Pages

When you make a conscious choice to be happy, no one can take it away from you because no one gave it to you: you gave it to yourself.

A quote from April Green's - Bloom For Yourself Journal

Wednesday 21 March 2012

WOYWW 146 - Mess, salt and drying!

Hello it's WOYWW so I hope everyone popping by has a wonderful day and enjoys the rest of the week.

Well it's 00.50am........bet you'd never thought you'd find me on here at this time!  Well I've literally just got in from football, I've been away to watch Bristol Rovers play down in Plymouth. We drew 1-1. So thought I'd get on here and post as soon as I got in then I can have a lie in and not worry because it would just bug me until I got up to post, if I didn't do it now!

Right better get on with it then I can go to bed.

I've come to a conclusion - Wednesday's are my finishing-off-after-drying days, it seems lately that my desk is always showing things in the mid-stages, drying out, ready to progress and today is no different.  I took this yesterday before I left for footy, and this is what's on my desk now, and what will be there when I eventually get up!

I made all of these yesterday morning, as I reckon Tuesdays are my 'play days' when I have the time to just have a go and see what happens.  These backgrounds are the outcome of watching Sheena Douglas playing with her Luminarte products on Create & Craft at the weekend.  I've only got 2 sets of H2O's but boy did I have some fun using them.

All of these are on Centura Pearl card, it's lovely to work with and copes really well with water etc.

I took some pics while playing -





On some, I clear embossed some stamped images then painted over the top (resist technique) while others I just painted away, randomly choosing colours. I then added salt to some of them as I saw this on TV and thought I'd have a go!  So later today I shall be rubbing off the excess salt and seeing the effects, before using the background for cards/projects.  I'm planning to stamp on to them, distress some, die cut others. You get the idea.

Look what our wonderful host Julia from The Stamping Ground sent me......

It's now in pride of place on the shelf with the button collection. Thanks Julia!

Also adorning my shelf is this rather pretty Glitter-filled photo frame of me and my boy, Keagan. He gave it to me for Mother's Day.


Thank you all for your lovely comments last week - many of you asked about the transfers I had put into emulsion paint, well here they are - Sheena's transfers I really enjoyed playing with them, however I will 'fess up, I haven't manage to get one right yet! I think I was so excited to have a go that I rushed ahead and didn't take the time to read the instructions or watch the demo's again, I think I'm either not putting enough paint on, or it's drying out before I put the transfer on. Or I'm over wetting the dried piece at the end, whatever I'm rubbing off the transfer as well as the carrier paper! Everyone else seems to have mastered this technique perfectly except me - so come on Fusion-neers, if you pop by please give me some advice!

Thankfully there are 180 of these beautiful transfers in the pack so I have lots to get it right with!


OK it's time for me to go to bed but when I get up I shall be making a coffee, before sitting back to start having a good old nose around your desks, I will get there, it takes me a couple of days but I do visit as I love seeing what you're all up too.

Take care Zo xx

77 comments:

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I'm a BIT fan of H2Os. They are my favorite watercolor. I had to buy them one at a time because they are really quite expensive where I live. Happy WOYWW from # 7.

May said...

Busy bee you are this week, sounds interesting with the salt would love to see how that turns out, Lovely thoughtful gift from your Son for Mother's day, Have a good week Hugs May x x xNo9

Danielle said...

Loved seeing all your play in progress. The transfers look so pretty by themselves, but hopefully someone can give you tips to make them work the way you want them to. Now go get some sleep. Dani32

505whimsygirl said...

Hi Zo,

I noticed the photo in your header - how sweet that photo is! I can see that you've been having fun playing. I have a few projects going at the same time, so while one is drying I work on the other. My only time for this is usually on the weekends.

Happy WOYWW
Hugs,
Kay
#15

Sue from Oregon said...

Oh boy 180 stickers...you have a lot of stickin' to do girlie! LOL

Sara S. said...

That piece with the floral image is gorgeous!

Happy WOYWW!

Sara S. (#27)

okienurse said...

great post and I love the work you are doing with the backgrounds. I look forward to seeing the salt come off and the results. Hope you have a great week and thanks for sharing! Vickie #48

Helen said...

Looks as if you had a great play day yesterday. Happy WOYWW, Helen 21

SophieNewton said...

Love just messing about with ink and paint, looks like you had fun!
Sophie no.88

sandra de said...

You always do the most amazing techniques.

Anonymous said...

Oh, how I love play days! Thank you for the peek :)

Zoe #78

donnalouiserodgers said...

ah your background techniques look fabulous, and I am as interesting in the doings as the finished product so I find your desk very interesting, hope you recover from the long journey soon,
dx @ 74

Gabrielle said...

Loving those backgrounds - the white and blue is stunning! Love seeing you play - it's reassuring to know that others just have a go too - regardless of whether it works or not! I think transfer techniques are fab but fraught with danger and I reckon there's a whole heap of discarded ones that just haven't worked for me! The one I did for Crafty Boots digi theme was a mountain of failures and one right one (eventually!)
You were very kind on my blog today - thank you - any time you want a tag let me know! It's yours! Much Wednesday love x

Joynana said...

Wow, so much going on this week. you make me want to try some new techniques. Have a good week. #25

Neesie said...

Oh my...I'm so out of my depth and got so much to learn.
I'll just have to keep watching this space to see where it leads. It looks lots of fun!
Have a wonderful Wednesday ~ Neesie #37

Sarn said...

Great technique photos. TFS.

HAPPY WOYWW
Hugs, Sarn x (No. 63 ish)

Minxy said...

Looks like you had alot of fun playing, they all look very interesting. Love your button jars too, i have a few of those myself!!
HaPpY WoYwWiNg
Minxy #23

Redanne said...

Congrats of the draw, I think(?). Your new photo frame is very stylish. Thanks for the peek and the technique too. Regards, Anne #66

Anonymous said...

Nice to see such happy play for a change, I always seem to be doing something for something else, never really sit down and play. Can't help with the transfers but I'm sure it'll click eventually!

Hugs
Brenda 2

Di said...

Wow, learning something new here - not that it's difficult with my limited repertoire :) The trousers are all finished though - wahey!!

Di
xx

lisa said...

Your backgrounds are looking gorgeous, the only tip I have found with them to get really good results is make sure you put lots of colour one and make the paper really wet, you then get a lovely pitted result.
Sorry I can't help with the transfers, I wasn't lucky enough to be sent any to play with. The only thing I know about them is you have to put enough paint on initially and make sure the transfer bonds really well, the spoon bit, and then leave them to thoroughly dry. Keep persevering.
Happy WOYWW
Hugs Lisax #123

Peggy Cain said...

Wednesday’s sure do come around quick! Trying again to make “All” the rounds. I need to use my H2O more thanks for sharing I'm motivated to give them a try. Have a great day!

Alexandra MacVean said...

Looks like you've been having a delightful time being creative and such. Like your little cozy spot. :)

Happy WOYWW! #38

Peggy Cain said...

Wednesday’s sure do come around quick! Trying again to make “All” the rounds. Have a great day!

kay said...

can see your woyww badge has pride of place with your beloved button collection,i think you are having lots of fun with your playing,thanks for visiting me :)
#51

Unknown said...

Hi Zo Thanks for popping by today and for your lovely comment. I have been using the paint transfer technique. When I saw that Sheena was using emulsion paint I decided to have a go with acrylic and it worked a treat as you saw. I laid the paint on like a good coating of mayonnaise on bread and then got my image on quick. I carefully but firmly pressed the image all over with a bone folder and then left it to dry. When you remove the backing you do have to take your time and not remove too much or your image will come off too! You'll get there I'm sure and will have lots of painty fun trying. Happy WOYWW. Helen ♯35

Twiglet said...

Love all your little experiments - hope you make something nice with them all.

Shoshi said...

Gorgeous backgrounds, Zo! I love the effect you're getting. I'm thinking of starting an Art journal with backgrounds, using different techniques, and noting down what I've done.

The transfers loook most intriguing. I haven't any experience of them at all, but I am sure you'll get it sussed in the end. So often with a new technique one makes a total mess to start with, and then it comes together. I photograph my messes as well as my successes, and note down what I did, so I remember what NOT to do half the time lol!!

Thanks for your comment on my blog. I'm thinking of starting a Cardboard Box Hoarders Anonymous self help group!! "Hello. My name is Shoshi. I hoard cardboard boxes." Heeeelp!!!!!

Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi #14

Lunch Lady Jan said...

That looks good fun playing around with those backgrounds. It's something we should do more of, just having fun! I did some drawing this week and it was fab :)
Hugs, LLJ #68 xx

fairy thoughts said...

I love play days, mine used to be tuesday too but now I play at being Grandma!
janet #13

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

You have some lovely backgrounds, jst ready for use. I can see lots of fun ahead with them and I hope you show us how they end up. Thank you for your visit today and for your kind comment. xx Maggie #5

Anne said...

What a lot going on. A lovely photo of you and your son. Am sure you will treasure it always. Anne x

My name is Cindy said...

Sheena always makes everything look so easy LOL!! I love the salt technique but don't often get round to doing it - maybe I'll have a go next week! Thank you for visiting me, Cindy #17

Julia Dunnit said...

I can't help with the Sheena stuff, but don't doubt you'll crack it. I absolutely love the H2O backgrounds you've been creating. Wil be interested in your salt experiments, I've only had success with the rocky sea salt and a bit of a puddle of H20, so maybe you should give me a lesson!

Annie said...

What a lot of fun on your desk this week. Thanks for calling by on me yesterday and for your lovely comments. I am playing catch up today with blogs and of course my huge sewing mountain :-)
Hugs,
A x

Polly Polkadot said...

I don't understand papercraft, but I do understand football (even the wrong coloured teams).Lovely thoughtful gift from your son. #85

Neet said...

Sorry I am so late in posting but I had one or two computer bloopers to sort out yesterday.
Gosh, looks as if you have certainly been busy and you are enjoying all these new techniques too.
Thanks for sharing and for putting your number behind your name - it does help.
Hugs, Neet x #4

Sherry said...

A draw is better than a defeat eh! Lovely techniques you have going on there. Love your sparkly Mother's Day frame, what a thoughtful pressie!

Thanks for already visiting my desk this week
WoYwW #8

BJ said...

Thanks for your comment and I love your backgrounds. BJ#54

Craftychris said...

Fab techniques, you have inspired me to get my H20s out. I keep meaning to get some of the new sprays and dabbers Sheena keeps demonstrating - they look fab too. What a nice pressie from your son, bless him. Thanks for visiting my desk and have a good week xx

Jingle said...

Well, that technique looks pretty cool, if you ask me!!!

Anonymous said...

look at all the fun you've been having! Love the backgrounds and i see you use rock-a-blocks too, I love them!

April said...

Ah what a lovely gift from your son! Looks like you've been having fun again this week, it's always nice to try something new x

ike said...

Those are lovely backgrounds - they are going to be fabulous. I am very interested in the salt technique ? I don't get Create & Craft in Greece :-(
I love your little WOYWW badge :-)
xxxxxx

Clare with paint in her hair said...

Dont you just hate drying time!

Rita said...

My goodness Zo you lead a hectic life and I thought mine was bad. Love your salted tags, I watched Sheena at work doinf them too, but talked myself out of the Radiant Rain. Thankyou so much for comments left on my blog. Hugs Rita xxx

fairyrocks said...

Thanks so much for popping by, I too work the list over time, but I always visit back if someone gets to me first. I hear you with watching the paint dry......
You do have so many interesting things in the works. Keep smiling and creating

Mistys Mum said...

My! you have been busy - I love the blue with the resist flower. Thank you for visiting my desk - but I think it needs to be messier next time (mine that is).

The Artful Diva said...

I love the effect salt creates on wet water colors - so beautiful!

Barb King said...

Those backgrounds look great, I use my H2O's all the time, I love them. I'll have to try this technique, I usually just use them to paint on stamped images. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Barb #106

Whimcees said...

Hello!

So many wonderful supplies and techniques! It will be fun to see what creations they become! Wishing you some sunshine today!

Hugs,

Barbara Diane

Unknown said...

That look likes a fun technique, I'm new to papercrafting so I love seeing what everyone is doing.
Suzanne @ desk 105

Fuchsia said...

Great backgrounds
thanks for passing by have a happy week x

Lisa-Jane said...

I must make more time to just play like that. Its the second time I've seen salt used.. hmmm.. I think I need to have a go at this too! #77

Kyla said...

ooh, some great shots.

Love using Salt, use it dying paper and fabric and am trying my own distress powder by adding salt!
Thanks for visiting my desk
Kyla #58

Susan ~ Killam Creative said...

Ooh, fun to have Tuesday Play Day (and Progress Wednesday)! I know nothing about the transfers but love the vibrant colors. Hope you figure it out!

Cheers,
Susan #128

Hettie said...

Wow! Someone has been a Busy Bunny! Looking good too! I must get some H2Os for myself and soon me finks!

Becky said...

Your backgrounds look so fun! Lot of interesting techniques :)

Amy said...

Love your backgrounds. Yes, you definetly need a few Indigo Blu stamps, :-) Thanks for dropping by, Amy #140

Unknown said...

Hi Zo! I like the resist look on your latest stamp. Very cool. Your WOYWW badge looks beautiful ext to the buttons.

RosA said...

Hi there! Thanks for stopping by my blog. Hey, I just scrolled down and saw that fabulous album you found at the op shop. I think you will be able to do something really great with that! Oh and by the way, I wouldn't dream of "altering" any book in my library, I had to specially buy, again at the op shop, (what I considered) a fairly worthless trashy novel, and even then I was tempted to read it! (Hehe!)
RosA#29

scrappymo! said...

Thanks for the kind words about DH. He is resting a lot and getting a bit better each day. He even went for a small walk today!
I have been banished to the basement till the end of the hockey game...thinks I talk too much! I'm spending the time wisely, returning replies.
I am looking forward to next week to see what the salt effect looks like.

Unknown said...

Looks like a very busy desk! Love your projects! I have a bunch of H2O's and keep forgetting about them. I may have to dig them out and play! And cool badge!

Queen Lightwell said...

Thanks for checking out my crafting areas! The techniques you are trying out look like something I would like to get my hands dirty trying. :-) I've tried a few techniques and so far all I can say with surety is that I need practice! At least its fun, huh?
~Deeyll #168

Sheilagh said...

Thank you for so great ideas and for popping by, as you can see I am running late...As usual.xx

VonnyK said...

Those backgrounds look like lots of fun to make. They came out really well. Love the colours. I had to look up what H20's are, they look really interesting, but not sure if I am ready to try them yet.
What a lovely gift you received from your son for mothers day.
Those transfers are gorgeous.
Have a great week.
Von #43

karen said...

I like all the painting you have done! They will make fabulous backgrounds and diecuts for sure! The slat technique is very interesting and I will have to come back and see what happens!
I don't know how to do the transfers but I hope you will keep trying and figure it out!
Thanks for visiting me earlier!
xoxo Karen

Erika said...

Looks like you are having fun in your crafty space thanks for sharing. Hugs Erika.

Debbie Rock said...

I have promised myself a "play-day" too ... just mess around and experiment with no view to making a finished card. Am not dreadfully brave though so have only managed one play-day so far! Sorry I haven't returned your visit to my blog before now ... the die did arrive that morning as hoped but my little project has taken far longer than anticipated and I am STILL working on those cards! Love Debbie xXx

Jacqui Chimes said...

It all looks very promising

Morti said...

You've made me realise I need to go and play at my craft desk a little more often!

Thanks for stopping by....

Sally said...

I love play days, when there are no rules and see what happens :)
Have a great week
Sally H 152

Lori said...

Thanks for hopping by my blog this week. I love your backgrounds. Have a wonderful week. Lori #115

HeARTworks said...

Looks like you've been having a lot of fun! Can't wait to get my WOYWW badge! Patsy from
HeARTworks

Emily said...

Thosr H2Os look really interesting, and I love the backgrounds you've made with them, especially the blue flower. Hope you're having a good week:) xx

Unknown said...

Very pretty!

Happy Belated Woyww.

Tracey 55

Becky said...

H2Os are great! So much fun. And I really like your backgrounds looks like you had a grand time playing! thanks for stopping by my desk last week, sorry I'm late! Becky 153 (this week!)