Three Halloween Girls

After completing Suzi Blu's Petite Dolls class, I had an overwhelming urge to try my hand at creating dimensional faces. So, I took a few Styrofoam circles, cut them in half and practiced sculpting faces using paperclay. Once they were dry, I practiced painting, shading and decorating them. Much to my surprise, they turned out pretty good. Good enough that I sent them into Somerset Studio for their Vintage Halloween call.

 
Here are a few close-ups.

And they were published in the September/October issue of Somerset Studio!

I'm thrilled! Most of my experiments don't turn out so well! (giggle...)

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

The Help

Last week, I finished a book that I feel very confident recommending. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel for its exceptional characterization and interesting thematic content. When I finished the last sentence I felt a sharp pang of remorse that I was at the end. I had fallen head-over-heels in love with each of the thoroughly imperfect (and therefore realistically human) characters and I wanted more. I felt as though I was leaving good friends.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett takes place in Jackson, Mississippi during the era of desegregation (1960s-1970s). The three main characters take turns telling their story and each one tugs at your heart as you witness their triumphs, foibles and difficult decisions. As a busy mother, I liked how each chapter was a quick read and I was able to pick-up and put-down the book as necessary without losing momentum. Even though the prevailing theme was a racial one, the sub-themes were equally important and interesting: feminism and the woman's place, friendship, trust, love, and child-rearing would each be fascinating discussions.

I'm ashamed to admit that I had never really researched or thought a great deal about the day-to-day realities of segregation and subsequent desegregation. I love how Stockett illustrates both the heartaches as well as the triumphs of this era as a daily chronicle. I'm intrigued and ready to learn more. Absolutely fascinating. A must read.

First Days of School

I recently did a review of My Paper Treehouse kit club on The Scrap Review. I haven't received a scrapbooking kit for ages so it was certainly fun for me.

Because the kiddos just started school, I had some fabulous pics of them sitting on my table begging for attention. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do C's pics because the kit was too girlie, but he won't be neglected for long.

About 100 years ago, I came across the idea to have each child hold up his/her grade equivalent in fingers. I love doing this. The only tricky part (so far) is making a K for kindergarten. I'm sure once we hit the really big numbers, we'll have issues, but that seems so far away that it isn't on my list of worries...yet.

My first layout was inspired by the sketch provided in the kit. I did a little reverse applique with the paper which was new for me. 

Miss Z is now in 2nd grade. Hence the peace sign, baby.

Materials: Echo Park pattern paper and embellishments, fabric, Shimmerz Vibez and Pearlz, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Ranger Distress ink, Bazzill cardstock

I did a little hand sewing which was also new. The rip was accidental, but I made it purposeful with the addition of a smidge of color and an X.

I certainly had fun with the flowers in the patterned paper. They were perfect for embellishment clusters.

My second layout was much simpler. I felt a little chaotic after the first one. Miss D is a 4th grader. I remember very clearly being in 4th grade myself. How can I possibly have a child this old?

Materials: Echo Park paper and stickers, micron pen, Shimmerz Spritz and Pearlz

 

 

Once again, I enjoyed those flowers.

My last layout was just plain fun.

Materials: Echo Park papers and embellishments, Prima flowers, micron pen, ribbon, embellishments from My Paper Treehouse kit, Ranger Distress ink, Shimmerz Vibez

 

 

My title was inspired by Lyssie's yarn E.

I did some serious embellishing on this project.

I'm sure you've spotted the Shimmerz background sprays too.

School has been going very well for all of my sweeties and I'm as pleased as punch. We've had bad years in the past and I'm grateful that I've found a school that fits our family goals. So important.

Have a great week!

xoxo
Bethany

Somerset Apprentice

I few months ago, I submitted this project to Somerset Memories.

I was thrilled when they liked it so much that they asked me to write an article for Somerset Apprentice.

Then, I was told that I made the cover. I fell off my chair and bumped my head.

Then I got a little teary...because what artist doesn't dream of being on a cover?...just once...and I've been lucky enough to do it twice.

It's a dream. An absolute dream.

Happy Little Bluebirds

I've been busy at work creating bluebirds. Little mini-replicas of this cutie...

for a 15 minute sampler class that I'm teaching on Saturday at Scrapbooks Etc in Mesa, AZ. I've got 50 of them here. Wingless and glitterless. Waiting for someone to love them.

They need happy homes.

Even though they look a little...well...chaotic...right now, they are really well behaved. Quiet and always cheerful.

Hope to see you soon!

xoxo
Bethany

Project Completed

As most of you are aware, the last months of my life have been dedicated to making my dress and my 3 daughters' dresses for my brother's reception.

It was a project that caused me many tears and frustrations. I think that I used my seam ripper just as much as my scissors especially when it came to those 4 stinking zippers. I almost (on multiple occasions) threw everything away and gave up the entire idea. (I think that it was sheer stubbornness on my part that prevented me from doing so.) It was only when I saw all my girls and I looked at myself all decked out at the reception that I felt extremely proud of my accomplishments.

The girls looked so beautiful.

And the entire crew was so impressive, I had to wonder where they all came from...

Somehow, now all the frustrations have melted away and I'm itching to take on another sewing project. Perhaps not of this magnitude, but I'm missing the hum of my machine and the sharpness of my seam ripper.

Luckily, I just ordered a new pattern...for an adorable little newsboy hat for the newest addition coming soon!

Happy Sewing!

xoxo
Bethany

Shimmerz Pearlz Scraping Technique -- New Video

Happy Labor Day everyone! I hope that you have a wonderful time with your sweeties!

Join me today as I demonstrate an easy technique for sprucing up a plain piece of white cardstock using Shimmerz, Pearlz, and Vibez and an old credit card. Don't worry, it won't affect your credit score! (giggle...)

Isn't that Shimmer gorgeous?

On this layout, I used Shimmerz Pearlz in Blue By U and Carrot Top as well as Shimmerz Spritz in Cotton Candy. In my demo, I used Blue By U Pearlz, Peas B Mine Pearlz, Sunny Shimmerz and Fiery Fiesta Vibez.



Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

A Folksy Frosty

Yes, I know...Christmas isn't for a long while, but since I'm having a baby in November, I'm pretty much expecting my life to fall apart for about 2 months while I adjust to motherhood of 6 sweeties.

Therefore, I'm teaching my last class before my maternity leave on October 2nd from 10:30-2PM at Scrapbooks Etc in Mesa, AZ. And because Christmas just rocks my socks off, it is Christmas themed.

We'll be making this little dude. (He's about 9 inches tall.)

He's got a lot of personality. I mean...how many snowmen can get away with wearing their hats skewed like that? Yeah, I know. Not too many.

He's the perfect gentleman. He wears his heart on his sleeve.

And he's full of wisdom.

Pretty much the perfect guy.

Once again, you don't need too many supplies for this man...scissors, heat gun, teeny-tiny paintbrush (if you have one) is about all. Everything else is covered in the class fee ($35.00). The only problem is that class size is limited so you need to sign-up early.

Hope to see you soon!

xoxo
Bethany

A Purrfect Halloween

I know that Halloween is over a month away...but it is one of my favorite holidays and I am very excited about my newest class: A Purrfect Halloween.

We are going to make this not-so-spooky kitty! Isn't she adorable? I'll be teaching you how to sculpt, paint and decorate. So by the time class is over, you'll be taking home a completed project ready for your home decor.

Class is on Saturday, September 25th from 10:30 AM - 2 PM at Scrapbooks Etc. in Mesa, AZ. You don't need too many supplies (a teeny-tiny paint brush if you have one, a heat gun to speed up drying time, scissors, and a pencil with eraser) everything else is included in the class fee (only $35.00).

I am so excited!

xoxo
Bethany

Organza Flower Tutorial -- New Video

Ever since I learned how to make flowers like these...

I've wanted to do a video for you.

Well, I finally got it done. I unfortunately had to divide it into 3 parts because I haven't figured out how to upload a video bigger than 10 minutes yet, but give me some time and I'll eventually have that down too.

I hope that this tutorial gives you to confidence to tackle this easy (but potentially intimidating) project!







Of course, you don't have to use the barrette backing that I did. You can also use a brooch pin or a clip. I failed to mention that in the video.

If you have any questions, ask away in the comments section. I'll answer them in a follow-up post.

Happy Melting!

xoxo
Bethany

Dress Form Mini-Art Quilt

One of my guest design team assignments for My Mind's Eye was to "do something" with stamps. (Sadly, my guest stint is coming to a rapid close...sniff...)

Well, with all the cool stamps I had to choose from, I was quite excited. As you know, I love stamping. I quickly decided on the dress form stamp from the Lost & Found line and made this mini-art quilt during a naptime.

When I started this project I didn't have a plan. I just wanted to have fun and get lost in the creativity. It was a nice play session.

I stamped the dress form and used the image as a guide for my painting. Of course, I used Shimmerz products for my paint. Don't you love the shimmer?

I'm planning on placing this piece in a small shadowbox and displaying it in D and Z's room.

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany