Winter Doldrums

the cold ice and snow

is quickly disappearing.

will spring be here soon?

I had a fun, creative visit on a dreary winter day last week that resulted in the inspiration to start writing Haiku's. Not sure if I'm doing it right -- as I've never written them before......but it's what I've started doing when I get up the last few mornings. I enjoy a cup of hot tea and plan my day and write silly haiku's. I'm hoping it will jump start my creativity. Or lift my spirits. Anything really. I'm tired of feeling worse than crummy.

I haven't felt like doing much lately, I'm tired of winter and feeling a little under the weather. Physically I feel fine, but I thought that Vitamin D3 would be doing its thing by now.

Anyway, enough of that. I took this pretty picture at a friend's house using my Hipstamatic from her dining room. She has a beautiful view, even if it is foggy and white right now! The trees against the white and greys is really beautiful. I live just up the river and around the corner from her.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you have a great day. Hopefully I'll have some creative things other than silly poems and pictures soon.

St. Patty's Day Card Tutorial for you

Go to the Spotted Canary Expert blog for a supply list and step by step instructions on how to make this fun card.

THANKS for stopping by, hope you have a great day!

National Craft Month at My Creative Classroom

Every year in March we say thank you to our students during National Craft Month. Last year the program grew so large (not that I am complaining) that we knew we needed to make some changes. This year we believe we have come up with a much better appreciation program.

This year if you purchase a class in March (it does not need to start in March) you will earn a free seat in an upcoming class. Purchase more than one class and you will be able to earn more free seats, with the max of four free seats.

The seats you can earn are in predetermined classes, but we worked hard to choose classes that would have broad appeal, all are valued at $25 or more.

------------------------------------------------------------ The Basics of the Program:

Here is how the program will work. Remember classes do not need to start in March you only need to pay for them in March.

• Purchase 1-3 classes in March and you get a one free seat. You get to choose the class from a list of 4 possible classes.
• Purchase 4-6 classes in March and you get two free seats. You get to choose the classes from a list of 4 possible classes.
• Purchase 7-9 classes in March and you get three free seats. You get to choose the classes from a list of 4 possible classes.
• Purchase 10+ classes in March and we will automatically enroll you into all four classes.

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Go to My Creative Classrom for the rest of the details, the fine print and all that good stuff.

Thanks for stopping by, sorry it's been such a long time since my last post....I kinda fell of the face of the earth.

Sign of Spring

My friend gave these pretty crocuses to me for Valentine's Day. She forced them last fall, leaving them in her refrigerator all winter -- waiting for Valentine's Day.

They are making me happy today, sitting on my windowsill, blooming and spreading their cheer. Not to mention that the sun is out and the temps are reaching 44 so far, yahoo!

Thanks Kelley, they are beautiful!! Have a great day everyone, thanks for stopping by!

In case you are wondering, I'll be announcing the winner of the One World One Heart giveaway later on when my assistant is home to help draw a name!

Happy Valentine's Day

Just a quick drive by post today to wish you all a sweet and lovely Valentine's Day. My son is home on the couch with 2 fractured toes, urgh. I've got so much work to do.......

I made all these different truffles (Coconut Lime, Coconut Lemon, Peppermint and Coffee) for my family and friends this year. I looked high and low for cute boxes and packaging for them - I really had a hard time finding anything to put them in. I was disappointed that Joann's, Michael's and AC Moore just didn't have anything sweet this year.

At the last minute I remembered I had bought this kit last year from House of 3 and never used it for a shadowbox. It was the perfect size and height for truffles for my brother's family. I still have one to make into a shadowbox sometime.

I had a great time making the truffles, and they all tasted GREAT. I'm just glad they are out of the house now so I don't have to be tempted every time I walk by.

Thanks for stopping by, have a LOVELY Valentine's Day!

Treats for my Sweet Valentine's

Another Expert Blog post this week, this one about making Valentine Tags and Homemade chocolates.

Get instructions and a supply list for the tags here!

Read all about it on the Spotted Canary blog here!!

Get a recipe for AWESOME Chocolate Truffles here!!

What are you making for your sweeties for Valentine's Day?? Thanks for stopping by, have a GREAT day!

Resolution 2011: Art Journal Day 6

I find myself thinking about my Art Journal all the time. Thinking about projects and pages and quotes and things I want to do in it.

I'm so happy I made this resolution. It's the only time I'm really taking to create for myself these days. Creating with no expectations, no deadlines, no pressure. Just playing, using scraps -- using up old stuff. Total heaven.

Since I'm dreaming a lot about what I'm going to plant in my garden (and spring and much warmer weather) this is a fitting page. I'm not sure if you can tell, but the focal point of the page is a bunch of red onions, the image transfer didn't turn out as I expected, but that's ok because I made it work....and I know what is is so that's all that matters anyway.

I'd love to know what your Resolution for 2011 is/was and if you're sticking with it. It's hard, but you can do it, especially if I can. I'm the worst at filling up art journals and sticking with commitments like this, but I'm doing it - at my own pace and in my own time! It feels great.

Well, thanks for stopping by, hope your week is going as great as mine is!

Resolution 2011: Art Journal Day 5

what a great weekend!!

I finally got on my cross country skii's and spent some time on the trails behind my house....both days I spent about an hour and a half in the back 40. It was AWESOME, it might have helped that it was warmer than it's been for a while around here (almost 40 today) and I didn't have to put on 30 layers to stay warm.

If only the whole winter would be like that - with snow but the temps not below 10 -- it would be perfect and I would be out there all the time. This year when the cold and snow came I wanted to hibernate to Florida or something because I wasn't ready to enjoy it. Well, I guess I am ready for winter now that I've gotten out and spent some time out there, phew - it's only taken 2 months!

Today after I spent my 85 minutes skiing I came in totally inspired to get a page done in my art journal. I wanted to work a few things out for a lesson I have to work on this week. Since my little guy was at his friend's house and my big guy was taking a nap, and the pot roast was roasting away in the crockpot it was the perfect time.

I love, love, love how it came out. I can't wait to get started on the lesson I'm going to do based on this page, but it's going to have to wait until Tuesday morning. It's going to be AWESOME!

Here's a close-up. Those butterfly stamps are from K & Company. I bought them over a year ago and am just NOW using them, what was I waiting for anyway?

The color isn't so great on this photo, it's from the Hipstamatic App on my iPhone and I tried to adjust it in Elements but didn't do that great of a job. Did I mention yesterday that I love that App?

Well, hope you had a great weekend and didn't have to get tortured by the Super Bowl last night. Thanks for stopping by.

Check out my Spring Courses at My Creative Classroom

It was a busy week here, so I'm glad it's finally the weekend. We had lots of snow mid-week with a day home from school, lots of errands to run today and GROCERIES to buy now that my military ID has been renewed. Last night we watched a few movies from Red Box and today we've got to clean the snow off the roofs....there's more dang snow coming. Hopefully tomorrow we'll have nothing to do but craft, LOL. Yeah, like my husband crafts. Both of these pictures were taken on Tuesday BEFORE we got 12 more inches of snow. PS. I used the Hipstamatic App on my iPhone. LOVE these!

Urgh, I am so beyond ready for spring -- but a little get away to somewhere warm and sunny would be a nice respit. Hey, a girl can dream can't she??

I apologize that I don't have any crafty pictures to share today, but I did take a minute to make a nice list of the courses I'll be teaching over at My Creative Classroom over the next few months.

Let me know if you have any questions...thanks for stopping by -- enjoy your weekend!

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Image transfer Workshop

Image Transfer Workshop will teach you this popular technique that can be found in many mixed media, collage and paper arts galleries everywhere. You will learn 8 transfer techniques during the class - and you’ll complete a new project each week.

• Register at: http://www.mycreativeclassroom.com/
• Course Starts: February 18, 2011
• Course Length: 4 Weeks

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Get Creative with Punches

Alpha, Border, Corner, Shapes...yes, I'm talking about paper punches, of course! There's so many available for your paper crafting projects and they're experiencing a comeback in popularity right now. Come join me in this 4 week class as we take a look at these great crafting tools in a new way. Learn punch maintenance and how to extend the life of your punches. Learn about the different types of punches available.

• Register at: http://www.mycreativeclassroom.com/
• Course Starts: March 3, 2011
• Course Length: 4 Weeks

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Die-Cutting with Spellbinders™ 102

We will start Die-Cutting with Spellbinders™ 102 with a tutorial on Spellbinders™ Dies for students needing a refresher course for working with Spellbinders™ dies. This lesson will include basic information on several different types of die cutting machines that you can use your Spellbinders™ Nestabilities® with. We will also discuss the different types of dies offered by the Spellbinders™ Company and dies manufactured by other companies that are similar to Spellbinders™.

Each lesson will offer a lesson demonstrating a new technique and follow up with a unique project or card that utilizes the technique.

• Start Date: February 11, 2011
• Register at: http://www.mycreativeclassroom.com/
• Course Length: 4 weeks

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Mixed Media Workshop

(Still working out the details for this course, stay tuned for more info! I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed though! )

• Course Starts: March 25, 2011
• Register at: http://www.mycreativeclassroom.com/
• Course Length: 4 weeks

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Spellbinders™ Card Workshop

This class is designed for the card maker...whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned pro. In this 4 week course the focus will be on making all types of cards. Each week Catherine will provide a detailed presentation and hand-out with high quality photographs, instructing you how to create the card for the week. Oh, but you won’t stop there – not with just one card.

The lesson each week will provide detailed instructions showing you how to make 3 cards – a total of 12 gorgeous cards during the length of the class – all using the same dies and papers each week. Each lesson we will start with an easy card, then move to intermediate and finish up each lesson with an advanced, over-the-top card.

• Register at: http://www.mycreativeclassroom.com/
• Course Starts: April 28, 2011
• Course Length: 4 weeks

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All my courses at My Creative Classroom include high quality slideshow presentations with pdf handouts available for download. A detailed supply list will be provided each week as well as sample projects, step by step instructions, free graphics and options for technique variations and supply substitutions.

Semi-Homemade

I wanted to share a piece of fun and exciting news -- just a little something I've added to my workload for EK Success Brands, I'm the new "Expert Blogger" on the Spotted Canary website. I'll be sharing my tips, tricks and projects with you 2 times a month.

I've never been much of a journal keeper (hence, Resolution 2011) but I have managed to keep my blog going for several years. I guess that's my version of a journal. So, I was pretty excited that the powers that be asked me to carry on that tradition for them at the Spotted Canary Expert Blog.

I just published my first post over on the Expert Blog, so I hope you'll take a minute to check it out! Here's a sneak peak of the projectI shared this month:

I call it "Semi-Homemade".

Well, thanks for stopping by, I hope to see you over on the Spotted Canary blog! Enjoy the weekend and all that snow we got -- don't hurt your back shoveling out all that snow!

Resolution 2011: Art Journal Day 4

I haven't worked in my Art Journal for a few weeks, but I don't feel guilty about it. I've been thinking about it just haven't felt like it.

Yesterday afternoon was a little crummy - spent not getting along with my child. So when his father got home from work, they went out on the snowmobile and I went to my studio and created this page in my journal -- afterward I did feel much better.

I had saved this round piece of cardboard from the inside of a roll of tape wanting to use it for something in my crafts - and this is how it ended up making its entrance!

First I created an underpainting on the watercolor paper with watercolor and acrylic paints. When I was satisified with that I covered it with a piece of tissue paper and gel medium to protect it.

Then I started gluing and painting and sticking things on. I got the title "art saves" from Jenni Doh, but it was pretty fitting since I was in a crummy mood when I started and a not so crummy mood when I finished. I like the little rub-on I added underneath the title "100% guarenteed".

Loving the no pressure attitude I have to my art journal. It sits quietly on the corner of my work table, patiently waiting for the moment when it will get some attention. I set aside scraps, supplies etc. on top of it that I think will be fun to work with when I get a little block of time to devote. I'm very happy with the results of this Resolution 2011 so far!

THANKS for stopping by, see you again SOON!

Valentine's Day is RIGHT around the corner!!

It feels like we just finished up with the hubbub of the holidays and now Valentine's Day is in a few weeks, urgh! Not to worry though -- I made these beautiful cards a while back for Inkadinkado, click on each photo to go to their website for a complete supply list and instructions!

Photo Credit for both photos: EK Success Brands

These cards are easy to make, so I hope you'll check them out!

In other Valentine's Day plans I'll be making truffles next Monday to give out to myfavorite family and friends, I've come up with 5 different recipes, all a spin on a recipe I found from The Poineer Woman. I'll be sure to post pictures of the completed candies and their packaging and let you know how they taste!

Well, thanks for stopping by, have a great day, stay warm and out of the path of the BIG STorm on it's way across the country!

One World, One Heart 2011

It's time once again for the One World One Heart blogging event. This is Lisa Swiftka's fifth and final OWOH!! Hard to believe I've been playing along for 3 of them! Lisa is the creative genius and hostess of this event that spreads friendship throughout the blogging world. Read all about this fun event on her and see a list of so MANY other artsy fartsy bloggers, click on the this link to her blog.

The whole reason behind this event is to introduce bloggers worldwide to each other, and that it does. Lisa has been holding this event for five years, and is the reason so many wonderful friendships started!! I love OWOH -- I've "met" some very lovely artists in the last 3 years and hope to make some MORE new blogging friends this year!!

So, without further delay, let me introduce myself to you:

I am Catherine Scanlon, author, artist and designer. I have been a creative artist for EK Success Brands for quite some time now, and currently teach on-line courses at My Creative Classroom -- the shadowbox I am giving away is one of the projects from my latest class, The Ins and Outs of Artist Trading Cards. I work from home crafting for EK Success and designing my classes -- work on my artsy endeavors in my spare time -- I also take care of my home and family.

I also love to spend time with my family, cook, garden, read (especially on my new Kindle) and run as often as my knees will let me. It was very nice to meet you, THANKS for stopping by.

Anyway, on to the good stuff!! I'll be giving away one fun little Artist Trading card shadowbox like the ones I've shown here, though I'm not sure which one!

To be eligible to win, leave a wonderful comment on this post and let me know your name, your e-mail address (so I can reach you if win) and a link to your blog address! I really want to return the favor and visit your blog and leave a wonderful comment! I will announce the winner on Feb. 17th here on my blog as well as contact the winner by email! Good Luck and THANK YOU for visiting!

Hope you had a GREAT weekend!

It was a long weekend here, no school today - and really cold too. I didn't get as much accomplished as I want, as is usually the way with long weekends!

One of the gifts I gave my Mom at Christmas was a package of cards and envelopes - blank. I told her when she needed a card to give me a card and some time and I'd make her a card. She loves hand made cards, and doesn't find the time to make them - plus she's too critical of her own work. But, that's a post for another day.

Last week she asked me to make a quick birthday card for my cousin, and with all the things I have going on these days it slipped my mind. Until last Thursday -- when I had a few extra moments.

Lacking inspiration, I randomly grapped supplies and started slapping things down. I had been given a cute Happy Birthday stamp set (Martha Stewart) when I went to the EK offices last fall, so I decided to use the sentiment and a couple other stamps from another company.

It was pretty easy. First I stamped the funky stitched circle with lines using brown ink. Then I stamped the sentiment in red.

To add the swirls, I used Versamark Ink, red and brown inks. I randomly stamped around the edge of the stamped circle using different colors. I wasn't in love with it, but when you're under the gun you take what you get. I used a Spellbinders die to cut the circle out and inked the edges with blue ink. I like the way that looks.

The mini doily was white, and really looked awful with the cream card and butterflies. I'm really matchy matchy about some colors - black and navy or brown and white and cream - some colors you should never mix. So to make it not white anymore, I sprayed it with tattered angels until it looked even more awful. Finally I decided not to mess with it any more and left it. alone. It still looks awful.

Anyhow, I added the doily - when it was dry - to my prepared card (made from scraps from my bin - love to use scraps) Then added the stamped circle on top and stitched around the card. The butterflies (punched using an EK Success Whale of a Punch) were inked and attached. I did add pearls for the bodies after I took these pictures.

Overall, not one of my better cards. But, my Mother liked it and that's all that matters - and I'm sure my cousin will like it too.

Thanks for stopping by, hope you enjoy the rest of your day!

It's Coming: One World, One Heart!

One World One Heart is a worldwide event for bloggers only. It gives all those who blog a chance to meet and mingle and form connections with those they may not have otherwise met from all over the world. In the past 4 years this event has grown to over 1,000 participants with lasting friendships (and even one love connection) formed along the way. Think of it as a GIGANTIC open house allowing you to travel without ever leaving your home........going from blog to blog(in various countries) seeing the wonder each one has created and meeting all the fabulous people behind those blogs. As a bonus each blogger participant will offer up a "door prize or prizes"....just for dropping by, saying hello and seeing their world. It's really that easy. If you want to play along, just click on the image above for more information! Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoy your DAY!!

Resolution 2011: Art Journal Day 2

Day two of Resolution 2011: art journaling, CHECK.

Even though I created this page on Monday - the day after I created the first page - I've realized that I probably won't have time to create in my journal every day, so I'm going to be happy to get to it when I can. This page was fun, nothing exceptional - but I had this sheet of images on my desk from PaperWhimsy and they were calling my name - so I did.

This one was more fun and way less technickey (is that even a word? ), and I giggled as I glued the words at the top of the page. All the numbers are odd numbers - and the quote one of my own, he he. But isn't it true, don't we always wonder if we are normal or just a little bit different?

There's not a stitch of stitching on this page, but I wish I could stitch in my pretty book, I miss it. Maybe I'll manage some hand stitching sometime.

Thanks for stopping by, hope you'll get to some art journaling or following through with your resolutions this year. Have a great day!

Artist Trading Card: Intuition

I've had Artist Trading Cards on my mind for the last month or so, ever since I started spending all my spare time designing and working on the "Ins and Outs of Artist Trading Cards" Class that's currently in it's 6th lesson at My Creative Classroom.

I also have these fun images on my desk that I downloaded from Paper Whimsy the other day - add to that a pile of miniature canvases and you've got a recipe for an afternoon spent creating and giggling with a good friend!

I knew exactly what I wanted to do with this Chunky ATC, and it came out just the way I invisioned it would.

I started by painting the canvas with blue acrylic paint and then gluing some VERY OLD 7 Gypsies tissue paper over the top of that when it was dry. To get the look of an early evening sky I painted on more layers of blue, white, pink and orange arcylic paint. Letting each layer dry in between so it didn't turn to mud. To get the pop color, I brushed on a light watered down layer of red watercolor crayon and the background looks like the sky on a beautiful night right at twilight.

For my girl, I collaged a big head from the collage sheet on top of a small body and cut the even smaller head from the body and collaged that on some patterned paper and glued that inside her tummy - isn't that where you feel your intuition the most?? I know I do.

Add a litle watered down crackle paint to her dress and she's a perfect bobble head. he he he.

When everything was dry, I glued my Bobble to the canvas with gel medium and added the sequin stars, the number on her head and finally the word "Intuition".

When all that was dry I sprayed it with 3 light coats of Krylon Triple Thick Glaze to seal it and it was done. I made it for the OWOH Event that starts on the 31st, but I'm thinking I'm going to have to try and duplicate this because I love how it came out! Then on the other hand, maybe I'll change my mind and you'll be the lucky winner of my little Intuition Canvas ATC.

Anyway, thanks for stopping by - hope you have a GREAT week - I'm hoping too!

Resolution 2011: Art Journaling

One of the resolutions I made this year was to start using my Art Journal - the one I made almost a year ago. I've been inspired by many people to journal, just haven't made the time to do it. Art journaling is a time to explore ideas and try new techniques, with all the things I have going on I don't always have the time to do that.

So, I decided to MAKE the time, starting this year.

Here's the first page in my Art Journal, created today when I had a few quiet moments while my men ran off to the Flea Market. They asked me to go, but I didn't really feel like spending the afternoon there.

This page looks a LOT better in person -- and I used a LOT of different supplies on it too. The quote says: truth is something which must be known with the mind, accepted with the heart, and enacted in life. Hmmmm. how true, LOL.

Well, thanks for stopping by, hope you had a great weekend! See you again next time!

my LIFE is Art

Just a quick post.....hope you all are doing GREAT!

An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one. Charles Horton Cooley

A couple quick cards

I made these cards quite some time ago - and sent them into a publication but sadly they weren't chosen. I've since given them away, but thought I'd share them since I've been working on projects I can't really share right now and don't have anything to blog about.

This was a pretty FAST card, you can make one just like it: trim patterned paper and attach to the folded cardbase. Use rubons (stampin' up) to create a greeting on white cardstock, trim and mat on black cardstock and attach to patterned paper. Cut out a shape from patterned paper and attach to card, a strip of an old tape measure and some stitching with my sewing machine and it's done.

This card is basically the same as the first, only I cut all the little flowers out and glued them to the card instead of the one decorative shape and didn't add the tape measure.

For this card I used the reverse of the butterfly as a stencil and applied blue ink to black cardstock, then attached the two butterflies and added some stitching. The sentiment is a white rubon.

Cardmaking isn't so hard - and you can make some pretty cards, quickly using just a few supplies!

THANKS for stopping by, hope you had a HAPPY New Year!