Pixabay ATC Fun and a Ransom Note

I've been hella bored this weekend.  This is nothing new.  I stay bored.  During the quarantine, I've been having a problem staying creative.  Before COVID-19, creativity seemed to flow effortlessly.  Now I have to force myself to make anything.  Yesterday, I decided I'd settle down in my chair in my literal cave (my workspace is recessed underneath a loft bed) and create some mixed media ATC's (artist trading cards).  I've known about Pixabay for some time now, but I've never really utilized it.  For those of you who don't know what Pixabay is, its a site with over a million free to use, copyleft photos, illustrations, vector graphics, film footage, and music.  In addition to using some photos, vector graphics, and illustrations from Pixabay, I used some hand painted papers I purchased from my friend Stephanie's Etsy shop, Paper Cut Lane.  Stephanie is my favorite mixed media artist ever!  So when she opened up her Etsy shop recently, I was thrilled that I could buy her handmade supplies to use in my own mixed media pieces.  Here are some of the ATC's I made yesterday.

I also made a ransom note handmade postcard yesterday for an upcoming swap on swap-bot.  I wanted to add a sinister message, but not something too creepy.  Here's what I came up with.  

I don't read magazines, so I purchased a digital file of these cut out letters from LaSoffittaDiSte on Etsy. Much easier than combing through magazines and finding the letters myself.  

I've already been searching Pixabay this morning, looking for more interesting images so I can make more ATC's.  Unfortunately I'm running out of ink already just two weeks after installing new color cartridges.  I'm pretty sure I'm going to invest in a color laser printer soon.  Do any of you have any recommendations for a relatively inexpensive ($400 or less) color laser printer with a scanner?  Or can you recommend a good brand?  Any suggestions would help me out a great deal.  

My First Teesha Moore Inspired Bag

In the past I've participated in many Teesha Moore inspired patch swaps on swap-bot.  I've never counted how many patches I've received and I can't begin to guess.  I have them in a large tote bag being put to no use whatsoever.  My BFF, Naomi, has made me 2 bags and 2 journal covers from some of my favorites.  A couple of years ago, I got up the courage to try and make my own bag.  The patches didn't all line up and I got discouraged, so I put it away and it was forgotten.  I found it the other day and had an idea that if I could add a border to each panel then that would even out the unevenness.  I chose one of my favorite faux bois fabrics and essentially made the panel of patches into one large patch.  The entire bag is hand sewn.  The handle is made from fabric scraps twisted into rope that I divided up into 3 parts and braided.  I received the fabric rope in a swap years ago and didn't have use for it until now. Here is the finished product.

"Bob's Burgers" Crafts

My BFF, Naomi, loves "Bob's Burgers."  It's our Easter tradition to exchange giant Easter eggs full of goodies each year.  For one of the items, I had a plain journal that I got at Target for $1.  I decided it was too boring, so I altered it into a "Bob's Burgers" themed journal.

I lined the edge of each page with a different print of washi tape like I do with most of my altered journals.  I also added baker's twine as a tie closure.

On each page, I glued a cutout from one of two free comic books I got from Free Comic Book Day.  

I really enjoyed making the altered journal, so I made another for a stuffed bubble mailer swap.  That one was just distressed and had a tie.  Then I made another distressed journal for my shop.  I haven't listed it yet, but I will soon.  It says "Schemes" on the front and has a tie as well.  It has round Chinese tapestry stickers on each page in lieu of the washi tape.  

I'm also participating in a mashup swap with Naomi.  She chose "Bob's Burgers" and "Star Wars" as her themes.  The first thing I thought of was Tina Belcher as Princess Leia.  I was looking on Pinterest for ideas.  I had always thought I'd make a doll of some sort.  I saw some BB/SW mashup embroidery and decided that's what I'd do.  I drew my own pattern freehand, but I'm not sure if it's my final draft or not.

I'm wondering if I should get rid of her bangs and redo her buns.  Plus, I don't think her cheek/neck connection is right.  Her hair clip is on the wrong side because the pattern is in reverse.  I probably will redo her hair.  

Inside the Book

Here are a few pages in the altered composition book that I've been working on. First, some "King of the Hill" pop art. I used Distress Inks for the background and the stamps were hand carved by my friend, Met.

The next two pages are drawings of food that I've incorporated with song lyrics.

And finally, I found this rubber stamp in the cheap bin at JoAnn yesterday which fits with the theme of this project very well. It cost a whopping $1.19. I'm stamping it on sticker paper, cutting out the images, and sticking them to the bottom right corner of every blank page that I'm leaving for my partner to journal.

I've got a lot more pages to decorate, so I'm sure I'll be sharing more in the future. Have a beautiful weekend!

Happy in Yellow

Recently I discovered an amazing textile artist from Australia on deviantART. Her name is Sarah Neale. She creates art out of canvas, fabric, and different fibers. Here is my favorite:

Kate

Sarah just opened up an Etsy shop called Happy in Yellow. You can find Kate and some colorful, adorable bears at Happy in Yellow. Make sure and check out Happy in Yellow on Etsy and on deviantART.

My New Shoes

Photo courtesy of Dessah Harrison

Believe it or not, these fabric flats were made out flip flops!  They were made by my good friend, Dessah Harrison, owner of Dessah Kristene Designs.  These flats are super comfy.  The soles are squishy flip flop soles and the ever annoying thong piece has been removed.  Thank you, Dessah, for such an awesome pair of shoes!  If you'd like to commission Dessah for a pair of fabric flip flop flats, send her a convo on Etsy.  Also check out her shop for some super cool downloadable sewing patterns.  Her Coffee Cozy Keychain Sewing Pattern is such an ingenious idea.    

A Few Swaps

My creativity level has been low lately. Inspiration and motivation does not come easily these days. I'm not happy unless I create at least one thing each day, so in an effort to gain inspiration and motivation; I've been immersing myself in swaps on Cut Out + Keep, swap-bot, and The League of Extraordinary Crafters (a.k.a. LXC -- a Facebook group full of crafty men and women to which I belong). I thought I'd share a few things I've made for some swaps.

Zombie Swap on Cut Out + Keep

Grimm's Fairy Tale Swap with my friend, Tara.

Pick 5 Swap on the LXC

I have also been making Dotee dolls for swaps. I've been receiving some really awesome Dotee's as well. Here is the monkey Dotee I made for my friend, Alé for a Dotee swap I hosted on the LXC.

Here are the amazing things that Alé sent to me for the same swap: a sloth Dotee, la Virgen de Gualalupé soft sculpture, a matryoshka Dotee, and little bag of goodies.

Here is my Dotee collection thus far. I have them hanging by push pins on my wall. I can't wait to fill up the empty spaces.

Sloth Quilt Square

My friend Dana Wilson is currently organizing an event on deviantART called "A World of Friends." She is collecting artwork from fellow deviants in order to make a collective quilt. I'm really stoked about my contribution to this event. I love the little sloth I designed, and I'm planning on making another to frame for my room. I may even make some for my Etsy shop.

Anyone on deviantART may join this event. You can find more information on "A World of Friends" HERE. If you're not a deviantART member, it's free and easy to join up, so what's stopping you?

Look What I Got In The Mail!

I recently participated in a matchbox swap on Cut Out + Keep. I was lucky enough to get paired with one of my favorite crafters, biggest inspirations, and a good friend: Alejandra. I won't post pics of what I sent to Alé as she hasn't received her package yet. I loved the matchbox and all of the little goodies inside (I'm a sucker for miniature things), but I was in awe of the surprise rag doll that she sent along with it!

My altered matchbox and goodies from Alé.

The beautiful rag doll that Alé made for me!  I've named her Molly.

My 33rd birthday is this coming Friday, so this was a wonderful early birthday gift to receive!  Thanks so much, Alé.  You made my day!

Christmas Ornament Swap (Made by Me)

Here are the Christmas ornaments I made for my friend, Heather, for a Christmas Ornament Swap I participated in via my group "Crafty Friends." I didn't really do anything too Christmasy, but I think this suits Heather's style. She really loves woodland themed things. Heather is a super talented gal who crochets like no other! You can see her work at her Etsy shop, Snoodle Studio. I'll definitely be posting pics of the goodies I receive from Heather! I'm sure they'll be super awesome and I can't wait to get them!