I Love to Swap

My friend Veronica commented on all the swaps I was in, so I decided to tally then up. Big mistake,I think I over did it this month with swaps! I think the grand total was about eleven different swaps. I was in a moo card swap, three deco books, three atc swaps, a tag swap,a matchbox shrine swap, a charm swap and last but not least,an inchie swap.! I love to create and i love getting packages in the mail, a vicious cycle, LOL!. Next month will be a slower month artwise. With all the kids home for summer I have less time to create but will be teaching a bit more. I have a class at Scrapbook U, A Fairy House book and I will be co-teaching an ATC class at My Daughter's Wish with my friend Lisa.

ATCs and beyond!

First question was, what is an ATC, ok I got it, then came row houses, moo cards, inchies, deco books, gothic arches, arches, triangles ,Zentagles. The list seems to go on and on in the ATC arena. I always figured, the best way to learn something, is to just jump right in. So I sign up, I research and I create. I now know what all these things are and how to make them. I thought it might be an interesting idea for a class, we could make one of each and everyone would leave with a finished portfolio of the listed items plus templates to make more! What do you think?

Memories for Sale: $3.00

It never fails, weeks will go by and nothing much going on. Then, POW! stamp Convention, classes to teach, two flea markets and of course: quality time with the children!

I think my friend Lisa and I are hooked on the Alameda Flea Market monthly event. So much to see and buy, not to many bargins but unique items abound. We have so much fun pointing out things our parents use to have when we were growing up. Sometimes an item will invoke a memory long forgotten, something simple. For example, last time I spent $3 for a set of repelling magnet scottie dogs, less than an inch tall!

A toy my dad use to buy me at the bowling alley, I had several sets. It went like this, he was usually bowling in a tournament while my brother and I watched, for about 10 minutes, then boredom set in He would give us change to keep busy.As I recall, it was a cigarette machine that also sold small toys, Scottie dogs, curling fish, magic tricks and dice. All for about 25 cents. A candy bar and a toy, we were happy for another 30 minutes. Did I really have to have the Scottie dogs, no, but the fun memories they brought up were worth more than the 3 bucks...for sure.

ATC Mania!

Ok, Ok I have to admit that I have gone a little crazy for ATC's. This week-end I attended two wonderful crop for a cure events and worked non-stop on ATC cards. I think I made a total of 40 something cards. For swaps, one on one trades, a challenge and just for fun. I have a new file of images that almost automatically turn into ATC cards all by themselves! Too fun. Check back tomorrow for some pictures of what I have been creating. I have to finish off the mailers of my current swap, "The Color Purple" ASAP! Because my next swap, "Things with Wings" starts tomorrow.

Scrap for a Cure

Today I spent the day with my friends at a crop for the HERS Breast Cancer foundation. Hers is a local group which supports all women and their families recovering from this dreaded disease. A friend ,I met through scrapbooking, has put on several events for this worthy cause. In addition to cropping, we enjoyed contests,lunch and a very informative discussion regarding statistics and current research.
I took full advantage of this opportunity to work on ATC cards for several of the current swaps I am participating in as well as hosting. The list includes: The color purple, Vintage Babes at the beach, Vintage Sea Shells, Owls, A funny one named Robots, and an arched atc called Villages. I will try to post a few examples this week. Stay tuned for details of my next swap: Things with Wings!

Cigar Assemblage Class 5/31 1-4pm

Cigar Assemblage Class 5/31
Originally uploaded by valerielmyers

Learn the basics of putting together a cigar box assemblage. The cigar box and papers will be provided as well as supplies to build a shelf. Several small items will be included with the class fee to incorporate into your assemblage. Please bring special memory items, photos,postcards and vintage ephemera for your personal use. In addition, a box of vintage items individually priced will be on hand for purchase ( Fifty cents to $3. for most depending on item) . Please bring a jar of Modge Podge, Distress Inks, basic kit, hot glue gun (if you have one) wet and dry adhesives and glue dots.
Items you may want to bring:
Old photos
old keys
broken old toy/doll parts
small bottles
vintage buttons
vintage papers/receipts
game pieces
scrabble tiles
old book pages
costume jewelry
used stamps, old letters
metal thimbles, tags, pins, badges

Today was a very productive ART day. My friend Lisa and I spent the day creating projects for upcoming classes we are teaching. It is so wonderful to have another artist to critique and give suggestions when you are struggling with a creative element on a project! The best part was we did it all with children running around, eating, playing games and sometimes crying. I finished two circle journal layouts and cut about 100 ATC cards from watercolor paper. I made a collage with just one sheet of paper, a piece of thread and sandy brown glimmer mist! I love how simple yet elegant it turned out.