Brayering Scenes ...

I've been playing with a fabulous brayer technique by Sandy Hulsart, a friend of mine. She has two great blogs that's well worth a visit. Creative Moments with Sandy, Scenes by Sandy

The first card is Sandy's technique using Stampscapes stamps and a sentiment stamp from Close to my Heart.

The second and third cards uses the same technique with a twist. I first stamped the main image with the new Versamark Dazzle "Frost" ink pad, then heat set it. I followed that with Sandy's brayering style using Stampscapes stamps and a sentiment stamp from Hero Arts. The Versamark ink acts as a "resist" and creates a glowing effect.

It's a fun and easy idea for great backgrounds as well.

Latest Bead Update: My first jewelry party is scheduled for August 2nd and I've been working my butt off making beads and creating jewelry. I've made earrings, necklaces and bracelets in preparation. I learned how to do chain maille, which is easier than it looks. Here's a necklace using a chain maille flower with one of my beads.

This weekend, my daughter, Lee is coming home from Cincinnati and we're headed to Albany for a Green Day concert! I'm a "roadie mom"! Have a great week :)

Red, White, Blue OCC Challenge...

I enjoy subscribing to other talented artists' blogs, and a particular favorite of mine is Sandy Hulsart's "Creative Moments with Sandy" and "Scenes by Sandy". This week she is a Guest Designer for "Our Creative Corner", another fabulous blog and they are having their weekly challenge focusing on the colors of Red, White and Blue.

This is my submission entry for their challenge, and I encourage you to submit your own cards using Red, White & Blue for a chance to win free stamps! That's always FUN!

My sister is coming to visit for over a week, and I'm so excited. So, of course, I'm trying my best to "straighten" my craft room, which is a feat in itself! We're going to drive down to Virginia to surprise my Mom this weekend!

As I rummage around and try to make some kind of dent in my creative mess, maybe I'll take a break and stamp some cards with stamps I purchased from the new Hobby Lobby that just opened in our area! More exciting news, the manager has asked me to teach at the store, and I'm also making preparations for my FIRST jewelry party!

What do you think of my Snowflake necklace and matching earrings? My glass lampwork beads are the focus of this pretty necklace as well as a Crystal Silver Snowflake by Swarovski. (Click on the picture and it should show a larger size.)

Stay tuned for more cards and news!