Tim Holtz classes in Elk Grove CA November 2010

I took 2 classes from Tim this past weekend at Stampers Corner in Elk Grove CA. It is over 1 1/2 hours from here so it was a Long weekend! But Tim's classes are Always worth it!

Both of these projects are ones we did on the cruise (more cruise pix to come). But these were decorated for Christmas. I knew I wouldn't make them on my own, plus it's Much more Fun to work with other people in a class.

We did a Christmas journal. I had a hard time with grunge & bling together, but finally think I'm happy with the cover. And the inside pages were all fun.

The Sunday project was a shadow box using fun Christmas items provided by Tim. The most FUN thing about this project was.........we Made printers block letters. I have "joy" in the upper left hand corner. I can see making a Lot of these for use in a shadow box. I Loved the technique! They look authentic tucked into the box. This box is also designed by Tim with removable compartments so you can make them in any configuration you want. There are 4 sizes & of course I Had to have More. Hope someday to do another. :-)

Heart Swap for Carol Sweeney 2010

I am posting in between cruise pix now.....as Embarassingly, this was a swap that was Due, July 31!!!! I am SO Late. It was a one for one swap in a group I belong to. When I found out who my swap would go to, I had an idea. My friend Carol is a Prolific artist! Not to Speak of her Blog! As she tries more & more new techniques, she always posts all of her steps to her blog. I'm always Amazed!

I wanted to do something for her that would lead her maybe to something new to find different new techniques. So I decided to make an altered book. I had stumbling blocks along the way...........figuring out how to cut the book on my new scroll saw Dave got me for Christmas Three Years Ago! This was the first time I used it. And I LOVE it!

Then I painted it..........the gesso I first used wouldn't cover. I finally Borrowed Golden Gesso from my friend Debbie so I could continue. Then.......I painted the covers & didn't like the colors. I finally adjusted them enough I did like them.......then my mind just went Blank. The book sat for weeks.

I have to say I am SO Happy to finally have it finished. I did the front & back covers and inside both. Now it is up to Carol to play with altering the inside. And/or for that matter, changing the covers completely. I wouldn't mind that. I did make one for myself also so maybe she & I could motivate each other to add to them. :-) So it was kind of a Challenge swap. ;-) I do hope she likes it.