Thursday, July 19, 2018

Little Things

Hello! Welcome to my blog! I must tell you I have a special place in my heart for little things. Baby bunnehs, little piglets, baby alligators - and not just animals! I also love small-format works of art!

I fell in love with artist trading cards (ATCs) years ago, but somewhere I lost the desire to create them. I think I was busy falling in love with the next new thing. I moved from scrapbooking to card making, but all things old are new again!

Small formats still tell stories!
ATCs were a way to create one of a kind art. They were used to trade with other artists - sharing personal style, techniques, or serving as business cards! These were usually created in small quantities earning collection numbers (i.e. #3 of 14). Some were one-offs - only 1 in a series, thus coveted.

The latest phenom stirring the crafty waters are Artist Trading Coins (ATCoins or just Coins). These are the same principle, just abbreviated. The ATCs were 3.5 x 2.5 inches (same size as baseball trading cards and most business cards). ATCoins are 2.5 inch circles. I don't know why, but these are so addictive!


My friends and I just finished our first Coin exchange. There were 2 options - create 18 similar coins (it's hard to make them perfect copies) to exchange with 17 others, and a one-to-one exchange. So satisfying, invigorating, muse-shaking fun! I'll share those once everyone has received theirs in the swap - no spoilers!


I started with a Gel Press printed sheet and punched 2.5 inch circles. I colored some medical gauze with Daley Rowney FW light green acrylic ink. Then I embeded it by stitching it into the gel print and covering bits with modeling paste. I added circles of acrylic paint, added some green glitter washii from Tim Holtz and Nuvo crystal drops. The fish is a Beautiful Betta from The Ton. I love this set so much!!

Here's the one-on-one swap. I made this adorable undersea coin using alcohol inks and foil on Yupo paper. The stamps are Inkon3's My Little Catfish.


I put these cute little merkittehs and sea horse on a fluid alcohol ink circle of Yupo paper. Did I mention these little coins are addictive?!

Here's the one I received from my partner, Rebecca Roh. Isn't it gorgeous? Every kitteh needs toys and leaves pawprints on your heart. I love it!!


Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm hosting the Mix-Ability challenge on Splitcoast this week. Swing on by and join us!

Ta for now,
~ky

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Wonderful Trees

Hello again, my friend! I've been working on a lot of things lately and my blog is a bit neglected. I will have more to share with you soon!

I am working toward attending JunkieFest in Minneapolis at the end of July. I'm so excited! Everyone is working hard for us, and I want to have thank you cards ready to share.

You know I'm nuts about ink blending. I really really really love it. I'm sharing a little video about how I make make multiples using this technique.  This set of eight cards used Distress Inks, but the video uses Stampin' Up! There are 2 in each color combo. Any dye-based ink can be used in this manner.


I know many crafters who are NOT fans of multiples. To me they are soothing. My little video will show you how I set things up for success. The key is making a plan and having everything set so it goes smoothly.



I hope you enjoyed this little video and post. Which color combo is your favorite? I'll be honest - I can't pick!



I'll be back soon with other news! Thanks for visiting, and I hope you enjoyed a safe and happy Independence Day!

Ta for now,
~kc


----    S U P P L I E S   ----
Rooted In Nature stamp set - SU!
MISTIs - My Sweet Petunia
Cardstock - Hammermill Premium Color Copy Cover 80 lb.
Laminator and 3 mil sheets
Ink on 3 Blackout hybrid ink
Distress and Stampin' Up! inks
  • Daffodil Delight
  • Tangerine Tango
  • Rich Razzleberry
  • Chipped Sapphire
  • Stormy Sky
  • Seedless Preserves
  • Dusty Concord
  • Aged Mahogany 
  • Mustard Seed
  • Spiced Marmalade
  • Barn Door
  • Picked Raspberry
  • Wild Honey
  • Crushed Olive
  • Peeled Paint
  • Forest Moss
  • Pine Needles
  • Evergreen Bough



Welcome to the Bunny Nest! I host rescued animals in a small in-home setting. Currently, I host 3 bunnies and 2 kitties. These animals will be socialized and housed for the entirety of their lives in my home. They inspire my crafts, and I use any proceeds to pay for their needs. Thanks for visiting!