New Nikki Sivils!

It's CHA time again and there are 6 new lines that Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker is releasing. They are amazing! I got to work with the first one and it is such a fun line! Check out all the papers and goodies on Nikki's website.




Aren't they delish? I am so excited to get to work with the Willow Bee and Flaming Butterfly!!! They are my favorites so far! I got to work with the Will He B The 1 line for the CHA booth and had a great time with those fun papers! I have some left and have some great ideas to make more with!!!
Here are some of my favorite new things coming out from Nikki:

New Stamps! Love this set with the cloud and sunflowers!!! So sweet!

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE these buttons! They are genius! So cute ... cute as a button!
Brand new stickers that match her lines... so fun and cute in their pockets!

So run and don't walk to her site to check it out!

I'll be revealing my creations soon!

XOXO

Jen

My Top 10 or maybe 20....

I did a year in review of my creations last year and thought that it was a good way to reflect on my improvement in style and the techniques I've used, the themes that came up, and the design that I improved on. So, I've picked the top 10 (or so...) favorite layouts or artworks that I've done this year. I just couldn't stop at 10...

























I've had a productive year, but all in all, I know I have room for improvement. I hope 2010 brings fresh ideas, rockin' mojo, and lots of opportunities to get my artwork out there... with exhibits, DT jobs, and some publications. I have a good feeling about this year!

XOXO

jen

Happy Holidays

It's been a month of pure craziness! This holiday season has been a blur for me! I can't quite catch up... So, here is a photo peek of what's been going on:

Mark's 5th birthday!

Teaching Elementary kids- 7 levels of lessons going fast and furious!

Little drummer boy... lots of music going on here in the house!


Christmas preparations... were we naughty or nice?

Holiday photo taking... lots more layouts to make with these cuties!

So, this is just a small sampling of my crazy life. Add in shopping, wrapping, baking, parties, birthdays, relays at school, Mark's school, daycare, cleaning, and mothering and that = one tired momma!

I have just started completing many projects now that Christmas is over and the parties have subsided. I will post those soon!

Here are a few of my latest projects using the November Bad Girls kit! It was a wonderful kit full of fun items and gorgeous papers!

"Celebration Cake box"
I used the Golden Molding Paste that was included in the kit to "frost" the lid of the box here! The rhinestones and sequins made adorable sprinkles for the cake. This was so much fun!


"Imagine Paris" canvas
There was a canvas included in the kit and I transformed a doll house window into a whimsical art piece using the Graphic 45 Renaissance papers and the Molding Paste to distress the cardboard! It was fun and adding the little charms to the bottom made it very Bad Girls!
"Will You?"
This layout was inspired by my grandmother's wedding photo. She looks so classical and lovely. I loved many of the embellishments that came with the kit to add gorgeous accents to the page.

Check out the details of how I made each project when you purchase the kit on the message board at Bad Girls Kits.

Enjoy the beauty of the season and I'll be back this week with a Year in Review! Can you believe it's almost 2010?!! I hope this new year brings much relaxation and renewal.

Guest DT spots and more!

I have been a bad blogger! It's been a MONTH since I wrote! Between work, sick kids, weddings, parties and more, well I'm pooped! Christmas hasn't even started here and I'm already falling behind! Okay, enough whining about time and lack there of. I have some good news to share! I was chosen as a Guest Designer for two wonderful companies lately. First, Genuinely Jane sent me 2 of their amazing wooden albums to transform! I created a banner with the bottle shaped one that would be sweet to hang in baby's room.

Here's my other project for them and for Bad Girls Elements d'Art...
My Head In The Clouds mini album
Lots of transfers here and glimmer misting!

Next up is Couture Cardstock... a brand new company that has an amazing variety of cardstock for any needs! The quality is superb and the colors are gorgeous! So, I made several projects that feature their Vintage Christmas collection. I'm featured on their blog today and later this week with more projects. Check it out! Here is the project that was featured today:


My Cornucopia of Creativity was made entirely of cardstock sprayed with Glimmer Mist and woven together in a cone form. I made the end with metal but the rest is cardstock! FUN and a bit tedious, but I like how it came out. The paper withstood my abuse and distressed beautifully!
I'll post the other projects as soon as they are revealed.

Onto other news... Bad Girls Project 52 has a new challenge up. Challenge #4 is fun and the examples from the Design Team are amazing!!! Check it out here for more information! Also, don't forget to become a FAN of Bad Girls on Facebook. You could win a fabulous prize pack just by becoming a fan to the Bad Girls page on FB. So cool!

Well, I'm finishing a few projects tomorrow and hopefully, taking photographs of some pages and projects I've finished! It rained today and I had to work all day with crazy little ones who just want to be on vacation!

Watch Your Language!

Over at Candy Shoppe Designs blog, we are enabling you to be potty mouths... that's right. This challenge is all about using foul language! You know you do it... it slips out. You relish thouse naughty words. I know I do. I try not to in front of the kids, but sometimes when I'm with my girlfriends, I just let it all hang out! I have those kind of days where one little 4 letter word suits the situation perfectly and it feels so good to let it fly! Okay, I'm a teacher so those instances don't happen often in my day to day life, but I can THINK it! Here is my example from the challenge. You all have these kind of days where you just want everyone to leave you alone and go away!

The WINNER of this challenge will be voted for by the Lollipop Girls of C.S.D. and announced on the blog on Wednesday, October 28, 2009. The WINNER will win a 309 Piece Collection Kit by Sassafras Lass called "Starry Night" from the Life is Beautiful Line. So come on and let that nasty girl out!

Our Wonderful SPONSOR for this Challenge is Jill Coody, owner of Memorable Seasons. Be sure to check them out for all your latest needs when it comes to capturing the seasons of life. Sign up for her Newsletter to keep up with all the sales and promotions she's got going on, participate on her Forums and join in the fun challenges she hosts on the Memorable Seasons BLOG for even more fun.
You'll be SO glad you did! Link your work up here!

Boo-tiful

I'm back and it's Autumn in full swing here in Central NY. We had our first frost last night and the leaves are almost at peak color. I took the boys (hubby included) apple picking yesterday and it was brisk and breezy out. We didn't linger long, but got one big bag of apples to make yummy applesauce and crisp with!

It was cold but fun! As you can see, we had coats, hats, and turtlenecks on! Fun Fall!

Today is Columbus Day and we have a holiday from school. It's a lazy day here in PJ's cuddling. I'm finally getting around to posting an update here! It's been way too long! I've got lots to share! So, let's get started...

I got the chance to work with Nikki Sivils paper line "Boo-tiful". Being on her DT has huge priviledges! Love this paper! The designs are so cute and fun. I created this wooden mask with her bat paper and flag. I used the stamp set to create the "Gone Batty" flag. I found this wooden mask in AC Moore and knew it was destined to become a fun Halloween decor or costume addition. I added bling, ribbon, and stickles!

The other layout is "Ghost Town" from the same line. I had taken a photo of an abandoned house in the White Eagle ghost town. It was perfect for this page! Love her little ghosties!

I have one more page with Nikki's line, but i need to take a better pic as soon as it stops raining and the sun comes out before I get home from work... it's getting darker sooner. BLAH!

Here are my pages from Black River DT:

Reflect is a theme that I seem to be revisiting in my artwork. I seem to be looking back more often now and reminicing over good or bad times. It's good to reflect and learn from past mistakes, good outcomes, and choices. I feel like I'm at that time in my life where I am evaluating how I've done so far and what are my future goals now?

I love this layout with the glimmer mist through this game piece scrap. It's funky and YES, I did use the entire sheet of rub on letters here. I also used one of the other rub ons for the half circle design. These rub ons are like butter!!!

That's it for now. I'll be back to share my Candy Shoppe Designs latest challenge and sponsor tomorrow. Don't forget to check out the NEW Project 52 challenge blog from Bad Girls! HEre is the link: http://wendyrago.typepad.com/project52/
It's gonna be full of inspiration! Twice a month, they will be offering up a challenge with an insane prize pack!!! Check out the kit up for grabs!!! Join us there in welcoming the new DT and make something for the challenge!

XOXO
Jen

Sweet 16 Blog Hop

Hello, Sweethearts! If you found this blog, you are probably participating in the Candy Shoppes Design's Sweet 16 Blog Hop Challenge! IF you are a regular of mine, well, check out the Candy Shoppe Challenge blog for some sweeeeet inspiration! Here is the deal for the challenge:

You will be following STEPS for creating a layout by visiting each design team girl's blog in order! Check out the Candy Shoppe blog for the order... The Candy Shoppe Design blog
Okay, so you must know that I'm first up! I'm so excited to share with you my layout for this challenge.

Youth

Special Ingredients:
Cardboard base
Glimmer mist
Letters: Basic Grey
Die cut paper: Basic Grey
Patterned papers: October Afternoon
Jenni Bowlin buttons
Lace

7Gypsies stickers

Your first task is to pick a BASE for your page. Think outside the box! I did... I cut up a mailing box and used the cardboard for my base. I ripped, glimmer misted, and distressed the heck out of it! Try using unexpected materials for your base like acrylic, wood veneer, recycling, transparencies, textured cardstock, whatever! Pick a base... that's my instructions. Now, you must go back to the blog and leave a COMMENT with a fact about me that you didn't know before. Read my past entries for tidbits about me and my life! Interesting reading I'm sure. LOL! Once you post your fact about me, move on to the next blog for further instructions! Have fun and at the end post your layout for a chance to win this:

Lollipop Guild kit from Studio Calico
Kit Includes:
ATC Stamp (Studio Calico); ATC Tin - Measurement (7gypsies)
EMBELLISHMENTS: Stamp Alphabet Rub-ons (Hambly); All Mixed Up Overlay (Hambly); Just Chillin' Girl Mini Papers (12 sheets)(Making Memories); Just Chillin' Girl Glitter Die-Cuts (Making Memories); Vintage Style Loomed Yarn Flower Cut-Outs (Kitschy Digitals); Chandelier Crystals (Heidi Swapp); Word Keys (3)(Tim Holtz); Ducks In a Row Wild Cards (October Afternoon); Blush & Rouge Bling (Basic Grey); Pink Medium Pom-Pom Trim (Maya Road)

Okay, go on back to the Candy Shoppe blog and post away! Then I'll see your challenge layout linked up at the end!!! GOod Luck and make it sweet!

XOXO,
Jen

Long Time No Blog

I am such a bad Blogger! It's been over a month since I've been on here! WTH?? So, I bring you a very long post today! I have lots of things to share. I've been a very busy girl. Life is spinning way too fast. Or is that the world? Did the revolution of the Earth speed up lately? I feel like it has. My career has taken a huge jump back into the world of little kids! I'm up to my eyeballs in art materials, little fingers and crazy schedules! It's taken me alot of preparation for the 1st day with kids in my classroom. Unfortunately, I didn't take BEFORE pics of my classroom, but when I got it all cleaned up and organized I did take a few pics of it. Here they are:

Here's one of MY kindergartener posing with his art smock. So cute! A nice, big space with lots of storage and my very own office! LOVE it! So, it's hard, but I'll get used to the timing, the way the kids tick, and how to manage 5 minutes in between classes to set up! Oh My! It's craziness! I'm insane to have thought Elementary had it easy... there is NOTHING easy about this job! I haven't gotten to know all the kids yet, but the charm is there. They are sweet, energetic and eager to make art! There are some severely handicapped children that are not adjusting well yet, but hopefully they will soon!

On the homefront, Mark started Kindergarten this week! I cried at the bus stop, but he's adjusting well and there was nothing but pure excitement from him! No tears, no clinging, no whining! No worries...
Here are a few pics from the bus stop...

So bittersweet! He is getting so big and while I'm not ready for him to grow up too fast, I'm so proud of him for being such a big boy and getting through the tough life lessons so far. I know we have many more to tackle, but he has a family that loves him and a little brother who wants to do everything like him! So, happy back to school little man and to all the teachers and students everywhere! Off to lesson plan AGAIN! I'll be posting some new artwork of my own soon along with some DT work that I've been working on!

XOXO,
Jen

5 Fave Friday

It's that time again... Friday! Where did this week go? Seriously... only 4 more weeks left until the kids head back to school and I start work again! I'm getting a bit panicked!!! OMG... I haven't even finish lesson plans, setting up my classroom, or school shopping! So, this post is dedicated to the 5 things I must have this year for school fashion for me! Teaching Elementary aged kids means more conservative necklines, no short skirts, etc... so here are the 5 things I'm on the look out for this year:
1. Navy Blue cardigan - a basic!

2. LOVE this top at Old Navy!

3. Well-made pants that fit like a dream... these are from LOFT.

4. Another funky fun basic tunic top... gorgeous embroidery! Old Navy BABY!!!

5. Adorable pants at Old Navy... I need some new kacki pants and these are too comfy looking!

I'm also needing some comfy but cute shoes... I'll be on the look out for those next!
Happy Friday!

Jen

Happy Birthday to me!

Okay, that sounds self-serving and cheesy wishing myself a Happy Birthday but as I get older, I guess there is less importance put upon one's birthday celebration. I'm 35 today! No longer the young thing I used to be. My body is no where near what it used to be (Thank you my children!) and I have gray hairs that need coloring. I am now at an age that if I was to be pregnant (which I'm NOT!) or have surgery, I would need pre-screening or special tests done... I'm closer to middle aged and farther from my teen years. However, I am blessed in many ways! I have 2 young and wonderful children! I've been married for 9 years and have a hubby that is in most ways my opposite and compliment. I have an accomplished career and a hobby that is on it's way to being a second career! I am lucky in so many ways!

Today I am looking at a little boy that has one tooth missing already! He lost it yesterday at my mom's house while rushing up the stairs on the deck. Down he went and crashed face first onto the deck. He lost the battle with the wood and had blood gushing and a bent back front tooth! YIKES! I was screaming inside but outwardly calm. He was crying and saying "I broke my tooth! I broke my tooth!!". Poor baby! The dentist was a sweetheart and had us come to his house! He tried to move it back into place, but it had severed from the socket and came out... so the tooth fairy came for a visit last night. He was thrilled to get $5 (I remember when it was $1 for a tooth... man, inflation is a bitch!) and some Superman pencils and notepad! How did the tooth fairy know that he loves Superman? Hmmmm... Anyways, he looks adorable with the missing tooth except for the fat lip and bruised chin, but he told me that he misses his baby tooth. Awww...




Today is full of fun things. I ordered my new Coach bag! Here is what it looks like. I had to call around to get it. Apparently it is out of stock due to popularity, but I got one from E. Hampton! YES! They are mailing it to me and I should get it by the weekend! Soooooo excited!
Matt also got me a cake last night from Carvel's to celebrate. I'm afraid to get weighed in this week at Weight Watchers! I am trying to be good really I am! Anyways, we are going to go see Dave Matthew's tonight as another birthday treat! We have seen him twice before kids. This is a treat having him playing right in Syracuse and I hope it will be a good night for a concert! Right now it is gorgeous out but they are calling for some possible rain and thunderstorms tonight... hope not! So, this is the third event out with just hubby and I in 2 weeks! This NEVER happens! I feel so lucky! It's a happy day after all! Hope your day is as blessed as mine!

XOXO

Jen

Fav Five Friday

It's been awhile since I did this! I always forget... so, here are my favs this week:

1. My baby's smile! He is so fun and always smiling or laughing at me unless the boy is hungry or tired, he is smiling! My little sunshine...
2. Puddling jumping... Mark has recently taking a fancy to jumping in puddles after our very wet weather. He will get soaked! So, being the smart mommy, I put him in his swimsuit and let him have at it! He had a blast!!!! Completely soaked and begging for more long after he depleted the puddles. We had to get the hose out to make more! LOL!
3. This madras cover up dress from Target... one day they were there.. the next GONE! So glad I bought one when I did. I'm wearing it tomorrow night for hubby's 20th HS reunion party. I wish I could get the arms and body to go with this dress from Target too... LOL!
4. Blueberry bagels- I have one EVERY morning lately. They are the only kind of bagel I like. Lightly toasted with Weight Watcher cream cheese! YUM!!!

5. Bad Girls Reveal night!!! Tonight at 9pm PST (that's late for us East Coasters!) but it's always a blast... fun girls, festive chatter, and this time... good eats. We are swapping recipes. See the post below for more details!
That's it for tonight! See you at the reveal!

Being Bad Feels Soooo Good!

It's reveal night again! WOW! July has flown by! I'm getting ready to party it up with my Baddies over at Bad Girls Kits... It's going to be a fabulous night filled with delish recipes (yep, we are swapping appetizer ideas and recipes. Sure to be a blast and we have girls from all over the globe so international cuizine is gonna hit the spot!!!! Mmmmm. We are also rolling out the red carpet for an amazing kit full of vintage goodness and new stuff to compliment... If you want inspiration and a kit that is full of art, well, head over there tomorrow night at 5pm PST to start the party! It is ALWAYS a fun filled night full of gab, gorgeous projects, and challenges! I might just have something up my sleeve!

The main party details are here:
Lots of partying going on Friday night...we are going to have games....prizes.....FUN!!!!! So....come dressed in your hottest party dress and Lets RAWK!!!!

when?????..........Friday, July 31st

time????.........9 p.m. PST

where???.........www.badgirlskits.com

what to bring????............all your hot little BAD GIRL friends!!!!

why???..................you want to PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been busy getting DT stuff done and playing around with new artwork ideas! I have something in the works for a new class in August or September... I'm still working on the main project idea, but you will not want to miss it!

My other classes are still open for registration and will be up for a while, so if you are interested in learning unique ways to print your photosAND

then how to alter those less- than-perfect images, well you just head on over to Bad Girls and check it out!

Cardboard obsession???

Hello, My Name is Jennifer and I have a cardboard addiction.... Seriously, I can't get enough! I love working on cardboard as a base for my pages and artwork. I have been using it alot. It's so much fun, textural, the color is perfect, the results unpredictable and it's recycling! On the other hand, it's bulky, not acid free, and not precut. So what! I don't give a fig about acid free and neither did the Masters of art. They used materials even if they didn't know that they would last a long time. I can't be bothered with that train of thought... that useless worrying. Do I intend to be immortal and have my work last FOREVER? Not really. It's artwork... an outpouring of my soul. A way for me to create and release my story... my history. BUT do I intend to store them in albums? Hmmm... I havent' been. They are in a box right now. Stacks of pages and mixed media. Just stored away with no real organization, no real theme, no rhyme or reason. I am too busy and unorganized to do that right now. What if something happened to me and they just sat that way until someone had to go through all my stuff? Well, they'd get a clue that I'm an artist and I'm disorganized! Teee hee. So, for now, that's where they stay. I might frame some in shadow boxes and hang them in my house (Lord knows I have enough blank wall space for some much needed artwork and Hubs keeps bugging me to get some framed and up!). I'm hoping someone creates some kind of album or multiple bulky page display thingy so that those of us that choose to work on pages that have more depth to them such as pop dots, cardboard, ribbon, buttons, etc.. , can display them without buying a million albums! Not sure how that would fly but I'll have to think on it!

Other notes, Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker in debuting as we speak at CHA. I'm so excited for her. Her designs are adorable and so fun to use. There is a giveaway on this blog... for the new halloween line! Check it out! Also her new website is up and you can see all the releases here!

I just finished my 2nd class at Bad Girls kits... Life Enhanced. The class is open indefinately so you can purchase it and still access the forum and materials. Here is a peek at the new layout that I did within the class...

The Caged Bird Sings

So,it's not too late to take it! I am taking a little break in classes to get my school planning done and come up with a fun project based class. I'm thinking that it may be a fun sculptural assemblage project. We'll see!

Bad Girls Birthday Bash!

Bad Girls Kits is 2 years old!!! WOW! So, in celebration of this momentous occasion, we are offering a swwwweeet prize pack for a little member participation!

For the Birthday Bash Bad Girls will be offering a Huge Prize Package that will include a Great Kit from Wendy and some free classes.

The drawing for this prize will be hosted on the Bad Girls Blog. In order for you to be entered into the drawing for this prize,

A) you will need to make a blog post on your own blog about why you love shopping at Bad girls, what you love about the kits, and why you love our online classes.
B) **Also you will have to post a photo of either your all time favorite BG's kit or your favorite BG's Class!

C) Then return to the Bad Girls Blog and leave a comment with a link to your blog! Sounds fairly easy right?

***For additional entries to win the prize you can post that same information on facebook, myspace, the designers blogs, etc. and link that in your blog post!

Serendipity Sunday

I haven't done this in a while but I have lots of inspiration lately! Here's what's inspiring me lately:

Lauren Pressler
Family of Letters [detail], mixed media acrylic, 2006, by Lauren Pressler

I couldn't find much about this artist except that she was a student at Willamette University in 2006. She has a wonderful vintage feel to her mixed media artwork that links her ancestor's lives to her own. She uses letters and the horrors of the Holocaust to infuse mood and stories into her work. I love the colors, the figures, and the textures here. Very insightful and sophisticated for such a young artist!

Michel Keck
Original abstract mixed media art painting by Michel Keck aka The Raw Artist. Title: Hard Knock LIfe
Size: 24" x 36" x 1.5"
Medium: mixed media on gallery wrapped canvas & framed

This large piece is full of textures, imagery, and media. I love the use of the screen door and the idea of youth and being stuck behind a door. This artist has lots of interesting work!

Debrina Pratt
I am in love with fun toy quality to these works. THe pull toys with fairy children just beg to be touched and played with! I love the colors, the whimsy, the details! She has a style all her own and full of fun and child-like excitement! I read that these are really small too... which adds to it's playfulness.

So those are my picks for this week... the things that I found while getting inspiration to create!

I've been bogged down with a very messy and unorganized work area. I can't function anymore! It's sucking the mojo out of me! My chi is all off! So, I spent all day yesterday and well into the night cleaning and organizing. I left the brutal sorting to today so that I could sleep on it. I hate throwing things out but I find I am holding on to things with the hopes that I'll used them and now they are piled in 3 large bins. I need to reduce, reuse or recycle! If I don't I will drown in my mess! So, I'm going through all the magazines, scraps, kits, and such and weeding out when I don't want or won't use right away. I've filled one huge garbage bag already! YIKES! The scraps are going to school for kids to use in their artworks and the rest is getting put where I will use it! I'm feeling my mojo creeping out from under the piles already!!!

XOXO

Jen

Bad Girls Bleuprint #4

I have a bit of inspiration for you! If you head over to the Bad Girls kits site you can check out the Bleuprint of the week. My inspiration for Bleuprint #4 "This Old House" was based on these photos:

Aren't these old, peeled doors fabulous? I got these from a google search on old doors and I'm sorry that I don't have all the artist's names who took these photos, but I am in love with the look of each one! I created this montage of images to inspire you to create with texture, color, and aged goodness.

Here is the sketch that I created to work from or gain inspiration from... use it as you want.

And here's my example from my inspiration!

This Old House by Jennifer Matott

I used Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker papers from her Victoria's Street line and the Bread(less) tags (covered in crackle paint and dimensional glaze with a rub on). I also used her flag here with a stamp from the set that matches the papers! So cute! The background is a double layered corregated cardboard sheet from a box that I rummaged for. I LOVE the double layer and used crackle paint to simulate the painted doors. Here are some details:

So, how will you be inspired? I'd love to see your results! Post to the Bad Girls gallery by midnight tomorrow (PST- for all you bad girls!) to be eligible for Featured Bleuprint artist of the week.

DT work and classes

I have been a busy scrapper lately. Which is good... because I've been a grump to be around. So, pouring creative juices out on paper is theraputic for me. I'm going to forgo the drama of sharing why I'm grumpy, but I will definately share the fruits of that mood...

Black River Designs
Here are 2 layouts, a card, and a fun project that I created this month and a little about each one...

Happy 4th! card

I am not a fabulous card maker. It frustrates me as to why I don't enjoy making cards. I guess because they are utilitarian and not too many people I know (with the exception of my mom) appreciate my art cards. So, I tend to have to keep them simple. So, this one is simple. I ran the Cor'dinations cardstock through my Cuttlebug with an embossing envelope and sanded the area that was to show through the star cut out in the chipboard. I covered the chipboard with paper and added bling to it and a ribbon. The greeting are rub ons. Simple and fun.

Firecrackers

This I had more fun with. I covered toilet paper rolls and a towel roll with papers and added tissue paper for the tops. This fun trio sits in my entry hall for the celebration of the 4th of July and looks so cute. I might add a base somehow later.

4th of July Frolic

This layout was all about the colors of Independence Day.. my son last year was chasing bubbles with his Old Navy flag shirt on. Perfect! I created the star pattern by running a damp piece of Cor'dinations cardstock thorugh my Cuttlebug with a Prima Felt pattern behind it. Sanded it when it dried and voila!

Baby
This is my favorite one... I LOVE LOVE LOVE working with corregated cardboard as a base. It just begs to be torn, texturized, and painted! My favorite techniques. I used Ranger Distress Crackle paints to create the background and then I added distressed papers, rub ons, and created the roses from scrap papers (all of them Black River Designs). I will be having a tutorial on the Black River Blog about how to make these lovelies soon... I'll link it up to here when I know what day it will be up. Anyways, the title letters are Heidi Swapp and are crackled as well. Aren't those butterflies gorgeous? They are cut from one of the papers! Here's a detail:

Okay, so that is my DT work for Black River Designs... I'm finishing a few new things for Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker and will post those here too soon.

I'm teaching a class and taking a class...

First, check out my new class for Bad Girls kits...

Life Enhanced: Altering Photographs Using Mixed Media

As a follow up or stand alone class to Printing on Alternative Surfaces, this class will explore using photographs in a whole new way. Whether you are interested in giving texture or artistic details to photographs OR you want to know how to use media such as molding paste, gel mediums, gesso, crackle paste and more! This class is not for the faint of heart. You will be transforming your images into works of art. The focus of this class is techniques and how to use media on photographs or to transfer images to surfaces. I will help you take your imagery to a new level. If you are looking for ways to add to your art journaling, ATCs, or scrapbooking... this is the class for you! The three day class will bring you on a journey through photo transfers, photo altering, and medium use. You will soar with your new knowledge and create texture filled work after this class!

You can register for this class online at Bad Girls Shoppes . It is $29.95 and packed with techniques, demos, ideas, and it will be up for a month for you to browse as needed. You will need to register on Bad Girls in order to get to the Shoppes, but once you do, it's easy. If you have problems or questions email me!

Okay, I am finally taking a class from Dina Wakley... She is a wonderful teacher of Visual Journaling techniques and styles. I missed her other classes but I was NOT going to miss this one. It's all about looking at the Masters of art, like Van Gogh, Picasso, and others and deriving inspiration from there work. NOT copying their style, but finding something that sparks your own creativity. It's a little art history, a LOT of playing with paints and media, and equals more creating for me!!! Just for me... no one else. I have been meaning to start a journal for a long time, but I never stick with it. I get intimidated, perfectionistic, uninspired, and busy... it's a sad state. I teach visual journaling to my students and yet, I can't seem to practice what I preach. So, this is just what I need to break out of that creative wall I've built around me and encourage me to just play... no worries, no stress, no pressure to be perfect! JUST do it! I am in love with it! I have paint under my nails again and am loving it! JUST FOR ME! It's a 4 week class online and I think it's just what I needed right now! See my lovely freely painted, monochromatic tags? I got carried away in the process and did all the colors of the rainbow (except purple... purple and I have issues together... I'll work through them eventually, but I only had one purple hue and well, I didn't like it enough to open it.. maybe later).

Okay... LONG ass post. That's what I get for waiting until I had a bunch of stuff to share. I'm still working on the blog look... it's not feeling finished for me. I think I will look for more sites to get free backgrounds from... if you know of any, let me know!

XOXO
Jen

Pimp my Blog

Okay, so Cari Fennell got me thinking about redoing the look of my blog and well, I'm playing around with it. It's not gonna stay like this... I'm sure it will change tomorrow. I am just having fun with some backgrounds and maybe a new header! We'll see... I wiped out a few of my gadgets though in the process and am trying to figure out how to get them back... geesh! Be patient this is a work in progress!

Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker

I got my goodies from Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker on Friday and I must say that they are delish! I finished one page already and working on many more... Here's the line I worked with for this layout... Sweet as Cherry Pie.


Isn't it sweet??!!! I love the graphics and the bold colors together... modern and retro in one! Look for her at CHA this July! She has 6 lines total coming out there. I have seen 3 of them and can't wait to see more!

"Lucky Me"
I used the papers from the mini 6 x 6 pad to create the flowers and stamped the cute sayings and horseshoe to create a text paper with glimmer mist to add color. The brads are her's too and they are covered with cord! It's gorgeous! I love all the designs!

Detail of the flower and "stamped text paper"

Off to scrap some more before I have to go to school and finish packing my room up. What a pain! I have over half done (took me 5 hours to do that) and haven't even finished yet! I am getting anxious to just be moved already so I can start setting up my new room, but of course, the school year isn't even over yet... this is the last week. I'm sure Diane (who is the retiring teacher) is still going through things and packing up her stuff too. I am just getting ahead of myself. It's officially summer and Mark is chomping at the bit to get in Nonna and Grandpa Bob's pool... He would LIVE in the water if I let him. He's a little fish and the happiest when he's swimming! Lots of good photo ops there though. Can't wait to see little Christopher in the water soon! We will attempt to do that tomorrow I think. It's gonna get HOT this week and I'm sure a dip in the pool is exactly what we need.

I'll post this week with my new Black River Designs projects.. Again... YUMMY stuff. I am lucky to have the opportunity to work for 2 great companies!

Bad Girls Fun

There is so much going on at Bad Girls Kits right not that it will make your head spin!! Check out:

All you have to do to be eligible to win this blog candy is to leave a comment on the blog (the link is below!) and tell us what new happening at BAD GIRLS you are really excited about!!! Is it the new kit direction with teaching and education in mind? Is it BAD GIRL BLEUPRINT? Is it the CLASSES? Is it ARTIST OF THE MONTH? Is it our trademark TOTE BAG CHALLENGE? Leave your message on the BLOG post for June 14th. You have until Wednesday, June 17th to post and then Wendy will draw a random winner....GOOD LUCK

Blog Candy

Onto the next exciting challenge at Bad Girls... Bleuprint #1 We are so excited to present you with a fun way to be inspired. Check out this link for the whole scoop, but your project is due Thursday, June 17th to be eligible for becoimin the feature of the week!! Check out Funky Town (click here):

My class is in full swing now over there and you can join the printing madness all month!! The class is full of tips, steps for using a variety of innovative materials to print on using an ink jet printer! Don't miss out!! You can purchase my class over at Bad Girls in the Shoppes! Just because it started already doesn't mean that you can't join us!

Upcoming Classes:

As a compliment to my class, Jeni Boisvert is teaching a Photoshop class... not just any Photoshop tutorial like you find online, nooo... this one is full of useful how to's for making your photos to POP!!! This super simple and fun hands on approach to photoshop is a great starting point for beginners and intermediate users that want to bring their work to life! I will guide you along using Adobe Elements 7. I will share with you some tips and tricks that I use, as well as some of my "secrets" for getting custom color and having it do what you want it to do for the look and feel you are going for! Photoshop is as limitless as your imagination, and this class will open up a whole new world for you. You will learn Color Enhancements, as well as other looks for your photos such as Vintage, Color Splash, Color Wash, Black and White looks. We'll learn about blending modes and layers, as well as a cool trick for working with layer masks in elements that are otherwise only available in higher versions of Photoshop. We will also be making fun banners and blinkies! This Class includes a private forum as well as video instruction and a downloadable .pdf file. As a special bonus you will have access to some custom downloadable papers and brushes made exclusively for this class! June 25th - 27th, 2009 and will run for one month! It can be purchased over at Bad Girls! You can bet I'll be taking this class to learn how to make those darn cute banners she makes and to play with my photos in an even more artistic way!

Make sure you are around for reveal night over there too because I have another surprise that will be offered that night! Join us on June 30th at 12 am EST for the reveal party!

TOOOT!!!

I am thrilled to announce that I was chosen to join the first Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker LLC design team!!! I am so honored and excited to be on this list with all these amazingly talented women! Nikki's new and fun paper and embellishment lines will be coming out at CHA Orlando this July. I can't wait to get my hands on them and ohh and ahhh over each design!!! Nikki has shared one line with us on here blog. She will be revealing her site soon. I have to say that I felt so bad when she called... I was so shocked and my kids were yelling from the back seat of the car! We had just left the library and my son, Mark was yelling because whenever the phone rings he feels he must talk to the person. I was trying to tune him out and drive at the same time! LOL! Thanks Nikki!!! I'm so excited!

The Domestic Design Team:
(they are in no particular order)
1. Charity Hassel from FL
2. Nathalie Leonelli from CA
3. Julie Tucker-Woleck from AZ
4. Deana Boston from MO
5. Jennifer Matott from NY
6. Susan Dupre from TX
7. Jana Eubank from UT
8. Mimi Leinbach from PA
9. Michelle Lanning from CA
10. Laura Achilies form CO
11. Deanna Misner from TN
12. Abbie Torroll from OK

The International Design Team:
(they are in no particular order)
1. Hilde Janbroers from the Netherlands
2. Emeline Seet from Singapore
3. Nadhrah Maidin from Malaysia
4. Mette Kallander from Sweden
5. Kathleen Glossop from Australia
6. Anne Jo Lexander from Norway
7. Ria Mojica from the Phillippines
8. Mieke Nagtegaal from Holland
9. Malin Dahlstrom from Sweden
10. Claude Campeau from Canada
11. Jodi Wilton from Canada
12. Michele Beck from France

XOXO
Jen

Class Sneak Peek

I'm so excited (and a little nervous) about teaching the PREMIERE class at Bad Girls kits! It is all about my secrets and tips for printing on alternative surfaces with your ink jet printer. Some of these ideas are mine alone and I'm sharing them! Here is a sneek peek video of the class...

If you are interested in purchasing the class, just visit here: http://badgirlskits.com/store/

The class starts on June 15th -17th and will be up for a month for those students to view as their schedule allows. I will have downloadable PDF's available on the last day of class for those that paid.
This class will be easy to use, fun and full of possibilities, with feedback and lots of good banter! Join me and create something spectacular!!

Serendipity Sunday

Moving on... to Serendipity Sunday's finds. I took some time this morning to find mixed media loves

Michelle Chaplan
I love this artist! She has a great way to overlay images onto vintage papers, fabric, and other such media. She was featured in this month's Somerset Studios. I just have to do this with some of my old family photos... I LOVE IT!!! She takes commissions too. What a unique art piece.


Aspen Grove

				Felicity, a new mixed-media on canvas by Douglas E. Taylor. 30.5 x 24.75 inches overall in a simple one inch wide gold leaf frame $3,245: SOLD
	This collaged piece is amazing in color and pattern! I have a thing for trees anyways, but the whole piece is full of natural shapes and amazing detail. I'm so inspired to use my paper scraps this way!

Martin Brouillette
This is a great example of image transfer onto a painted background. I'm not sure that this is how this artist did this work, but that's what I immediately think of. It gives it such a moody and emotional feel to the piece.


Carol Archer
Skin to Work series, 1998, fabric, latex and paper on board,
approx 40 x 40 cm.

This artist has a whole series of "skin like" textural pieces. I love the colors and the subtle imagery of a nose and the distressed stripes. It's a feast of sensory overload!

I love to browse the internet for artwork that can jump start my creative juices when I'm feeling like I'm running low on mojo. I have lots of new ideas now and can't wait to go play with images today!!! Hope you were inspired...

XOXO
Jen

Apologies and Tone

I want to sincerely apologize to anyone that was hurt by my comments over at a certain message board. I certainly didn't mean my tone to come across as snotty or mean. I sometimes get so absorbed in my opinions that I forget that the means of communication in the digital age can be so easily misconstrued. If you know me, you know that I am passionate about art and kids! I love teaching, creating, and sharing with others. I would never intentionally hurt someone's feelings unless I don't think ahead of time... which is what happened. I put my foot in my mouth... I spouted defensive statements about art and kits that I shouldn't have voiced in written form because it can always be read in a negative tone. I should've known better! I should've thought and reread it... I shouldn't have been so "know it all"... It's horrible to have all these strangers saying horrible things about your personality when it's NOT your personality or intended message. I was wrong... I feel terrible. It doesn't matter what the initial reason behind the post was, nor does it matter if I still feel that some of my statements were truth... it just matters that someone's feelings were hurt. That I instilled defensive responses to art and personal creation... Art is art... it's whatever you create that means something to you. So, I have learned a HUGE lesson today. One that will have me posting my opinions less on public forums and more on my own personal space. This is MY space.. my blog. It's certainly viewed by some... more now because of my stupid fingers typing nasty remarks (even if they were provoked). BUT it is a place for me to share my art and get excited over things that inspire me. If you like it, great! Come back often and enjoy new art and new finds in the art and craft world, but if you don't like it or are offended, well, I'm sorry. However, it is my blog. I want to speak my mind here... share my passions, excitement, joys, family, and memories. I sometimes share funny stories about my boys. Sometimes I will share student work that inspires me or makes me smile. I will keep it positive as best I can because ultimately I want a positive atmosphere around me. Ultimately, I want to inspire others and support artists. I should remind myself that it doesn't feel good to have someone insinuate that you are not an artist... it hurts and I should've known that being an art teacher. Whatever I THINK in my mind (and don't voice verbally) is MY thoughts for good or bad and can't be held against me. IF it ever comes down to that in our country that our THOUGHTS are censored, well then I don't want to live here anymore. My private thoughts about art or other artists are PRIVATE... AND I'm keeping it that way unless those thoughts are positive in nature. SO, i have learned my lesson. I have begged foregiveness from those that I angered or hurt. That's all I can do... and go on creating!

Kits, Classes, and More!!

Club Bad Girls is back and totally revamped!!! The site has a new look, a new mission, and brand new limited edition kits!We have turned more towards the Art side of things in hopes that people will get more out of their kits than just layouts... they will want to try new techniques and materials. There are some new features too... Challenges, like the featured Elite Artist of the month's challenge and class that will teach you how to create with the kit or something in the kit. Speaking of Elite Artists... I am one! Wendy graciously invited me to stay on as a DT member for his exciting new venture! SO excited about this new approach. It's all about the art and that is so me!

Bad Girls Kits are also offering huge classes! These classes are full of fabulous projects, techniques, and skill developing to help you become a better artist or just allow you to learn something new that you can use to enhance your artwork. My class is being offered for 3 days... June 15-17th. It is only offered on Bad Girls and you can purchase and sign up for your exclusive password to join in on this class now at the new site... Click Here.

Alternative Photo Printing
Online Class taught by Jen Matott
June 15th -17th

$29.95

Class Description:
Are you bored with regular photographs on photo paper? Do you long to add more texture and interest to your artwork and pages? This in depth class is for you! I will show you how to print photographs and images onto alternative surfaces. Basically, any surface that will fit through your printer is free game! I will walk you through from simple photo editing to getting the most effective image from your printer. Forget the traditional way of using photographs... this class will have you recycling materials, playing with digital techniques and using media in a whole NEW way!!! I will share my secrets to printing on ribbon, metal, transparencies, and even sandpaper! You will not find this class anywhere else except on Bad
Girls! Join me for a fun and addictive technique class!

Sound exciting???!!! I am so pleased to have this opportunity to do this! Sign up today!!! I have not posted a tutorial lately due to this new development so I'm going to see how this class goes and if it is a success then I will offer more and hold off on the tutorials for now. There will be more free tuts in the future but for now, I need to focus on the new classes.

On another note, I have to drag my Fr*#ing computer to the Apple store to have it fixed. The screen is getting these dead pixel lines and it's starting to really bug me! I'm afraid it will just die soon. They said it is the video card... hope they can fix it there and not have to order parts so that I have to go back to pick it up... I don't know how long I can leave that computer and not have access to it! YIKES!!! I guess I'm really addicted! So, if you don't hear from me soon, it's because I have no computer yet. Groan....

I'll leave you with a few shots from last weekend of my boys
...
Mark at Oswego... it was sooo cold there!! and his funny face! Why do little boys feel the need to make goofy faces for every picture? It's cute, but I have a million photos of him doing this when I could just settle for a smile!

Christopher after his cereal.. he took the spoon from me and is chomping on it happily. He is definately teething! How cute is he???!!!

Brothers

Have a great day!
XOXO

JEN

New Moon Countdown Official Poster

I'm an obsessed fan!! I can hardly wait! It's gonna be amazing... I need my Edward and Bella fix!!!

Black River Designs

I am proud to announce that I was chosen as 1 of 8 designers to join the first DT of Black River Designs!!! I am so excited! They are a new company that is based out of Canada and has some very eye catching paper and rub on designs for scrapbooking, crafting, and various other paper crafts! I am thrilled to join them on this journey! I can't wait to get the product and play with it! Just wait for my creative artwork featuring this company in the coming months... here is the blog... Black River with the news!

I have another HUGE announcement too, but can't quite spill the beans yet! It's TOP secret! Check back here on June 1st for a preview!

Pros vs. Cons

I'm still here... just forgot to post in blog world. I have been dealing with some reeling news. After 11 years of teaching secondary level art, I am being forced to go to an elementary school. Granted, I am certified to teach art K-12th grade, but I never thought I'd teach the lower levels. I just didn't want that. Now, I find myself low woman on the totum of hiring in the HS art dept. and I'm being sent down. I feel like I'm being demoted. I am sad to leave my HS staff, kids, room, and curriculum. I love the HS schedule and challenges. I am truly happy at that level. This is change and change is scary for me. Well, I'm sure it's scary for alot of people who don' t have jobs now. SO I should be grateful that I have a job and one that I like but yesterday when I sat in that meeting where administrators who haven't taught in a classroom told us that we are losing a person and unless someone volunteers to go to the Elementary, it will be the least senior person going... that's me. I am mad and frustrated! I am sad and angry with administrators. However, I have to find the light at the end of the tunnel, the silver lining, the cup half full in all this. Here are my pros and cons list that I made up last night:

Cons (I believe in getting the bad out there first and then looking for positives):
1. the Schedule! I will only see the same kids every 4 days for 40 mins. NOT very productive.
2. Moving all my stuff out of my HS room and into another room.
3. Creating new curriculum... for 7 levels with ONE prep period a day! YIKES!
4. I'll have to drive a bit farther away to this school... my HS is literally 3 miles from my house.
5. New staff, new Principal, new room... scary!
6. I have never taught at elementary level... not even in student teaching.
7. Coming off of maternity leave, I will be starting over at a new place.
8. Runny noses, little fingers, quirky behavior... could be messy and exhausting. ( I have this at home, why would I want a room full of them???)
9. Level of art will not be of the HS level... I will have to lower my expectations for outcomes, but can still challenge them just won't be of the caliber I am used to.
10. Student teacher can't be placed with me... he needs HS.
11. Grant will have to be adjusted to 6th grade rather than 9th.
12. National Certification is Secondary not Elementary... will that affect it?

Pros (the upside of it all):
1. Same schedule as my 4 year old who will be starting Kindergarden in the fall... same parent conference days, same 1/2 days, etc...
2. FUN! I don't have to worry about graduation requirements or mandates.
3. NO grading... just do art to do art. No dragging 150 sketchbooks home to grade and entering 300 grades or more in a 5 week term!
4. Kids LOVE art! Seriously love it... so excited to get there and make messes and create!
5. Not too many discipline issues... kids misbehaves... send said kid out and they don't participate. Kids WANT to do art and don't want to miss out.
6. Excited parents, staff, and kids... much more enthusiasm and support there.
7. Empty Bowls Project... I started doing this in MS and they have it there at the school I will be going to... I taught the teacher who is retiring there how to do this project so I can't wait to get into that again!
8. Helpers... older kids love to help younger ones.
9. More grant opportunities at K-6 level.
10. Get to do fun projects that require kids to try new things. At this age, they love to try new things. THEY don't whine about how they are not good artists.
11. No Scholastics art competition... I won't have to stress about this!
12. No weekly meetings with HS staff, Union, or curriculum meeetings. Just a monthly meeting and faculty meetings. No biggie!
13. No school store... I will not have to worry about that.
14. NO gym requirement forced on us this coming year.
15. The kids! Full of energy and enthusiasm! THey are cute and funny...
16. No student teacher... just focus on my classroom.

Okay, so that is my list. More pros than cons. More of a chance to have fun and play with the kids without the serious deadline factor and grading over my head. Notice that all the cons have to do with ME and all the pros deal with KIDS. So, how can that be bad? Ok, so it's not the level of work I want to work with, but I'm sure I'll be surprised at what they can do and what I can do. Visual Journals will still be made in 5th and 6th grade next year, a grant will need to be adjusted for 6th grade rather than 9th grade, and a new opportunities to try some things I have always wanted to do with younger kids. I could shine at this level...I could LOVE it! I just hope I can do it ! I dread packing up my room... 11 years of stuff. Pack, ship, unpack, order new stuff?? WOW! Not what I expected to happen for next year.

Okay, so on to other news. Mosh Posh is having a blog party... LOTS of prizes and fun there...check it out:
MOSH POSH BLOG PARTY

Still working on Etsy stuff... Hope to have more up next week. I'm behind on alot of things. I have some new things in the works.. just waiting to announce those when I get the go ahead. Secrets kill me! I am not good on keeping them... I just want to yell them to the world! Okay, hold off... I'll tell you that it's BIG and new...

I didn't post a new tutorial yet. I may have to hold off for a bit as I find myself so busy with a 4 year old home all day everyday this summer and a baby who is deciding that sleep is unnecessary but fussiness is not. It's challenging on so many levels. I am tired, short on patience, and annoyed that I'm home all day alone with too kids who do unexpected and annoying things but adorable and fun things too. It is tough being a SAHM... only for another 3 months. Then, I get to be a sodo mommy to 300+ kids all day every day in small doses. Hmmm... I have to believe life has reasons for all change.

Have a good day!
XOXO
JEN

ETSY!!!

Yep, I did it! I opened an Etsy shop. I have been thinking about it for awhile and decided it was time. I need an outlet. Right now, there are only a few things there. I am working on some scrappy embellishments and fun tags to sell too. I am also doing a few baby related items. Those should be up sometime soon. As soon as I find a supplier of cute onesies to alter. I'm so excited to start this... I will be featured some of my art on there soon too. Here's the link : Florish and Bling

Okay, I forgot all about Serendipity Sunday! It was Mother's Day and well, I was being mothered. We went out to lunch with the IL's and then dinner at Mom and Dad's. The kids were fine until later in the day... Mark got wound up and was being extra sassy. My dad even had had enough of him. Well, not him in general, just his attitude. He never gets annoyed with him, so you can imagine how annoying he was being. Over all, it was a nice day.

So, onto my Serendipity Wednesday picks (for this week only)... back to our regular schedule next week.

Copperinc's shop on Etsy is full of journal like prints and text incorporated into paintings or commentary on everyday life. The drawings are charming and the images are figurative mostly... Here is one of my favorites in her shop... Grumpy People

And this one... Her Pretty Manners


PearsonMaron's shop is fun and whimsical... I LOVE this little sculpture. Cloud Factory... simply adorable and child like. There is a whole series of these... I think I must have this one or the Rainbow Factory! So cute!

The above sculpture is also based on lore and tall tales. LOVE that it is mostly white with a hint of color for interest. This would be charming in a child's room or knick knack shelf. I am charmed.

CottonBird Shop is adorable little birds made of papers and old vintage maps. Just genius! It's my bird love talking!!! I just love these so much... especially the house with the birdie. I'm all about old vintage papers and fabrics right now too!
They are so cute and fun that I want a whole flock for my artroom!

Okay, that's it for today... I'll be back tomorrow with another video tutorial... BTW.. if you are having difficulty hearing me over my playlist, just pause the playlist music for the duration of the video clip. I love my playlist so I don't want to take it off, but it is irritating to try to hear me on the video over the loud music. Sorry.... Enjoy the day. It's a gorgeous one here. XOXO

Jen

Cardboard Tutorial and other ramblings

Here is your tutorial this week... It's on how to create the torn cardboard backgrounds that I use on my layouts. More recycling!!! It's easy and gives lots of texture to your page.

Leave a comment here for a RAK of Prima goodness again!!! Comments close at midnight on Wednesday, May 13th.

Okay, other news... ScrapMojo #34 is up!! It's all about Cinco de Mayo and PARTYING!!! I really want to go to Margaritaville someday in Key West and PARTY with yummy frozen drinks, beach clothes and weather and of course, Jimmy Buffett! That's my dream...
Here's my layout for inspiration:

Serendipity Sunday

I hope everyone had a productive and fun NSD! I finished 4 pages! I will upload those later but I wanted to share my Bad Girls Kit projects for May. Here they are in the completeness (is that a word???)...

I loved this kit so much that I have a few other projects that I'm doing with the scraps! I hope to finish those soon and post them. This kit is full of vintage and lush embellishments and papers. I truly loved creating with it and felt that these are some of my best layouts! I want to say that Wendy truly has a talent for picking product that goes together beautifully!!! XOXO...
Hurry!!! Get your kit today before they are all gone!

On to the second part of the post.... Serendipity. It's a word that I love! I love to browse the internet for inspiration and share with others my favorite things. Here are three fun finds:

• Sally Mankus has the most amazing images on fabric using a carbon transfer process that I have ever seen! I must find out how she does this! I love the effect! Here's her artist statement:

Much of my work has evolved from a unique process of lifting rust, carbon and markings from charred surfaces (mainly bakeware). The work explores layered and diverse meanings incorporated in everyday, overlooked objects one would find in the home. The work has moved into the realm of installation incorporating numerous domestic items, primarily items used in the ritual of preparing and serving food. Objects (pans, pot lids, napkins, etc.) and materials (rust, carbon) used are so common they become symbols in a universal language. Photography has become a part of the work in the form of manipulated (sometimes layered) Xeroxed images. Participation in the work involves not just the visual, but sound, smell, taste and touch. The viewer is invited to look more closely at that which is and has been experienced on a daily basis. Objects and images take on multiple, often contradictory, meanings leading to diverse interpretations.

I am truly in awe of her work and I might have to try more image transfers! I love the distressed and artistic look they give to the surfaces.

• Tricia McKellar's work is truly another favorite that I have found... If you know me at all, you know that my work has featured alot of bird, nest, and motherhood symbolism. I am fascinated with all bird references right now. So, this artist caught my attention right away. Her bird series is specatular! I am awed by the quality of her images and the colors she creates! I also love her other work with machinery drawings and nature combined. It is truly worth the time to look! She has an Etsy shop too with her work.. just go to her site and click on an artwork and it will take you there!

• Browsing Etsy, I found a shop that has gone green with jewelry... Beadkeepers.

I love the textures and there are nests!!! Such a great find!! All items are made with found or natural materials...

I hope you enjoyed the art today! Don't forget to post on Thursday's thread for a chance at a RAK! If you were a winner in the last 3 tutorials, please email me!!! I want to get your prizes out by Friday or they will go back in the pot for future RAKs!

xoxo,

Jen

National Scrapbook Day

That's right, we have our own holiday!!! Just for us to create and be scrapbookers! I plan to be BAD that day... I'm taking the day off as cook, server, or any other house duty! Join me on Saturday, May 2nd from 12-12 EST (9am-9pm PST)as we at Bad Girls Kits offer amazing classes and challenges to keep you busy all day long!!! It will be a fabulous day!!!

Thursday Tutorial and then some...

I am a BAD blogger... well, only in that I'm late in posting a winner for the "green" RAK... so sorry about that.. I just forgot to pick a winner... so, here is the winner of the recycled goodies:
Gina said... Love these effects..can't wait to have a play!! "D

Gina, email me! I'll get those right out to you!

Here's today's tutorial. Another photo transfer technique. It's using an inkjet printer image and some gel medium. I use the matte finish kind, but you can certainly use gloss medium. So gather your supplies and create a distressed image transfer on something!



I'm using a shipping tag for this demo, but you can use any flat surface that has been primed.
My image was created with an inkjet printer and is black and white. You can also use color images from an ink jet. I suggest something with strong outlines and high contrast for the best results.
Step 1: brush a good coating of medium onto your surface with a foam brush. This will limit the brushstrokes shown, but if you like brushstrokes, use a bristle brush. BOth looks are different and distressed. Don't let this dry!
Step 2: place image face down onto medium and burnish with tool or spoon. Lift corner to see if the image is transfering but don't take too long for this step... it will dry and with it, the paper will stick together. This takes a bit of timing and practice to get it right but I like the "mistakes" too of areas untransfered or distressed look that could create a very moody piece!

Step 3: Carefull peel away the image.. I suggest pulling so that the paper is flat against itself thereby revealing your image!

Viola! It's a very cool technique and one that I love to use on wood, ceramics, papers, cardboard and other surfaces. Here are a couple pages that I used this technique on:

"Blackbirds"

"Nesting" and "Detail of Nest on tag"

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial and another way to add images to your artwork! If so, add a comment and you will be included in a chance to win a RAK of goodies... including: tags, a small bottle of medium, and some a pack of chipboard shapes. I'll get a photo up soon of it!

Here's the winner from last week's comments:
Haberdawoman said...

Cool demo, are you sure you are not Spanish? LOL We talk a lot with our hands :) Just wanted to stop by and say thank you for your sweet comment on my layout. Have a wonderful week.

Nope, not Spanish, but I do like to talk with my hands alot! I will get your RAK out as soon as you email me your addy! Thanks!!!

I am going to try the video thing again next week... hopefully, I won't hate how I look on there and you can see my face. LOL! Next week is a demo using the Cuttlebug and a cool printing technique.

See you next week!

XOXO

Jen

Peek Time!!!

It's that time again... Bad Girls kit peeks! I completely fell in love with this kit... it's full of charm, rich colors, and romance! Just up my alley with texture and patterns aplenty. Okay, enough of my teasing.. here are some peeks at what I created:

Join the Bad Girls Design Team for a reveal night chat and fun on April 30th at 12pm EST. Hope to see and chat with you there!!!

THURSDAY Tutorial: Image Transfer I

I'm going to try something different for this week's demo... video! Be nice, this is my first time and I know I have lots to improve on. This will be the first of 3 image transfer demos... so without further ado...

Okay, first of all, I really didn't like how I looked today so you are only seeing my hands. I noticed a few things about my hands... one, I talk alot with them. They are constantly moving. Which is okay, if they aren't blocking what you need to see in the video. Second, I need a tripod... seriously, I thought I had a tabletop one, but well, I can't find it. Either I'm imagining that I had one or it walked away and is hiding in the depths of my basement. So, hopefully, I'll get one soon and have my hair done and all prettied up for you all to see me for the next video demo.. not sure it will be next week, but we'll see. Hope you enjoyed this demo and will leave a comment for a chance to win that little RAK... Until next time, have a great night!

XOXO

Jen

Serendipity X 3

Serendipity is the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something else entirely.

That explains what happened to me last night while bored and waiting for hubby to get home from a long drive from Cleveland. I had two tabs open on Foxfire and was cruising Facebook and Google at the same time. See, I multi task... Anyways, I was looking for mixed media artwork, which I often do when I need inspiration or just get my juices flowing creatively, AND people that I went to school with. I found 3 people that I have lost touch with and can't believe I found... Steve, whom I worked with on Fredonia's radio station and had a little thing with but were much better friends than the other; Greg, who I had a crush on in high school and he left to go to Cali and join the air force. He had made me a mixed tape that I practically wore out; and Brandin, who I was friend's with from nursery school until middle school and then we found seperate groups to hang with but she was always a sweetheart and stayed nice to everyone. There are many coincidences here... Greg is back in Syracuse and is married. I have chatted a bit with him online and he can't believe that I still have that mixed tape... it was darn good! He had good taste in music and humor. Brandin co-owns Webster's Pages! I was floored when I found this out! She is in the scrap industry AND the art world. She was always artistic and classy. We had alot in common, just not our circle of friends. I am so happy for her success and she has gorgeous kids besides. She looks like I remember her and is a classic beauty. I'm not surprised that she has done so well!
My point here?? Well, I wasn't expecting to find these past friends, but on my hunt for something else, I found them! Cool huh? Okay, here are a few other things I found that I LOVE but were not actually looking for them:

Joe Pogan sculptures

Joe's work is breathtaking! I am in awe of his sculptures made of found metal objects that take the form of birds and nature. It is a delicate and sweaty process of piecing, welding, and collecting. I love that! I am in love with this piece. I can't even imagine how long it took to make and if I could afford it, I would buy it and lovingly look at it everyday. I think I may just visit his site daily so I can sigh and oooohhh over it all. I think I may have to save up to get one eventually! It makes me so happy!

Kirsten Chursinoff blog

This is another example of gorgeous artwork that just makes me swoon. Her use of fibers and fabrics to make the nests makes me want to touch them. They just beckon to be adored. I have such an obsession for nests and birds and when I find one that makes my heart soar, well, it's just something I can't put into words. These do... they are beautiful and precious.

Lee Gainer

Lee Gainer 's artwork , "Popsicle", is made of papertowel rolls, fabrics, papers, and other found objects with lots of color and energy, I love it! I want to make my own version.. This artist has inspired me! I love the earthiness to this and the clean graphic appeal too. It's just amazing! She has an Etsy shop that has some fabulously "green" works of art. She uses mostly all found objects and fabrics that are rolled and adhered... brilliant!!

I hope that I have inspired you to go find your serendipity today... sometimes just browsing, while it seems like a waste of time, is really just opening yourself up to ideas and found inspiration!!!

XOXO
Jen

Tutorial day!

Okay, I know I know... I'm late. I got back from vacation and just got caught up with unpacking, laundry, emails, and such! So, this is a day late!!! Here's this week's tutorial. It's a favorite technique of mine but not new (maybe it will be NEW-TO-YOU)- Stamping with found objects:

Gather some recycled items such as: paper towel rolls, bubble wrap, caps, corrugated cardboard, and plastic wrap... anything with texture, really. I used Speedball watersoluable inks for this but regular paint works great and a variety of paint types provide a multitude of outcomes.


Squeeze some paint or ink onto an inking plate or other type of surface and use a brayer (or a paint brush OR your own fingers if you don't mind getting down and dirty!) to spread the paint onto the item to be stamped.

Press the item onto your paper or surface with a firm and even pressure... don't wait too long for the ink or paint to dry or it won't work. Repeat as needed or to create different distressed effects.
Another way to use items is to just dab them directly onto the paint or ink and stamp with them to create shapes. Like with this towel roll, I just dab and stamp to create circles.
Here is a visual journal page that I did recently with my "green/recycled items". I used bubble wrap and left over packaging from an overlay to create the bird.
Here is an older layout I did a few years back and still love the effect that the cardboard makes (lines) and the bubble wrap (circles or dots). This one I actually used recycled materials for the entire page... wrapping paper, Starbucks bag and coffee holder, mailbox letters, cardboard boxes, and bits of drywall tape.So have fun with recycled materials and stamping to create texture and shapes on your artwork. This week I have a little RAK of recycled goodness from my stash. Old song sheets, bubblewrap, drywall tape, cardboard coffee holder, and some samples of paint to try this technique with (not pictured)!! Leave a comment on this post by midnight (EST) on Wednesday, April 22nd and I will pick one winner!! BTW... the winner of the last technique RAK of Prima goodness is:
True Random Number Generator Result: 1
Congrats

gleestormont!

Email me(mmatott@twcny.rr.com) your addy and I'll get that right out to you!
Happy creating!!

Bad Girls and Hambly

If you aren't familiar with Bad Girls kit club you should check it out!! They have a great mix of products available in the kits each month. This month it's called "Butterfly Kisses" and features new magenta Hambly Wings overlay. We are also doing a giveaway for one of the Bad Girls April Kits, pictured below!!

Here's what you need to do:
1. You have to go and visit the Bad Girls blog and leave a comment there.
2. Plus you need to leave a comment on the Hambly blog as well. Make sure you leave your comments at both places....we will be checking both BLOGS!!!!

You have until Thursday, April 16th, 2009 to enter this drawing.....Good Luck!!!! Winners name will be posted on the Hambly blog and the Bad Girls blog, so make sure you keep checking back starting on Friday!!!

Part II- Demo/ Tutorial Thursday

I promised a tutorial each Thursday! This week is another metal technique. I am all about the metal look lately! I love it on paper, cardboard, Grungeboard, altered items, well just about anywhere!!! It's elegant, shiny, and grunge all in one little package. This is what you need:

* Gold Leafing( I get mine at an art supply store, but more and more craft stores are stocking the imitation kind for alot less!)... it comes in gold, variegated red, green, black, or some other combo, and even copper or silver.
* Adhesive sizing (this is the glue for the leafing... it has to stay tacky to grab the metal.)
* A disposible brush (one you don't mine ruining!)
* Some people prefer to wear white cotton gloves to do this so the leafing doesn't stick to your hands, but well, I like to make a mess so I don't mind if I transform into "goldfinger".

Step 1: Prepare your surface
I made a little tag to show you this demo, but you can certainly venture to gold leafing right on your page or project. I'll show you some examples at the end. Just shake up the sizing and brush it generously on the areas you want the gold to stick. If you are applying it over a textures surface, you will want multiple coats of the sizing. If you want a more uneven application of gold (creates a more distressed look), then apply a bit less.

Step 2: Apply the gold
I tear bits of the leafing at a time and apply it to the sticky (slightly dry the area, don't apply while the sizing is wet... it won't stick) areas.

Step 3: Get er' stuck

Use a soft brush or your finger to tap it on and brush off extra. I am not careful or neat about this step!

This is the look that I like... pieces not full coverage.

Step 4: Add on Top
I am then ready to add rub ons, embellishments, anything! Here I added a Hambly rub on to the tag. I may add more, but this is for demo purposes! LOL!
More examples of finished layouts/ projects using gold leafing on the surface.
Now, just leave me a comment below and you could win... a RAK of Prima goodness with a Label Tulip stamp thrown in for good measure! The note set is not a complete set, but only a handful have been used so it's got at least one sheet of each design. There are two kinds of Prima flowers and a brad set. The Label Tulip stamp is one I had and bought a duplicate of just to give away for some lucky girl! So leave some love! I'll pick a winner when I get back from vacation on April 15th. So, you can post a comment until midnight on April 14th! Send your friends here!

I'm off to a weekend scrappy retreat with a bunch of my BFFs.. and then home to pack for Florida and off again for a week with the Family... I'm looking forward to some exciting travel. It's ALWAYS exciting to travel with kids... never boring! LOL! I might need a VACATION from my Vacation! So, no tutorial next week but I will have one on April 16th!

Demo and Design

Today's post is special for 2 reasons...

1. I'm revealing my Bad Girls April projects... I loved this kit. It's is full of vintage looking design and fun extras like butterfly Hambly and puffy Thickers! Here's a peek at what the main kit has:You can get it at Bad Girls Kits for this month, but hurry they go fast!!!

Here are my projects for this month using the kit:
"Hico, Tx"
This is a very vintage picture of my great-grandma and her sister in Hico, Texas. They look so fresh and young here in their dresses and hats. I loved it the minute I saw it in a pile of old pics as my mom was going through old albums. I wanted it! I didn' t know who they were at the time but the photo conjured up all kinds of stories in my mind. I loved distressing the Jenni Bowlin paper with glimmer mist (I used Riptide here) and shipping tags as masks. I then crunched it and inked it. YUM!
"1975"
This is me! I was 10 months old here and look at all that hair. I always had a ton of dark hair. Don't you just love the fabric on the highchair? So 70's. I loved the Sassafras paper and knew I wanted to cut it up and use it in pieces on kraft paper. I then imitated the red stitching using my sewing machine so that it matched. So fun!
"girls"
This is a photo of my sister and I in 1979. It's yellowed due to age and being stored in a sticky album. I love the butterfly overlay so much that I had to cut it up and use it on multiple layouts. It had so much color that I layered it over yellows and teal paper. I loved cutting out the birdcages and layering all the girly colors.

"Mayflowers basket"
This was using the C & T Publishing purse shaped album. I looked at this album so much and tried to invision it as something other than an album. I took the middle pages out and left the covers intact. Added sides, styrofoam, and papers to create a basket. Then I made the flowers out of cut paper circles (maybe I'll do a demo on that later... I got it from somewhere on the net), and added ribbon. Viola! A Spring statement... April Showers bring May flowers!

"Broken Record"
This is my favorite one... I was inspired by an old ad that Wendy supplied us. It had a picture of a record on it. I had this old 45 and wanted to alter it and add it to the page. I say the same things all day long to my son and knew that I wanted this page to have alot of drama and energy. The colors are bright, the paper is curled and punched using Irene Tan's technique to distress it. I went so far as to punch the record with my Crop-a-dile!

Okay, now run and get that kit and then COME BACK here for a demo/ tutorial on metal leafing! I'll be back to post that and the RAK I'm giving away this week in a bit.

Winner!!!

The winner of the Thursday Tutorial RAK is:

cheryln said...

what a cool technique! thanks for the tutorial! great job!

March 28, 2009 8:53 AM

You were randomly picked!!! I'll get that right out to you as soon as you email me your addy!
Email me... mmatott@twcny.rr.com

I'll have a new tutorial and RAK up tomorrow afternoon!!!

Got Mojo?

Another bit of GOOD NEWS! I'm a MOJO girl! I was asked to be on Scrap Mojo's DT. It's a fabulous and inspiring challenge blog. Check it out!

That made my day! Here I am in all my "Dali" Mojo greatness. I love this painting my Salvador Dali... Don' t you love my Prima moustache?

Come on over to Bad Girls ... we are having a PRE- Reveal party for the East coasters...

The Good and Bad News...

I have some good news and some bad news...

The good news is there will be a winner tonight from the people that posted on my Thursday tutorial and that winner will get this:
Sassafras Lass goodness! Sorry that the pic is a bit bluish... I took this inside yesterday while it was raining. BLAH. Yes, I lucky winner will get a set of border stamps, sheet of stickers, and 5 sheets of Sunshine Lollipop papers. I love them! I just had too many to hold onto and knew one of you would provide a good home to them! LOL! So, tune in after midnight tonight for the winner's name... or tomorrow if you can't stay up that late. Just a reminder that Bad Girls is having their reveal night VIP party tonight and it starts at 9pm EST and the main reveal is 1am our time! We are gonna party like rock stars!!! This is the prize you could win!!! WOW!
Bad Girls Prize Link

Bad news... Another rejection... BLAH. I applied for GCD's DT and well I didn't get a call... Whaaa. BUT, they have some guest DT spots and other featured girls that will be revealed on April 6th! Check it out. They certainly know how to build excitement. Their blog was hopping all day with comments and all of the hopefuls (me included) waiting to hear. Too bad we have to wait a week to hear who made it! I will certainly check in when I can. I still love their stuff and will be thrilled when my LSS gets it in!

Call Day

I'm waiting patiently for a possible call from GCD... well, I can dream right? I applied for the DT and here's what's going on tomorrow:
It's so exciting and I am hoping they want me! I'll be hanging around the house tomorrow joining in the fun! They got 471 entries... so really, what's the chance that I get a spot? Not sure, but I can hope anyways. Wish me luck!

BTW... one more day until I pick a name for my RAK... Leave a comment on Thursdays post by midnight EST tomorrow night. Also, join us at Bad Girls for our Reveal party at that time!!!

April Showers bring....

Bad Girls sneak peeks! Yep, it's that time again. We have a YUMMY kit for the month of April. I mean it is so delish and bright and cheerful, well it's perfect for spring!!! I've dug out my sandals and am starting to shake off that cold, dreary winter... getting ready for flowers and butterflies! Here are the peeks:

We are going to have a Reveal night party on Tuesday at 9pm PST (that's midnight for the Easterners!). The prize pack is out of this world!!! Check out the link below for details and pics.
Prize link

Don't miss out on the tutorial and RAK of Sassafras Lass goodies that I'm giving out on the 31st! Comment on the March 26th post and you could win!!! Thanks!

Jen

Thursday Tutorial

Okay, I promised a tutorial... here it is! I know it's late in the evening... but it was a crazy day. This is the first chance I've had to actually have peace and quiet.

I'd like to share how to print on metal using Golden Digital Ground for Non-Porous surfaces. Here are the tools you will need:


-Golden Digital Ground for Non-Porous Surfaces (good for ink jet printers)
-Thin sheet metal ( I got these at my hardware store) .001 -.005 works in the printer or try aluminum foil!
- foam brush
- inkjet printer
- image with high contrast

Step 1:
Alter an image so that it has HIGH contrast (not too fine of detail). Here is the one I was working with:
Step 2:
Shake up the bottle well... apply an even coat with the foam brush going in one direction onto the metal. You may have to repeat this to get it to coat evenly.. it tends to bead up if there's any oil or residue on the metal.
Let dry... it takes awhile to dry.
Brush on another coat going the other direction. Again, let dry completely (I did this overnight).

Step 3:
Print your photo on plain copy paper. Do NOT click out of the photo program. Attach the metal with the prepared side up. Use removable adhesive (I used removable very thin glue dots).

Step 4: run through printer again. Make sure you know what direction your printer takes the paper. Let the inks dry completely.
I ran the edges of the metal through my Cuttlebug using the embossing folders. Be careful not to handle the inked edges too much... See my fingerprint there??? Arggh...

Here's the page I used it on:


Here's what it looks like:
It's a very cool effect... I love the shimmery quality of the photo. Very dramatic! Hope you enjoyed this short tutorial.

If you post a comment, I will award one person a RAK (randomly drawn) of some Sassafras Lass goodness. Stamps, papers, buttons... YUM> You have until midnight on March 31st (EST) to post.

Ramblings

It's been a few days since I last blogged... bad blogger BAD! I'm going to try to make this place more fabulous. I'm almost ready to share peeks for April's Bad Girls kit. It's awesome~ I know I say that every month, but really and truly besides last month, it's one of my favorites! You will have to come back on Saturday for some sneaky peeks...

Well, I need to spice up this blog a bit and use it for what I intended it for on a regular basis. Teaching techniques and sharing art stuff! So, I am going to start tomorrow with a short little tutorial for you! That will be a regular Thursday event, ladies and gents. I am also going to be giving a few RAKs out with said tutorial. That's right, you will be a how to and then I give out a goody to a lucky person that posts. See, I LOVE comments and I'm sure many of you are visiting but not leaving me a little note to let me know you came and saw! So, to sweeten the pot and bribe you to leave me love, I'm going to be offering a little prize! I'll post tomorrow with pics and the tutorial on how to print a pic on METAL! That's right... just you wait. YOu will be RUNNING out to get all the supplies in no time~ Can't wait! See you tomorrow!

Awww Crop

Sorry , couldn't resist. I just got back from my crop with my DT girlies at We B' Scrappin! So much fun and since I talk way too much when I get together with them, well, I only got 2 pages done and managed to snap some shots before handing them over for display in the store. I got to work with the new Bo Bunny's "U Bug Me" line and I loved it. Such cute Boy papers.
"Genuine Boy"
I just went a bit crazy with embellies and cut outs here. I love the energetic look to these papers and how it creates a vibrant and fun feeling to my page about my son. He is HIGH energy and drama so this suits his personality well!

Details of the page.
I cut circles, arrows, and stars from the various papers and layered them with the brads and some pop dots to make some stand out more.

The chipboard letters are fun and after being inked, gave a "dirty boy" look! These papers distressed nicely too and ripped exactly where I planned... wink wink!

AND

The new K & Co. "Que Sera Sera" line... delish!


"An Eye For Art"
Oh, I love these bright colors and touches of bling in this line!


The butterfly is cut form one of the papers and the circles were punched from it as well. The flowers are Prima dipped in Glimmer Mist on the edges and layered with the line's glitter stickers.


The title is made up of letters from Adornit Carolee's Creations mini letters and American Crafts fabric Thickers sprayed with Glimmer Mist!

The base paper is Creative Imaginations die cut circle and layered with the patterned paper to show through the openings to create a "stained glass" look.

Thanks for looking!

Fav Five Friday

Here are my favorite things this week:

1. My mom sent me this link to this adorable idea!!! LOVE these... I may have to make some with photos instead of fabric. Great idea mom! It's a memory game... so cute right?
Inchmark

2. Hobby Lobby! It's open now right down the road and I've got to say that I may be in big trouble as far as spending goes. Some great stuff there!

3. Silk Painting
It's my favorite type of painting medium... I LOVE how bright and colorful the results are. My students did a project with this from a grant that I was awarded to buy the supplies. Here are a few finished pieces:4. A good night's sleep... Christopher is pretty much sleeping through the night now... 9-5 am WOW! Good boy! DH is home from his golf trip and he got up for the 5am feeding!! Yay for me sleeping in!

5. gcd studios... Love their new lines. So graphically pleasing and yummy!! Especially this one... Bright Skies. Visit their blog to enter a contest for a free pack of paper! WOW! They are also having a DT call and I've applied!!! Okay, it would be so cool to get on this one!! Lots of amazing suff and I'm hoping they want me!

I am cropping tomorrow with my Island Girls! Can't wait! We haven't scrapped together in a good long while so I'm really looking forward to getting together and laughing!
Here are a few new projects that I finished recently for one of my LSS:

A pic from our Anniversary get away in 2007... we are going to be married 9 years this year. We said we'd go back to St. Lucia for our 10 year anniversary so we better start saving!

Christopher in his Valentine outfit... He IS the "man of my dreams"! LOL!Mark at Easter last year... I did an egg scavenger hunt for his basket. The Easter bunny hid plastic eggs with picture clues around the house... when he found one it would tell him where to go to find another clue! So much fun! We will be in Florida this year so I won't be able to do it this time, but I'm so doing it again next year!

Patience again...

Okay, remember that thing about patience a while back when I was say that it was my word of the year? Well, I'm not doing all that well with it yet. Between being patient with my very dramatic and sassy 4 year old and all my submissions of work to design teams and magazines, well, I'm having a bit of trouble finding things to keep my mind off of it all! My latest obsession?? Altering! I am finding a new way to create sculpture. Altering found objects and making them whimsical and fun! Here is one of my submissions to Graphic 45 DT call that is supposed to be revealed today! I am so nervous and starting to doubt myself as it's the middle of the day and nothing yet! ***Tapping screen... is anyone out there? Hello??? This was fun to make:

Fashion Plate (front view)

Back view


Inside view

I made it look like a wardrobe closet with a paper doll collection using papers from the Fashionista line.Here are the "outfits"
I used transparencies to allow the clothes to properly line up with the doll.

Okay, I need to go find something to do to distract myself! As if being a Mom is not enough to distract me. I need to go out shopping for something... LOL!

Blooming Gorgeous!

I'm so excited to reveal the Bad Girls March kit! It's FULL of Prima goodness and girlie colors... a true artistic creation each and every piece! I present "Windsor Court"!

I had so much fun with this kit!!! If you want to gab with Prima's Sharon Laakkonen, she is going to be on Bad Girls this Friday, March 6th, to chat with us!!! This is your chance to have a great time, ask her all those questions you always wondered about, and get a peek into the fabulously talented and creative mind of hers!!! And she doesn't come empty handed...Prima has so generously given her this prize package to giveaway to one of our lucky chatters here!!!!!!!!!!!!! Join me in the Celebrity Chat thread on Friday at 6pm PST or 10pm EST!

Sneak Peek Time

I forget that multitasking is a skill that could win me a gold medal IF it was an Olympic sport! I'm typing this one handed as I feed Christopher and upload sneak peeks for the March BAD GIRLS KIT!!! You are gonna LOVE that kit passionately!!! It's SOOOOOOooooo amazing! With that being said, here are a few peeks to get you drooling...

Join the Bad Girls in the VIP lounge on February 28th at 9pm PST or 12 midnight for EST... reveal night!!!

Rambling

I want to apologize first for this rambling blog post. I haven't posted in awhile. It's been a crazy couple of days in the Matott household. I'm starting to go stir crazy from being inside due to snow! I hate getting out in the snow. If it wasn't for the need to go to the pediatrician, I wouldn't leave at all, but we've been there twice in one week. Christopher has developed reflux or GER. He was spitting up ALOT of formula after eating. I was getting very freaked out. I acted like a hormonal new mama bear... I screamed and cried at the nurse on the phone when she told me that the only appt. was at 6pm! She was going to have a doctor call me, but after 35 mins. of worrying and waiting, I was getting madder and madder. She called back when she saw that I had made the appt. (just in case) to ask if I still wanted to dr. to call... Ummm... YES! DUH! I'm a crazy, hormonal mother... of course I want to talk to a doctor prior to the appt because I don't know if I should continue to feed him formula if he's just going to throw it back up! Stupid woman! Well, finally after all my ranting and crying, she just told me to come in now. Hello! That was what I expected an hour ago.. why did I have to get so upset for that to happen??? Geesh... So off we went... it's literally 2 seconds down the road. Out in the snow storm we go. I meet with my least favorite dr. there... she tells me it is either a stomach bug or some horrible sounding condition in which surgery is the only option! WTF??? I was like... okay, so what do we do? It's after 4pm now and we can't get an untrasound until tomorrow. So, she tells me to get pedilyte and feed him 1 oz. every hour... no formula tonight. OoooooKkkk.. he is NOT going to like that. So, I go off to Target and get the prescribed remedy. $68 later, I get home and we try to do what she tells us like good little parents. Well, about midnight we have one SCREAMING child on our hands. He is NOT happy! So Matt caves and gives him formula... a little at a time. He spits up, but keeps most of it down... he's a happy little man after that. Fast forward to 8am... back to the dr. to see my FAVORITE doctor! He looks Christopher over and declares "He's definately not sick!"... well DUH! I knew that. I'm glad he knows what he's talking about. He rules out the horrible surgery condition... Thank god! Then, I ask about reflux.. YEP, that's what he thinks it is. So, he gets me some sample cans of a new formula to try. BINGO!!! It's working. Life is good again. EXCEPT that the damn nipples are now too slow for him... he can't get anything out and it takes FOREVER to feed him. SO, I'm off to Target AGAIN to pick up new FAST nipples... well that sounds kinky, but it's really just a bigger opening in the bottle nipple to allow for the thicker formula. I'm sure I'll spend more than $50 again there and Matt will grip about how much I spend. LOL! Well, I hope it's less eventful this week and I can get out this week for more outtings. On top of all that, I think I'm getting a sinus infection... not sure yet, but my head hurts like a son of a... beep.. I think I better pick up some over the counter meds too. Okay, enough family drama for now..
I just got my new March Bad Girls kit in the mail yesterday and I must say... IT IS FABULOUS! Such yummy colors and embellishments!!! I may have to roll around on them naked first .. JUST KIDDING! No one want's to invision that right now. SOrry... I warned you that I might ramble didn't I? I will have sneak peeks up of my fabulous projects in a few days. I seriously don't know what I will do for the altered item, but it will be delish!

New Bad Girls

We have 8 new designers for Bad Girls in addition to the 6 of us already there... WOW! Wendy really out did herself. Some BIG BAD names too! Here's the new additions:Come on over to wish these lovely ladies Congrats!

I am very late in posting my Fab five favs! Well, better late than never!

1.Prima fluttering butterflies... Just gorgeous and I can't wait to get some of these.




2. Play doh smell...yummmm

3. Banana bread with chocolate chips. I made some yesterday and it was delish... My DH and son love this stuff so much!

4. Cashmere turtlenecks... I can finally fit into them again. I love the cozy warmth they envelope me in. mmmm

5. Faux fruit... I'm on a roll with mixed media sculptures. I am working small scale now and loving it. Here is my project from last week's Project 52 blog... "Nesting with My Secrets"

I'm working on a series of these. They are very meaningful to me symbolically and as a mother. I am truly feeling homey and nesting. It's been a theme of mine for awhile.

Project 52

Okay, tomorrow's the day! I'm featured on Project 52's blog!!! So, come on over and check it out tomorrow for the reveal of my project! I'm so excited about this artwork too! It's going to be the first in a series of similar pieces! I am feeling so creative and it's just flowing out of me! So, stop by to see what I'm talking about!
Project 52 blog

Friday Five Faves

I've neglected to do this for a couple weeks. Last week, I was in the hospital recovering from birth so I guess I'm exempt from that. Here's my top five for the week:

1. This stroller frame that my car seat goes on and is SOOOooo lightweight! I had a travel system, but it's a full stroller and is very cumbersome to fold and lift into the car. This was cheap and very easy to use!!!


2. Baby smell.. there is nothing that smells so cozy and wonderful.
It's unique and you can never bottle it! I love how Christopher smells after his bath.

3. Dunkin Donuts Latte Lite... YUM! It's my favorite thing to drink in the morning to warm up!

4. Cloth, Paper, Scissors Magazine
Full of fabulous artwork both cloth and paper! LOVE this magazine!!! It's where I get inspired!

5. Twilight movie soundtrack! It ROCKS my world.. I could listen to it over and over and over... and I have. Just like the books, I am rereading them for the 3rd time!!!

My favorite song is the Linkin Park one! I sing it in the car! LOL!


Okay, that's it for today! If I could add a 6th, I would say that Pink Paislee is my fav! We chatted with the owner, Rebecca Cross... she was fabulous and so is the products she creates! Thanks!

Celebrity Chat

I hope you can clear your calendar for tomorrow, Friday, February 6, 2009, at 1 p.m. PST / 4p.m. EST for a chat with Rebecca Cross, owner of Pink Paislee!!!

AND...I do believe she has a giveaway of Pink Paislee goodies!!!! And Bad Girls has a giveaway too!!! They are ALWAYS fabulous and generous!

So join me for the chat and you can go right to the forum with this link:

Chat forum

Sweetness

Need a little sweetness in your life??? Well, Bad Girls Kits has a kit for you this month! The main kit is full of sweet treats and yummy papers. The addons are just as sweet and are full of delish details and playful colors. Here are my layouts and projects using the main kit and some add on features!

Project- Clutch purse made from papers, paint, plastic bags and grungeboard!

Okay, NOW RUN don't walk to Bad Girls and get some sweet stuff! Here's the link: Bad Girls Feb. Kit

Also, check out the Special Edition February Valentine's kit! It's gorgeous with lots of bling! Snap it up fast because this one is sure to go fast!


Okay, update on the family... we are doing great. Christopher is a great eater, sleeper, and pooper! I swear he smiles at me! It is NOT gas and I refuse to believe it's not on purpose! I love this little bundle of sweetness so much! Mark is adjusting slowly but is definately having some behavior issues to gain attention. I feel bad that he feels like he has to do that. It's frustrating and Matt is not as patient with him as he needs to be. I know it's a phase and he will get over it, but I feel bad about it. He does love the baby though and kisses him all the time. It's hard to resist that face. So, we will plug along and hope he gets over the jealousy and need to act out. Remember, my word of the year was Patience...? Well, it's being tested, but I will persevere! He is in school all week so that gives me lots of time with Christopher and a reprieve from having to be too patient. I love my boys so much it hurts! Thanks for letting a hormonal mommy vent!

Welcome... Christopher Matthew!

Here's the official scoop:

I was shopping... big surprise there... in Target after walking the mall all day (trying to get things finished and 4 days overdue) and I started to feel crampy. I don't know how I got out of there so fast and drove home, but by the time I got down the road to my house, I was having serious contractions. I got home and hubby was just getting home too and I told him we have to go to the hospital. Well, you never saw a man move so fast! He grabbed all the bags and my water broke right there in the hall. We got to the hospital, got a gown on and monitor hooked up in 30 mins and I was in serious pain. Epidural started another 30 mins later... Thank the GOOD LORD! After it got started, I was ready to go! 5 pushes and WELCOME TO THE WORLD... Christopher Matthew was born on January 29, 2009 at 5:42pm.

He was 7 lbs. 14 oz. (now 7 lbs. 11 oz) and 20 1/4 " long.
Here are some pics of my new little man!

Christopher

Brand New... (my hair looks pretty good after labor huh?)

One Day Old

Big Brother, Mark! He was so cute about holding him.

Nicole is going to take amazing pics later! I am excited!

I feel pretty good, just really tired. Those hospitals are noisy and very busy! I had a room all to myself on Thursday night, but Friday the babies were coming and all the rooms filled up with roommates. So, I had one. Nurses coming in and out and family members visiting. I was so tired and distracted. All in all, we are adjusting well and I am excited to sleep in my own bed and be home! Thanks!

Sneek Peek

It's that time again... sneek peeks of the delish Feb. Bad Girls Kit!!! Here are a few of my layouts in peeky form.... You are SOOOOooo gonna love this kit. So bright and cheerful. It's SWEET!
The big reveal will be soon so stay tuned!!! Hope those girls at CHA are having a great time and loading up on the goodies for our future kits!!! I have been so excited about what I've gotten to work with so far! It's so good to be BADDDD...

Patience

Patience.... it's my word of the year. I mean really... it is truly testing me. I am still waiting to have this little bundle of new boy joy. He is being nearly as stubborn as my first one. I'm now 1 full day overdue. My due date was yesterday and I was disappointed that nothing happened. Well, except being uncomfortable and having a very hard time sleeping. So, today I went back to the doctor's office for my sono and non-stress test. It was kind of exciting to get to see him again on the screen and they even did a couple 4-D photos!!! I saw his cute face and little hand. WOW! Very cool. I need to scan that in here. Okay, so then I had to be hooked up to a monitor to check his heartrate and see if I'm having contractions. NO contractions but a good steady heartbeat and movements. He was kicking me up in my ribs the whole time. Then to doctor examined me and I'm 3 cm dilated now. That's big! However, that in no way means he's going to cooperate and come tonight. So, I have to practice patience. I'm cranking, whiny, and sore, but I will try to be patient. I was scheduled to do this all over again next Monday. At least that is a goal.. Hopefully, he comes before then. If he does then I will meet him in person and not on the screen!
So after my appt. I went to Barnes & Nobles and got myself a new smutty romance novel, an art book (Mixed Emulsions) and a journal/sketchbook. I plan to start a visual journal this year. I want to do a 2 page spread a week. We'll see if that happens, but at least I have the book now. I might start tomorrow if nothing is happening. I'm seriously BORED and clearly driving myself and everyone around me nuts with my complaints. I hate staying home and waiting! But going out may mean that my water will break in the company of strangers. That would be bad, so pretty confident that nothing will happen today, I took advantage of being out and about. I might go walk the mall tomorrow. We'll see how confident and brave I am. Maybe a trip to Babies R' Us will get me feeling confident. LOL! OR I'll just stay home and create more artwork. I'm on a roll and it's crazy how creative and full of ideas I am. I can't possibly do them all right now. I have a few in progress works and finished all my Bad Girls DT layouts for Feb. I'll post sneak peeks later this week when I get the okay. Here are some of the new layouts that I finished for no good reason other than I was feeling creative:

Home is Wherever You Are

Grow Together

Wall Hanging using Prima/ Webster's Pages/Tim Holtz Masks!

Please send me a little labor dust and good vibes this week ! I'm hoping for a quick, but not too quick birth. I want that epidural in the worst way! LOL!

Do YOU Have What It Takes to Be Bad???

Well, you are in luck... Bad Girls Kits is looking for a couple new designers to add to their team!!! This is a HUGE deal girls! Wendy is opening a call for DT members... check it out here:

Bad Girls DT Call

All the info is there and it's open until February 11, 2009 by midnight!!! So get your creative mojo in gear and get creating. What are you waiting for??? Go forth and create art!!!

There are big changes over there and I'm part of it all ... so exciting. I love that it is so ART focused and inspiring the "outside the box" mixed media artists and scrapbookers. Even Tim Holtz featured us on his blog the other day! WOW! I'd love you to join the team so please apply!

Okay, now about me... Just got back from the doctor's and NOTHING has changed. WHAT??? I really thought that with all the tightening and pressure I'd be farther along. I guess he is comfy in there and not ready to come out into this bitter cold world. It's freezing lately here... literally 5 degrees right now! Brrrrr... that's COLD baby! I'm cozied in and getting geared up to take down Christmas decor. I know... it's January 15th right? Why do I do this to myself. I should have taken it all down weeks ago, but I dread the barren look of the house after it's all down. BLAH. If I had energy I would make something to put in it's place and make the house still seem wintery and cozy. Oh well, I guess it has to get done or it will be up into February. LOL! I have to wait to take the tree down until tonight though when Mark gets home from school because he wants to help take the ornaments down. I just know it would be very disappointing for him if he missed that. So, I'll do that last. I am going to go start bringing little things downstairs to put away. Wish me luck. I'll need a nap after all this.

More Photos and a WOOOP WOOP!

Guess what I got???? I had my shower on Sunday and the girls got me a COACH diaper tote!!! I am in such euphoria over it! It's got so much room and I will look fabulous with it! They know me so well... I love them all... THANKS... Nicole, Holly, Bon Bon, Shelley, Sherry, Kathy G., Kathy C, Pam, Cari, Amy, and Marty!!! LOVE you girls! I got a lot of other amazing gifts to round out my excitement... lots of adorable outfits for baby, necessities, gift cards (which I've already used to get a few much needed items), soft blankets(a knit set from my MIL), keepsakes, and my dad got him golf clubs... yep, I said GOLF CLUBS>.. he did the same thing with Mark... so both will have a set now.. They are so cute. My parents threw the shower and it was a great time at my favorite restaurant. Mark was so good too! What a wonderful celebration to welcome my new boy!

I'm uploaded a few more maternity photo session pics as promised here...
And a few of my first baby! Mark is such a big boy... Nicole took a few of him and I'm so glad! He is so cute especially with his lovey, Ducky. I used Photoshop to just color the duck and his jeans! So cute...
Okay, so that's it for today... still pregnant and uncomfortable. Matt is going out of town tomorrow (unless I guilt trip him otherwise) overnight and I'm nervous that I will go. He will be 2 1/2 hours away! YIKES! It's gonna be COOOOLLLD here tomorrow too. We are talking below zero temps! I might just snuggle in and get cozy and create tomorrow!

Photo Session

I want to share some of my favorite photos from a maternity photo session with my fabulous friend, Nicole. She is wonderful and did this as a favor for me. I love the way they turned out! She is so talented and has 3 boys of her own that are adorable! She made me look good!

It's been awhile since I updated.... Friday was my last day at work. It was a bittersweet day and I felt very sad and empty leaving the building. I got my room in order and finished most of what I set out to do to get ready for my substitute teacher to take over. I thought the kids would be more vocal about me leaving, but they are 9th graders so they really are more about themselves. A few have emailed me saying that they will miss me and good luck wishes. I got a handmade card from my hearing impaired student who is a sweetheart and she had the whole class sign it! So cute. I'll save that one for my portfolio! All in all, I am mostly ready for this little guy to come. I started washing baby stuff and am making a list of all the things I'll need to get to fill in what we don't have for him. I have alot left from Mark, but there are some new things I want to get. He will need new onesies and t-shirts as i threw out most of the stained ones from Mark. I also want to get some PRETTY burb cloths. I used fabric diapers for Mark and YUCK they are not pretty! I saw some at Babies R Us that are adorable and have great patterns. So, here are my Five Friday Favs (on a Sunday..LOL) that I found for baby...
1. Pottery Barn Kids Feather knit baby blanket: These are the softest most delish blankets for baby ever!!!
2.Adorable onsies from Target... I love this one with the tattoo on it! So cute!
3. We had one of these for Mark and it was great! I'm not sure what happened to the one we had, but I like this design better.


4. Pretty burp cloths and bibs. Where were these 4 years ago??

5. Finally, I've hinted and hinted.... This is what I REALLY want! A Coach diaper tote!


I know.. it's shallow of me to covet a $400+ bag for baby stuff, but I LOVE IT! It's gorgeous. I must have one. IF I don't get one at my shower, then I'm buying myself one... I don't care what hubby says! It's a must have for my last baby!!!