Oh, Look, It's Another Mini Book ... really

Here is my latest mini book. This time the Hero Arts Blog is the enabler. Lisa posted a super simple and short video w/the instructions to create the book using just an 8.5x11 piece of paper.

I have slots to include some info - some affirmations. Though I have not completed that section yet. Also, I used the computer to make all of the sayings:

• make smiles via snail mail
• wild abandon
• give more hugs
• happiness has no price tag
• wonder out loud
• love, love, love
  

I'm using the SIS TV widget for viewing ... nice.




Thanks for looking ... here's and abbreviated list of what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Junkitz
rick rack: Creative Imaginations
expoxys: Making Memories
buttons: Dress It Up!
twine and star: Darice
letter stickers, chipboard and ribbon: American Crafts
floss: DMC
labels (digital): Little Dreamer Designs/Michelle Coleman
font: A Bite (love that grungy look)

This was fun!

My First ATCs - Artist Trading Cards

I am sooo all over the place. I am working on completing my mini-book and I just finished my first set of ATCs - artist trading cards. I was reluctant to join a swap on ScrapInStyle TV (SIS), but I finally decided to just jump in and do it.

So much fun. I don't know a lot about ATCs, so I'll try to point you to some resources. I know that ATCs are usually 3.5x2.5 and they are somewhat popular on the SIS Swap Board. There are lots of cool themes like your super hero name, fav movies, recipes, scavenger hunts and the one that I'm participating in - fav T-shirt slogans.

I keep missing the sign up for the monthly ATC swap, but the organizer, Stacey, sent me a link to some of her work.

So here is a sneak peak at my ATCs ... they are not due to the organizer until early October.

Thanks for looking! I'll post details when I finally post the the full images.

Sketch-less week, but Inspired!

No sketches for me this week. I might try to play catch up next week or just jump back in w/the most recent ones.

I've been checking out some places for inspiration. Looking for inspiration is everywhere. But recently there was a chat on 2peas hosted by Rhonna Farrer - love her. The chat was a part of 2peas' CHA festivities. Very cool. So Rhonna was asking participants where they get inspiration. It turned into a huge four page chat w/lots of links to inspiration.

Of course I listed Keisha Campbell and here A Bit East blog.

But here are some of the others that I really enjoyed:

• Sasha Farina blog - lots of color and totally thinking outside of the box
• Donna Downey's Fabric Albums - I've always like fabric, this just takes it to the next level
• Rhonna has a photo book that is way cool, very eclectic and fresh
• Melibean always posts her lovely work for me (and others) to oggle over
  

If it's photos that you dig or aspire to be better at, get geeked about these:

• Bobbi+Mike - a wife and husband photography duo composing images in awe-inspring ways
• Tara Whitney's resume of images is deep; you will look and love!

But for my everyday, all the time inspiration, I usually check out my fav forums and galleries:

• 2Peas
• SIS TV
• Splitcoast Stampers

Oh and for techie plus creativity and freebies and just all around good stuff:

• Savitri's blog - just good peeps and so much fun
  

That should keep you busy ... here's to never-ending inspiration (and sharing it)!

Craft Critique/CHA/SIS TV

Well, in case you don't know this week is the big Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Convention in Chicago. Disappointed that I am missing it. I am going to make it a goal to attend next summer (can't make it for the Winter event in January).

CHA is when many of the companies release new products for the craft happy crew. There have been so many sneak peeks, that I can not keep up. But maybe you can and/or want to.

Here are some places to see the goodies before they are available to the paying public. NOTE: At CHA, you can not purchase product, but stores can place orders:

Craft Critique has posted/is posting their Annual Carnival list. This time, they are distributing it over several days. Much too see and oggle over.

I like to visit Lifetime Memories. They do a wonderful job of keeping up (though their webbie is not currently loading).

I am still waiting for the Basic Grey sneak peeks and/or releases. I understand that will be made available to anxious people like me sometime on Friday (seems like forever from now).

Over at SIS TV (Scrap In Style TV), there are lots of contests and challenges. Your participation means that you too will become anxious about when products will actually be in the store for purchase.

Happy crafting!