Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Halloween ATC's part 1



A short and simple post showing 2 ATC cards I made with Eat Cake Graphics stamps

Top Card– 5033-D Bert Batula, 7077-E Skully flowers
Bottom Card 5082-D Crow looking forward

Still loving the small surface area that ATC's provide as creative space.

Now that Halloween is over, how long do you keep your decorations up?

Happy Krafting,
Hugs
Tanya



Tuesday, October 20, 2015

The Noticing Project




Margery Leveen Sher, the Founder and Chief Noticing Officer of The Did Ya Notice? Project™, is a writer, speaker, entrepreneur, and executive. She also posts weekly "Noticing" essays on her blog, www.DidYaNotice.com.


I carry this book with me in my purse. It is the kind of book that can be picked up and read, over and over.  I often reach for it when I need a pick-me-up.  Each chapter has me looking at situations in a totally different light. It has me thinking, relaxing, and smiling.  I am able to include my family into the joys of noticing by using the "Conversation-Starter" section that follows each chapter.  There is nothing like talking at the dinner table, and bringing laughter into the house.

One of the fun prompts is to have the whole house make a list of their top 10 annoying things.  This prompt allows us to express ourselves, without being too serious!  There are no right or wrong answers, something both my girls like.  They are able to speak, be heard, and acknowledged for who they are. This book helps to bring out our individuality. Something that is to be cherished.

So our routine is changing!  We are noticing things more, due to the conversations we are having. I often send the girls to school and ask them to bring home a piece of new information.  Be it sight, sound, texture, scent etc.

I do admit, when I asked them how their school smelled, they looked at me funny.  When I continued to ask them the same question 2 days in a row, I finally got answers.  Hot Dogs, running shoes, and something odd that they could not pinpoint.  

So my friends, my question to you is;
"What does your place of employment smell like?"

To pick up your own copy, follow the links below to see where they are being sold.


I would love to hear what you get out of this book.  We could start out own conversation.

Happy Reading,
Hugs,
Tanya


Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Happy Mail Zentangles




Here are some of the envelopes I "Zentangled" before sending them out in the mail.  It is a good way to tune out while tuning inwards.

Happy Krafting,
Hugs
Tanya

Monday, October 5, 2015

Index Card Fun





Hello,  

Here are more ICAD 2015 creations.  
The prompts were 
1. Weather
2. Madmen 
3 Question 
4. Album cover
5. Disco 
6. Fashion Sense 
7. Black and White 
8. Kimono

 Some I like more than others, but I had fun, tuned out, and enjoyed the artistic creative process.

How do you tune out?
Happy Krafting,
Hugs
Tanya

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Stampotique Worn Out Tattered SWAP



Here are my 2 Artist Trading Card  (ATC's) creations, for this months Stampotique Worn Out Tattered SWAP

I loved making these.  I had fun taking my time trying out different coloring techniques, using my Touch markers.  I wish I made doubles this month, I would have loved to keep them for me.  When I feel this way, I have no problems sending them out in the mail, because the persons receiving them are getting the very best of my Kraftiness.  I am also learning to let go of some of my pretty things. You can only keep the happiness Krafting gives you, by giving that happiness away to others.

What kinds of things do you like to create?  Do you keep your favorite's for yourself?
Do tell!

Happy Krafting, 
Hugs,
Tanya

Friday, September 25, 2015

Playing Card art exchange


Hi Peeps,

One of the Art Exchanges I participated in was all about taking a playing card and using it to create something with a "Fairy Tale" theme.  I tried to find my card decks, but of course could not find them.  So I "borrowed/took"  a Spot it game card from one of my daughters and created the above.

Can you guess which Fairy Tales I used as my MOJO?

Yup, Anna from Frozen, and Little Red Riding Hood.

What is on your Krafting table this weekend?  Do tell.

Happy Krafting,
Hugs,
Tanya 

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Rainy Day Shrink Plastic Fun and Tag Exchange

Before
After

In the midst of creating some primary color tags for one of my Art Exchanges, I decided to make Shrink Plasctic charms to match.  

My girls decided to join in the fun, however they drew their own images.  My 3 are the stamped Stamping Bella images, their's are the pony with hat and FNAF rabbit.
They shrunk considerably, but the details remained.  I am going to have to do this again.

This month's Art Exchange project was to use primary colors to create tags.  I collect (hoard) tags of all kinds, so I grabbed 4 and added Red Yellow and Blue ink and doodled in the same colors.

I did not want to cover up the tags, so I stamped my dog image on Acetate, coloring them in with Sharpie and Sakura RYB pens.  
My husband's old fancy beer tags came with ribbon, so I dyed those too.  I had SO much fun making these, that I exceeded the mandatory 2 tags and continued on.  I will most certainly find someone to ship them to.

What is on your craft table today ladies and gentlemen?
Happy Krafting,
Hugs
Tanya 

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Inspiring Positive Thought in Youth Through Beauty of Art



Belfafla's new book "For You", aims to inspire positive thoughts through art and quotes.  
The pictures of the wonderful "out of the box" works of art, and the quotes touched both myself and my young girls.  
I am trying to get them to take chances, to risk making mistakes, to create works of art without worrying about the outcome. This book is a tool I am using to help them along their journey.  We look at the art, talk about what feelings they evoke.  We then read one of the quotes, and discuss how they apply to our lives.

Amelia Beljafla is on a mission to help persons of all ages achieve and maintain healthy, positive outlooks on life.  She has provided us with powerful cross-cultural quotes which certainly lead us to that destination.

“My mother was instrumental in encouraging me and instilling positivity in me from a very early age,” Beljafla said. “I want to pay that forward to people all around the world, especially young people stuck in tough situations.”
I want to be a mother like, I want to instill a positive and encouraging way of being to both my daughters. 

“Sometimes we all just need a little reminder of the beauty that exists in the world,” Beljafla said. “My hope is that these images and quotes that have helped change my life can do the same for others.”

Thank you for sharing this book with me Belfafla, and for being a part of my life that helps to remind me of the beauty that exists in our world today.  You have inspired my family.  My wish is that your book inspires others as well.

To read more about Amelia Beljafla, please click the link HERE.

"For You" is available at barnesandnoble.comamazon.com and BalboaPress.com

Happy Reading!
Hugs,
Tanya

Thursday, September 17, 2015

ICAD and Journaling



Hello,

Just getting around to posting more of my Krafty Adventures.  The first one is another Index card made for the ICAD2015 challenge.  I used scraps, maps, bling and plastic from my yoga mat tag (upper right corner).  My girls certainly are my Sunshines!  

The second was is a page out of my art journal.  Journal 52 prompted us to use the Elements.  So I took out my Sweet Pea Stamps, and colored them accordingly. Not a perfect page, but I had fun coloring, and that is the point to my journal.  It does not HAVE to be PERFECT.

Happy Krafting,
Hugs,
Tanya

Monday, September 14, 2015

Card Creations

Hello,

I made these two cards for a card swap.  However, I did not use the company stamps that were required.  I really loved how they turned out, and I am waiting to see who they will eventually be sent to.  

I tend to put cards aside, and when the card suits the recipient, I send them out.  Do you do the same thing?

Happy Krafting,
Hugs,
Tanya

Friday, August 28, 2015

Art Exchange- There's a hole in the.........



Hello,

These are my 2 cards made for an Art Exchange.  The theme was "There is a hole in the...." 
I made 2 cards with holes in them.  I am loving the Touch markers, I enjoy making various textures with them.

What are you up to this weekend?  I would love to hear from you.  If you are interested in doing a card/craft swap, please let me know, I would love to participate.

Happy Krafting,
Hugs
Tanya

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Start Where You Are- Action Changing Attitude


Meera Lee Patel is a self-taught artist who firmly believes that " the act of starting somewhere first-anywhere" is the first step in taking us where we would like to be in our lives.

The first page in the book is written in a rainbow of colors and states "Every Answer Is Inside You". I simply had to read more.

Meera Lee Patel introduces herself by writing  "It took me a long time to become comfortable with where I am."  That statement alone hit me as I am constantly trying to figure myself out; spiritually, mentally and artistically.  

This book is filled with beautiful artwork, and inspiring quotations, as well as a variety of written prompts.  This book has followed me everywhere.  When I need a break, I pull out the book, read some of the fabulous quotes, and do at least one of the activities within it's pages.  I am really learning about myself, and enjoying this inner journey.

Thank you Meera, your book has touched me, and you are indeed helping me become more comfortable being exactly where I am in life.

If you would like to read more about Meera Lee Patel, there is an interview HERE. She also has her own personal blog HERE.

To purchase your own copy of this full-colored journal that is sure to induce passion and nurture your creativity, simply click on the links I have provided below.
If you happen to pick up this book, please leave me a message.  I would love to talk with you about how it is helping you in your creative and/or inner journey of self-acceptance.

Happy Reading,
Hugs,
Tanya


Monday, July 27, 2015

2 miniature fairy gardening book that inspired my family



 Please keep in mind that we are "Fairy Gardening" novices.  
Have you noticed that Fairy gardens are becoming very popular?  They are also something my Oma used to draw for me when I was a little girl, she sure was able to make my childhood magical.

This year, my young daughters and I have been trying to create our very own Fairy Garden in our back yard.  We are attempting to make our garden magical and enchanting.
 Gardeners Julie Bawden-Davis and Beverly Turner have created this magical step-by-step instruction book for creating magical gardens.  
We looked through the book, and were immediately transported into the land of Fairies.

Keeping in mind that we are novices, this is what we were able to create.







The girls took their time making scenes.  
We have: 
Dad and Daughter taking a fun ride on a goat. (Note the dinosaur photobomb!)
A fairy playing with her ponies outside her house. 
Sully leading the pack of My Little Ponies around the fairy garden.
A dinosaur watching the young ponies compete in a race.
The unicorn family is keeping our carrots safe, and helping them grow with their magic.




 We are now working with Fairy Gardening 101.  We have taken out the popsicle sticks, and are in the midst of collecting all sorts of items that we can reuse in our garden.
Our current collection contains
Bottle caps.
Twigs and sticks for building ladders.
Fabric.
Clothespins
Etc.

This part of our garden is taking a bit of time.  But we are forever looking for things to add. I will most certainly post pictures of them as we continue.

I have to mention that I am a novice gardener, and both these books are teaching me so much about what plants I will be adding to my garden next year.  Living in Canada, we are limited to planting and growing, as the frigid winters cover up everything.  I will have to start making Mini Indoor Gardens, and both these books will certainly help with this!


The above books are available for purchase at 

Should you have any questions of comments, be sure to reach out.
Happy Reading,
Tanya



Thursday, July 23, 2015

Now You See Me: From Endangered to Extinction by Diane Brischke


Diane Brischke has over 35 years of educational experiences.  She works to teach people of all ages the value of all animals.  She also works at educating us on the ever so quick depletion in the numbers of too many endangered species.  Taking into account man-made causes such as loss of habitat, climate change and the increase in pollution.

This book takes a look  a look at a variety of endangered animals, and describes the causes of the current path of extinction they are facing.  With knowledge, there is power. If we can educate people on how to make changes, we can work towards preserving these endangered animals.

The pictures in this book are stunning, and the reading matter is down to earth, and gets right to the point.  My whole family is better educated as a result of reading this book. It is never too young, or too old to start making changes. 

This book can be found in many bookstores.  I hope you decide to pick up a copy and sit down with your family to read it together.  It leads to understanding of how we can make a difference.  We can help the animals face the future rather than face extinction.

I would love to hear from you.  Please leave a comment.

Now You See Me is available at 

Happy Reading,
Tanya

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

More ICAD 2015 creations







Here are a few more of the Index Card A Day 2015 project.  
Prompts were;
Snow Globe
Colour Wheel (Cdn spelling for me)
Telephone
Academic

Happy Krafting,
Hugs,
Tanya

Friday, July 3, 2015

ICAD 2015 creations yet again



Hello,

Here are more of my Index Card A Day 2015 (ICAD) creations.

Themes; IceCream, Romantic, Education. 
Material Prompts; collage, stamps, washi tape.

Really enjoying this.  Using things I have been collecting for a long time.

Happy Krafting,
Hugs,
Tanya

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Bookmark Art Exchange and the annotated Alice book

Hello,

The Bookmarks I made for an Art Exchange have made their way to their new homes.  
I used the Octopode Alice stamps; Lily Chilvers in one talented lady.  Mixing Kraftin Kimmie's Wonderland sentiment stamps helped finish them up nicely.  
 I am loving the florescent Poster Paint from DeSerres.
The photo does not do the colors justice. 

I am currently reading 
The Annotated Alice: "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" AND "Through the Looking Glass"  Thus my inspiration for the Bookmarks.


 I am reliving my youth, and really enjoying the notes that describe where Lewis Carroll got his ideas and such.

What is on your summer reading list?
Happy Krafting,
Hugs
Tanya

Monday, June 29, 2015

ICAD 2015 Index Card A Day




Hello

I am participating in Daisy Yellow's ICAD 2015  
We are using an Index Card each day, along with a theme and a word prompt. 
It started June 1st, and goes until July 31, 2015.  

 The above are some of my index cards.  
The Exotic one is using crayons and watercolors, beads and brads.  
The Owl was pen and ink.  
The Stampotique Monsters were a "Greeting Index Card" prompt.
The last one was a "treehouse" prompt.  A drawing in pen and ink, colored with pencils.

What have you been up to?
Happy Krafting, 
Hugs,
Tanya


Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Stampotique ATC Shiny and/or Metallic Theme

Hello,

Here are my 2 ATC's (Artist Trading Cards) that I created for the June 2015 Stampotique Swap.  The theme was shiny and or metallic.  I used my DCWV Fairytale paper.  It had shiny sparkly embossed circles on it, in wich I took as bubbles in the Ocean.

I used my Stamptique Octopet stamp, some metalic brads, my touch markers, bling, charms and ribbon.  To top off the cards, I used the small shells my Mother-In-Law brings back from the USA for me, and put a black pearl in them.  The Octopet(s) are protecting the treasure in the sea.


Do you think I succeeded in sticking with the shiny and/or metallic theme?

Happy Krafting,
Hugs, 
Tanya

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

CREATIV Magazine One of the BEST magazines on the market

Hello,

My name is Tanya and I am a magazine addict!  

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing 2 CREATIV magazines. 
The covers are so INTENSE, that I sat and stared at them for a couple of minutes.  The rest of the pages were just as stunning and intense.  There was no way I was able to  flip through the pages, I had to stop and savor each one.

CREATIV magazine offers you the chance to flip through the May Issue online.  I hope you get the time to do just that.  

What I love about this magazine, is that it is full of inspiring Artists from around the world.  Not just visual artists, but physical, educational, cultural and innovational artists.  People who live their lives with passion, doing what they love.  

Additionally, they make sure to include the Artist's personal website/blog information within the write up.  Providing the reader with the ability to network and reach out and connect with the Artists themselves.  It also allows for the Artist to get his/her name across the world.

Currently they have bi-monthly magazine subscriptions at a cost of $5.00 USD with the option to auto-renew.

I would love to hear what you think of CREATIV magazine.  I for one, am planning on taking some of the pages and framing them, and placing them in my craft room. 

I am also going to visit each of the Artist's websites, to learn more about them.

Keep Reading,
Hugs
Tanya

Sunday, May 24, 2015

In the House of Leviathan


Good Day,

I have recently had the pleasure of reading B.D Bruns "In the House of Leviathan".  His book took me on a suspenseful yet gentle adventure from beginning to end.  An adventure that had me travelling to the small fishing village of Amalfi. It all starts in the paper mill. Hauntings, ghastly deaths, and what is believed to be a summoning of the devil himself.  The main character Guiseppe, finds himself doing everything he can to save his family, while working through his own internal demons.  He is determined to save his younger sister,  despite his own handicap.

 The very first page had me wanting to know more. I could not put the book down; all the while muttering "Just one more page", and staying up way too late.

B.D Bruns is not just a writer, he travels and uses real structures, surroundings, as well as cultural and religious influences to create his books. He is quite the adventurer, travelling to over 50 countries to collect material for his books. Winning 19 national and international book awards;  3 national Book of the Year awards!

I would like to suggest taking a look at his Pinterest page HERE.  He has many visual images of Amalfi, and the mill, along with other bits of information that pertain to this novel. 


B.D Bruns Image used to inspire the storm that hits Amalfi in his novel.

This is photo of the drying press; used by Carmelina and Giuseppe Apuzzo

This book is available for purchase at
Amazon.com
Chapters.Indigo.ca (in Kobo ebook format)
Amazon.ca

For further information please visit www.bdbruns.com
Or you can connect with Bruns on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bdbruns

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bdbruns

Twitter: www.twitter.com/lovebruns

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+BrianDavidBruns/posts

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/briandavidbruns

Shelfari: www.shelfari.com/briandavidbruns

LibraryThing: www.librarything.com/author/brunsbriandavid






Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Journal 52 Prompt # 15



Journal Prompt # 15 was Collage.  

My girls LOVE to draw and I have a hard time throwing the pictures out.  So what I decided to do was take those drawings, color them in, and glue them into my art Journal.  The drawings had to be cut up in order to fit them in, but I think I did a good job creating a scene for both pages.

 Thank you Miss K and Miss J for always gifting me with your loving pieces of art.

Happy Krafting,
Hugs,
Tanya

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Uni-ball ONYX pen


Good Morning,

Can you tell that May is a busy month in my house!  No posts. But plenty going on.  Here is another pen sketch with my favorite type of pen.  The Uni-ball ONYX pen.  

Sometimes I need to sketch, so I look at images on Google, and begin sketching them.  It is fun, and a good way to practice shading, and depth.

Hope you are having a good day,
Happy Krafting,
Hugs
Tanya

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Be Fabulous! Do you want me to send you Happy Mail?


Good Morning,

This is one of Lily Chilvers Octopode Factory SteamPunk stamps.  She is such an amazing artist.  I adore her style.  

This was another 4 x 4 card made to send out in snail mail land, and end up in someones mailbox.  I love sending happy mail.  Don't you?

If you want me to send you some Happy Mail please let me know.  Leave me your contact information and I will get your address and send you some!

How fun is that?  No strings attached.

Happy Krafting!
Hugs,
Tanya