I Heart Starbucks!

Actually, I'm more of a Caribou girl myself, but when a woman at work and I bonded over coffee choices, she was singing the praises of Starbucks. I created an ATC design in her honor.


I printed the buck images on a file folder, and cut them to size (3.5 x 2.5). Then I rounded the corners, and edged them with a sharpie. I punched the hearts using the Creative Memories Shapemaker, and hand-cut the "I" and starbucks. Finally I added the star-shaped rhinestones to the noses of the bucks (or nearby).

I coated one with the clear gloss from Making Memories Acrylic Paint, but it made it curl a bit. However, after a while, they flattened back out again.

This little project took soooo long from idea to reality. I was going to do a fancy image transfer with gel medium at first, but then decided against it. Why transfer when I can simply print it? Then it took a while for me to find the right stars... But I'm happy with it, and she loved it! :o)

Crafty Grammar!

On the subject of holidays, March 4 is National Grammar Day! How cool is that?

Something has been bothering me for quite a while. I was thinking of writing to Grammar Girl, and maybe I still will, but I have a couple of grammatical pet peeves to share when it comes to the crafting world.

Let me preface this by saying that I do not believe that I am a grammar diva. However, I do enjoy grammar. I know the language pretty well, and if I am using it incorrectly, I'm usually aware of it. Perhaps the folks who are irking me are aware of their mistakes as well. But they still irk me!

1. What does this say?

Do you see a "ge" at the end of the first word? Then why does everyone, including Rosie O'Donnell (as seen in an "On Demand" Martha Stewart segment), call it Modge Podge? I don't get it. Someone please help me. Explain this!

For some great decoupage ideas, check out Sister Diane's podcast about it!

2. Artist Trading Cards Cards?

I've just seen too many people adding the word "cards" to the end of the abbreviation "ATC", which already stands for "Artist Trading Cards". It's just annoying!

Check out my rad ATCs in my inaugural posting! If anyone wants to trade, let me know!

~End Rant~

Now that I've let my inner snob show, I hope you won't hate me. And if you ever want to pick apart my grammar, I probably deserve it. Happy National Grammar Day! :o)

Renegade Craft Fair, the Aftermath

Oh my dear friends. It looks like my brilliant little trading cards have all gone untraded. Yes, it's true. When I approached many of the wonderful craftisans (he he) at the fair, they either hadn't heard of them, or had done them "once" and seemed a bit unhappy with the results. I showed a few people. A couple were really enthusiastic, and a couple were like, 'oh yeah, well, whatever'. Ha ha. That reminded me of the dichotomy between true artistes and little mangy scrapbookers like myself. But, whatever. I had a great time at the fair and above are a few cool snapshots of the fair. Better luck next time, I guess.

Love,
Caissa

Renegade Craft Fair

Hello you blogging, artsy, craftsy, crazy friends and fools. In an attempt to be more closely connected to my artistic side, I've created this blog as a space to post my works. What you'll see here is mostly pictures at first anyway. New friends, use this to keep in touch with me. Let me know your comments on my work. I'm hoping this may lead to something... What? Who knows?

I just recently moved to Chicago and after 8 weeks of inertia, I snagged a job as a craft instructor. Ask me if I've taught any classes yet. ...not yet. I'm still in training. But being in that environment is very social and fun, as well as inspirational.

I've been podcasting with Michelle from craftedby.us, and through her I learned about Artist Trading Cards. I made a few and I am raring to trade them today at the Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago. (This is but one advantage of living in a world-class city... who knew?)

I don't have much time before I have to go. I'm so excited. I am hoping that some of my trading buddies from the RCF will visit me at this blog!

ttfn,
Caissa