Grapevine Mini Wreath Ornies

I was looking at my tree today, which is full of mostly handmade ornaments. Most of the ornies were made by country primitive crafters that I was in Ornie Swaps with. It was a great way to build up a collection of creative, unique, handmade Christmas ornaments for my tree, and I use them every year. Some of the ornaments were made by me too, including these Grapevine Mini Wreath Ornies.

I have 4 or 5 of these Grapevine Wreath Ornies that I've made, very similar in style, but each a little different. I just used lace trim, satin ribbon, bows, fabric roses, pearl beads and hot glue to make each one. They are very quick and easy to do and they look great too. There are so many things you could do with the grapevine wreaths, using all sorts of embellishments and notions. They really make wonderful ornaments. I've had these on my tree each year for over 15 years. Except for a random missing bead here and there, they've held up very well over time. And I really love how they look on the tree.

MJ Stars Digital Collage

I was having so much fun creating my starry night-themed angel tag yesterday for the Gingersnap Creations challenge that I decided to do another one. This time I used MJ as my subject though.

This is kind of a combination of My Digital Sketchbook technique that I like to use, along with the image layering I use in Digital Collages. So now I have a brand new addition to my growing collection of Michael Jackson Art. And if fits in with the starry night theme too. :)

Peace Angel Hangtag

My Peace Angel Hangtag was inspired by the Starry Night Challenge at the Gingersnap Creations blog. This time of year, Angels are a perfect subject matter so that was my starting point as I brainstormed for this hangtag.

I combined a vintage photo of an angel with some moon and sky images, along with some digital paper, to create a digital collage for this hangtag. Then I added that digital collage to a plain white paper hangtag, along with some embellishments, to complete the altered hang tag. I love the angel imagery so much, I may just use it for some Christmas cards this year! I really love how it turned out.

The Legend of Billie Jean

Time for some more Michael Jackson Art to satisfy my MJ art cravings for awhile. :) My inspiration for this piece is one of Michael's legendary performances...Billie Jean.

Michael was pure magic (to me anyway) so I always like to add a little touch of magic to my MJ digital art. And I'm always mesmerized by any of his legendary Billie Jean performances. The fedora. The sparkle jacket. The white glove. He defined the word MAGIC, and gave new meaning to the word EPIC. My digital art can't even do justice to how much he inspires me.

But I try.

Snowman Bucket Light

Here's a another quick and easy Seasonal Craft project, perfect for the holidays. It's my Snowman Bucket Light.

What you need for this project:

• Small White Craft Bucket


• A Carrot Nose


• Acrylic Paint


• Brushes


• Something to punch a hole in the bucket


• Glue


• A Battery-Operated Tealight

Instructions: First you punch a hole in the bucket to fit the carrot nose into. The nose I used has a pointy back end that I wanted to secure through the bucket. So I used a hammer and nail to poke a hole, then added the nose. Next I used hot glue to glue around the back end of the nose (on the inside of the bucket) to secure it in its place. Once that dries you can just paint on any little snowman face you like. Then add your tealight and it's all finished.

These are small enough that they could be hung on the Christmas tree. They would also be great as holiday table decor, or just as a cute little Christmas accent around the house. And really, since it's just a snowman, you could use these all winter long!

Recycled Mitten Ornie

This is a Seasonal Craft project you can do with old mittens that aren't worn anymore. Just something really quick and simple, and a fun way to do some Recycling in a festive way for the holidays. This is my Recycled Mitten Ornie.

Here's what you need for this project:

• An old mitten


• Spray Adhesive


• Mica Flakes or Glitter of your choice


• Craft Gems


• Tacky Glue or Hot Glue

Instructions: Spray the mitten with the adhesive. Then pour Mica Flakes or Glitter over it so that it is completely covered. Pat down the flakes to make them stick well. Shake off the excess flakes. Glue on your choice of fabulous craft gems. And that's it! Of course, there are lots of ways you could vary this and make something else equally fabulous. You're really only limited by your imagination.

I Run With Vampires Collage

This Digital Collage was inspired by Twilight and this week's Window challenge at the Three Muses blog. With Breaking Dawn hitting theaters next week, I couldn't be more excited. So it was fun to create this piece inspired by the Twilight saga, and my favorite vampire.

I wanted this to be a bit dark (hence the blood on the window), but also keep a real Twilight feel to it, while adding my own little touches as well. See you soon, Edward.

Panther Dance Collage

It's time for another great digital collage challenge at Collage Obsession. The theme this time is Black Cats. So the first thing that came to mind for me was the Michael Jackson Panther Dance sequence from his Black or White short film. It's one of my favorite short films, and I love the Panther Dance itself. I remember when that video first came out, there was so much controversy surrounding it--people thought it was too violent. But that was the point: Michael was making a statement about all the inequality, prejudice, and violence in the world. All of Michael's short films told a story, and some, like Black or White, carried important messages...IF one was willing to pay attention and read between the lines. Michael caught a lot of flack for that short film, but for the people with an open mind and heart,  and a willingness to see and hear its message, it was very powerful. And it truly is one of his best short films.

So this Digital Collage is dedicated to Michael Jackson, and the Panther Dance.

See, It's Not About Races
Just Places
Faces
Where Your Blood
Comes From
Is Where Your Space Is
I've Seen The Bright
Get Duller
I'm Not Going To Spend
My Life Being A Color...

(Excerpt from Black or White, by Michael Jackson)

Young Miss ATC

I was in the studio over the weekend and found inspiration in a favorite vintage photo. The end result was this Young Miss ATC. 

I used a Kraft paper ATC blank that I spritzed with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist to age and distress it and give it that grungy look I so love. I added the vintage photo, some stickers, paper fasteners, and a flower for embellishments. Just a simple little piece of altered art really, but I love how it turned out.

3 Captured Fairy Jars

I was outside the other day and to my surprise and wonder and awe, I saw 3 fairies playing in the yard. So I decided to capture those three fairies and put them in some glass jars--at least for long enough to photograph each of them. I wanted to share them with all of you. So here they are.

After they kindly allowed me to take their photographs, they were starting to get a little irked in their glass environment. So it soon became time to set them free. After all, it's never a good idea to irritate a fairy. If you do, they are sure to start stealing your socks from the dryer.

MJ's Wings

This is a new digital collage and photo edit I've decided to use for the Three Muses Wings challenge. Michael Jackson is a favorite art subject of mine, so I love it when I have the chance to use him for a challenge piece too.

I've added some magic sparkles and feathers also, something I tend to do a lot when I'm creating fantasy type digital pieces. Seemed appropriate for this one anyway. I wanted it to appear like a little touch of magic was coming out of Michael and into his shadow on the stage. I hope you like my little piece of Michael Jackson Art.

Witchie Hangtag

I have never done more Halloween-themed art projects as I have done in this past month or two. Very strange for me. LOL But I've been enjoying it! I have carried through with that same theme for the new Ravens challenge at the Gingersnap Creations blog. I've used it to create this Altered Hangtag I'm calling Witchie.

The vintage photo is my witchie inspiration, along with the 3 stamped ravens, of course. All of my ephemera and embellishments have been added to a hangtag, which I've grungy'd up to look aged. Seemed only appropriate when I'm doing something with a Halloween theme to make it have an aged look too. Seems like I should make a gift just to go with this hangtag and give it to someone for Halloween!

Michael Magic

Haven't posted any Michael Jackson Art for awhile, so thought I'd post some now since I'm so far behind in my blog posts for October...and since I love it!

These all have my Tumblr blog watermarks on them. I always post them on my blog there, and just post my favorite ones here on the art blog. These are definitely some of my favorites from recent days. I have a thing about using sparkles. I love making things seem to have a bit of magic to them, especially where Michael is concerned. I love how these turned out.

Fancy Free ATC

I decided to join in one more challenge this week at the Gingersnap Creations blog. It's the Turquoise, Blue, and Purple Color Challenge. And I've called my Altered Art  ATC Fancy Free.

Once again I've used paper elements and ephemera to create my ATC, with a beautiful vintage photo as the focal point of the piece. Then I added a bit of digital editing to enhance the piece and bring out its colors more. I love being able to give an art piece just a little bit more personality, which the digital editing allows me to do. This lovely lady looks like she's footloose and "fancy free," don't you think?

Night Rider ATC

I've not been doing much artwork lately, nor much blogging. Trying to get back into the swing of things by joining in the Horror Stories challenge at Gingersnap Creations. We needed to create something with a Horror Stories theme...perfect for Halloween time. :) I've created this ATC that I'm calling Night Rider.

I've added lots of paper elements and some stenciling with paper doilies, along with some plastic gems. Then I enhanced the ATC with a bit of digital editing to help age it a bit and bring out more vibrant colors. I love the vintage witch image...she's so fun (even if she's not all too scary). And don't you love the skull-headed bat? Now THAT is scary. LOL

Window to the Past

The Hubs has had a couple of old windows saved here and there from our 1890-built home. I didn't want him to throw them away, thinking that one day I would do something with them. After living here for 15 years, I've finally done something with one of them. And now I can truly say it's a Trash to Treasure window I will keep forever.

I have filled each pane of this old shabby window with vintage photos, scrapbook paper, and assorted ephemera to make it sort of a Window to the Past. The upper left pane features of photo of my mother when she was a little girl. It's one of my favorite photos of her; she's wearing a dress my great grandmother made for her. The upper right pane features a photo of Nana, my grandmother when she was a young woman. I love how happy she looks in the photo . The lower left pane shows my mom when she was a very little girl, on a boat with Nana (my mom's mother) and Nana's mother. Mom was very close to my great grandmother, so I love photos of them together. And the bottom right pane features my mom and her grandmother. My mom is dressed up like the cutest little cowgirl, and she's holding her grandmother's hand. I just love that photo.

Here are some larger versions of each window pane so you can see the details a bit better.

This came out looking rather Shabby Chic, which wasn't exactly my intention since my home decor leans toward country and primitive, but I love it either way.  Nothing wrong with adding a little Shabby Chic flair, right? I love that it's kind of crusty and old looking. And I love that it was a part of this house in the distant past. This window is going to hang above my couch so I can see it everyday. Just have to get the Hubs to help me hang it!

The Cat Behind the Door Collage

I haven't been entering too many art challenges lately, so I was feeling the need to join in again. Luckily I came across the Three Muses Doorways challenge last night, and that inspired me to create this Digital Collage: The Cat Behind the Door.

It's basically an old lady who lives in an old house with her old cat. And then there's this little mouse who likes to tease and taunt the old cat, because he can play outside while the cat cannot. OK, well, that's the story that I came up with in my head once I found a vintage photo I wanted to work with for this digital collage. It works, I think.

Witch and Owl Digital ATC

I wanted to do some more Altered Art today, and I'm still working digitally right now. And since I'm still kind of in Halloween and witch mode, I thought I'd create another ATC with a Halloween theme.

I guess you could really just consider it a Digital Collage too. Either one applies, after all. I knew I wanted to use this particular vintage photo I had of a witch, so I added everything else to complement that for Boo Day. Purple and orange always looks so good together, and they're perfect for Halloween. She's not exactly a scary witch, but she does fit the holiday!

BeWitched Digital ATC

I've been having Halloween on the brain for some reason, which is funny since I really don't care that much for Halloween--outside of seeing my grandkids in their costumes, of course. But since my mind is stuck in Halloween mode, I thought I'd create a digital ATC with a witch theme.

She's a rather pretty witch, don't you think? :) I love the colors of Fall and Halloween, so that inspired me for this Digital Collage more than anything else. I love how it turned out.

MJ Fairy Art

OK, so it's clear I have a love of all things fairies...and Michael Jackson. So I decided it was time to combine those two loves into one artistic Fairy Art creation. It's a nice addition to my Michael Jackson Art collection. :)

Even if you're not a Michael Jackson fan, but you love fairies, hopefully you'll enjoy this. I love how it turned out. He truly was a magical being, living in his own Neverland. So it just seemed like a natural fit to turn MJ into a fairy.

Happy Birthday, Michael!

In honor of Michael Jackson's birthday (he would have been 53 today), I created something special to add to my growing collection of Digital Collages. I will post that photo below this excerpt from one of Michael's books, Dancing the Dream. So this is Michael, in his own words.

“Consciousness expresses itself through creation.
This world we live in is the dance of the creator.
Dancers come and go in the twinkling of an eye but the dance lives on.

On many an occasion when I’m dancing, I’ve felt touched by something sacred.
In those moments, I’ve felt my spirit soar and become one with everything that exists.

I become the stars and the moon. I become the lover and the beloved.
I become the victor and the vanquished.
I become the master and the slave. I become the singer and the song.
I become the knower and the known.

I keep on dancing and then, it is the eternal dance of creation.
The creator and creation merge into one wholeness of joy.

I keep on dancing… and dancing, until there is only… the dance.”

Michael Jackson, Dancing the Dream

The photos are from one of my favorite photoshoots for Vanity Fair magazine. They were taken by one of my favorite photographers, Annie Leibovitz. I hope you like this little piece of digital Michael Jackson Art. :)

Elvis Jumpsuit Sketch

I wanted to add Elvis to My Digital Sketchbook and since the anniversary of his death was last week, I was thinking about him anyway. So I created this digital art in honor of the one and only King of Rock and Roll!

It's a classic 70's Elvis, in a beautiful blue jumpsuit. This is the kind of image that comes to mind whenever I think of the 70's era Elvis. The King may be gone, but his music and memory live on!

Halloween Treat Bags

I always start thinking about Seasonal Crafts this time of year. Just about the time my grandson goes back to school, I'm itching to do some Fall crafting again. So with that in mind, I've created a couple of bags that would be perfect as little Halloween treat bags.

I made these with small, pre-made muslin bags. I wanted to keep these simple, so all I did was stamp them with various sayings and images using black ink. I wanted to do some in orange ink and maybe even purple. But guess what colors of ink I don't have?! Tina needs to shop for ink! Anyhoots, these were so easy to make: just stamp and let dry and you're done. You could put candy corn in them, or any other holiday candy, and use them as party favors. Mine are just stuffed with fiberfill to use as decor, so that's another option! And of course you could use different color inks, you could dye the muslin bags orange or black and have all sorts of fun with them! I don't do a whole lot of Halloween crafts...I'm much more into Fall than Trick or Treat night. :) But these were fun. And since I always have muslin bags around and I use them a lot for crafting, I thought I'd be different and go with Halloween for a change.

I do a lot of country primitive type seasonal crafts that I post on my Tattered Sisters Primitives blog. So if you have interest, you might want to check that blog too for some ideas.

Fairy Topiary

I spent time in the studio again yesterday. I never get in there as often as I'd like, and then when I do it's hard to get me out of there! Got some fun projects done, including this one, my little Fairy Topiary (click image to view full size), which I'll add to my collection of Fairy Crafts.

I started with a small white, enamel bucket, about 2-1/2" in diameter. In the bottom of that I add a piece of Styrofoam, which I cut to fit. Next I created the topiary, beginning with a reused end of a craft swab (waste not, want not, right?) that I painted green. I stuck on a small Styrofoam ball to the top of it, which I also painted green. Then I hot glued on some craft flowers until the ball was covered, and added a pink satin bow to it too. Then I stuck it into the Styrofoam in the bottom of the bucket.

Then I needed to create the fairy, which started with a vintage photo of a girl. Again I used a discarded craft swab to attach to the back of the photo, which I'd printed on cardstock. Then I used some craft picks to create her wings, which are made of pink tulle and beads. I simply taped those onto the back of the photo. Then I stuck that into the Styrofoam in the bucket as well.

To give weight to the bucket to hold everything in place, I put in glass flat marbles that you can get in any craft store. I have had these sitting around for years and had plenty of them. So I just poured in enough to go to the top of the bucket. They add a neat texture and some shimmer, which I like. They almost look like the tops of bubbles in there. :) Once those were in place I finished the bucket off by adding a pink satin bow to each side.

The whole thing has a sort of Shabby Chic feel to it, and a vintage touch too. I think something like this would look great as a table decoration at a bridal shower or baby shower or something. But my little fairy is going in my studio so I can see her everyday.

Pretty in Pink Hangtag

I am in altered art hangtags mode for some reason. :) I love creating them though because I often need a little hangtag to add to a gift for some occasion or another. So for me, I can never have too many of them lying around. This one is called Pretty in Pink.

These hangtags are made with cardstock scrapbook paper with a really pretty pink and white pattern on it. I cut them out with a scalloped-edge cutter. Then I added white paper flowers to the bottom half of them, attaching them with brass brads. All I did to finish them off was add some pink satin ribbon, along with site whit organdy ribbon. So pretty and so simple and easy to make!

Imagine Face Hangtag

This is a new altered art hangtag I've created that I'm calling Imagine Face Hangtag.

These are tags I created on two-sided scrapbook cardstock paper, which I cut out using a tag-shaped cutter. I stamped on the image of a vintage face using black ink first. Then I created the torn edge and distressed strip for the upper part of the tag, which I stamped on with the word, Imagine in black ink. After I added that I just added a butterfly sticker and then finished it with a brown satin ribbon.

I love the combination of the brown ribbon with the turquoise pattern on the paper. It's just a simple, elegant tag (I think). Perfect to add to a little gift. :)

Twilight Pushpins

OK, this project was totally just for fun. I had an old Twilight calendar sitting in my studio for the last couple of years. I wanted to repurpose some little images that were on the back cover. So I decided to use some glass tiles and turn the photos into pushpins!

Now please excuse the quality of this photo. It is very difficult to get a good clear photo of these 1" glass tiles. Between the texture of the glass and the small size, I can't get a perfectly clear shot. But I think you get the idea.

I just took my pictures and cut them out with a 15/16" square cutter. I used silver tape (for Memory Glass) to adhere the photos to the back side of the glass tiles. Then I stuck upholstery tacks to the back of the tiles with hot glue. Probably some E-5000 glue would have been a better choice, but I was in a hurry. LOL

They're cute little Bella and Edward pushpins that are now on the bulletin board in my office. :)

Mom 1950 Canvas

I created this Altered Art canvas for the latest challenge at the Gingersnaps Creations blog: On the Road.  We needed to use things in our project that would be found "on the road." So I used a vintage photo of my mom on a car as my inspiration for my project.

I started with an 8" square canvas, which I painted with black acrylic. Then I spritzed it all over with a mixture of pearlescent white paint and water to give it some sheen and texture. Next I added some red patterened scrapbook paper with torn edges. I used a black ribbon near the top of the canvas, and then added an over-sized black and white hangtag and another cut piece of the red paper to serve as the background for the vintage photo. After I affixed the photo I embellished the canvas with metal gears and keys, some black satin bows, pearl gems, and a white a flower. And I added a metal bracket to frame "1950" under the photo, which is when the photo was taken.

Wasn't my mom adorable?!

Vintage Rose

In the summer issue of Somerset Life that I picked up over the weekend, there is a wonderful tutorial for making vintage roses out of coffee filters. I've done a Coffee Filter Roses Tutorial in the past, but that one was for a much quicker and simpler rose--one that is easier and less realistic. The one is Somerset is much more realistic.

I am always on the lookout for new flower tutorials  and I loved theirs so I had to try it out. It was time-consuming to make, but it turned out so pretty...even if it wasn't as pretty as the ones in the magazine.

I wouldn't want to make a bunch of these, just because they take so long to make. But they really are pretty and would look so nice just sitting in a vase--one all by itself, or two or three. And they would make really nice gifts too, which is what the designer in the magazine was using them for.  They're very affordable to make too since you're just using coffee filters and things you probably already have one hand.

Check out the magazine next time you're in the bookstore to see the full tutorial. Somerset Life is one of my favorite magazines...but of course I love almost all the Somerset publications. I only wish they were cheaper!

He Loves Me Altered Envelope

Time for another fun challenge at the Gingersnaps Creations blog. This time the theme challenge is 3 Papers, 3 Buttons, 3 Words.  My He Loves Me altered art is my creation for this challenge.

I love using Kraft Envelopes from time to time when I'm doing Altered Art, and that's what I used this time. I added a piece of torn paper bag with a vintage newsprint pattern onto the envelope first. Then I tore some scrap wallpaper with a red color and pattern and added that to the top and bottom of the envelope, over the paper bag print. Then I added some lace trim to the bottom. I embellished this with a vintage photo transparency that I adhered to some grungy paper; I also added paper flowers affixed with button brads, some gems, a 3D paper butterfly, and the words He Loves Me. I finished off the top of the envelope with some black ribbon.

My 3 Papers are the grungy paper behind the transparency, the red wallpaper, and the newsprint paper bag. My 3 buttons are the 3 button brads. And my 3 words, of course, are the He Loves Me words I added.

I love how this turned out, and I like that it sort of looks like a paper purse when it's hanging on the wall.

Fireworks Digital Sketches

Around the 4th of July I decided to make some fireworks digital sketches to add to My Digital Sketchbook. These kind of photos are really perfect for creating digital art, even though they are usually really awesome just the way they are. But since I'm all about the digital art lately, I had to have some fun.

 I love how these turned out. Talk about Abstract Art gone wild! Really had fun making these.

Marilyn Up Close Digital Sketch

This is my second digital art creation of Marilyn Monroe that I'm adding to My Digital Sketchbook tonight. It's also my favorite.

I never get tired of Marilyn's face...and her whole life story really. So beautiful, yet seemingly so lonely and unhappy. She really seemed like a tortured soul. I just wish the love that we all had for her could have saved her.

This digital work makes me want to finish the oil painting I started of Marilyn a few years ago. It's sitting in my studio, waiting for me. Hopefully I can finish that later this summer when I have more time. I'd love to hang her in my office with my other celeb paintings. :)

Marilyn in Blue Digital Sketch

Time for another Hollywood icon to grace the pages of My Digital Sketchbook. This time, it's the legend, Marilyn Monroe. I created two Marilyn digital art pieces this evening, and this is the first, Marilyn in Blue.

I love Marilyn. Such a beauty and so talented. Another one of those amazing people in Hollywood history who left us all too soon.

Michael's Magic

This photo collage is a tribute to Michael Jackson.

August 29, 1958 ~ June 25, 2009

Like A Comet
Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon

Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon

Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon

Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon

Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon

Gone Too Soon

(by Michael Jackson)

Go Fish Altered Hangtag

Not sure really what inspired this Go Fish altered hangtag, but I had fun making it.

I started out with a large, plain white hangtag, which I stamped with a text design using black ink. Then I used some scrap wallpaper to add the wave element on the left side (top) of the tag. Next I drew a simple fish shape onto some textured blue scrapbook paper; into that, I drew the letters that spell out the word FISH, leaving a little space in between each letter so that I could cut them out. Then I cut out the letters and glued them onto the hangtag, spelling out the word FISH and also creating the shape of a fish. I added some smaller paper fish shapes that I drew and cut out, and also some punched paper holes. And I finished it off with a brad for the fish's eye, and just a bit of blue ink on the edges for a distressed look.

Jack and Rose Titanic Collage

Time for another great challenge at the Collage Obsession blog. This time the theme is Boats, so I knew exactly what I'd be using as inspiration: one of my favorite all time films, Titanic.

This is one of my favorite Digital Collages to date. I incorporated 3 different images from the movie, two of Jack and Rose, and one of the ship itself. I have always loved the scene where Rose meets Jack on the bow, the moment where she says, "Jack, I changed my mind..." That was the moment she decided to follow her heart and be with Jack. Then he takes her hand and helps her up on the railing for the infamous, "I'm flying" scene. Very romantic...and yet doomed to be tragic. But still, it's one of my favorite moments from the film. So I was thrilled to try to capture the essence of it in my digital collage.

Timeless Beauty Digital Collage

Time for another great challenge at the Collage Obsession blog. The challenge theme is, Time. So I've entered another one of my Digital Collages for this challenge.

I started with one of my own digital photographs of a full moon that I took over the winter. I edited it quite a bit to enhance the colors and clean up the image--because it's a challenge to get a good photo of a full moon! I added a clock image to the moon, a beautiful lady image by Leonardo da Vinci,  and then all the additional graphic elements to embellish the collage and try to match its theme. I really love how it turned out.