D's Paper Studio

I am always on the lookout for zoo paper that matches my style.  The grands and I frequently go to the zoo to explore and learn about the animal world around us.  Because of that, I have a collection of zoo photos.  Graphic 45's Safari Adventure Collection is great match for my style and my photos.  

zoo magic
This is a photo of my grandgirl behind the scenes at our local zoo.  There she was given the opportunity to pet a Galapagos tortoise.  What a privilege.  She fearless with about every animal she comes across and this tortoise was no exception. 
Notables Graphic 45 Safari Adventure Bo Bunny film strip sticker Prima Flowers  Tim Holtz Distress Ink vintage photo, idea-ology star and arrow, chitchat words, Alpha Parts Newsprint With Graphic 45 and a pair of detail scissors (mine are Fiskars Micro-Tip scissors) you can create your own embellishments, titles and more.
The Bo Bunny sticker film has a design already printed on it.  I added the background  paper from Graphic 45.  I cut out…

Hidden beneath this little Spiderman, Wonder Woman, Pokemon loving self is this beautiful, soft, gentle, kind and loving little girl.  She is my serendipity moment every time I am with her.  Full of unexpected surprises that delight my soul.  A gift from God.

What better paper collection than Bo Bunny's Serendipity to capture her 3rd birthday.  My daughter is the photographer.  Ali surprised us all with her gentle approach to her photo shoot.  Love it.

love
Important Notes
The frames are from Technique Tuesday.  I "catawamped" the frames.  I placed the frames down first then built the layout.  Probably, I would mark where I wanted the frames then create the layout without the frames saving them for last.  The frames caused my eyes to focus on the line of the frame instead of the line of the paper.  It was harder to see if the photo and other elements were straight on the page.  I used a ruler, measuring several times to make sure it was straight.
Fussy Cut:  the feathers a…

When I saw Kaisercraft Hanami Garden collection I had the perfect photo for this theme.  The photo is of me when we lived in Germany.  Dad loved buying me little outfits and of course as cute as I was he took photos.  He was our photo bug in the family.  My daughter has taken up the mantle from him.

Love
Notables
Tim Holtz Thinlits Die Set Mixed Media #2.  The two corner pieces were cut from Tim Holtz's mix media die set.  I took it a step further by cutting around the outside to make an embellishment for my page.  These dies are truly ingenious and versatile.
Mask
I am using my masks that I purchased during the mask craze.  I never really figured out how to use them they way I wanted.  Now they are added embellishments to my pages.  I gave it a touch of white paint on the rough side to bring it out more.
Chipboard
I used an older piece of chipboard from Technique Tuesday's frames.  I cut one side to make a type of "parentheses."  I added a Distress Mustard Seed ink an…

I decided to create my own design using what I have attempted to learn about mixed media.  I have a long way to go.  It was fun to work out the design, make mistakes, spritz, stamp and ink! 

The week leading up to Father's Day was a wonderful time to go through my dad's albums to find a photo I wanted to use on the layout.  It was wonderful "visiting" with my memories and Dad.

Dad and Deb
Good Things To Know
Products
Finnabair Art Basics by Prima
Finnabair Patina Effect Paste
Claudine Hellmuth Studio medium
Bo Bunny's Life In Color
Prima Flowers
Tim Holtz  Distress Oxides, Distress Inks, Distress reinkers, tag stencils
Dylusions stencil and sprays
(and more!)

The scariest thing turned out to be the easiest---Patina Effect Paste.  I want to create more projects with these pastes.  It was so easy to use, it only takes a little and it was so easy to use.  Did I tell you it was easy to use?  You'll fall in love with it. 

I stamped directly onto the clock piece …

I took some time last weekend to do a little "yard sell" hunting.  I like going to church yard sales because (1) it helps the church ministry and (2) you can find some really great finds.

What I found this past weekend excites me more than my recent treasures.  I found .... Tin Advertising Pie Plates. 

My Little Story
I saw these wonderful, old pie plates sitting on a table.  I approached two excited ladies who welcomed someone to admire their pie tins.   I asked about them.  They were discovered in their Great-Uncle's barn after his death.  Sitting there was a stack of different pie tins...here is where I express great sorrow and regret for not buying every one of the pie tins.  $3.00 for all....aghhhhhhhhhhh.  A little Charlie Brown sound effect.  

I ended up buying two each of the Case-Moody Pie Tins and Lloyd J. Harriss Pie Tins.

The Case-Moody pie tin is from the 1930's in Chicago, IL and the Lloyd J. Harriss tin is from the 1950's in Saugatuck, MI  Both compani…

Oh my!  I am already thinking about my December Daily albums.  What's happening?  I am seeing new Christmas paper collections from several companies already.  Did you know that Hobby Lobby has Christmas merchandise out?  Personally would like to enjoy the summer before wishing for Christmas. 

In the spirit of Christmas I have a layout I've been saving to share.  I created it during Christmas 2015 season.  This was a special time with my grandchildren and the "real" Santa Claus. 

195 Days Until Christmas!

Bits and Pieces
Graphic 45 12 Days of Christmas paper collection
Blue Fern Studios chipboard title "Wonder."
Technique Tuesday chipboard frame
Prima Flowers

Technique Spotlight
Fussy Cut...I still find this the most relaxing technique to do for my layouts and projects.

Side Note
It's summer school break.  I am blessed to be with my grandchildren a lot during this season.  Because of that my blog might look a bit different from week to week as my time if …

I'm learning and practicing mixed media techniques.  Do you think someone could teach me patience to enjoy the process and not focus on the end product?  When you see all the layers, one layer at a time, it keeps looking like a mistake.  Then you get to the end...yeah...it worked.  Whew!

I created my tag while watching Prima Marketing Inc + Lindy's Stamp Gang mixed media cards tutorial.  Somehow there is only a hint of recognition of their creation in mine.  Theirs is light and colorful, mine reminds me of fall and a golden palace of royalty.  I finally ended up liking it. 
 All the details are on the video that is only 6:16 minutes.  Perfect time for me.  Here are some differences.
-mine is a tag.  They actually create 2 cards.
-different colors.  I chose Bo Bunny's Enchanted Harvest for my background (could explain the feel of Fall.)
-added thread.  I like the look of the thread around a grouping.  Just a fun element.
-added crackle.  I was having a hard time accepting …

I admire and am jealous of all the artists out there that can work with mixed media.  I do little bits here and there, but this past week I jumped in with both feet.  When I did, I went straight to the bottom and over my head.

I am a hands on learner so off to YouTube to find videos that basically say "mixed media for beginners."  I looked for videos under 10 minutes.

If you teach mixed media, hereafter: IYTMM... I would like to share my observation as crafter trying to learn about mixed media online. 

****IYTMM...Create videos that are within 10 minutes.  It can be a video with music and faster pace.  I can stop the video and see it again and again.  I don't need an hour and half.****

I watched videos sponsored by companies with designers I am aware of to one degree or another.  I've created a few tags just for practice.  Well, everything right now is practice. 

****IYTMM...it's okay to show your mistakes so I know what to do when it happens.  What cleans or doe…