Fabulous Friends!

I hope you all are enjoying another glorious summer day!

I'm in a neighboring town enjoying some pool time with my sweet boy. While he's out splashing with a friend I wanted to share what I've been up to. 

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I've made such wonderful friends through  Cat's. Many of you know of my Adventures with Valerie. There is also Shaunery, who moved after we first met, but now we are pen pals. There is also Marilyn who tickes me so deeply. And of course you can't forget Cat herself. 

These friends have blessed me with so much. And recently, I've acquired a few physical blessings from them. One of them was kind enough to share some things with me, one being more Copics!

I couldn't find words other than just, thank you! 

So, I dragged my kiddo out to my Sccrap House last night. Because I just couldn't wait to play with my new treats! 

First, I had to make a chart to see what shades I had. This will help me with my coloring, as well as taking the guess work out of buying more. 

One day they will be laminated and put on a ring, but for now they are backed with heavy duty cardatock. 

So, I decided to return to the card making, which I was up to before my busy mind sidetracked me with my coaster making. 

I do love them though.  

I can blend pretty well, but it is a lot nicer now with my colorless blender. 

So this is what I ended my night with. I am excited to finish them! 

I'm so thankful for my friends!

Until next time,

C.Jackson

A little of this...

And a little of that...

My beautiful friend Charly came over to keep me company this evening. 

We had a great time just chatting and sometimes working silently.

I meddled in a bit of everything tonight too. 

I finally finished these 6 that I've had in a holding pattern for some time. 

Then I moved on to something else...

I had bought some travertine squares at a home improvement store the other day. They make some cute coasters for drinks!

First you have to apply a layer of Mod Podge. Follow that up with a piece of paper of your choosing, cut to size. From there you can emboss, add stickers, and make it your own. You then apply another good layer of Mod Podge and allow it to dry. Once that sets then you spray it with a clear coat sealant to protect it from sweaty drinks. And of course, you can't forget little felt circles on the bottom so the tile doesn't tear up your table!

Finally I wandered back to my cards. This time I found a stamp and my Copics. 

Loved how these came out! Worth the extra time! 

All in all, I'd say it was a successful night! 

And of course, it's always better with company! 

Check out Charly's cakes at: 

https://www.facebook.com/charlyscustomcakes

Until next time,

C.Jackson

6 Years to find Sunshine

At some point during the last few days I had decided I needed to make a new wreath for my front door...

My mother-in-law has been trying to get me to make her something like this for a month or so now...

And of course I can understand why, this is so beautiful and happy. 

So, inspired by this one above, and this one below, I set to work:

My mother-in-law had some large decorative spools of orange and yellow linen, and so I took 2 yellow and I politely borrowed some of her burlap wired ribbon with green accents. 

I wrapped my wire form in a layer of white tulle to start. Then I made several bundles of the burlap and tied it on to the form off-center. I must have fussed with my ideas for a bit before I settled on what to do. And finally, I ended up with this:

I made my very own 'Sunflower'. If only I had truly had some silk ones to add to this. Maybe I can stop by the store tomorrow and pick up a few. 

The yellow, bright and vibrant, is a piece of me, and also how I remember my mom. 

The picture on the left is her in a yellow dress while pregnant with me. I always associated her personality with yellow, even before I found this picture. 

You see, 6 years ago on July 2nd my life changed. I went to go check in on my mom, who at the time had been in hospice. The moment I walked in that morning, and set my keys down, I turned around just in time to watch her eyes close for the last time. My sunshine, my mom, had moved on. 

And while I know that one shouldn't remember a date for a death, my grief hasn't quite allowed me to move on. But today, 6 years after the fact, I finally have. Today, for the first time, I was OK, not just saying it, but I was actually alright. 

Just another day. 

I called and checked in with my Dad, which I often do, and he seemed surprised that I wasn't calling to express my sorrow. 

It took me 6 years to find the sunshine. To find the happiness on what was once a dark day. 

Yes, I had a moment or two where I quietly cried and passed the moment listening to songs she enjoyed, but I was truly OK today. 

And by making this wreath, bright yellow, in all its glory, I continued to make my day happy. Scrapping and crafting has become my therapy. Something my mom once loved herself. 

I chose to remember her today, and to finally let the sunshine back into my life. 

Until we meet again,

C.Jackson

Mixed Media

Time for a change!

You see, I've always had a knack for a style of art called 'Mixed Media'. 

This means that more than one medium (paint, marker, embellishments) is used to create something wonderful. 

Most of my high school art creations pushed the limits of the project requirements. I drew or painted what my teacher asked, but I had to add something extra. 

This is a painting I made my senior year. It's done in a Cubism style, and there is paint, added paper for texture, and even some marker. 

While I can't quite share my completed project with you I can at least guide you through the start of it. 

A small rectangular canvas. The one on the left is plain, and on the right I added one coat (not completely covered) of white acrylic paint. 

Next, I pulled out my Tim Holtz distress inks and set to work. These inks are water based so the random lines can be blended. 

I used water and a small paintbrush to blend and even out the colors. I just LOVE color...

From there I used my Copic markers, Mod Podge, Elmers Glue, Rhinestones, Glitter, Embossing Powder, Stamps, Glossy Accents, Buttons, and some Paper Flowers. 

Eventually all the Mod Podge will dry and I will add more to this piece. I'm excited to finish it, as it will be a gift to be sent in the mail to a friend of mine! 

I can't wait to share the story and the full finished piece with you. The picture doesn't do it a justice. There is so much glimmer, sparkle, shine, and dimension to this once blank canvas. 

Until next time,

C.Jackson

You still alive?

Whoops...

It's been a while hasn't it? My creative itch seems to have subsided for a bit. And then, I got a text. There's always those wonderful friends who check in on you, and my dear friend Valerie had noticed that my blog had fallen silent for the moment. We chatted for a bit, and I must say, she put a little fuel back on the fire. 

The last time I had scrapped I had started 2 sets of cards. So, it was pretty easy to pick back up where I left off. 

I almost got one set done tonight. And I say almost because I was distracted with another project in between. But none the less, here they are:

I'm still working on my 'Get Well' box. I used Glossy Accents on the middle of the bandaid. I used distress inks and the distress blade on the edges of some of the paper. And I fell back on my trusty ribbon and hemp string. The sentiment got a little extra lift with some foam squares as well. 

I really enjoyed these cards. And I was also enjoying my interim project, as you can see in the background of the photo. Copics & my open container of Mod Podge are easily seen. My table was a disaster! I can't wait to share with you what I've been busy creating...

Until next time!

Thanks again Valerie!

C.Jackson