Wednesday, April 28, 2010

KIKI ART Design Team Blog Hop-scotch!

36 comments
Would love to hear from you - share some love!


Today we start with the first day of the first KIKI ART Design Team Blog Hop... however, we'd like to call it a BLOG HOPSCOTCH!

It will run from Thursday, April 29th until Monday, May 3rd. You can start wherever you want, however, make sure to visit all the blogs of our talented design team members.  And, please make sure to visit the Kiki Art blogs (English, French, and Spanish) to be eligible to win prices.

Each design team member was asked to select an organization that commits to helping others. Then, they created a project based on their organization featuring Kiki Art products. Make sure to take note of each organization/good cause each DT member has selected.

When you hop from blog to blog, hopefully you will get inspired by all of the beautiful Kiki Art work. We also hope that you are inspired to do good by getting involved in an effort to create a better world through these
organizations.

• How to get a prize from the Kiki Art blog?
For your chance to win, you need to leave a comment on the Kiki Art blog letting us know which one(s) was/were your favorite blog(s) during our blog hop and what organization was displayed on that blog. (Don't limit yourself! You can choose as many blogs as you want!)

• How to get a prize from a Kiki Art design team member blog? (Like me!)
Many members of our design team have decided to give away a project that is related to the good cause they believe in. Leave a comment on their blog hop posts, and they will pick a random winner. And the same goes for this site... so don't be shy and leave a comment!  On Tuesday, May 4th, all winners will be announced!

I am supporting cancer and made a tote, it folds flat for mailing and I can put some goodies for flat mailing as well, but that is not all... I am also giving away this kit with Kiki Art goodies in pink color (papers, bling, a chipboad album and a funtape!!!). What do you think about them? Let me know... and if this is your first time in my blog let me know where are you from! 

This is my Tote:




This are the KIKI ART Goodies:
 
I hope you continue getting inspired and enjoy the rest of the KIKI ART blog hopscotch! Come back again!  


These are the other sites to go visit!! Don't miss any... there are prices all over the place and you can get them!!!

English Speaking  Kiki Art Designers 

KIKI ART BLOG in ENGLISH


NUESTRO EQUIPO CREATIVO - SPANISH



KIKI ART BLOG in SPANISH


Notre équipe créative francophone


KIKI ART BLOG in FRENCH



Posted by Linda Shewchuk at 11:38 PM
Labels: , ,

Friday, April 16, 2010

Random Act of Kindness

2 comments
Just a little challenge to you - go RAK someone today!! 

  • Perhaps it will just consist of getting someone a drink, or bringing a blanket to a loved on. 
  • Maybe while waiting in a drive thru line-up you can pay for the purchase behind you or buy them a cookie. 
  • How about a note to a loved one
  • Smile at someone, wave at someone, say thank you to a cashier and tell them how awesome they are
  • Sending a goodie to someone you know, even just a card...

Trust me, if you just make this small change in your daily life - you will create so much positivity within yourself, that it will lift your spirit and those around you!!       Do it, just because you Care!!!

Share with me (comment)... perhaps you will receive a RAK from me!


Would love to hear from you - share some love!
Posted by Linda Shewchuk at 11:43 AM
Labels: , , , ,

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Splash...

0 comments
here is a layout i created from a sketch challenge on The Everyday Scrapper - come join us.. click on link (right sidebar).   This layout brought back some great memories, and I can't wait to hit the beach this year!!

Would love to hear from you - share some love!
Posted by Linda Shewchuk at 11:52 AM
Labels: , , , ,

Monday, April 12, 2010

Blog Hop - come have fun!!

6 comments
Welcome to Sisterhood of Scrap's “Scrappy Spring Clean-up” Blog Hop & Crop!!  So glad you joined us!

If you did not arrive here from the Sisterhood of Scrap, please go back and check out the fun and prizes we have planned. Eight days of challenges to help you use up and clean up your scrappy supplies! You won't want to miss it!

My Challenge is: Use those paints or at least 3 stamps on a LO
This challenge is due on April 20
my layout has stamped border, stamped, embossed & handpainted sun, title, fish waves & starfish

There are a few ways that you can get your layout to us:


  • Add a link to your project in the comments of this post


  • Send it to us by (subject: Paint and Ink Challenge) email


  • Use the inlinkz button below -- click on the blue froggy

    ~*~*~*~*~*~


    • Drop by Sisterhood of Scrap again tomorrow as the DT share another challenge with you!

    Also if you become a follower of my blog your name along with my already dedicated followers  will go into the hat for a chance to win a RAK from me.  I update by blog on a regular basis and would love to see your creativity & comments as well.   I really hope you like the Blog Hop & Crop and do the challenges. 

       Would love to hear from you - share some love, leave me a comment!
    Posted by Linda Shewchuk at 8:24 PM
    Labels: , , , , , , ,

    Sunday, April 11, 2010

    Liquid Glass - many uses!

    2 comments
    How to use Liquid Glass (or glossy accents...crystal effects)

    "Liquid glass? What's that?" you may be asking. Liquid Glass (L.G.) is an easy product to make images shine, look 3-D, and pop off the page! You can add liquid glass to any stamped image or even My Stickease. Basically, all you have to do is squeeze it out to cover the desired area and that's it!   Here are a few tips on how to use this product effortlessly:
    1. Don't shake the bottle! When you shake the bottle it add bubbles and makes the surface less smooth when you squeeze it out. If you have bubbles, gently squeeze a little out onto a scrap paper so that you can get the air bubbles out before your start your project.
    2. Be sure to clean off the tip each time you use it so you don't get globs of it stuck to the outside.
    3. It's best to keep the liquid flowing from the bottle instead of stopping and starting. Move your hand holding the bottle over the area you want to cover; this helps keep you from building air bubbles in the work. If bubbles form, use the tip of a toothpick to pop the bubbles.
    4. Allow time to dry. 10-15 minutes depending on the thickness. If it's really thick let it sit longer.
    5. Add sparkle to the liquid glass. Use the liquid glass like normal then sprinkle with glitter while wet.
    6. To get a fun textured look, stamp tone on tone and then go back and put L.G. on the the stamped areas. It makes a fun look.
    7. It's also the perfect adhesive for our sculpting foam. Regular adhesives do not hold well when using sculpting foam or Makin's Clay, but a little glob of the L.G. makes a great adhesive.
    8. You can squeeze out circles onto waxed paper and make your own clear pebbles. You can use them to put over stamped images, or make bubbles for a fish etc. Very fun.
    9. If you are using liquid glass on an image that will but cut out, first stamp the image, apply liquid glass, and then cut out after drying. If you cut out the image before applying the liquid glass, the paper may curl.
    When you are done - replace lid and store upside down, this way it is always ready to go, No bubbles and No clogging!
    Known as a 3D lacquer that adds depth and texture to your hand stamped projects. Will appear "cloudy" as it is applied but it will dry to a crystal clear sheen. The favorite way stampers like to use this product is to apply it to areas where they would like a 3-D look or "raised effect" . . . whatever you apply it to will seem to j-u-m-p right off the paper.  However, there are other fun and fabulous ways to use Liquid Glass and I've listed a few below but first let's get the basics down.

    TIPS
    • Use and store at room temperature.
    • Allow it to dry completely before handling. Thin coats will take only a few minutes but thicker coats may take a half hour or longer to dry completely. If you handle before it is dry you risk adding your fingerprint to your art work.- this too would be cool on certain pages...
    • To prevent bubbles, should not be shaken - if bubbles occur you can pop with toothpick or spread.
    • Once I start slowly applying, I try to NOT pick the tip up off of my project until it is completely covered. The key is to move slooooooowly and do not lift tip from surface during application until you are finished. This way there are no air bubble being “blown in” to your work. It may take you a little longer to get all of you work covered, but the outcome, is well worth it!
    • To achieve a thicker coating I have found it is better to apply several thin coats. If you try to apply it all at once you may cause the dye ink underneath to blur or "feather." Also, it is water based, so if too much is applied at once the paper may buckle.
    • Unless you are looking for a new technique or need the bubble effect on a page - Do not use heat gun to speed dry time. It becomes extremely “bubbly”. Does not speed up drying process for clear coating.
    • The tip of the bottle may become clogged. To prevent this from happening place bottle upright on table and allow it to drain back down into the bottle. Then you can use a piece of plastic coated wire (such as a straightened, plastic coated paper clip) to clear the tip of the bottle before you seal it. If the tip does become clogged, before I begin my project, I use the same paper clip to open a pathway for it to flow smoothly. Keep the paper clip attached to the bottle by wrapping a rubber band around the bottle and sticking paper clip in it. If you find your tip really clogged just unscrew the cap and rinse with warm water. Then dry and replace cap.
    Traditional Uses:
    1. Layer it on your projects to give a smooth glass-like finish.
    2. Spot Gloss: Apply a thick layer of it directly to the stamped image with the applicator tip. Let dry completely (about 30 - 60 minutes) before handling.
    3. All-Over Gloss: Use a paintbrush to apply a thin, even coat of gloss to the entire image. Let dry (about 3-5 minutes).
    4. Use the applicator tip to apply a thicker layer of gloss to "select elements" of your design to add emphasis.
      Apply a second or third coat if your first layer was not standing up off your paper enough to please you. Some ideas are to apply it to leaves, flower petals, insects, teacup, umbrella, window, eyes, li;ps, eyeglasses, Christmas ornaments.
    5. Simulate dew on a petal by adding little droplets to flowers. You can also add it to the petals of actual dried flowers or fake plastic ones. This really does look like dew and you won't spend a fortune buying designers ones from stores.
    6. Highlight only special lines on an image.
    7. Use L.G. to outline your image. This provides the look of embossing without needing the heat gun. This looks especially inviting when used as "frosting" of a cake, outlining water pictures.
    8. Try applying the L.G. in layers. By that I mean apply a thick line of L.G. to the outline of your stamped image. Allow that to dry and then come back with a brush and apply a thinner coat of L.G. to the inside area that you outlined. Allowing time to dry between applications will keep the areas from merging and will add depth and make the image look 3-D. You can also add a 3rd and 4th layer by applying a second coating to an area that has already dried. It will really make your images POP!
    9. It truly gives the look of glass and as such looks wonderful when used on glass items such as a light bulb, or Christmas lights, makes the lights shine. Use L.G. on a fish bowl, or use it to create a faux glass "Bug Jar" and use a stamped bug to go in the jar.
    10. Experiment with different applicators to add textured patterns to your stamp art. Use a paintbrush to apply a thin coat and swirl the bristles to create small circles, half moons, or squiggles to achieve different results. (Think of those large portraits by Olan Mills. that have circles swirled over them to make them look like paintings). Use a stencil brush to dab on gloss for a rougher texture. Use a sponge to create a spackled look.
    Other Fun uses
    1. Use L.G. to seal your shrink art pins. This creates dimension and provides a more exclusive look to your shrink art. This is the perfect way to seal your poly shrink wine charms while providing a great glassy finish.
    2. After applying gloss to an image, sprinkle a little glitter on top. This adds more dimensional sparkle than using other types of glue and looks great as candle flames, camp fires, etc.
    3. Create a dimensional paint. Add L.G to a spot on wax paper and then add a drop or two of re-inker and stir using a toothpick. Then apply color as desired to your stamped image allowing a few minutes drying time between colors so they won't blend. This provides truly beautiful results. Fabulous for a stained glass effect image
    4. L.G. makes the perfect glue for any project!! Use it to attach your poly shrink plastic embellishments, beads, feathers, and bows. It is very strong, great for adding hard to hold magnets, pin backs, and wire to your stamped projects. Be sure to let it dry completely before handling. I keep a special bottle just for everyday household use in my kitchen as well as bottles in my scrap room.
    5. Use it to make flat marble magnets or bulletin board tacks. Purchase the glass marbles/pebbles that have a flat side to them in the floral section of craft stores. Then use the circle punch to create the perfect shape to place behind these see-through marbles. Stamp desired image on the card stock circle and color it in using Markers. Use Krylon Matte Acrylic or use the Krylon Workable Fixative to seal markers. Next, apply L.G. to the flat marble and not to the stamped image. Then press the marble onto the stamped circle. If you don't have the Krylon to seal the markers, applying the gloss in this manner (to the marble instead of the stamped image) will keep the image colors from smearing. Apply a bit more L.G. and then attach a magnet or push pin to it.
    6. Here's a twist on using it to make the flat, clear marble magnets . . .Trim small school photo to fit the back of the stone. Poor L.G. directly onto the picture (use wax paper underneath to catch waste and then add reinkers to color and continue using). Then adhere to the back of the stone. Let dry and then add magnet to the back for a refrigerator magnet of your little darlings.
    7. Use it to glue vellum to card stock. It won’t show through. I’ve found the best way to keep vellum from wrinkling or “popping up” after application of gloss is to apply it with a fingertip or Q-tip applicator in a very thin coat . . . DO NOT apply it straight from the bottle.
    8. Make Glitter Gloss using fine Glitter, and an old paint brush. This is really simple. Squirt out some L.G. onto a scrap of acetate or other non-porous surface. Using a toothpick, stir in some glitter until you have the consistency you want. Then using a paintbrush, brush the glitter gloss onto your stamped art, stamped tiles, polymer beads, etc. When dry, it gives a glossy and sparkly look to your art. Try using this to add glitter to snowcaps made with liquid applique, add highlights to ornaments, Valentine hearts, etc. Anywhere that you want to add a bit of sparkles. You can also use this same homemade glitter gloss on hand painted ceramics and clothing.
    9. Make a Stained Glass Glitter Window. Stamp image on window sheets using Staz On. Allow a second or two to let it dry. Next, use the tip of the L.G. bottle to move it gloss around to cover each individual area with a thin layer of the L.G. While it is still wet, dump on glitter. Only do one color of glitter at a time. let each area dry at least an hour before going to the next color.
    10. Use it for "fray check" on the ends of your ribbon after you have cut them to the desired length.
    11. Place on top of Radiant Pearls or Pearl Ex and get even more pearlescent shimmer and shine.
    12. Use L.G., stamped tissue paper and glitter to create beautiful, sparkling ornaments for Christmas or any special occasion.
    13. Create "Shimmering Pearls" by adding a small amount of Pearl Ex powder to some gloss. Then apply over your stamp art with a brush.
    14. Add L.G. to areas of images that you've dry embossed and achieve even more "pop"!
    15. If you have Wood stamps: use it to re-glue any stamps that have either come unmounted from the foam or that you took off the wood block because you wanted to trim and re-mount.
    16. Use L.G. to seal beaded pens. After you make your pen, set it into a block of Styrofoam. Let your pen cure (inserted into the Styrofoam) for 24 hours. Then dip the pen upside down into the bottle of gloss. Tip it right side up, and insert back into the Styrofoam to dry for another 24 hours. It works like a charm sealing the pen so that he beads won't fall off.
    17. Use L.G. to seal Domino art when you've used chalks or Pearl Ex to color in your image. The L.G. creates a wonderful thick sheen when applied in more than one coat. Or you can use it as a sort of Modge Podge to attach a stamped tissue paper design to the Domino (similar to the candle/tissue paper technique or the glittery glass bulbs technique.)

    Would love to see your creations, link to my blog!!



    Would love to hear from you - share some love!
    Posted by Linda Shewchuk at 2:15 PM
    Labels: , , , , , , ,

    Saturday, April 10, 2010

    Look how Smart I am!!

    0 comments
    A fabulous sister from the land down under posted this - I love it!!!

    With time, women gain weight because we accumulate so much information and
    wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room, it distributes out
    to the rest of our bodies. So we aren't heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy.

    Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think,
    Good grief, look how smart I am!

    come join us over at Sisterhood of Scrap - some really fabulous ladies (see my right side bar for link)

    Would love to hear from you - share some love!
    Posted by Linda Shewchuk at 1:53 AM
    Labels: , ,

    Friday, April 9, 2010

    Spring Clean-up Blog Hop & Crop!!

    0 comments
    Sisterhood of Scrap is celebrating the 3rd anniversary of its' SOS Blog, and to mark the occasion, is hosting a “Scrappy Spring Clean-up” Blog Hop & Crop!

    That’s right- it’s a mixture of Blog Hop AND Crop!


    Here’s how it’ll work! At the Blog Hop & Crop you’ll visit one SOS DT or Admin member’s blog per day from April 9-16th, and complete the fun Scrappy Spring Clean-up Challenge posted on that blog.


    In total, you will receive 8 of these fun blog Challenges, one per day, each due 1 week from the date it was posted. Post a link to your creation on the blog where you received the Challenge and you’re eligible for RAKs and Prize draws! Easy Peasy!

    We even have a super-active, friendly and fun SOS Forum with simple to use Gallery where you can join in on some great chatter and creative inspiration!

    Don’t miss it- the SOS Scrappy Spring Clean-up Blog Hop and Crop: April 9-16th. Start HERE. You’ll have a blast!

    Would love to hear from you - share some love!
    Posted by Linda Shewchuk at 7:30 AM
    Labels: , , , ,

    Wednesday, April 7, 2010

    Tile Coaster

    0 comments
    Check out my Guest post here: learn how to create tiles, so many different uses - please share yours!!

    Would love to hear from you - share some love!
    Posted by Linda Shewchuk at 2:36 PM
    Labels: , , , ,

    Monday, April 5, 2010

    Manners - do you have them?

    3 comments
    This has been a question that just keeps popping up. When you receive a gift - wedding, birthday, baby, holiday, etc. - do you send a thank you note, phone and thank the person or nothing!

    My thoughts and common courtesy on this subject is:
    Acknowledge and say Thank You - send a note!!

    In this day and age, seems like Miss Manners is out of a job. My family has sent wedding gifts, baby gifts, Christmas gifts, special out of the way B.D gifts. (cheer up or feel better gifts from us don't warrant an acknowledgement) If i wasn't going to get a polite message back, then I certainly wouldn't have driven somewhere, purchased a gift, wrapped it up, had my girls write a note or picture, then paid for postage for shipping/or dropped it off. Really, let me know earlier that you plan on doing nothing, and i will not waste my time, certainly wouldn't want to put you out!

    You should have that "firing mechanism" in your brain that tells you to be polite (say please and thank you)- cripes, even my girls acknowledge and send off thank you notes or pics...

    I know the people that i am speaking of have been brought up better than that, or so I thought. For the sake of teaching your children properly - start now and acknowledge - it's never too late - EVER!!!

    Would love to hear from you - share some love!
    Posted by Linda Shewchuk at 4:00 PM
    Labels: , , ,

    Sunday, April 4, 2010

    Altered Canvas

    2 comments
    Check out my post here on Make Mania - if you need any help - just ask, i will be pleased to help you!

    Would love to hear from you - share some love!
    Posted by Linda Shewchuk at 9:00 PM
    Labels: , ,

    Friday, April 2, 2010

    Spring Cleaning - HELP - Donations

    3 comments
    I am not sure if I shared this with you or not but I run a Children's Christmas http://www.goodtidings4U.com Since it is time for Spring & the infamous Spring cleaning, i would love for you to keep my store in mind - Donations greatly needed!

    It's a place (home ec room) where the children can come in a purchase a gift for their Mom & Dad for $2. (Usually $10 - $20 & up gifts). I am always desperately looking for donations (gifts and/or money - I purchase gifts) and if you would like to part with any of your goodies - magazines, papers, albums, projects created, caps,etc., i would find them a loving home ** Ideas are last Q&A on page - scroll down**

    Please check out my website & if you can spread the word, I would love it. All advertising, website and goodies come from my family’s generosity - we really sponsored the last 4 years. Last year due to our financial situation, we relied on donations – it took a lot of work, but it was a success.

    2010 is going to be my 6th year. 78 kids came through the store in 2009 & I am pleased to say $300 is being donated to the school for reading program purchase.

    A HUGE pay-it forward. ** You get to donate something that you don’t' use, fit, enjoy, not the right smell, - in turn a child can do chores to earn money to purchase the gift for $2 (I combine donations - check out my photos). Then the kids can come inside (no parents allowed) where they can take their time perusing the gifts laid out on the tables & take it up to the volunteers where we wrap and help them with a label and send them home. Each gift costs $2 (the gift they receive is $10 & higher in value) - they can only purchase 1 mom & 1 dad gift. All money is donated back to the elementary end of the school (since its younger kids shopping).

    I am calling on YOU to help spread the word and make 2010 another exciting year for the kids and teach them about Christmas and the "real" spirit of giving. I tell people to just volunteer once and experience the excitement, joy and things the Children do or say - you would totally give every year with no questions asked.

    I still have to put up my 2009 photos and such, just needed to get my 48 hour clock to work right for me - lol...

    Thanks again for even taking the time to read this - if you can spread the word and get everyone thinking and participating while spring cleaning - even better!! . Hugs and wishing you all an awesome weekend and joyful holiday!

    All information should be on my website, if you have questions, please ask away - that way I can see what I am missing and post accordingly.

    To all my "elves" thank you for your continued support - i APPRECIATE you!! To my fellow supporters - i NEED you! To my shoppers, i LOVE DOING THIS for you!

    Would love to hear from you - share some love!
    Posted by Linda Shewchuk at 4:30 PM
    Labels: , , ,
    Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

    LinkWithin

    Blog Widget by LinkWithin