Try It Tuesdays

Try It!!! - Week Three

Week Three's Technique - Easy Plantable Seed Paper
By: Urban Debris

Scroll Down To Learn How to Make This Gorgeous Paper!
Or use the easy quick links below!

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Win It !!! - Week Three

Week Three 's Prize - Donated By ZNE & The ZNE Store

With a Total Value Of $50.00…

 A FABULOUS $38.00 collage pack from The ZNE Store…

…and as if that's not enough…

A Free, One Year Supporting Membership!!!

If the winner is already a Supporting Member, ZNE will extend their membership by one year, for free! 

Confession Time.

I've always avoided creating paper..I was intimidated by it.

It seemed like there were so many materials that I didn't already have on hand, and it would be too costly to acquire them. I was under the illusion that it would take hours to complete, and I just couldn't seem to find that extra time. When this technique was submitted, i was skeptical at first… but after trying it? I CAN NOT believe it took me this long to do it! I am hooked!! It was fast, simple.. and has soooo many possibilities.

So if you are reading this, and find yourself as skeptical as I was … give it a try anyway. Don't allow yourself to be intimidated like I did! And for those that have ventured into the world of hand made papers already… challenge yousrself with this, find a creative twist … a dye, elements to add to it, shapes… that you hadn't tried previously!

Enjoy the process!

(And if anyone cares to create some handmade birthday cards out of their lovely paper.. My birthday is June 3rd … hint hint!)

- Chrysti

Try It Tuesdays: Week 3 - Easy Plantable Seed Paper
By: Urban Debris
Edited By: Chrysti
Approx. Time Involved: 20 minutes + Drying Time
© 2006 Urban Debris, All Rights Reserved.

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Formerly from Texas, Robin is a published, mixed media and digital artist whose paintings and collages are found in private collections around the world. Her art blog is a visual journal of altered art, embellished art, collage, mixed media and assemblage. A proud ZNE member whose art blog continues to grow into a valuable resource for both artists and collectors, she also has a fabulous store filled with her amazing art!

Materials List:

• Sponge
• Terry Cloth Towel
• Strainer
• Large Plastic Cup
• Blender/Food Processor (For making paper pulp)
• White Felt or Flannel Fabric
• Paper to Recycle
• Flower Seeds
• Colored Tissue Paper (optional)

Prep:

• Select pieces of paper to recycle.*
• Tear into small pieces
• Put pieces in blender, until it’s approx. half full

TIP!! You can mix different types to create your own unique paper.

Let’s Play!:

     1. Fill the blender with warm water.

     2. Slowly run the blender and gradually increase the speed until the pulp looks smooth and well blended. (30 -40 seconds) Check that no flakes of paper remain. If they do, blend longer.

TIP!! Tint your pulp by adding a 1 inch square of colored tissue paper before blending.

     3. Add a pinch of flower seeds to pulp and gently stir. Do not blend seeds!

     4. Set strainer on cup. Pour blended pulp with seeds through strainer.

TIP!! Squeeze the pulp a bit to get out the rest of water.

     5. Plop pulp directly onto felt or flannel fabric.

     6. Pat pulp into desired shape. It should be not too thick, but can be thicker than regular paper.

TIP!! The thicker it is the longer it will take to dry.

     7. Tilt pulp sheet on fabric over cup. Press water out of wet pulp with fingers.

     8. Use sponge to remove additional water. Press pulp flat.

     9. Use a terry cloth towel to remove last amount of water. Press firmly.

Now choose a method below to dry your paper, and there you have it… your own handmade seed paper! Plant it, or use itin your art!

• Set paper on pie pan or pizza pan in 250 degree oven for about 10 mins.
• Gently wave hair dryer over paper until it is dry enough to peel off and turn over. Repeat blow dry.
• Set in front of household fan.

Shop the ZNE store and member listings for inspiring artwork, fabulous, unique collage supplies, and so much more!! variaZioNE is a community of Mixed Media Artists where members can learn and grow together. There’s always an array of activities going on, charity projects, learning scholarships, swaps, ongoing chunky books and more… Join today!

This document, (all images and text included) are not for distribution. Try it Tuesdays has the authors permission to share this technique for use on http://tryittuesdays.wordpress.com/ . You may use this document for reference, and personal use only. Not to be shared on email lists, message boards, or by any other electronic or print means.

Tried The Technique? Finished Your Entry?
Want a chance to win this week's prize?

• Upload your entry's photograph(s) to your Flickr account or Blog. In your description, please state it's part of Try It Tuesdays and link to the site. (On flickr you can link, or add the tags tryittuesdays & tryittuesdaysweek3, or do both!)
• Go to the Entry Submission Page and follow the instructions http://alteredabbey.com/try_it_tuesdays_signup.htm
• It's that easy! See the FAQ for additional help & rules.

  Now go make some paper!! I can't wait to see what everyone makes! - Chrysti

Week 2 is sponsored by:
Paper Relics
(Like Try It Tuesdays? Support Our Sponsors!)

… this week's prize is …

Antique Images Clip Art CD
& Victorian Scrap Clip Art CD

Valued at $24.00 …

And with 23 valid entries this week ..

Our Winner is…..

Runners Up: #6 Sarah Kargol, #15 Lori McNamara , #19 Sofia (La Fée Coriandre)

Click Here to see a screen capture of the winning numbers.

How was the winner chosen?

As each valid entry is received, it is assigned a number.. these are given chronologically, in the order each entry is submitted. They are then entered into random.org and generated into a sequence.. the first number is our winner, the second  the runner up.. etc etc . For more information on the rules of this drawing, please see the FAQ.

I'm working on a way that I can publicly share the database file of entrants & their numbers without having to manually delete the email addresses ( I respect our entrants privacy)…as of right now, I don't have the time needed to manually edit that information. This is all voluntary (though the time put into it, is like a job!) and as much as I'd like to be able to do that, it's far too time consuming. Thanks for your patience! - Chrysti

Tomorrow evening, the new technique & prize will be up..
Check back then!

Week 2 is almost at an end, and I'd like to offer a sincere thank you to Heather Bradley for allowing us to use her technique.. we can't thank you enough!! So many people were turned onto transfers this week as a result, look out Altered Art World!

The Winner will be announced shortly.. In the meantime.. enjoy viewing 36 of the fabulous entries we received this week.. these were randomly selected using the tryittuesdaysweek2 tag and chosen from the pool.

You can see many more amazing entries by viewing the group pool.

1. gentleman (ATC), 2. tt3, 3. reaper, 4. Try It Tuesdays Week 2 - My Tries, 5. gender architecture, 6. TryItTuesdays2, 7. Borzoi Stamps, 8. Try It Tuesdays Week 2 - My Tries, 9. 060527 Tryittuesdaysweek1+2..Tell me…princess…, 10. Try it Tuesdays Week 2, 11. Borzoi Stamps II, 12. Faded Memories, 13. I just want a little passion to hold me in the dark, 14. someone to watch over me, 15. Faded Memories, 16. Try It Tuesdays Week 2 - My Tries, 17. someone to watch over me, 18. tryittuesdaysweek2, 19. joe robinson (atc), 20. Flight Pattern tryittuesdaysweek2, 21. My Dad-A Hero, 22. Try it Tuesdays II, 23. tryittuesdayweek 2, 24. Mag girl image Tryittuesdays, 25. Try It Tuesdays Week 2 - My Tries, 26. Try It Tuesdays - Easy Transparency Alternative, 27. tryit wk2, 28. Easy Transfer Technique, 29. Starting Toward Fall, 30. TryitTuesday week 2, 31. week two, 32. Woman - Try it Tuesdays week 2, 33. gentle heart atc, 34. Je Ne Regrette Rien, 35. Sorrow Angel, 36. Sunshine Girl

As time goes on, we will explore a variety of techniques.. some you may have seen before, some will be brand new.. but the common thread that they all hold, is there is something to learn. If you've tried a technique, or a variation of it previously .. I encourage you to try it again. Apply it to a new surface, try the following technique on old book pages .. push your own limits, and see what you discover in the process. Whether you have the same results as our contributors, or something completely different .. it's about the exploration and somehow making it all your own.

This technique was chosen this week because I am amazed at how many people are intimidated to try transfers, and even more afraid to ask. Besides, with the holiday weekend coming up, I thought a faster technique would be more appropriate. Enjoy! - Chrysti

Try It Tuesdays: Week 2 - Easy Transparency Alternative
By: Heather Bradley aka Molly
Edited By: Chrysti
Approx. Time Involved: 5 -10 minutes
© 2006 Heather Bradley, All Rights Reserved.

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Heather Bradley is a multi-talented artist whose passions for handmade soaps, mixed media collages, handmade jewelry, and .more have made her an inspiring, and respected artisan. She has launched her own bath line, in addition to her gift store. You can see more of her work and read more about her at her blog as well.

Here are some more examples of Heather's wonderful collages done using this simple, yet fabulous technique. In parenthesis, are the elements that have been done with the Easy Transparency Alternative.

1. Sisters 2 ATC (Text, Swirls & Paris ) 2. Sisters 1 ATC (Swirls)
3. Geisha ATC (Chinese Text) 4. Stationary ATC (Woman & Compass)
5. Lina Cavallini (Lina) 6. Eiffel (Eiffel & Text)

Materials List: 

• Clear Full Sheet Labels *
• Laser or Toner Copy Image (Separate Images, do not print on labels)
• Bone Folder or Burnishing Tool
• Gel Medium (Matte Finish Recommended)
• Water
•  2 Towels

TIP! *(Clear Packing Tape, Clear Contact Paper and Laminating Paper would also work)

Prep: 

• Cut out laser printed / toner copy image.
• Dampen one towel
• Put water into a small bowl, or cup.

Similar to the packing tape method, here is an easy alternative to those expensive transparency sheets. I ran out of tape on my last project and found a whole pack of clear, full sheet labels in the cupboard.  If you have any clear label sheets (Avery or any brand) they work just as great! Avery labels have a frosted coating but this will come off.

 Let’s Play!:

1.      Cut a piece of the label sheet slightly larger then your image.

2.      With the image facing up, apply the sticky side of the label directly to it.

3.      Burnish the entire surface of the label with your bone folder until it has adhered well. (no bubbles)

4.      Dip your fingers in water and start rubbing the paper in a circular motion to remove the paper.  Add more water and continue rubbing until all the paper is removed.  If there are still flecks of paper continue rubbing to remove them.

TIP! * If there’s a frosted coating, rub the surface with damp towel to remove it.

5.      Give it a quick rinse in clean water to remove any additional little bits of paper.

6.      On a dry, clean countertop place the sticky side down. Using a dry towel, squeegee any water off.

7.      Now trim your image, and glue down to your project with Gel Medium.

There you have it! An easy, inexpensive way to make transparencies!
 

Tried The Technique? Finished Your Entry?
Want a chance to win this week's prize?

Week 1 is sponsored by:
Covet Me - Collage Supplies & More!
(Like Try It Tuesdays? Support Our Sponsors!)

… this week's prize is …

A Mega Sized Altered Art Supply Kit…

Valued at over $100.00 …

And with 61 valid entries this week ..

Our Winner is…..

Runners Up: #49 Jen Minnis, #18 Heather Bradley, #59 Dawn

Click Here to see a screen capture of the winning numbers.

How was the winner chosen?

As each valid entry is received, it is assigned a number.. these are given chronologically, in the order each entry is submitted. They are then entered into random.org and generated into a sequence.. the first number is our winner, the second  the runner up.. etc etc . For more information on the rules of this drawing, please see the FAQ.

I'm working on a way that I can publicly share the database file of entrants & their numbers without having to manually delete the email addresses ( I respect our entrants privacy)…as of right now, I don't have the time needed to manually edit that information. This is all voluntary (though the time put into it, is like a job!) and as much as I'd like to be able to do that, it's far too time consuming. Thanks for your patience! - Chrysti

Tomorrow afternoon, the new technique & prize will be up..
Check back then!

Well, The drawing for week one is now over.. what a week it's been! I can't thank all of you enough for your support, and kind words. A special, heartfelt thank you to Karyn Gartel for allowing us to use her amazing technique — I think I speak for all of us, when I say we can't thank you enough.. it's been an inspiring tutorial!

The Winner will be announced shortly.. In the meantime.. enjoy viewing 36 of the fabulous entries we received this week.. these were randomly selected using the tryittuesdaysweek1 tag.

You can see many more amazing entries by viewing the group pool.

1. tryittuesday, 2. Technique for "Try it Tuesdays", 3. canvas backgrounds, 4. Try it Tuesdays background, 5. Collage - Fly High, 6. Try it Tuesdays: Week 1 - Final, 7. Try It Tuesdays : Week 1 : My Finished Art, 8. orange bg part 3, 9. 'Try it Tuesday' group background technique, 10. try it tuesdays technique -week one- blues, 11. Try It Tuesdays Week 1 - 1, 12. Try It Tuesdays : Week 1 : 2nd try finished art, 13. try it tuesday: week one, 14. tryittuesday1-2, 15. Shell Secrets detail, 16. Try It Tuesdays Week 1 - 2, 17. Try It Tuesdays : Week 1 : My Background, 18. Try it Tuesday, 19. tryitTweek1, 20. tryit wk 1, 21. Try it Tuesdays Week 1 (A), 22. pull?, 23. tryittuesday week 1, 24. tryit1, 25. tryittuesday tryittuesdayweek1 # 2, 26. Acrylic Background #1, 27. yeollow (t.i, 28. A Better Day, 29. Try it Tuesdays Week 1 (B), 30. Try It Tuesday - Week 1 - May, 16, 2006 - attempt 4, 31. Try it Tuesdays: Week 1, Attempt 2, 32. tryittues4resized, 33. Try It Tuesdays Week 1 - My Backgrounds, 34. Try It Tuesdays : week 1: another variation, 35. Fishing For Dreams, 36. Try It Tuesdays Week 1 - 3

Well, as with anything.. sometimes you don't know you'll run into problems, until it's live. Try it Tuesdays is no different. Throughout the week, I've made an extra effort to listen to your suggestions, see what worked, and what didn't, and find the trouble areas where most people were confused.

As a result of this, I made a significant change in how you enter for the drawing! Please read the updated FAQ for complete information, and rules. you can also read this thread for information on what this fixes.

Highlights of the changes below — But be sure to read the FAQ!

How Do I Submit an Entry for the Current Challenge ?

• Upload your entry's photograph(s) to your Flickr account or Blog. In your description, please state it's part of Try It Tuesdays and link to the site. (On flickr you can link, or add the tags)
• Go to the Entry Submission Page and follow the instructions http://alteredabbey.com/try_it_tuesdays_signup.htm
• It's that easy!

Optional: Add it to the Try It Tuesdays Group Pool at Flick'r. Joining the Flick'r group is optional, but highly recommended, as we will discuss the techniques, have special announcements, and entries showcased on the site will be chosen from the group pool. You may submit as many entries to this group as you like, as long as it's pertaining to Try It Tuesdays!

Those who have already entered via Flick'r tags, will need to resubmit their information via the new system. In addition to the announcements, I will be contacting those people individually as well.

My sincere apologies for any confusion, and the extra time this involves.. i didn't anticipate all of this either It should be smooth sailing from this point on! - Chrysti