Workbench Wednesday...Getting Ready For An Art Abandonment...

It has been some time since I showed you what was on the workbench.

It seems something always is...I just don't always take a picture.

Here is what is going on this week...

These charms and beads are on their way to becoming something extra special...

The beads will be turned into bracelets that will be given as gifts...

There are some people I need to thank and art seems like the natural way for me to do it...

Each bracelet will have a hope bead as well as a few others...

I want to make enough that each person can choose the one they like best...

Of course the beads will have to be dyed...

I am thinking pink, blue, purple....

And then I made a pile of these little charms and beads.

My plan is to do a couple different bracelet designs...

And the charms???

Well, they have a special purpose...

They are destined to be a part of my next art abandonment...

What is that, you ask?

Well, there is a movement in art where artists take the things they make and leave them for others to find and take.

All these little charms will be sprinkled about next week in a place where I know they are needed....

The funny part of this story is that after taking these photos, I took the tray of pieces into my garage where I was going to color them....

The whole try flipped over and the beads and pendants scattered down into a huge pile of paint cans and such next to the sink.

Sigh.

I gathered the ones I could see, but I will be making more soon....

Oh my...

Thanks for stopping by....

Craft Lightning Valentine's Edition

One of my favorite things to be a part of is the Craft Lightning Challenges.

Today I am tickled to be a part of the Valentine Edition.

I made these sweet love rocks.

Let's gather some supplies.

It is bitter cold here so some of my photos had to be done inside where the lighting is not as good...

You will need:

rocks

paint brushes

paints

paint markers

paper plate

You can gather rocks from outside or buy a bag from the craft store or the hardware store.

I have some rocks from the craft store and some from the yard.

Wash them and allow them to dry thoroughly.

Paint your designs right on the rocks.

I like to do the larger parts of my designs with paint and then the details with paint markers.

You can personalize them.

I made this sweet little collection in about a half hour.

I plan to do a few sweet art abandonments with these...

Have you heard of art abandonment?

Artists all over the world are making beautiful things and leaving them places for others to find and enjoy.

You can leave them in a public place like a restaurant, hotel, park, shopping center, etc.

There are groups you can join.

I belong to this one on facebook.

You can print tags found on the page and add them to your abandoned piece.  

That way, the person that finds the art can comment on it.

I have some plans for these...

The local radiation center.

Parking lots.

On the ground outside a variety of stores.

Because everyone can use a little extra love....

Thanks for stopping by...

Sweet Handmade Valentine Cards

Let's make some valentines.

Handmade ones are my favorites.

This little card starts with two little cardstock bunnies.

I usually make a whole sheet of them at a time.

I printed my sentiment on some red paper and cut a heart shape around it. 

I used a marker to give it a stitched look.

Remember that old twisted paper ribbon?  

I still have some so I untwisted it and cut a larger heart from it.

I love the texture.

Are you wondering why I said cut out 2 bunnies?

Where is the other one?

He pops up inside of course.

To make him (or any other element pop up when opened),

cut a second piece of card stock a little smaller than the first.

Cut two slits about a half inch apart in the center fold.

When you fold the card, push the strip out and crease it with you fingers.

Glue this card inside your main card.

Then just glue your element to the bottom of the tab.

Easy and so cute.

For the last two cards, paper punches make quick work of them.

Punch out a ton of little red hearts.

You can use extras for confetti in the card....

I love when people open things and get a surprise.

I am not always sure they like them...

A long time ago, family members learned to open my envelopes outside or over the trash can...

I have not done that for years. 

 It may be time to try it again.

Emboss a greeting you like.

Die cut a bowl.

I have had that Sizzix die cut forever but I still love it.

Assemble your card and add a stamped greeting to one (or more) hearts.

Die cuts and punches make this go faster but this next card still takes a few minutes.

Punch your hearts from red and pink card stock.

I used a leftover heart from the card above to stamp a sweet greeting.

I have had this little heart and key punch for quite some time.

Tie the key to the heart with some thread.

Die cut and emboss your tree.

I layered several pieces of card stock to mat this card.

Then I just glued it all together. 

 I like using Tacky Glue for the little hearts.

You can do enough of any or all of these cards to send a sweet greeting to your favorite people for Valentines day in an evening or afternoon.

If you can get someone to help, it's even better.

My daughter and I often do assembly-style cards.

I love that together time....

Thanks for stopping by...

Linking up with these amazing blogs.