Spending Time in Nature

Hi everyone... well we've had some rain and now the sun is shining and all nature is in full bloom. One of my most favorite times of the year. This month at Anything But A Card, we are celebrating being "Out and About" using the outdoors for inspiration.

I decided to alter my T!m Holtz Clock with a darling picture of my furry family. They were playing in the garden that day and perfect photo opportunity.

I first took the clock apart to remove the glass (no need for it on this project). I wanted my clock to have lots of texture so here are a couple pics of the process... First I mixed white acrylic paint with Viva's Stone Effect Paste, but you can use seed beads, sand, really anything that provides texture.

Then using a foam brush I pounced the product all over the clock, inside and out. 

Allow to dry and then apply your inks, paints, micas, whatever you choose to color your clock with. I used a combination of Lindy's sprays, Dylussions sprays, and Vintaj Pantina in the color moss. Unfortunately I forgot to take a photo of this, but here is a photo once the project was completed. 

I also randomly swiped Versamark and then applied Ranger's Rust embossing powder and heat set. I was really wanting to go with that mossy, green look to the outside and I believe I achieved it. 

Then, using a glue gun, I added reindeer moss to the inside and applied my photo. 

The sunflowers were created using Sizzix Tattered floral die cut with yellow crepe paper. Four layers for each flower was used and I then crunched the petals and added yellow Stickles to the petals. Large brown velvet buttons were used for the centers. Rust embossing powder was used on the rake chipboard and also the edges of the birdhouse. Then everything else was glued in place. 

Hoping wherever you are that the weather is pleasant that you are able to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. Stop by Anything But A Card to get some wonderful inspiration for your projects. xoxo Toni

This project is entered into the following challenges: 

Try It On Tuesday - Watches & Clocks

Country View Challenge- Shabby Chic

Simon Says  Monday Challenge - For the love of plants

That Craft Place - Anything Goes 

Sandee & Amelie's - Ravages of Time

The Mirror Crack'd - Shadow Box

Altered Eclectics - Anything Goes

It's Art Journal Time

Art Journaling is something I have become so fond of. I find it really helps me to get out my journal, slap on some paint or molding paste and get messy. Well this month at Unruly Paper Arts we are doing just that. Unbelievable inspiration from the design team. I hope to take a moment and check out our blog, but I really hope you decide to get creative with your journal. And if by chance you don't have one... make one. I took a hardcover book I purchased from the dollar store, randomly rip out pages from the book, because it tends to get big and bulky from the mediums you use in your art. Then take 4-5 pages and glue them together so you make mini canvas throughout the book... and waa laa, you now have an art journal ready to create in.

I have 3 art journal pages to share with you all dedicated to things in my life that I ♥.... Gardening, Music & Art (of course).

First up is Gardening:

This page was created using distressed inks, stamping, modeling paste and glitters.

Next up is journal page dedicated to my love of art. I actually have a book that I play in with new techniques or materials and then I can jot down information regarding the process.. what worked, what didn't.

This was a peeled paint technique, lots of layers and lots of fun. The step x step process is listed for you over at Unruly's blog, so be sure to drop by for all the pics and process.

And my last journal page is dedicated to my love of  MUSIC: My inspiration came from the wonderfully magical musician "Carlos Santana".

Don't you just love this picture of him with all that beautiful paint on his hands... humm I think he was art journaling also.

I used the image transfer technique to achieve this look as well as layers of tissue paper, inks, & molding paste.

Thank you for stopping by, I hope you were inspired. Be sure to link up your project at Unruly for a chance to win. And check out my SNAPGUIDE tutorial below to view my process for this last project. Creatively yours, Toni

Check out How to Create Mixed Media Using Image Transfer by Toni Burks-Grijalva on Snapguide.

You've Been Steam Punk'd

Hi everyone... it was time to get messy and have fun with one of my most favorite themes... Steampumk... Created from inspiration provided by Flying Unicorn to create something using the backside of the canvas, I decided to create my steampunk gentleman.

Let's see... the canvas was prep'd by adding loads of textures from sand, texture paste, inks, paints & embossing powders. The gears at the top left were Blue Ferns chipboard and they were stamped with Andy Skinner's texture stamps then DecoArts paints in the following colors Quinacridone Gold, Transparent Red & Yellow Iron Oxide allowed me to achieve the rusty effect. 

The hat, glasses and mustache were all wooden pieces purchased from Michaels. The glasses were embossed with gold crackle, the hat was painted black and then molding paste was added for texture and then heat embossed with bronze patina powder. Finishing off the hat with feathers and cogs. 

For the mustache I used Paper Clay and molded it onto the wood piece. Then rolled long pieces to create the hair effect. Painted it black and dry brushed with white. The nose was created using a door knob screwed into the canvas. 

The inside of the canvas is hard to see, but I took metal tape and adhered it to cardstock, ran it through my Big Shot using cogs texture plate. Using the same Deco Arts paints listed above I random painted over the surface and once dried I randomly sanded areas away exposing the metal from beneath. I then added a bit of Ranger Vintaj Patina in Verdigris to provide that nice patina look. I hope you enjoyed and were inspired to bring out your inner steampunk. xoxo Toni

I am entering this piece in the following challenges: 

Sandee & Amelie's - Ravages of Time

The Mixed Media Monthly Challenge - A Year Of Choices ( chose spray inks & mists as well as stamps)

Altered Eclectics -June Anything Goes

Mixed Media World - Vintage

Eclectic Ellapu - Steampunk (Purple Team)

May's "5" Challenge

Can you believe it... May is gone that means almost half the year has flown by. This month there happens to be "FIVE" Sundays so for this weeks inspiration and challenge at Anything But A Card, think of 5... 5 techniques, 5 shapes, 5 colors, etc... you got the idea. I decided to bust out my adorable little twinchies. My little canvases measuring 2" x 2". These are so much fun and you can really create alot on this surface.

My piece has "5" butterflys... I started by prepping the surface and then stamping my image on the canvas. Then I cut out butterflys from vellum paper, added some stickles to the wings and attached them to coiled wire. I then created a charm to hang from the canvas which I glitter embossed the metal butterfly and added a bauble. 

Here are a few more twinchies I have made in the past. First up... "Tea Time" 

Then next is "Skools Out"... using wool fibers for the water: 

And lastely was a "INCHIE" ! 1" x 1" dedicated to springtime: 

Can you see how much creativity can go on such a small area. I created the background with birdbath, added garden sign as well as picket fence and using "Flower Soft" I created the garden flowers. I hope you try out this little canvases... They are so much fun and be sure to check out Anything But A Card for some wonderful inspiration. xoxo Toni

Playing in the Garden

It's been a bit dreary here the past few days so I needed something to remind me of springtime sunshine and nature. I created this mixed media canvas with a whole different intention, but like many things I work on, they have a mind of their own and I'm fine with that.

Using old florals I had for years, covered them with gesso and then gave them new life with Lindy's Stamp Gang sprays. 

The addition of the seed beads as well as texture provided by Art Basics White Crackle Modeling Paste gave wonderful interest.

I am entering these wonderful challenge blogs: 

Scrap Around The World with the following mood board, inspired by the flowers, the sprinkles on the martini glass, the colors and shapes on the ice cream cone. 

Anything But Cute - Vintage Garden

Frilly and Funky - Happy Happy Happy.... (Flowers, Inks, & Modeling Paste)

City Crafters Challenge Blog - Inky-nes-S

Flying Unicorn - Made With Love 

Mixed Media World - Vintage

Please enjoy my Snapguide tutorial below for my journey with this project. 

Check out How to Make 3D Mixed Media Canvas by Toni Burks-Grijalva on Snapguide.

Inspiration From The Masters

Hope everyone is having a creative month of May. This month at Anything But A Card challenge blog we are turning to the "Masters of Art" for inspiration. Whether it be a painting, sculpture, illustration etc. from a famous artists,  if it gets those creative juices going, let it inspire you to create with us.

Now the question... how do I pick... there are so many that inspire me for different reasons. One that I am always drawn to is Andy Warhol. Known as the "Pope of Pop Art". I love the colorfully whimsical point pop art provides. 

And just what is POP ART ???  Dictionary.com states  "Art that uses elements of popular culture, such as magazines, movies, popular music and even bottles and cans." One of Mr. Warhols famous creations his John Lennon piece.

Using this as inspiration I created my own pop art piece utilizing a glossy photo. I applied alcohol inks to the photo. Using a fine point black pen I outlined my face, lips and eyes for intensity and depth.

The background was created using a piece of acetate and then randomly applying alcohol inks, using a straw I blew causing splatters and blots. I then adhered the photo atop the acetate and the acetate was glued to a piece of white card stock. The quote by Andy Warhol was stamped and cut out and added to the piece. 

I hope you decided to join us on our exploration of our favorite Masters of Art. Be sure to link up to Anything But A Card. Have a wonderfully creative week. xoxo Toni

In The Spotlight + Mini Challenge

Hi everyone... I'm in the spotlight this month at Anything But A Card and have been asked to share a little bit about myself and my artistic journey. I hope you will take a moment to jump over to ABAC to view my post and many other pictures of past projects. I have also challenged you to "ALTER IT". Take something and change it up. Give it a face lift, make it your own.

Here are a few of my altered projects that I have created: This is a printers tray that was altered to reflect things in my life that I'm thankful for.

 Next is an altered cookie sheet that was made into a Christmas countdown calender.

 This old whiskey bottle was alcohol inked and altered for a Cowgirl challenge I was involved in.

 Lastly is a paper mache mannequin that was altered.

I hope you will take the time to stop by ABAC and view my post with many other photos of altered projects I've created . So let's go through your house, find an item that needs to be redone and "Alter It" . Be sure to link up your creation so you can inspire other crafty peeps ... xoxo Toni

More Precious Than Gold

Hi happy crafters... this month at Anything But A Card we are focused on "Fools Gold"... create something using that wonderful color "Gold", be sure to link up with us so that we can also be inspired by your creation. Here is my take on this theme...

I decided to create an exploding canvas. I was inspired by this through ccartdesigns YOUTUBE which you can view that HERE. I just decided to create mine in the shape of a heart.  The photo was of my daughter and I on a frigid morning in Central Park, NY

Molding paste & crackle paste provided my canvas with the texture I wanted. Gold UTEE on the tops of the flowers gave them that gilded look.

Gold embossed rocks added that perfect handmade embellishment which went with my sentiment "My love for you is more precious than gold".

So many things you can do with an exploding canvas. Try your hand in it. Below is a tutorial on my process for creating this. Enjoy and thanks for stopping by !

This canvas is being entered in the following challenges: 

Flying Unicorn  - April Made With Love  -Anything Goes

Eclectic Ellapu- April Showers / Spring

Check out How to Create Explosion Heart Shaped Canvas by Toni Burks-Grijalva on Snapguide.

Sweet Dreams

Wew !!! It's April already, how the time does go so fast. This month at Unruly PaperArts our RAQ (Readers Art Quest) is focusing on "Animal Instincts" with a gorgeous palette for your inspiration.

Immediately I knew which pictures I wanted to create a layout from. My baby dog "Bubba" INSTINCTIVELY loves to sleep.... 

Applying many basic scrapbooking techniques, distressing, layering, spraying etc I achieved this layout for my photos. I used the Tattered Florals die for my flowers, and the tiny dew drops were alcohol inked with egg plant and ginger. Very easy and quick but I think the color palette gave it that punch. 

For some added texture I used Finnebairs's Art Basic Texture Paste White Crackle and used Prima's Bubble stencil. The chipboard pieces were also painted with the texture paste. 

I hope you decide to create with us and be sure to jump over to Unruly's blog for some wonderful inspiration. Link up your creation to also get a chance at winning this months prize ... a Gelli plate. 

Gelli plates are so much fun to use creating your own backgrounds for cards, layouts, tags. If you aren't familiar with this product check out their website for some cool info 

@ http://www.gelliarts.com/   

This project is entered into the following challenges: 

Allsorts Challenge Blog - Feature A Creature 

Artistic Inspirations - Anything Goes With A Twist of Flowers 

Thanks for stopping by... happy crafting xoxo Toni

Springtime Joy

It's the 5th Sunday of this month which means "Create something with 5" HERE at Anything But A Card.... 5 techniques, 5 elements, etc. My design team inspiration today is a triangle box that holds a mini album with FIVE pages of photos from my garden. It's springtime here and that's one of my most favorite seasons of the year. Nature is green and bursting with color and I adore playing in the dirt. There is something very theraputic about it.

I was inspired to make this through Carlene (PinkScrapper99) on YouTube HERE. Thanks Carlene ! This looks very complicated but is quite simple and so much fun .... 

I used Tattered Florals Diecut to cut my chipboard pages for the mini album.  I kept the 3D embellishments to a minimum as to not become too bulky. 

The rest of the pages are filled with pictures of all the yummy goodness growing in my garden. 

 The paperline I used is K & Co. Tim Coffey as well as many of their matching embellishments. For the closure I used twine for the handle and then tied in a bow... It looks like a little garden purse...

I hope you will create with us at ABAC in celebration of this 5th Sunday for the month. Be sure to link up your project as well. 

Happy Creating xoxo Toni

This project is also being entered into the following challenge

That Craft Place Challenge - Easter/Spring

Cut It Up Challenge - Spring- Anything But A Card

Crafting By Design - Flowers With A Twist 

The Crafters Cafe - Spring Flowers 

Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Anything Goes

A Treasure Created From Trash

Well March is almost over but our "Trash To Treasure" theme is still going on at Unruly PaperArts. As crafters we are always looking for new ways to repurpose and give new life to throw away items. This month my design team project is a mini album created from a cardboard box. I used coffee sleeves from my local coffee shop to hold my photo tags and a cd.

This mini album is going to my daughters father so I wanted it to be more masculine without the flowers and blingy embellishments. Using an assortment of different paper lines I think I was able to capture a perfect keepsake. 

Recently on a visit to New York to visit my daughter we were able to take in so many wonderful sites and we took a ton of pictures. Even though this album is only 5 pages is holds over 45 photos, so I'm sure her father will enjoy going through the pictures. 

I used many embellishments and ephemera from T!m Holtz's Ideology packages. The distressed manila tags fit perfectly in each coffee sleeve. 

This month at Unruly we have the pleasure of having Rubber Dance Stamp company for our sponsor and so many of their stamps were perfect for my project. 

So glad I had an apothecary jar FULL of my distressed tags all ready to create with. For my tutorial on how I tea stain and distress these please check my SNAPGUIDE tutorial HERE. 

I also decided to put copies of the photos on a CD for the recipient so he could always make duplicates if he wanted. This was a really fun project, didn't cost much means most of it I had laying around the house. I hope you decide to play along with us this month at Unruly. Be sure to link up your project.  Drop by to get some wonderful inspiration of Trash to Treasure. Happy Crafting ! 

For a step x step tutorial check out my SNAPGUIDE  below

Check out How to Make Mini Album From Cardboard Box by Toni Burks-Grijalva on Snapguide.