Cynthia Shaffer

Mixed Media Essentials ... Giveaway and Tutorial!

I'm so excited to finally get to show everyone these super fun rubber stamps by Roben-Marie Smith and even more honored to be considered part of a design team that includes some super talented artist!

So there's a little blog hop going on right now ... come along and check out the art that everyone   created using Roben-Marie's rubber stamps. You'll soon see that the art is among the best I've seen in a long time ... and the variety is vast and great!

April Cole

Carissa Paige

Danielle Donaldson

Jen Osborn

Kristin Peterson

Lorraine Bell

Roben-Marie Smith

Sandi Keene

These are the samples I made using the rubber stamps ... One thing you'll notice is that the stamps are really big and so much fun to use in mixed media, shrink plastic and for embroidering on clothing or napkins, or ... well just about anything!

I was channeling my inner Roben-Marie when I creating this tag.

Here's the GIVEAWAY >>> This 6 arrow shrink plastic necklace ... leave a comment, or even just say "Hi" and I'll toss your name into the pot and on May 8th I'll pick a winner! 

The shrink plastic necklaces were just too much fun to make ... I couldn't stop ... It's one of those addicting kind of crafts!

And then at some point late one night, I grabed bits of odds and ends and created this little collage masking off one of the rubber stamp to show just one little cross.

And then this happened ... a little bit of embroidery on a panel that was stamped using three of the rubber stamp images and black StazOn ink and then stitched to a onesie!

Ok, I have to admit ... my pieces are a bit out there, but as I was telling Roben-Marie, I am so in love with these stamps that my mind kept jumping from project to project and I my hands couldn't keep up with my ideas!

Here's what I did to make the above shrink plastic arrow necklace: 

• Grab a sheet of shrink plastic and using black StazOn ink, stamp three arrows

• Cut out around the arrow shapes and punch small holes into the 4 corners on 2 of the arrows and 2 top corners of the third arrow.
• Using a cotton swab, lightly brush on three different coordinating chalk colors.

• Place the arrow into a pie tin and using an awl and a heat gun, shrink up the plastic.The side that was stamped on and colored on will now be the backside.

• Apply a thin coat of white gesso to the back of the shrunk arrows.

• Sand the sides of the arrows to smooth out any sharp points or edges.

• Add edge of black around the arrrows, using a black Sharpie marker.

• Link the necklace together with jump rings.
• Add a clasp to the back and then you are done!

 

 

 

Carving Rubber Stamps : : A Duet With Jen Osborn

I've been carving rubber stamps lately, something that I thought I would NEVER do ... but I have to tell you, it is SOOOO much fun. 

Yesterday I woke up to a text message from Jen Osborn, we are friends on facebook and from time to time we chat back and forth ... I love her art. There weren't any words in the message, just a photo of her 2 latest paintings. 

So fun don't you think? 

I got inspired ... and I loved her barn, tree and of course her signature skeleton head ... I decided to carve some rubber using her images as inspiration.

I know, I know ... the barn is falling over ... oh well, it happens.

So simple and yet soooo Jen!

 

Of course I couldn't well enoguh alone ... out came the Glimmer Mists.

 

So sweet don't you think? Love this one ... I couldn't stop stamping ........! 

Here's what you do:

Find a simple image that you like and simply sketch it out onto an eraser or this pink rubber. Next, using the smallest carving blade, outline the image and then cut out the details.

For larger shapes just use a scissor or a craft knife and cut out around the image, then carve out the interior details.

Thanks Jen for the inspiration! 

Happy carving.

 

Stamped, Collaged & Watercolored : : Journal Tutorial

I recently enrolled in a super fun on-line class taught by Roben-Marie Smith. Her class is called Mixed Media Mayhem. You may have already heard about her class but in case you have not ... let me tell you ... it is GREAT! 

While I was waiting for some of the sprays and paints I ordered to arrive, I decided to dive in and watch the first few videos. Her technique is loose and uncomplicated ... don't think too much and just start. I love that! And the one thing that I found myself totally in awe with ... the movement and motion of her hands ... very inspiring!

 Here's a glimpse of what I've been working on since watching Roben-Marie's videos. This is not exactly what she is teaching in the on-line class, but this what I was inspired to make on my own. I'll post my work from her class at a later post.

Here's what I did:

• On a panel of watercolor paper, smudge and swirl a couple of colors of watercolor paint. Let dry.

• Using a rubber stamp (Stitches and Dots) and brown ink pad, stamp the image randomly on the panel.

• Dribble water onto the stamped image and move the ink around to smear. Dab with a paper towel to soak up the excess water.

• Add gesso with a paintbrush or your finger and randomly smear it over the stamped area.

• Using stencils, brown ink and a sponge, mark up the panel , then smear stencil image with water. 

• Add another layer of gesso and let the panel dry. (Use a heat gun to speed up the drying process)

• Using Letter stamps (Best Life Alphabet) and the brown ink, add letter and words to the panel and again, smear with dribbled water.

• Adhere an image from an old book page and a scrap of inked paper.

• Using a sewing needle and thread, stitch a running stitch through the panel.

• Continue to add more watercolors and gesso to the panel and sprites and splatter inks.

• Using a fine tip permanent marker, journal thoughts and words and then swipe it with another layer of gesso.

• Ink the sides of the panel and using your finger, smudge and smear the edges.

• Add small accents of bronze metallic acrylic paint.

After I have a bunch of these panels collaged and painted I'll be stitching them into an art journal ...

Stay Tuned!

Paper Towels: Stamped, Punched then Collaged : : Tutorial

I've been a busy girl these days: quilting, appliqueing, shooting a few books and ... watching some great high school baseball games. I set deadlines and goals for myself and when I meet a deadline or reach a goal I treat myself to a little crafting time.

With the stained paper towels still sitting on my work table, I just grabbed a few pieces and got to work crafting this morning. I started by rubber stamping a few towels with a butterfly and honeycomb motifs.

These cards are so satisfying and quick, I love working on this smaller size collage.

Here's what you do:

Gather used paper towels that have been stained with paint and glitter and iron them flat. Stamp paper towels with desired images.

Cut the paper towel into 1" squares and arrange them on a rectangle panel and adhere with spray adhesive.

On the back, iron a panel of freezer paper to give the paper towel some stability, and punch out flower motifs.

Using spray adhesive, adhere the panel to a watercolor paper card and free motion stitch around the paper towels and the flowers. Doodle on the card with white and pink sparkle pens.

Happy Crafting!

Free Motion Stitched Cards With Envelopes

So fun ... so easy and so beautiful ... if I say so myself.

After making the first batch of envelopes with brown bags and linen, I decided to try a more elevated look using the same technique. 

I started by pulling out a group of patterned paper that I liked along with some linen, old ledger paper, rubber stamps and white card stock.

First I made the envelopes and then free motion stitched small collages on the front, before folding and gluing the back together.

Then I made the matching cards, again with small stitched collages and a little stamped sentiment or word. 

I have to admit I'm addicted and could just make these all day ... but ... I had to stop after making these three sets. 

I love how the light shines through the card where the stitch marks are ... so pretty!

This envelope is my favorite by far. The free motion stitching can look so organic and, well, free!

Oh, and as you can see, after I stitched the envelopes and cards, I added a little highlight with a white pen. This really helps to pop the stitched shapes.

More card and envelope making is in my future ...  I have a bunch of invitations to make for my mothers birthday party ...

Betty will be turning 80 on the 4th of July!

A Tote For Jenny

So ... here's the project I was working on the other night ... osnaburg and red velvet, the perfect couple, rustic meets royalty!

After posting the photos of the last tote I made, I received a message from Jenny reminding me that her birthday is right around the corner and hinted that a tote would be a nice gift to receive. What she didn't know, but will know now, is that I was already working on her birthday gift. This tote is soooooo her!

 

After rubber stamping flowers on the osnaburg, I stitched the red velvet circles down with perle cotton and then added a few french knots in off white. 

Next I free motion stitched around the flowers.

Then hand basted the red velvet scallop to the top of the tote to keep it in place, and machine stitched, using a zig-zag stitch ... then a little free motion stitching ...

 

and a little stamped Art Saves panel, stitched to the front and jute strapping to finish it off! 

Here's the back ... not so fancy, but sweet all the same!

Happy early birthday Jenny!

Free Motion Revolution!

Ready to drop your feed dogs and start free motion stitching? I'm teaching an exciting new class, Free Motion Revolution, here in Crescendoh's Lab and I want everyone to come and join in on the fun. But I do need to warn you ... free motion stitching can be very addicting. 

This flower is just a bonus project we will make. From just a simple free motion flower you can create a hip little headband ...

A cherry blossom garland ...

And a single flower for a bud vase. 

Stay tuned ... enrollment begins on Januray 15th!

It's Time

One thing I am not is someone who changes her purse or tote every other day. I usually find a tote I like and wear the heck out of it, or I'll wait until my mom looks at me and says, "It's time."

So, here's my new tote. The best part, I took an existing tote and altered it to be the shape I wanted. I cut down the sides, painted circles on the front and then added some fabric circles and a little free motion stitching for the stems and stamen. 

 

Next I stamped  Art Saves, with the acrylic paint and then backed it with a bit of batting and a panel of burlap, then stitched it to the tote. I stitched a second stamped panel to the back pocket.

The back of the tote actually has two pockets on it, perfect for holding my keys and my cell phone that I can never find when it rings.

And finally, I sandwiched the side seams with jute webbing and stitched up one side, around the strap and down the other side!

How cute is this?

 

Tutorial : : Painted Treat Tins

Oh so pretty. The perfect tin to load up with Corry bars and deliver to friends and family.

Batch #3 is ready to go!

 

So easy and so sweet...transform random tins into handmade holiday gifts.

What to do...Gather random tins and lightly sand. YES ... Sand the tin lightly with sandpaper! This will allow the paint to stick really good!

Spray the tins with several light coats of Krylon indoor/outdoor paint (Here's a link on Amazon to buy this exact color spray paint)... while the top is still on!!! YES, YES, YES ... with the lid on! Here's the deal here ... I know there have been a few comments on the lid sticking ... the lid will not stick if you spray the tin with several LIGHT coats of paints. And yes, you will see a lip of the original tin color when you take the lid off. It's just gunna be that way. If you spray the bottom separately from the lid, chances are the lid will not fit back on the bottom AND the fumes from the paint will linger in the tin and make it unsafe for food! So, YES ... spray paint the tin with the lid on the bottom.

Give a few pages of old book text, a wash of gesso. There have been a few questions about gesso and what it is .... So this is what I know about gesso ... According to Wikipedia "Modern "acrylic gesso" is a widely used ground^[5] that is a combination of calcium carbonate with an acrylic polymer medium latex, a pigment and other chemicals that ensure flexibility, and increase archival life." So I use it here to just give the old paper a washed and white weathered look. I also like the tooth that it give the paper, which allows the stamped ink to stick.

Stamp words on the text and tear out. Punch snowfakes out from the gessoed text and glue onto the tin tops using just white glue. Here's a link on Amazon to a Letter and Number Roller Stamp ... Similar to the one I have, but not exact. The one I have was discontinued years ago.)

Load your tins up with Corry bars, or your family's favorite treat, and tie up the tin with a little hemp.

Peace, Blessings and Grace...

I hope I have answered all the questions that readers have had about this project! I apologize for being so vague ... I think I was in a hurry way back when and didn't realize then that this project would go viral and be so well loved! 

Best,

Cynthia

Oh So Tweet

Clear glass ornaments are the perfect blank canvas, just waiting to be embellished. For years now I have been quilting, painting and stitching on transparency film, rolling it up and popping it into ornaments.

The possilities are endless, but for these I used Pam Garrison's adorable clear stamps, Sweet Tweets.

Just cut out a small circle from felt, stamp your image using StazOn ink and then paint with acrylics.

You can go here to get a bit more info on how to cut the pattern for the transparency and see yet another variation of my clear glass ornaments using transparencies.

To attach the felt to the transparency,center the painted circle then just do a little free motion quilting around the outer edge.

Not sure if these ornaments will actually make it on a tree, they might just stay in my studio and hang from a favorite twig, or be givien away as gifts. 

Happy Stamping!