Bird Nesting Going on in my Backyard as of June 22nd

This is a Cardinal's nest, but no eggs yet. This nest is built in my thorny rose hedge.

In one nesting box I have a family of nesting Eastern Birdbirds. One egg as of June 23rd. This is an Eastern Birdbird egg. It's actually light blue, but the flash is too bright. Daddy bluebird also pictured up in the tree on the photo to the left of the egg.

I have a Wren family nesting in another nesting box. Here are theWren Hatchlings that are only a few days old.

I just wanted to share some nesting images from the nesting boxes in my backyard. These are baby wrens. It hard to believe, but this nest is not even 2 inches in diameter, so you can imagine just how tiny these hatchlings are. There are a total of 6. The proud momma (pictured at the top left) and daddy were scoulding while I was photographing her babies.

I also have another nesting box with a male Wren who continues to sing and sing and sing trying to attract a mate. He has started the nest which the female will complete with her special decorating touches once she accepts him. It's been days but he still hasn't given up yet!

"Sew Fun!" is June's themed free Kit of the Month

This is the Artist Trading Card kit that will be given FREE with each and every order throughout the month of June.

"Sew Fun!"

Here is an example of the vintage notions (snaps, hooks and eyes), the silver scissors charm and the vintage inspired garment pin (one is close, but I have opened one so you could see that is does open).

For this month's free sewing artist trading card kit, I chose paper from the Donna Salazar's Grandma's Garden Collection, featuring Garden Wedding and Summer Sunshine. The 12 in. x 12 in. paper has been cut into 3 in. x 4 in. pieces. The top 4 paper pieces on the left show 3 different designs from one side, and the back side of the Garden Wedding paper. To the right of that you will see 2 different front designs and 2 different back designs of the Summer Sunshine paper. You will receive two 3 in. x 4 in. pieces, one cut from each of the 12 in. x 12 in. sheets. Also included is a 2 1/2 in. x 4 in. piece cut from a vintage sewing how-to book (2 shown in photo), and a piece of aged tissue paper cut from an actual vintage sewing pattern (1 shown in photo). I purchased mini silver scissors charms and vintage inspired garment pins - you will receive one of each. Also a few vintage notions will be placed into your kit (see the examples in photo 2. There are also 2 different white antique eyelet laces, of which one will be included in your kit, and a vintage piece of orange gathered ribbon that you can stretch and sew onto your artist trading card. Shown also is a variety of vintage sewing images that I have cut from one of my sewing collage sheets. I will include 2 different images for you. Lastly, you will receive a piece of white card stock with the words, Sew Fun! printed using a zigzag font - you can place this anywhere on your sewing ATC. And of course, a blank Artist Trading Card and ATC sleeve will also be placed in this kit. Wow, quite a list!! I'm sure you will enjoy this vintage sewing ATC kit - sew fun!!!

May's Free Artist Trading Card Kit of the Month

Here is the Artist Trading Card Kit for the month of May. Every order this month will receive one of these kits for free. May's kit is titled, "Butterfly, Fly".

For this month I chose paper from Die Cuts with a View. It is the 12" x 12" Mariposa pad with beautiful foil accents and glossy glitter (it is a clear gloss over the glitter); just gorgeous! The photos do not do the paper justice! The 12 in. x 12 in. butterfly paper has been cut into 3 in. x 4 in. pieces. The top 4 pieces shown in the photo are 4 examples of one of the cardstock sheet, and the 4 pieces below that are 4 examples of the other cardstock that I have chosen. You will receive two 3 in. x 4 in. pieces, one cut from each 12 in. x 12 in. sheets. I have purchased 2 different filigree butterfly Charms to go with this kit, one small gold butterfly and one larger bronze butterfly. One of these butterfly charms will be in your kit. I have also included a mini chipboard butterfly. You can glitter it, or paint it, then apply glitter, or just glue paper onto the butterfly - it's your masterpiece, so you can use one those techniques, or choose to use one of your own. There will also be about a 4 inch piece of silver foil German Scrap Dresden French Border, and one of the 4 in. x 1 in. pieces of coordinating paper (either the red or yellow shown above). Lastly, an image of a Victorian butterfly (check out the butterflies laid around the kit in the photo above to see just a few of the butterflies) that has been printed on glossy paper and cut out for you to use on your "Butterfly, Fly" ATC Card. And of course, a blank Artist Trading Card and ATC sleeve will also be placed in this kit. Here is an upclose photo of the paper.

Here is a close up view of the paper.

Shown here is another close up of the paper, as well as the 2 different filigree butterfly charms, the little butterfly chipboard piece, and the Silver German Scrap Dresden French Foil Border. We have many different styles and colors to choose from on our store website, so be sure to check that out too. Look under the "German Scrap Dresden Foils" category. These borders look great on artist trading cards.

Chalked Parakeets Artist Trading Card - I'll Stand by You

Just having a little fun and wanted to share a new chalking technique. Aqua glittered paper for the background of the Artist Trading Card and for the word backgrounds. This was a color photo that I printed in grayscale so that it was a black and white photo. I then colored it with chalks to bring out the parakeets in the photo. Just choose a chalk shade and then color; it's that simple! Cute little lovebirds - inseparable!

April 2011 Free Artist Trading Card Kit of the Month

Here it is! The free ATC Kit for the month for April 2011 - "Easter Beauties".

You will receive one of these kits with every order placed during the month of April.

This month's theme is for Easter, but isn't filled with bunny rabbits. Instead I have chosen to use vintage Easter Postcards featuring "Easter Beauties". (Only 3 are shown in the above photo). I decided to use paper from the New K & Company 12 x 12 Brenda Walton Flora & Fauna Collection. I have chosen the Die Cut Peonies, and the Aqua Eggs from the same collection. The colors are so soft, yet beautiful. The 12 in. x 12 in. paper has been cut into 3 in. x 4 in. pieces. You will receive one piece from the Die Cut Peonies and one from the Aqua Eggs. Also included is one Easter beauty image cut from our collage sheet. There are 5 different coordinating ribbons, of which 2 will be chosen to go with your kit. I have purchased 2 different Silver Bunny Charms to go with this kit. One of the silver rabbit charms will also be included in your kit. I also decided to go with some clear buttons (there are 3 different sizes; one will be in your kit). I love gluing patterned paper to the back of them (Using epoxy - either Judikins or Ranger's Glossy Accents), and then threading some Irish Waxed Linen through the hole. Sooo, you will also be receiving a 1 in. x 1 in. coordinating burgandy paper piece to glue to your clear button, and also included will be 2 different small pieces of Irish Waxed Linen that you can tie through your button. (one cream and one sage green). There is also a flat-backed 3/4 in. antique brass flower, and 4 cream die-cut pieces (one Easter basket and 4 eggs - these were punched from the Martha Stewart Double Large Easter Basket Punch. And of course, a blank Artist Trading Card and an ATC sleeve to place your completed Easter Artist Trading Card.

Here is a close up of the die-cut Easter basket and eggs, the 2 different silver rabbit charms and the brass flower.

Below is an Artist Trading Card that I made from the April Kit. I decided not to use the flat-backed brass flower on this ATC. I inked the Die-Cut Peonies with a soft burgandy ink and a foam blender to bring out the outlines of the die-cuts. I also colored the basket with markers to create the look of a real basket. I then inked and glittered all 4 eggs before gluing them to the back of the Easter basket die-cut. I then tied one of my ribbons to the top of the basket and cut out the vintage Easter image which I placed and glued behind the basket before gluing it to the card. I made my button, as described below, and added the Easter Rabbit Charm to the waxed linen before knoting it.

March Free Artist Trading Card Kit "For the Birds"

Here is the March ATC Kit of the Month that is FREE with any order during the month of March

"For the Birds"

This month's theme is "For the Birds". I have chosen to use 3 of the Die Cuts with a View Mi Casa Glitter Cardstock and their Mariposa Birdscages with Gold Foil cardstock. You will receive one 3 in. x 4 in. piece of Bird Vine with Glitter cardstock, and a 3 in. x 4 in. piece of Birdcages with Gold Foil cardstock. There is also a 1 in. x 4 in. piece of Mi Casa Bird Stripes with Glitter. I have created and cut some vintage bird pictures from my own stock to go along with this kit. The bird images pictured in the above photo are just a few of the ones that be included in this kit. (You will receive 2 images in your kit). There will also be a few bird feathers, a yellow brad and a silver Birdcage Charm. I have also included some thick brown waxed linen to tie around your ATC or make a nest with it, or even dangle the birdcage charm from it; just use your own creativity. Lastly, there is a blank Artist Trading Card and an ATC sleeve to place your completed creation.

This is a close up of the glitter and gold foil paper so you can see the beauty of this cardstock.

In memory of Skylar

A beautiful photo of Skylar, one of my cockatiels, looking out the window late summer. My sweet cockatiel went to heaven today. It's been a very sad day. She was 6 years old.

Happy Valentine's Day

Here's another one of my Valentine Artist Trading Cards. Here's hoping your Valentine's Day is filled with love, laughter and XOXOXO!

**NEW** 7 Gypsies Mini Artist Trading Card Library Drawer

**NOW IN STOCK** The New 7 Gypsies Mini ATC Library Drawer $16.91

*New* 2011 Release, 7 Gypsies Mini ATC Library Drawer **NOW IN STOCK**. This is an amazing mini drawer for holding your Artist Trading Cards! It is 3 1/2 inches wide and 18 inches long. The inner dimension is 3 inches, so it is the perfect size for your 2 1/2 in. long x 3 1/2 in. high artist trading cards.

This was created using the 7 Gypsies Conservatory Artist Trading Card Kit and their Victoria Seam Binding. Also available is their 12 Days of Christmas ATC Kit and their brand new Affirmations and Family.

Here is the link to purchase the above products:

http://youratcstore.com/gypsies-library-drawer-c-105.html

February's FREE Valentine's Day A.T.C. kit of the Month

February free Artist Trading Card Kit of the Month, "Vintage Valentine"

You will receive one of these kits with every order placed during the month of February.

Here is a close up of the sequins and buttons in this kit.

Here is a close up of the paper doily, faux postage stamp stickers and jewel gem, all on one of the 3 in. x 4 in. pieces of paper that I have distressed with ink to make it look vintage. This is the technique I used on my "Vintage Valentine" Artist Trading Card from my previous posting.

Here is the February free Artist Trading Card Kit of the Month, "Vintage Valentine"

It features 2 background papers for your Valentine's Day ATC from the new Making Memories Je t'Adore Valentine's Day Collection, the Patterned Stripe and the Pink Polka Dot. It has pink polka dots on one paper (both sides shown on the top left of the photo), and cream, red and pink hearts, stripes, flourishes and more on the other paper (front and back of this paper is shown in the photo at the top right).

You will receive a blank ATC and a clear ATC sleeve to place your created ATC into. You will also receive both 3 in. x 4 in. pieces of the Making Memories Je t'Adore papers, an image cut from our Childhood Valentine's 1 or 2 Collage Sheet, one of the ribbon pieces (3 shown in the photo), and a 1/2 in. x 4 in. piece of red glitter paper. There is also either a red or an opal clear jewel gem, a corner piece cut from a small circular white paper doily and one vintage faux postage

stamp sticker (These items are shown on the ink distressed piece of Patterned Stripe paper). And of course, you all know my love for sequins.....so here we go again.....a pinch of different sizes and colors of hearts, even some with sayings, red and white cupids, the word, "Love" and "Happy Valentine's Day". You will also receive one of the eleven heart shaped buttons, in white, pink or red (these are shown on the right side of the photo). Lastly, there will be a strip of love sayings, like You are so beautiful, You hold the key to my heart, more than words, a never ending love story and so on. Wow, what a lot in this kit! You be sure to love it!

You can purchase the Making Memories Je t'Adore papers shown here as well as the Vintage Tickets (a package of 40! These are a must have!) and the Making Memories Je t'Adore Valentine Charm Bracelet Kit.

Here's a Valentine's Day Artist Trading Card

I made this Valentine's ATC with next month's free Valentine's Day Artist Trading Card Kit. So here is a peek at the red glitter paper strip, just one of the ribbon selections, one of the vintage postage stamp stickers, a gem, and a vintage image from the yourATCstore Valentine's collage sheet. See the whole free kit debut on February 1st.

January 2011 Winter Wonderland Artist Trading Card Kit of the Month

January 2011 "Winter Wonderland" Artist Trading Card FREE Kit of the Month

Here is the January 2011 FREE ATC Kit of the month. This kit will be placed in orders through the month of January. This kit can also be purchased on our website under the ATC Kit Category. This photo above shows the fronts and backs of the 2 - 3 in. x 4 in. pieces of Winter Wonderland cardstock from the Bo Bunny Press Snowy Serenade Collection. Also in this kit is one 1 1/2 in. x 4 in. piece of coordinating paper from the same paper collection. There is also a vintage wintertime photo cut from our Snow Fun 1 or Snow Fun 2 Collage Sheets. Now you know I love sequins, right?! So, of course, you will find sequins in this kit. There are 2 white detailed snowmen, and a pinch of different shaped snowflakes that are white, iridescent clear, silver and iridescent white. There is also a pinch of small snowballs (tiny styrofoam white balls) to glue to your artwork, and lastly a silver fancy snowflake charm. As usual there is also a blank ATC card and sleeve for your ATC creation. If you are not into making ATCs, then make a great tag or bookmark. You can also use this kit to create your own wintertime greeting card or use the items for a scrapbook page. Next month will be Vintage Valentine's Day.

December's Free "Father Christmas" Artist Trading Card Kit

December's Artist Trading Card Kit

Here was the free December 2010 "Father Christmas" Artist Trading Card kit that was placed in orders from last month. This kit is now available for purchase on the website under the ATC Kit category. The photo below shows the front and backs of the 1 of the 3" x 4" pieces of Christmas cardstock that comes in this kit (the 2 in the upper left corner). You will also receive one double sided artist trading card cut from the Pink Paislee Father Christmas Trading Card paper (12 shown in photo), and one Santa circle cut from Father Christmas Around The World paper. There are also 2 postage stamp sized vintage images cut from the Graph 45 Christmas Past Letters to Santa paper, a pinch of miscellaneous Christmas holiday sequins, a Father Christmas image stamped with black Staz-on ink, and 2 hand stamped and punched stockings (one red, one green). There are 6 different coordinating ribbons in this kit, of which 2 will be chosen for the kit, a silver Christmas tree charm, and lastly, a blank ATC card and sleeve for your ATC creation.

Here is a closer look at the sequins, stamped image, paper stockings, the postage stamps, etc.

November's Free Thanksgiving Artist Trading Card Kit

"Giving Thanks" Artist Trading Card Kit

Here is the "Giving Thanks" Thanksgiving Artist Trading Card kit that will be given FREE with your order during the month of November. There are six different 3" x 4" pieces of Thanksgiving cardstock from Karen Foster. Two will be chosen for you. There will be a vintage Thanksgiving collage image cut from a yourATCstore Collage Sheet. There are also 5 different coordinating ribbons available with this kit. You will receive the pumpkin ribbon, as well as one of the other coordinating ribbons, a 1/4 inch piece of rust Bazzill cardstock, and a strip of Thanksgiving cardstock with sayings like, pumpkin pie, and turkey & cranberries, and a leaf charm. Now, you know I love sequins, so I have included a few sequins in this kit too. A red cornucopia, gold and orange turkeys and orange pumpkins. And lastly, a blank ATC card and sleeve for your finished ATC creation. If you don't make artist trading cards, there is enough goodies in this kit to make a Thanksgiving greeting card or tag.

October's FREE Artist Trading Card Kit of the Month

Here is October's free Artist Trading Card Kit of the month.

One free with every order during the month of October.

Here is the "Fall/Halloween" Artist Trading Card kit that will be given FREE with every order for the month of October. The photo shows the front and backs of the 2 different 3" x 4" pieces of Fall cardstock from the Pinecone Press (Pumpkin Pie and Witch Stockings) also available through the store under this category. http://youratcstore.com/atc-papers-6-x-6-8-x-8-12-x-12-c-93.html?osCsid=a8405569c05ed14a0cb1f5bda13fe011. There will be a Halloween image cut from one of the many different yourATCstore Halloween Collage Sheet, and a picket fence die-cut cut from black or brown cardstock. There are 5 different coordinating ribbons available with this kit, so 2 will be chosen for you, along with a 1 1/4 in. x 5/8 in. piece of ribbon of a glittery skeleton. Also in this kit will be a pinch of misc. Fall and Halloween sequins as shown in the photo, and one charm (either a skeleton key, a pumpkin or a halloween cat), plus a blank ATC card and sleeve for your finished ATC Fall/Halloween creation.

Here is an Artist Trading Card that I made with one of these kits. I still had extra paper, sequins and my charm left for another project.

Here's a tag/bookmark I made.

Here is an example of a school tag or bookmark made from the free September Artist Trading Card kit of the month. Great for a child's bookmark or a tag for a teacher's gift. It measure 6 inches x 3 inches. The twine that I used as a bow is the only item that was not in the kit. Here's the store link if you'd like to order some. You get 10 yards for only $1.10. http://youratcstore.com/creative-impressions-natural-twine-yards-p-2754.html

I just wanted to show that you can create more than just an ATC with this this month's kit.

September "Elementary School" Free Artist Trading Card Kit

Photo of the "Elementary School" Artist Trading Card Kit. See description below.

Here is the September "Elementary School" Artist Trading Card kit that will be given FREE with every order for the remainder of the month. The photo shows the front and backs of the 3 different 3" x 4" pieces of school cardstock from the Studio Calico Elementary Collection. You will receive 2 - 3" x 4" pieces of these in this kit. There is a vintage school image cut from one of the yourATCstore Back to School Collage Sheet, a strip of FabRips from Studio Calico to match the papers (you can cut into the FabRips piece determining how wide you would like it, and then just hold the sticker strip down and rip, creating a fringed piece of fabric ribbon). You will also receive part of a page from a 1950 Children's Dictionary, and a double sided alphabet or number card from a pack of Learning Cards. There will also be a yellow or blue (a letter or a number) felt sticker, a small piece of Creative Impressions Alphabet Twill Ribbon http://youratcstore.com/creative-impressions-m-53.html, an Apple or Schoolhouse charm, plus a blank ATC card and sleeve for your ATC Elementary creation.

End of August Free Artist Trading Card Kit

This is the FREE Artist Trading Card kit for the remainder of the month of August. This kit will also be given for orders in September until the "Elementary School" ATC kit is ready. We ordered new release papers for this kit at the Craft and Hobby Show in July. They haven't arrived at the store yet, but as soon as they do, the September "Elementary School" Artist Trading Card kits will be put together, photos uploaded to this store blog, and then placed with the September orders for the remainder of that month. The photo below shows the front and back of the 2 - 3" x 4" pieces of travel cardstock that you will receive in this kit. You will also receive a vellum sticker cut from the travel sticker collection sheet below the kit photo. A vintage postcard image, a strip of FabRips from Studio Calico to match the papers (you can cut into the FabRips piece determining how wide you would like it, and then just hold the sticker strip down and rip, creating a fringed piece of fabric ribbon). Also included is 3 small maps die-cut circles, a strip of brown fiber, and of course, a blank ATC card and sleeve for your ATC after it is created. You will also receive a silver sun charm that is not included in the photo below.

This is the travel sticker collection sheet. You will receive one of these with your kit.

Here is my Artist trading card using the kit. The arrows were cut out of the backside of the camera paper. I will demonstrate the map flower in my next newsletter.

Here is the same ATC, but with a pleated paper flower in the center. I will also demonstrate how to make this one in the newsletter too. So if you are not registered for our newsletter, go sign up for an account at www.yourATCstore.com and place a check in the newsletter box.

If you would like to purchase the "Documentary" papers from Studio Calico, then you can click on the links below to be directed to them at the store.

http://youratcstore.com/studio-calico-documentary-collection-fstop-camera-p-3052.html

http://youratcstore.com/studio-calico-documentary-collection-p-3053.html

Photos from the Summer Craft & Hobby Show

Hey guys! Just thought you all would enjoy seeing some photos that were taken at the Summer CHA Show that took place July 27-29th, 2010. It was held in Chicago, IL. It was 4 great days of fun, great conversations, crafting and sore feet.

This is the famous ATC artist, Bernie Berlin, author of Artist Trading Card Workshop. She was at the Art-C Booth at the show, a new brand from the C-Thru Ruler Co. The Art-C line is dedicated to mixed media artists and the of course, the ATC sensation. These great Artist Trading Card products that will be shipping in October. I can't wait to get these in amazing products in the store. You can see some of the new products behind us in the photo.

Here is a photo of some Artist Trading Cards that she created.

Hum, wonder who this is, LOL?! The incredible Tim Holtz. Oh, and me of course! This was early morning, so I don't look too awake yet. He was autographing his Sizzix, Texture Fades Embossing Folders which I was fortunate to receive; one of which will be given away to one lucky winner in the first yourATCstore October ATC swap/contest. Watch our blog and newsletter for details later.

Here is the beautiful Teresa Collins and I in front of her new scrapbooking line. She also has a new jewelry line full of sparkle and bling~ It was fun doiing the make and takes with her new product lines at her booth.

Here is a photo of with Suze Weinberg, one of the Signature Artists at Ranger Industries. Her demos were so neat to watch. She's amazing and fun!

Of course, I had to get my photo taken with Tim again. He also autographed my art apron for the second time; first time was in 2008. Tim's demos were great to watch! I also enjoyed his product samples that he created, as well as seeing and touching all of the new Idea-ology and Ranger products that will be released this Fall.

August FREE Artist Trading Card Kit of the Month

August FREE Artist Trading Card Kit of the Month

Here is one of my artist trading cards that I made from the kit~

Here is another artist trading card that I made from the kit.

August ATC Kit of the Month

Here is the August Artist Trading Card kit of the month. This kit is given free with every order placed in the month of August. A Travel ATC Kit will be created soon for the end of this month. This will be posted when available, but for now the "All That Glitters" will be the kit you will receive. This month's theme is, "All That Glitters" full of glam, glitter and sparkle. You will receive 1 of the 3 in. x 4 in. glittery patterned pieces of cardstock (shown on the far left), plus one of the other 3 in. x 4 in. pieces. (Either the light blue or yellow). You will also be receiving both of the ribbon pieces shown, some lime green round sequins, a baby blue gem or pearl, 2 round yellow glitter balls and a square gold brad that has been dipped in orange glitter to match the cardstock. Also in this kit is an image are cut from the yourATCstore Actress Beauties from the 30's, 40's & 50's Collage Sheet and the word phrase ALL THAT GLITTERS. Of course, there will be a blank ATC, and an ATC sleeve to place your masterpiece in once you have created your ATC.