The Saltbox Sampler

the craft industry and a sneak peek

 
One thing I adore about the craft industry (no matter which facet-needle arts, stamping...)  it's an industry where life long friends are made.  I know there are lots of copycats and the like, but, the  sweet people far outweigh no matter how ugly it gets.  Over the past few days I have had people I have known since I began working in the industry (needle arts side) touch base with me and I them.  I believe in God moments and they have been happening lately in obvious ways for me.
It's so wonderful to talk with and meet with these ladies again, and  to think we didn't have email, forums, blogs or cell phones... when we met! 

I posted a photo of a cross stitch design I did in the very early 1990's.  People from the England and Ireland still request this design.  It's something about farm for them--  I have also posted the "cow" image which will release in the "Farm Friends" set due out it  late July.  (I flat colored it for protective copyright reasons)--   Thought you might be inspired or get a laugh.  I am definitely going to create The Saltbox Studio cow into cross stitch--  By the way,  I colored the wheat gold and green because if you use green it becomes corn... 

Yes, MAry Rose- pink and brown do get to me, but, not when you and Becky create with it.  Right now I am into navy blue, royal blue and white.

Blog combination

I was talking to one of my dearest friends yesterday and I also had some wonderful things happen on Friday which has brought me to the decision to combine my more personal blog with this one.  This blog will now be more like a a member of a Design Team's blog.   I little of everything.  I will try and do better about adding categories.

The next "coloring" tutorial will be using only just 3-5 colored pencils on an image while still getting some nice
effects.  Often too many or even too little color takes away from a great idea.  In the meantime, visit here:
"How to sharpen your pencils..."

 

Patriotic and new tutorial coming

It's definitely summertime and when my home becomes "red, white and blue" everywhere.  the nice thing is, Peter's room is "patriotic " year round so I can always get my fix--  Our new release will be all about Summer and Americana.  You will be able to use it for boy's cards, your friend's , birthdays,  and for our troops and their families year round.  To get y'all thinking "red, white and blue"  I have posted the folk sheep I colored quite some time ago.(the stars would be great red too)  I love adding khaki or off white with R<W<B for an aged feel.  My next post will be a simple colored pencil tutorial.

If you do not have an investment in colored pencils, I suggest heading on over to the A Muse blog or calling them and pick up a set of 24 Kohr-i-noor pencils.  Linda has been using(and offering for purchase) these for years and I find them quite awesome for blending because they are a bit softer and easier to manipulate.  To add to your collection the other pencils I suggest are the Derwent Softcolour-- great colour range, and a bit easier to work with than Prisma.

Simply red and white

©2008 designed by Jen Alcivar
My house is in Patriotic "mode" now.  I just finished stringing deck lights in red and blue and added bunting.  For some reason, this card by Jen came to my mind when I was hanging the lights.  I think it's because the card is simply red and white with neutral.   Much of what I use all summer throughout the house.  With  the addition of blue and gold, of course. 

CLUB member information

©2008  designed by Elena S.
Hen and Chicks is considered an "in between".  It is actually part of a bigger release due out in just a few weeks.  We decided to release it because of the early high response we had to it.  For Club members this may be a bit confusing.

1.  If you  are a club member and did not receive your member benefit of 10% discount for this set, it will be subtracted from the next release/shipment.

2.  Do not despair.  You will receive your exclusive stamp.  It will be coming with the larger release. "In between" releases are just that.  A fun set between our actual "releases". 

Thankfully, one of our club members emailed me.  I would have completely forgotten to explain this.
have a great weekend.

Samples made from sets: Hen/chicks, Fences & Basket Celebration 1

©2008 designed by Becky Rusher

©2008 Lexi Daly
I wanted to get these samples up before we go out of town.  Tomorrow I take Peter to Boys' State and Sunday off to Scott Air Force Base to take Caleb to leadership camp.  After that I head to Ohio to help my parents.I can't wait to give my Mom the Hen and CHick set-- 

Lexi's egg basket plus hen...

©2008 designed by lexi Daly

This card is one done by lexi using the egg basket and Hen + CHicks.  I really like the versatality the DT shows with the same images.  I hope they inspire you too.

Hen + Eggs

I forgot to post these last night. Yikes!  I thought it would be nice to show you how the same two stamps
(egg basket from Basket Celebration 1 and Hen from the new Hen and Chicks set) can be used so differently. Love Mary's yellow hen and Kelly's use of "aqua".
These two sets really go well together-- Enjoy!

Link for purchase added

Hi all.  I have added a temporary way to purchase this fun Hen and Chicks set.  The link is to the right under the Shop online.
Hopefully, the horrible outburst of head lice at the children's school(see A Muse blog) and A Museapalooza  being in full gear now will free up the web person  soon to get this set added correctly.  Until then, I appreciate your patience for the temporary solution.
Blessings,
Beth

out of the coop

 

Today is release day for hen and chicks.  Please see previous post for ordering information.  Thanks!  Stayed tuned later today fro some samples by Kelly and Mary Rose-- Question.  The yellow scallop awning on Lexi's card (above)  how does she do it?  I noticed on MAry Rose's cards she has the same thing...

Sara in WI  Are you okay?  I haven't heard from you in awhile...