Happy Wednesday! : )
I recently received the new issue of Somerset Studio and last night I read it cover to cover. I went to bed with my thoughts racing and realized that I just had to share some of the cool things that caught my eye.
And great news! I've got an extra copy for you! You can win this issue by simply posting a comment here on my blog - tell me what your favorite item is in our delightful Birds shopping section. Bruno, who is shown here bowing to Somerset Studio, will pick one lucky winner next Wednesday.
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The Jan/Feb 2012 issue of Somerset Studio was filled with lots of projects, techniques and ideas surrounding birds, eggs and nests. This intriguing article by Cat Kerr was about playing with gauze and incorporating it into your art. I found myself drawn to the egg in the center of this necklace. Could I make something like that with ARTchix supplies?
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You betcha! I grabbed our new Mini Oval Bezels, Mini Oval Acrylic Bubbles and our E is for Egg collage sheet.
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To get the egg the right size of the bezel, I placed the egg image on top of the bezel and then ran my finger around the inside of the bezel. Then I cut it out.
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Next, I added a bit of Crafter's Pick Ultimate Glue, smeared it around with a skewer for somewhat even coverage, and then I added the egg image. You can see that the egg isn't cut out perfectly but once you add the bubble, it doesn't matter. It hides the edges, phew! By the way, I used the same glue to adhere the acrylic bubble.
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Ta da! these cute eggs are ready to add to collages, ATCs, cards or I might even turn them into decorative pushpins. Fun stuff! I might even have to make something Easter-y with them. : )
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More Somerset Studio inspiration...look at this lovely collage on the left by Connie Freedman. Do you see the patch of blue toile fabric in it? I found myself digging through my fabrics to pull out some of my toiles (the green and red ones on the right). I love toile!!! I bet you'll see them popping up in my art soon. : )
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I am absolutely in love with this collage by Tamara Laporte! She explains how she collages her backgrounds...you know I'm going to have to try that! She also teaches online classes...will definitley have to look into that. I believe several of you recommended her online classes...fantastic!
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I simply must give a shout out to Tascha Parkinson! Love this Frida piece that was published in this issue. I have 2 original paintings by Tascha...I love her art and style!
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The gallery of the Jan/Feb 2012 issue was filled with chartreuse colored artwork. So cool! And seeing as the bird and egg theme was predominant throughout, I decided to whip up a digi freebie for you filled with chartreuse birds and eggs. Hope you enjoy!
Get your free, high resolution digital download by simply emailing blogfreebie@artchixstudio.com.
Enjoy! : ) You're welcome to use them in your personal artwork, jewelry, journals, etc. Or hold onto them for a future project. This item is not for resell though.
See you next week with more fun and inspiration! Don't forget to post a comment telling me what your favorite ARTchix bird item is....you might just win a copy of this incredibly inspiring issue of Somerset Studio!
My favorites are your owls!!! The finest graphics ever!
Posted by: Bernadette | January 25, 2012 at 01:26 PM
As an ardent bird lover it was hard to pick a favorite. I love all of the collage sheets but found myself particularly drawn to the owls. The eco chunky birds have limitless possibilities! I love what you did with the bezel, acrylic bubble and the egg.
Posted by: Dana Cavanaugh | January 25, 2012 at 01:27 PM
Oooh! That was a hard decision. I have to go with the pewter raven heads. They are fabulous! Tell Bruno to pick me!!
Posted by: Frodo 22 | January 25, 2012 at 01:29 PM
I love anything birds (I'm from Portlandia, after all), but I have to say I like the feather and twigs the best. They are the most versatile for me when I do things with lampwork beads. I can make birds from glass, then enhance the theme with the other things. But I love to see what others are doing, and someday in my spare time I wish to try some new techniques, like I read about in Somerset Studio. Keep on inspiring!!
Posted by: Jennifer Mears | January 25, 2012 at 01:30 PM
Love the collage sheets, and i love all birds, but especially crows and sparrows!
Posted by: Dianne Miller | January 25, 2012 at 01:42 PM
I like the feather charms. I like Native American images and they would be perfect.
Posted by: Gayle Warner | January 25, 2012 at 01:58 PM
I love the Owl Paperdolls...adorable and whimsical...of course I love anything with birds as my name is Robin and my mom used to call me "her little bird"!
Posted by: Robin Brawn | January 25, 2012 at 02:00 PM
the owl paper dolls our my favorite but it was a hard choice to make - all the Artchix "birdie" sheets are so cute! thanks for sharing from the Somerset Studio magazine.
Posted by: Wendy | January 25, 2012 at 02:26 PM
Great post Helga! I recently got this issue and fell in love with it too! And I'm prepared to create too with some new (and old) collage sheets of yours and my collection of bits etc. ( I almost think my ARTchix supplies could easily compete with your shop :):):). I'm in love with your freebie sheet here-thanks SO much -so once I get it and print it out be on the lookout for some art pieces!
Posted by: Linda K | January 25, 2012 at 02:53 PM
I'm totally fascinated by the pewter raven head. Must think of a cool bead project to use it in.
Posted by: Karen Ringen | January 25, 2012 at 03:03 PM
OOoohhh Birds, AAaahh Somerset - I love it ALL!!! My favorite are the Chick Charms, I'm thinking hanging from my Easter Vintage Paper Cones - Fab! and the Owl Paper Dolls - How Fun!! Thanks for the opportunity to win and for the inspiration. Life is beautiful, Amy
Posted by: Amy McCollum | January 25, 2012 at 03:26 PM
Owls are my all time favorite! Whoo Whoo loves ya baby!!
Posted by: Chris | January 25, 2012 at 04:23 PM
You've got to love Bruno and his family's love of birds, eggs, and nests!
Hummmmmmm, is that why my cats, itty bitty monster and goof ball, love to be in my artroom!
shannon milender
Posted by: shannon milender | January 25, 2012 at 04:54 PM
You make it hard by asking for only one, but I think my favorite would be the wood birdhouse pendants. For some reason, they remind me of acorns...especially the roof!
Posted by: Shelley Welsh | January 25, 2012 at 05:10 PM
I love the new bird inchies sheet and the blue faced owl beads caught my eye!
Posted by: Gena | January 25, 2012 at 05:14 PM
My favorite is your: Digital ATC Creativity Kit: Nature's Beauty! Somerset Studio. . .what a great giveaway. Love that publication. Should I win, please contact me at bkisrael@gmail.com. Thanks so much!!!
Posted by: Barbara I. | January 25, 2012 at 06:22 PM
I love all of the owl products but especially the owl pendants--amazing!
Posted by: Rachael | January 25, 2012 at 06:23 PM
I have a thing for birds and nests and wings and ...and...oh my,I think I may have a problem here..I love it all!!heehee.
Thank you soooooo much for mentioning my quirky little gauze pieces!!I had a blast creating them...but I want to cry with joy when someone else finds a bit of inspiration.Big Big Super Duper Hugs,Cat
Posted by: cat kerr | January 25, 2012 at 06:53 PM
My favorite are the Honey Butter Wood Birdhouse Pendants. I love the color and the possibilities are endless!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Amber | January 25, 2012 at 06:57 PM
I love all things birds, in fact, have trained the wild blue jays to eat out my hand... they come to the balcony and "screech" for their peanuts! I have to say that I love your graphics, and the little birdhouse charms. I also love the chunky items. Oh heck, I love all of it. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Posted by: Danielle | January 25, 2012 at 11:54 PM
I'd have to say the owl paper dolls. My grandma loved owls, so it brings back good memories of her.
Posted by: Dawn B. | January 26, 2012 at 02:52 AM
well, well choosing is so difficult...I'll say...Birdsong collage sheet, the eco board bird shapes.
and I LOVE the new pewter raven heads, but it is a bit pricey for my wallet sadly. (I have most of the bird collage sheets as I love them)
I would love to win this mag. again, too pricey for this gal's wallet.
Thanks for the opportunity!
Susan
ps...I just sent you an email with the link to the blogoversary post. thanks again :)
Posted by: Susan G | January 26, 2012 at 04:08 AM
The Owl necklace kit is my favorite!!!!
Posted by: Dara Lynn | January 26, 2012 at 04:13 AM
My favorite is birds on a wire, love the atc that was made from it,Thanks for the chance to win,
Posted by: mjwalk | January 26, 2012 at 04:52 AM
Thank you for this beautiful sheet! I love love love chartreuse.
I already have the magazine - actually, I own every issue of Somerset Studio there is! It's one publication I will NEVER stop buying or hoarding. I agree this particular issue is quite inspiring. The little eggs you made are precious; just love them to bits!
Posted by: Lisa Mallette (euphoriastamper) | January 26, 2012 at 05:16 AM