• A Rose is a Rose – a craft project!

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    I saw the instructions for Grunge Paper Roses on Tim Holtz's blog and I just knew I had to try to make some! So, yesterday some friends and I got together and decided to go for it! The instructions are long and I must admit I was intimidated. That being said, once we got started it was an easy process. Many steps, but not so difficult. The results were very satisfying. I would say that these cannot be made with 'regular' cardstock, you really need to buy the Grunge Paper. Any type of glue works, and be patient…it takes a while for everything to dry. The best part is puttin' on the bling at the end! I hope you enjoy reading about these and that you give it a try too!

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     Rose #1 without any bling yet…

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    Roses #1 and #2. To make the pink one, I covered the rose pieces in white pigment ink first and then went back over it with two colors of pink pigment ink. Then I sprayed it with glitter mist to give it a sheen. The red one was made exactly according to Tim Holtz's directions with pearl-x and misters.

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    I made three roses in all. The white/silver one was made by covering the grunge paper with eggshell color acrylic paint – about three coats on each side. The antique silver glitter was (generously) applied as the final step after the rose was assembled.

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    I'm not sure what I will do with the roses, now that they are done! I was thinking they would make very nice package adornments. I was also thinking of making one or all of them into pins to put on a hat or a cool jean jacket. The possibilities are endless.  
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    I would love to hear what you think of my project. Also, let me know if you've tried this and how yours turned out! Happy crafting! 

    You can find the fantastic and detailed instructions here on the Tim Holtz Blog: http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/12/12-tags-of-christmasday-12.html

  • A Fresh Start & New Beginnings…

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    So it's the end of the old year and time for a new one…Fresh snow always makes me think of a new beginning.  2009 was not my most favorite year ever. It was a hard one…but it looks like we're gonna get through it! Just in the nick of time.  

    On Christmas day the DH and I drove up to Lake Tahoe to see the snow.  We are lucky enough to only live about an hour away and a drive seemed like the right idea for the day. As you can see from the photos, it was bright and clear out.

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    We drove up Highway 80 and then around the top of the Lake and back down through South Shore and home on Highway 50. It was about a 5 hour trip all in all. It felt so rejuvenating to see the pristine surroundings and it was a good opportunity for us to talk and catch up on life. You get a better perspective when God's work is placed before you like this.

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    My wish for everyone is that 2010 is a great year! I hope that you are healthy and happy and surrounded by people who love you. I hope to meet new friends and cherish dear old friends as we begin anew and start fresh.

     

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    HAPPY NEW YEAR!

  • Diving in to blog-land…

    Okay…so here goes. I’m taking the plunge…

    For several years I have read and enjoyed the blogs of funny, smart and creative people. I must admit I’ve been a bit intimidated about doing my own blog. More and more, though, friends are asking if I have a blog, and kindly prodding me forward. So…here it is. I’m starting a blog! A Blog Called Wanda.

    My intent is to have a place to share stories of everyday life and my love for creating artwork of all kinds. I am truly blessed to have a good life, a great husband, and wonderful friends. Lest I forget, I am mom to the most handsome cat ever…Buddy. I’m not sure where this will go, but I’m taking that first step. As you can see from the format, I haven’t quite mastered the art of creating my own blog design…but I’m working on that.

    As I wrote earlier, I am a fan of many blogs. I laugh and cry at what people are writing and I get inspiration from what people are creating. My goal is to possibly inspire others and share information. I would also like to use the blog as a forum to sell some of my cards – we’ll see about that later too.

    Don’t know how often I will blog, or what it will be about! Thanks for reading so far and I hope you find something you like here. I’m open to suggestions and feedback.