A Vintage Girl

When something special happens...

A Vintage Girl proves she really is a "Bad Girl" after all!

This is not just a simple announcement, although it could be, it's not going to be.  There is a back story here and I am so over the moon excited that I wanted to share it all.

Back in 2009, I was new to the industry.  Back in the days, when others would tell me I would never make it, my designs were too unique, too bulky, too shabby chic.  Well, I guess I showed them now that it is 10 years later and not only am I still in the industry, but my style is now mainstream and every single person who told me that hasn't been in the industry for years.  LOL!

Most know my story and start with Graphic45, but what most do not know is there was a scrapbook kit company that also had a challenge group that I so admired, Bad Girls Club, ran by Wendy Rago.  I was far too new to even be considered to be on their design team or be a part of the group at all.  So I lingered for years on the outside.  I first saw the kit when they collaborated with Hambly Screen Prints in April 2009.  I was a huge Hambly fan and very upset when they shut down in 2012.  This kit sparked my interest because they were different then what was out there.  More my style that was TOTALLY NOT IN at the time.  The colors were not as muted as I would have liked, but at that time in the industry, there wasn't much of it.  At least this one had some vintage flair!!!

Here is the kit that they promoted on Hambly's blog in April 2009:

I continued to watch from afar but never got up the nerve to try out for their team, and then they shut down.  I was very sad because the kits became more and more the style I loved and honestly they were before their time, back when mixed media was not so prevalent in the paper crafting world.  Wendy had a family to take care of and the business needed to be put on the back burner.  I can understand that, being self-employed for most of my life, raising three children, etc.  But I was sad.  I always admired her tenacity, her bad ass attitude and it inspired me more than she could have known at the time.

 

Now lets fast forward to 2017.  I was sitting at my desk when I post came across my facebook feed about Bad Girls being back.  Wendy and I spoke a number of times over the years on several subjects, but that was it.  We remained facebook friends, so when the announcement came across, I nearly LOST MY SHIT!  No, really!  First, the thought of collaborating with Wendy on my upcoming Sisterhood of Badassery Women's Retreat crossed my mind and reached out.  We spoke briefly, she was very busy relaunching her business.  It was all good.

   And then................there was a design team call.  Of course, now I have been in the industry for ages, been on some of the top manufacturer's teams, design my own products, etc.  I would surely have a chance if I tried out.  I wrote down the specifics so I would be sure to make the deadline.   Well, life got in the way...and I did not make the deadline.  Sad face.  I wasn't looking to be on a bunch of teams just a few to keep my creativity going, so it is ok.  I will try out next time.

Then I got a message a few weeks ago, out of the blue....and that is where the announcement comes in!

I am over the moon excited to share that I am now OFFICIALLY A BAD GIRL with Bad Girl Couture.  Thank you, Wendy, for reaching out and allowing me to tick this off my bucket list.  We are going to have so much fun and I can't wait to create and share some inspiring projects using your amazing kits!  I am happy to push it outside the box!

 

Keep an eye out throughout the month for the projects that I have been working on along with all the other incredible bad girls!

And here is the latest kit you can win on Bad Girls Couture INSTAGRAM!  

Visit the blog for more inspiration and information on the Giveaways!  Click Here!



Thank you for stopping by!

Candy Rosenberg
www.AVintageGirl.com 

Make a Junk Journal with Me at Scrapbook Expo, June 2 & 3rd in Puyallup, Washington!

JOIN ME AT SCRAPBOOK EXPO this weekend in Puyallup, Washington.
June 2 & 3, 2017
Friday at 4pmpm & Saturday at 2:30pm
at the Washington State Fair
This class is 1.5 hours long and is going to be the bomb-diggity!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

There are still some spots left for this amazing JUNK JOURNAL class with its own canvas envelope to tote it around in.  Color sprays, stencils, textures, rope, paper and so much more.  Fun envelopes and pockets to put your goodies in.  You will be spoiled with all the product you will receive in this class.  

Sponsored by some wonderful and generous companies including Canvas Corp Brands/Tattered Angels, Beacon Adhesives, Imaginarium Designs, Heartfelt Creations, Elizabeth Craft Designs

 

Check us out in the workshop book and get more info and sign up....hurry while seats are still open.  We are going to have a great time! http://scrapbookexpo.com/ShowGuides/2017-Puyallup-Workshop-Guide/2017-Puyallup-Workshop-Guide/assets/basic-html/page-38.html

National Craft Month Etchall Blog Hop - Designer Craft Connection

It's NATIONAL CRAFT MONTH and this month we are playing with Etchall® Etching Creme.  I have to admit I have always admired "etching" and I am sure that I have even had the product at some point in my crafting career but never found the time to try.  This is because I believed it was a two or three step process and I just don't have the patience for it.  So I jumped at the chance to work with Etchall® in this blog hop so I could see what it was all about.

www.Etchall.com
Visit the website for amazing videos on how to use all their products.  To try yourself, click over on to the Designer Craft Connection blog for a coupon code.

Well let me tell you, it was so simple that I feel extremely silly now thinking back on how hard I thought it would be.  So when I thought about what I would use it on, I had the chance to work with a brand new local candle company that uses liquor bottles and cut them to make candle holders.  They create their own candles with waxes and essential oils. They are not quite ready to launch but thought that the etching would be an incredible addition to the bottles.  So we played...

I also did a larger piece of glass and then the mirror coaster that came with the package, just to show you different ways that we played with it.

Scents Be Wicked is the name of the little startup...so here we added their name and logo to a bottle, then added the twine wrap.

 

Here we worked on covering a larger surface and leaving the negative side exposed and see thru.

And the fun little mirror that came with the kit of product to use.  It was super easy and cute!

 

These were fun projects and I am totally hooked now.  Be sure to visit the other designers in this hop and see all the great projects they created.

 

Julie McGuffee   http://juliemcguffee.blogspot.com/2017/03/etching-with-etchall.html

Laurie McCullers   http://lorriemccullers.blogspot.com/2017/03/etched-glass-lantern-featuring-etchall.html

Susan M Brown   http://sbartist.blogspot.com/2017/03/im-green-with-cre8time-envy-upcycle-and.html

Marilyn Gossett    http://marilyngossettdesigns.blogspot.com/2017/03/celebrate-spring-with-etchallr.html

Erin Reed    http://scraps-of-reflections.blogspot.com/2017/03/diy-etched-glass-mini-vases-blog-hop.html

Tammy Santana    http://www.tammysantana.com/2017/03/diy-etched-rustic-wedding-champagne.html

Terry Ricioli    http://terryriciolidesigns.blogspot.com/2017/03/etched-slate-sign.html

Maria Choy    http://terryriciolidesigns.blogspot.com/2017/03/etched-slate-sign.html

Steph Ackerman    http://stephaniescraps.blogspot.com/2017/03/so-sweet-travel-frame.html

Ann Strecko Koeman    http://stephaniescraps.blogspot.com/2017/03/so-sweet-travel-frame.html

Lynda Kanase    https://lyndacreates.com/2017/03/14/vintage-etched-mirror-with-etchall-and-eclips

Susie Madden Benz    http://mytime2play.blogspot.com/2017/03/etching-ceramic-coffee-cups.html

Anita Scoggins    http://theflamingochronicals.blogspot.com/2017/03/DccEtchall.html

Nadine Carlier    http://myscrapnstuff.blogspot.com/2017/03/etchall-blog-hop-with-dcc.html

Tanya Ruffin    http://tkarts.blogspot.com/2017/03/diy-etched-mercury-glass.html

 

This post is sponsored by Etchall and Designer Craft Connection.  I have received product, however, my project and opinions are my own.  Photos are Copyright. A Vintage Girl.

Creativation 2017: Leisure Arts Coloring Books & Colored Pencils

Creativation 2017 was a great show with lots of opportunity to see the newest trends.  Coloring books are still raging in the craft industry and Leisure Arts joined us at our Media Prime Event to share what they have new and provided a book and a pack of coloring pencils to play with.  Thank you again for being a sponsor of this amazing event that allows media, bloggers and industry influencers to meet in one place and exchange information.  DISCLAIMER:  I was compensated with product without any requirements and project is of my own doing without guidelines and any opinions are that of my own without influence.

Now on to one of my favorite past times, coloring...

I wanted to do something a bit different than just coloring some pages in the book.  I had this idea of coloring a portion of a page and making it into a card.  I found a cute turtle page that I adored and got busy coloring.  Check out how I made this card and one other in this post.  

First of all, the array of colors in the 24 pack was excellent and the smoothness of the pencils was really nice and this is from a colored pencil snob.  

 

After coloring a section, I cut it out to fit the front of the card.

I inked around the edges prior to adhering with Beacon Adhesives Zip Dry to the card.

And in a flash, I got the joy of coloring and then being able to make a card with it.  I also made a second card.

Done the same way, another card. The possibilities are endless!

Learn More About Leisure Arts 
website | blog

Leisure Arts was born from a simple concept: The Art of Everyday Living. From its inception in 1971, Leisure Arts brightened lives through the art of needle crafting, specifically through crochet and knit publications. Today, Leisure Arts provides all the tools you need to live creatively. As a leading publisher of lifestyle and instructional craft publications, we work with a team of talented designers to bring you the latest trends in all crafting categories. From needle crafting and general crafting how-to books to adult coloring books, coloring instruments, home décor and beyond, it’s easy to make memories with Leisure Arts.

Our books feature reliable step-by-step instructions. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, we offer you tested patterns you can trust. In needle crafting, we offer publications in crochet, knit, quilt, sewing, plastic canvas and cross stitch. Our general crafting categories include paper crafts, mixed media, paracord, beading and jewelry making, painting and many more.  

Coloring stands alone at Leisure Arts. We offer a wide line of coloring books for all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re an expert in blending and shading, or just relaxing and relieving stress, you’ll find the perfect coloring book for you at Leisure Arts. 

Beyond books, we offer tools and kits to enhance your crafting experience. From the Ultimate Oval Loom Kit and Knook® to coloring instruments, home décor items and more, we are your one stop shop for all your creative endeavors.  

Our books and products are available at national chain craft stores, discount retailers, independent craft stores and at LeisureArts.com. In addition to printed publications, eBooks and ePatterns can be purchased at LeisureArts.com.

Thank you for stopping by.

And it begins...

Making Progress and a Bit of Change of Plans....

When I moved my shipping business and downsized, the building that I initially rented was to house the mailing and shipping store but also my studio and coaching business so I can build it up at the same time.  The intention was to move the shipping store to an office area that I had secured for that purpose right next door when we were ready to do so. However, due to some issues with the Post Office as of late, we are unable to move the space now.  Which is ok, as we ended up needing the extra space anyway and the new owners will most likely be raising their children in the business just as I did with mine.  So great extra rooms and kitchen area for that purpose.

So that means I need to find another space.  Luckily the big beautiful office on the other side of me is available.  Someone has now come in and rented a portion of it, leaving a nice area left for me to rent which is incredible.  It is a beautiful space, perfect for my coaching and art business.  

Meanwhile, however, I have a ton of deadlines and things to get done so no stopping progress.  I brought over counters and shelves from the previous location and have gone ahead and built out my small studio so I can get to work.  

Got all the counters and shelves up, now to put things away and bring things from storage.  I am sure I will get it just right and then have to move but that is ok, the new office and craft space is beautiful!

Announcement: Excited to be designing with Mon Ami Gabby's collection of couture accents.

 

I had to contact Marina to figure out just how long we have known each other.  I remember it was a craft expo in Portland, Oregon more than 8 years ago, I was walking the the show floor and when I first saw the Mon Ami Gabby booth, my mouth dropped to the floor and drool was falling from my lips with all the beautiful lace, ribbon and other fun and unique embellishments.  They were so my style, so unique and top notch quality.  I ended up spending all my money at that booth that day.  I still hoard a few items from that haul because its so hard to use it, its so darn beautiful.

Over the years, Marina and I had seen each other at expos and trade shows.  I was always in awe of the products and hoped to someday design for the company.  I am now realizing that hope as I work with Mon Ami Gabby in a project designer/endorsed educator capacity.  This means you will see A LOT of this yumminess in my future projects featured in various publications, on my blog, on the Mon Ami Gabby blog and now in my upcoming mixed media classes. Keep an eye out on my class schedule page, adding classes this week!

I am super excited to be working with Marina, a hard working, talented and creative woman that brings us such amazing products to create with.  If you haven't had a chance to see what kind of wonderful products they have, please spend some time over at www.monamigabby.com.  You will be glad you did.

Looking forward to inspiring you with lots of Mon Ami Gabby!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for stopping by.

Announcement: CHA Trends Report Contributing Columnist: Colors and Textiles

Hello Crafty Peeps,

So happy to announce that I have taken on a position as a CHA Trends Report Contributing Columnist for the Colors and Textiles section.  Looking forward to bringing my years of experience in the Craft & Hobby Industry and bringing our members some great insight into COLOR and TEXTILES that are trending this year.

I have already started on my first assignment......keep an eye out!

Happily Ever After Wall Decor

At the Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show in Anaheim in January this year, bloggers were invited to a fun event that introduced craft industry manufacturers to some of the movers and shakers in the industry in order to build relationships.  FaveCrafts has been a great motivator in the blogger/influencer world and we are very grateful.

VOTING WILL BEGIN ON MARCH 31st through APRIL 6th, 2016 on the FaveCrafts website.  I will keep you posted on the link!

As part of this event, we met with companies and later received some product to use in both promoting the companies and to enter the FaveCrafts Best Blogger Craft 2016 contest.  I used Testors products in my entry, mostly because I felt challenged to use a product that would not normally be used in traditional craft.  They are known for their paints for car and plane models.  So I took the challenge to use their products on wood and see what I can get the products to do!

Keep an eye out for a full tutorial when voting begins!

I used product from Testors, Beacon Adhesives, Imagine Crafts, Prima, Adornit to create this wall plaque. 

Look at the texture on the wood, the Testors CreateFX is amazing.

I am excited to see what everyone has made, I love this industry and thank you to FaveCrafts!!

An Interview with Susan Wotjkowski...and there is a prize giveaway!!!

Thank you to Susan Wotjkowski for asking me to be a part of her Artist/Designer interview series.  What fun it was to share some insights and some of my past work with everyone.  I hope you enjoy it, head on over to her blog to learn more about me...and enter the giveaway!!

You could win this awesome prize!  CLICK HERE TO VISIT NOW!

Thank you for stopping by!

Exciting News....I am honored to be a part of the Indigo Blu International Design Team

I'M AN INDIGOBLU BELLE!

I'm super excited to announce that I've been chosen to join the incredible IndigoBlu team.  I can't wait to share all their amazing products with you through a myriad of mixed media projects....and yes there will be dress forms!

This is an International team with so many incredibly talented designers from all corners of the world! For the official announcement please visit the Indigo Blu blog at http://www.indigoblu.com/blog/2015/06/introducing-the-new-international-design-team-2015-2016-day-three/  Be sure to keep an eye out on their blog as they announce the new team, you are going to be excited to see who I get to work with!