Devil's Island - Clique Into Color Mixed Media Challenge

Hello blogging friends.

All weekend Clique Kits is hosting a Clique into Color Online Crop with lots of challenges, LOTS of PRIZES, and lots of fun going on!! Anyone can participate too. The Clique into Color kit sold out so fast! It features the Bella Blvd Just Add Color collection. Here is the schedule ...

Look for the Clique Kits Facebook Event Page if you would like to participate. You have until Aug 21st to complete the challenges. Post your entry under the appropriate challenge post on the facebook event page.

Ok....so I am hosting the 5pm challenge today - Mixed Media. What exactly is mixed media?

the use of a variety of media in a work of art.

My challenge to you - incorporate something more than paper on a project. You can use paints, inks, stamps, chalks, fibers, cardboard, chipboard, wood veneers, glitter glass, beads..... you get the picture.

Here is some inspiration ....

Hubby and I recently spent some time in the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. BEAUTIFUL!!!! It was truly relaxing as for the most part, we had no cell signals. That meant, no interruptions from our bosses!! (and yes, both our bosses were trying to get in touch with us, lol). 

But enough about us... here are some more detailed shots of my layout ...

I tore a piece of cardboard and glued it to my background paper. I painted the cardboard and some of my background paper with gesso. When it was dry I added acrylic paint and some ink splashes. I also glued some glitter glass in there. The anchor wood veneer was finished with some white crackle paint and then inked. The fish net was my hubby's.... ssshhhhhh.

The wood veneers and chipboard compass are from Creative Embellishments. I LOVE their stuff!

I used my Clique into Color kit plus a few items from past Clique Kits. Even the cardboard I used came from the box my Clique Kit was mailed in, lol. 

I am linking up to the Scrap Around the World August challenge. Here is the mood board this month... 

Are you up for my mixed media challenge? Visit our event page. I can't wait to see what your create.

~Marcia

Today - Clique Kits

Hello blogging friends! I had to scrap another wedding layout with the January Clique Kit Tailor Made full of Amy Tangerine's Stitched papers, stickers, and alphas. The flower paper was just so pretty, I thought it would be perfect to scrap a photo of my daughter in our home before heading out for the ceremony. Did you know Clique Kits has an Anything Goes challenge running through January? It's sponsored by Creative Embellishments, one of my favorite on-line stores! You could win a $25 gift certificate!! Use something from Creative Embellishments and get an extra entry. You do not need to use a Clique Kit to enter. This is open to everybody!

I used the latest sketch at Creative Scrappers, flipped on it's side...

I created a soft look with punched borders and a doily (from Top Dog Dies of course) and I used the vellum from my November Clique Kit. I finished these gorgeous laser cut chipboard birds from Creative Embellishments with a Inka Gold Metallic Rub. LOVE that stuff!

Some gold thread and pretty Prima flowers make an elegant statement.

I hope you will play along with our Clique Kits challenge this month!

Thanks for stopping by.

~Marcia

Top 10 of 2014!

Hello blogging friends! I am sharing some of my favorite projects of 2014 in a fun hop with an awesome prize up for grabs that you can win just by commenting on the participating blogs. What prize you ask ...  why a $75 Gift Certificate to Paper Issues!!!!  The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. $75 can buy a lot of scrappy goodies that Santa didn't bring you!

Have we got an awesome hop for you, WOW! Take a look at this line-up.

Juliana Michaels   

Michele Kovack

Chantalle McDaniel

Christine Meyer

Mendi Yoshikawa

Kelly Holbrook

Laurel Seabrook

Katrina Hunt

Wendy Morris-Saponaro

Becki Adams

Suzanna Lee

Melissa Elsner

Monika Wright

Wendy Antenucci

Jen Matott

Marcia Dehn-Nix <----- you are here.

Ashley N Newell

Kathy Skou

Linda Auclair

Kelly Jean

Monique Liedtke

Rhonda Van Ginkel

Jennifer Haggerty

Cathy Harper

You should have arrived from the amazing Jen Matott's blog. If not, you may want to jump back to start at the beginning. I tried really hard to whittle my list down to 10, but settled on 14 instead, (14 for 2014) Here are my favorites in no particular order. Links to download free cut files are included on a few.

I created this layout for Creative Scrappers using sketch #271. The paper is Echo Park Splendid Sunshine and Simple Stories Fresh Air.

This layout I had published in the September issue of Papercrafts and Scrapbooking Magazine and was created with Echo Park's Fall Reflections. That chevron cut file was a freebie. You can download it from Creative Scrappers here.

Here is a card I created for Xyron using the Graphic 45 By The Sea collection. The wood veneer nautical wheel is from Creative Embellishments.

Here is a layout created with some Doodlebug Snips and Snails collection.

I created this layout for Imaginisce using a PageMaps sketch. It won me an awesome prize from My Creative Scrapbook. The papers are from the Perfect Vacation collection.

Another Imaginisce  project for Thanksgiving using the Bushel O' Fall papers.

This Imaginisce layout was to be published by Northridge Publishing, and now I fear I will never see it again. They never returned it to me along with 2 other layouts. The papers are from the Outdoor Adventure and Colors of Christmas collections. If you would like my snowflake circles cut file, it can be downloaded here. After I went through all the work of welding those circles and snowflakes together I figured others might as well benefit from it :)

I created this layout for Love My Tapes. It too is based off sketch #267 from Creative Scrappers and uses the Santa's List collection from Teresa Collins.

This Easter banner makes me happy with its colored burlap and whimsical Imaginisce Welcome Spring papers and die cuts.

Imaginisce has an awesome new collection called Family Fun that I used to create these cards...

I am in love with the trendy triangles, Pinkfresh Studio chevrons, and washi tape on this next layout I created for Clique Kits. Their October kit featured Basic Grey's Second City and was my favorite kit so far. Be sure to check out their store. They have a massive clearance sale going on right now. If you use coupon code Marcia10 you can get an additional 10% off the clearance prices!

I love this card I made for a Xyron and Spellbinders swap using some Little Yellow Bicycle from my stash.

This layout of my daughter and her Great Pyrenees was published in the Winter issue of Scrapbook and Cards Today using the Fancy Pants Timbergrove collection and Creative Scrappers sketch #259! So excited to say it was chosen as the editor's favorite!

I created this canning lid pumpkin for Love My Tapes, inspired by one I saw on Pinterest.

Let me know if you have a favorite.... Then hop on over to the very talented  Ashley N Newell's blog.

Thanks for stopping by
~Marcia

Minnehaha Falls - Creative Scrappers

Hello blogging friends!! I am so excited to finally share that I have a layout published in the Creative Scrappers Creating With Sketches Volume 3!

- 120 Unique, Never before posted or will be posted Sketches
- 60 International Designers
- 26 Amazing Sponsors
- 60 pages of inspiration for you 

It's currently available for purchase in digital format for 10$ 
Use V3Marcia to save 10% off your V3 digi purchase )

The Printed Version is also available for sale 18$ plus shipping 
( preorder is until October 15th - please order if you wish a printed copy )

It is really an awesome source of inspiration! Go ahead and order your copy today.

Here is my layout created with Woodland Winter collection by Bo Bunny ...

Last winter my daughter and I hiked around Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis. Our winter was so cold that the falls had totally frozen over! The blue ice is natural and it makes for an ethereal photo. It was so beautiful! and darn slippery!! We almost broke our necks and should have been wearing spikes. Totally worth it though for this view :) 

I used gesso on my background paper to create the illusion of snow. The fun snow die-cut helps too and cute little wood veneer snowflakes from Creative Embellishments.

Like what you see and want to see more inspiration? Order your book today ... here.

Only 2 weekends left before my daughter's wedding!!!! But I have a fabulous dress and shoes now. Lot's more things to do yet though .... I may be posting a few more wedding projects here ... stay tuned. Thanks for stopping by.

~Marcia

Mermaids Wanted - Xyron / Perfect Paper Crafting Hop

Hello blogging friends and new people visiting for the Xyron and Perfect Paper Crafting Blog Hop! This is my first post for Xyron as part of their new design team, Wahooo! I'm just a little excited :) Welcome to the Xyron and Perfect Paper Crafting Blog Hop!!!

Perfect Paper Crafting sent me the Mini Perfect Layers Ruler. At first I thought, "What's wrong with my eyeballs?" But after using this handy tool I am hooked. The ruler can be used with your X-Acto knife to make precise cuts using the ruler as a guide, or if you are like me and prefer your paper trimmer (less chance of cutting myself, lol), you can use a pencil to draw your cut lines. The ruler also comes in handy for perfectly spacing cut elements. Take a look at how I used it on my card ...

I planned for the background of my card to have 3 banners, each 1 1/2" wide (that's 4 1/2" total). With a 5" wide background, that meant I had 1/2" left for the spacing between. Doing the math, that meant 1/8" for each space. Using the ruler for my guide, I glued the first banner 1/8" from the edge. The rulers have a catch lip along the sides, so it's easy to line up your paper (or photo) for those perfect margins. I lined up the catch lip on the first banner I glued down and used the edge of the ruler as a guide for gluing down the next banner. No guesswork or eyeballing involved! Here is the finished card ...

I created some sea glass for my card using the Xyron High Tack Adhesive Dots. Let me show you how easy it was...

1. Cut a single dot off of the roll and place it upside down in your glass glitter. I kept everything in my embossing tray so I could easily clean up any spills.
2. Gently press the dot into the glass.
3. Remove and shake off excess.
4. Pick up the glass dot using a picker upper tool and move to where you want to adhere it.

Supplies:
Xyron 3/16" High Tack Adhesive Dots
Xyron Mega Runner
Perfect Paper Crafting Mini Perfect Layers Ruler
Graphic 45 By The Sea 12x12 papers, stickers, die-cuts
Ranger Distress Ink in Vintage Photo
Art Glitter Vintage Glass Glitter in Blue Topaz
Creative Embellishments wood veneer
jute, cheesecloth, thread

Thanks for stopping by! Perfect Paper Crafting is offering a 10% discount if you use the code Xyron10%. You can go order one of these very handy rulers for yourself! Also Xyron is doing a giveaway everyday of the hop, so be sure to get in on that too!
~Marcia

Prom Night - Mixed Media Layout for Love My Tapes

Hello blogging friends!  I am sharing a washi tape mixed media layout on the Love My Tapes blog today. Did you know that washi tape is a fabulous way to add layers on a mixed media background. On my layout I layered pieces of torn paper and washi tape, then added some gesso, modeling paste, and inks. Take a look ...

That's my niece in the photo. Isn't she gorgeous!! I couldn't wait to scrap this fabulous picture. 

Here is a closer look at my background. The washi tape I used had text on it. Do you see it? The torn paper and torn edges of the tape give my layout a grungy feel. That chipboard piece is from Creative Embellishments. I LOVE their chipboard. I painted it with gesso then inked it with VersaMark ink and added some shabby blue embossing powder. The embossing powder was heat set until it melted, giving it a little shimmer, perfect for Prom.

I am linking up with the July Creative Embellishments and the Paper Wings Productions joint challenge. Here is the July photo prompt ...

My inspiration was those gorgeous blues and those flowers. The other rule is that you must emboss something (dry or heat). I chose to emboss my chipboard piece.

Have a great week!
~Marcia

Good Times - Imaginisce Inspiration

Hello blogging friends! I have an Imaginisce layout to share today. This one features my niece and nephew, Bailey and Sawyer. This week Imaginisce is focusing on re-purposing a paper collection for an everyday uses. I am using the Perfect Vacation papers. I just love how bright and cheery this collection is. It was so easy to use this collection with everyday snapshots.

I found this awesome sketch at Pagemaps and just had to use it... I was in love with that hot air balloon.

Here are some close-ups. I found this fabulous balloon by Rivka Wilkins in the Silhouette store. The #SMILE is from Creative Embellishments. AWESOME chipboard and more! Seriously, check out their website (Everything is 25% off right now too!).  I also use a new Tim Holtz ray stencil with some distress ink applied with a dauber and just love how it turned out....

Supplies:

Imaginisce: Perfect Vacation Pattern Paper, Die Cuts, Journal Pad, Bling, Button, Foam Tape

American Crafts: Cardstock

Silhouette Cameo

Tim Holtz Stencil (Rays)

Ranger: Distress Ink in Wild Honey and China Blue, Distress ink marker in black

The Twinery, Bakers Twine in Ocean,

Creative Embellishments: #Smile Chipboard

Acrylic Paint

Jillibean Soup: Woodgrain Envelope

I am linking up to the Creative Embellishments monthy challenge. Here is the challenge inspiration ...

Bright cheery colors and those balloons! The twist in this challenge was to use four of the following  (I highlighted the ones I used) ...

Straws/rolled paper
trims- ribbon, lace, bakers twine or hemp
doodle
enamel dots or buttons
mist/paint
Texture paste, gesso 
A handmade flower
embossing- dry or heat
Bling- Rhinestones or pearls
A flourish

You have until April 30th to link up if you want to join the fun too at Creative Embellishments.

Thanks for stopping by.

~Marcia

Cardabilities Reveal

Happy Tuesday! I have another card to share today for the Cardabilities reveal. Karan Gerber has done it again creating another fabulous sketch ...

 

I just got my hands on some Graphic 45 By The Sea papers and was dying to play with them. Here is my take on the sketch...

The wood veneer anchor is from Creative Embellishments. They have a fabulous selection of chipboard and wood products as well as stamps. I applied crackle paint to the anchor and then inked the edges when it was dry. I really love how it turned out.

The sentiment on this card made me think of my brother-in-law. My bother-in-law loves to be out in his boat in the summer. He is in a battle for his life against cancer since last August. Last week I found out he is having yet another surgery. Every time he thinks he is getting better, he has a drawback. I thought he could use some encouragement. He amazes me that through all of the pain, he has kept his sense of humor. I pray that this surgery will be his last and that he will be able to get out on his boat this summer.

I hope you will join us in our latest challenge. Be sure to check out the Cardabilities blog to see what the other fabulous designers have created.

~Marcia

Always Kiss Me Goodnight - Imaginisce

Hello blogging friends. I hope you are staying warm. At the moment, my hubby is attempting to fix our furnace. Yep, what a time for the furnace to act up when temps are below 0! I am typing this huddled in a blanket with a heating pad on my back. I am keeping my fingers crossed that he is successful because the repairman said he couldn't come til Monday. Send some warm thoughts my way :)

I have a canvas that I made for Imaginisce up on the blog today. It's Valentine gift week. I thought some wall decor would make for a fabulous gift. I used the My Baby collection. This collection is just so adorable. Definitely a fav of mine.

I mixed up the fonts for some interest and kept the wording large so you could see it from across the room. Those wooden hearts from Creative Embellishments added the perfect touch, especially with some i-Rock bling.

I wanted to maintain the texture of the canvas, but see the pattern paper hearts on my background as well. To do this, I transferred the image from the paper to the canvas using Mod Podge. I've been wanting to try a canvas image transfer ever since my former DT member Wendy Price from over at Quick Quotes made one last fall.  Let me show you how...

1. Apply a coat of Mod Podge to the entire surface of the canvas. (I went a little crazy with it here, lol. You don't need to use quite this much.)

2. Cut your pattern paper to the size of the canvas and place paper face down over the Mod Podge. The backside of the paper will be facing you. Smooth paper to make sure it is adhered to the entire canvas.

3. Let dry at least 24 hours.

4. Spritz with water and start to rub the paper off with your fingertips. You can see the hearts on the right side of the canvas where I had already rubbed the paper off.

5. Its ok if it's not perfect. A distressed look is beautiful!

6. Finish your edge with paint or gesso.

Here is a close-up of what the canvas will look like. 

Supplies:

Imaginisce : Pattern Papers (My Baby), Die Cuts (My Baby), Buttons (My Baby), i-Rock, Hot Rock Crystals, Foam Adhesive, MagiCut Ribbon cutter

American Crafts: cardstock, 

Creative Embellishments: wood hearts, 

9x12" canvas, 

Epiphany Crafts heart punch

Spellbinders die,

Sewing machine, Coats and Clark thread.

Mod Podge, Gesso

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you will give this canvas technique a try.
I am linking up with Paper Issues Fill 'Er Up Issue.
~Marcia