Oldies but Goodies

by Leave a Comment

oldiesbutgoodies

So, in the spirit of the season I thought I would reshow some of my ornaments from last year that I did for Ornament Thursday! I have a lot on my plate right now…a wedding, holiday stuff, and whatnot and I don’t have time to participate in it this year. When I join a group like that I want to put my best foot forward each week and work my hardest to come up with a unique creation. And I realize sometimes it just doesn’t happen and you have to let it go!

So, if you are interested in any of the ornaments above, click on the link below to check them out!

Swell tissue paper ornaments

Season of swell ornament

Fun Flickr photo ornaments

Starburst painted ornament

Please check them out! I plan to share some of my other crafts I do throughout the season when I get a chance. I really feel that this year is going to be like last year…I rushed around and Christmas crept up on me! I hate that. I really would like to better enjoy the holidays! Perhaps make a gingerbread house or make a pumpkin roll…go ice skating or just sit in the dark by the tree. Why does life have to get so busy! Sheesh…I really shouldn’t complain. I don’t even have kids!

Anyway, until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Terrorific Tuesday: Vintage Black Cat Pendant

by 4 Comments

vintage black cat pendant

Woo. This one was an all nighter. Well, not really, but I spent about 3 hours on it. You wouldn’t think it to take so long. It’s just an image on a charm, but I’m so sloppy a painter and I made a few small mistakes along the way. I may be more impatient than the Impatient Crafter herself! Ha ha. I’m not going to go into all the details…just use the K.I.S.S. method (keep.it.simple.stupid.) and always let things dry before you move onto the next step. This is where I am a flawed crafter.

FYI: I modified a vintage cat image for this charm in Photoshop. I changed the coloring and some of the shapes. I just love black cats, if you didn’t already know that…I mean, how can I not like them…I have the wonderful black Pixie as a pet:

Moody Pixie

OK, on with the show…

Supplies:
– Photo software + inkjet printer
– Cardstock
– decopauge medium
– Americana Acrylics in Lamp (Ebony) Black
– Craft Twinkles Paint (I used fuchsia for a hot pink shimmer)
– scissors
– Crazy glue
– toothpicks
– palette/paper plate
– pendant bail
– 1.5″ wooden disk (I purchased mine at Michaels)
– Vintage black cat image
– foam brush and 3/8″ flat brush

Here’s what you do:
1) Download vintage cat and starburst image here. Open up in your photo software and print. It should be shy of 1 1/2″ in diameter. Size in your photo software if needed.

2) Basecoat wooden disk with black paint. Let dry.
basecoat

3) Apply Craft Twinkles over top of black paint. Let dry.
add glitter

4) Use super glue and place pendant bail into place. Use toothpick to hold into place for several minutes until dry.
add pendant bail

5) Cut out printed image with scissors. Apply decopauge medium to back of cut out image. Spread in a thin even layer and apply on top of wooden disk.
cover with medium on back

6) Use decopauge to coat front as well (back and forth a couple of times). Don’t overcoat. If you do, it will make the paper bubble or make the ink bleed. Let dry.
seal
7) String basic chain pendant through pendant bail and display proudly!

And on a final note, I saw this little cat decoration (or one very similar to it) in a gift shop in Stanford today. I really love the expression and I want to see if it freaks Pixie out! I know that seems mean, but I think it is so cute! By the way, I have never seen my cat do her back like this…

i want this

Until tomorrow Swellions!

Alexa

a weekend where a kid could be a kid

by 1 Comment

DSC_0891

OK, admittedly, Chucky cheese could be mistaken for that other Chucky doll here. He looks insanely creepy.

My 4th of July weekend was pretty uneventful, but that is not a bad thing. Sometimes it’s nice to just have a chill time. I’m not one for a crazy, hectic, always on the go kinda time, anyway. I didn’t really do or watch any fireworks, but I did hear them popping off in my neighborhood. I’ve neven been big on fireworks, other than the occasional sparkler. I tend to photograph them anyway, and not really enjoy myself. So maybe it’s for the best.

My neice came over yesterday and we crafted quite a bit. As I’ve said before on here, she’s my crafty girl. Even when she goes to a professional baseball game, she can be found with a pen and paper in her lap! She’s always drawing or doodling and I think that it is great that she loves being so creative. I encourage it at any opportunity.

We made a few projects together. She had this really cute Strawberry Shortcake craft book and we made some fun fingerprint postcards for her to snail mail to her friends.
Ugh. She also got ahold of my glitter and I didn’t try to stop her. Thankfully, not too big of a mess was made. She kinda went crazy making her own glitter glue and had a ball doing so. We ended up throwing it out, but I guess it’s ok as long as she was having a good time! Also, I have so much glitter I rarely use, that I guess she helped me purge some of my craft supplies. Ha ha!

DSC_0781

We also went to Chucky Cheese. Whenever one of them comes into town, I try to make it memorable. I always loved that place as a kid and rarely went. I have noticed that they don’t have that vat full o’ balls anymore, but they still have my favorite…skee ball and a knockoff version of whack-a-mole. We had like 100 tokens, so she had plenty of fun and got a pretty dinky mini connect 4, pink hair extension, slap hand, and some spinning tops. But, yeah, as a kid that is what it’s all and Taylor seemed super excited about her prizes. On a side note, the sandwiches there aren’t half bad. I wasn’t expecting much at all, but I got an Italian Sub with a side of fresh fruit and pasta salad. It was actually pretty yummy.

Here’s some pics from our trip:

DSC_0822

DSC_0823

DSC_0844

do I usually look this scary?

My sis and Brock came for a visit today and we went swimming at the pool again. They are really great little swimmers. I was impressed.

Other than that, just gotta deal with the glasses situation (going to one of those value places to get a new lens and get my glasses clean, in general- they are always so dirty and I can’t get them totally clean). Also, have to finalize my coffee shop show, deposit some moolah, and get some packages in the mail. Geez, I hate mailing stuff and going to the bank. For me, it is never an easy task!!! I guess it shouldn’t be all that hard, but I always have a way of making undifficult things difficult.

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

All content/photos copyright, © Alexa L. Westerfield, 2008

bachelorette party idea and a shoutout!

by Leave a Comment

dana and the kiss frame

So, this is going to be a fast and furious post. That’s what I always say and it ends up being a novel. Ha! Anyway, I didn’t succeed in my Wednesday/Lensday post tonight. Just missed it and it is now Thursday, but I guess that is ok. I need a break from the norm every now and then.

So, I wanted to show a pic of my friend Dana, the Bachelorette (not to be confused with Trista or Diana or anyone of those reality show fembots). We had, as I previously mentioned in my earlier posts this week, a great time in Louisville filled with lots of hijinks! Bachelorette parties are one of those times where you just whoop it up! I wanted to express that sentiment in a frame for my friend that I concocted on the fly from a basic frame with a matte. It was so quick and easy. You just take out the matte board, get the other bachelorette party ladies to kiss and sign, write a fun phrase, decorate, and flip it back into the frame and voila…an instant keepsake! Of course, a pic of all of us from the night…one like this cute one, will go in there to be a memory of our wild and crazy time!

the girls

We really did have a fun time. These are all of the great girlfriends I made through Tasha (the one in the middle). Tasha used to work with me. She just got a new job with an established non-profit in the area and her career path in marketing is looking bright, so yay Chica (that’s our term of endearment for each other). I will be sad; however, that I don’t get the Panera perks (the job she is leaving, where she was a main manager).

Oh, and here’s a photo I took of Tasha that I thought was moody and made her look exceptionally beautiful. She doesn’t even have to try!

of=50,590,442-1

Well, off to bed. I’m so excited. I have off tomorrow. I think I’m going to organize my craft stuff and do some chores. I’m sure since this will pretty much consume me, a post will follow.

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

All content/photos copyright, © Alexa L. Westerfield, 2008

?#@*%! Bleepin’ Bleach Bag

by 1 Comment

bleepity bleep bleach bag

Grocery stores have their annoyances. Whether it be that slow-paced old woman in the frozen foods section or the unpleasant clerk who clearly doesn’t believe that the customer is always right, a shopping trip can strain your last nerve. So, the solution? Create this bag that says exactly what you are thinking, without saying anything at all. It’s a quick and uncomplicated project that you can whip up in an evening. Here’s how…

Supplies:
– Recyclable cloth bag (I got mine from www.reusablebags.com)
– Clear contact paper – 12″w x 8.5″h
– Black dimensional fabric paint (I used SoSoft dimensional writer)
– Bleach
– Exacto
– Scissors
– Freehand pattern (or pattern printed from the internet, see link below)
– Ruler
– Pencil, permanent pen
– Tracing paper
– Spray bottle
– small bowl
– Foam brush
– Self-healing cutting mat
– trash bag or cardboard

Instructions:

1. Draw out your design or click on the picture below for a free pattern to print off and create one like mine. If you are using your own pattern, don’t make it too complicated, as this will not transfer well during bleaching process.
pattern

2. Measure and cut out contact paper sheet. Seperate sticky part of contact paper sheet from backing. Slide in paper pattern.

3. Using Exacto,on self-healing cutting mat, cut out bubble design on contact paper.
cutting out

4. Peel off contact paper backing and place contact sheet sticky side down in center of bag. Press firmly into place.

5. Place cardboard or trash bag inside of bag to protect from bleaching through bag

6. Dip brush in small bowl of bleach. Dab inside bubble design sparingly, especially around outer areas, to prevent seepage. You can also just sparingly spray inside bubble using spray bottle, if you prefer.
bleach fill in, spray

7. Using spray bottle a couple of feet above project, mist all over front of bag and handles. Let dry.

8. Peel back contact paper to reveal finished bleached design.

9. Using pencil, trace and transfer explatives from printout into center of bubble design.

10. Outline bubble design and letters using SoSoft Dimensional Writers. Let dry.
fabric paint

Special thanks to my friend,Retta, who provided me with the materials and idea to get this project rollin’! I think it turned out fun and is a great way to make a bag a lot less blah, and a lot more ?#@*%! cool!

Also, here’s an alternative idea: My friend Chris, made a sumo wrestler shirt (he placed it on the side of the shirt). At first, it was so intricate and seeped so much that it looked like a blob, but Retta saved the day by going over the stencil again with SoSoft fabric paint (not the dimensional kind I used). It made for an interesting effect…

sumo image

Have a totally, ?#@*%! awesome day , Swellions!

Alexa

All content/photos copyright, © Alexa L. Westerfield, 2008

not too pure to be pinky and other fun news

by Leave a Comment

not too pure to be pinky mini lunchbox

I made this last night for my friend Kristy who is moving away. Kristy is one of the most genuine, fun, laugh out loud girls I know and I wish her luck as she makes her way in the big state of Louisiana! Her name on flickr was Pinky, so hence the nickname. She is also called “Posey” as well. Hmmmm, I bet you can’t tell it by that pic (my friend Chris took it by the way.

So, got my project on Craft Magazine’s blog. It’s my first time to be featured! Hopefully it won’t be my last 🙂 Been trying to get some exposure online and in some mags as of late. Not having as much success with the mags, but I’m going to keep trying. The editors must be overworked, on deadline, or short-staffed, cause most times when I send a submission in, I hear absolutely nothing back. I guess I expect that with the scrapbooking mags (they even tell you a lot that they may not contact you about your submission), but I guess I thought I would have better contact with the smaller mags. There’s still lots of time, so no worries.

So I’ve been thinking about a redesign as of late for my web site. I really need to revamp it and make it more current. I like the look of this one, but I did it all in html and I have no clue how to design any other way, and that is a problem. I need to read up, consult with a friend on some ideas, and layout some general content and a ladder for how I want it to flow. If you’ve never created a web site, you really have to think of all of this stuff before you begin or it is a nightmare to go back and fix. Everything on your web site is an extension onto something else and you have to not only concern yourself with the design, but also with the navigation and flow of the whole entire site. I think I have a good eye for layout, but as far as executing it, that’s a whole other story. I think for the content, I’d like to incorporate more of my sites, my blog, my photos, and my crafts, rather than it strictly being a graphic design site. I think I’ve evolved a lot in the 3 years or so since I designed it and I’d like it reflect my growth and knowledge. I still like the overall concept (me as different roles). I think just needs to be expanded upon or tweaked. So stay tuned.

And finally, here is the packaging I have spent the past 8 months of my life art directing, laying out, photographing (the whole shebang)…it’s for Laurie Speltz’s Instant Images. It’s a fun, new painting program that we are offering at my company, DecoArt. By the way, it is available now at Hobby Lobby. For more info on the line, check it out here.

i designed this packaging

OK, off to bed. Until tomorrow, Swellions.

Alexa

All content/photos copyright, © Alexa L. Westerfield, 2008

My Punny Valentine

by 12 Comments

Hello all. In this new installation for Ornament Thursday (yep, it’s still going on, just not ornaments and it is bigger and better than ever!), I made some funny Valentine’s.

my funny valentines

Admittedly, I’ve been making Valentine’s like this for years. If you didn’t know this already about me, I love celebrity gossip and puns, so mixing the two together is one of my favorite things. I think these Valentine’s are a lot more personal of a gift than a lot out there. You can find images that relate to people (I mean, who out there doesn’t have a celebrity crush or fave tv show?) It’s also a really quick craft – something you can embellish as little or as much as you want.

I am dog tired, so I don’t have the energy right now to type out step by step detailed instructions. Here’s the basic rundown…

1. Make a simple heart pattern (mine was about 6″ inches wide) and trace your hearts onto posterboard, scrapbook paper, or construction paper.
2. Find images in magazines that fit the basic shape of your heart and cut out.
3. Paint on your paper designs, stripes, dots, etc. I actually painted my hearts entirely with DecoArt Americana Acrylics on posterboard, cause it has a nice weight that you don’t get with cardstock, but it’s totally up to you.
4. Use craft glue or glue stick to mount images on your hearts.
5. Embellish around images using glitter (I used DecoArt Craft Twinkles Writer), rhinestones, buttons, etc.
6. Write a funny/punny phrase on your card using markers, rubons, and stickers, whatever tickles your fancy.

At a local ad club meeting a few years ago, Michael Osbourne, a renowned creative director, speak on branding and marketing for his design firm. His company sends out Valentine cards instead of Christmas cards each year. I think this an incredibly ingenious way to market yourself or company! Think about it…how many Christmas cards do we toss or not give a second glance to? A LOT! A Valentine card is a nice welcome, and it doesn’t have to be uber mushy or meant just for a loved one. It’s a nice little statement that can truly make someone’s day (especially those single folks who would like to nix it all together). Oh,check out the stamps at the bottom of the Micheal Osbourne bio…he designed them for the postal service…how cool is that? Now that’s one awesome gig! Everyone gets to see your work!!!

Check out the other cool OT ladies here

Hali’s Flowers of LOVE in Ancient Bulgarian 2 paintings in stylized Cyrillic spell out L-U-V

Art Bead Scene The designers at Art Bead Scene have two jewelry love stories for you! Elaine Ray links together a little love with her ceramic heart components while Melanie Brooks Lukacs tells a little tale of romance in a Gothic Garden

Cindy Gimbrone Beads Cindy’s Love Story is about a hook and beads

Earthenwood Studio Bead Blog What is sweeter than a mix CD for your Valentine? A yummy gift box in which to present it, filled with candy themed decorations, including a cute bracelet and cell phone charm!

Heart mobile Jenny’s painted paper pulp hearts.

Humblebeads Heather shares her favorite bracelet design in a Valentine inspired color scheme.

Jennifer Heynen of Jangles Jennifer has made a fun “Ornament” for her neck that looks good enought to eat.

Joolz by Lisa This “Love Story” will last all year long! Lisa shares how beads and books work together.

Katie’s Beading Blog Here’s a happy little heart project for you – use it to embellish a bag or your jeans, or as inspiration for a necklace or bracelet.

Kriss Cramer – Art Interrupted Grow Love! Nurture and care for your loved ones every day. Use this heartfelt book, you can make yourself, to remind you of all the love you have to give.

Linda Augsburg at Make It Mine magazine Linda’s love story project is a dress she embellished by stenciling dancers and a big band along the hem. Read why and learn how to do it yourself on the Make It Mine blog.

Michelle’s Love Story… The band is getting back together again! Ornament Thursday celebrates the story of love…

Ornament Thursday Blog January is coming to an end and Valentine’s Day is looming on the horizon. Whether you wish to shower the people you love with love or show yourself a little well deserved affection, the Ornament Thursday Gang has a bevy of beautiful ideas to inspire you!

Savvy Crafter Candie’s love affair with big rings continue…she’s making her own now! Love Stories and more over at the Savvy Crafter! XOXO!

Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done! Ah, Love ! This satirical creation of Jean’s immortalizes certain women’s profound affecton for their … handbags!!!

Strands of Beads Love speaks many languages. Learn how to say “I Love You” in an untraditional way with Melissa Lee’s whimsical jewelry project.

SwellDesigner Alexa shares with you her truly swell and punny Valentines!

The Impatient Blogger Love is in the air at The Impatient Blogger! Margot shares two vintage inspired jewelry designs that are oozing with romance…in a good way!

Feelin’ Earthy

by 2 Comments


bracelet and earring set
Originally uploaded by swelldesigner

I just typed a long blog only to have my program lock up on me. Boo…

This is my creation for the night. I’m happy with it. The natural/earthy look came through (based on the assignment I was given by a friend). It’s nice to feel a sense of accomplishment on a project well done. I don’t know how painters do it. I like being able to whip something up in an hour, photograph it, and upload it and throw it out to the universe. Something very satisfying about that, if you ask me.

Something also very tiring about it…speaking of, I’m outtie.

Magazine Gorgefest

by 1 Comment

First things first, if you haven’t gone to Elf Yourself, you must check it out as soon as you get the chance. It will make your day.

I went to Kroger tonight. One of my guilty pleasures in going to the grocery is wasting time at the magazine stand. I have to get my celeb/craft/home décor fix. These are some recent purchases:

my current reads
Tonight, I purchased Ready Made and seriously scoped out the new Organize magazine. Ready Made had some seriously cool holiday projects and Organize had a really cool article on packing a suitcase and a great article on Lisa Bearnson. Me digging a magazine like Organize is kinda an oxymoron, considering my tub o’ magazines and books are overflowing like this:

P1010926

I just simply can’t deny magazines. Every time, I try to tell myself that I don’t need that 2004 Martha Stewart Living magazine, I find myself seeing a great craft idea for paper doilies I must try and it goes back into the box. I seriously mean to pull out ideas and pages from them and make an inspiration binder, so that I can relieve myself from the growing pile, but I never get around to it. That’s just another thing to add to my list.

I actually have subscribed (have to send the little postcard mailers in) to 2 other mags: Entertainment Weekly and Martha Stewart’s Blueprint. I ordered them from my nephew and a co-worker for a fundraiser. I really couldn’t find a single thing in that fundraiser catalog that was worth having (admit it, you know what I’m talking about). I didn’t need to gorge on the peanut butter turtles or summer sausage and I could buy that calendar that they sell for $8, but I had just seen pretty much the same one at the Dollar tree for $1 (just ridiculous). So, instead, I decided to gorge on more magazines.

Oh, the gluttony.

Fun Flickr Photo Ornaments

by 22 Comments

flickr photo ornaments

For my Ornament Thursday project, I made two Flickr mosaic ornaments in two different themes. The first theme is of the city I live in, Lexington (admittedly, I had a lot of landmark shots and this was a convenient topic to pick interesting photos from). The second theme is my friend Molly. I wanted to fill it with various images of her and people and pets that she loved.

Just a word to the wise, I used the BIG HUGE LABS mosaic maker to create these images. This site works with the web site Flickr, to create unique photo creations. If you are unfamiliar with Flickr, I suggest you check it out right now! It’s a great way to get ideas and information and you can log in and get a free account. With a basic free account, you will be able to upload photos (FYI – there’s a megabyte size limit per month for free account users, so size down your photos before uploading). Now onto how I made my creation…

FUN FLICKR PHOTO ORNAMENTS

Surface:
– 2.5″ x 3.5″ flat wooden ornament (available at Hobby Lobby)

Supplies:
– Computer with Internet, Photoshop, and color inkjet printer
– black paint or ink pad
– small flat brush
– Preserve Your Memories II Spray sealer
– Thin ribbon (I used ribbon with a stitch design)
– Glue gun and glue sticks
– tacky or school glue
– white cardstock

Instructions:

1. Log into BIG HUGE LABS and select the Mosaic Maker Icon
2. For my designs, I chose the square tiles layout with a 3 column width and a 4 column height. I chose for the background color to be white and for the border color to be black. I selected 1 pixel for the space between the images.
3. Either go to your flickr photos and type in each individual URL (there will be 12 in all) or select from a photoset, favorites, or tags to get a random selection of photos. Note: I chose individual URLS, so I could place photos in an exact arrangement. As you play more with the mosaic maker, you will see what I mean.
4. Once finished, click the Create button to see your mosaic design. Save the mosaic design to your computer.
6. Open the image in Photoshop. Now create a new page and make use your guidelines to create a 2.5″ x 3.5″ rectangle. Copy your mosaic image into this blank document and use the Free transform tool to fit it exactly into the guideline box you have made. Note: If you need to stretch it just a bit – it’s not a big deal – that’s what I had to to create mine.
7. Print your image on white cardstock on your color inkjet printer.
8. Cut around the image. Use tacky glue to adhere it to ornament surface.
9. Use an black ink pad to go around your image, leaving no natural wood areas. (You can skip this step if you want, but I didn’t want the ribbon to somehow not lie smooth to reveal the wood areas).
10. Once dry, go around image with glue gun and thin ribbon. Create a loop with the ribbon and glue gun it onto the back for hanging.

OK, while we are on ornaments, for my work, I pretty much coordinated the ornaments for the Decoart ornament page. Click here to view them in their entirety. There’s also a lot of cute projects that our designer created and I uploaded as well in our project library.

Also, check out some of these other fabulous ornaments created by other artists! Just click on their name to be taken to their blog.

Rebecca Peck
Michelle McGee
Melissa Lee
Melanie Brooks Lukacs
Margot Potter
Lynn Kvigne
Linda Augsburg
Kriss Kramer
Katie Hacker
Jenny Harada
Jennifer Heynen
Hali Chambers
Candie Cooper
Art Bead Scene