Sunday, May 23, 2010

Am I crazy?!

Don't answer that!...I am sure I know the answer.  Most days I feel I need a few more hours in the day to get my projects completed as things stand now.  My brain seems as if it is running around like a chicken without it's head.  So....what does one do in that situation?  I created another blog!  haha, yeppers I've lost it now.
I feel many times this blog is my poor neglected child here despite my best efforts.  I am setting myself up to do business of some fashion again.  My business name and blog will be called Sassy Tumbleweed.  It turns out to be terribly descriptive of me and my endeavors. 
The things I really enjoy doing are all over the place including sewing, quilting, silk ribbon embroidery, painting, woodworking, jewelry making just to name a few.  I really love junking and collecting an assortment of things.  It is time that I help some of this move on to a new home.  I want to feed my passion for all this goodness and share with others.
Hang in there with me and I'll get this ball rolling.  I appreciate the support my family,friends and bloggers give to keep me energized. 
Thanks for stopping by and y'all come back...ya hear?

Monday, May 17, 2010

Napkin Transfer technique

I am introducing a contributor to my blog.  She is none other than my most favorite daughter.  I could only seem to round up this pic on the spur of the moment.  The sunshiney day was making us all squint, but her smile just lights up the space anyway.
We learned how to use napkins as a decorative addition to our altered art last year from Jan T. at Paper Cowgirl Retreat.  My favorite daughter put together a tutorial for these napkins as an intro for those who have never used these mini works of printed art.  So here is her tut.....

NAPKIN TRANSFER



The napkins you want are the decorative paper napkins that you would use for special occasions and holidays. The “pretty napkins” that don’t get used often.


You also need matte medium to do this project and a nice flat brush.








You can cut out the area of the napkin you want to use or tear it.

First, you will need to separate the layers of napkin away from the design. There are usually 3 layers but sometimes there will be 4. I have found that if there are 4, the last layer is hard to pull away from the design—so be more careful.


 

Once you have your design paper separated, then you put some of your medium on your surface and spread evenly. Next, apply the napkin. Once that napkin goes down, it won’t move easily or come up easily. Especially if you have used more rather than less medium.












Lastly, apply a bit more medium to the top of the napkin. Once you do this, you will see the design begin to “disappear” into the surface. I used the black background so you could see how it disappears.


The pic with the brown surface has the right side half done.





The right side of the napkin has the 2nd layer of matte medium on it and the final product….



Do be careful not to over brush and be light with your brush. As you can see, I was trying to smooth the surface too much with my brush and the napkin tore in the top left corner.

I hope this was helpful and easy to understand.  -A-

Thanks Fav Daughter!!

Now, y'all go grab your cute napkins and try this technique.  It works on so many surfaces and the wrinkles are a bonus gift of texture and not to be frowned upon.  Thanks for stopping by..and y'all come back!

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day Moms Everywhere!  Today is a great day to celebrate your mom and all the 'other' mother's that have helped you to be the person you are today.








And thanks to my kiddos for making my day special.  They are my inspiration to be a better mother everyday.
THANKS!