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This blog is for those of us girls (and guys) who love everything artsy and enjoy the challenge of discovering new and exciting ways of creating something wonderful. We do not discriminate against any artform but are willing to try them all and pass on our knowledge to you. In addition, we love to feature our ATA Girlz (and guys) so that those people who can't draw a straight line - but love unique and handmade items - can help support our wonderful friends. Visit often to discover what we're "playing" with next!

Monday, January 21, 2013

Wood Hearts for Valentines Day

Next Stop - Valentine's Day!

Well - we covered Mardi Gras (2/12/13) last time - so we are moving on to Valentine's Day.  I decided to try something different this year....partly because - I admit - I'm bored with the normal Valentine's Day stuff.  There's only so much red, candy, and flowers a girl can take!  Also - I REALLY didn't want to take down my Christmas (now Holiday) tree.  I love the look of the lights in the window when I come home - it just lends a festive atmosphere to the house.  So - I decided to do a Valentine's tree!

I started this weekend with a trip to the craft store to purchase a bunch of die-cut wood hearts. I found the wood ones, some tin, and a bunch of different paper punches to use as well.  JACKPOT.  Breaking out my other craft supplies I started making ornaments for my tree.  

First - I wanted some garland to hang - so I punched a bunch of hearts out of patterned paper, added some glitter and attached them to some red ribbon with hot glue! - So cool!

Next came the ornaments.  I started with the wood die-cuts as they would take the longest to dry. I painted some and stamped others. I took some pastel markers and started adding color as well as putting some sparkly dots and texturized paint to give them more pizzazz. (Three of them are shown here).  I also painted then started to bead a few.   Once they are dry - I'll be adding some eye hooks to the top and on the tree they'll go.

In addition I took some additional scrapbook paper and punched all different sized hearts, that I added ribbon loops to for hanging.  I'm in the process of decorating those now. And you know there will have to be an egg or two coming.

All in all - the tree is beginning to look very festive.  As soon as it's done I'll shoot another picture and post.  Start making your own ornaments and send me a link, comment or picture so we all can see what you've come up with.

Now -- where's that box of chocolate!

Dani

Monday, January 7, 2013

Mardi Gras Decorated Egg

Another Holiday - OH MY!


It’s just the beginning of 2013 and already the year seems to be passing so fast.  One holiday season is over and another is just around the corner.  Hard to believe that Mardi Gras is Feb 12, Valentine’s Day is Feb 14th and Easter I coming up fast.  So many artsy things to make and soooo little time!

I thought I’d start with Mardi Gras this week and work my way through – so be prepared people!  I LOVE Mardi Gras.  Now keep in mind that I’m located in the cold northern state of Wisconsin and have never actually been down to New Orleans for this great celebration but I love it all the same.  The colors, costumes and parades, not to mention the stories and traditions just boggle my brain.  This means, of course, that I need to come up with cool things to make and do.


First, I’d like to share with you this really great egg. Originally purchased from Gerry Meyer, I was fascinated with her combination of beads, glitter and decoupage to decorate it – so had to make some myself.  I think it expresses the fun and spirit of the celebration and is the highlight of my Easter Egg tree.  (More of my Easter Eggs, including this one, can be found in the Etsy store or in the ATA Girl Store.)


Another great tradition is the throwing of beads.  This is a fun project for anyone to make and enjoy.  Simply find some colorful beads and some ribbon.  String the beads on the ribbon and tie a bow with the ends.  You now have Mardi Gras beads you can wear and display!


Great food is also a tradition at Mardi Gras which is also “fat Tuesday” before the start of Lent.  King Cakes, for example, are made of a cinnamon filled dough in the shape of a hollow circle. The cake is topped with glaze and then sprinkled with  purple (representing Justice), Green (representing Faith) and Yellow (representing Power) colored sugar.  Somewhere inside a King Cake is baked a plastic baby. Tradition dictates that whoever finds the baby holds next year’s party.  A great recipe for this can be found at:  http://allrecipes.com/recipe/mardi-gras-king-cake/.


More holiday goodies to come – stay tuned!

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