched out her features, but was not happy with the results. So I ended up painting them in with acrylic paints. I also used a pencil to add texture to her hair.

One last look at Frida:

Frida Kahlo Postcard Art with those trademark eyebrows!

Overall, I'm pleased with how she turned out. The paper didn't hold up so well for painting after I scratched away the surface. If I hadn't been so impatient (and tired!), I should have gessoed her face and hand first. It would have created a smoother texture in those areas. After I snapped this picture, I adhered her to blue cardstock and wrote my message on the back to my swap partner in Germany. Shout-out to Andie Mayr! 

Happy Creating!

Sandra Lee

Rainy Day Craft: Recycled Cardboard Matchbook Style Notepad

Today I headed over to my garage studio at my Dad's house. My hubby made a quick stop to work on his bike, so I started messing around with some of my supplies. I didn't stay long enough to heat up my griddle and work on encaustics, so I started poking around at some of my recycled scraps. Before you knew it, it started to pour, so I tried to stay busy until the rain let up.

I've been on a bookbinding kick lately. I've enjoyed art journaling for many years, but never really worked on making my own sketchbooks, journals or notepads. I think it's time to change that! I've been adding ideas to my Pinterest boards on bookbinding and album making (including beloved mini's). There's a lot of overlap, so I feel they're a little disorganized, but I digress. Between Pinterest eye candy and some inspiring YouTube tuts, I was anxious to begin my own DIY journal projects.

Bicycle Box ~ Recycled Cardboard Journal Fodder

Since I'm just getting started, I have very few actual bookbinding materials or tools. I'm also trying to keep things green by using up packaging I already have. My husband has ordered a couple different bicycles in the past several months as he works on motorized bicycles (his outlet for creativity). We were getting rid of the cardboard boxes, but then I started admiring some of the graphics on them. I also thought, "hey, I'm looking at a goldmine of corrugated cardboard for altering, encaustics, etc." I didn't save all of it, but I gathered up a considerable stack of cardboard for future projects.

I saw a couple empty boxes in the corner of the garage for some of the tools Shannan bought. I picked up a grinder box and decided to peel away the shiny surface and expose the corrugated cardboard on both sides. I ended up with a nice strip of bendable, flexible cardboard that I knew would be perfect for a little booklet.

I've been smitten with several designs for matchbook notebooks. I've seen them using anything from paint chip samples to cereal boxes for covers, as well as decorative cardstock. Since I was in a garage, which is half Shannan's man cave, I wasn't in a frilly, scrappy mood.

I pulled out a couple vintage books from my supply shelf. An early 20th century French primer and a mid-century short story anthology. Lots of beautiful words and aged paper. I tried to choose pages that had quite a bit of blank space on them, mostly choosing pages at the end of a chapter.

I don't mind that there are still words. This is a rough notebook/sketchbook

I bent my corrugated cardboard strip into a matchbook style. Obviously it's much larger than a matchbook. I began with a strip of cardboard measuring 4.25" x 11.25". I folded my papers just as I would to make signatures, but then I used a straight edge and exacto knife to trim the edges. I eyeballed measurements, placed paper next to cover, and then remade my cuts until it fit properly. I liked the way the torn pages create a bit of interest and deckled edge.

Now a matchbook notepad requires either stapling or a sewing machine. I had neither in the garage, so I began thinking ways of how to bind my paper. If I had thought this part through, I would have left my paper in folded signatures rather than cut them into individual sheets. But I was winging it! So.....

Out came a baggy of rusty goodness. A good while ago, I experimented with aging and rusting techniques. I've used a few objects here and there, including this bulletin board project. I picked through the pile of rusty treasures and saw some of my favorite pieces - rusted paper clips.

I considered making some kind of attachment on the front and using the paper clip as a closure, but it didn't seem to gel. Eventually, I decided on attaching a paper clip on each side of the back cover, holding the scrap vintage paper securely in place. I mean, hey, it's just an experiment. I didn't stress over perfection (OK, maybe a little).

The DIY rusty paper clips leave a little residue. I don't mind a bit,
but if that bothers you, you could seal them. 

Next I picked up a rusty rhinestone setting. Well, it had more of a verdigris finish, but it was nicely distressed. I pushed it in the middle of the flap and quite liked it. Of course it was poking out the other side...not so good! I grabbed a hammer and flattened it out on the back. There, that's better. I was happy to see the rhinestone setting stayed secure. It was my first time using them, and I'm sure there are proper tools for that craft, but I was...you guess it, experimenting.

I chose to add 3 more rhinestone settings. I liked the grommet look. It really was looking like something you might find in a garage. Rough, rustic, and a wee bit steampunkish. I hammered the other three settings flat. Now, I still was puzzled how to make the closure.

My vintage rhinestone setting stash, all nice and shiny. I don't do these,
just thought they'd come in handy for something!

I wrapped a good-sized rubber band around the cover. I dug through the rusty bits again and found a half-rusted washer. Perfect! I looped the rubber band end around the washer, and then re-looped it around the cover. I tucked the rubber band in the paper clips to secure it.

I dug into that magic ziplock bag again and found a piece of rusty, distressed chain. It had a hook on either side. I cut a small hole in a diamond shape and ran the chain through.

The I pulled the rubber band and washer down in a V-shape and hooked the chain ends on the washer. I tested it. One hook needed adjusting (pulled out slightly with a pair of needlenose pliers) so it would unhook more easily.

DONE! 

This little experiment took about 10 or 15 minutes, and I felt a little bit like Tinkerbell trying to invent something out of nothing.

I don't know how long the corrugated cover will last, but it wasn't that much work. My wheels are turning thinking of ways to alter the cardboard, possibly sealing it to make it more durable, and maybe adding some extra layers of cardboard for strength. But overall, I'm really pleased with it.

A couple more pics:

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Customized Moleskin Journal Flip

Look what I've won! Thanks to Betty G. Richardson for this lovely journal. You can visit her blog at:
http://artyauntie.blogspot.com/

Here's a YouTube video showing the prize I won for Betty's cover art contest.

Inspiration Station Reveal via Jenniebellie's Journal Workshop

A couple months ago, I discovered a treasure trove of mixed media videos by Jennibellie on YouTube. I quickly subscribed and later joined her Journal Workshop on Ning. This lovely creature offers free classes there with Monthly challenges and sometimes a few bonus projects. I enjoy seeing other people's artwork and mingling with other mixed media artists. I encourage you to check it out. (I also have the badge on the right sidebar in case you're interested in joining.)

So, the generous Jennibellie created a FREE workshop called Inspiration Station. She wanted to encourage other artists to create a special place to hold items that speak to them. It could be a combination of special art supplies, personal handmade items, or gifted supplies from friends. 

I contemplated for a while how I wanted to house some of my treasures. I wanted to find the "perfect" container, and so I put the project on hold for a while. At first I wanted something larger and more expensive to hold my items, but I ended up buying a clear organizer from the hardware store. It was on sale for $3.99 on sale at Harbor Freight, and has adjustable compartments to suit my needs. 

I decorated the top with a sheet of "rock star" scrapbook paper, some washi tape (including this fab yellow ruler masking tape), and a few embellies from friends. I stamped INSPIRATION STATION in a rough way on another piece of scrap paper. I adhered it with double sided tape in case I ever need to change out the cover or use the box for something else. 

A closeup

I found this felt bluebird applique at Walmart for a couple dollars. Since I have a thing for bluebirds (I named by Etsy Shop Bluebird Song Cottage, btw), I had to buy it. I was waiting for someplace special to place it, and this fit the bill. 

The bubble gum girl and soda fountain stickers came from a surprise birthday package from Tara McGuire of Denver, CO. They're scratch 'n' sniff! I tucked more of them in one of the compartments. :) The felt cupcake sticker is from Kim Caine, another swap partner. I can't remember who gave me the pinwheel and lazy days tag. The black and white ladies are from 1970's women's homemaking mags. I want to use them in a retro altered journal. (So having them out reminds me)

I used up most of the spacers to arrange the compartments the way I wanted them. I also decided to make a display on the inside lid of some of my ephemera and embellishments. It creates a kind of visual collage. I used masking tape so I could easily remove the images later when I use them in journals and art projects. 

A few of my treasures. Some of these goodies were given to me by swap partners. I have a few tags, some vintage stamps (from swaps), rubber stamps, magazine cutouts (mostly from foreign magazines), stickers, etc. Tiffany of Southern Gals Designs gave me the set of stamps (Vintage, Blessed, and scroll pattern) made by 7 Gypsies.

The luggage tags stickers on the right came from Goodwill. They were on a blank notecard, and I think I paid 99 cents. I hope to put these in a travel journal or mini altered suitcase. The little stitched heart embellishments came from Deborah Dowd from the Sew Special swap. 

I'm pleased with how it turned out. I have so much stuff I technically need to make more of these. A bigger goal is to alter a suitcase to house my special treasures. But that project will wait for another time. I also know that my Inspiration Station will change over time, as I use some objects and add new things. I'd like to be able to house special papers, too, so I know I will outgrow this box. But it's a good start!

The next part of the class is to use some of the embellishments from the Inspiration Station in a zine-making project. I will post my project when I complete it.

Have a blessed and bliss-filled weekend!

Sandra Lee

Kandinsky ATC #4

Kandinsky ATC 4/4 by Sandra Martin, Creative Currents

“Life is a lot like jazz - it's best when you improvise.” 

~George Gershwin

 This is the fourth ATC in the Kandinsky series. I ended up choosing this card for my collection, and sent 1, 2, and 3 to my other swap partners. I love the rainbow colors of this piece, and some of the concepts that rise to the surface.

The bottom shape is alive with buildings and lights, but when I view it another way, it looks like a brain. All the circuity is alive and vibrant with activity.

I love this quote by George Gershwin. I admit that I don't always live my life as spontaneous as I would wish to. I have this inner artsy alter ego who would dress crazy and relish living in the moment wherever she goes. Someone not afraid to appear foolish or flamboyant in public. I tend to be calm and serene, but when I create those wild colors pour out on the canvas or art journal. I can't seem to restrict myself to a limited palette. When I paint spontaneously, I open up the color palette and allow the color room to breathe, to mingle with the other colors and have lively conversations. 

I love jazz, Celtic music, opera solos, and musical numbers to play in my studio. I also enjoy spontaneous worship music at times when I want to create a peaceful atmosphere in my art space. As the worship artists improvise, it opens up new depths of creativity in my heart, which comes out in my art. Each stage is a process of discovery.

I hope you enjoyed peeking at this series. Here are links to the others in this series in case you missed it:

Kandinsky ATC Reveal (intro)

Kandinsky ATC 1/4

Kandinsky ATC 2/4

Kandinsky ATC 3/4


Blessings~
Sandra Lee

Kandinsky ATC #3

Kandinsky ATC 3/4 by Sandra Martin, Creative Currents

Invest yourself in everything you do. There’s fun in being serious.

~Wynton Marsalis

In my third artist trading card paying homage to Kandinsky, I used a couple of my favorite color combos, coral and turquoise. I intermixed them with quite a few primary colors, too. 

I think this card is probably the most feminine of the four. Lots of fun shapes...the pearl-like circles, the paisley-like shape, and a little red heart peeking in the top right corner. The atmosphere is fun and light, fitting perfectly with Wynton's quote. 

The blue circle on the bottom right reminds me of the earth. There are also a lot of interlocking circles which remind me of the vesica piscis from sacred geometry, symbolic of birth. This is one I don't want to interpret too deeply, but just enjoy the dance of colors and shapes. 

Next, I will share about the last card in the series, number 4. 

To view the others:

Full Reveal

Kandinsky ATC 1/4

Kandinsky ATC 2/4

Sandra Lee