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I am glad you chose to visit! My blog is a compilation of the many hats I find myself wearing. On any given day I may be an encourager, an instructor, or just a lady who is venting. You, dear reader, will probably identify with my triumphs and my tribulations! These snapshots fit into my Life Scrapbook I have named A. McInnis Artworks. I hope you will find something worth your while.


Thursday, January 20, 2011

Love Is In The Air...Mixed Media Valentine

This post is being linked to DebbieDoo's newbie linky party! Grab the button on the right to join us. All bloggers with under 100 followers or less OR a blogger who has been blogging for 6 months or less are linked. Great way to see new kids, er, blogs on the block!! Come join us!


I know I am a little early, but I happen to think that Valentine's Day is (next to Christmas & Easter) one of the greatest holidays we celebrate! True lasting love is a precious gift, and one that is experienced in many different forms...Husband & wife, Mother & child, Siblings, Grandparents, Friends...I believe that deep within, all human beings desire to love and to be loved. Love requires lots of work...not every once in a while, but everyday. So let's turn our hearts to making our homes warm and inviting to all who enter! To see more Mod Podging go here.

I began this mixed media art by using pages from a 1949 science book on animals and a calculus book. I MOD PODGED the pages to a canvas and let them dry completely.


With acrylic paints, I painted the tree's form. And with my Cricut, I cut out 2 3/4" black scrapbook paper hearts and MP'd them on.


I added 2 1/2 inch parchment paper hearts and 2 inch red paper hearts with MP. I also cut out the word LOVE and attached to the right bottom corner.

Some hearts received tan polka dots and some got black ones...I LOVE polka dots.



Now for aging...I am very good at aging...I do it personally everyday...so I know how to age with the best of them...I use Tim Holtz's Vintage Photo Distressing Ink ( his Tea Dye ink is very good, too...it's more subtle). Picture is "aged" below. The pages had a certain amount of aging already...the book was born the same year I was...hmmmm.




I needed a bird and a few flourishes, so the Cricut was put into use again. The bird's message is part of I Corinthians 13:13.."And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." I made a small hole in the "message" and tied it with black thread. The bow is held in place by MP...(I believe the Mod Podge company should sponsor my blog.) I added a tiny bird on one of the branches and spaced the flourishes throughout the tree branches. B&W houndstooth paper was cut into leaves and there you have it!


At the present time, the art is displayed in the library with some very old poetry books.
I think love is just grand, don't you?

PS: I MUST give my Father credit for helping me with my posting "incapabilities". I think I will do a tutorial on speeding up your uploads. I changed my resolution from 300 dpi to 72 dpi!! Thanks, Daddy!

I'm linking to The Shabby Chic Cottage and Design It Chic (Boost My Blog) and Boogieboard Cottage this week.

46 comments:

Tra La La Boom De Ay said...

Oh say now you really are quite creative in the most beautiful of ways. I am so happy that I stumbled upon you. Maybe something in you will rub off onto me? hahahaha
oh to have a cricut. That would be keen.

Unknown said...

That's awesome! I'm gonna put it in my inspiration files, I might try my hand at one :)

Hi, I'm Suz!! said...

Angela - Thanks so much for stopping by my blog!! Your comments are soo sweet!!

OK - now for your questions.....
SCAL (Sure Cuts A Lot) is a program that you can purchase - I don't remember who I bought mine from, but I know you can buy it from http://smartbuygal.com/store/ Kathy is awesome!! I don't know if you go to the cricut forums or not, but during the past year, they changed A LOT!! They added that 'Circle'that you have to purchase a membership for and then became more strict with their rules of posting projects that you made using '3rd party software' ..... Plus - you have to spend anywhere from $30 - $90 for cartridges which is a lot, but really bites when there's only ONE thing you want to cut from it. Sorry - - I'm telling you - - Provo Craft is NOT my favorite topic........... Kathy has started a forum (Smart Buy Gal)and a lot of cricut-ers post there instead of Cricut. There are a lot of girls over there that create .svg files and then post them and give them away. Or if there is something in particular that you're looking for and you can't find it, you can contact them to help you design it. (I'm pretty sure they use inkscape, and you can download that for free!!) Anyway, with SCAL you can cut ANY true type font you can find on your computer or on the web..... (there are soo many free font web sites that have soo many really cool fonts!!) That in itself is AWESOME - - but then you can also cut .svg files (scaleable vector graphics). You can create your own using inkscape, you can purchase .svg files, you can get them from fellow 'cutters' (that's a whole 'nother blog world!!) - PLUS you can trace images. (for example, I could scan the logo from where I work, and then have SCAL trace it, and then I could cut it out in vinyl or paper or whatever). SCAL is what I purchased, and I think it usually runs around $75?? Sometimes you can find it on sale, too. I won't buy another cartridge from Provo Craft. There is another '3rd Party Software' called Make the Cut. I haven't tried it, but I would imagine that it works pretty much the same way. At first I was intimidated by SCAL, but if you just take the time to play with it, follow blogs, link up to Kathy's forum, and even look around on youtube, you'll be fine!! Let me know if you have any other questions!! For me, SCAL was definitely worth the purchase - I have a thing for monograms and I love all the options I have now!!

Have a great evening!! Let me know if you need anything else!!!

Hugs ~~ Suz
inspiringcreativeness.blogspot

Unknown said...

Love, love, love it!!!

Donna said...

I absolutely LOVE this, Angela!!! I have to maintain 2 school bulletin boards, so I may "copy" your design somewhat, if I may, since I don't have Cricut, etc. It won't look as good as yours, but the design itself & message are perfect for our Christian school!

Foundinthe-ALI said...

love this!!


-ali

Nancy at EmbroideryIt.com said...

Very beautiful. Thanks for the inspiration!
Visiting from the blog hop. I'm so glad I found your blog.
Enjoy your weekend.
Nancy
http://discoverdirectselling.blogspot.com/

Mary said...

You are creative, I love it! Thank you for linking up to Masterpiece Monday. Mary :O)

Mary said...

Hi Angela, I love your Valentine art! I just wanted to let you know that I featured it this week on my "Top 10 Fav Picks" at Boogieboard Cottage. Have a great weekend! Mary :O)

Marjory Skousen said...

WOW you are sooo talented. Wish I had just a pinch of your's. A new follower, would love to have you come by and follow me too.

Angela McInnis said...

Mary, Thanks so much for the feature and all my followers know that I love your blog and encourage them to follow yours!

Marjory, I look forward to following your blog. I've listed it on my "Blogs I enjoy visiting" gadget! Thanks for dropping by!

Angela

Debbiedoos said...

Hi Angela, glad you joined...PLEASE add my link...so far only one gal has linked up correctly tonight:) I know we are all learning together, just indicate that you are joining debbiedoos newbie linky party, and make sure it links to my blog.

Chris said...

I just love this!!! I am a new follower and I can't wait to see what else you have here. :)

Angela McInnis said...

Thanks, Debbie...I had to "re-add" your button! But I tested it and it's working. And Chris, thank you..my archives are on the right...browse til your heart's content. Can't wait to meet everybody!

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

Love your heart tree and love that it is displayed with poetry books.

Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement said...

I love this project! Very unique!
I'm here from the Newbie party and am a fellow Newbie. It's great to find your blog.

Have a great day!
Pam

Laurie said...

This is so stinking cute! I found you through Debbiedoos and am now your newest follower!

Angela McInnis said...

Thank you, ladies!I can't wait to see all you have on your blogs, too!Stop by anytime...
Angela

Anonymous said...

What a fabulous piece of art! You are sooo talented! I'm here via Debbie's newbie party! Such a fun blog! Have a great day!

Allyson Pecilunas said...

I love this!!! I want one!! :) I just found your blog from Debbie's linky party. I am a newbie too come check me out if you get a chance.

noplacelikehomeally.blogspot.com

~Allyson~

A Vintage Vine said...

Beautiful work! Hi, I'm new to blogging too...this is so fun getting to know new bloggers.

Ricki Treleaven said...

I am a newbie, and I am visiting from Debbiedoos. Your Valentine tree is too, too cute. I am your newest follower!

Janet said...

What a creative idea . love your work. Will look forward to seeing more of your projects. Just joined your blog!

Custom Comforts said...

How very darling! What a cute project and what a great job you did! You're very talented and it shows so clearly in your heart tree.
Cindy

Amanda said...

This is stunning, thank you so much for sharing! I have hopped over from Debbiedoos, and will be following your blog to see what other fantastic projects you share

Unknown said...

I am a new follower from Debbie's Linky party! You are so amazingly talented. This piece turned out just gorgeous. Can't wait to see what else you come up with. Blessings <3 Paula

Unknown said...

I MUST make this NOW!!!! I swear my pupils are dilated and my pulse is racing! I will of course give all credit to you. Simply Genius!

Unknown said...

Lol please don't get scared but I came over from Debbiedoos and I think I LOVE your blog! Seriously!

Terriea Kwong said...

AWESOME ! Just love it, love the bird. You're talented.

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

I really love this. It's beautiful! I am popping over from Debbie's. :)

Grannys Attic said...

That is so pretty. You did a great job. Just became a follower and found you over at Debbiedoos Newbie! Stop by and visit sometime if you can. Blessings, Vicky

Rachel said...

That is beautiful! WOW! REALLY wish I was that talented and could create something so beautiful.
Enjoyed your post.

Found your site from Debbiedoo's link up party

Unknown said...

Wow! Very creative! I love it! I also linked to the newbie party!
http://pampereddaughterthriftywife.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Very cool!! Following your blog from the "newbie party." Looking forward to reading your posts!

Momma G.. said...

I love this project! I can't wait to follow you and see what other great projects you post!

Shelly @Crafty Creative Studio said...

Just beautiful!

Michelle said...

Great idea! I'll definitely have to try this. I love Tim Holtz and all his products.

I came here via Debbiedoo's newbie blogger party & am now following :)

Nicole said...

i just love trees! I added 2 projects with trees to Debbiedoos Newbie party! I just had to see yours and it is fabulous!

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Loved this post....you have a great blog....so glad that I stopped by....and I love Valentines too

Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

That is so fabulous! I agree that Valentines Day is just about one of the most special days to celebrate! I'm a teacher too. Maybe that has something to do with it? I always look forward to bringing out the hearts to pull us out of the doldrums of winter.
Finding you via Debbie's Newbie party. I'm your newest follower and would be delighted to have you follow me back!
Have a great day!
Tammy

Sami said...

That is such a great idea thanks for sharing!

Amanda said...

You are going to need to hire an agent:)

Unknown said...

This is so fun! I absolutely love it!

OkapiDiva said...

What a precious idea. We are in the process of remodeling in shabby chic and I would like to make this for the living room. Thank you for such a beautiful presentation and instructions. Be Well!

Day before Michelle said...

LOVE this! I'm already making plans for my own version!

Mama Bee said...

Just saw this on Facebook. It is sooooo pretty! Looks very 3-D.