USAQ DT Challenge - Studio Cloth

Finally!  I must say that when I started this project I didn't anticipate just how long it would take so I do apologize to all of you and my DT mates for the very long delay in getting the last USAQ DT challenge project completed and posted.  But, I must say it was certainly worth it.  I just the love the results of this awesome tote bag!

While the project was not particularly difficult, I did have a few learnings along the way that I thought I'd share with you before I give you the step-by-step detail.

• First, plan ahead - mostly for the drying time needed between steps and for each side.
• Second, test your background colors against the napkin you plan to use.  I found that while my colors all coordinated beautifully, the thin top layer of the napkin was no match for the purple and green backdrop so I simply used my pigments to enhance the image.
• Third, make sure you have enough of the materials you will need for the project - paint, PPA, etc.
• Finally - have fun!

Now for the instructions:

• Gather your supplies - a tote sewn from Studio Cloth, Perfect Pigments, PPA Matte and Gloss, napkin, foam brush and paint brushes, Crystal Effectz
• Apply the Perfect Pigments to the tote - be careful to let each side dry completely before you lay it down and move on to the next side - to create the background
• Add images from your napkin using PPA matte and a foam brush; let dry 
• If desired, enhance napkin images with Perfect Pigments and a paint brush or Fine Liner; let dry
• Give the tote a final coat of PPA Gloss, sprinkling in Crystal Effectz while wet
• Sign and date your masterpiece with the Fine Liner

Here's the flip side of my fun tote.  I hope you'll try this project and send me photos of your finished piece!

And the Winner Is . . .

At long last, I'm finally getting around to posting the winners from the 2nd quarter "Cheaper By The Dozen" card contest.  If you don't know what the contest is all about, you can find the details here.

The first place winner is . . Barb Voelkel.  Barb's card is a twist on the easel card we did in class.  What you can't tell from this photo is the amount of time Barb invested in making this card - she popped the butterflies and repeated the theme on the inside of the card and envelope.

And, for this contest we also had a 2nd place winner . . . Marlene Leugers.  Marlene's card is a twist on the card we made using a template cut from the Nestabilities scalloped rectangle.  Instead of sponging color inside the "frame" portion of the template, Marlene used the die cut shape and sponged color around it, leaving the center white.

Congratulations to Barb and Marlene and a big thanks to all who played along this quarter.

Don't forget, if you want to play along you need to attend one of this quarter's classes and submit your card(s) directly to me by October 1.

USAQ DT Challenge

This week's challenge involves Studio Cloth and Perfect Pigments.  Working with the products was not the real challenge for me but rather my schedule the past two weeks.  When I received my kit, I immediately knew what I wanted to do but had very little time to work on it.  I didn't want to miss the team post today so I'm only able to give you a sneak peek at the project.  Check back in a day or so and I'll have the project ready to show you in its entirety.  In the meantime, be sure to check the rest of the DT's blogs for lots more inspiration.

USAQ Blog Hop

It's a blog hop and everyone is invited!  USAQ is hosting a blog hop and you're invited!  Please check out all the details on the USAQ Blog but don't wait - the deadline for submissions is August 20th.  Time is running out so don't miss your chance to play along and be eligible to win some fabulous prizes.

Need a little inspiration from the master herself?  Sue will be in Cincinnati this week for Stampaway and will demoing USAQ products at Stamp Your Art Out on Wednesday and in the Marco Paper booth on Friday and Saturday at the Sharonville Convention Center.

Stampaway Friday Night Ticket For Sale

I have two tickets for the Friday night preview party at Stampaway for sale.  Cost is $38 each.  If you are interested in purchasing, please send an email to craftjunkies@gmail.com.  Tickets will be sold on a first come, first paid basis!

USAQ DT Challenge #4

 

Sometimes, beauty is found in the simplest things.

When I received my kit for the USArtQuest Design Team challenge #4, I found a tin full of fabulous colors, sizes and shapes of mica chips and flakes.  The way the little jars were packaged reminded me of the wide array of bling embellishments available today.  I decided to make a batch of my own and started with some chipboard, die cut a bunch of shapes and then just started playing with them. It is really quite simple to do - brush each piece with a coating of PPA gloss and randomly sprinkle or artfully place flakes on top.  Leaving them to dry overnight, I was quite pleased when I revisited my treasures the next morning.  

For my DT project card, I selected this butterfly and decided the best way to transform it into a thing of beauty was to make a simple yet elegant backdrop.  Taking my inspiration from the colors of the mica flakes, I opted for a grey, blue and turquoise palette.  A little scoring around the edges, highlighted with some lightly dusted turquoise ink gently complements the butterfly without drawing the focus away from it.  And, taking my cue from our last challenge which included handmade papers, I cut a "mat" from a pretty paper bag and mounted the entire piece to a soft blue grey square card.  Can you "shabby chic?" 

Be sure to check out the cool projects created by the rest of the USAQ DT (see links on the right).