New Swap: Abstract Art Canvas

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

Abstract Art Canvas Swap

2-for-2 Direct Mail 4x6 Canvases

Skill Level: 2 - Budding

Sign Up by: August 29th

Partners Announced: August 30th

Mail Out by: September 14th

Hosted by: Beckie Holso

Description: For this project, you will create two unique 4" x 6" canvases using your choice of mixed media techniques to create an abstract design. These will be original compositions and NOT image collages. You can use the substrate of your choice and thickness but the size should be approximately 4x6 inches.

I've pinned some samples for inspiration on my Pinterest board here.

Mailing Guidelines: You will send one completed canvas to each of your two assigned partners. Names will be randomized and mailing list announced on August 30th. You may have to mail internationally so keep the postage costs in mind when designing your canvas - if it's really thick or heavily embellished, it will cost more to mail.

Skill Level: 2) BUDDING - Participants will be open to trying new ideas and materials, without necessarily being competent yet with their applications. Swap Hosts are encouraged to add the requirement of a technique or process such as creating texture, using crackle paint, doing photo transfers, painting with watercolor, etc.

Tutorial: Faux Tiles with UTEE

by Connie Holso

Today we're sharing a simple technique that gives elegant results. This tutorial comes from one of our group moderators, Connie Holso, who always gets rave reviews when she uses this technique.

1. Dry emboss the tile grid on your cardstock.
2. Carefully stamp the image over the grid, keeping ink out of the indentations.
3. Replace the stencil and coat the "tiles" with clear embossing ink.
4. Remove stencil and sprinkle on UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Powder).
5. Tap off excess powder and heat.
6. Tada!!

by Connie Holso

New Swap: Cemetery Angels

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

Cemetery Angels

3-for-3 ATC Swap

Skill level: 1 - Sprouting

Sign up by: August 10th

Cards due in hand by: September 20th

Hostess: Mel Dunkley

Inspired by my recent visit to Highgate Cemetery in London, I am happy to announce this new ATC swap. Please send three ATCs in any style as long as they feature a Cemetery Angel, statue or other grave monument.

Please note that I am in the UK, so most players would be posting internationally. UK participants, please send a SAE.  International players can send ephemera or an extra card in lieu of postage, or $5 if you prefer.

Skill Level: 1) SPROUTING - Geared toward the artist who has recently begun their journey into mixed media, these swaps are open to all group members, regardless of experience. Participation is the key - caring and sharing in the spirit of friendship and fun. Every artist needs to understand that contributors to these projects can be of any level of artistic experience.

July Freebie: Soaring into Summer

It's time for another freebie courtesy of your Paper Traders Moderators. A great big THANK YOU to Connie Holso for preparing this terrific offering for your personal use. Please use the link BELOW the photo to download the high resolution file. Enjoy!

Download HERE:

http://1drv.ms/1e73Our

By The Numbers Art Journaling Challenge "SIX"

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

By The Numbers Art Journaling Challenge "SIX"

Skill Level: 2 - Budding

The sixth challenge for our monthly art journaling project is to use a resist technique on your pages.  There are LOTS of different and amazing ways to use resist elements - You can find instructions for several different techniques on my Pinterest board here:
https://www.pinterest.com/artbeckons/art-journaling/

Don't forget to do some journaling on your page by writing down your thoughts using an idiom for the number "six". You can find a list of idioms here:
http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/six
Just pick one that inspires your thought process and journal about it. I think the number theme of this project can add a fun element to your pages... you might want to use the respective number prominently in decorating your pages. Don't stop with a simple saying - that's just a prompt to get you started. Let the creativity continue to flow as you journal and decorate your pages. You have the entire month to complete your pages for this challenge. We won’t be swapping or mailing pages – you will keep the journal you create for your own.

Here are some idioms for "SIX" to get you going...

• at sixes and sevens
• six feet under
• six of one and half a dozen of the other
• check your six
• deep six
• double six
• eighty-six and 86
• Joe Six-pack
• on your six
• six-bits
• six-pack
• six of the best
• knock for six

Don't forget... As a little incentive for this project, the moderators are offering the opportunity to win a prize for participating.

For each challenge in which you participate (there will be a total of 10), you will earn one entry into the random drawing to be held when the project is complete. The more entries you earn, the bigger the potential prize:

1-3 entries = prize value of $5
4-6 entries = prize value of $10
7-9 entries = prize value of $15
10 entries = prize value of $20

One lucky person will win a gift card to their favorite local craft store up to the value for which they qualified.  More participation >> More chances to win >> Bigger potential prize!  Plus... it will be lots of fun, too.

Skill Level: 2) BUDDING - Participants will be open to trying new ideas and materials, without necessarily being competent yet with their applications. Swap Hosts are encouraged to add the requirement of a technique or process such as creating texture, using crackle paint, doing photo transfers, painting with watercolor, etc.