Three Things : Creative Books (+ a giveaway)

I really want to try mixed media. Kelly Rae is so inspiring--it's on my wish list.

Sounds like a great book--thanks for the tip, Ali.

I've been lusting for this book!
My favorite technique is used when I make captured fairy jars. I use glass etching cream on the back of the jars to frost and blur it. It gives the jar a foggy, ethereal feel that I really like!

printing on transparencies, then tearing them or tranfering them...just liking the transparency thing right now.

I am absolutely in love with sewing on my layouts:) I just can not stop myself from getting my hands off my machine while I make a layout.

Right now I'd have to say that I love altering chipboard books from the Goodwill. I've made them into my niece's first day of preschool, mini-Maui book, and a few others. They are fun, easy and cheap.
stephanie

Thanks Ali, you are so nice to us,
I have been wanting this to jump start me.
Beth

Well, it's after 5, but you haven't posted a winner, so I'm gonna cross my fingers....it is still Tues. night. I love scrapbooking because it is so creative, there are so many media to use, stamping, painting, sewing, ad infinitum.
Lisa in NM

My creative outlet is currently in food blogging... combines cooking/baking and photography into one happy place. :)

Wow, another giveaway?!! You're going to wear yourself out reading all these comments!! I don't know if I could pick just one "favorite" creative outlet....lately I've been doing a lot of altered art, playing with crackle paint and Sculpey clay, spray paint and antiquing medium. I love any art that gets my hands dirty! (Although I like digi scrapping, too....toldja I couldn't pick just one!)

Right now I'm a bit obsessed with use alcohol inks and ink pads on just about everything - acrylic, chipboard, paper, metal - you name it. It adds a fun dimension to my scrapbooking pages and is messy enough to be artsy (but not too messy as to overwhelm)!

Those books look super cool.
This isn't a new technique, but lately I have been experimenting with layers. Paper, embellishments, anything I can layer. So much fun!

I am enjoying doing mixed media on old piece of furniture... I was given old shelving for displaying plates which I think will hold photographs. I am also journaling on the painted surface about favorite family meals and stories surrounding such. It is an exciting process for me.

I have loved trying beeswax collage lately...I got Claudine Hellmuth's instructional video and was riveted. My 8yo son and I were oohing and aahing over the endless possibilities. And who doesn't love a tiny little iron!?!?!
Thanks for the continued inspiration Ali! I hope you've been feeling great!

At the moment, I am experimenting with flicking paint to create new backgrounds. Messy, but super fun, makes me feel like a kid again.

Hi Ali, I've been having lots of fun with Claudine's peeled paper background. http://claudinehellmuth.blogspot.com/2008_06_01_archive.html(June 05 post). I'd love to win this book. It's on my wish list.

Scrapbooking - but in particular the picture taking aspect of it. I am really enjoying learning how to get the most out of my camera.

Oops, sorry about the link. Here, I'll try again.
http://claudinehellmuth.blogspot.com/2008_06_01_archive.html
Scroll down to the June 05 post.

I love using acrylic paint on anything unexpected, like around pictures or on clear albums.

Painting has been my creative outlet of choice lately...I love to just sit in front of my easel and mix paint. I use paper and cheap paints do that I won't get caught up in making sure not to "waste" things...and I have come up with some really neat things. Most of all, it has been extremely therapeutic.

My favorite techniques right now are using blending modes in Photoshop. I've been learning how to digi scrap by taking Jessica Sprague's classes and it's been a whole new adventure!

I really love to use acrylic paint also and now after taking a class w/ Tim at CKU-Provo, I really like the distressed Inks. I'm hoping to use more stamps and learn more of his techniques in the future

RED IKEA SHELF 50% off
I just saw the red IKEA shelf in the 50% section at the Portland IKEA this past Labor Day weekend.
FYI
Julie H.

Not sure if it counts as a technique per se, but I've really been trying to keep it simple and focus on the story I'm trying to tell with my project. Inspired by your thoughts on words & photos, as always. :) Kirsten

I am really enjoying mini-albums, especially the ones I make myself. I am using huge amounts of chipboard these days! I have found so much inspiration in everyday things and enjoy completing the mini-books in an evening or two.