DIY Scratch Off Holiday Cards

Inspired by a Dainty Squid post I decided to make Matt and I's Christmas card this year. The image is a painting he did of us about a month ago. LOVE IT! I just scanned it on to the computer and made a matching text side. Over all the process was pretty easy and I will be using it again and again I am sure for all manner of things. 

Though I think in the future I will probably leave more time to send the printing out to get it professionally done on a thicker stock paper. I printed on standard card stock at UPS, who are always awesome but do have more limited paper selection. Another good reason to outsource the printing besides more paper options include a higher quality print and they can do a lot of the pre-shaping (cutting/folding) of your card for you :) Always a bonus! There are many options out there from Flyer Club to Vista Print and many many more. 

                        To make your own scratch off cards you'll need:

*Your Printed Design

I would recommend getting your design printed on a card stock weight paper.

You could do the scratch card on a standard computer paper in a pinch but it  really doesn't hold up as well and visually the weight of the paper looks off in relation to the scratch off paint. I promise you'll be happiest using a good sturdy card stock paper. 

*Dish Soap 

Any liquid soap will do. I used Palmolive

*Acrylic Paint 

Any brand and color will work. I used a metallic silver

*A paint brush or sponge brush

They both do the same job one just leaves less visible streaks.

*Packing Tape or Contact Paper

I used packing tape. It is cheaper and my design meant I was just working with straight lines. 

If you are doing a shaped area for your scratch out I would recommend going with the contact paper so you can trace and cut out your designs with out the head ache of having no backing. 

*Painters Tape

This will help stream line the whole painting process if you're working with straight edges. 

You just want to be careful that you press it down well so no paint leaks under it and that you are careful pulling it up depending on the quality of the paper/ stock you're using it can want to tear at the paper a little. 

*Something to Work On

(i.e. scrap paper, cardboard, plastic table cloth)

This is to protect your home and often times your work. 

 A sturdy large piece of cardboard from an old box side worked great for me. I could tape down and work on a large quantity of the cards but if I got interrupted it was simple enough to put away and pull out again later. Plus I could work on it while sitting on the couch watching movies rather than being forced to the kitchen table. ;)

                                                          Pep Talk

If there is anything life has proven to me it is that the easy or simple things are easy to get frustrated by because they can be simple to mess up. Thats why I recommend doing a test run or two on your cards to get familiar with the process and work out any kinks you might encounter along the way. Be patient and your reward will be the most awesome cards your customers, friends and family have ever seen. You will become legend because YOU did it yourself. Which means thats right you're awesome! Now lets get to work. :)

                                            Here We Go! A Step by Step:

1* Make the Paint

Mix two parts paint to every one part of dish soap. Be gentle but thorough in mixing. You want it try and keep bubbles down to a minimum. 

2* Tape the Area You Want to Paint

With the contact paper or Packing tape cover the area you want the scratch off to be. Make sure that the whole area is covered. 

3* Tape down and Mask Area w/ Painters Tape

Using your painters tape mask off what you don't want painted over to get nice crispy edges. I like to gently rub the tape down to guarantee that its really secure and won't leech paint underneath of its edges. You can mask your cards down to your scrap surface as well if you're trying to keep the project as mobile/mess free as possible. 

4* Painting Time

With either your paintbrush or sponge brush apply THIN, EVEN layers. Don't worry if you can still see the design through the first coat. The paint dries quickly. It usually takes about 2 or 3 layers. 

5* Let it Dry

This is in my opinion the most crucial step. I always want to rush drying things. Laundry, paintings, etc... It never turns out well. I either end up wearing damp jeans all day or ruin the project I was working on. So take my advice and let it dry. This paint doesn't take long to dry completely so let it be. ...Or use a hair dryer.... I mean I'm just saying. Time is precious. 

6* Remove the Bindings

Once your cards are completely dry you can remove the painters tape. Be very gentle with it. Peel slowly and kind of at a diagonal and you should notice a minimum of effort. If it starts to pull at the paper of the card or the paint STOP IMMEDIATELY and start a counter attack from the opposite side. This works most of the time. Once all your masking tape is removed your cards are ready to go. 

7* Victory Dance

Now do a little dance and enjoy your amazing scratch off cards. 

                                                         

It's here in the blinkin' papers! Pictures and all!

I have always loved Cruella De Vil's style. Even a a kid knowing that she was through and though evil with a capital D I still had to give her props on her personal style. I just wished she'd see the light and do it without having to kill puppies. One of the main style points of Cruella's that I lusted after was her two tone hair but being fair and freckled I just wrote off never looking right with it. Surprising considering I was purple haired not even 6 months ago. My awesome beard face below is evidence of that. 

Then I saw Mini Penny's blog on my random internet walk about. It was like a flash of lightning! Epiphany!  The answer to several of my hair desires. 

1) I could get the Cruella look with out it frying half my hair while making the other look to garish next to my complexion. 

2) I could keep my hair its natural color for the most part which would help restore its natural health and make my mom super happy. 

Hi MOM! 

 Following my dilemma of not wanting to totally gank the lovely style of Chapplin from Mini Penny lead to what you see before you.  I hope sincerely hope she doesn't mind being my hair-spiration helping me finally achieve a manageable Cruella look. I am really in love with it. If you haven't checked out her blog you totally should because its pretty awesome. Until next time Darlings, Here is some of Disney's Cruella, Cruella De Vil.

I'm Back!!!

I'm back from outer space. It has been quite some time since I last posted and a lot has happened.

* I graduated from Tennessee Tech University with a BFA in Art Education. Which means I can teach K-12 art
* Accepted and Completed a tattoo apprenticeship at No Egrets Tattoo Studio in Clarksville, TN
* Started dating fellow tattoo artist Matt Monroe. We've been together for a year and a month and are happily going strong.
* Adopted an kitten whom we've named Bakanekko and call Baka for short.

Its funny how making bullets of the big events in your life makes it seem like you've done a lot less than you have. :) Take my word for it all of that was a lot and it was the reason I let this blog slip for a few years. But now I am back and I have lots of crafting and projects to get started on. Hope you all didn't feel to neglected.

Also feel free to check out my tattoo blog, www.sweettatties.blogspot.com

poof! The rabbit is back in the hat

I feel like I try to hard. I should just be and do what I like. Its that simple. I'd be for the most part and in the majority of all things happy. Thats not to say hiccups and road bumps wont occur. Though I don't really feel l do anything I don't like so maybe its more I need to find a better way to connect with others who share my interests. Anywhoodles. This blog is going to go through a revamp. I don't really care for text information. Lets try and make it more a photo entry of my life in the hopes that I will a) be more consistent in documenting my life and interests and b) its faster and more entertaining.

Lightning Bolt Scarf Completed

Awesome!
I just finished it. The double bolt cloud has a zipper pocket on the back for things like an id or some cash moneys. YOu know you know. I also started a tumblr. I couldn't resist. The layouts are so... slick and pretty. I am going to be doing both. Here is the link for my tumblr so if anyone wants to follow that as well you can. Yay! friends.

By the power of thor

My friend Sasha has commissioned me for a lightening bolt scarf. I knit the scarf itself in a day which made me happy. I used two skeins of geisha. Which is always heavenly to work with. Now I am just working on getting the lightening clouds made and attached. The best part is that the weather has totally been rainy and full of thunder and lightning while I've been working on the clouds. Thor must approve. Sweet!

The knitting was started on Aug. 16 finished on aug. 17th. The cloud and lightining are made of felt and stuffed. I am putting another cloud on the other end of the scarf which will have a pocket inside. Yay! excitement.

I haven't posted in a good minute so a lot has happened. I recently moved from a small town about an hour outside Nashville to Midtown nashville. I am loving pretty much every minute of it despite the quirks of living in a building that is older than public electricity. I am also living with a boyfriend for the first time ever which has been a new adjustment for not only me but my family .
I am still working on finishing school. About the start my last semester which involves the student teaching aspect. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I am sure that I will have tons of silly stories and fun school projects to share soon.

I recently started knitting again. The blue scarf is one I spent the past two days knitting on casually. I plan to add some embellishments in the next few days and then we'll see what happens with it. I have some sewing projects in the works and another scarf that I am starting on request. Lots going on. Now that things have begun to settle a bit and the year isn't throwing curve balls at me every few weeks I think I'll be able to get some good post and pictures up.

Hope everyone is crafting and well.

Just making

So far 2009 hates me but I am determined to not take it personal.

My car stereo was stolen this past week along with the cd's that were left in the car (which were almost all burned so why they would want them go figure), my coat that I left in the back seat, and my emergency kit. I guess that I can safely assume that I have a warm safe driving car stereo thief who has good taste in music.

Anyways there are more reasons than that for why 2009 despises me but that one is really the only one if feel like getting into.


I have been knitting, block printing, baking, and sewing lately however so I am excited to say YAY!

Right now I have finished sewing a patch work pillow, sewing samples, and a zombie intestines t-shirt for a zombie party. I am currently knitting fingerless gloves with a twist (once I get it all worked out I'll reveal them) and some hats like the previous ones posted. One by request in red, gold, and purple the other using yarn recycled from an italian sweater. As for baking I have taken up making home made dog biscuits after babysitting a puppy sick with Parvo.

I need to get over things mostly myself and become a craft product making machine. No thinking allowed. Just making.

Determined to be productive

Today is my littlest brothers birthday. He turned 19. Awww.

I am taking great strides to be more productive with my time. I'm knitting a coozy glove (more on that when its finished and tested),sewing predator scarves, attempting to recreate a t-shirt I like in a jersey fabric I bought, etc.

Hopefully I can keep the trend of doing stuff to make stuff up because that is really what I want to do. I want to trade my yarn stash in for stuff that I've made. Its much more gratifying which is an amazing thing to say because a yarn stash is a pretty gratifying bit of procrastination joy in and of itself.

School is boring. I am really over it and can't wait to graduate so I can move on with my life.

I'll hopefully find my misplaced camera soon so I can share projects. <3

Back in the Saddle Again

Phew! This semester has started off with a long slow resounding bang. I was sick for the better part of the beginning of January. Which was of course when I was moving from one room to another since I have a new roommate. Sick + moving = not a good idea.

Regardless I did get my brother to send me a picture of his hat that I made over the break and I found a finished picture of the hat I made for Joe. So yay! I can share those with you.

The Martina sweater has once again taken the back seat to school and life. I'll finish it one of these days and it will be amazing. Until then I am working on a lot of fibers work. I am taking a sewing class and a surface design class. So I am excited to see what I end up with at the end of the semester.

Right now we just learned a potato dextrin resist technique and I am in love with it. It makes an amazing crackle pattern on the fabric that is very natural looking but also edgy. <3 I have big plans to make something using that technique. In a few weeks we will also learn burn out methods which is another technique I am really interested in.

The sewing class is easy peezy but I am enjoying garunteed time to sew. We patchwork made pillows the other day. I used some of the left over tattoo fabric from Joe's knife bag checkered with some black fabric and red canvas back. I really like it and can't wait to post an image as soon as it gets handed back to me after grading.

Sadly the only other thing we are making besides sewing samples of different things you should be able to do are a set of pajamas. I have a ton of pj's so I am going to make them for Joe. Who happens to have already picked out the fabric he wants them to be and can't wait to wear them. Its going to be adorable when they are finished because the pj's are going to make him look like an over grown tattooed 5 year old. haha <3 I can't wait.

I have been suffering from a feeling of not being productive. I realize that it is hard to be super productive when one is extremely social and dating someone who lives an hour and a half away but I am trying. I just wish I had ready to go sewing set ups in Cookeville as well as in Nashville. If I had that I'd be the master!

hats and more

I have had a lovely Christmas here in Ohio at my parents house. Its nice to just sit back and do nothing for a while. I am ready to get back home tomorrow though. I miss my boyfriend and friends and the little things that make a space yours.

I decided to hold off on one idea for my boyfriends present. I'll be saving it for his birthday since its only a month away. Instead I knit him a hat. Its the half pipe hat from the Son of Stitch N Bitch. I highly recommend this hat to any and all knitters but especially beginners. Its a great looking hat, it knits up fast and its super easy. What more could you want really? The hardest part is sewing in the brim and even that isn't that hard. Here is a photo of me wearing the hat almost completed. All I had left to do was the grafting and sewing in the brim. I added stripes in the Nashville Predator colors since Joe is a huge Preds fan. I am debating whether or not to add GO PREDS in Navy on the gold band or not. We'll see it looks good with out it so its not a major thing to worry about. Not to bad for using yarn left over from previous projects.


I started another half pipe hat in a variegated gray yarn, Vanna's Choice Charcoal print by Lions brand to be specific. This one is for my brother Paul. I haven't made anything for him that I have ever completed. Paul usually asks for complicated patterns like the DNA scarf so this will be a nice one to make for him because I can finish is quickly and painlessly. Although I really should finish that DNA scarf because it is pretty bad @$$.

The Martina sweater is still coming along. Its following the old adage of two steps forward five steps back but I am bound and determined to finish it. Its a beautiful sweater.

knit to decrease another day

So far since I've made it to Ohio for the holidays all I have done is read and knit, watch movies, knit and read. Not all that interesting really but its nice to do something that is almost completely stress free.

So far in the past 3 days I have read the first installment to the Sisters Grimm, Coraline, some romantic novel about faeries, worked on finishing Crime and Punishment, and started the Gideon Trilogy. I have also watched the new bond film <3, the Saint, Stranger than Fiction, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, part of Speed Racer the movie, and the third Pirates of the Caribbean Movie.

Martina has been my constant companion through all of this. She has finally resolved her lace issues to lead me head long into a decreasing mistake. I decreased and decreased and decreased but some how did not decrease correctly or enough so I have ripped back once again. Happily not the beginning of the lace, though that isn't very far from where I am, merely to the place I assume I went wrong in decreasing. I don't allow myself to work on it when I am tired or occupied by persistent distractions so reworking things is going a bit slow. But I am enjoying knitting again despite the ringers Martina is putting me through.

I am looking for a sweater to knit out of a bright kelly green I have come to own. If anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear them.

Martina strikes agian

I have taken my needles back up and am determined to finish the Adrienne Vittadini sweater Martina. It really isn't a hard pattern at all but I keep making small mistakes that cause me to have to rip out the lace portion on the front panel. I started it in June 2007 to give you an idea of how long I have been battling this sweater. I am feeling more confident however in my understanding of the lace portion of the pattern and am now as determined as ever to overcome this section of the sweater. I will not abandon such fine yarn to an unintended project. NO! I will finish this sweater and wear it with pride knowing I look fabulous in this color and that I conquered the demon called lace knitting to wear its hide upon my back! Haha!

In other news. Upon reading on Nipper's blog that the book Coraline is being released as a stop action movie in February I am ecstatic! I can hardly contain my excitement. In fact the next small sum of cash I run into that I can afford to spend on frivolity will go to purchasing yarn to knit the Coraline Sweater Nipper created. The sweater is a replica of Coraline's sweater and can be found in the bedroom of Coraline on the website for the movie. The website is loads of fun so I thoroughly suggest you check it out and find the pattern.

I am almost finished with a rasta hat for my soon to be old house mate, Jen. I will be making some matching fingerless gloves to go with it as well. The hat is a modified pattern from Treats and Treasures. I knit it as specified in the pattern but am going to come back and add a tighter rib to the opening of the hat to make it a bit more traditionally rasta since the opening on her hat is super wide and Jen wasn't in favor with it. Just a minor change.

so close to the end

Wow! Its hard to believe the year is almost up.

This past fall semester took my by storm and I am just now recovering. I've had a lot of good things happen with my art and craft though. I've sold or traded some of my paintings and am really happy with the direction of my work for once. I can't wait to start some new work after I get back from my parents home after the holidays.

I made a knife bag for my current beau, Joe, a culinary arts student. Its gotten a lot of good response and it sounds like I'll have a commission for another for a woman he knows from culinary school which is flattering and exciting. I hope it happens but I am not to worried about it if it doesn't.

I am finishing up some back logged knitting projects namely a rasta hat and some gloves for my roommate. Jen. The hats about half done and should be finished by the end of the weekend. I am hoping to get it and the gloves done before we both go ur separate ways for the holidays. After the holidays we are parting again as she'll be moving back to the craft center and my friend Sophie will be moving in with me.

Nathan and I separated during the middle of the semester. We are both in good standing with one another and keep in contact. His photography is really taking off and I am very proud of him. www.nathannovakphotography.com is his wedding photography site if your interested to see his work. It is about to be updated soon so keep checking back to see his latest work.

I hope everyone is having a great holiday. I've been decorating with paper snowflakes and twinkle lights in the window. Since I am at Joe's more than my place we got a small rosemary tree so he can cook with it all year round. Its currently decorated with red bulbs and silver beaded garland. I am about to make a secret family recipe for a german cookie that I absolutely adore which is traditionally made around the holidays.

random ramblings

Man. I just keep falling off the planet. Luckily I always seem to make my way back. Things have been very busy and I don't have a lot of time or energy tonight.I just wanted to get back in the groove of posting.

I recently had a surgery and am recovering quite well. I still work at a thai restaurant and attend school for art education. I have two semesters left. Thank goodness.

I recently saw the new Hellboy and Batman movies and adore them. I am working on a knit sperm doll for my friend Sophie and a custom knife bag for my friend Joe.

My family moved to Ohio. I am now the only person in Tennessee in my family. Luckily I like it here. I am still dating Nathan who lives in Virginia. We aren't on the top of our game but we are trying to make it work.

I have no idea what to do with myself once school gets out but I have to start working on it since its not to far off.

I have been getting rid of a lot of my belongings that I have been dragging around from move to move. I am a major pack rat and just kind of realized how useless it really is to keep some of it.

Its so strange how certain parts of growing up just kind of hit you. You are completely aware of them as they happen to you even if you aren't quite sure how relevant or emmense they will be in the effect they have on your life.

My snake damien has gotten larger... as has my roommates kitten... or should I say katten... not quite a cat and not quite a kitten.

anyways I need to go to bed. Still alive. I wish it were raining.

Schools out for summer Alice Coper would be proud

Well the semester is over and I am happy to say I did well in everything except metals which I figured since I basically stopped going after I missed the second critique. Oh's the wells. I'll survive making a bad grade in a class I don't need to get A's and B's in the ones I do need any ol' day.

New things.

My roommate got a Kitten. He is adorably vicious. Liking to claw and sratch things. He thinks that I am a climbing post which is going ot be very interesting as he gets older.


I also got a pet. Whilst looking at the for sale board at the school after leaving the bank I noticed a notice for a 43 inch ball python with tank and etc. Decided what the heck I'll go look at it and hold it since I like snakes and the ad says friendly. Needless to say I fell in love with the little fellow and now have a new pet snake. Which I have agreed to let Nathan say is his. Nathan changed his name from Big Louie to Damien (the name of the wrestler Jake the Snake's snake).


Other than that.

My brothers are all graduating from something (2 from community college and 1 from High school), I am going to Texas with my Mom to see my Omi soon, getting my tracker back in time for the summer with a new soft top, engine and bumper. My Family is moving to Ohio in a month and I am getting a new mac for my birthday. Yippee!

That about sums it up.

Hey been a while. So the photo above is a casting that didn't quite turn out. I have currently re cast the wings and cut the old ones off the butterfly's body so I can solder the new one on it. I have done quite a few other casts but I don't have any pictures to show from them at this time.

I am currently working on a brooch design that I am really happy with so hopefully all will go well with that and I can show you images of it in the next week or so.

Hope everyone is well. I am feeling much better thank you for the wonderful home remedy by the way. It worked wonders.

I haven't had any time to knit and can't even if I wanted to. All my knitting needles are in Virginia with Nathan. I need to get him to send them back to me.

He is doing well. He just got a job at a screen printing company and has been working on getting his wedding photography website up and running, his other website for his fine art photography is already up here's the link. Let him know what you think and let me know as well. He's always looking for new criticism.

Hope to give you all a long post soon. <3

BuZZ

Busy Busy Busy went the little bee as she went buzzing about so ferouciously.
That would pretty easily sum up me at the moment. I have been a working maven for sure. I am really enjoying this semester though. I love the casting class and will hopefully have some awesome shots for you on wendsday of my first few casts. Painting has been awesome as well although I'll admit I'm not devoting enough time to it because I am so in love with casting (I spent 12 hours in the studio yesterday).

The weather here has been a yo-yo of activity which means everyone and thier brother is sick. I am worried I am starting to get something myself which is not good. Not good at all. I've been drowning myself in Vitamin C to try to flush it out. It'll be that or I'll turn orange from to much orange juice.

I got Craft magazine 6 and another magazine on the way called Kitchykoo! I'll let you know what I think of them once I get through them. Although I am excited about the cardboard chair becuase I made a cardboard chair once and loved it (it was stolen so I no longer have it but it was awesome view my art site since the library computer is not letting me load images drat!) This chair is ver cute and I would like it for my bedroom actually. So I think I will construct it when ever I can find the time. <3

Monster Hat Pattern

R.I.P Vampira (Maila Nurmi)

I was very saddened to hear the news that Vampira (Maila Nurmi) passed way on the Tenth of January this year. She was defiantly one of my favorite personalities of all time. Her name will forever be remembered in my house. I think in her honor I am going to set up a movie fest of movies she was in. For more information on Vampira and her death check out here. Feel free to share and spread the flyer I made just please host it on your own. It's just polite.

On a happier note. The make-up I ordered for myself arrived and I am in love with it. It is a new brand called Coffin Color. It is natural, mineral eyeshadows that are hand blended by two awesome horror-rock-lovin' babes - Melissa and Xiane - in their "dark secret labs 50,000 feet underground." I am in love with the colors with such ghoulishly fun names as Gangrene, Gold Toof, Tombstone, Poison Purple and many more. It is very affordable as well which makes me happy and from trying it out the past couple days has some real staying power. Very happy to be supporting a diy, independent company. I am actually about to order the sample pack (which what I have pictured and what I purchased) for a good friend of mine, Abby. I am hoping she'll love it as much as I.