Laboring this weekend!

So far, this Labor Day weekend, I've been laboring!

I've spent the last two days.....cleaning my room.......studio/craft room!  Really, do I NEED to save every silly scraps of paper, all of those might use some day books and magazines that I haven't opened in three years, broken pens and pencils, odd pieces of jewelry, empty boxes.....holy cow, who keeps bringing this stuff into my space?

Anyway, I was merciless and cleared out a bunch of stuff....feels good!

For about three weeks, I have been taking an e-course from Traci Bautista!  Great class!

I'm always a little concerned about taking a class from someone who has a style, that is as strong and individualized as Traci's but, not to worry.  She is so sharing and encourages students to do it "their way".  I've really learned to loosen up and not be afraid to add those final touches.   Also, I've tried some materials and brushes I don't think I would have tried without the class.

Here are a couple pages I've done for my journal, ala Traci....

Actually, the right hand page is a photo copy of a piece I did on a canvas board using the stencil, I shared a week, or so, ago.  I added the red boots 'cause I'd love to have a pair of red boots. 

So, using craft paint and India ink, I painted and dripped ink on the page on the left plus tried my hand at lettering with a brush.  Fun!

Another page made in class....using some hand carved stamps and stencils.  Geez, do I love carving stamps....

Easy peasy when you use Speedball "Speedy Cut", like cutting butter.  I've made about eight stamps, so far, one of the big ones broke in half, so now.......I'm using the broken pieces, thus the odd shape of the one on the bottom.

Also, recently sent off my pages for the color swap I'm participating in.  Mine went to Kansas, to the delightful Elizabeth, who has done a number of great tutorials.....at least, one shows you how to rust fabric and paper.  Thus, a possible reason for her choice of colors for the swap....they are rust and white.

This is my interpretation of her color request.......

This is the front of page one........

  back of page one.

Front of page two, with white lace and rusty wire screen I comply with the color rules, not so sure about the red........

Back of page two with some black added to the rust and white.

This is my first color swap and I took a few liberties by adding the red and black......what I was doing seemed to need the color boost.

So long as Elizabeth is happy that's what matters.

My pages are coming from Cyprus, yes, the country half way around the world.......they haven't yet arrived, but I'm sure they will soon and that I will love them!

Enjoy your last summer holiday!  Are you ready for fall?  If you live in Kansas, or any of the other hot, dry areas of this country....I'll bet you are.