Yay! It's Friday! Let the foolishness begin!

This picture just makes me smile and it is so fitting for this day.  Today, I head up to the Scrappin' Retreats crop house to spend the weekend with 12 AWESOME, AMAZING women(including the ladies in this photo).  We do this 2x a year, every year.  This is our 14th gathering and there is never a dull moment.  We craft, we laugh, we eat, we laugh, we eat and we craft some more. It is such a joyous, wonderful, ruckus yet relaxing weekend.

I cannot wait!

Travel safely my friends.  See you soon.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Muah!

Art Journal Page 2: Discoveries: How to...

I've shared my growing stash of supplies for art journaling and mixed media.  I've told you that I've been in the studio creating every day.  Well, today, I'll share one of those art journal pages.

I am finding art journaling to be care free and fun.  Being a little messy and using some of those paints, stamps and mists that I've had for way too long feels good, as well.  

Steps to completion:

• Applied Gesso to page. 
• Misted background with Glimmer Mists.
• Painted using Art Anthology Gel Paints.
• Misted template in a dark silver in 3 spots on page.
• Stamped dragonfly image.
• Stamped Tim Holtz quote.
• Sponged to create textures spots in pink and yellow. 
• Dripped mists to create splatters.
• Dipped dabber into paints to create the dots. 
• Out lined quotes and paint with a marker.

 Click here for a suggest list of supplies for beginners. 

Do you art journal?

Art Journaling/Mixed Media: List of Supplies for Beginners

If you follow my blog or me on Facebook you know that I have fallen in love with art journaling, junque journaling and mixed media.  I just cannot get enough.  I've been in my craft studio every day playing with Gesso, paints, dyes, mists and inks.  What fun.

I've been creating layouts without patterned paper (gasp) and LOVING it.  For those who know me, this is a FAR departure from my "normal" style of scrapbooking, where patterned papers rule with each layout needing to contain 3 or more patterns.  However, I find it freeing, fun and very artsy. 

I am quickly adding to my collection of paints, stamps, mists and such...as seen by the above picture. The stash grows!

However, I thought it would be nice to share a simple list of supplies you might want to purchase or gather if you too would like to give mixed media and art journaling a shot without breaking the bank.  Many of you already may have some of this stuff in your stash.  However, there are a few essentials I think are necessary, just so you can give it a try.  Once you find your rhythm you can add to the supplies.  You might find you like art journaling or not so much.  One thing to remember...do what you want.  The coolest part of art journaling is, there are NO rules.  Do what you like!

Beginner's supply list:

• Gesso (to prime your paper. You want to use this. It will allow your paints/supplies to go much further.
• Acrylic Paints
• Ink pad
• Stamps 
• Templates
• Brushes
• Mists
• Sharpie or Copic for writing on top of paint
• Oil Pastels (really not must have for beginners but it'll provide you with a bit of variety. 
• Paint tray 
• Artists Sketch Book with heavy paper to hold up to the painting and misting. 

If you missed my first attempt at an art journal page, here it is.

Here is my first layout created without patterned paper.  I LOVE how this turned out.  I used a stamped image, paint, stickles, rub ons, flowers and buttons to complete this layout.  It's in 6x12 format for a special album I'm creating of friends from days gone by!

Stayed tuned more creations coming soon, including some art journaling and junque journaling pages!

Happy Crafty Monday!

3 Simple, Fun Ways to Use Your Rub Ons

I don't know about you but I think rub ons are one of the best scrappy inventions!  When they arrived on the scene I had to have them all.  Ok maybe not them all but it feels like I really tried to get them all.  I have quite the stash to prove it.  My file runneth over.  Therefore, lately I've been trying to use up some of the stash.

With such a large variety, they are a great way to add a touch of elegance, fun, jazz or color to your projects: layouts, cards or altered art.

I created the card above.  The entire design is a rub on, except for the patterned paper, bling and pearls.

I also created an ATC and a book mark.  I love having cards ready for every occasion and bookmarks are a quick, thoughtful gift idea for those who still enjoy the feel of an actual book, as I do.

Supplies used: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Rub ons: Bo Bunny; Pearls; Bling; Ribbon: May Arts; Rit Dye.

Do you have a rub on stash?  How do you use them?

Comments are welcome and cheered!

How creativity can help you achieve weight loss success

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Cute Idea to Jazz Up Your Ribbon!

It's another wedding memory! Welcome to the Toast!

Story behind the photos:  During this part of the ceremony, our wedding coordinator made it clear that had to keep drinking the champagne until it was gone. Thank goodness it was tasty. They teased, as I completed my glass first, saying, "Well, we know who will wear the pants in this family!"  LOL! Robert readily agreed.  Hahaha!

However, the most memorable part was when my mom toasted us, saying "To everlasting happiness and everlasting love."  It was simple, yet so sweet and completely heart felt.  I still feel such joy whenever I think of it.  It was her blessing and loving our union and only wishing the absolute best. I cannot forget to mention my little brother's giggly, "congratulations," as he was allowed to take a sip of champagne.

Supplies used:  Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper: Basic Grey;  Ribbon: May Arts; Bling: Heidi Swapp; Rub ons: Making Memories; Charms

Great idea for using your ribbon: Add a strip of bling to otherwise plain ribbon to add sparkle. Years later I still love this effect. 

Check out last week's, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," for another, sweet wedding moment. 

Next, week...that yummy, incredible Cake!

Mix flavors for a healthy, tasty taco

It's Tuesday so you know what that means...it's my weekly weigh in!

But first let me share this tasty treat with you.  This past week I had been craving tacos...perhaps it's because of Cinco de Mayo...hmmmm?  I don't know.  Anyway, craving tacos but not wanting any store bought and also not wanting to have the typical taco or use the typical seasoning packet.  What's in that little seasoning packet that leaves your meat way too salty and overly seasoned?

I decided I'd give it a go on my own.   I seasoned my ground turkey with garlic, cumin and an organic all purpose season mix.  I found some really delicious 100% whole grain wraps with oat and honey.  I topped the wrap with a little bit Chihuahua cheese, ground turkey, avocado, sun-dried tomato and a dollop of sour cream.  What resulted was simply a palate pleaser.  YUM! YUM! YUM!

I suggest you give it a try or get creative and try something different that leaves you happy, satisfied and healthy.

And now for my weigh in results....drum roll please I am down 3lbs this week!  Hallelujah!  I love it!  So thrilled.  Measuring, walking, weight lifting and keeping my hands busy by crafting is really working in my favor.

How was your week?  What new "healthy" recipes have you tried lately?

Muah!