Jen Lowe Designs

Card Making

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 04:25:00 +0000

We had a New Year's crop at the local scrapbook store this weekend. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday (so far) and tomorrow. I haven't been the whole time, but when there, I was quite productive - made 63 cards so far!

Someone asked about my "process" - how do I make cards - so I thought I'd try to explain. But the bottom line, it's all about just creating and playing.

A lot of these cards are made from watercolor paintings that were flops. My 2 sisters and I paint. Ok, they paint, I take classes in the hopes that one day I will be able to paint. We have a lot of flops. So instead of putting them in the trash, I cut them up for cards.

I recently attended the Copic Boot Camp in Arizona and after 4 intense days of coloring with copic markers, I've been working on finishing up what I started there and am using some of those "samples" as card backgrounds. I cut them to 4x6" and keep them in a plastic bin.

I taught a class using oxide reinkers and those samples are now cards.

When I get 40 or 50 or more together, then I take an evening and sit and match papers to the colors in the image. I will pull 2 sheets of each color, stack them, then put the card front on top of that and store all of these "sets" in another plastic bin.

I keep a separate container filled with stamped sentiments. I usually replenish this when it starts to get empty.

I have another container filled with peel off stickers - mostly sentiments.

I cut a variety of die cut images in white or white glitter to use on cards. These go in another bin.

When there's a crop, I simply pull all the bins, take them to the store and sit and assemble cards. When I'm doing that, I decide what kind of card it will be and then go to the sentiment bin or the peel off bin and pull a saying. This time I also took my rub-on sentiments.

Rarely do I sit and make a card from beginning to end. I've decided it's more fun to play with different mediums and use different techniques and then, later, turn those items into cards. Makes for a lot of fun play days!

64 new cards in 4 days. Might just be a record for me! I have sold 6 of them, given several away and think I have about 48 cards left to replenish my stock. They probably won't last too long!

So, can you tell which ones are watercolor, vs copic markers, vs oxide reinkers, vs brushos, vs something else? They sort of all blend together after awhile! Sure is fun to play!!!

Workbox3.0 magnetic panel review (and my stamp storage system)

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 00:32:00 +0000

Ever have one of those "duh" moments in life? This was another one for me. LOL! When I picked up the Workbox3.0, I said I didn't need the panels. Of course I did! What was I thinking??? They arrived today. Super easy to put in. Perfect fit. I am really glad that I ordered 2 sets - 1 set per door.

The center seam is barely noticeable.

Right side panel - went on just as easy. And, as you can see, I loaded them up completely and STILL have 5 sets of dies that didn't fit! YIKES!

And just look at all my old spellbinders nestabilities. I have one of their "mystery" dies left from my Design Team days. And I still have some of their very first dies in the squares. I still use their Hanukkah dies from 2005. Also a few of the first Quickutz dies. How great is it that the dies now come in individual shapes? I sure save on my paper!

I think I will love this. Dies are easy to see, not hidden away. I might actually use them a little more often.

And this will be the normal view as the dies are on the outside of the outer doors. Easy to access, easy to hide. Love it!

So what about those 5 sets that just didn't fit? I kept out the dies that have matching stamps. I'm using the new Sizzix envelopes that have magnetic panels that fit inside. And - bonus, they fit in the storage boxes in that very center column. Did they plan this? It certainly works!!

I'm using the 5x7 envelopes - available at hobby lobby.com - come in a 3pack. The panels are also on their website. The white side is for cling stamps -

The black side is for dies. Perfect for sets.

And you can get several sets into each container. Yep, I have way too many stamps (and dies)!

For my longer stamps, i.e., Julie Nutting dies, I use the 6x9 sizzix envelopes and I cut the panels from 8.5x11 cling sheets from Crafter's Companion. They all fit nicely into one of these same storage bins.

I don't have a lot of the larger stamps, so I was able to stuff other things in this bin as well. I just love it when different companies work together to make crafty organization so easy!

I use this for all my unmounted stamps - if there are no dies, I just cut up the cling sheets to fit either the 5x7 or the 6x9 envelopes.

Did you find time to play today?

JLo:)

Add a little color to your world

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 00:13:00 +0000

Do you love paper dolls? I always have! Janet Lennon used to be my favorite, but a few months ago, Graphic 45 came out with a line of paper doll paper that was just too cute. And while the paper was nice, I love to cut up their stuff and re-engineer it into something even better!

This 8 x 5 1/2" journal took quite some time to finish. Tons of paper dolls to be cut out. I hope you can see from the photos and explanations just how interactive this journal is.

Starting with the cover, the dolls will lift out of the paper doll's arms. Silk ribbon covering every ribbon on the paper. Feel free to click on the photo to enlarge it and see the details.

This is the "sister's page.

A couple of postcards lift out for future journaling

Next is the family page.....little tiny daisies sprinkled about....

The 2 center "cards" fold up and down for more journaling spots.

This is the "mother" page

The tag on the top pulls up, the card opens to the left and bottom, the cut out paper dolls all come out.

Next is the father's page. I love the tiny banner across the top!

A page folds down

then it folds out and the paper dolls come out

And the "brother" page. Nothing folds out, but the paper dolls and clothes come out of the pocket. The hats can be found in a variety of spots.

This is the "friends" page with 2 pockets for the dolls to tuck down inside. 3 paper dolls, 3 outfits and 3 hats. Can you find them all?

The back page....all blue and cream....and then the sentiment. Think it's perfect!

Someone once told me that if you can hear it, you will retain 25% of it. But if you can see it, hear it, touch it, feel it, and interact with it, you will remember 90% of it. No idea how much time I put into this journal....but what fun! Definitely adds a touch of color to my life!

Southwest style

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 00:18:00 +0000

I have a very old Pendleton wool navajo jacket that I got at a thrift store years ago. It has plenty of moth damage.

And I had an even older vest - probably had it at least 20 years. I love Pendleton wool. Can't get rid of it no matter what condition it's in.

The very last thing Kerry bought me was a Pendleton Wool blanket in Bend, OR. It had denim hues to it and we both thought it would look great in our denim-themed art pod. When I sold the r-pod, I had to keep the blanket. The pattern is called "star watchers". Kind of appropriate as we would sit outside and watch the stars at night on that last trip.

I started out with the tan jacket at the top. When I took the lining out, the inside was primarily black. I had enough to make an entire pillow and an insert to put on a denim pillow sham. There was absolutely no moth damage on the inside and you cannot tell that it wasn't the outside. One of the things I love about Pendleton wool.

And I was able to make a pillow insert from the vest. I think they turned out perfect. You can see the front side of the original jacket on the left, the inside is the black pillow and the pillow on the right is the vest. I've had the bear for years.

I'm trying the bed out as a "daybed" in the event I move into a studio apartment

Think I have enough pillows? Those tan "wedges" in the back also allow me to convert the bed into a recliner or lounge. They each have 4 possible positions. We had them in the art-pod as well.

The rug is hand woven - we bought it in Hualtuco Mexico on our last trip there in 2009. That's the year Kerry had his first heart attack. I am surrounding myself with memories of places we've been and things we've done. I really like the pendleton pillows. Never throw anything out!!

The iKross for my Workbox3.0

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 00:07:00 +0000

I just got an iKross and installed it in my Workbox3.0. I absolutely love it. It frees up my workspace and holds my iPad at eye level. I think it's perfect!

It folds up almost flat against the workbox. I centered it right under the middle drawer.

This is the slot that the stand goes in. It came with 2 holders and I bought 2 extra as I plan to mount one next to my bed, one under a kitchen cabinet.....maybe even on beside the bath tub! LOL!

You can take the stand out of the holder and use it on your table, or desk, or anywhere.

And it will pull out quit aways from the workbox shelves just in case you want to watch a video up close. I think I can also use this to create youtube videos.....if I ever get enough time.

It's going to be perfect for watching how-to videos or Hallmark movies on youtube while I get crafty.

Here's a link to the one I bought on Amazon....but there are other versions as well. Just google i-pad 12" wall holder.

I also cut a Joann's self-healing cutting pad to the size of my workspace just for added protection.

To the left, you will see that I've attached a Tonic Studio's Table Tidy with the 2-pocket Tidy and the Tiny Tidy. Just some more table height storage.....must keep my workspace clear!

Very happy with today's addition to my Workbox3.0.

To see my scrapmabob makeover click here.

To see my new workbox3.0 chair with heating pad pocket and storage saddle, click here.

To see my review of the workbox3.0, click here.

To see my upcycled denim scrapbook caddy, click here.

To see my paint bucket, click here. These last 2 items are on the floor and hold tools for everything I need. Altered to go with my denim themed accessories for my workbox.

Hope you've had a crafty day!

Tonight is Hanukkah

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 23:56:00 +0000

I used to do a video a night on each of the 8 nights of Hanukkah. You can google this blog to find them. But tonight, I want to share a different story. It's the story of "what-if".

What-if Jesus was conceived on Hanukkah because He is the Light of the World?

What-if Jesus was born 9 months later on the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukot, because He came to tabernacle among us?

What-if the "inn" was a sukkah- a temporary dwelling that is put up for the Feast of Tabernacles?

What-if the "manger" was a food-storage-crib, the place where food is kept inside the sukkot? What better place for the "bread of life" to be placed.

What-if Jesus died on Passover because He is the Lamb who died for each of us?

What-if Jesus kept these Jewish feasts His entire life because it was what was commanded of Him?

We know that there was no "new testament" when Jesus was here on earth. It had not been written yet. We know that there were no "churches" as they had not been built. We know that the Hebrews were in Jerusalem and Bethlehem and Nazareth and Galilee at that time 2000 years ago and that there were Synagogues and there was a Temple in Jerusalem. There was no Christmas, no Santa, no tree lighting.

But there is proof of the Feasts. Historical proof.

What-if you lived the life that He lived, not the life that's been created since His death? Be sure to click on the links to read more.

Hanukkah - because He is the Light of the World.

Adding on to my Workbox 3.0

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 17:00:00 +0000

A couple of years ago I took up watercolor painting. It's been slow. The classes have been a blast. And of course....more crafty stuff to store. I have one of these over the door paint tube holders. It works great!

But if I want everything I'm keeping to go in the Workbox3.0....this just doesn't cut it.

When you open the Workbox all the way out, there is still empty space on the exterior sides. Way too narrow for the paint tube holder.....but I do have a sewing machine.....

Yep, I cut that thing down to 5 pockets wide and 5 rows. I did give up some storage, but I managed to get 3-5 tubes of paint into each pocket. Note - it's important to store paint tubes like this so that they don't leak out. If you've had that happen once, it's more than enough!

Is that a perfect fit? For the most part, it's completely out of site....yet easy to get to when I need to refill a palette.

I took the seam binding off the part I had cut away and used it to finish off the piece I'm keeping. Hard to tell that it was cut. Gotta love a good seam ripper!

And for now, I'm using command hooks to hold it up. 5# each hook - it stayed overnight so I think it's good. But I'll come up with something a little more permanent down the line. (Time for a run to Home Depot?)

I know that I'm going to be moving. Maybe sooner than I'm ready (ok, are you ever ready to move?) I have my name on a waiting list for an apartment in a 55+ community. A whole block away! It's where mom lived and my youngest sister lives there now. I told them I'd take a studio, but I know I would then move into a 1 bedroom when one came available. I've told myself that ALL my art stuff (excluding sewing) has to fit into this Workbox. When I first said that....I really didn't think I meant hanging from the outside as well. But it works!

Maybe I should come up with a business designing add-ons for the Workbox3.0. This is kind of fun!!! Hmmmm....what can I hang from the other side???

LOL!

Hope you are having a fun day!

The chair for the workbox3.0

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 17:00:00 +0000

It has been quite some time since I've been office chair shopping. I decided on this one as it was half off and the arms will lift up. Bonus - it rocks! LOL!

But get a load of the back of it! That is just beyond wierd!

Brand new....but I recovered the arms and seat in denim and made a slip cover to go over the back. Look closely and you will see a cord coming out the right hand side. That huge pocket across the front has a heating pad stuck down in it! There are slits on either side, so I can use an outlet no matter which side it's on. Added bonus, the heating is in the perfect spot for my back. Second bonus - the arms flip up so it fits under any height table.

The back side has 2 pockets that hold the controller and the rest of the cord. It tucks down behind that weird back frame. I've been trying it out and I really like it. Comfy enough to work from.....reclines enough to make it great for watching TV.

I also have a couple Walmart student chairs that I recovered in denim. My sisters need chairs when they come to play.

One of them has it's own heating pad cover just like the top one. But it also a "saddle bag" on the seat and I can keep a tape runner down in one of the gigantic pockets and my ATG gun on the other side.

It is so much fun customizing things to make them work better for what you need! What have you altered lately to meet your needs?

The Scrapmabob Plus

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 17:00:00 +0000

While I'm on the topic of theoriginalscrapbox.com's workbox3.0, let's talk about their Scrapmabob Plus.

It's cute, it's clever, it works great.....but it's NOT denim! LOL!!! So, of course, I made my own!

Out of the leg of a pair of jeans. And used the rear pocket to store all my goodies. Made it a bit longer than theirs. But I did use theirs as a pattern.

It will velcro on and off very easily so I can wash it whenever it gets dirty.

I can rotate it so the pocket shows, or so it's plain:

For a liner, I slip a trash bag over the velcro strips:

I like it because it keeps my glass securely off my workspace and makes the trash at my fingertips. And - bonus....flip it up and the door behind opens easily! I just closed it so the photos would look better.

Next up - the matching chair!

The Workbox 3.0 - my personal review

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 15:41:00 +0000

I first saw the "original scrapbook" at a trade show back about 2005. I was enamored with it the moment I saw it.....but simply couldn't afford it and had no space for it. Thirteen years later, I now own the current version of it and just love it!

I suppose that I should explain that I converted the master bed room into a large art room. I still have some of my go-organize cubes...but I will be downsizing them as well!

I'm on the originalscrapbox.com email list and in September, I got an email about their scratch-n-dent sale. I live about 8 hours from the plant and made the call. They had several in the warehouse and I just decided to drop everything and make the drive! The aspen were turning. It was a great trip!

When I arrived the next morning after spending the night in a local hotel, I was greeted by "Jennybox". Immediate new friend! She took me to the warehouse where I think I swooned! I wanted them all! LOL! But in my mind, I wanted a plain white box. The "ergo". They had to pull some out to see what was behind others, and they found one. It was simply a no brainer at that point!

A scratch-n-dent model. I could not see a single scratch or dent on it. Half price off of a new model and it was assembled. My hotel and gas were less than shipping. I did buy the overhead panel/light and a wonderful young man expertly packed it in the back of my F150....filling up the truck bed, the back seat and the passenger seat. I could still see out the rearview mirror for the drive home. I think we were done by 10 am and I was back home by 8 pm that night!

It was set up the next day, but it took me a few days to get it loaded. I bought sheets of wood plywood and covered the carpeting as the casters just will not roll on carpet (medium pile) when it's loaded.

I am thinking about moving into an apartment and know that I need to downsize my craft stash. I also know that my future space will be limited. I'm keeping my watercolor painting supplies, card making/die-cutting/stamping supplies, some embossing stuff, all my copic markers/airbrush.....ok, who am I kidding? Downsizing? LOL!!!

Here's my review:

Sizzix makes 5x6 storage envelopes with magnetic cards in them. They are perfect for storing stamps and dies and fit nicely into the bins in the center slots. I have unmounted all of my stamps and every die/stamp is now in these envelopes - the drawers are sorted by type so I can easily find what I want.

The best stamp/die storage system I have ever had!

The plastic divider trays that I had purchased from Michaels and used in my "go-organize" cubes fit perfectly inside the 12x12 trays and still serve their purpose of organizing small things. This is my glue/tape/undu drawer:

I did mess with the light a bit. Velcro'd the switch to the underside of the drawers and the power outlet is velcro'd to the back rear center of the opening. This makes it really easy to turn the light on and off....and I don't have cables anywhere.

Hope you can see the light switch on the top and my outlet in the bottom back. It has 2 usb ports and 2 power outlets so I can charge my phone, iPad, etc.

Kerry had the 12" iPad and I'm keeping it because it sets nicely against the drawers and I can watch my youtube videos while I work! Yep, that's theoriginalscrapbox.com home page on my screen right there and I'm looking at it from about 2' away. I'm sure in some future rendition they will include a drop-down frame to put your iPad into. Oh dear....maybe I'll have to make one! Hmmm....

I purchased the right side door frame. I did not like the little velcro bags because if you put anything heavy in them, and then velcro them on, the back wall bulges outward. This works for me.....but I did save all the bags and am using them in other spots!

I had a Karen Foster Seat Tote from 10 years ago and it came with this velcro back file insert. It happens to fit perfectly onto the velcro in the lower left hand side. Yep - no more file cabinet! Love how this worked out!

It has velcro closures on both sides but it does open out and you can see some manilla folder in it. Starting to think I don't even need those....just drop my receipts down between the dividers.

After I had had it for a couple of months, I re-did the shelves. I think when you start out, we all just follow the directions. But that doesn't always work. In this slot, I have my Misti and to the left of it are my card making supplies:

As you can see, I have little card storage packs labeled so I can tell what's inside. This works perfectly to grab and go to crops or classes. I precut my dies, pre-emboss backgrounds, pre-color images and at crops, all I do is assemble. Makes chatting with the gals so much more fun!

I truly love the tiny little long bins:

My alcohol inks are in one, my distress oxide reindeers in another....and I can pull each bin out and put on my table while I work. Everything at my fingertips and I can also grab these to go to a class or crop.

I even have most of my stamp pads in these bins.

What works for me may not work for others but that's the true beauty of the workbox - you can put the shelves/bins anywhere you want them. It will hold 1200 pounds and I'm pretty sure I'm at the max weight!

When I drop the table down, it folds into a 30x33" cube which is such a small space. Here's their video:

which pretty much says it all!

Would I buy it again? Yes! In fact, I didn't have room for any of my sewing stuff and really think I need the sewing box....but that sort of defeats my intent of downsizing!

or maybe just the EZ Sew....it has an elevator for the sewing machine!

If you decide to buy one because of this review, just let Jennybox know that JLo sent you! :)

Best get back to selling more stuff on ebay so I can buy one of the sewing boxes!

Getting back to blogging - and my personal heartache....

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 06:53:00 +0000

I haven't posted here since January. Sigh. If you read my last post, we had bought an r-pod and it was in the shop. Here's what's happened since:

We spent a month in Yuma AZ....snowbirding for the first time and just loved it! We stayed at Las Quintas RV Resort, trust me, we were the zit in the park. 70' RVs that we could have fit the r-pod and truck in to! My sis and her hubby were about a mile away and we had a great time! We shopped for "toys" for the r-pod. Made a ton of plans as to where we would travel in it. Went to dances. Talked for hours on end. And got rested!

When we got home, we started the interior remodel. And we had to make a parking spot for it in our back yard. That took about 3 months. Had a carpenter come build drawers under the dinette for more storage and make the front wider so one of us could sleep on that end.

Took out the top bunk and added more storage.

Decorated everything in denim! Even the refrigerator door.

Kerry put in a ton of electronics. We had high speed internet no matter where we were and he created a library of over 500 movies. This was our traveling entertainment center:

We customized it to meet our needs and I think we both just loved it. In June, we took off for the Oregon coast and our very first "r-pod rally". There were 30 r-pods at this place and we loved every moment of it. I drove the entire way. Kerry's health had been declining over the past 3 years, and this was on his bucket list. He wanted to see the Oregon coast and the redwoods in northern California.

I got to see one of my very good friends and she took me for a drive right on the beach!

I found some wonderful rocks on the beach and started painting them....

this is perhaps my favorite photo of all. It's like he was cheering me on.....or was he waving goodbye?

We had the best time ever on the beach. We extended our stay. Neither one of us wanted to come home. We headed out and the moment we started climbing in altitude, Kerry started having problems. I knew we had to get home fast.....as fast as we could. We made it home on July 6. The following Monday, he had a heart attack and went to the cardiac care unit at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs. Excellent staff. But there was nothing they could do and they sent him home with hospice. The following Monday, he had another heart attack and passed away. It was July 16.

I love that he had the chance to see his kids and say goodbye during his hospital stay. I love that my family was here and surrounded him 24/7. I love that we had a chance to tell each other how grateful we were that we had spent the last 20 years together. We recanted our travels, our funny stories, our happy tales....right up until the last minute.

Of course, my life fell apart after that. As much as we had talked about it and prepared for it....it cannot be planned. Diabetes took him. No doubt about that at all. But how grateful am I that we checked 2 more things off his bucket list and had a wonderful trip being crammed into an 8x20 travel trailer for the last month of his life. Memories I will keep forever.

Life goes on however slow it is at first. One step at a time. Sorting, cleaning, giving away. I think I cried for a month solid. Then I was just plain weepy. And I knew that it would get better...but I didn't know how hard it would be to lose him.

By September, I knew that I couldn't sleep in the master bedroom, so I decided to turn it into my art room. I invested in a Workbox3.0 in order to get all my art supplies in one place. It was a good decision.

So, maybe the sewing stuff didn't make it in there..... I'll worry about that later!

I finally got back to creating. And experimenting. This is Various Inks on Yupo with diecuts on top.

This is watercolor on yupo. I love the background effects you can get on yupo.

I started making cards out of paintings that no one wanted and I love how they turned out.

And I got back to watercolor painting. Art is therapy. It helps. You can lose yourself in art and not think about the daily issues.

I signed up for Jenn Dove's Copic Boot Camp in November and made this collage for her daughter. It's filled with hidden thoughts, photos that have special meaning, and tons of love.

Flew to Phoenix for Boot Camp which truly got my creative juices flowing again. Jenn and her team were insane!

Classes from 9 am to 9 pm. I learned so much.

And I still can't believe I colored this with copic markers. I only hope I can remember what I did! LOL!

So when I got home, I really started playing. This is distress oxide re-inkers on photo paper - one of my favorites!

More of the cards I've been making. In some of these, you can see how I cut up a painting to make the cards. Just fun!

So what's next?

I am starting to ebay some of Kerry's things. I would like to leave Facebook, so I'm going to try blogging again. I want to travel so my sis and I are talking about our next trip to Israel. I have decided that I'm at a great crossroads in my life. And while I don't know what tomorrow will bring, I want it to be filled with life. I'm looking forward to it!

Finally, to Kerry. Thank you. I will love you always. I am grateful that you are no longer in pain. I cherish our life together. And I pray that your memory will be a blessing.

The "Art-pod"

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 12:31:00 +0000

We bought a 2011 R-pod 182G. And while it's in the shop getting a thorough inspection, I've been making things to decorate "her" with. First up is my travel journal for 2018.

r-pod.....artpod....while I just play, Kerry is amazing with his 3D printer and LED lighting. I can only fathom how he is going to max this 20' travel trailer out. He's already put together a wifi LAN to connect movies, video, music to both the interior and exterior of the pod! (This model has an outdoor kitchen in the rear.) He has 1 terabyte of movies to go. I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around what 1 terabyte of anything was until he said our home system has 3 terabyte of movies!!!

I'm calling this a scrap-journal as I have the inside of it ready to journal and add photos. It's 5x7 with mixed media paper inside:

The papers are from PhotoPlay in case you're wondering and I've had them awhile so I'd suggest looking for them on ebay.

And a rather old Jolee's embellishment....that I embellished!

We drove to Gainesville TX last week to pick her up. Not only a blow-out on the way home, but she completely came off the hitch - fortunately we had stopped at a light and were just pulling out and no damage was done! But I nearly had a heart attack!

She will be decorated in denim, of course! And eventually, all of her seat cushions will be re-upholstered in denim.

And the Denim Divas will most likely take her to the next Scrapbook Expo in Denver. Who knows where else she might journey???

And the first wall hanging that will go inside is this one - I made it several months ago as my "vision" board. I think it's perfect because Kerry made the white palette with his 3D printer and it combines our artistic skills into one place.

I thought about starting a separate travel blog....but I think my life so consumes 3 things - art, travel and genealogy. And while I do keep a separate blog for my Cotopaxi research, I think the rest of my life will stay put here!

Speaking of which - I'm giving a presentation about Cotopaxi this Sunday, 1/21, at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 801 Sherman St, Canon City CO 81212. Would love to see you there if you can make it! 2 pm.

And then hopefully, we will off art-podding! (I know, it's going to be sad from here on out! Pod-sightings. Spodded. Podding. Podder. This is my plog? Best prepare yourselves!!!)

Custom appliques to match any decor!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 03:14:00 +0000

I bought some dishes for our new travel trailer. I wanted to make an apron to "match". First, I took a photo, resized it and made a couple of copies.

Then I cut it apart and traced each part on the appropriate color of fabric. Cut it out and ironed it onto some adhesive backed quilting - about 1/4" thick.

Next I used the satin stitch on the sewing machine to go around all the edges. The door, window and tire are made from the back side of denim.

I've never tried this before and for my first effort, I'm pretty happy with the results!

I really think you could take any image as long as it's not too detailed and do the very same thing to make a custom appliqué. The iron-on quilt backing certainly helped keep the fabric in place while doing the sating stitches. I have some old quilt pieces that I might try this with next.

Under the dome....a little "magic"!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 17:00:00 +0000

What happens when you combine a 3D printer and paper crafts??? A lighted dome! This little dome is just about 4" tall and maybe 2" across the bottom.

I bought 6 of these at the Scrapbook Expo last September. Found them in the Melissa Frances booth and they were half off. They come with a cardboard bottom.

I asked Kerry if he could make a LED lighted base with his 3D printer. I needed something that had a rechargeable battery in it so that I didn't have to plug it in. Each of these holes has an LED light shining up through the bottom.

The base is about 3/4" thick so that inside, it can house the lights, the on/off switch and the port for charging. Amazing how tiny all that can be.

I then die cut a circle of clear acrylic to cover the top of the lights. And that's what I used as a base to hot glue the dies. You can't see, but everything is cut in white glitter paper. This is just 1 tree, cut into parts, and then 2 of the 3-piece deer sets. Rolled the die cuts around a 1/2" diameter dowel to shape them. Hot glued each piece to the clear acrylic base. Then put it all up inside the dome and added the base.

Here's closeup of the trees and a deer. Hope you can get a feel for the glitter paper I used.

When you flip the switch, all that glittered paper just sparkles in the light!

Five more domes, so I asked for 5 more bases! And because each one will be on a clear acrylic base, I could make multiple designs for each dome! I'm thinking 2018 is going to be a very good year for creativity!

Denim and Leather

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 20:20:00 +0000

Grandpa Moore was a leather crafter. I remember running my fingers over the mountains and valleys of a piece that he had tooled. He made gun holsters and rifle bags, purses and so much more. He tooled the old fashioned way.....taking hours to make a single piece. I loved watching him work and asked him a hundred questions each time I went to visit. Years later, when he died, I purchased all of his leather supplies from his widow. One of the best investments ever......always buy tools!!!

My sis and I have been playing with leather this week. Imagine combining sewing (yesterday's project), scrapbooking and everything you need to do leather crafting? Oh! What a MESS!!!

I decided I wanted to create a denim and leather journal. So I started by cutting, then stitching a frame in the denim.

Next I hemmed a piece of denim to cover the back of the journal - it's a 5x7 "visual" journal from Hobby Lobby. This one has watercolor paper inside but you can also get the mixed media version.

Then I decided to experiment embossing leather using embossing folders. I just didn't feel like taking the time to tool leather today. I've been having some trouble with my right hand and it decided to flare up again today. Sigh.

Then I did a little experimenting with waterstain (a fairly new product at Tandy Leather) and sand paper. I sort of like the effects. It goes on more distressed that the old dyes.

Embossed another piece and this time I experimented with distress inks. Watered them down and painted them on. Sort of like this as well. I think the fun for me is really in experimenting and playing with products.

Next I tried out copic markers. OK, I really like how this turned out. But it just didn't look so great next to the denim...and it wasn't the look I was going for.

I cut, stained and sanded a piece for the spine and this is the base of the journal that I came up with. But of course....one has to embellish...can't leave it this plain....although I do love this look!

This is the journal finished and I simply LOVE how it came out. It says so much about the things I love. Denim. Leather. Living in Colorado with our pine trees in the mountains around us.

There's an Indian Head nickel concho on the top corner holding the ribbons and leather together.

Sliced antlers from my dear friend, Shelly, who lives over in Nebraska and I don't get to see her nearly enough these days......

And silk beads with swarovski beads on silk ribbons.

A couple of days ago, I added a new shelf in my bedroom - just to keep all the journals I've been making.

Tandy Leather in Colorado Springs is offering a beginning leather class on 1/13 at 10 am. 2 hours. $20. You don't have to take a thing. Call the store if you want to take it. I'll be there with 3 others. No, I'm not a beginner....but I thought it might be fun to take this class and see what's changed since I took my first class back in 1983.

A denim paint bucket for painting class!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 23:17:00 +0000

Do you ever have one of those moments when you look at something that's been sitting around forever....and the lights go off in your head? This was originally a green and black 1 gallon bucket cover....used for gardening. And in my head - I saw it in denim! Sorry that I didn't take a photo of the original....I took it apart and used it as the pattern for this one.

When you have something that you can use as a pattern, it's pretty quick and easy to re-make it. And I already had the denim edging which helped. Can you see the pockets down inside? It's a sleeve that slips around the bucket and folds down inside. So it will come off and can be tossed into the washer and dryer when it gets dirty.

And the bucket just happens to have a lazy suzan on the bottom so it will spin around for easy access to every side/pocket. I've filled this up with paint supplies as I have a new watercolor class starting in a few weeks. A paint bucket for painting!! LOL!! I'm always looking for lighter weight, smaller ways to transport stuff to class. And I won't have to unpack a thing when I want to use this at home.

I'm almost afraid to look at anything else around here as it might just get turned into denim. LOL!!! I could recover the kitchen chairs, the keyboard bench, the patio furniture out back? I do need a new sewing machine cover! I'm pondering a design for a leather and denim journal cover as my sis and I have been working with leather the last couple of days.

What would you re-make in denim???

Enjoy the little things.....like cheesecake!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 03:34:00 +0000

This journal is 4" thick and only 4 pages. It was so much fun to make. All Graphic 45 paper. It's a gift for a very dear friend who happens to own Creative Impressions. See if you can find her product!

I'll help you get started....on the cover I've used her buttons, flowers, ribbon and twine. A total of 10 items....can you find all of them?? The ribbons were "dyed" to match the project.

Here's a view of it standing up. Loads of pockets, tags, flip-outs. You could spend an hour or so exploring this! My kind of journal!

And this is what it looks like opened up. Yep, lots of blank pages. I'll let her decide what goes where!

Here's the first page with the flap folded in. As you can see, she could add photos, recipes, or just write about what she's baking today! Be sure to click on each photo if you want to see a larger view!

This is the same page, but with the flap opened out.

Page 2....each page has a flip-out, but each one is slightly different. I do love this paper filled with cupcakes, donuts, roses and forget-me-nots. And I happen to love the peach and turquoise colors.

On this flip-out, I used a glassine envelope - you can almost see through it.

Page 3 - the left square with writing - that will also flip out to the left, so a double flip-out page!

Here it is with the right flip opened out. Another pocket for a recipe. Yum!

Page 4 - I like the idea of a 4-cube page so you could add 4 recipes, 4 notes, 4 photos.

This flip out has a recipe holder on both the front and the back.

And the back page....2 flip-up recipe card holders on the left and a large pocket on the right with tags as inserts.

A quick view of all the tags.

This didn't get created overnight, but it's definitely been a fun project to work on. I dearly love the papers, the colors, the flips, folds, and the fun! And I just decided that I need to include mom's cheesecake recipe so must run jot that down! This gets delivered tomorrow!!!

Best Pizzelle Recipe! How to make them perfect....

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 16:46:00 +0000

Growing up on a farm in Indiana, I never heard the word "pizzelle" and I imagine if you had tried to give me one, I would have turned up my nose and walked away! I just didn't eat "foreign" food!!!

Then in 1974 I moved to Colorado, to this small village in a valley that backs up to the foothills and the entrance to the Royal Gorge - once dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Arkansas Valley. Here, I ate my first pizzelle and I was hooked in a heartbeat! I HAD to learn how to make them and I bought my first pizzelle iron. All I remember is that it cost a fortune ($70!) and I had to get the recipe right!

That was over 40 years ago! My 3rd pizzelle iron died a couple of years ago and I stopped making them. I would buy the store bought ones....but never the same! So this year, I bought a new iron. And to tell you the truth...it cost less than that first one 40-some years ago!!!

After all my experience, I knew that I did not want a non-stick iron. Don't ask me why. Maybe just a gut instinct? We have a little store here in town called DiNardos. They've been in business since the 70s. And they sell Pizzelle IRONS. I like that they refuse to call them "bakers" or "makers" like so many others do! And this week, they happen to have this one marked $10 off! I'll bet they would ship if you want one! $49.99.

I gave it a try this morning. Best Pizzelle Iron I've had to date! I went for the 5" size because you can always use less dough and make smaller pizzelles. But if you buy the new 4" iron - you simply can't make them larger.

As you can imagine, I've tried out a number of recipes over the years. This is my favorite and it's quick and easy:

6 eggs

1 1/2 C sugar

mix together in large bowl

add in:

1 c butter melted (yes real butter)

2 T vanilla

mix together

then add in:

3 1/2 C flour

4 t baking powder

mix together.

This will make about 6 dozen pizzelles.....depends on how many you eat while making them! LOL!!!

(note the baker's rack - essential for cooling hot pizzelles and only $3.98 each at Walmart! I use 2 of them.)

I live at about 5400', so I usually add another 1/4 to 1/3 C of flour to make the batter a little thicker.

Drop 1T sized balls into the center of the hot pizzelle iron. I suggest a light squirt of Pam spray on the iron as it heats up....but not too much - it will drain out the back of the iron and all over your counter tops. I use a teaspoon and just heap the dough on that. You'll figure it out with a little experimenting.

Press the handle down and listen to the fizz. Or count to 10. Pull the handle up. If the dough sticks to the top part, it's not done and you need to leave the handle down longer. I do squeeze it shut, but not completely tight shut. You will get a feel for this as time goes on.

The longer you leave the handle down, the crispier the pizzelles will be. I prefer mine on the lighter side, thus the 10-count hold.

Then the icing! Just a slab of almond bark - white or chocolate. Nuke in the microwave for 2 minutes. Take a small spatula (1/2 the width of a regular spatula) and spread the icing on half the pizzelle. OK, you could do the entire thing, but it's just too sweet. And I will confess that this pizzelle recipe is not sweet at all so if you don't ice them, they are a bit bland. Which I love after too many pies, cakes and cookies at a holiday meal!

Finally, make sure the pizzelle iron is completely clean before you put it away. Check for even the tiniest crumbs and wipe them away!

I'm off to dip the next 2 dozen into milk chocolate! Then to wrap up these goodies and make a few deliveries. Don't worry....I'll be delivering some to my kitchen table as well!!!

Upcycled denim scrapbook caddy

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 19:52:00 +0000

I'm pretty sure this caddy was made by All My Memories - and they are now out of business. But I truly love it. Problem is the elastic was shot. And I'm on this kick to recycle jeans and make things out of denim.....so the first step was to rip this thing apart. I found out just exactly how well constructed it was!!! I will keep the pieces if anyone wants the pattern.

I couldn't find denim elastic, so I ended up using some Rit dye. I couldn't find denim mesh or belting....so I reused everything else from the above tote and painted it with alcohol ink and jacquard dyes. It worked!

This was not an easy project and I most likely won't repeat it! LOL!!! I think it took a total of 4 days, and I broke at least 10 of the #16 needles in the process. I don't have an industrial sewing machine and there are 8 layers of denim and/or binding in spots! Each of the tall inner panels and the base are reinforced with cardboard interiors. I even found vinyl iron-on backing that covers the inside panels...I'm good at forgetting to tighten the lids on my bottles. :(

Because I was doing this my way, I added a large pocket across the back and 5 belt loops to hang things from. I added a pencil loop at the top on one side because I can never find a pencil. Sure enough - I couldn't even find one to put in it today! LOL!!!

This thing is a work horse! It holds my paper trimmer, atg gun, enveloper, chalks, and everything else I could possibly need at a crop. I still have room for more! I love the clear pocket in front - helps find the "little" things that often get lost in a caddy.

I used 2 pairs of mens jeans to make this and I still have denim left over!

Next up I'm going to cut one of those white plastic lazy susan's from walmart to fit under the bottom so this will rotate around on my desk and I can easily get to whatever I need.

I've had a great time making this. But I'm thinking next time.....just replace the worn out elastic! LOL!!!

Do you love denim?

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 17:18:00 +0000

A quick view of the things I've been doing with denim. I didn't take photos of the pillowcases I made as they are just plain. Working on a denim scrapbook caddy now. Just playing!

Do you see what I see???

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 04:36:00 +0000

I was at Hobby Lobby and saw this sign.

There is nothing I like about it except the background...so off came everything!

I think many people will look at something, but not see it disassembled. My eye does that immediately!

Next, I had Kerry print this tiny palette with his 3D printer. I painted the paint colors, distressed the white plastic and cut up old paint brushes to give it a true dimensional look.

One of the antique shops sells cut up license plates. You can buy any letter and make up your own word. I used the screws that were in "ahoy" to screw these in place. And now I have this cute sign!

Finally, this is going to be my "vision board" for this next year. I want to buy an r-pod travel trailer and this will be its name. One of my life long goals was that when I retired I would travel around the country stopping to do genealogy research. Time to focus on reaching that goal!! In the meantime, how fun is this sign!!

If you saw the original sign in a store, could you see what I saw???

How do you store your copics?

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 00:02:00 +0000

We have a 3D printer and this past week - it got a workout! I have one of the copic black bags, but I do not like the little "basket" inserts that go in it. So I got the egg carton light grid and after doing research and not liking much of what I saw out there, asked Kerry if he could create something with his printer. He came up with some corner posts that I E6000'd to the grid and made a rack like this

(did you know that e6000 was a verb? LOL!)

I figure out of the 300+ markers copic makes, I really only need about 150 for now and that left some space at the end of my bag.

The corner posts look like this with little "rests" for the grid to position just above. Worked out perfectly! I used some tiny fabric clips that I found in the sewing department at Walmart to hold them together until the E6000 dried.

I needed something to put in the space at the end, so I had Kerry print a couple of boxes. Yes, the 3D printer will print custom sized boxes. This first one was too high as I can't get my fingers around the ink pads, so he made a shorter one next.

Then I had him make dividers for the boxes so stuff wouldn't move around. The dividers are E6000'd in place. It all fits nicely down into the bag with room on the ends for my texture cloths and light templates. This is looking down into the bag.

When I'm coloring, the bag will sit on it's sides and the boxes will come out and rest on the top. In the left box are my square copics (I do a lot of airbrushing and use these colors the most) and my Momento Ink pads. On the right are a variety of spritz and dropper bottles filled with blending solution and my white opaque copic paint. In the tiny slots on the top - that's where I put my extra nibs for the markers. I tested it out this afternoon and I'm pretty happy with it. I love that we could use the 3D printer in the art room! There was even space for my microns pens in the lower right hand slots.

This morning, I picked fresh strawberries out of my back yard.....

Those berries inspired me to use some of these copics because they are such berry-licious colors! LOL!!! I used Jenn Dove's tutorial to make this card.

I decided to do some more practice coloring. Sometimes I think you need to repeat the same thing until you get it like you like!

But then, you need to make a card with your practice coloring! Made this one for someone very dear to me who's having a birthday tomorrow!

I hope she likes it berry much!

I am loving my "new-to-me" copic storage. Now that the markers are organized and not falling all over the place I might actually use them!!!

Once again the 3D printer has amazed me with what it can do! Kerry is now printing corners and center posts for some of my friends so they can do the same thing!

Sterling Silver Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 22:30:00 +0000

While we were in Israel, I made a decision that it's time to start downsizing. But I want to use up as much of my "products" as I can before I do that. So this is going to be the summer that I play hard. And you ask yourself, "can she play harder than she already does???" LOL!!!

So Monday mornings are my "never ending watercolor class" and Monday afternoons will be jewelry making time with my sisters. We had a fun afternoon and I managed to make 1 pair of earrings.

Sterling silver ovals soldered together, swarovski crystals, turquoise beads. I did the soldering/polishing last week. I had to ask myself....am I too old to solder? I didn't get the top on tight on the can (using a large butane type torch that they use to solder pipes) and a gigantic flame popped up from the leaking gas and just about scared me to death! Fortunately, the house is still standing!!! And yes, I do have 2 large fire extinguishers out in the garage where I've set up my jewelry making stations.

I made these to go with a necklace that I had made several years ago. But I no longer liked the necklace, so I altered it - here's what it looks like now:

That center piece is at least 15 years old - a sterling silver Paula Best charm. I always loved her stamps and when I came across this charm, I knew it was mine!

And there's a bracelet to match.

Here's all 3 pieces. I think I'm happy with them now. All .925 sterling silver so don't bother to ask how much I have in it! It's not what you spend on an item, it's how much you love it!!! This one will not go on etsy, it's for me. :)

We're making jewelry out in my garage which is finished, air conditioned and I even have heat out there if/when we need it. I've set up a glass cutting station, a grinding station, a drilling place and now a torching space. If you have ever worked with sterling silver you know that you have to clean the silver, add the flux, solder, quench and dip in pickling. That takes up a lot of space in itself. But I also know I need to get back to making dichroic glass pendants to put on some of the necklaces I'm working on. That requires glass cutting, grinding, polishing, then into the kiln to fuse the glass and I normally have to repeat that process at least twice to get it just right!

So stay tuned as I hope to blog some of the things we are making out in the garage this summer.

If you are local, and you want to come make jewelry with us, just get ahold of me and we'll see how much space we have. I think it's going to be a really fun summer!!! Are you ready to play???

The last night

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 17:14:00 +0000

I cannot believe that this is our last night. The time has simply flown by. I do believe that this has been the best adventure of my life and I'm so happy we did this!!

Today was our day at the art market. I didn't buy much, but I had the best time looking. There are so many talented people here and the market is the best place to find them. I liked the clef notes and the stars in this booth:

There were 2 glass blowers today

The style seems to be very long, very dangly earrings. Of course I was looking for short. LOL!

Interesting glass designs. At first I thought they were wind chimes, but there's nothing to chime. They are just decorative.

These birds are made out of very tiny mesh that's been painted. They fluttered in the breeze - really cool!

Giant necklaces seemed to be "in" as well. I would never wear this, but I liked it well enough to take a picture of it! Notice yet another fabric shop in the background? This is a pedestrian street and the artists set up tables in the street to seek their designs. The stores on both sides were open.

I fell in love with these dichroic glass pieces. She did not have the layer of clear glass on top and I think I like that.

This gall had stitched her silk paining into linen and made table runners and pillows out of them. So clever!

It was absolutely jam packed!

More dichroic earrings. I am definitely going to fire up the kiln and try to make these when I get home!

One booth had wire sculptures and we both thought this one looked like our brother!

Streamlined, smooth, flat seemed to be what a lot of designers had today.

I liked this gal's designs as well

Pretty sure these were enamel of some type. Also found a gal who had melted friendly plastic onto glass. She didn't want me taking photos....but I did like her work.

We are still here all day tomorrow. We have a cab to the airport at 8 pm. Our flight leaves at 12:15 am. We get in to Boston at 4 am, then to Denver around noon on Sunday. I think we cross 9 time zones. Our flight from Tel Aviv to Boston is about 13 hours long. Pray for a safe flight for us. This truly has been the vacation of a lifetime. We've met so many new people, made new friends, been "adopted" by a couple of families, and will have stories to share for years to come! Shabbat has started here and tomorrow, most places will be closed so we will spend the day on the beach. May you have a peaceful, happy, content Shabbat!

Shabbat Shalom from Tel Aviv!

The last place is the best place

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Moore Lowe) — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 17:07:00 +0000

Today, we moved into our last apartment. It is incredible. Right on the ocean! Wonderful view, clean, well furnished, and we have a cleaning service if we want it!

After we got settled in, I took a walk and saw some unique things - at least I think they were unique! How often do you see a horse drawn cart moving stuff? Tel Aviv is an extremely modern city....but obviously has some antiquated ways about it.

I certainly did not come here to find a bar covered with American license plates....but it's here!!!

Nachalet Binyaman is an interesting street. But the farther you walk down it, the more interesting it becomes. Almost every shop is a fabric shop. But nothing related to quilting! This is a dress market...and these are dressier fabrics. Many imported from Europe.

I tried hard to find a "seam" in their dress and there were none. Not sure if they stitched the knitting into the front panel, or if this was more of a tube. But I did like the design.

A lot of the shops had samples of formals in the windows. If you need lace, this is the place to find it.

This window was simply stunning!

This shop was 2 stories of nothing but lace and trims. I think you could find anything in here! And it's just one of numerous trim shops.

This is a walking neighborhood - no cars allowed. I loved how they hung panels between the buildings to provide shade.

I walked about 2 miles to get to "ARTA" - the largest art store in Tel Aviv. It was worth the walk and I had a great time just looking at stuff. I can't take back liquids....so I stuck to solids. Found a couple of rather funky brushes. This first one is about 1/2" in diameter, very thick hairs, and cut on an angle.

This one had a photo above it showing what to do with it. I can't wait to try it out! The clerk was so cute as she didn't think I should be spending as much money as I was. She wanted to know if I painted as a job and when I said, no - just for fun - I think she was a bit shocked!

These are "Arta" brushes - made here in Israel. I didn't have the heart to tell the clerk that these are less than half what I'd pay for them at home - and red sable brushes at that.

'The Carmel market was open and it is always so interesting. Today I saw a guy hawking a veg-o-matic or something similar

It was very busy.

It's very Americanized here in Tel Aviv. Outside the market, I found "Cheers"! LOL!

Found a place close by with a view for dinner. They closed the Main Street as there is supposed to be some kind of night time marathon. We're back in the room, it's dark, and we still haven't seen the runners go by.

This is an amazing city. Some places are so modern, chic, upscale and others are like a 3rd world country. Traffic is the same as any huge city center....yet the beach seems to slow things down. On our first trip, we didn't even spend a day here. On our second trip, I think we were in the hotel for 4 hours and then left to go to the airport. It's so nice to get to spend some time here and explore the city on foot. But I have to say, our apartment here is probably the best apartment we've ever had. A perfect place in a perfect place. :)