Reusing images

While unpacking my old convention memories, I found a group of pins that I had made for trading, but still have them.  I decided to use them to create some new cards.

These were made on watercolor paper with rubber stamps, Marvy markers and a waterbrush.   After stamping the flower pot, I masked it and then added the flowers individually.  The markers were used to add ink to stamp.  After all was stamped, a waterbrush was used to blend the colors.  I think this technique and the stamps were from Art Impressions.  Each image was mounted on a colored layer and a pin back glued in place.  I had to remove the pins to create these cards.

 

I added the patterned paper and layering, then mounted on a white card base with foam tape.  The birthday sentiment is from a Gina K. set called Birthday Greetings.

Convention memories

Earlier in my card making experience, conventions were very well attended.  People traveled long distances to participate in the convention experience.  One of the things that created these memories was the trading of art pieces.  We made pins, tags, matchbooks, etc. and traded with other card makers.  I enjoyed this process and always had lots to trade.  I displayed some of my 'treasures' in my craft room for inspiration.  I just unpacked these old memories and hung them in my present craft room.  This is an old belt and some chains that I used to display the pins.

Some of my collections didn't make it to the hanging display.  These were tags and matchbook covers, some of them containing goodies like chocolate and suckers.

A lot of these have names on them, some with home town and email address.  I know mine is no longer current and I suspect many others aren't current either.  It is inspirational to look through these memories and hopefully find some mojo in them.  Do you have memories from these fun times?

 

Later, the ATC (Artist Trading Cards) became popular, but I didn't get into that project.  Other memories of those fun times was that I spent way too much money on things that I now have taking up storage space.  The demonstrations always looks so great and I bought things I never used.

 

As I grow older and less able to spend money or do the projects that I had been so excited about in those days, I find myself buried in things that are no longer trendy.  My advice to others.  Think before you buy.  I'm now old fashioned and can't keep up with modern trends.  My eyes and hands don't work like they did when I was younger.  Enjoy your memories because that's what is left after all the excitement has disappeared.

 

 

Life goes on

I'm still taking a break from card making.  I've been going through boxes of my supplies that used to be a big part of my life.  Yesterday, I watched a video on Ribbon Embroidery from 1995.  I also located my supplies, and even some partially finished projects.  Does anyone still do Ribbon Embroidery?  It's so pretty, but I'm not sure my arthritic fingers can do it any more.  I have lots of silk ribbon and fabric.  I also have kits that are unopened.

Why or why did I have to buy so much stuff and then lose interest.  I also found some beading supplies and pattern books.

Right now, I'm really involved in watching the eaglets grow up in Decorah, Iowa.  They have a great Eagle Cam.  There is also a lot of info on their Facebook page.   Check them out HERE.  Three little ones are being well cared for by their parents during rainy and snowy weather.

Beware, the eagles are very addictive.  It's the first thing I check in the morning and last before bedtime.  It is such a treat to be able to follow an eagle family as they go about living their lives.

Back to Basics

I've been stuck without mojo for a few weeks.  I decided to go through my old supplies.  I have found a lot of things that I bought when I first started making cards.  Lots of supplies are in my stash.  I also found a box of videos from those days.  Some of these are dated 1999.

My friend and I watched some of these videos yesterday.  One thing we noticed was that there was no patterned paper used.  They made their own designs using ink and cardstock, with very few stamps.  These were the times before embossing folders and dies.  We used plain cardstock and ink, with few stamps.  There were tools that we no long use now.  Many of my supplies have deteriorated from sitting for years unused.

Gingerwood Bulletin Board is encouraging us to use these old supplies and techniques.  We will be having Throwback Thursday events.  There will be no prizes, just a place to be able to share our efforts.  In most challenges, we are encouraged to use the latest supplies.  Those of us who have been making cards for many years have far too much stuff in our stash and need an opportunity to use them and share the results.  You have to register to be a part of this group, but it's free and filled with friendly card makers.  We love to share our knowledge with anyone willing to ask questions.

If I can get motivated, I will try to make some cards using these old techniques.  I even found a few things that I had started and never turned into cards.  I have lots of backgrounds, but here are a few stamped and colored images that got packed away before finishing the project.



These were stamped in white ink on dark cardstock and colored with pencils.  I'll work on turning them into cards.

 

These were stamped on white cardstock and colored with chalks with chalk blending solution.

I'll see what I can do to use some of my old supplies and techniques.  Stay tuned.