Hello Again... and Weekend Giveaway!

Wow, it's been a long time since I've blogged! We've been crazy busy at our house: lots of hard work, lots of excitement, and some exasperating days thrown into the mix. However, life is really good now. Just to update you and explain my cyber-absence, here is what all I've done since my last blog entry: sold my house, packed my house & all belongings, moved my family into a rental (and 3 storage units), and started building our dream home! It may sound common and pretty straightforward, but My-Oh-My, there have been some stressful days! Although I'm an experienced "mover," it's kind of like childbirth -- you forget how miserable it is, and later you thank God that it has an amnesic quality afterwards.

All is going great with the house. I won't lie, it's not as easy as I thought it would be. It's kind of like the books my kids read when they were little: "If you give a Mouse A Cookie." One decision leads to the next decision, then to the next room, then the next floor, and so on, and so on... It's enough to make your head explode some days. However, when it all starts falling into place and you can see your creation taking shape, it's very fulfilling and very exciting! The basement is poured and they did the weather-proofing this week. I can't wait to see more progress! (And I feel sure I will eventually have to share a few photos of our build!)

Well, since we're talking about creations taking shape, I want to share a few pieces that I've made over the last few months. Although I've not blogged, I have done quite a few mixed media canvases. It was kind of my "therapy" immediately after the move. I couldn't find all my scrapbooking supplies, but I just felt this huge need to MAKE SOMETHING! Fortunately I was able to put my hands on a box that contained canvases, acrylic paints and paint brushes. Oh, and don't forget Mod Podge! I was getting to sit down and create and "recover" from the stress of the move. It's amazing what just one little art project does for the soul.

Here is a little tutorial showing you how to make these fun canvases!

First, gather your canvases and various patterned papers. Canvases come in all sorts of sizes these days, so the sky is the limit on what you can make! As far as patterned papers, I think the thinner the better. The thick pieces of patterned cardstock are more difficult to adhere to the canvas. Then cut your patterned paper into strips, shapes -- whatever you want! Then take Mod Podge and glue down each strip of paper until you have completely covered the canvas. Once it's all covered, make sure you then brush another layer of Mod Podge over the canvas. It will look like this:

Now find some leftover letter stickers. They can be scrapbooking stickers, or stickers from the hardware store that go on signs and mailboxes. You can mix up different fonts to make it fun and whimsical. Place your letters into the position you want, and press them down gently, making sure all edges are down. *Make sure your Mod Podge has dried before adding letter stickers! (Don't ask me how I know this... a lesson learned!)

Now for the fun part: take some acrylic paint and squeeze it directly onto your canvas and brush an even layer of paint over the entire canvas. (See "Home" canvas below for another photo of this step.)

Let your canvas dry a little. Not totally dry, but just let the paint set for around 5 minutes or so. Gently peel the letter stickers off. I then let the canvas dry completely, then I outlined the letters with a white sharpie pen so they would pop. I also added some washi tape and a few veneer chicks from Studio Calico. Fly Girl!

Here is one more sample, using the same process. I made this when I should've been packing (or unpacking? I forget...) This also shows the paint step in more detail:

The possibilities are endless! Gather all your scrap paper and leftover stickers, and get busy! These would be adorable with a Valentine's design! They are SO much fun to make! (Especially peeling off the stickers! I can't wait to get to that step... I'm like an impatient child when it comes to removing them!)

**NOW, on to the really fun part, for YOU, my reader! In an effort to get back to the blogging world and to increase my followers, I have my first ever GIVEAWAY!** I recently ordered the new Amy Tan Signature Series *Autographed Copy* book from Studio Calico. (And if you don't know about Studio Calico, check out all the scrappy goodness at www.studiocalico.com) I love the book so much that I ordered a second one to give away to one of you lucky readers!

All you have to do is become a follower of my blog by this Monday, February 10, AND leave a comment here on this post. Easy, peasy! 1) Follow me! and 2) Leave a comment.(To become a Follower of my blog, go to the right hand column, close to the top, where it says "Followers", then hit the blue button that says "Join this Site." Follow the steps there.) That's it! I will randomly pick one winner at 9pm on Monday night. I will announce the winner here shortly after 9 o'clock, so check back to see if you're the winner! (United States addresses only, please.) So, go ahead, follow my blog, and maybe you'll be the winner of this fabulous Amy Tan book! Thanks so much for reading and for visiting The Scrappy Girl Next Door!