4th of July Celebration Sale – 40% OFF

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July!

To celebrate, enjoy 40% off of everything in our store (excluding Color of the Month – 10% off).  These prices will have your creativity soaring!  And, if 40% off isn’t exciting enough, spend $50 or more and receive $5.00 USPS Priority 2-3 days shipping!  Now that’s a deal worth celebrating.

No coupon needed!  THIS WEEKEND ONLY!!!  Sale ends midnight Sunday, July 5th (EST).  While supplies last.  Shop early for the best selection.  Discount only applies to in stock products, no special orders, please.

www.MelissaSamuels.com

Graphic 45 February Card

Hi Everyone!  You may remember last month I shared a January card with you using the Graphic 45 Time to Flourish 8×8 paper pad.  Well, here I am, just under the deadline, with my February card.  I hope you enjoy!

I started with some stenciling with chalk ink on the base paper (kraft cardstock), and just layered the February cutout paper.  I dabbed a little white and pink acrylic paint here and there, and added a couple of Prima flowers.  Pretty simple, but a very nice effect.

Graphic 45 February Card Graphic 45 February CardGraphic 45 February CardGraphic 45 February CardGraphic 45 February CardGraphic 45 February CardIt has been a snowy last couple of weeks here in Virginia.  The girls were out of school for an entire week last week, and two days this week.  We have been taking advantage of that time to have lots of fun making snow angels, snowmen, and sledding (even by candlelight)!  Once the snowy season is over, expect more posts 😉

Melissa SamuelsMelissa Samuelsmelissasamuels.com

Art Journaling with Photos

Hi Everyone!  Today I want to share an art journal page I did last week.  I had my BFF come over to make cards, but I ended up covered in paint, of course.  I love this page, and I was hoping it would inspire some reluctant scrapbookers who want to art journal, but do not quite understand it.

AJ-photos-1-2 When I started teaching altered art books years ago, I remember it being a “big sell” to some of my scrapbookers.  They did not understand the point of pulling books apart and painting them.  That’s a fair point of view.  To help them understand the practicality of it, I incorporated pictures.  That made it have a purpose, and then they could see the beauty of the art behind the idea.

Often times people think of art journaling as writing.  Actually, art journaling is a very personal thing, your own diary of sorts.  Naturally, that means it can be anything you want it to be. Being a lefty, my handwriting isn’t the prettiest, so I am not a big fan of journaling.  I overcome this obstacle, if you will, by using printed words, phrase, and quotes instead when I want writing on my page.  I incorporate a lot of texture and elements (such as rub-ons, tags, paper, photos, etc) to make my journal what “I” want it to be.  I think of mine as a diary of visual art that chronicles how I am feeling or what I think is pretty, not writing.

I started this page in my Ranger Dylusions Creative Journal with a collage of papers.  Then I layered in paints, stamps, gel medium, modeling paste, coarse pumice gel, gelatos, stencils, Glimmer Mist, India ink, and distress ink!  I used one of my favorite photos (adhering it with soft gel medium), washi tape, and phrases.  I love, love the texture and bold, bright colors.  And, every time I look at it I am reminded of a wonderful day I had with my BFF.  This is my idea of a perfect art journal page.

art journaling with photosart journaling circles art journaling texturemixed media art journaling with photosI hope you enjoyed my page, and are inspired to pick up an art journal and start creating what you see as beautiful!

melissasamuels.com

Week of Cards Day 5 – Altered Art

Hey Everyone!!!  Today is the last day of my week of cards.  This has been great fun, and I have really enjoyed experimenting with different styles and mediums.  Thank you all for joining me.  I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have.  xx

I came across a Crafty Secrets paper pad that I had bought for some altered art projects years ago.  It had the cutest little child in it.  I realized I had to make a card using it!   Here is the finished product.

Altered Art Card crafty secrets cardAltered Art Card Believe DiscoverCrafty Secrets Altered Art CardBe sure to come back next week because I have some art journaling to share with you, my favorite!!!

For anyone interested, we will have all of the Tim Holtz color of the month Pistachio products (distress pad, reinker, distress stain, paint, marker, and spray) in stock in the store Monday or Tuesday.  We have limited quantities, so check in the store next week, or email me at melissa@melissasamuels.com and I will put your name on one.

Have a lovely weekend!!

melissasamuels.com

Week of Cards Day 4 – Texture Using Ribbon and Fabric

Hi Everyone!  Thanks for joining me for another day of cards.  I have been art journaling in the studio again, and I must admit I really wanted to continue art journaling instead of making a card.  So, I decided to pull some of my art journaling techniques and products into cardmaking.  I found some cheesecloth, white cotton fabric, and ribbon remnants in my studio to add texture.  Of course, I already had some white acrylic paint and pink Glimmer Mist on my desk.  Here’s what came together…

Kraft Card with flowersMixed Media Card with textureFabric CardI hope you enjoy!! xx

melissa samuels