A Piece Sold

Red Dress has SOLD! It was one of my pieces displayed at Best in Show and it is now going home to a new owner. I do have several other pieces up for sale as well so be sure to check them out at 20 Salem Street Thomasville, NC. It was one of my favorite pieces but I am thrilled that someone will be able to display it and enjoy it for years to come. I still have prints available at my etsy shop . Stay tuned because I am in the process of creating note cards of my collages that will be for sale either in my Etsy shop or for Spring Daze in downtown Thomasville.

A Save the Date Magnets

I have just finished and delivered these Save the Date Magnets. This was an order of 250 of these little guys. Since they are small (about the size of a business card) I handmade pockets for them to be mailed. The trick with magnets is to make sure the person receiving them knows they are magnets. Some times they are very thin (which is good when it comes to the cost of mailing them) but some people may mistake them for a photo and not a photo magnet. Thanks to some thoughtful thinking from my hubby we designed the pocket so the person has to pull out the magnet to read the entire design and hopefully understand it is to go on the fridge not in the trash. Not that they would want to throw away this cute couples picture anyways!!! Contact me by e-mail for a price quote if you are interested in a photo magnet for yourself.

Another Great Christmas Find

I also got the privalage of buying a bag this holiday season for

My ECO CHIC Christmas Cards

This year I decided to do double duty on the "Green Movement" by creating a Christmas card made from a paper bag (recycling #1) and then transforming it into a card that can be reused (recycling #2) . I always am stumped at what to do with cards when I am done with a holiday, birthday, or event so hopefully will alleviate that stress for others.The cards are very similar to my paper bag tutorial except I folded up an inch and a half to create a pocket. The pocket is great because the recipient can simply remove my note and then add their own and then resend.

The design was hand drawn and then scaned into the computer. With the help of photoshop I created my wording and design. Each piece of paperbag was cut to the size of 8.5x11 and then put into the printer just like regular paper. Then I added a slash of red paint on the nose of the reindeer. How fun would it be if I got one of these back next year!

New Photos...

Here is my favorite model...Carlee. These are pictures I took of her for the family Christmas Card. Since I do not have a studio I have to use my creativeness to obtain a studio look. With only black fabric, a couch, and lighting that is just right we got some good shots. Of course when the little one's begin to craw I have have a hard time keeping up with them and keeping them in the shot...but it is much fun and good exercise. haha

Tuesday: Eco Chic Artist and Crafters: Paper Leaf

Kate from Paperleaf creates fun cards, notebooks, and gift tags made from post-consumer waste and recycled material. 5 peony blank cards, screenprinted on recycled ivory card
Her items are packaged in clear bags made from corn starch which is biodegradable and compostable. Upcycled / recycled notebook

She uses Gocco which is a Japanese screen printing method to create her designs. This method is very unique in that it gives the cards character along with making them slightly different therefore original. Be sure to check out her unique designs and recycled goods at her Etsy Shop. 5 Christmas gift tags, screenprinted on recycled manilla card

Only 11 More Days...until Christmas

With that said I wanted to Highlight some GREAT handmade artist and crafters that I purchased from this holiday season. So if you are unsure of a gift you MUST check these shops out!
First I would like to introduce you to SILVERLIME



You might have noticed the icon under my "You have to Check This Out" List on my sidebar. Traci the designer behind Silverlime creates the most unique and amazing pieces of silver jewelry and has a wonderful story behind her passion. She creates necklaces, bracelets and even key chains.

If you don't see what you like no problem she will create a piece of jewelry perfect for you! I would love to show you all what special creation she made for me but it is a gift so I can't post it...just yet. :( (It is worth the wait)! Stay Tuned...Wednesday will be a new Handmade Find!

Tuesday: Eco Chic Artist and Crafters: Loda

Ellen owner of Loda creates unique items out of soda cans. She makes several items including pins, tags, and earrings all from recycled soda cans. Pepsi Can Earrings
Each item has a foam backing for stability and she bends them in such away there are no sharp edges. Check out Ellen's recycled creations at her etsy shop. Soda Can Pig

Best in Show "Open Reception"

Yesterday I had a gallery showing at Best in Show in Thomaville, NC. I have a total of 4 pieces up for sale until Mid January. (My apologies for the poor photo quality)Here are two of my pieces "Red Dress" and "Chardonnay at Sunset"and two more "Window View" and "Not a Size Zero". It was a pretty good turn out I even had my youngest fan present: Carlee! All of the art just wore her out. This is Carlee's 3rd gallery experience...she is only 9 months old. Maybe she will take after her Aunt:) Here are some of my other fans....my dad (above),mom, mother-in-law, sister-in-law (nice face Jennifer), and my Husband Brad.
and last but NOT least, My sister!!!
Please stop by Best in Show on 20 Salem St. in Thomasville, NC. Check out the local art and if you are in the spending mood take a piece of home with you.

Tuesday Eco Chic Artist and Crafters

Faith owner of eco ike has a mission "to encourage people to go green and take care of our small world." Her small organic tee company makes "green" tee's for "tots" using products that are made with 100% super-soft organic cotton, and then are hand screen printed with water-based inks. The water-base inks she uses are non toxic and lead free making them completely safe for your little one. Eco Ike goes well and beyond creating a product that is environmentally friendly by bringing "green" into the work environment. In keeping with their mission they utilizes recycled packaging and paper along with eco friendly cleaning supplies and give 5% of proceeds to environmental organizations. Keep up todate with eco ike by visiting their blog http://ecoike.blogspot.com/

Tuesday's Eco Chic Artist or Crafter

We get so "wrapped" up about the perfect gift to buy especially during the holiday months but do we ever stop and think about packaging and how it should be "Eco Chic" as well. Let me introduce you to Stacy from Fluffnfixings and Fluffnflowers.

Pinch Garden Trio -- Amber

She uses materials found on construction sites and plastic grocery bags to create gift bags and mailers that are not only sturdy but a unique and creative form of recycling.

8.5x5.5 inch Fused Plastic Mailers

She also has another great shop dedicated to plants and seeds called Fluffnflowers. She uses organic principles when creating her product and even has these wonderful 'growing kits' that come with a fun recycled/upcycled container made from used glass.

Etched Glass Sunflower Garden

Holiday Craft Idea

Can I just say WOW.... HOW CUTE ARE THESE!

This is a project I found on Martha Stewart's site the craft is titled Dot Painted China. With the use of a template and Food-safe ceramic paint you can make these beautiful plates. You can find the stencils for this project here.

While I would love to make these for the holidays, time is not on my side so I plan to take the idea of Dot Painting or more like Monogramming and transform old bottles in to dish detergent holders to give away as gifts. A long with the bottles I plan to give some hand towels like above. What gifts do you plan on creating this year? I would love to hear your ideas...comment below.

Tuesday: "Eco Chic Artist and Crafters": Broken China Treasures

Wow....I can't believe it is Tuesday again! With grad school, work, Inspiration turn Design, and just life I have neglected my blog for a whole week! With that apology said I would like to introduce Tuesday's Eco Chic Artist: Broken China Treasures

Broken China Business Card Holder - Blue Swirls

Tanya the artist behind Broken China Treasures transforms old pieces of china, such as plates, cups, and saucers into beautiful pieces of jewelry and trinkets. Tanya finds broken china at garage sales, auctions, antique stores, flea markets and from individuals who are looking for a place to discard their broken treasures.

Old Country Roses Broken China Pendant/Necklace

She creates items such as earrings, pendents, and unique business card holders. She can even design custom orders out of a piece of china you have tragically broke and can't bear to part with. So if during the holiday season you break a dish don't throw it away...send it to Tanya so she can transform your trash into a treasure.

Oriental Rose Broken China Earrings

Tuesday: "Eco Chic Artist and Crafters" Recycled Ideas

Holly the artist behind Recycled Ideas transforms 100% post-consumer content such as used office paper, junk mail, and used envelopes into reusable paper that serves not only as a beautiful card but also paper that can be planted and grow flowers, herbs, and trees.Lavender Seeds

Holly collects seeds in the fall from plants she grows and embeds them right into the paper.

Christmas Dove Tag

You may be wondering how you will transform the paper into a plant. Holly explains that all you have to do is wet the paper then cover it with a little bit of soil. Be sure to keep the paper damp, and it grows. So next time you are in need of a card check out Holly's Etsy Shop, Recycled Ideas and give someone more than just a piece of paper.

Ideas for Christmas

It is not too early to start my exploration into holiday crafts for friend and family. Many sites offer great ideas for gifts that are easy on the wallet and add a personal touch. Here is one Idea I am looking into for the holidays A No SEW Jersey Scarf.Find the directions at Altered ClothYou can even use the measurements given and found fabric laying around your house to create a patchwork scarf like the one below from Sew, Mama, Sew who not only created a great example of a patchwork scarf but a great tutorial as well.

Where Have I been?

VOTE: Don't Throw that STICKER AWAY

So who today waited in those long lines to VOTE!!! I hope everyone...either today or during early voting. Well a few companies thought that your efforts are well worth it and are giving away freebies just for voting. Don't throw that "I Voted" Sticker away!

Ben and Jerry's: Free Scoop of Ice cream 5pm-8pm

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts: Free Doughnut

Starbucks: Free Cup of Coffee

This is just a sampling and if you want to find more just GOGGLE "Free Election Day Giveaways"

Tuesday: "Eco Chic Artist and Crafters" re:Vision

Marissa and Amanda, the artists behind re:Vision Design, have a unique and creative talent to transform materials that would end up in the landfills into something chic. They create everything from coasters out of plastic bags to bowls out of old records. They are taking on the "go green" movement with style. Be sure to visit their shop on Etsy (a site dedicated to handmade goods) where their recycled and re purposed items are for sale. If you are looking for a fun pair of earrings to wear out for the night or a "green" gift for a friend you will be surely find something in their shop.

Tuesday: "Eco Chic Artist and Crafters"

Welcome to the first addition of “Eco Chic: Artists and Crafters” where every Tuesday we will meet an artist or crafter that takes items, that typically end up in the trash, and transforms them into a piece of usable art.
With that said I would love to introduce you to Susan from Middleburg Folk Art Studio

Harvest Pumpkins

Susan, the artist behind Middleburg Folk Art Studio, creates gorgeous sculptures by making her own paper mache out of 100% recyclable newspaper and water. She feels that her art form insures "post consumer waste is not just being put back into a cardboard box, but into a sustainable piece of art, that in no way harmed the environment and/or any ones health in creating it or bringing into their environment."

Halloween Graveyard Ghost

Susan has a website http://www.middleburgfolkartstudio.com/ along with an Etsy Shop http://www.middleburg.etsy.com/ where you can view and purchase her art work. She has everything from wedding cake toppers to seasonal items for the holidays. Be sure to check out her shop and support an art form that reuses and protects the environment.

Blue Bird Wedding Cake Topper

Gone To Sell

On Tuesday my husband and I traveled to Durham to the Scrape Exchange to drop off some of my art work to sell.

Lately I have felt like my artwork was overtaking our small 2 bedroom house so I had to let some of them go.

I found Scrap Exchange through an Esty team who were having a craft show there for the holidays called "Craftland". I did not have enough time to get my things together for the show so I contacted the store to see about placing some of my work there to sell....and they said sure bring it over.

Here are a few pieces that are available. I took about 24 items including some of my collage bracelets. The prices range from $15 to $150 (for a large 16x20 wine collage).

Even if you are not in the mood to buy some art you HAVE to check this place out. They have everything in a recycled artist dreams. Paper,bottles, random trinkets, fabric, tiles, even an old voter booth (only $8 dollars). This Saturday October 25th they are having a huge fabric sale. Surprisingly I only left there with a few tiles to make coasters but I am sure to return.

Lotta Prints

I joined an online book club at Cra

Looking to Buy my ART?

Yesterday my husband and I took off to Durham to drop off a selection of my Collage art and bracelets.

Scrap Exchange

Stiletto Fabulous

I love the line "Stiletto Fabulous"! I don't know where I picked it up...or if I just made it up because of my LOVE for shoes...or Stilettos.

People at work actually know my mood by the shoes I wear. If I come in wearing tennis shoes they know I must be feeling under the weather. While the flat shoe trend is hitting the fashion world pretty hard right now and trust me I am with this trend as well... but in my heart the stiletto will never die. For a girl who has a collection of over 60 pairs of shoes and at least 1/2 stilettos this phrase is one I will enjoy for many years to come.

If you think this card is "Stiletto Fabulous" look for it in my Etsy Shop later this week or if you can't wait to purchase...just send me a quick e-mail. pamscollages@gmail.com and I will get your order under way.

Gifts for the Holidays

The Holidays are right around the corner and if you have taken the Handmade Pledge or looking for something a little more unique than the typical sweater or cookies I am NOW taking Custom Stationery Orders for the Holidays.

I am offering FREE DESIGN WORK until the end of November so if you don't see what you like on my website or blog e-mail me you ideas and I would love to create something unique and and special just for you or friend.

How to Order...e-mail me at pamscollages@gmail.com or order from my Etsy Store I will respond within 48 or less hours and begin to design or send you a proof of the stationery. Want matching envelopes??? No problem you can choose from a rainbow of colors to add the perfect touch to your stationery.

To get your order in time for the Holidays be sure to place it by December 8th.

A spin off the Typical Cork Board

Making a Cork board is a very practical way to reuse/recycle old wine corks and create a unique and usable piece of art. There have been many tutorials to make a"Wine Cork Board" so I decided to give it a try but with a little twist.

I first got the idea from Martha Stewart ; she had a great tutorial for making Cork hot pads with a metal pipe clamp. My first intentions were to make these since I became very frustrated with making a typical cork board, the measurements and the glue (ahhh), but then I got an idea...the circles are very sturdy and would make a unique look if I packed them together to create the cork board.
What I used:

*Lots and Lots of Corks...while I LOVE wine, I promise I did not consume the amount of corks present in the project. I had the help of a local bar, they kept the corks for me until they had a huge bucket filled up with them.

* A shadow box frame; I found mine at Hobby Lobby. They have great deals on frames certain weeks, sometimes up to 1/2 off. Carefully remove the glass from the frame. Some shadow boxes come with frames mounted in them, you can still use these but have to break the glass to remove it.

* Several sized metal pipe hangers (found in the plumbing section of the hardware store).

* Gorilla Glue; I tried several glues during my first attempt at a typical cork board. First good craft glue (the corks would not stay)..frustrated,,,then I tried hot glue without any luck...even more frustrated. So that is when I gave up on making a cork board and decided to make the hot pads instead. When I realized how using the pipe hangers created a solid piece of cork I began again on my cork board making. I avoided the two glues I used before and invested into Gorilla glue. it was my last try and so far so good.

Step 1: The first thing I did was create the circles with the metal pipe hangers just like mentioned in Martha's Tutorial .

Step 2:I placed the circles in the shadow frame in the location I liked and then glued them down with the gorilla glue. Let them dry.

Step 3:Once the circles have dried into place you can being filling in the gaps with corks. You are not going to be able to fill every inch of the frame but this only gives it more character. So if you are perfectionist you might not want to try this craft. The little holes might just drive you nuts.

This process can take some time but the end result will be well worth it.

The funny thing about my board is that there are very few real corks. Most wine I drink has some type of rubber/plastic cork but they work just as well.

If you make this project I would love to see the end results! E-mail me your finished piece pamscollages@gmail.com. Each one is bound to end up different.