Smashbook Sunday - Nights out And Newsies

I realized I'm a little (very) behind on my smash book pages.  The original intent of the book was so that I would be more inclined to update regularly and I didn't feel like I was behind.  This week I'm going to make an effort to craft every day. I'm always so hopeful for the week on Sunday night.  Then the week starts and work drains all the life out of you and you come home and just want to collapse..but I'm really going to try. 


I did two smash pages tonight.  The first is a bunch of group shots from the past month. I'll probably do a few detailed pages on some of these events.  The other page is the playbill/ticket from "Newsies" and cut out from a postcard from the restaurant Chez Josephine.  The image is blurry but you can get the idea..

I can collage too!

Last night I took the Mixed Media and Collage class. It was so much fun!  Good timing too because the teacher is moving to Montreal so it was the last time they were going to run the class.   


I've always loved mixed media art but I never understood how people did it. My collages always turn out wrinkly and peeling.  This class taught us about photo transfers - super cool. Matte Media transfers - also super cool.  Dry media, wet media and basic collage. They taught us how to glue elements down without too many wrinkles and what type of paper won't curl too much.  Now I just need to figure out where to get all the supplies -although most of them are highly flammable so maybe my apartment is not the best area for it. 


I scanned in some of the images we made in class.  I didn't expect to bring home a fantastic collage after a 3 hour class, but I am satisfied with how silly and neat these are.  I hung them on my fridge because i wasn't sure what else to do with them. 


Collage 1: Matte Media Transfer

Collage 2: Paint, Collage, Photo Transfer, Pastels, Stamps

Collage 3: Paint, Collage, Photo Transfer, Stamps

I'm going to read some of my collage books I've been saving now that i know how to do some of the techniques...and maybe look up even more classes I can take.  

Two smash pages in a row whaaatt

Hello faithful reader(s).  I went to Staples this afternoon and picked up the correct printer ink and off I was onto another smash page.  I originally intended this page to look different, but I liked how all 4 photos looked together when I printed it out so I kept it.  Sometimes I get disappointed with my Smashbook pages and I really need to stop myself. The book is supposed to be fun and relaxing - no deep thought into it, just tracking my year in photos, cutouts and memorabilia.  It's also a great way to use old stickers I never thought I'd use. 


You have to give me credit here, this picture is not dark or blurry.  I think I've finally figured out how to take pictures on my cell phone. It only took me 3 years. Also discovered today I can edit photos on my phone whaaatt. 

Smashbook Tuesday

I should really think of more creative titles for these entries. Oh well. 


I was going to do a smash book page today using photos from recent nights out but unfortunately I bought the wrong printer ink cartridge. So frustrating. I'll have to go to Staples tomorrow and hope they have the one I need.  I hate going to Staples because they keep all the printer ink behind the counter. Then you have to ask the associate to get it for you and even if you have the exact name and number, it still takes them forever to find it.  I don't really like going to any store where I need to ask an associate for help. I know that's what they are there for, but I'd rather they left me alone.  Possibly snobby or possibly I hate awkwardly talking to strangers. 


Anyway, instead I did a page using an ad I ripped out of a magazine a few weeks ago. I loved the little boy in this ad with Muhammad Ali. I hate that the ad is for Louis Vuitton. I'm sure all boxers come into the ring with a Louis bag.  Actually, that wouldn't really surprise me. 


The picture is dark, all attempts to lighten it were made in vain. I promise I'm going to get better at taking pictures of my pages. It's on my list of things. 

New Orleans Album Finished!!

I finally finished my New Orleans album tonight and right on schedule! I like when I finish things..it's even better when it's on schedule.  Also good news, the "I put the screw in the tuna" episode of the excellent 90s show "Kenan and Kel".  It makes my night complete. 


I actually finished this page in less than 15 minutes. I think I just wanted to finish the album so bad, I sort of gave up on the last page. At the same time, I actually quite like it.  I don't think I'm going to start my Alaska album until after my mixed media class next week.  I really wanted to include more collaging in that scrapbook to make it more like an art journal scrapbook.  


This week,  I sort of want to focus on learning my sewing machine. It's been a long time since I used one. I'll be updating about my progress as the week goes on - get excited!


Anyway, as promised, here is the final New Orleans page, sorry for the blur:

Happy 4th!!

Happy fourth of July!!  I'm beaching it for the rest of the week at my parents house so there will be no new crafting going on this week.  That's ok there! Plenty of inspiration to be found while being lazy on the beach.  I downloaded an application onto my Mac called Day Map where I can organize my scrapbook/craft projects and write down my daily to do lists.  I'm going to take my mom's sewing machine back with me so I can finally learn to quilt. I'm also gathering magazines here for my mixed media class. 

Hope everyone has a happy and healthy independence day!!

One More Page Left for New Orleans

I keep forgetting what day it is, this weekend flew by.  It's so hot too it's gross. I think I'm going to be able to finish my New Orleans album tonight! Woot.  I only have one more page to do. 


I actually like the page I did this afternoon.  I feel like the pages in this album keep improving.       I don't really have anything else to write about so on to the page. 


I found a good spot in my apartment to take pictures of the pages so I don't get my arm shadow across the pic.