Lauren Ferguson | There are no mistakes in art, just opportunites to embellish. (tm)

Acrylic and your Cricut

Over the weekend, I got a bunch of emails asking questions about the mini Sharpie and the Cricut. I hope these answers help.

Question: Did you know that Amy Chomas is selling holders for the gel pens and the Sharpies?

Answer: Yes. But if you are like me and you want immediate gratification and have 2.00 you can do it this way.

Question: Which pen holders did you purchase?

Answer: I purchased the staples brand. They were under 3.00 and they were the only ones that I could find.

Question: How far down did you put the pen holder?

Answer: They are not as easy as you think to get on so where ever it landed is where it landed and I tried to make it work.

Question: How far down do you put the pen so that it does not write all over the acrylic when it is moving around?

Answer: I did not measure. I just shoved an envelope from some junk mail under the pen so it did not write all over my brand new Cricut.

Question: You used large type how does it look when you use smaller images and fonts?

Answer: I have no idea. But on first response, I would say that it is the tip of the pen that will give you some indication.There are other brands of mini ultra fine pens if you think that may work better. Give it a try and let me know what happens.

Question: Do you have any other samples of what you have done on acrylic with the Cricut?

Answer: As a matter of fact, I do. I just did not like the design for the my Dad, so I changed it. Plus the wheels smeared some of the ink. Note, I just inked the edges of the acrylic so that you can see them.

HTH

until we meet again,

To Resin or Not to Resin, that is the question.

I have been working with Ice Resin from Objects and Elements for the past few weeks.

When I first got this stuff and surfed the web to see what others had done with it, all I saw was jewelry applications.

So let me be honest and say that there is a learning curve. I had to figure out what I was looking for and then try to work backwards. If you can figure out what that means then you are ahead of me. LOL!

Jump in head first and trust me you will swim. Lay down some plastic bags, grab some of your favorite papers and get started.

You can punch, cut, stamp on and tear paper that was difficult or nearly impossible before applying.

The top flowers are made from mulberry paper and then cut on the Cricut. The circles were punched with a circle punch.

Let me digress just for a second. Did y'all know that 3L Scrapbook Adhesives has black square foam squares? I love these things. There is a perfection in the foam square and to have it in black is more than right it is the bomb diggity.

I love the results of using text weight paper. The paper becomes transparent with a great glossy finish.

It has a memory and it will keep its shape.

The bottom flower is also cut on the Cricut. I could never cut mulberry paper before. It does not rip or tear when taking it off of the cutting mat. LOVE IT.

My next step is to conquering coloring ICE Resin using dry or oil-based products. All of the flowers here I colored the paper first and then applied the ICE Resin.

I have a few suggestions for working with the ice resin:

First, make sure that you follow the instructions and and mix the ice resin thoroughly.

Second, let the paper dry completely. You will be much happier with the final results.

Lastly, be patient. You do not want to rush through an application and find that your results are not what you expected.

So in the end here are the reasons why I would use the ICE Resin on paper:

1) ICE Resin makes cutting once impossible paper possible in the Cricut. I have not tried other electronic cutter because I don't own them.

2) ICE Resin makes the paper translucent. Need I say more.

3) ICE Resin is versatile. You can customize your look based on its application.

4) ICE Resin goes a long way, so you get a good bang for your buck. And you know that I am all about the bang.

until we meet again,

I'm ready for my close up!!

I'm going to be on television!! 

You heard me. I am going to be on the little screen!!!

Back in September, I received an email from Sheryl Borden, the Producer and Host of "Creative Living with Sheryl Borden". 

It's a half-hour television show designed for the active lifestyles of the new millennium.  They are celebrating their 33rd season on PBS.

Well, of course I decided to do it why not. It is going to be a blast!

So in between watching Hoarders and keeping up with homeschooling for the boys, I have been making projects for the show. I decided to commit two segments. Each segment is 5 to 7 minutes.

The first is called "On the Re-Bound: Old Book Covers Get A Second Chance". I using the Your Story from Provo Craft with a vintage book cover and new signatures. I no longer have to rig up the hot plate and the clamps to get a nice seal. It is clean and safe.

There is a joy that I get when I stitch a book by hand, but it can take hours to complete and you must do it in one sitting. Maybe that is the Librarian in me.

The second is called "Live Out Loud: Canvas Covered Journal".  I am using the Yudu and the

Ready-to-Go!® Blank Canvas Book from C&T Publishing.

But can I tell you the most exciting of all, I am going to be flying from Atlanta to Roswell, NM. That's right you read it right, I'm going to the land of aliens and UFO's.

Now what more could I possibly get.

So I am off to shave my legs, brush my newly waxed eyebrows and put on some mascara for my close up.

until we meet again,

I said "Yes!"

Yep, I did it!

I agreed to be the Newsletter Editor for ISABA.

I know I know, I just took a bunch off my plate why put this on? It took me a few days to figure that out also.

So here is what I have come up with... Stick with me...

What a wonderful platform that is not being used to its fullest potential. I have read through their website and there is some fantastically talented AB Artists.

They just need someone to shout it from the roof tops. What better candidate for the job than me!

I hope that my enthusiasm is contagious.

The gig that I had at the Public Library was from an inquiry made to ISABA.

I started an altered dictionary for my parents. I called it a dedicationary.

DIC - TIO - NARY
Pronunciation: 'dik-sh&-"ner-E      Function: noun
1 : a reference book containing words usually alphabetically arranged along with information about their forms, pronunciations, functions, etymologies, meanings, and syntactical and idiomatic uses
2 : a reference book listing alphabetically terms or names important to a particular subject or activity along with discussion of their meanings and applications
3 : a reference book giving for words of one language equivalents in another
4 : a list (as of items of data or words) stored in a computer for reference (as for information retrieval or word processing)

DED - I - CA - TION
Pronunciation: "de-di-'kA-sh&n      Function: noun
1 : an act or rite of devoting to the worship of a divine being or to a sacred use
2a : a devoting or setting aside for a particular purpose or definite use b : to commit to a goal or way of life
3a : a name and often a message prefixed to a literary, musical, or artistic production in tribute to a person or cause b : to inscribe or address by way of compliment <dedicate a book to a friend>
4 : self-sacrificing devotion

DED - I - CA - TION - ARY
Pronunciation: "de-di-'kA-sh&n-"ner-E      Function: noun
1 : an oversized brag book about one’s grandchildren that sits on the coffee table at their new house in Atlanta
2 : a reference book containing crafted memories of grandchildren usually alphabetically arranged with short stories and messages from the little rugrats about how much they love their Nana and Poppy and could not live without them, and who would want to
3 : information about their grandchildren that probably no one else would want or even care to know, but that only Nana and Poppy find meaningful uses for
4 : an altered dictionary that their daughter has turned into a work of art with the sole purpose of allowing Nana and Poppy to brag about their grandchildren and all of their wonderful accomplishments
5 : made with love & care only once in a lifetime

Opps, I digressed...

So I see it as a win win situation. This may be the kick in my butt that I need to get that project done.

Well, off to go design a newsletter.

until we meet again,

Fired Up and Ready to Go!!

Yes, I am here to tell it. I have been asked by Crafting Cruises to do my very own cruise!

Yep, you heard it first here. In February 2010, I have been asked to do a Cruise!

I choose this cruise for two reasons:

1) I have a love affair with the Grand Cayman. The weather is perfect all year round.

2) The Conference Room has an OCEAN VIEW!!! DID YOU HEAR ME...

THE CONFERENCE ROOM HAS AN OCEAN VIEW!!

So here are the details.  Assuming all is well, I want to teach a copper etching class on Day 2. Yes, you heard me right.

We are going to etch copper at sea!!

Day 1 Tampa, Florida -- 4:00 pm
2 hour class 8.00pm to 10.00pm

Day 2 At Sea -- Copper Etching Class!!
2 hour class 10.00am to 12.00pm
2 hour class  1.30pm to 3.30pm

Day 3 Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands 7:00 am 2:00 pm
1 hour class 4.00pm to 5.00pm included in price of the cruise

Day 4 Cozumel, Mexico 9:00 am 6:00 pm
NO CLASS

Day 5 At Sea -- --
1 hour class 10.30am to 11.30am included in price of cruise
3 hour class 1.00pm to 4.00pm

I working out all the details now. I should know more by the middle of the week.

until we meet again,

I'm on CrafterTV!!

It has been a week of great new beginnings and I love it.

I drove up to NJ to spend a few days with my very first Design Team Coordinator Jen Starr. She was teaching a few classes at the Scrapbook Expo and I have always wanted to see her teach. It was a great experience for me getting to watch her hold court.

I had a blast being her Head Minion. She is good. I mean she is really good. And as her classes got larger she got better.

The trip was well worth it just for that alone. Then I came back to her house to relax and her wonderful husband Mike had meatloaf with red gravy, homemade mash potatoes and my favorite Entermann's Chocolate Covered Donuts for an after dinner snack with a big mug of coffee. I have not had them since 1987. I's a long story, but needless to say I LOVE THEM MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF. That is the donuts, while I do love Jen and her family, it was definately the donuts.

This morning I received an email from Vicky Murray, Executive Director at Scrappy TV. I filmed a small segment as part of a contest at the CHA Super Show, and it is on the net!!!

Considering that it was my first time ever doing anything crafty in front of the camera, I think I did pretty well. Or better yet, I should say that they edited the hell out of the footage and made me look better than I could have ever imagined.

The title of the segment is Everything Old is New Again. Go check it out!

Well I am off to pilfer through Jen's stash and see what I can find.

Oh don't hate me because I am beautiful, just hate me!

Her husband told me that I cannot say NO to anything that I am told to take.

Who says NO to free shit from Jen Starr. Not me!!

until we meet again,

Hanging out at Scrapbook Expo-Duluth

This is going to be a great weekend.

I 'm doing the Make and Take at the Tattered Angels booth this weekend.

It is a really large tag about 8.5 by 4 with two smaller tags that flip inside, a few staples and you are done.

Cute and simple.

So if you are bored and have nothing to do at the show in between classes come on over to the booth, hang out with me and spend some money.

until we meet again,

Gotta love it when a plan comes together...

It took me a week to finalize the Glimmer Mist De-Mistified class. I am so happy with it!

While I was in Knoxville, so many of the ladies are card makers and stampers, they felt kicked to the curb when the class was all layouts.

Now, I have sprayed and stamped myself to the bone. I have stayed up late and seen the sun come up. 

To all the card markers who want to kick up their heels and get inky with me come to the classes while I am running through Virginia.

To all the stampers come on and learn some stash friendly tips and tricks to working with Glimmer Mist.

You will learn much more than just how to spray the bottle. I have just sent some of the samples to the stores so that you can see them.

But for those who are still on the fence, enough of the sneak peaks take a look at what we will be doing.

 

My favorite is the last one with the flower.  Then my next is the the three flowers.

On the back of each you will have the instructions for each element.

I have left space for the mini-tags to have pictures added later. Or you can leave them as they are so that the technique is visible.

until we meet again,

Taking a step back to look forward

I taught the Glimmer Mist De-Mistified class for the first time in Knoxville. It was great. And the ladies loved it.  I realized that I needed to break it down. By the time we get to the middle of the class, techniques start to run together.

I forget that Glimmer Mist is new to so many people. I have been using it for three years. The basics are new, then to throw a little bit of me in the mix can make the class overwhelming. Having said that, I have spent this week revamping.

So with the suggestions from the ladies in Knoxville, we have an even better class.

Glimmer Mist De-Mistified

Everyone loves it! Now what do we do with it??? Are you ready to spray your heart out?  In this TECHNIQUE BASED class you will be making 10 5 ½ by 5 ½ tags with step by step instructions to reference on the back. Each tag is a beautiful mini layout. You will be able to refer back to your tags so that you can use the techniques over and over. You will learn how to color match Glimmer Mist to your favorite pattern papers. You will learn how to make your own background pages. We will use resist techniques in new and interesting ways. You will find a renewed love of your watercolor pencils, crayons, acrylic paint and stamps. We will be learning how to mask with traditional scrapbooking supplies.  We will also be using two mystery techniques. At the end of this TECHNIQUE BASED class you will leave looking to spray Glimmer Mist on anything that you can find.  Each participant will be able to customize page titles for your photos. 

So having said that, I am off and running to finish a wonderful piece for Altered Arts Magazine.

Stay sane and enjoy the Holiday weekend!

until we meet again,

NAMTA here I come...

*****This is going to be a long post,
so grab a cup of coffee and sit.*****

I must first start with an artistic caveat. Here goes:

I know that there was a conscious decision on my part to say, yes, I am a designer hear me roar.

But can I tell you that I need to learn to say "No, I am not superwoman, I cannot beat creativity out of me on the dime."

Well, I have been learning all there is to learn about pleating these past five days. I have actually mastered four different pleats and my hands and fingers are so raw, it hurts to type.

I will not digress...

I was asked by Grafix to make "something" for their booth at the International Art Materials Trade Association show this coming week in Louisville, Kentucky.

I told them yes, I would make "something".

I have wanted to make a dress form for months. So off I go into my own little world. I purchase the dress form and wait for the box of stuff from Grafix.

Oh My Heavens!!! What have I gotten myself into?

You know that you cannot commit to anything without a plan. I learned that from the moment I entered the world. My Dad always told me a to have a Plan A and a Plan B.

So here is the run down of all the plans.

Plan A:
Print on the colored Clear-Lay.
Run it thru the old paper shredder to get strips.
Leave an inch uncut at top and adhere to dress form in layers.

Note to Self: You cannot print on Clear-Lay.

Plan B:
Run Clear-Lay thru the old paper shredder to get strips.
Leave an inch uncut at top and adhere to dress form in layers.

Note to Self: You cannot run Clear-Lay thru the paper shredder effectively.

As I am starting to feel the weight of the task at hand getting heavier and heavier, I call my good friend Ann Butler.

Ann and I stay on the phone for over 3 hours. She tells me about the pleaters board.

What is a pleaters board? Yep, that is just what I said.

Ann proceeds to tell me that it is a board made of rubber that allows you to make pleats in fabric.

Here is a great link on what is a pleaters board and how to use it.

Yep, I mean a world of unbelievable newness was just opened, the angels began to sing.

Ann, then says well you can make one on your own and she sends me the link. Oh, I am in heaven. I sit, I make my pleaters board out of heavy duty foil.

I have a new plan.

Plan C:
Pleat strips of Clear-Lay with newly made pleaters board.
Adhere to dress form in layers.

Note to Self: You can't lay Clear-Lay in a pleaters board made out of heavy duty foil, it wont work, trust me on this.

I now have to pleat each and every piece of Clear-Lay by hand using my Scor-it! tool.

By the time I figured out how to fold and score and cut then piece everything together so that there were no seems and tape showing everywhere, I was on to Plan Q.

A few of my girls laughed at my first attempts, but once I got over the learning curves of pleating, I must admit I am very very excited at what came out of me.

If you are going to be at NAMTA, go to booth #710 and take a photo. I would love to see it up. Of course, I want you in the photo too. It would not be the same.

until we meet again,