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

Mascara, Lip Gloss and Nail Polish, Oh My!!

I had the best time on "Creative Living with Sheryl Borden".

I never realized just how quickly the time passes when you have only 7 to 9 minutes to say and do it all. 

This a half-hour television show designed for the active lifestyles of the new millennium.

It is currently carried on more than 118 PBS stations in over 40 states, as well as in Canada, Guam and Puerto Rico.

I did not know how much prep time it takes to get ready for TV. And I do not mean the getting the projects and step outs ready either.

Of course, I was given a list from my friends and my mother broken into two parts those things that I had to do and the things that I should do. By the time it was all said and done, one list ran into the other.

I had to get my locks tightened, wax my eyebrows, put on mascara, wear eyeshadow and lip gloss. Once I had all that done, I figured I should clean all the crud out from my fingers and put on some clear nail polish, buy new personals!

I promise next time I will do ear rings and a necklace. I just could not handle all of it on the first go around!

I normally only take 7 minutes after my shower to get dressed and out the door.

It took me over 45 minutes to put it all together and get ready to face the harsh reality of the snow storm in Portales, NM.

Everyone was wonderful! The time that I spent on the set was fabulous. I really can't wait to do it again.

The first segment that I did was called On the Rebound: Old Book Covers get a Second Chance.

Here is an easy way to re-purpose vintage book covers for pennies on the dollar. It makes a perfect keepsake for your travels! These journals are great when space is at a minimum but you still need a journal that can handle more than just short notes. This blank book is designed to be easy to carry yet still have plenty of room for your thoughts! Making a text block can be time consuming and take hours of hand stitching. Not any more, with the Your Story™ from Provo Craft you can create in just minutes. Advanced Book Artists and Novices alike will enjoy!

The second segment that I taped was called Live Out Loud: Canvas Covered Journal.

Keep in your purse or pocket for handy access to jot down phone numbers, names and other information. Handy when you want to write down ideas and random thoughts while on the run. Stylish and unique, a great replacement for the shards of paper that get lost all too often. What better way to keep track of all of your adventures and discoveries? Advanced Book Artists and Novices alike will enjoy! The covers are made using the Yudu™, Ready-to-Go!® Blank Canvas Book and EarthSafe Finishes Shimmer Gel Medium.

I have to admit that this was one of the best experiences that I've had since I started on my road as a professional Mixed Media Artist.

I can't wait to do it again! I'm off to take pictures so that you can see projects up close it finally stopped raining here.

until we meet again,

Yes!!! I am still teaching at Sweet Memories in Carrollton!

I have recently gotten a few emails asking if I was still teaching at Sweet Memories. The answer is YES!!

If you are having trouble getting through on the phone have no fear, just send me an email. Leave me a comment on the blog. Send up smoke signals. Just show up the store can seat 40! I will be there with bells on looking to have a good time.

It is going to be a blast. Classes start at 10.00am!!

See you there.

Distress Ink Techniques

So you think you know all you can do with Distress Ink? I can guarantee that you never used Distress Inks like this! We will be masking, embossing, misting and stamping. Want to learn how to tint photos and not have streak marks? Want to know how to tell if a Glimmer Mist color will work well with a Distress Ink before you even spray it? Do you want to explore new ways to use standard household items to create unique looks for your cards and layouts? This is the class for you. In this TECHNIQUE BASED class you will be making 15 shipping tags with step by step instructions to reference on the back. You will be able to refer back to your tags so that you can use the techniques over and over. The possibilities are limitless. I will have the Bucket O’ Stamps to choose from but you may bring your own.

Class cost: 35.00         Class length: 10:00am to 12:00pm

Class supplies: No supplies are needed. If you have a heat gun, please bring it.

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 crayons, acrylic paint and stamps. We will be learning how to mask with traditional scrapbooking supplies.  At the end of this TECHNIQUE BASED class you will leave looking to spray Glimmer Mist on anything that you can find.  I will have the Bucket O’ Stamps to choose from but you may bring your own.

Class cost: $60.00       Class length: 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Class supplies: No supplies are needed. If you have a heat gun, please bring it.

Gratitude Journal

Celebrate life's blessings by sharing the things you're most grateful for! Use this beautiful little wire bound journal to remind you of the bounty of your life or give it as a gift to thank someone dear to your heart! The Gratitude Journal is a 4" x 4" with 4 additional chipboard pages, tags and envelopes. You will make your own covers using 2 simple techniques with Glimmer Mist and Distress Inks. You will learn how to miter the perfect corner. On occasion, I may be required to substitute similar papers for those shown here due to availability.  I will have the Bucket O’ Stamps to choose from but you may bring your own.

Class cost: $35.00       Class length: 6:00 to 8:00pm

Class supplies: Paper Trimmer, Scissors, Liquid and Dry Adhesive, and if you have a heat gun, please bring it.

until we meet again,

Come as you are Cruise **Update**

I recieved a few emails from folks who want to go on the cruise but December is a tough month to get the deposit.

So I have changed the date. The Come as You Are Cruise will be October 3, 2010!

We have gone from a 5 day cruise to a 7 day cruise! We are still going to the Grand Cayman and we get an extra 2 hours in port! 

We are going to have an extra day at Key West, FL. I have been to Disney and I have been to Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. I have not been to Key West, FL. I hear that the sunsets are to die for. So I am coming camera ready.

Instead of going to Mexico we are going to Ochos Rios, Jamaica. I love Jamaica. I remember when I was a kid and we went to Dunns River Falls. That was such a great memory for me. And I have not been back since. So this is exciting.

So here is the new itinerary:

Sunday October 3, 2010
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 4.00 pm Departure

8.00pm to 10.00pm
Papermaking Sampler -- Dried papers can be used as book covers, cards, in collages, or stand on their own. Come and play for a couple of hours. This class will give you an opportunity to explore some of the possibilities of paper. This is a beginning class where the focus is on forming a sheet of paper, ways to press and dry paper and, best of all, the hands-on experience of making your own paper. If you have some dried flowers from a special occasion or from your garden, bring them with you. I will also have some on hand for you to use. If you are taking a papermaking class, bring waterproof shoes and expect to get wet. ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED!

Monday, October 4, 2010
Key West, Florida 8:00 am to 5:00 pm 

NO CLASS

Tuesday, October 5, 2010
At Sea

10.00am to 12.00pm
Dos a Dos Binding -- This is a Dos a Dos style coptic bound book. That is, it opens from both the front and the back. It is essentially two books that share a single cover, making them one. The signatures are cut from watercolor paper, perfect for creating your next art journal. Samples from the Papermaking class can be used as book covers making this journal the perfect personal gift. ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED!

1.30pm to 3.30pm
Cigar Box Journal -- Create a journal from an old cigar box and other up-cycled materials. It is wonderful for sketching and recording all your dreams and schemes. This spine features thread sewn through large beads in a very unique and fun pattern. You will sew the pages to create a multi-sectioned book. ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED!    

Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands 7.00am to 4.00pm

NO CLASS

Thursday, October 7, 2010
Ocho Rios, Jamaica 7:30 am to 3:30 pm

6.00pm to 8.00pm
Make Your Own Stamps -- There are wonderful stamps on the market, but sometimes we all want to make something that is truly our own. In this class, you will learn to make your own stamps using a 60 Watt light bulb and daylight polymer. Imagine having your own personalized stamps for use in your scrapbook, making ATCs, or making greeting and note cards. You can even use them to stamp designs in polymer clay and metal clay. ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED! 

 

Friday, October 8, 2010
At Sea

9.30am to 11.30am
Altered Journal -- Discover the creative freedom altered journals provide and how to get started. We will explore a variety of methods for getting words on your altered page, adding text and texture as a feature element, or to compliment other artwork on the page. We will incorporate envelopes, fibers, tags, folded pages and beads to our books and explore a variety of other altering techniques. ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED!

1.00pm to 4.00pm
Class Sponsored by ProvoCraft we will be using the Yudu and the Your Story to create a stunning book project.

8.00pm to 9.00pm
Sweetheart Box -- We love this sweet little box! It is small enough to hold jewelry or chocolates and bold enough to sit on a shelf and look pretty. Once you've made the box, add ink, stamps, embellishments, whatever you can think of to enhance the box. ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED!

      

Saturday, October 9, 2010
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 8.00am

NO CLASS

------------------------------------------
$690.67 Inside Stateroom, $730.67 Ocean view Stateroom
Featuring a 24 hour private workroom and 2 workshops included in the price!

Take $120 off the above price for non crafters.

Limited number of triples and quads. Suites available on request.

Prices are person in US dollars and include all taxes and government fees.
------------------------------------------

Come and hang out with me this is destined to go down in history as the most fun that you can have without getting arrested.

until we meet again,

Getting grateful for the little things.

Wow, can I tell you how much time it takes me to just do these class sample sheets!

I am the proud owner of CS4 but only have a Photoshop Elements 6 skills set.

I love the way the Journal sample came out.

I have stacked the kit with a bunch of embellishments and elements from all over my craft room.

I purposefully did not trick out this sample so that you can see the background pages. All the elements in the kit will kick it over the edge.

There are tags and coin holders and folded pages that complete this journal.

There is still room in the classes at Sassy Scrapper. Give them a call at
615-895-1284.

I hope to see you there!!

until we meet again,

Has anyone seen my sanity?

It has been non-stop for the past two weeks.  Can I just leave it at I am worn out.

I am tired of doing laundry. I am tired of being a kiddie taxi. I am tired of my hurry up and wait life.

But when I look back on the past two weeks, I have to say the kids are happy and my family cracks me up.

I have had to carve out some time here and there to get all of my stuff ready to teach class this coming weekend at the Sassy Scrapper 3325 D Memorial Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN. Give them a call. There are still spaces available. 615-895-1284
July 16-17, 2009

I had a blast pulling from some old and new techniques with my own twist on them.

I always have loved the ways that you can mix and match techniques to find your groove. This class will teach you how to effectively blend colors to get the distinct layered look of distress inks.

The picture shows my favorites of the bunch. If I have to choose, I think that my favorite of the bunch is the brush-less watercolor technique. The one in the lower right.

It could be the stamp from Unity Stamp but either way, I love it!

The Glimmer Mist Class is a great class. In this class we start with French Vanilla or Midnight from Couture Cardstock. You will learn how to make your masks and screens pop off the page.

We will take pieces and make simple paper embellishment for cards, mixed media projects or any paper crafting need.

I'll post pictures of the Gratitude Journal after I take photos in the morning.

until we meet again,

Yudu-ing YourStory on the High Seas!!

That's right you heard me!!  It is official, I got the word from ProvoCraft on Friday!!

We will be Yudu-ing Yourstory on the high seas!!

We now have the makings of a Grand Prize and 2 Runner-Up prizes.

The first 25 people who sign up will be entered into a drawing to win a Grand Prize from the sponsors. ProvoCraft's Yudu and YourStory as well Photocentric's Imagepac Daylight kits to make your own stamps.

The Grand Prize is now valued at approximately 500.00!!

This prize does not include the Come As You Are Kits.

Go ahead and start getting your deposits in so that we can get to CRUISIN'!

$638.67 Inside Stateroom, $678.67 Oceanview Stateroom. Featuring a 24 hour private workroom and 2 workshops included in the price!

Take $120 off the above price for non crafters.

Limited number of triples and quads.

Prices are person in US dollars and include all taxes and government fees. Suites available on request.

Deposit: $200.00 per person to secure your place, due now. Fully refundable right up until final payment.Final payment due 15 December, 2009 DO NOT BOOK ANY AIR UNTIL NOTIFIED

Please call toll-free number 1-877-419-1783 or Email info@craftingcruises.com.

For more information about classes offered on the cruise go to http://tinyurl.com/yggnuoq or send me an email at lauren@everythingaltered.com

until we meet again,

Cruise Prizes!!

Can you believe it!!!

Photocentric has graciously donated Imagepac Daylight kits as prizes.

Each kit is valued at $100.00.

Imagepac Daylight is a simple to use.

All you need to provide is the creativity, hot water, detergent and a 60W light bulb!

You create your own designs and follow the simple instructions provided.

The Kit includes:

• 2 x A6 imagepac daylight sachets
• 4 x A7 imagepac daylight sachets
• 4 x A8 imagepac daylight sachets
• 4 x A4 sheets imageblack inkjet film
• Artwork and sachet clamp
• TimerTray for de-tacking plate & hardening stamp
• Brush
• Knife
• Bottle of plate drying salts
• Pair of gloves
• Ink pad
• Acrylic mount
• Sample artwork
• Full instructions with easy to follow pictures
• Metal Carrying Case

So here is the deal register for the cruise by November 15th, 2009 and your name will go into a drawing for one of these kits.

until we meet again,

Cruise Update: Classes

I am so excited I can just spit.

I have really come up with some great classes for the cruise!!

Go ahead and start getting your deposits in so that we can get to CRUISIN'!

Please call toll-free number 1-877-419-1783 or Email info@craftingcruises.com

Day 1 Tampa, Florida -- 4:00 pm
2 hour class 8.00pm to 10.00pm
Papermaking Sampler -- Dried papers can be used as book covers, cards, in collages, or stand on there own. Come and play for a couple of hours. This class will give you an opportunity to explore some of the possibilities of paper. This is a beginning class where the focus is on forming a sheet of paper, ways to press and dry paper and, best of all, the hands-on experience of making your own paper. If you have some dried flowers from a special occasion or from your garden, bring them with you. I will also have some on hand for you to use. ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED!

Day 2 At Sea -- --
2 hour class 10.00am to 12.00pm
Dos a Dos Binding -- This is a Dos a Dos style coptic bound book. That is, it opens from both the front and the back. It is essentially two books that share a single cover, making them one. The signatures are cut from watercolor paper, perfect for creating your next art journal. Samples from the Papermaking class can be used as book covers making this journal the perfect personal gift. ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED!

2 hour class  1.30pm to 3.30pm
Cigar Box Journal -- Create a journal from an old cigar box and other up-cycled materials. It is wonderful for sketching and recording all your dreams and schemes. This spine features thread sewn through large beads in a very unique and fun pattern.You will sew the pages to create a multi-sectioned book.  ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED!

Day 3 Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands 7:00 am 2:00 pm
1 hour class 4.00pm to 5.00pm included in the price of the cruise
Make Your Own Stamps -- There are wonderful stamps on the market, but sometimes we all want to make something that is truly our own. In this class, you will learn to make your own stamps using a 60 Watt light bulb and daylight polymer. Imagine having your own personalized stamps for use in your scrapbook, making ATCs, or making greeting and note cards. You can even use them to stamp designs in polymer clay and metal clay. ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED!

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

Day 5 At Sea -- --
2 hour class 9.30am to 11.30am
Altered Journal -- Discover the creative freedom altered journals provide and how to get started. We will explore a variety of methods for getting words on your altered page, adding text and texture as a feature element, or to compliment other artwork on the page. We will incorporate envelopes, fibers, tags, folded pages and beads to our books and explore a variety of other altering techniques. ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED!

3 hour class 1.00pm to 4.00pm
TBD

1 hour class 8.00pm to 9.00pm included in price of the cruise
Sweetheart Box -- We love this sweet little box! It is small enough to hold jewelry or chocolates and bold enough to sit on a shelf and look pretty. Once you’ve made the box, add ink, stamps, embellishments, whatever you can think of to enhance the box. ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED!

Day 6 Tampa, Florida 8:00 am --
NO CLASS

until we meet again,

Cruise Update

So here is my plan.

This is bring nothing cruise!!!

That's right, you do not have to bring any supplies what so ever.

I am going to make sure that all is available on the cruise for you.
And yes, they are yours to take home!

That's right, you are going to get a chance to work without a worry.

I always bring my tools with me. I feel naked without them.
So please do not stress, you can still bring your favorite tools.

I will be posting more about the classes as soon as I get them finalized.

So get your deposits in as soon as possible by calling 1-877-419-1783




5 Day Western Caribbean Cruise including classes, is only:

$638.67 Inside Stateroom, $678.67 Oceanview Stateroom
Featuring a 24 hour private workroom and 2 workshops included in the price!

Take $120 off the above price for non crafters.

Limited number of triples and quads.

Prices are person in US
dollars and include all taxes and government fees.

Suites available on request.

Deposit: $200.00 per person to secure your place, due now.

Fully refundable right up until
final payment.

Final payment due 15 December, 2009
DO NOT BOOK ANY AIR UNTIL NOTIFIED

until we meet again,

For all of my local peeps…

I have been working my butt off here. I am just trying to keep up with my shadow.

It has been hectic here! Home school is not for the weak at heart. It is the most exhausting and rewarding thing that I have ever done in my life. I am tired, I am behind and I am forever grateful that I have the chance to make such a lasting difference in the lives of my kids.

I am teaching 3 classes at the Sassy Scrapper in Murfreesboro, TN on November 14, 2009! Give them a call at 615-895-1284.

Everywhere I go, friends and folks have been asking me to teach some technique based classes so I have reached into the walls of my brain and come up with three classes that are going to knock your socks off.

If you have a heat gun bring it. You will only need to bring a basic tool for the Gratitude Journal.

All of the techniques can be used to revitalize your stash and help you get a good run for your money.

I am only there for the one day and seating is limited.

If you have taken a glimmer mist class with me before, De-Mistified is packed full of new techniques and old techniques with a new spin.

 

===============================================

Distress Ink Techniques

So you think you know all you can do with Distress Ink? I can guarantee that you never used Distress Inks like this! We will be masking, embossing, misting and stamping. Want to learn how to tint photos and not have streak marks? Want to know how to tell if a Glimmer Mist color will work well with a Distress Ink before you even spray it? Do you want to explore new ways to use standard household items to create unique looks for your cards and layouts? This is the class for you. In this TECHNIQUE BASED class you will be making 15 shipping tags with step by step instructions to reference on the back. You will be able to refer back to your tags so that you can use the techniques over and over. The possibilities are limitless. I will have the Bucket O' Stamps to choose from but you may bring your own.

Class length: 2 hours

Class supplies: No supplies are needed. If you have a heat gun, please bring it.

===============================================

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 crayons, acrylic paint and stamps. We will be learning how to mask with traditional scrapbooking supplies.  At the end of this TECHNIQUE BASED class you will leave looking to spray Glimmer Mist on anything that you can find.  I will have the Bucket O' Stamps to choose from but you may bring your own.

Class length: 3 hours

Class supplies: No supplies are needed. If you have a heat gun, please bring it.

===============================================

Gratitude Journal

Celebrate life's blessings by sharing the things you're most grateful for! Use this beautiful little wire bound journal to remind you of the bounty of your life or give it as a gift to thank someone dear to your heart! The Gratitude Journal is a 4" x 4" with 4 additional chipboard pages, 2 uniquely folded pages, tags and envelopes. You will make your own covers using 2 simple techniques with Glimmer Mist and Distress Inks. You will learn how to miter the perfect corner. On occasion, I may be required to substitute similar papers for those shown here due to availability.  I will have the Bucket O' Stamps to choose from but you may bring your own.

Class length: 2 hour

Class supplies: Paper Trimmer, Scissors, Liquid and Dry Adhesive, and if you have a heat gun, please bring it.

===============================================

until we meet again,