Order of the Opus Gluei

Challenge #123. Tweet, chirrup and trill.

2012-01-29T01:00:00.004-05:00

Birds, birdcages, birdhouses.

Gini here - One of my favourite themes is all things Birdie so let rip with your Bird art this coming fortnight.
I drew a birdhouse template and cut it out of chipboard and covered it with Tim Holtz papers. I then paper pieced a couple of adorable birds to live in the birdhouse.
These birds are chipboard shapes from Twiddlebitz but when they arrived they were far smaller than I thought they would be so had to redraw them bigger to fit my grand plan (Ahem).
Now I drew them freehand but if my brain cell had been around the front I would have realised that I could have scanned them and printed them out bigger and it would have been much easier. Hindsight is such a wonderful thing is it not? It always puts me in such a jolly mood...

Onto my baby birds, my dear little chickies...
C'mon Ladies -enjoy the new poobahs!

Look at what amazing wonderful things the other poobahs have come up with for this challenge.

Rosemary here and I really like birds; they always bring a smile to my face and so creating with them in mind was pretty easy for this challenge. I used my QuicKutz dies, an ever present doily, stamp, ribbon, and happy patterned cardstock to create a get well card. (my feathered friend Gertie even stopped by to see what I was making)

Jana here - My wall hanging was inspired by Valentines Day and all of those wonderful pieces of Hoop art I keep seeing on Flickr. You can find out a few more details on my blog.

Electra here - I love birdcages, but all my fine feathered friends have flown the coop.
As they were flying away, however, I heard them calling each other by their given names...

'nuff said.

Kristen here - who loves you, who who, I do. I love the great owl movement that is going on right now. It so reminds me of the 70s and those candles, and macrame owls half our houses had hanging on the wall. I even made an owl out of Cheerios cereal once. They are such a fun icon, and bring back lots of happy memories for me! I stamped the owl and glazed his eyes with Crystal Effects. Then used my quickutz die for the alphabet. I hope this clean and simple card inspires...

Deena here - well, my OG peeps know how I feel about birds, but these bird related challenges keep coming up in some form or another...just in case you haven't followed along with me, I despise birds..they totally creep me out...they are not my friends and I am not theirs...but I can't pass up a challenge no matter what phobia might be affected, so I went totally birdie on this card:

I made the metal pieces in the corner with all my Christmas presents...so much fun...and that feather was randomly stuck to a piece of ribbon that I had in my bag of goodies...have no idea where it came from but I used it anyway...

You have until the end of Saturday 11 February to join in with your fabulous creation celebrating all things Birdie. Add your blog post address to Mr Linky below.
If you would like to join in with a previous challenge we've set (life happens and lateness is absolutely fine, we don't mind a bit) just add your blog post address to Mr Linky below. Please make sure your blog post refers to the previous challenge you are entering so we don't get confused.
We look forward to visiting you!

Challenge #122. Take a picture, it will last longer.

2012-01-15T01:00:00.012-05:00

Kristen here - Take a picture, it will last longer. You can interpret this in any way that you desire, but I took my picture (actually took a picture of myself)... and digitally altered it. I love playing in all the digital suite programs. This was done in Photoshop. I took and blurred and used layers and filters and had a lot of fun!

Let's see what all the other wonderful poobahs have come up with for this challenge. I cannot wait to see what everyone does!

Rosemary here - Hello everyone! I felt like creating something romantic, and why not? Valentine's Day is around the corner so why not some True Love. A lovely free vintage photo, hearts and flowers, pearls and lace and presto! (and it's kind of fun to have an eclectic mix of items)

Jana here -

One of my goals for this year is to take a family picture every month. Not a family portrait, but just a picture that has ALL of us in it. So far, I am off to a wonderful start. I am 100% on track. So when Kristen presented the challenge for this go 'round, I KNEW that a layout of our first month picture was my project. This is all digital. Deets can be found on my blog.

Deena here - this one had me stumped for a while...but when I think of that phrase, it is the rebuttal we used to use when people would stare at us as kids....then I thought of these pictures from DisneyWorld that were ridiculous...my girls were just begging to be stared at and I leapt to the conclusion that this page would work perfectly for a staring page...hence the phrase "take a picture, it will last longer", so I did and now it will last forever....

Electra here -

I took this challenge literally. I did a LO of my DD and her beau looking at (and laughing at)

at a picture on her phone. Cus the picture will last long. Get it?

Hah! OK, small things amuse small minds. But it made me happy.

Gini here - Oooohhya Electra has been very very clever with her interpretation!

Now I don't use photographs much at all in my art but I often make pictures so I set out to make a picture that would fake the look of fabric in a photograph... even I can't follow the very convoluted way I have tried to meet this prompt.
When I was creating it all made perfect sense to me but in the cold light of day today who knows what I was thinking...my brain cell was not round the front but MIA.

So this fake fabric background that is made of paper but looks like a picture replica of a photograph of fabric..... is a very tenuous entry at best for this prompt!

You have until the end of Saturday 28 January to join in with your fabulous creation. Add your blog post address to Mr Linky below.
If you would like to join in with a previous challenge we've set (life happens and lateness is absolutely fine, we don't mind a bit) just add your blog post address to Mr Linky below. Please make sure your blog post refers to the previous challenge you are entering so we don't get confused.
We look forward to visiting you!

Challenge #121. Out with the old and in with the new.

2012-01-01T01:00:00.011-05:00

Deena here - I did a bit of a different take on out with the old and in with the new...I got rid of last year and brought in this year...sooo many of my peeps had a lousy 2011, so I say be off with you and let a good year come in...this year is the year of the dragon, so that is what my card represents...I won all of the embellishments on this card at one point in time or another, and I found the flowers while cleaning up my craft area...just spiced them up a little...

Let's see what all the other wonderful poobahs have come up with for this challenge.

Rosemary here and first of all - HAPPY NEW YEAR - may your 2012 be full of wonderful things! I like this challenge a lot because I think it is going to lend itself to lots of interpretation and plenty of creativity. I'm offering two projects - each created as new projects using product I already have in my room (the old part).

First is a card that speaks for itself, now if only it photographed well. There are metallic blue dots on the paper that made me think of the ball dropping in Times Square and confetti and well...it just doesn't photograph well but it is a cute little clean and simple card to share.

My second project was inspired by Jana after a discussion of resolutions for the new year. I go into it in more detail on my blog but I decided to make a visual reminder of some of my resolutions that I can put right next to the coffeemaker and see each morning. I used a dollar store clipboard and some happy/confetti-esque paper. This is going to be a year long project on my personal blog so there are more details there to see.

Jana here - I think that Deena is brilliant with this theme. I am so very happy to be shedding the old (2011) and welcoming the new (2012). I made an artsy-fartsy calendar page for January. Only January so far. I love the ones you see out in Bloglandia, but was too intimidated to make one. Until now. All of the materials I used are old. I just made something new out of them. I have all the details on my blog.

I wish you and yours a WONDERFUL 2012. I hope it is leaps and bounds better than 2011.

Gini here - I love clever play on words so Deena is off to a roaring start in 2012 and I hope the same is true for you. Happy New Year!

I thought I would make something useful for this time of year so I made 6 identical Thank you cards and then I made another 3 identical general cards using a seahorse stamp from Chocolate Baroque.
My new stuff is the yellow sequins and the 3 and 3/4 inch square shaped blank cards from Craftworkcards, the rest is from my stash. (Full stash list on my blog.)

Electra here - OK. I had this old photo of my girl on a flying carousel ride when she was about 8 or so. I loved this picture. When I saw Deena's challenge, I decided to pull it out and do something with it.
AND to use up old items from my stash that have not seen the light of day for quite a while.
VOILA!

I really love this LO.

Now you go and make something you love for this challenge!

Kristen here - I used some old ribbon, my watercolor crayons, and water pen. I used a background stamp I haven't used since the week I bought it. I also got out a Cuttlebug mini folder.

Kristen here still - I watercolor painted the paper and then used the background stamp to add some texture. It not only added a plaid look, but it made the cold pressed paper texture show through in areas. The sticker is new, but the rest was all from my stash. The embossing folder added a nice subtle accent to the bottom of the card. I hope you have a wonderful New Year!

You have until the end of Saturday 14 January to join in with your fabulous creation celebrating the new year. Add your blog post address to Mr Linky below.
If you would like to join in with a previous challenge we've set (life happens and lateness is absolutely fine, we don't mind a bit) just add your blog post address to Mr Linky below. Please make sure your blog post refers to the previous challenge you are entering so we don't get confused.
We look forward to visiting you!

Challenge #120. I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas!

2011-12-18T01:00:00.023-05:00

Electra here - I love snow. When it's all white and fluffy. In a big city that lasts about, oh, 10 minutes.
But where I live now, when we have a big snowstorm, it becomes magical and stays that way for some time.
I go out into the woods and take photos and that's what prompted this challenge-some photos I've taken of the pretty fluffy stuff we've had lately.
But who wants to look at photos?

I made a PEACE banner for my mantle, using some of my photos for the backgrounds of the letters.
Here's the "P"

Lace around some silver paper, embossed white cardstock on that. A sparkly foil rosette on the bottom with a snowflake and pearl on top of that. And at the top, one of my photos, edged with Liquid Pearls and a glittery letter. Oh yeah, it's all hanging from some silver and white twine/ribbon.

To see the E-A-C- and other E, please come on over to my blog.

And Merry Merry Christmas!

Let's see what all the other wonderful poobahs have come up with for this challenge.

Rosemary here - and I would love a white Christmas, lots of beautiful, fluffy white snow on the ground making everything look like a Christmas card. BUT, I don't want people to have to drive in bad weather and so I'll merely dream of my white Christmas while living vicariously through my projects.

Deena here - this is one of the first years, in as many as I can remember, that we may not have a white Christmas...WHAT??? Usually it is soooo cold and intolerable here in the winter, and there has never been a shortage of the white stuff...but this year, you can actually drive down our street and go from store to store without having to scrape off your vehicle and curse out old man winter...I say again....WHAT??? If this is global warming, then bring it on, baby, cuz winter like this is fabulous! We have just enough of the white stuff to make you realize Christmas is around the corner, but there are no 16 foot snowbanks in my neck of the woods this year! But alas, it will come to an end too soon and the bone chilling, window frosting, eyelash sticking together weather will be upon us...

Gini here - Well I thought I would experiment.

Now as you well know, those are really dangerous words for any crafter, because it could all end up in the bin and me in a huff.

Now I could have ducked out of this challenge but this isn't Hollywood this is real life and that includes a day with spinach on your teeth.

So last night at bed time I was in a huff and this project would have ended up in the bin had I had enough time to make something else but alas time is not on my side right now so here is my not quite white or quite right Christmas Scene. So sorry Electra!

Ooops, I was hoping to rescue it with my shiny Cosmic Shimmer watercolours and truly they did help but they cannot perform miracles.

Look through your fingers or out the corner of your eye at this poor poor card and don't click on it, nobody wants to see it bigger.
But you dear greenhorn reader can make something far better I'm sure!

You have until the end of Saturday 31 December to join in with your fabulous creation celebrating a white Christmas. Add your blog post address to Mr Linky below.
If you would like to join in with a previous challenge we've set (life happens and lateness is absolutely fine, we don't mind a bit) just add your blog post address to Mr Linky below. Please make sure your blog post refers to the previous challenge you are entering so we don't get confused.

We look forward to visiting you!

Challenge #119. Gingerbread.

2011-12-04T01:04:00.023-05:00

"Run, run, run, as fast as you can...."

It's December and for a lot of people it means running around like crazy to get all of your errands run, presents purchased, wrapped and sent/given. It also means a lot of fun foods that we don't usually have around. Like

GINGERBREAD

men and women. (We are an equal opportunity challenge blog.) So share with us YOUR GINGERBREAD creations. Be they tasty to the mouth or the eyes. We want to see them all.

Jana here - I never developed the taste buds for the food, I DO adore Starbuck's Gingerbread Latte's and I LOVE the little houses. Making them has been a tradition in my family forever. We gather the candies. (I buy the premade houses because I am so not a baker.) For a few years we even bought the frosting pre-made from a local bakery. Now we just get the little boxed kits from the store and mix the frosting ourselves. Crazy, I know. Anyway, these little houses are what inspired this challenge. And I do love those little houses. I wanted to make a little house that wouldn't get eaten throughout the season. (My girls will pick the candy off as they walk by. Also part of the tradition.) I was going to make this little doll house. I did start it, but life got in the way. SO, I made this digi card front instead.

The Ninjabread Man is from Urban Threads. He is supposed to be an embroidery pattern, and he will be. Soon. I just thought this would make a great card.

Let's see what all the other wonderful poobahs have come up with for this challenge.

Rosemary here - I think I am the odd Poobah out (along with Deena - more for us!) because I absolutely LOVE gingerbread - either as crispy cookies or as a delicious spicy cake. Must be my German ancestry showing, but I'm not a gingerbread snob, I'll eat it homemade or from the local bakery (psstt - Panera has them for the Christmas season) YUMMY!!!

So, with that in mind - I loved this challenge and created two items - a card AND an ornament using the delightful image of GINGERBREAD - and without further ado.

Gini here - I don't like gingerbread to eat either, not in any form as a sweet or pudding but I also love looking at the little gingerbread houses, so I made this one out of card, paper and a little bit of shiny.
How to make it details are on my blog.
For a visual treat do try an google image search using the term "gingerbread houses" it took my eyeballs a minute or two to stop swirling at all the lovely little houses I saw...

Electra here - I don't like gingerbread. I know, I know,
Bah Humbug and all that. I like pink. So I've made a pink ginger-Victoria-Secret-Model.

Note the wings? If you want to know the whole story, I've explained it at my blog.

Deena here - well...it appears that the other (except Rosemary...no wonder we get along!!)poohbahs are gingerbreadman humbugs, but not me....they are one of my favorite all time treats...love the spicy-ness about it or something cuz once I start, I can't stop...there is not a gingerbread person who is safe around me...but unlike the other evil gingerbread eaters in my house (who all start with the head for a quick and painless death), I like to start with the extremities and torture those poor little cookies...then I can see their smiling faces when I take the last bite! I must warn those faint of heart that the inside of this card says "Oh Bite Me...another Christmas Card"...

You have until the end of Saturday 17 December to join in with your fabulous creation celebrating gingerbread. Add your blog post address to Mr Linky below.
If you would like to join in with a previous challenge we've set (life happens and lateness is absolutely fine, we don't mind a bit) just add your blog post address to Mr Linky below. Please make sure your blog post refers to the previous challenge you are entering so we don't get confused.
We look forward to visiting you!

Challenge #118. Thanks for being YOU

2011-11-20T01:03:00.018-05:00

I hope you will see this challenge as fun and freeform - interpret this theme

THANKS FOR BEING YOU

as it strikes you.

Perhaps you want to focus on Thanks and make something with that in mind, or Thanksgiving
or make a project that is so you, just your style as it were...it is all good!

Celebrate what makes you and your work special and oh, so you!

Here at Opus Gluei we are thankful you like our challenges enough to play with us

and we love love love to see your creativity shine through!

Rosemary here - the inspiration for this challenge came from a sweet Thanksgiving card I received last year from Jana that said just that - Thanks for being you. I thought it was so kind of her (she's so sweet like that!)

I made a Thanksgiving banner last year that I liked but didn't LOVE, wasn't feeling it for the item.

So, I decided it was time for a DO-OVER!

I like it even better this time. This was created with my Cricut, Plantin and Celebrations cartridges, and the most wonderful, colorful, fun paper pad from DCWV - Harvest Gathering

You might say - oh my, that's a craptacular amount of pattern and stuff, Rosemary.

Yep, and that's okay - because you have to make something YOU like

This is the kind of fun project that lets you pull out your buttons, bling, just about anything your heart desires

Let's see what all the poobahs have come up with for this challenge!

Deena here - we have finished all of our Thanksgiving stuff here in my neck of the woods (I like that we do it early and space out the turkey and visits a little)...but there is always a need for a thank you card somewhere, so I whipped this one up just in case...I love these little felt trees, I think they are just darling (and I waited ever so patiently to be able to pick them up on clearance...the best part of all)...the picture is a little dark, but winter has arrived as of this weekend (big time)...something I really am not thankful for...and it just seems that it finally gets light out and an hour later it is dark and cold and snowy...probably a bit of an exaggeration, but brrr...and it is not even close to the shortest day of the year...

Electra here - Tis the season to be thankful. If I had to make a list, it would go on forever. (My fellow Poobahs would be at the top, but don't tell them.)
I made a simple card. Simple because my mojo seems to have gone out for Thanksgiving dinner and not returned, and simple because, well, that's how it turned out.

I live in the same neck of the woods as Deena, so I too have eaten my turkey and put all the good china away. Having said that, any day is a good day for gratitutde, don't you agree?

Gini here -
Flowers are so often given as a thank you gift so I made a card using the fabulous Paper Artsy stamps Hot Picks 1004 and their set of steampunk moth stamps.
I used the wrinkle free technique using Inkadinks from the bright range and over-sprayed with a silver shimmer spray for the flower, stem and leaves, and Cosmic Shimmer watercolour paints for the moth.

Jana here: There is so very much in my life for which I am grateful. Mostly I am thankful that the people I know and love are who they are. To honor that feeling I present this little card:

Here's hoping you enjoy our little challenge and decide to play

along - Thanks for being YOU!

You have until the end of Saturday 3 December to join in with your fabulous creation celebrating showing gratitude. Add your blog post address to Mr Linky below.
If you would like to join in with a previous challenge we've set (life happens and lateness is absolutely fine, we don't mind a bit) just add your blog post address to Mr Linky below. Please make sure your blog post refers to the previous challenge you are entering so we don't get confused.
We look forward to visiting you!

Challenge #117. What's on your head?

2011-11-06T01:02:00.010-04:00

Gini here -

Helloooooo this fortnight's challenge is mine, all mine mwha-ha-ha.

So tell us then, what's on your head?

It can be any kind of project you like as long as it's got someone or an animal with something on it's head, or even a shelf or a display of hats, something along those lines.

You might fancy going the traditional route and use a hat of some kind, a headress, a crown, or exotic feathers on a glamorous lady.
You might feel inclined to go a bit wackier and put a fried egg on a dog's head, or a Santa's hat on a chicken, your imagination is your only limitation, anything goes.
Marie Antoinette had a galleon sailing in her wig once I believe.
If you feel like writing a little story to go with your creation I would love that too.
Just a few lines of nonsense, I am easily pleased (no don't listen to my husband laughing at that, he knows nothing).

I myself have a bit of a passion for making headresses.

So this is Stampotique's Clover ready for an evening out.
She is planning on dazzling her beau, her hope is that the candle light glinting off her head dress will hypnotise him and make him amenable to her every wish and whim.
Now if you click on her to make her bigger and look at her dear little face, you will see a lady who is prepared to suffer for her ART and her cutting edge fashionability.
Bless her.
Where would we be without style icons like Clover eh?

C'mon get your thinking cap on!

Let's see what all the other wonderful poobahs have come up with for this challenge.

Rosemary here - Well, I had to go literal for this challenge theme, it simply had to be. About 5 years ago I discovered those wonderful knitting looms and went a wee bit crazy with them, made everyone I knew and loved a hat (and sometimes a scarf). I'm including a photo of my latest one, a baby sized pink hat to show what I am talking about. Sure, some may call it cheating knitting, but not me! Until I can learn how to knit on knitting needles, I'm going to rely on my knitting looms.

This is me modeling a hat (switch them around enough and the static electricity starts making your hair look like fright night)

Emma posing with part of the stash (it is wrong how elegant she looks compared to me)

and the pile from that first go-round.

So, I've been doing it again on a grand scale, trying to once again make one for everyone in the family and select friends.

This is the sad little pile I have right now (only 7 completed) - But these are amazing quick (even the adult sizes) to start and finish in an evening. Makes watch television fun and productive! I will make my goal, I always do! (I highly recommend trying these looms out)

Deena here - my little guy is not as fancy or elaborate as Gini's is, but he is a bit of a cutie in my opinon...I used liquid applique on his hat...that stuff is soooo much fun...I have had it in my craft area for about 10 years now and never used it...but why, I will never know cuz that stuff is amazing!

Electra here - Trust Gini to come up with something so creative! I did a "doorway" into, oh, I don't know, let's say a popular nightclub. Has this ever happened to you?

Jana here - I am a bit late to the party, but here none the less. I have a lot on my mind lately (don't we all) and the thought of hosting Thanksgiving Dinner here in America has almost sent me to the bottle. (And it may just happen...) Thus the inspiration for this ATC.

Nothing like a little bit of liquid courage to get you through.....

You have until the end of Saturday 19 November to join in with your fabulous creation celebrating things you could wear on your head. Add your blog post address to Mr Linky below.
If you would like to join in with a previous challenge we've set (life happens and lateness is absolutely fine, we don't mind a bit) just add your blog post address to Mr Linky below. Please make sure your blog post refers to the previous challenge you are entering so we don't get confused.
We look forward to visiting you!

Challenge #116. Something wicked this way comes.

2011-10-23T01:01:00.018-04:00

Kristen here - Here are 3 free digi stamps from my store. The link is off my blog. I LOVE Halloween. I hope you make something fun with these. *You are NOT required to use these images for the challenges, you just need to make something that fits the title of the challenge. Please direct people here to get their image, and not just share them directly. Enjoy your Halloween and go do some spooky creating. Don't forget to link back here so we can see what you made!

PS... I am glad I don't live next door to Electra... ; ) The people are dying to get in there though!!!
Let's see what all the other wonderful poobahs have come up with for this challenge.

Deena here - Halloween is on it's way and I am running to get costume material today...my girls have decided that they want to be garden gnomes this year...thought it was going to be a totally simple costume. but it is turning into a much bigger challenge than I had anticipated getting myself into...why can't they just be a cute little costume off of the rack like everyone else? They can be so wicked (and so will their costumes...they even convinced the hubby and grandpa to dress up with them so they can be a gaggle of garden gnomes). Oh well, at least my card for this challenge was an easy one to make:

Electra here - I live next door to a graveyard. This is new, I only moved here two weeks ago. My neighbours are quiet anyways.

At any rate, for this theme, I created something a bit macabre, but not very. I tried to ease it up with a bit of whimsey too. No sense scaring myself TOO badly with the folks next door and Halloween closing in on us, right?

You can find more deets on my blog.

Rosemary here and I have to start off by apologizing - my projects are not complete. Oh, they've been stitched until the last row has been crossed, but they aren't "finished" - you know, made into the final product but I was afraid I'd be so late for our deadline. I've been stitching a lot lately, it's been a portable craft for me and that works for what life's been dishing out.

This is my cluttered mantel that is intended to look Halloween-y.

The jack-o-lantern of patterned panels is from years ago and in front are my latest pieces. The four panel is from The Prairie Schooler booklet entitled - Cats, Bats, and Witches. Just three colors but loads of impact and the finished piece is approximately 5"x5". It's going to need a custom frame (sigh)...

The vintage looking jack-o-lantern is from The Prairie Schooler booklet - Boo to You, full of wonderful retro images that are very quick to stitch! This is going to be finished as as ornament!

Both of these were done within a two week timeframe - they're that quick to stitch! I hope all you GHOULS come out to play with us on this challenge (big thanks to Kristen for a spookily fun theme and for sharing digis with everyone - she's very sweet and generous like that!)

Gini here -

Mwah-ha-ha.............. Your carriage awaits you and it's ready to whisk you away; past the howling wolf and up, up, up to the creepy castle where your destiny awaits you...

OR if that doesn't tickle your fancy then a huge bar of your favourite chocolate, a foot massage, a large glass of wine, a roaring open fire and the person(s) of your choice :-)
(Feel free to change or tweak any of the above aspects to make your perfect evening entertainment - 'cos I'm helpful like that.)

You have until the end of Saturday 5 November to join in with your fabulous creation celebrating Halloween. Add your blog post address to Mr Linky below.
If you would like to join in with a previous challenge we've set (life happens and lateness is absolutely fine, we don't mind a bit) just add your blog post address to Mr Linky below. Please make sure your blog post refers to the previous challenge you are entering so we don't get confused.
We look forward to visiting you!

Challenge #115. Back into the swing of things.

2011-10-09T01:00:00.016-04:00

Deena here - so now that school is back into full swing and all of the activities have started back up, let's get into the swing of things with the Poohbahs! Pull out all the stops and show us your swinging creation...what ever and how ever that may be....I chose to use a monkey swinging on vines (I do like monkeys - unlike birds, I think these creatures are cute and cuddly looking - from a distance, of course)...but that doesn't need to be your only kind of swing...there is the swing in your step as the kids head off to school...a swing at the park on a warm fall day...the swing of a bat when your husband tries to use your scrapbook tools to do a construction project....what ever tickles your fancy...

by the way....this honeycomb paper is super cool! total 3-d effect...have sooo many ideas for it....

Let's see what all the other wonderful poobahs have come up with for this challenge.

Gini here - LOL at Deena's bat swinging, so what else could a bat be used for hmm?
I know how about a moustache... For me getting back into the swing of things is making comedy papercrafts, at least I find it funny, you may think otherwise as it takes all sorts to make a world. Click on the image to make it bigger.

Electra here - I made something digital cus I'm in the midst of a move and can't find anything. Here it is:

Jana here - I have been on a paper hiatus. For some unknown reason, I have avoided it. I have been on a fabric binge. I LOVE paper, and just in the past week or so I have gotten back to it. I am getting BACK INTO THE SWING OF THINGS. The way I used to be into things. I grabbed a few Halloween papers, some different types of GLUE, some stamps and ink and went to town. Here are a couple of the 10 cards I made in one afternoon. See, I really am BACK INTO THE SWING OF THINGS.

Models: Mr Bones and Fluffy

This is Mr Bones favorite card!

You have until the end of Saturday 22 October to join in with your fabulous creation celebrating getting back into the swing of things. Add your blog post address to Mr Linky below.
If you would like to join in with a previous challenge we've set (life happens and lateness is absolutely fine, we don't mind a bit) just add your blog post address to Mr Linky below. Please make sure your blog post refers to the previous challenge you are entering so we don't get confused.
We look forward to visiting you!

Challenge #114. Owl always love you.

2011-09-25T01:00:00.015-04:00

Electra here - Are you exhausted from all that Dancing With The Poobahs? I know I am.
This week, we'll be a little more sedate and visit the world of OWLS.
For some reason Autumn always makes me think of owls, I don't know why.
But thinking of Owls, I made a few ATC's:

Why the "Always Love You" part? I have no idea. I think the reason is when I see the leaves starting to change colour, I think of school buses, and I think of when my girl was little and went to elementary school and I think of how adorable she was and I think of how much I love her....

And no, I don't have ADHD.

So Whoo do you love in your Owl world?

Let's see what all the other wonderful poobahs have come up with for this challenge.

Rosemary - here and I love the idea of an Owl challenge - WHO wouldn't? (heh heh, sorry, couldn't resist). There's all sorts of owl embellishments, die cuts, stickers, etc. I decided I was going to do something with floss and fabric...soooo.....

I found this adorable spooky owl pattern from The Prairie Schooler and easy peasy - a cross-stitch ornament perfect for decorating a doorknob, wreath, or bare tree branch (oooh, the possibilities). Wonderfully fun to do and I hope you enjoy looking at it!

Jana here - Owls. Are you kidding me?!?!?! I LOVE owls. I always have. I always will. My oldest is contemplating colleges. She's a junior and is starting to put serious thought into what she wants to be and where she'll go to learn about it. I really want her to major in something practical. But not matter what she chooses, OWL ALWAYS LOVE HER. So I made a little set of ATC's titled:

"OWL DO WHAT I WANT"

Kristen here - I used some Quickutz owls for this project and some really fun paper that I just got at the local craft store with the owls on it! It is called You're a Hoot from the finally fall collection from Bella BLVD. I love owls... I used to have one that landed on the roof above my bedroom window and talk until I fell asleep. Possibly he talked after, but how would I know that? Have a great week!

Deena here - I am not a bird lover at all...in fact they kind of creep me out...they fly above you threatening poop so you have to duck and cover (pardon the pun), but I bought this owl punch on a whim and decided I had better use it at least a couple of times to get my money's worth...my hubby got a kick out of the lets' flock together phrase...typical male...so here is my attempt at owl love this week:

You have until the end of Saturday 8 October to join in with your fabulous creation celebrating owls. Add your blog post address to Mr Linky below.
If you would like to join in with a previous challenge we've set (life happens and lateness is absolutely fine, we don't mind a bit) just add your blog post address to Mr Linky below. Please make sure your blog post refers to the previous challenge you are entering so we don't get confused.
We look forward to visiting you!

Challenge #113. Dancing with the Poobahs.

2011-09-11T01:00:00.031-04:00

Hello everyone. And Welcome to the 113th Celebration here at OPUS GLUEI. We are a fun bunch, and tend to treat each and every challenge as a celebration. AND what's a celebration without DANCING! As you have probably already guessed (cuz you are smart like that) this week we are inviting you to

DANCE WITH THE POOBAH's

Get out your paints, scissors, papers, fibers and music AND DANCE with us.

Jana here - My turn to get the creative juices flowing. And twirling. Now that you have had a chance to play with ALL of us, I think it's time to DANCE...

This started out as a plain white 9x12 inch canvas board. I didn't really know where it would end up. I just went with it. Lots of layers. Lots of time spent doing other things waiting for the paint to dry. Lots of FUN. You can find more deets on my BLOG HERE.

Let's see what all the other wonderful poobahs have come up with for this challenge.

Gini here - After I'd done multiple pirouettes in the very tight space that is my craft room (that didn't end too well), I settled down with Twinkie and David Bowie and danced the night away...

Electra here -(tapping her toes and shaking her head wildly)
I actually have THREE LO's this week for you, none of which were made anytime recently, but all of which involve dancing. sort of
I shall show you two here, cus they're a matched set, but for the third (and the sordid story attached), you'll have to come visit me.

OK, it's not a "sordid" story. lol But you can come see me anyways.

Dance with us, you'll have a blast!

Kristen here -
If you need to turn yourself around... there is a meeting for those type. Hokey Pokey anonymous in Macon, Georgia. It is sure to be a hit with those who need to figure out what it really is all about! I made this on Photoshop. It has a few effects added and a type face from daFont. I went the quick route this week. I am not trying to whine, but I am so busy. A near forty brain has more trouble with college than the eighteen brain variety! That is for sure. I hope you enjoy my digi creation and maybe get inspired to do some of the same!!!

Deena here - did you ever have one of those crafty days when nothing you do turns out right? Mine started with the missing stamp set...the one with the ballerina and the artsy ballet slippers that I like to use for these occassions...still can't find it, so on I went using a more "fun approach" (if you can call it that) with this card:

but I didn't really like the effect or the way it turned out, so I thought...what else can I make with two full-time dancing girls in my house??? There has to be something, so I cracked and finally did a scrapbook page from their dance recital this year (we won't mention the 8 prior dance recitals that aren't complete yet)... and this is what I came up with:

Rosemary here and I made a little card of encouragement - that we all can take to heart. Don't worry if the world doesn't always "get" you, dance/march/tap/skip to the music in your heart.

You have until the end of Saturday 24 September to join in with your fabulous creation celebrating dancing. Add your blog post address to Mr Linky below.

If you would like to join in with a previous challenge we've set (life happens and lateness is absolutely fine, we don't mind a bit) just add your blog post address to Mr Linky below. Please make sure your blog post refers to the previous challenge you are entering so we don't get confused.

We look forward to visiting you!

Challenge #112. Everything's coming up roses and rosettes.

2011-08-28T01:00:00.032-04:00

We're down a couple of Poobahs this week - the East Coast of the U.S. is making the acquaintance of Hurricane Irene and we already don't like her.

Please keep all of the people in the path of this storm in your thoughts and prayers!

Yep, this Irene is certainly putting a real damper on fun right now

But let's try and think ROSE-Y thoughts

Happy days

Good weather

Love all around us

There? Isn't THAT better?

This week our theme is to create with

ROSES

ROSETTES

Simple as that!

Rosemary here and I made a couple of projects for this challenge. First up is a wreath of roses. I tried making only white roses using pearly paper and then added glitter - the photo doesn't show it but it's rather elegant and glittery in real life - I might swap out the ribbon for different occasions. (there's about 40 large roses and I was able to make them in a couple of hours)

Next up is an anniversary card with more handmade roses (these little tiny ones can be a buster to make, but I think they're worth the effort).

Finally, had to make some rosettes - and why not get a jump on Fall? (if you would like to know more about these projects, I'll try to get a post up, I may lose power so it might not be immediately)(and I apologize for the less than stellar photographs)

Gini here - Oooh I so wanted to create something I thought Rosemary would like to have. Well I crafted myself right into a pickle trying to make it because I was SO outside my comfort zone. Eeeep.
When I rummaged about in my stash I realised I had a distinct lack of roses apart from a set of very pretty rose stamps which I had won and that I thought I would never use, but have now used them twice so that just goes to show what a dud my crystal ball is. What no psychic powers? Nope.
Materials used listed on my blog.

Electra here - Everyone loves flowers right? If I met someone who didn't like flowers, I would not go to his/her house for soup and sandwiches. Not a chance. Do you ever watch those TV shows where brides compete to have the most gorgeous wedding decor? Well, sometimes there is a bride who doesn't like flowers. She'll use peanuts, or motorcycle parts, or, well, you get the picture. I wouldn't go to her wedding. Not that I was invited. But I wouldn't. So there.

Here's mine:

No flowers were hurt in the making of this LO.

Deena here - This is my roses and rosette card done with as many as I felt I could stick on one poor little card base ;) I made the spiral roses and just love that rosebud ribbon...can't get enough of that stuff...I used some mists and some stickles to bling it up a little...not sure if you can tell from the pics though?

Kristen Here:
I made this card (and thought I posted it yesterday, but it disappeared for some reason unbeknownst to me)... so here it is again. I made the 3 roses, 2 with ribbon and tinfoil, and 1 out of paper. The wedding cards are Wordles that I made out of Corinthians verses on love. The stamp I used was A Muse.

You have until the end of Saturday 10 September to join in with your fabulous creation celebrating roses and rosettes. Add your blog post address to Mr Linky below.
If you would like to join in with a previous challenge we've set (life happens and lateness is absolutely fine, we don't mind a bit) just add your blog post address to Mr Linky below. Please make sure your blog post refers to the previous challenge you are entering so we don't get confused.
We look forward to visiting you!

Challenge #111 - Oh I do love to be beside the seaside and all things fishy.

2011-08-14T01:00:00.016-04:00

Gini here - Hello there Folks, are you ready to roll your trousers up, tie a knot in each corner of a man's hanky to wear on your head, get sand in your hair and sandwiches?
Then finally in the early evening, to sit on the beach with your red peeling nose eating fish and chips covered with lashings of salt, malt vinegar and red sauce (Ketchup) out of a newspaper wrapping with a useless wooden fork provided by the Fish and Chip shop and enjoy the setting sun in your eyes.
Yes?
Well it's time to put all your seaside memories or fantasies into a piece of art.
It can be based on the beach, sandcastles, donkeys, beach huts etc.
It could be something set on the sea, maybe a watersport such as sailing or surfing or just a seagull floating on the sea contemplating his next fish and whether or not he could ever become a pirate.
Perhaps you would rather go under the waves and use fish, mammals and other marine seascapes. Sunken vessels and treasure or mythical mermaids or even Kraken's. I don't know what a Kraken looks like but maybe you could show me.

I decided to represent through the medium of art; The birth of the Stampotique mermaids.
Now as we all know mermaids are born out of mermaids purses, which is presumably why groups of young women in the 1980's used to dance around their handbags down the disco in an attempt to lure mortal men to their sides. They were of course mimicking the mysterious and beautiful mermaids singing to the sailors and luring them to their doom.

This is a 10 x 12 inch canvas, details of ingredients and more on my blog

Let's see what all the other wonderful Poobahs have come up with for this challenge.

Jana here - I LOVE the ocean and all things associated with the ocean. I have always lived within a few miles of an ocean or sea. I am not sure I could ever live away from one. My youngest daughter and I carry our love of the sea around with us in the form of a turtle shaped birth mark. Mine is on my leg and hers is on her arm. I made a little piece of art for her bedroom to celebrate our common bond.

Rosemary here - I do love water and so I was almost overwhelmed with ideas and finally after lots of tries, settled on ATCs for this challenge. Three of them; one was inspired by sailors on whalers and schooners who were gone from their sweethearts for so long and spent their idle hours making love trinkets - two are inspired by Hawaii, a place I long to see and enjoy! ( apologize for the lousy photo of the third ATC!)

Okay, I had to add just one more thing. I had to use my mermaid stamp, she's my albatross. I had to have her and yet, I haven't found a project to suit her. Until now. So, here she is in all her paper-pieced and fussy cut glory (no sailors or Captain Cooks were injured in the making of this card - honest)

Electra here - Did I mention I live on the prairies? Mountains to the west, fields of wheat to the east and nothing but cows and horses here. No water as far as the eye can see. So, we went TO the water. Found a lovely lake about 4 hours from here (how's THAT for dedication to "The Order"? Hah! And we went swimming...

The deets of this LO are on my blog.

Kristen here - My dad turns 80 in a few weeks. I thought I would use one of his many fishing photos for the invite, and then use a play on words to make the invite fun. I used up a bunch of camping stickers on the cards... everyone will get a different embellishment (but who will be comparing, right?) Nothing Fishy going on... just some good old fashioned fishing! ; P

Deena here - my attempt is more of a bragging nature...I will be sitting on one of these in a few short days cruising to Alaska...so excited that it is hard to think of much else, so I decided to make a card which will probably end up chopped up and put on a scrapbook page when we get back...the fishies were done on the Cricut with the Life's a Beach (just giggle everytime I hear the name of that cartridge..teehee) cartridge and then soaked down in green, olive, blue, gold, orange and pear mists....then dosed in a batch of goosebumps (but I don't think that stuff did anything??)

You have until the end of Saturday 27 August to join in with your fabulous creation celebrating the SEA. Add your blog post address to Mr Linky below.
If you would like to join in with a previous challenge we've set (life happens and lateness is absolutely fine, we don't mind a bit) just add your blog post address to Mr Linky below. Please make sure your blog post refers to the previous challenge you are entering so we don't get confused.
We look forward to visiting you!

Challenge #110 - A picture is worth a thousand words.

2011-07-31T02:15:00.003-04:00

Kristen here - I want to challenge everyone to not say anything. Just use a graphic to create anything. No words allowed. I drew the koi and put it in some swirly paper for an water looking background. I used a brad for the eye and then frayed the edge, matted it on an orangey-red paper. Then attached it to a kraft colored card. Hope you can think of something to say without words! Have fun!

Rosemary here - I created a little card for my sis-in-law who sends her youngest twins (yes, two sets of twins) to their first full day of school (first grade) in a few weeks. She needs to find out what shopping is like without four little people in tow so I'm going to give her a little gift card inside for some retail therapy!

Electra here - OK, I ALWAYS use words. Well, almost always.
Not for this one though! I started with a couple (like the ones on the "Bathroom" signs) and this is where I ended up.

My lips are sealed.

Gini here - A tricky challenge eh?
I have created a 5 x 7 inch canvas which hopefully makes you think of summer.
I've given details of how to make it on my blog.

Deena here - this is my attempt at a card with no words...this was a really difficult challenge for me...I always have something to say...but that is why they call it a challenge, I suppose?? Hopefully my thousand word picture lets you know this is supposed to be a birthday card ;)

You have until the end of Saturday 13 August to join in with your fabulous creation made without using any words on your project. Add your post to Mr Linky below.
We look forward to visiting you!

Challenge #109 - Beat the Heat

2011-07-17T06:41:00.062-04:00

Deena here...It's getting hot out in my neck of the woods...finally! We have had a really slow start to summer, but now it is coming out in full force...supposed to be +35 C this weekend...or for my fahrenheit friends...95 degrees...but with our humidity levels it should be closer to +48 C or 118 degrees...I know to some of you, that is the norm, but for us, it is rare...we get the -35 waay more than the +35...not sure at this point which will be worse?? But if it is sunny, that is all that will matter. Our challenge this week is to show us ways that you beat the heat...anyway goes, whether it is a page of popsicles or snow flakes, airconditioners or fans...what ever cools is hot this week, so let's see what you've got...

Here is my (Deena's) attempt at being cool:

Jana here - I am a warm weather kind of gal. I just love these hot, lazy summer days. I decided that a siesta is in order. And I need a pillow regardless of the temperature outside, so I made a crisp, cotton, strawberry covered pillowcase to snooze my little head upon. And then I crocheted a little bit of trim around the border. It's a really soft yarn. I would love to be able to tell you how wonderful it feels, but I can't pry it away from my girls' precious little mitts. Guess I'd better make some more....

Rosemary

I really don't like hot hot weather - you know, those steamy miserable days and so my coping mechanism to BEAT THE HEAT is to sit inside an air conditioned craft room and play with paper and glue. These cards made me smile because even if I can't get to the pool or beach, I can at least stamp some cards with beachy/pool themes. One regular card and two gatefold cards for your viewing and I had to show the interior of Ms. Bikini Bovine's card because I adore a good or bad pun!

Electra

I'm like Rosemary, not a big fan of the heat. I grew up on the ocean, so living in this landlocked furnace right now is painful! I was looking at some old photos of my grandmother and thought how wonderful it would be to be soaking in a lake right now. Just floating around.
I don't know if you can read it, but there is some handwriting on one of these old photos-"in bathing suit". It's from 1915. At least they didn't have to worry about the ozone layer.

Gini here - I was so lucky because Spanky knew the answer to Beat the Heat straight away.
Her advice is to stay in the fridge during the day and come out to play at night when you can comfortably rush about with the wind in your fur being all windswept and dangerous.

So that's what I did, I created a night scene.
I've provided the scene but you've got to provide the windswept and dangerousness 'cos I'm too shy. *cough*
More details on my blog

Kristen

I hate the hot weather... I think I was a penguin in a former life. I have the air on, and the fans on. Keep your cool everyone!

Show us how you're keeping cool.

Challenge #108-Red White and ??? (and winner of the Tag Along Prize Package)

2011-07-03T11:54:00.003-04:00

Is this the season on National holidays in your country? Here in the great white north, on July 1st we have Canada Day. Our neighbours to the south celebrate July 4th. Party Time!

Which of these ones is not like the other? Remember that song?

One July 4th, my daughter and I were in town for the Lewiston Montana Rodeo. It did not occur to us that it was also July 4. We zigged when we should have zagged and accidentally found ourselves trapped in a July 4th Parade. OOPS.

So we smiled and gave them our best Princess Diana wave (you know the one) and looked for the first opportunity to escape. I'll bet they're still wondering who the chicks were in the Black Dakota with Alberta licence plates.

So there you have it, we would like you to create something which honours your homeland's National Holiday.

(and maybe include a little story about something that happened on one of those holidays?)

Here are the contributions from our bevy of pretty, personable Pooblettearoonies

Grand Poobah Rosemary

Oh my gosh, I love those ATCs!

Well, in honor of Independence Day here in America, I made two cards - one is a sidestep (I know, again, I like them) that is supposed to look like a neighborhood at sunset when the fireworks show starts and

the other is a good ol' patriotic Red, White, and Blue card with lots of stars and color

Grand Poobah Jana
If you have been visiting my personal blog, first off I want to offer my condolences for your suffering. I haven't been a good blogger of late, and secondly you'll have noticed that when I do blog it has something to do with one of my 2 recent obsessions, either quilting or crocheting. So, on those obsessive lines I created a Patriotic Banner for our family room. We don't really celebrate the 4th per say, but rather my dear husband's birthday. (Don't tell him the fireworks aren't really for him. It'll crush him. LOL) BUT the decor is usually
RED, WHITE and BLUE.

Poobah Gini

Gini here! Butting in Electra's post to explain...why my project isn't quite right!
You see I'm English and a challenge going out on the 3 July has no significance to me apart from wondering on the day if the sun might shine and what shall I do for tea. So with the prompt being "Red white and ..." I assumed it was a colour challenge so made a card using Red, white and yellow, a combination I love when using yellow as the accent colour. England's national day would be St George's Day but I have never met an English person who celebrates it other than noticing it as an annotation in their diary. Which is a bit of a shame now I come to think of it. So apologies Electra for getting it wrong!

Poobah Deena
We are celebrating Canada Day here this weekend (Friday July 1st) and it is our 144th birthday, so I decided to make a birthday card to celebrate the occasion...plus I don't really go around making Canada day cards and handing them out...we will be out at the lake for the festivities of cake, hotdogs and card games as well as the kids races...should be a blast as long as the weather holds out!

Visit their blogs for all the deets!

Remember now you have until July 17th to complete your project and post it (Although I noticed last week, the artwork came in pretty quickly.)

Get out the potato salad and the sacks for the three-legged race and bring us to your celebration.

If we lived closer, I'd bring my pineapple dessert.

But alas.

We'll have to pretend.
It's good. Really good.

*******
We interrupt this challenge to announce that the randomly selected winner of the Giveaway from
Challenge #107 is

Judy

For Grins and Giggles is her blog

and she created this set of card and tag for the challenge

Congratulations!!!!!

(you may now resume your challenge crafting)

Challenge #107 - Let's Tag Along with the Jingle Belles!

2011-06-24T06:00:00.034-04:00

Welcome to our Opus Gluei faithful and to our new friends from the Jingle Belles!

We've got a lot going on here at Opus Gluei Central

so let's get started!

First of all, it's Friday and as an Opus Gluei follower you might be asking why we're posting on a Friday
instead of a Sunday?

Well, we're doing a joint challenge with the Jingle Belles, the lovable team of Lauren and Stef who challenge you each week to make a creative Christmas card so that when December rolls around you aren't stressing to make handmade Christmas cards!
(Genius idea!)

(here they are - don't they just look like fun to play with?)

Opus Gluei likes their sense of fun and so we are making this a two-fer that we like to call

Tag Along!

Create a card for the Jingle Belles and post it at their challenge site. The second part of the challenge is to create a tag, or other coordinating item, such as a little gift bag or box, inspired by this card and post it here at Opus Gluei.

Your tag, or other coordinating item, can be any size, used for any purpose, as a single or in multiples.

But wait, there's more!!!!

GIVEAWAYS!!!!!

To be eligible for the giveaway here you must make a card and a tag!
(and post your project at both blogs)

This prize pack includes a pad of 12x12 My Minds Eye Christmas papers, Inkadinkadoo ink AND stamps, and Jenni Bowline stickpins (and you always get a little something surprise from the OG poobahs)

The Jingle Belles challenge is open until Wednesday, June 29th
at 6:00 p.m. EST,
the Opus Gluei challenge will remain open until July 3.

Here's what we've all created!

Jingle Belle Lauren

***

Jingle Belle Stephanie

***

Grand Poobah Jana

(For more details, and possibly more pictures, visit each Poobah's blog)

Grand Poobah Rosemary

*****

The Grand Poobahs of the Opus Gluei would also like to make an announcement:

Several of our Greenhorns have earned their Gilded Horns and are now going to be providing wonderful artistic inspiration to one and all via Opus Gluei - that's right, we're sharing the love!

Introducing the New Poobahs:
(cue the trumpets and release the doves!)

Poobah Deena

***

Poobah Electra

***

Poobah Gini

***

Poobah Kristen

We'll also continue hosting themes as we've always done, but we love the idea of having
even more original creativity with these lovely ladies!

Another change to Opus Gluei is that starting with the July 3rd challenge, we are going to give you 2 weeks to submit an entry.

Now you can create with a little more time!

**********

So, crank up the air conditioning,

put on some Christmas music,

and get your crafty on!

We're Tagging Along with the Jingle Belles
and Jingle Belles rock!!!!

Challenge #106 - It's a Jungle Out There

2011-06-19T13:07:00.002-04:00

Wow! You all outdid yourselves with the crafty creations we saw last week - you sure showed us your Girl Things!
Loved all the feminine creativity!

Now, this week we want you to go wild, because

It's a Jungle Out There!

That's right, create with this in mind - whether it be the little beasties that live with YOU (2- or 4- footed), or the wild things you saw at the zoo, or even your co-workers - free up that creativity and let your imagination run er...WILD!

Then share it with US!

******

Jana here - I figured it was about time to make a replacement canvas for my Studio. I gave my bird one away, and I really missed having a little bit of cheery art on my shelf. I have a love of owls and mushrooms. And we saw a double rainbow the other day, so I had to add a rainbow. There really isn't a scene, but it makes me happy, so I am calling it a success. I don't have too demanding standards.

I took one of those $1.00 canvases that come with four colors of dried up paint. Painted it, added some pretty scrapbook paper, stamped a few different images, glued down some fabric strips, tied some twine and stuck some stickers down. The picture is really bad. I had to take it at night in bad lighting. I won't have time to take a better one until the middle of the week. So you'll just have to use your imagination as to what this little beauty really looks like. It's a lot more vibrant and a little more in focus in real life.

Oh, yeah, I am one of the unlucky ones who is having a heck of a time with BLOGGER. I am unable to comment on most posts most of the time. I keep trying, but please know that I am looking at your wonderful creations and will keep trying. Sometimes I am able to post a comment, but there is no method to this maddness. Grrrr.

*******

Rosemary here - I wanted to make something unique for the little twin nieces, so I have made some creative boxes to put a gift card or money into as a little gift.

These are drawer boxes and I found the tutorial over on Splitcoaststampers here

The drawer for each is roomy, with plenty of space for non-melty goodies
and even a gift card!
Since it will be part of larger gift box for mailing, I'm not as worried about the boxes coming apart in transit, they'll be tight agains the other things!
I used DCWV Sweet stack and my Cricut with the Create a Critter cartridge

Show us your JUNGLE OUT THERE.

Also, stop by here on Friday, June 24, for a special announcement of a joint challenge and some changes coming to Opus Gluei!

Challenge # 105 - It's a Girl Thing

2011-06-12T13:16:00.001-04:00

GIRL THINGS

That's what we want to see this week.

(Due to technical difficulties, this is it for the requirement this week.)

*****

Rosemary here and my project is a scrapbook layout, I haven't made a page in so long so this was fun.

Yes, it's me and it's got a lot of pink and a lot of stuff and is kind of a mess. Normally, I'd apologize and be embarrassed, but nyah...

This is who I am; a lot of pink and a lot stuff and kind of a mess.

(insert BIG cheesy grin)

Jana here: I work in an office where we have to wear security badges. Showing everyone that we do indeed belong there, or at least have permission to be there. Most of the people wear their badges on a standard issue black shoe-string type lanyard. But not me. I wear mine on jewelry. I make beaded lanyards to coordinate (mostly) with my outfit on any given day. I haven't seen any of the men eyeing my lanyards. They are a GIRL THING.

So for this week I am showing some lanyard I made for my graduating 5th graders teachers. All GIRLS. They too have to wear badges to show that they are allowed to be there in the school.

Show us your GIRL THINGS.

Remember this is a "G" rated challenge.
(insert bigger cheesier grin)

Challenge #104 - A Midsummer Night's Dream

2011-06-05T14:11:00.002-04:00

Okay, we know that it isn't Summer yet in the Northern Hemisphere, but we couldn't resist. Who doesn't love to dream?

As usual, you are free to interpret this any way you see in your mind's eye.

Summer, Fairies, Forests, Dreams, Jack-Asses.... there is no limit. Just have fun.

*****

Rosemary here and I hope that when you see the ways that Jana and I interpreted this challenge that you'll play along with us!

Let's start with something small - this is a K & Co. puffy butterfly sticker on a piece of scrap paper with UTEE to make it look like a real butterfly specimen encased in amber - only sparklier (LOL). Makes something pretty to have on hand when you need a little embellishment.

Then, Rose Fairy and Naughty Fairy ATCs

and finally, a feminine notecard with a quote from the Shakespearean Comedy which gave this challenge its name....bling, fussy cutting, ephemera, it's got it all!

*****

Jana here: A Mid-Summer Night's Dream always conjures images of flowers for me. Fairies and meadows and FLOWERS. I was inspired to create a blanket of flowers. Well, I started one anyway.

Even though the temps have been unseasonably high lately, we DO get some cooler evenings. I am looking forward to those cooler evenings. This blanket will be perfect. And I'm sure that I will have wonderful Mid-Summer Night's Dreams too.

*****

Time for your Mid-Summer Night's Dream to become reality in some form...

Challenge #103 - Mail Art

2011-05-29T12:41:00.000-04:00

This week we want to see

MAIL ART

Mail art can be the art itself that you mail without an envelope or it can be the envelope. You can put something in the envelope or not.

(apparently there is an art movement, started in the 1960's, that encourages people to make art they could mail. It's blossomed into a completely different and somewhat avant garde art form. We're looking at the concept of MAIL ART as whatever you want to make it)

It's all up to you.

It's always so exciting to receive pretty packages. There is something about them that makes us feel special. And then smiles show up and the rest of the day is GOOD.

*****

Rosemary here and I struggled, at first, to figure out what I wanted to make. I went with primarily recycling the insides of business envelopes - you know, the kind with windows that either want us to donate money or "donate" money (because we've purchased things).

Here's what you have - look at all that patterned paper! Think of it that way.

Clean and simple cards - one for a graduate and one for my father-in-law. The ship is stamped on liner and the waves are created from three different patterns of paper.

I created (for me) a bookmark using the window portion of an envelope - I like the glassine over the stamped flower.

Lastly, a letter that becomes its own envelope. Lots of fun to decorate with stamps and papers.

*****

Jana here: I got a bit carried away this time and created 3 pieces. And still have ideas for more. I have more envelopes, so I might just have more fun this week.

They ALL started out as plain white 9x12 inch envelopes.

I really enjoyed making all of them.

They are all flat. Nothing sticks out to fall off.

Details can be found on my blog HERE.

*****

Now it's your turn to have fun making something that will make someone else smile too.

Challenge #102 - Pinwheels

2011-05-22T07:16:00.003-04:00

It's starting to get warm and sunny here in America

and almost time for the unofficial start to summer.

So, how about something to catch all the lovely breezes? Or at least add a bit of fun and color.

Our theme this week is

PINWHEELS

They can be real or not, tiny or huge, paper or plastic - whatever inspires you

******

Rosemary here and my pinwheels are pretty simple.

Used the general directions from Martha Stewart (all hail the domestic diva).

Basically, cut two 5" squares from paper and adhere them to one another. Then draw a pencil line from corner to corner, cut in about 3" from the end (not through the middle), then fold every other edge inward and use a pushpin to attach the center to a clothespin.

Once you get the general idea, you can make these any size you want. I started off with 5" and then made 3", 2", and 1-1/2" sizes to show the versatility. Instead of a push pin, I used a brad. I also punched holes in the edges that were folding in so that it was easier to put the brad in. be patient with yourself for the first couple and before you know it,

you are a pinwheel-maker par excellence.

Look at all the cute things you can do - great way to use up scrap papers

Perfect for all occasions

Here's a straw sleeve and a clip in happy, summery colors - fun for a birthday party or graduation (in school colors)

Here's some patriotic looking clips to attach to plants, napkin rings, baskets, etc.

And, a carefree pinwheel card for a touch of whimsy!

*****
Jana here: This is one of those challenges wherein I had a completely different idea in mind when I started out.

I was going to make pinwheels to put in the front flowerbeds to add some color. We will plant flowers. Maybe. BUT until then I thought it would look great to have color out there.

I ended up making a Mug Rug. ??? What in the world does a mug rug have to do with PINWHEELS???

I'll answer that in a second, first, here is my rug mug:

Now, for a little 'splaining... A mug rug is a like a coaster, only it's bigger. Big enough for a mug and a treat.

(Hey, that mug's empty. It's too hot for a hot beverage.)

Or, in my case, since it's already in the 80's, for a glass of iced water and some cookies. Mmmmm...

Those cookies didn't last long.

Oh, yeah, the pinwheel link. Well, I was inspired by the bright colors of the pinwheels I was imagining. Sounded better while I was making the mug rug. Oh, well. Let's just say that we are pretty OPEN to interpretation around here.

*****

Let's see what you create this week

with

PINWHEELS as your inspiration!

Challenge #101 - Get Steamy

2011-05-15T14:11:00.000-04:00

Steampunk is an art form that is influencing art, writing, and other aspects of popular culture. It embodies fantasy and sci-fi aspects with roots in the late Victorian era (late 19th century). Some of the more common art aspects are gears, brass and copper contraptions, goggles, intricate looking devices,
and so on.

Some of you might remember an old television series - the Wild Wild West, in which the actors portrayed government agents in the employ of President Ulysses Grant and they were able to do amazing things from their seemingly mundane railroad car (which was secretly tricked out) - to me, that's kind of the idea of steampunk. A wink at what is possible scientifically and entering into the realm of the fantastic.

Almost a quaint sort of technology that seemed limitless.

Those seeking some more highbrow examples can look to the works of H.G. Wells (The Time Machine) and Jules Verne (the Nautilus submarine, for a start).

So, hopefully you are getting the gears in your brain humming and clicking with all that steampunk can embody and can turn that into a bit of art to share amongst us.

We want you to GET STEAMY

*****

Rosemary here and I decided to let Steampunk inspire me to make a couple of ATCs.

I also made a box for adding all those ideas that I get during the day and write on paper, in lists, etc. but never have anywhere to put them. So I found some wonderful clip art of patents and designs and people and used them along with wonderful Tim Holtz items.

The box all together

detail of the top of the box

*****

Jana here: I went small this time. I made a set of inchies. Not very successful in the Steampunk department. But I started making them and they just took off in their own direction. You know how that goes....

*****

So put on your amazing goggles, pull out the tech specs and GET STEAMY!

Where's Challenge #101? Well....

2011-05-09T16:00:00.002-04:00

Challenge #101 is delayed, Poobah Jana is enjoying a bit of family time and Poobah Rosemary skunked things up by getting herself injured. Nothing a couple of days of R&R won't cure.

Don't give up on us, though, we're still signing up people for the matchbox swap and who knows, we might still get a challenge up!

Challenge #100 - A Match(BOX) made in Heaven- EDITED (again)

2011-05-01T10:20:00.007-04:00

EDITED TO INCLUDE SWAP DETAILS
(at bottom of post)

The little challenge blog that could has hit the century mark - that's right, 100 challenges and still going strong.

Mixing creativity, craft supplies, and humor is a Match made in heaven to us.

Like Peanut Butter and Jelly, Peanut Butter and Chocolate, Iced Tea and Lemon, Chocolate and MORE Chocolate, Glue and Glitter
You get the idea....

So, this week's theme is a

Match(box) made in Heaven

(because we can't resist a bad pun, no, we really can't)

You need to create a matchbox; you can make one from scratch or alter one.

Whatever style you fancy - no limits really!

There's loads of templates to find - here and here for a start.

Then fill this little treasure box full of trinkets, take a photo of it and share it with US.

You'd be amazed at how much fits into one

It gets better....then we want to swap matchboxes. A matchbox swap amongst all the creative and talented Opus Gluei players!

So, leave us a comment and let us know if you want to participate and something about your likes and dislikes, your favorite things.

Then we'll match you up and send you an email!

But allow us to tempt you with some of our creations.

******

Jana here: I decided to make a different kind of matchbox. I love making/decorating them, and have wanted to try this little style out. So I did.

All of the elements store inside. I have a little more detail and a couple more pictures on my blog HERE.

******

Rosemary here and I'm turning into a matchbox making monster.
I have three done now and ideas for at least 9 more- yep, a dozen matchboxes in all and who knows if I will stop there!

I used the matchbox template on my Cricut cartridge - Tags, Bags, Boxes and More set at 2-1/2" for my matchboxes

The fun is in the embellishment and then FILLING them up!

I'm sharing with you three very different designs with a look at the insides too (just to give you an idea of all the goodies that fit inside, more may be added to these little treasure boxes)
Now is the time to get out those little extras - brads, buttons, ribbons, ephemera, and share share share

*******

So, think about participating in this our CENTURY challenge
and share some of the goodness with your fellow artists
You never know, you might get a little matchbox fun from the Poobahs!!!!

It's your turn now.

Show us what you did with your MATCHBOX.

*****

SWAP DETAILS:

1. Sign up by May 15. Leave a comment indicating that you would like to swap a matchbox.

2. Challenge will be open for 2 weeks. ~~We will still have Challenge #101 post on Sunday, May 8, but~~ you can share your matchboxes here until Sunday, May 15.

3. Partner info will be sent via email on May 16.

4. Mail your matchbox by May 20.

5. Blog about the matchbox you send AND the one you receive. (You get extra credit for this blog post.)

EDIT: NEXT CHALLENGE WILL BE POSTED ON MAY 15.

Challenge #99 - The Crown Jewels

2011-04-25T10:00:00.024-04:00

Hope that this week finds you well and contented, wherever you happen to be.

******

Your Poobahs wanted to be possibly the first to tell you this, because you may not have heard. It's been really kept kind of quiet and low key, but there is this madcap couple planning to get married, you may have heard of them...

William and KATE (I know, they want her to be Catherine, and that's all well and good but Kate sounds lovely too)

(aren't they cute together?)

Yeah, they are tying the knot.

We know, when was anyone going to tell us?

Apparently our invites were lost in the Royal Post.

Harumph.

So, now you know too.

In honor of this, the Opus Gluei Poobahs hereby decree the latest theme to be

THE CROWN JEWELS

You may draw inspiration to make something in jewel-tones, with lots of lovely blingy-ness, something regarding this low profile wedding, perhaps a wedding card for someone you know (maybe even these crazy kids), a scrapbook layout about your wedding, or whatever your heart and mind take from this theme...you just have to share with all the rest of us.

Fair's fair.

******

Jana here: I decided to make a couple of postcard sized pieces. The first one is of the official guardian of the Family Jewels.

She isn't very good at her job. She keeps dropping them, unless they find their way around her neck and on her ears. But she's cute so we keep her around.

Of course you can't forget about the Princesses when speaking of Crown Jewels. I happen to have 3 princesses of my very own, AND I happen to have this adorable stamp set. Now I realize that they aren't wearing crowns, but they are princesses just the same. And quite happy about it too. (You can get more details on my blog HERE.)

******

Hello! Rosemary here and yes, all the shiny jewels have mesmerized me. Actually, I'm transfixed to the television watching the 1,000 hours of programming this week all about the royals. I need to free up the DVR so I can tape all the festivities to watch like an addict on Friday night after work. Is there a 12-step program for someone like me?

I wanted to make Royal ATCs, like baseball cards for closeted Anglophiles like me. With a cheeky sense of humor. (Unlike Queen Victoria)

So I chose three of the best known historical British monarchs and had a bit of fun. Forgive me for the awful and crookedy photography. I'll never make it as a paparrazzo...thank goodness.

Queen Elizabeth I

King Henry VIII

Queen Victoria

******

So, crack open a bottle of the good stuff and have a stiff drink, brew a piping hot pot of tea, make some scones, get some clotted cream and strawberries, glue yourself to telly, and drink in all the glorious pageantry and pomp of a royal wedding. Although these kids may just get wild(er) and elope, you never know.

(Let's all just hope that between the inner workings of the monarchy and the British press that this young woman doesn't get mad into a nervous wreck with eating disorders and self esteem issues. She seems like a nice girl and he seems a nice fella. And it doesn't hurt that they are a couple of cuties too.)

Show us your CROWN JEWELS.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T11:56:00.000-04:00

Have a wonderful day.

We'll be back tomorrow with a whole new challenge for you.

Challenge #98 - What's in your wallet? (AKA It's in the Bag)

2011-04-16T11:30:00.003-04:00

This week we are asking for you to take a look inside.

Deep inside.

Your purse that is.

Take your purse, dump the contents onto your bed/table/couch,

snap a photo and then see what inspires you.

Make something wonderful from your inspiration and share it with us!

*****
Jana here: I used my tote for my inspiration source. I had a template for a paper doll in there that I had printed out in January. How sad, huh?!?!

Anyway, here is the tote and its contents:

You can tell that I carry a lot of papers. I LOVE papers. Some are recipes, instructions, lists, puzzles, etc. I also usually have a magazine or two. I can't remember why the nail polish or the MM embellies are there. The tin houses my Zentangle kit. And you can see many bookmarks. I have a "thing" for them. Anyway, one of the papers was a template for a paper doll that I had been carrying around since January. It just never seemed like the right time to make her. Until now.

And here is the paper doll. Rose is her name.

I have posted more details as to the why and how on my blog HERE.

*****

Rosemary here and this the outside of my purse and the insides (not much fits in there - some aspirin, wallet, work id, brush, allergy meds, lip balm, and an old school calendar/planner plus pens)

The contents do not so much inspire me as convince me I'm a spring hypochondriac (LOL)

However, undaunted, I was inspired me to make the following:

First, since Easter is around the corner and my sister and I are both trying to moderate our candy intake, I thought it would be nicer to give her a gift card in a pretty purse box instead of lots of chocolate. I can still put a little egg into the smaller purse. The purse shape is not unlike my real life purse (including the handles) and I took the tag motif from the D&B bag to make a tag for both cardstock purses

My second project is a card for a friend that has a 3-D shopping bag on the front. The inspiration for this is from the blue and leather (which has an orange-ish tinge to it) and the logo design on the bag (think embossing)

My card carries through these colors and the 3-D bag with a tag is again drawn from my purse

More info is available (papers used, etc.) on my blog

*****

So, now it is up to you to take a look at your bag, inside and out and get inspired!

Spring Break and a Make-Up

2011-04-10T10:51:00.000-04:00

Hello there faithful Groupei's and Newbies -

This week we are taking a SPRING BREAK. We have both had some family issues come up and rather than stress ourselves out, we decided to offer up a chance for you to MAKE-UP any of the older challenges that you may have missed out on, missed the deadline, or just plain didn't have time to do.

And we are offering Double Credit for those assignments which you complete this week. If you HAVE done all the challenges, you can get Quadruple Credit by doing another challenge again. (The credit doesn't really count for anything, but it does sound rather rewarding, don't you think. LOL)

And just so you have a little bit of eye candy, here are some of the entries from our April 11th challenge of last year. (See we don't just forget about all of your hard work. We LOVE everything you have ever submitted to our humble little challenge blog.)

Digital layout that cracks us up everytime we look at it. A classic for sure.

Electra

A beautiful card. We love the elegant simplicity here.

Chat Noir

Adorable felt birds. Who would not smile at these!

Deb

A gorgeous photograph and a lovely poem.

Divya

These are but a few of the wonderful entries we have received. It's a wonderful mix of media and talent. We adore each and every one. And hope that these will help to inspire you too.

So, this week, go ahead and MAKE-UP a challenge, create your own challenge, or just take a SPRING BREAK.

We'll be back next week with another NEW challenge for you.

Challenge #97 - Find your Zen

2011-04-03T10:04:00.027-04:00

We've been playing with zentangles; an easy, addictive, and fun way of combining a love of doodling with getting into the zone/zen moment of almost meditative contemplation.

Aren't we often there already? Perhaps not with dooding...but art, whether with paper and pen, glue, stamps, ink, glitter, and frippery, etc. has the ability to soothe and take us outside of ourselves as well. The cares and stresses of the day soothed with artistic expression.

This week, we are showing our Zentangles (and we highly encourage you to play along), we want you to share your zentangles. You don't have to be perfect. Lord knows we aren't. Just doodle. Get a pen and make an ATC, or an inchie, or a bookmark. OR just decorate the notepad next to your phone. It's very relaxing. Yours won't be like ours. Heck, ours aren't like ours.

While there are websites that have pretty good directions on what to do, the best thing to do, is just start doodling.

Who knows, you might just become addicted. Like we did.

*****

Rosemary here and who knew doodling could be so fun?

I've been filling a small watercolor journal with at least one zentangle a day. My little book and pens reside in my purse where they help me pass the time; at the doctor's office, waiting at the store, or sitting around at lunchtime.

Like this - I think there is supposed to be rules on size and shape but I apparently don't follow them, I like filling in lots of shapes. Hands, circles, squares, loop de loops....

I cut up a couple of my zentangle pages to cover a chipboard box I painted with a glossy black acrylic.

Top

Bottom

Side view

Here's a couple of ATCs, one on white cardstock and the other two on the watercolor paper.

*****

JANA HERE: I made some ATC's that I really like. I do like the way they look, but more than that, I like the way I am relaxed while and after I am doodling. It's a time in which your mind doesn't worry about anything. Just doodling. Anyway, I had a couple of frames lying around that were supposed to be for another project, so I framed my amateur Zentangles.

They reside in our family room. It was hubby's idea. He even hung them up.
He must think they're pretty cool too.

I also just sent off a couple of ATC's and a bookmark for a swap I was in over at Swap-Bot.

*****

Now it's your turn.

Grab a pen and a piece of paper, AND start doodling.

And don't forget to show us what you did...

Challenge #96 - Material Girls

2011-03-27T10:54:00.023-04:00

We are living in a Material world, and we are

MATERIAL GIRLS.

Well, sort of. We are talking the fabric sort of material. Yup, we want you to use fabric in your project this week.

*****

Rosemary here and I was having such issues with this challenge, it seemed like every idea that I had was fraught with issues. So be gentle to yourself if an idea doesn't immediately spring to mind. It happens to us all.
.
.

I just knew I wanted something with flowers. That's a start!

I also wanted to make a guest book for our home, something to let our family and friends leave memories of their visit. So, I had the journal, just needed a pretty fabric. Check and check. This started well - just some fusible web and fabric to cover the journal.

Then, I found this neat idea for making fluffy, realistic flowers - trouble was that this involved flame and synthetic fabric - several burns later I decided that was not going to work.

Hmmmm....okay, let's try the power of the Internet again. Another flower tutorial here and this time there were no open flames, just cutting fabric and running stitches, some buttons and glue...and here it finally is!

(It didn't photograph well because it looks like I have orange and yellow flowers on a pink background - and actually there is a lot of orange too (see photo above).)

*****

Jana here: I love fabric. I am a tactile person. I LOVE to touch things and feel the textures. I have made quilts, and the odd piece of clothing. And I do mean ODD. LOL. This time I decided to try sewing a zipper. I have NEVER done that before. I saw some pictures of these wonderful little BOX BAGS made from a quarter of a yard of fabric. And had one of those dangerous "I can make that!" thoughts. So I looked up some tutorials, and made a couple.

The first one was made without much patience. I had looked at the tutorials, and kinda knew what to do. I forgot to take the time to add the little tabs at the ends of the zipper and didn't add a handle. It's a cute little bag, and I'll use it, but this one, the second one, is much more user friendly with the tabs and the handle.

It was made as a pen/pencil pouch for my middle daughter. She is quite happy with it. The pens used in the photo are props and were not included in the bag when I ~~wrestled her for~~ gave it over to her.

You can see the first attempt and find out a little more about Box Bags on my blog HERE.

~~~~~

I went a little material crazy, and ALSO made some fabric postcards and bookmarks. I made a few of the postcards, each one getting better. (lessons were learned)
Here is the best one of the 3:

And the bookmarks:

You can see the other 2 postcards on my blog HERE.

*****

Now show us your MATERIAL GIRL side...

Challenge #95 - Springtime in Paris

2011-03-20T10:57:00.069-04:00

Where has this year gone????

It's already SPRING.

And in honor of this time of renewal, we are challenging you to show us your SPRINGTIME IN PARIS projects.
Be inspired by whatever the phrase means to you. Spring, Paris, literally Springtime in Paris, whatever, mon ami.

*****

Rosemary here finally, sorry, am not feeling myself right now.

For me Springtime means soft, gentle colors, almost as if Nature knows that going from the stark, almost colorless Winter to the vibrancy of Summer shades would be too much for us to take in all at once. So we gently add colors to our landscape - soft greens, pale yellows, pinks, and lavenders.

I made two cards for this to share with you. Both seem to speak Springtime to me.

*****

Jana here: SPRING brings to my mind flowers. (I chose to neglect the Paris part. LOL.) Lots and lots of bright, cheery flowers. AND birds and butterflies. So my project is loaded with 'em.

My girls really liked the Valentines banner I made, so I decided to make a SPRING banner.

Some more pictures can be found at my blog HERE.

*****

Now it's time for you to share your

SPRINGTIME in PARIS

inspired project:

Challenge #94 - Reach Out and Get a Handful

2011-03-13T10:56:00.069-04:00

We ALL do it. We get excited about a new project and somehow we "forget" to put things away from the last project. OR we think that we "might" just use this little doo-dad on the next project. Come on, fess up. I know you do it too.

This week we want you to sit down at your workdesk, reach out to those bits and bobs that are still sitting there from your last project (or 2 or 3) and make something. It's that simple. If it's in reach, it's fair game.

*****

Rosemary here and I chose from the pile of shame (all the unfinished projects I've come across and contemplated throwing in the trash). But Jana mentioned, in one of our MANY conversations which help to keep me sane, that she wanted to take on some of her unfinished projects (UFOs) and I thought, nyah - I'll just get rid of them.

But her words stuck with me and so I reached into the pile, pulled out an acetate bag and here we go - the acrylic album from the class we took at least three years ago from The Button Farm.

It looked well...dated and boring to me...but I gave it a chance; adding ribbons, flower punches, a little more bling and then I put in the photos and my random musings. Now, I am happy. Happy to have completed something and happy for what it contains - honest and heartfelt words about my home and family.

*****

Jana here: When we came up with this challenge I wasn't at all sure that I would have anything to work with. I had just decided that I was going to turn over a new leaf, and start clearing up after myself. ROFLMAO at myself on that one. As it turns out, while I was in the process of cleaning, I found a little thingy that inspired me to make a whats-it... And next thing you know. I have another mess. Right on top of the one I had started out clearing up.

SO, when I sat down to actually DO this challenge, I had quite a nice selection of items with which to work. I decided that I would use a piece of cardstock that I had out.

Hmmm. What to make? No, not a card. Bookmarks have been done to death by me recently, so, no bookmarks. And then, it hit me. ATC's. I made a set of ten. See:

Those little white pieces on the top are all that is left from the 8.5 by 11 piece of cardstock I used for the base. I'll use that middle piece to make some inchies. (Rosemary sneaking in here - I LOVE THESE, JANA)

I have pictures galore on my blog here. Along with a little more detail on the birdcage ATC. (which has a surprise element)

*****

Now it's your turn to show us how you used up some of those odd bits you had lying about....

Challenge #93 - Show Us Some New Tricks

2011-03-06T10:56:00.108-05:00

Care to show us some new tricks?
.

We always love to learn something new

and this week we are asking you to

show us something new to you

(a new technique, craft, style, whatever)
.

Who knows what we might discover!

.
.
******

Rosemary here and I want to show you two new things I've been playing with - both with paper but uniquely different.

My first project is a new type of card (well, new to me) called a sidestep card. There are loads of tutorials to be seen (personally, I recommend going to YouTube and watching some of the tutorials). I'm not copping out, honest, they are just better at demonstrating (really).

and this is why it's a sidestep card. LOL

My next project is a continuation of my UTEE obsession - won't you join me?

Let's make pins!

Once you get all the pieces together it is SUPER easy and fun!

For more details, see my blog

**********

Jana here: I have been LOVING my art journal adventures. So many possibilities. One of the joys that I am experiencing is the gazillions of different techniques that are possible. This week I am playing with texture.

I used a thick, opaque gesso. I spread it on two pages.

One plain white and one that I had colored with watercolor crayons. I then used the tip of a paint brush handle to doodle some designs into the wet gesso. And now the hard part. I had to WAIT for it to dry. (Waiting is hard if you are impatient, like me.) Once the gesso was dry, I painted over the top of the pages.

On the plain white doodled page I used watercolor crayons to add the background color of blue and green. (I didn't take pictures during this creation. Sorry.) I didn't like the stark white of the circles, so I traced over them with paint pens. Same with the zig-zags. Then added some randome curlies and dots.

I really like the colors on this page, but there just isn't enough depth to it for what I want. I love that I can experiment.

---

For the next one, I used acrylic paints on top of the gesso. I just love how you can see the watercolor peeking through the doodles I made in the gesso. And I love how the ridges created by the doodling caught and held the colors I painted.

And here is the whole page.

I am really looking forward to finishing this page. I love the color, the depth and the texture.

******

Okay, now it's your turn to show us what you discovered this week.

Challenge #92 - Goin' Postal

2011-02-27T04:37:00.035-05:00

No, we aren't packin' pistols.

No repressed rage to be unleashed on our unsuspecting GROUPEIs.

We are making POSTCARDS this week.

Want to play with us?

*****

Rosemary here and I went vintage and textural with my postcards -

*****

Jana here: I thought it was time to play with alcohol inks again. So, I pulled them out and then pulled out some leftover photo paper from my portable picture printer. (Somehow the paper was extra????) Anyway, I used the photo paper as a tool. You can see how on my BLOG. I won't bore you here.

Mine are all flat. No dimension to them. I guess I am in a flat mode lately.

*****

Now it's your turn to Get Postal.

Challenge #91 - Well Read (Books, Books, Books)

2011-02-20T13:34:00.001-05:00

Thanks to all of you for your submittals last week, we had BEAUTIFUL cards that ran the gamut from adorable and gentle to classic to elegant - very inspiring!

Now about this week...

Jana and I have quite a lot in common - one of these common traits is a love of reading. Now, our reading choices sometimes diverge BUT we each enjoy a good read. In fact, we can often empathize with one another being very tired the next day from reading a really good story and being unable to put it down.

This week we are asking you to use the theme of

Books

(hence the Well Read - hee hee)

Pretty open there, just let your imagination run wild and then share with all of us!

*****

Rosemary here and for my projects I used books that are old and damaged to create my projects.

My first project is a card, the roses were made from an old dictionary page and a page from a detective stories collection (one a freebie/save from junk pile and the other the bargain price of $1.00 - how could I pass them up). A little spritz of colors and I think they add a little something to the card.

The second project I am offering was courtesy of Smilyn Stef. In the post you will see that she offers up wonderful finds she has from across the blogosphere and the texty Easter eggs caught my eye immediately. Here is my humble offering in homage to Amy for her great idea and Stef for sharing it.

If you would like to see the before of my materials for the eggs and to read more, head on over to

my personal blog

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Jana here: And humbley so. I have made mere bookmarks for this week. You see, when faced with the challenge topic, my mind immediately went to bookmarks. AND to reading. So I did a bit of reading, and then made some bookmarks. I made one for my oldest daughter.

Yes, she is a teen (16), but can still appreciate a good pun.

I also made 4 of these.

Almost identical, so I am only showing you one.

All of these are flat. I don't like bulk in a bookmark, so I stamped everything onto white cardstock. I really don't even like the little bit of bump caused by eyelets or ribbon. Strange? Maybe, but it's how I roll...

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So, let's see how

Well Read YOU are

(you have to be, you're here reading our blog)

Go forth and create beautifully!

Challenge #90 - Feeling Sketchy

2011-02-13T11:51:00.003-05:00

So, this week we're asking you to "Feel Sketchy" and use this sketch to inspire you:

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Jana here: I have been neglecting my scrapbooking for well over a year. I figured it was time for me to jump back into it. So I though I would translate the sketch into a layout. My girls were looking through some old photos the other day and were giggling at the pictures we had taken during a Luau we had in 2002. It was supposed to have been an outdoor party, but it rained that day, so we had to party indoors. It really didn't hamper the festivities any, as shown in the pictures below.

I also needed to make a Christmas card for the JINGLE BELLES challenge, and this sketch seemed like a perfect way to showcase my "NO RED" Christmas card. (That's the challenge this week over there.)

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Rosemary here and I did a card and a layout as well - but as you will see, this is a very versatile sketch because my two items are actually very different than Jana's!

First up is an Asian-themed thank you card that I made - the dragon is a stamp that I used on melted UTEE. Very easy to do, melt UTEE, pour a little onto a craft sheet and press your rubber stamp (make sure the rubber stamp has embossing ink on it, makes it much easier to remove) into the UTEE. Allow it to cool, peel away the rubber stamp, and VOILA! Not too heavy either, this was simply glued onto the card front..

My other project is a simple layout for my father-in-law's birthday from last weekend. I'm trying to make a layout for each month so that I might actually have photos residing somewhere other than my hard drive.

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Remember that you're not limited to a card - this could be an ATC, a layout, a home decor project, and so on!

So, let's see how sketchy you feel this week!

Challenge #89 - Love is in the air, and in the HOME.- UPDATED

2011-02-06T22:56:00.004-05:00

Our sincere apologies for posting this week's challenge late.

There was an out of town trip, prepping for the Super Bowl, and have you seen MY blog post of last Wednesday? I have been a purging fool.

Before we get to the challenge this week, we want to announce the WINNER, WINNER from last week. Remember we offered up a PRIZE to a participant?!?!?!

Deena, Electra, Lori, Holley, Hazel, Deanna and Scrappy

you are ALL winners!

Yup, that's right, ALL of you will be receiving a surprise package in the mail. Consider it a reward because you weren't CHICKEN and posted a project last week.

We just need an email with your address, because we are really organized and can't find our address books. Without the spaces email Jana at: jdeegs @ cox . net

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Alright then, on to this weeks challenge:

Create some sort of decoration for your HOME.

On your mark, get ready, GO....

Jana here: Valentines Day is mearly a week away. ~~I am in the middle of making a LOVELY banner to hang from the mantel. The rest of the mantel could use some sprucing up, but the banner is going to look quite festive.~~

EDITED: I finished the banner. Here is the whole thing. You can see close up pictures of each heart on my blog HERE.

~~So far this is what I have~~: This is what it looked like up until Monday afternoon. I ended up only using 5 of the 6 hearts I covered. Wonder what I'll use that last heart for????

I'll be working it this week. I still have ribbon, lace and glitter to add. And maybe a few more hearts. Oh, and some BLING too. Check back later in the week, I'll have pictures of the completed banner to post.

Worked it. AND it's done. I love the end product.

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Rosemary here - here I am with my late late entry. Sorry about the delay, I'm the Poobah who took the circus on the road and spent wonderful time with eight little petri dishes of germs I like to call my nieces and nephews. Wouldn't trade it for the world. But now I'm sick, however, I did finish a LOVE banner for this week and here it is for you to see!

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Show us what you made or are working on.

Challenge #88 - Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

2011-01-30T11:04:00.000-05:00

Okay, just looking at that title you are probably thinking - uh oh, their meds ran out, the liquor cabinet is empty, and the Poobahs have lost it entirely this time.

Nope, your Poobahs require neither prescribed nor grain or vine inducement to be silly.

It comes naturally to us, c'mon, you must know THAT from reading our posts!

This week we are asking you to use a chicken in your project. Yes, a chicken. One of those things that rushes about talking about falling skies, a fluffy creature who likes nothing more than being broody and clucking about pecking up feed. Your creation can be just about anything - a blog post about your favorite chicken dish (oops, we'll have to cover dear Chicky's ears for that), a Spring or Easter card (no time like Winter to start thinking springtime), comic, retro, vintage, clean and simple, etc. etc.

You know us, we're oddball, funky, and don't mind stretching the idea of a challenge.

But you are probably also saying to yourself - hey, what's with part about

WINNER WINNER?

You got us there, dear Groupei, we are having a giveaway.
A wonderful giveaway for our faithful.
You can win something big or small, because there will be bunches of prizes to spread around.
Because really, just one prize wouldn't be enough for the Poobahs!
We're going to be giving lots of goodies away.

All you have to do is become a follower to this challenge blog
AND
then enter a project into this week's challenge.

That's pretty simple and we'll make the winner winners smile with goodies from the Poobahs!

***Okay, now what inspired US this week?***

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Rosemary here and I decided to make a cheery little chick to send out to a friend who's been going through a tough time with her teenage daughter's health. I think a little something cheerful might brighten her day and remind her that she's got friends who love and care about her.

The card is 5x5 and has a sweet chick cut from the Cricut Create a Critter cartridge, a little patterned paper, a Threading Water punch border, and some pretty ribbon all tied up in a bow!

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Jana here: I made a recipe card. I have been slowly (very slowly) making 4x6 recipe cards for a 7 gypsies photo stand that I have decided will be my recipe holder. It holds the recipe's up high, they are covered in plastic and they can easily be flipped. I love it.

I picked this recipe to pay a little tribute to Chinese New Year. My recipe is adapted from Jennie Low's in her cookbook "Chopsticks, Cleaver and Wok". I used to live in a little town in Northern California where she had a restaurant. It's closed now and I don't live there any longer. I miss them both.

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Now it's your turn to get clucking!

Challenge #87 - Key to My Heart

2011-01-23T12:52:00.024-05:00

YUP, corny as the title is, we are asking for the

.
Key to your Heart.

.
Use keys or hearts, or something you (heart) in your project this week.
.
Because we're corny, and mushy and sentimental even when we're being cheeky.

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Rosemary here - I love Valentine's Day and I have always loved it - even when I didn't have a Valentine or the prospect of one in the near future. Why, you ask? There is always a need for more love and affection in the world. If you knew me in person, you'd know that I'm kind of exuberant and affectionate to those I care about (think of a big blonde Tigger) and so the idea of expressing my affection in a little gift and card is not a big stretch for me. (I know, you're still picturing Tigger with a blonde wig on, I'll give you a moment to laugh at me - I'm actually quite fine with that!)

Okay, my projects are multiple. I had a wonderful crafty and creative day with Casii and Kim entitled "My Funny Valentine" and we each brought a project to share and make together. (please note up front that I'm not posting Casii's because I want her to participate in this theme and she deserves HUGE hugs and kudos for beautiful projects)

Now, onto the photos!

This was my project - I'm nothing if not the type to become OBSESSED with a particular craft and when it isn't banners it is now matchboxes (HUGE ones - go big or don't go at all)

My True Love couple is clip art inserted into a 5" matchbox (Cricut cut) with a Cuttlebug embossed background, little punched hearts glued and hung like dancehall decorations, rubons, a doily, and some sweet little ribbon flowers. A ribbon was inserted on the box to allow for hanging on a wreath or garland. (maybe with a banner....oooohhhh, a banner...)

This is a clean and simple (okay, as CAS as I can get) Valentine I made this morning for MY sweetheart.

Kim demonstrated and taught us how to make this beautiful card - the blossoms on the wire branch were easy but I think they add such a pretty accent!

This beautiful card (my lousy photography doesn't do it justice) was also taught to us by Kim and it came out so pretty!

I can't wait for Casii to post hers in the link below because they were gorgeous and fun to make - very vintage and very wonderful!

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Jana here: My first thought was Valentines. But, if you know me at all, you know that Valentines is one of those holidays that doesn't exactly "speak" to me. So, I found this birdhouse on a trip to one of those national craft stores. I knew right away what I was going to do with it. Paint it. I have been wanting to make something in the style of the Crafty Chica, and this was it.

I used the wooden birdhouse, acrylic paints, gel medium and glitter. My first thought was to paint all of the basic shapes and then use a Sharpie or paint pen to draw the details. But when I started painting, I decided to give paint a try. I'm glad I did.

The glitter isn't what I had envisioned, but I think this works.

I'm happy with my little Crafty Chica style birdhouse.

I have a couple more pictures and a little more detail about how I did this on my blog HERE.

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Okay, now here's the part where you add YOUR project for the week:

Challenge #86 - Make a Scene

2011-01-16T12:47:00.001-05:00

Hello, this week we want you to MAKE A SCENE.

Not the argue loudly with your boyfriend in the middle of a restaurant scene. We want you to MAKE A SCENE in your art project.

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Rosemary here - At first I was going to make a collage but then realized I wanted to do something more dimensional sooooo....

The scene I made is a 4" matchbox made with my Cricut using Bags, Tags, and More cartridge. My little guy is sitting in his nursery enjoying a snack while kitty plays with a yarn ball at his feet!

Actually, I found that cutting the matchbox "lid" (the piece with the window) out at 4-1/4" while the sliding part was cut at 4" allowed for more ease in adjusting.

The other details are:

a wee piece of DCWV Nana's Nursery - Boy was used as wallpaper,
Count Your Blessings is Mary Engelbreit chipboard from one of those Michael's $1 boxes of chipboard,
the little fella was a piece of free vintage clip art that I adhered to cardstock and fussy cut, (when he was glued at the base it seemed flimsy and so I also added a little bit of cardstock on the back of the image for stability)
the kitten is a K&Co chipboard piece from a long ago box of vintage looking chipboard,
and the yarn ball is a little red pompom,
a piece of plastic to cover the window,
buttons from the bottomless pit of buttons I have,
and a hint o' baby blue Stickles.
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Jana here: This week I MADE A SCENE in my art journal. It's a work in progress. I still have to add shading. And journaling, of course, but, I want to "feel it" when I work on my art journal, so I don't want to force it. I might finish it today. Or tomorrow. Or the next. I don't know when. But it will happen.

Imagination Knight

I wrote a little bit more about how I got to this SCENE on my blog HERE. If you're interested.

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Now get out there and MAKE A SCENE.

(As always, it's a blog hop, so you are welcome to add the code to your post.)

Challenge #85 - Needing a Tropical Getaway

2011-01-09T14:06:00.000-05:00

Here in North America we're having real blasts of winter and the occasional blip of warm weather thrown in just to taunt us.

So, we felt the need for a tropical theme and without further ado - the challenge this week is to be inspired by TROPICAL colors, ideas, etc.

(I am cracking myself up imagining this is like Iron Chef on the Food Network and I'm unveling the secret ingredients)

CUE THE DRAMATIC MUSIC

TROPICAL

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Rosemary here and I had a completely different project originally in mind for this theme - we like to plan ahead - and then the opportunity came up to help my friend Janet with preparations for her daugher's 5th birthday. Most little girls are into Dora or My Pretty Pony, pink, purple, and glitter. But no, Joy is very into the ocean and wanted a beach party...in January...in Maryland.

So, here we go - the Cricut was smoking to crank out invitations and a party banner (yeah, I know, another party banner - I really like making them...hee hee)

Since they are little kids I stuck with bright happy colors and motifs. A bit of bling and a ribbony/netting that I think adds a cute touch (the white on the invitations is supposed to suggest snow)

If you want some specifics, stop by my island hut over at freeadvicewortheverypenny.blogspot.com.

Aloha

Jana will be posting arty goodness a little later

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So, crank up the furnace (if necessary), get out the blender and whip up a tropical drink with an umbrella in it and be inspired to create something TROPICAL with us!

Challenge #84 - It's a New Year, Baby

2011-01-02T10:31:00.043-05:00

It's a NEW YEAR, BABY.

So show us what's NEW, or something to do with a YEAR, or something to do with a BABY. You know us, we aren't too demanding. Those are the only rules for this week.

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Rosemary here:

Best wishes to you and yours for a wonderful, happy and healthy 2011!

It was so wonderful to see all the creations from each of you during the end of December - I still have several to visit and I apologize for the delay.

My project for this theme is going to focus on BABY - namely, the beautiful baby girl that my friend had back at the end of last year. I used DCWV Nana's Nursery (the pink pack), Martha Stewart glittering glue and white glitter, Recollections pearls, button from my stash, and the Cricut Wild Card cartridge. The envelope cuts a pretty scallop at the flap but it needed a little zing so I added pearls (and yes, this one will be hand delivered, I don't want to end up on the Postal Service naughty list)

The card was cut at 4-1/2" and it's a great cartridge for all the unique designs it has and because you can cut every element (envelope, frame, liners, and icons) from it, making it virtually foolproof. (yes, I'm the one they test foolproof on, lol)

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Jana here:

Happy New Year to you and yours.

Wishing that this year brings you more happiness and creativity.

I always have a pen and a little notebook in my purse. This year I decided to decorate my own Moleskin. I love those little notebooks, and thought that I would try one out.

I used 6 different stamps (and one alphabet set) and as many different colors of ink. Then I used watercolor crayons and a waterbrush (???) to add some much needed color. When I was done, I used workable fixative to seal it all in. I really like the way it ended up. With the exception of the smudged script stamps. But I can live with it. I experimented on the back with blue distress ink. Don't like that at all.

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Now show us what's NEW, or something YEAR-ish, or something to do with a BABY that you've created. And just to throw a little wrench into this challenge, we'd like it to be a NEW project. Usually we don't care, but since the theme is NEW YEARS, BABY, well, you know....

Challenge #83 - If you made it, we will come.

2010-12-12T12:44:00.000-05:00

This next couple of weeks, we are challenging you to share anything you have made. If you made it, we want to see it. We want to get inspired (as we always do) by your creativity.

As you could see in our last challenge we had wonderful projects shared with us and you, so let's see what else you're making - If you make it, we will come -

especially if it's food. Yum!!!

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Rosemary here and I had a wonderful time Making Merry with my friend Casii and new friend Kim. There's more details over at my personal blog but suffice to say that this day of creating and sharing projects with one another is a new tradition that we're going to enjoy for years to come!

I demonstrated a project to embellish a plain, paper mache/chipboard type wine box suitable for festive gift giving!

From left to right - Casii's, Kim's and mine

A closeup of mine

Casii taught us how to make the most whimsical, retro/vintage marvelous dreamy clouds that carry the dreamer off to imaginative places! You get to use vintage tins, photos, picks, and on and on!!!! (again, more details at my blog)

Kim taught us that silk ribbon embroidery is not terribly complicated but a little easier than expected and quite fun! My poinsettia isn't finished but seriously, I can do this!

Jana here: I made a couple of wreaths. I saw a really cute one made from Christmas bulbs, and thought, "Hmmm. I can do that." So I bought the wreath base, a couple of tubes of plastic bulbs and a roll of ribbon. Then I thought, "Hmmm. I should make one for my sister too." So I bought another wreath base and more bulbs and more ribbon. Cuz, can you really have too much ribbon?!?!?!?!

This one is for my sister. She LOVES the New Orleans Saints. She lives pretty close to the Big Easy, so I chose rich colors and a Fleur De Lis to adorn her wreath.

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I was making this next one to keep, when my daughters suggested that their grandma would really like it. (My mom LOVES Christmas.) It isn't that my girls don't like the wreath, but rather that they are really pretty giving girls. For this I am thankful. They are really very regular about considering others. (And I do mean others. They will fight tooth and nail to keep from sharing with each other. SIGH. But with others, they are very generous.)
(Rosemary sneaking in here - Jana's girls are wonderful children, I love them bunches. I would be hard pressed to give either of these fantastic wreaths away! THESE ARE BEAUTIFUL, JANA)

I have a confession to make. I didn't use any glue. These wreaths were made without adhesives of any kind.

Seems odd since our name implies that we glue everything.

Just thought you should know.

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Now it's your turn to WOW us with your creations!!!

Challenge #82 - Let's get Frosted

2010-11-28T10:43:00.067-05:00

This week we're Getting Frosted.

Actually we are extending this challenge for 2 weeks.

So you can get Frosted if you want to and then still have time to create something with a Frosted theme.

With the Holidays upon us, we figure that just like us, you need more time to do things. (perhaps LOTS more time)

So we are going to alter our schedule for the next few challenges to a 2-week per challenge deadline.

(whew, more opportunity to play with us!)

We'll resume our normal weekly challenges on January 9th.

In the next 2 weeks we'd like to see Frosted things.

You know, snowmen, snowflakes, snow bunnies, snow scene, you at the office Holiday party (wearing a snowflake lampshade would be awesome)... you get the idea. (Kinda felt like Forest Gump's buddy there for a second. LOL)

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Ice Princess Poobah Rosemary here and I have a FROSTY Christmas card to share with you in icy shades of blue and white. (honest, I wasn't drinking frosty adult beverages while making this - although it appears crooked and isn't in real life)

Used my Inkadinkado/Brenda Walton stamp set and stamped the kids on the sled in Distress Ink - Broken China, embossed with iridescent powder for an icy look. The background is a Cuttlebug embossing folder of snowflakes that I used Versamark Frost ink to give it a sheen and then more of the Broken China Distress Ink. A little icy blue ribbon, punched, inked and pop-dotted snowflakes for more visual interest and texture with random bits of bling (rhinestone, pearl, and silver) in the centers of some snowflakes. Also, you aren't seeing things - Gertie the Birdy happened by to provide encouragement!

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Ice Princess Poobah Jana will be by shortly after she's gotten Frosted

Ice Princess here: I finally got the time to finish my feeble little Frosted cards and tags. I made some Christmas cards, because I needed them AND I made some gift tags.

I made a bakers dozen of these cute little tags.
I still need to add stick arms, but wanted to get them up here for you.

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Until then, let's see what you create when you
GET FROSTED!!!!

Add your FROSTED project to our Linky Blog Hop: