Monday, March 30, 2015

Taylored Expressions: Fancy Banner Gift Set


Hey all!  I have a quick post for you this morning.  I love to make matching sets to give as gifts, so the new Taylored Expressions Fancy Banner 1 with Coordinating die set is fantastic for gift sets.  I used some gold Shimmer paper along with the Dotted Lattice embossing folder.


Thanks for stopping in!

Here are the links to the products I used from the TE store:


Saturday, March 28, 2015

Color Throwdown #335


Happy Saturday, everyone!  I'm up before the rest of the house, which is typical. . .I can't sleep in anymore.  The nice thing about is that I have some time to wake up and catch up on blog reading and coffee drinking ;)

I have a couple of cards to show this morning that follow the Color Throwdown color challenge.  The colors were muted red, light green, and light yellow.  I have no idea which manufacturer the cardstock is from, because I just grabbed it from my stash.  The white paper is used, however, is Confetti White from Papertrey Ink.  The image is from PTI as well, and it is called The Sweet Life, and the sentiment is from the Signature Greetings II set.  The background uses the Dotted Lattice embossing folder from Taylored Expressions.


I ended up loving the colors together so much that I made another card.  Coffee. . .I love a good coffee set. . .and some coffee ;)


The background uses a couple of different stencil that I have, with some ink blotted through them.  The image is another PTI image called Warm Happiness, and it uses the matching die as well.  I decided to throw on some burlap and staple the panel for interest and texture.


Thanks for stopping by!

Friday, March 27, 2015

PanPastel Poppies


Hey everyone!  I've been a crafting, artsy little bee lately.  With contracts up, and yes that made me sad, my super supportive husband encouraged me to take some classes.  I jumped full into the PanPastel Classes that Donna Downey offers online.  I have had the best time, and it has actually awakened something in me to try new things and be even bolder.  I'm still making cards.  In fact, I have  a couple to share with you, that I will post over the weekend.  

So, let me show you what I've made!  There are several classes to take, and I'm currently on the last class, PanPastel 203.  This first ones are introductions to PanPastels, and can I just say that I am VERY in love with my PanPastels now.  I've learned some great new techniques, and I don't want to stop creating. 

These pieces of art of from PanPastel 202 'Poppies'.  The final project was to be done on canvas, and once I did it I couldn't stop there.  I did three total pieces for the class.  This one is an 11 x 14 canvas.

I feel a bit vulnerable sharing these with you, as it is me to the core.  I drew them, I painted them, they are mine.  I know they aren't perfect, but sharing the art is part of the process for me.  


This piece measures 18 x 24, and was the first one I did for the assignment.  I don't even know what made me do it on a canvas that was so big. . .probably because it's all I had.  I will say that I seriously loved every bit of the process.


My husband has been so encouraging about hanging them up on our fairly empty walls.  It's encouraged me to purchase more canvas.


 This final piece measures the same as the red poppy.  It gave me the most challenge, but helped me grow.  I know I have a lot more to learn, but practice can only make one better, right?


I really do hope that I've inspired you to try some new things.  I don't think I consider myself an artist. . .it may take a few more canvases to get me thinking like that.  I do know that this art has been very healing.  I can't explain it, but I know that God has worked on me during this time.

Thanks for stopping in to see what I've made!  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me:  cassandratrask@yahoo.com

Monday, March 23, 2015

Taylored Expressions: On Your Wedding Day


Happy Monday!  I have another project to show you using some fabulous new products from Taylored Expressions.  It's wedding season, and Taylor has hit it out of the park with all of the wonderful new products from stamp sets to dies to shimmery paper and more!

 This card uses a couple of new Little Bits:  Hanger and Party Dress. You'll definitely want to add this cuties to your collection.  This card also uses a new set called In & Out Wedding as well as some new Shimmer papers and the Floral Vine embossing folder, and the previously released Label Stacklets 4 die.


I ended up using some Stickles and liquid pearls  to add a couple of extra pops.  I'm in love with the shaker cards, so adding those beautiful new sequins was a great touch.  TE has a lot of wonderful sequin sets to choose from.


Thanks for stopping in today!
Here are the links to the products I used from the TE store:


Monday, March 16, 2015

Taylored Expressions: Wall Art & Stencil Making


Hey friends!  I hope you have a lovely weekend!  I'm so excited to show you this project that I made using new products from Taylored Expressions.  I've really been enjoying making wall art, and TE products are perfect for them!

I started with a canvas board and some Gelatos.  After rubbing them around and blending them well, I decided to make my own stencil using the Quatrefoil Cutting Plate and some clear plastic sheets.  The trick with that is using the metal shim and running it through your machine a few times before pulling it out.  I now have a stencil I can use again and again!  I wiped a baby wipe through my stencil to give the look I achieved.


Then I just splattered some white acrylic paint with a toothbrush.


I stamped the Shade Tree Scripture stamp using black acrylic paint.  The other dies I used were the Postage Stamp Stacklets, and the new ones Garden Arbor and Gate & Arbor Fence, along with Flower Box Sprigs & Flowers, and Little Bits Flowers & Stems.


I'm just LOVING how it all turned out.  I don't know if I should give it as a gift or keep it all to myself ;)


I better get going.  I'm sure I can find all kinds of things that need to be done around the house.  Thanks for stopping in, and if you have any questions about this project, shoot me an email:  cassandratrask@yahoo.com

Here are the links to the products I used from the TE store: