Homegrown Hospitality

Creative Roundup

Every once in awhile I am going to do a little round up and tell you about what is going on in my creative world, things I am working on, things I am loving and things that you can do. I will be also including these things in a newsletter, so don't feel like you are having a de'j'vu (or however you spell that!)

Creative Junk

Still carving away thoughts, ideas and plans to either teach in store, online or just sell these one of a kind stamps.  Probably do a little of each..maybe.

Carved this little one last night and I like how it turned out.  It does remind me of the stamps I have done with Purple Onion but the difference is, I made it.  That is the best part.  Not that "I" made it, but that it is handmade.  You know what I mean. After carving one, well, I carved another and them stamped them on a hanging tag and played with a few more colors that I do not usually use.  I like it..don't love it, but did not throw it away. Speaking of throwing away, I have a winner from the "my out-of-the-trash stamp" on Monday!  The winner is....

Ann J said:

#1 or #3 I live in a rural area so #2 is not an option!I love Bon Jovi too!

Congrats Ann!  Please email me your mailing address and I will get the stamp off to you..and thank you for loving Bon Jovi, too! 

and speaking of Bon Jovi..if you watch American Idol next week, I believe it is the 14th, they perform on the show. 

Classes

I am scheduling some classes near and far.  Continue to watch here for more details.  Coming soon is my "A Whole New Doodle Class" from last year that was previously found over on the Scrapbook News and Reviews site.  An email will go out about that and the upcoming classes I am working on!

Do Something

As you know, I am passionate about "doing something" and I encourage you to look into doing something yourself! 

This past Tuesday, the high school swim teams held a NEGU meet against the local rival school and it was awesome to see 100's of NEGU swimmers all come together for some friendly competition and gather toys and donations for Joy Jars.
Olympic Gold Medal Swimmer and the NEGU National spokesperson, Kaitlin Sandeno, Tina & I worked the booth, shared Jessie's story, talked about the Joy Squad and sold sweatshirts because it was FREEZING!!!  All of the swimmers showed great spirit and overall it was an awesome event! Thank you Trabuco and Mission swimmers....(and p.s"Way to go Blue!" we won the meet...whoot whoot)

To join the Joy Squad, click here and help spread JOY to a child every month of the year.  Your contribution of $20.00 a month send a jar of joy once a month to children fighting cancer. During the month of March, every contribution will be matched!  Double the joy!

Be sure to go to www.negu.org the check out all of the ways you can help, from donating toys to stuffing jars! There is alot that needs to be done!

Brave Girls/Dahlia House/She's Worth It

oh my, this is a big one, more that you are going to hear me speak about alot.  Human Trafficking. bad bad bad, wrong, wrong, wrong, just plain disgusting.

BUT...

I am helping change that by joining in with an amazing group to help encourage, restore, empower and heal those sweet girls that have been rescued. One sweet brave girl at a time...and you can too, in fact we all can and we are.

Please consider a donation.  Donate $10.00, 20..whatever you can to help buy a house. a HOUSE!?!  a house that will provide safety, security and growth.  Please consider donating.  I am fund-raising myself for another worthy recovery program, but right now, I am asking you to maybe watch Mel, see what is going on and consider making a difference.  Once the funds have been raised and the house is purchased, I am saying out-loud, right now, that I am going to go paint on that wall with Melody and crew and would LOVE to paint your name on a petal..watch the video..

okay, that is all for now..I am sure I could go on, but I will stop and let you enjoy your day!

Create @ Home Faux Watercolor

I guess using the word Faux would indicate something "pretend" but what I mean is I am not using "watercolors" for this project, but in fact Tim Holtz Distress Markers, which, when mixed with a squirt of water...

becomes a water color

Let's move on, shall we?

So, first I stamped an image (a super cute one, if I don't say so myself and hey, they are on sale..25% off!) onto cardstock with Black ARCHIVAL ink.

Then, I created some purple watercolor paint by coloring in a section on my little pallet thing with the Dusty Concord Distress Marker :and adding a spray or two of water = Watercolor paint:

Now, I have a paper towel in my left hand (not pictured) and as I paint, I blot a little here and there

then using the other colors I chose (Wild Honey for the petals & flower center), I continued to paint until I was happy..NO, actually I stopped, because painting makes me so happy, I would have never stopped.

moving on...

Now, dry it almost until dry and then using the fine tip point on the same color Distress Markers you used to make your watercolor paint, add some detail to your work by adding little dots.  You can also go back and use the brush tip to add a little more detail by swiping the color right over your dots. Take a close look at this photo to see what I am talking about (I know, a video would be good at this point!)

• I used the Broken China brush tip to add shadow around the right side of the flower and petal (well and a few spots on the left, too!)
• I used the Dusty Concord brush tip to add some shadow on and around the inside of the scallop frame.
• I used a slightly darker marker, Spiced Marmalade to add detail to the petals and then the brush tip of the Wild Honey to blend
• Color in the stem and the leaves using the brush tip of Shabby Shutters.

Now, you could leave it as is, add a sentiment and call it a card or you can trim it out and set it aside for the next part of this little tutorial.

Using the Broken China, Tumbled Glass and a little Shabby Shutter, I scribbled out a bunch of color on my mat, squirted it with some water, made some paint

and using a wet paint brush, I painted it onto some paper and dried it :

Then, using the fine tip of the Black Distress Marker, I just started writing the word CONGRATULATIONS over and over and over.  In all caps, in lower case, in cursive, in upper and lower...just repeat the sentiment, keeping your words close together until you fill up the area you are work on:

Now, do not say "I don't write like you..." or "I wish I wrote like you" or "If I had writing like you"

You write like YOU and do not worry about how it looks..and if needed, take a close look at how willy wonky my letters are:

and 9 times of of 10...I do not dot my i's.

moving on...

Okay, now using a hanging manila tag, cover the front surface with glue stick:

and adhere the tag to the WRONG SIDE of the colored/word paper.  Use hand pressure to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles and then dry.  Trim Tag out.

NOTE: at some point I must have added some Walnut and Shabby Shutter Distress ink to the edges of the tag and blended it into the blue, which gave it a green tint. Thing is, I was so happy and carried away with how it was looking...I FORGOT TO TAKE PICTURES...

whoops.

Now, adhere the stamped flower piece that is sitting to the side patently to your tag using popdots, glue dots..whatever you like.

I had a package of "Soul Food by Melody Ross" typed word embellishments (before I had any Chit-Chat) that was perfect for this tag so I grabbed a few, distressed them by adding a little Wild Honey Distress Marker, blended with my finger, adhered them on...

and called it done. 

Happy Creating! 

Here are the products I used:

Ranger Heat It Craft Tool	Jet Black Archival Ink	Tim Holtz Distress Markers	Distress Ink - Antique Linen	Distress Ink - Walnut Stain
#5 Manila Tags	Ink Palette

InLinkz.com

Winner..Winner

Thanks for all of your "promoting on-line" the past few days!  I appreciate all the love and comments you have been leaving on the launch of the new stamps!  I spent a few many hours coloring this weekend and am working on my skills....

Meet Ben, the reindeer boy..always ready to wear his uniform.  Everyday is "Crazy Sock Day" for this little dude because he can NEVER find matching socks...it is okay, his feet are warm regardless of whether or not his socks match.

and many of you have shared your love for the "Hometown" collection!  Thank you...each of the buildings were inspired for my love for Pennsylvania and there are lots more coming so make sure to watch here and Purple Onion for the releases!

Now before I announce the winners, take a minute to hop over to Jennifer's Blog to see how to make a really cute card using "Pete in a frame"..it is really cute and simple and it TIME time to start on your holiday cards.. and then go on over to Donna's blog to check out the "Framed Trees"

okay now for the rubber stamp packs winners...

 Sally K

Laura Bowden

Anna

Karen Snyder

Beth @ simply B

Congratulations girls...please email me your mailing address at homegrown1(at)att(dot)net

If you ask me....

These might be the cutest kids in the whole wide world...and I am kinda sorta pretty proud to tell you that I drew them...eek and they are going to make your holidays brighter with the silly, surprising, sneaky & sassy things they do!

Meet Ginger...she is confident, brave, academic and does not have an athletic bone in her adorable little figure..and she wears rain boots with every outfit because she wants to!

                                                                                 BEAUTIFULcard created by Joy Taylor
Meet Barry...sweetest boy ever with a heart of gold for serving, just ready to help with whatever you need help with...and in the off season, puts his "santa" garb away, takes off those silly elf shoes and like to downhill mountain bike, wake board and get tattoo'd..told you they were sassy!

                                                                               BEAUTIFUL card created by Joy Taylor
Now..I happen to have A LOT of extra red rubber stamps around here...and I really really really do not need all them..so I am going to give a few sets of past stamps away to you..but you need to pass on the word that "the new kids are in town"..

First..go on over to Purple Onion and check out the "sweet deal" they have" for a few sets...

http://www.purpleoniondesigns.com/newstamps2.html

Then start spreading the news....

facebook it...

tweet it..

post it...

share it..

send it..

whatever..just help me get the word out...and then leave me a comment here...on my facebook..email me...and from all of the entries, I will pick FIVE names..yes five (I told you I have a lot!) on SUNDAY NIGHT...

and I want to send a shout out to the AMAZING Purple Onion Team for making these and all of  my designs look so so good!!!!!! 

Ready..set..go!

Do You See What I See?

I am working on a bunch of kits and projects to sell at a local boutique coming up in a few weeks and as I create, I find myself really thinking more about what I am doing and most importantly, why.

I have a hard time creating things that do not have a real purpose and as I stamped my simple little Christmas tree on muslin this morning, it dawned on me that this tree reflects our lives these days.

When I first designed this stamp a few years ago, I did not pay to much attention to anything but the details.  Trunk, branches, tree stand, a few ornaments and of course a star...but now, a few years later, as I have been "cultivating" and being more intentional, I see so much more.

I would LOVE to know what you see...What do you "see" when you look at the little yet strong tree???

EDITED ...I love reading your comments...I honestly did not see the cross until now!!!

FAQ: Markers

Number two most asked question I am asked is

Q: "What kind of markers do I use to doodle with??"

A: You do not think I am going to have a real simple answer, now do you? That would be way to easy, and because I am so dang "Simply Complicated"...well, anyway, the markers I use those "most" are the Prismacolor Art Markers.

Don't ask me any "scientific" questions about the ink, the alcohol, the hues..stuff like that..because I do not know.  What I do know is that I love the way to work on canvas (although, in the photo, THE NEW Pete (hint hint) seems to have a little bit of a dirty face..that is okay, I still love him)

and I love the way they color on manila tags

and my favorite colors, especially at this time of the year are : Crimson Red, Muted Turquoise, Cinnamon Toast, Goldenrod, Dark Olive Green and Light Olive Green...and sometimes a splash of Light Aqua (the color in the background of THE NEW trees)

and I get them here (just Click on the Blick...and on the home page, click Markers...and have fun!)

 

 

did I mention there are new pumpkins, too???

Faith & Bravery

I see that my sweet little "Faith the Chicken" doodlebird is being featured over at Brave Girls today so I saw it fitting to talk about what "she" means.

 
She is me (and maybe you)...growing and being tested in "faith",standing (not hiding) eyes pointed forward and focused (not down or closed) ...but very much a big "chicken" about many things (and being honest and open about those things).

Being a "chicken" is not a bad thing, sorta...as long as you fall back on that "faith" to help you do what you need to do....to be faithful, strong & brave.

"I've commanded you to be strong and brave. Don't ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the LORD your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 (CEV)

I know you might be thinking that it says "do not ever be afraid or discouraged" and I am telling you the opposite by admitting that I am a chicken about somethings....

well, yes, I am often afraid and/or discouraged..because I am human, duh! BUT (dang big but!) I do not let my fears prevent me from doing things...It just makes things a little tougher, I am a little more anxious and uncomfortable..but those things make the outcome of doing something that I may be chicken about much more beautiful.

whew.

My faith is the "wind beneath my chicken wings" (sorry in advance if you sing that song all day!)  to help me fly .

Yes..I know that "chickens don't fly"....but just play along..She's a doodle for the love of Pete! oh..and she is a stamp too...

 
http://www.purpleoniondesigns.com/newstamps.html

Thanks to Mel & Kathy and all of the Brave Girls for helping me develop stronger wings for flight!! 

Enjoy & Celebrate

I just finished up the last of A LOT of new stamps that will be out soon from Purple Onion Designs and I am excited to share them with you...

soon.

Can I say "they are REALLY cute" and I think...my favorite...

ever???

For now...just a look at a cute little card I made with the banner stamps and some fun colors of Prismacolor markers..

 
Today..regardless what is going on in your life..FIND something to enjoy..and celebrate it!

It could be a clean counter top..a full tank of gas..an empty laundry basket..a clean bill of health...a blooming flower...rain in the forecast (I love rain) big puffy clouds...whatever..just find some happiness (because it is there) and just enjoy and celebrate it!

Sam & Olive

I am excited to introduce Sam & Olive... 

They are part of a little mid-release by me over at Purple Onion Designs TOMORROW and the sample shown above was created by PO Design Team Member, Jennifer Roach. I kinda really LOVE these two little bears..especially in the colors she used!!! Go over and check out the rest of the peeks by the team..the love bugs are also kinda super cute...

I guess the cuteness of  "Sam & Olive" eases my fussy-ness of not having a computer yet. I am "REALLLLLYYYYYYY" trying to find the "bless in the computer mess" and I think Sam & Olive are it!  Right now I am typing from my laptop (which is a blessing that I have one) but the thing is, it does not have ANYTHING on it, so while things could be wayyyyyyyyworse (meaning I did not even have a laptop) I sure would like my ol' trusted steed back.  I will continue to practice patience...and design new stamps (which, I have done this week without my attention being on the computer...hmmmm, what a concept!?)

P.S, this little "love bug" should be named Elliot.  He just looks like an Elliot to me...

                                                                                         Created by Jennifer Holmes 
Thanks again to the amazing team over at Purple Onion..you girls are amazing!!!

Random Creative

in between chopping Cilantro for salsa, making cake pops, folding laundry and getting ready for our annual 4th of July Block party that STARTS today...I have been randomly creating with Prima...Purple Onion and Paint....

 
 
 
 and loving the outcome...stay tuned!