I have been working on some art projects for a digital imaging class. These were all created in Adobe Illustrator. I was required to submit one abstract, one using text, one inspired by the work of a well known artist, and one of my choice. This is what I created: 

Painted Ponies-This was taken from a black and white drawing that I had created with a horse peeking out from behind a wall, mirror imaged, and colored in. Partway through the process I wondered if I was crazy for creating something with so many details, because each tiny little space had to be colored in. I think it would be fun to recolor it sometime in another color scheme...if I ever have a lot of hours that I have nothing to do with!

Dark Horse Yearling-This is my official piece containing text. I used another horse drawing that I had done. 

Horse Power-This piece I drew in Illustrator. I thought it would be fun to make it have a textile look. 

Dream Horse-This was the piece I created that was inspired by the work of a known artist. I found a lot of abstract horses that were similar to one another, but I chose Marcia Baldwin officially as my inspiration for this piece. If you look closely you may be able to find the hidden text in it.

 

                 Think outside the box with Sweet Pea Stamps!

You can use not only the beautiful images from Sweet Pea Stamps as they are, but you can also use select pieces to create other new looks!

I used just the butterfly from "Late Autumn" by Ching Chou Kuik, and re-sized it to create this card. 

The inspirational quote is from Sweet Pea Plate 18. The purple frame is from Recollections. 

I have used copic markers to color the images, as well as Stickles, shimmer spray, and rhinestones to add that little bit of sparkle to the butterfly wings. The background Paper is from Prima, with Tim Holtz tissue tape over it, and some pearls added. 

These beautiful images can be found at www.sweetpeastamps.com. 

This vintage card was created using Elaine Cox's Christmas Bird set by Sweet Pea stamps. I thought it would be fun to make the wings and the dress out of lace. I demonstrate how on the video. 

Lori is on Youtube!

If you don't own any Copics, or you don't have time or inclination to color, this tutorial is for you!! Lori's latest tutorial is on how to create several different distressed effects like the one shown here on this vintage card. The papers are mostly from Graphic 45, and the clock is cut from DCWV's Tattered Time collection. Up in the right corner, there is a chipboard die cut from Sizzix that has been embossed and had Rub n Buff over the top. This tutorial features  ©ching chou kuik's Autumn Rain which can be found at www.sweetpeastamps.com.

The trim has been alcohol inked to match the card, and there is a trailing vine cut from Cricut and various other embellishments.

Different papers and different bleaches react differently, so your results will vary depending on what you use. I find it easier to use paper that is a bit more smooth rather than textured paper. You also want to remember to work in a well-ventilated area and to protect your eyes, Especially if you are messy, remember not to wear your favorite clothes while doing it! :)

Lori is on Youtube!

This tutorial features a fun sheet of steampunk stamps by artist Brigid Ashwood. I have used "Steam Bee" and the five gear stamps that come with the sheet. ( It also has a gorgeous s









I demonstrate how to create the distressed background as well as how I created the dimensional gears under the bee. The eyes were made using micro-beads with Glossy Accents and I colored them a little with a Copic marker for some contrast. (E29) The embossing folder used was Cuttlebug Clockworks, and the chipboard gears were cut from Gadget Gears by Tim Holtz Alterations (Sizzix). The seam binding was colored with Antique Linen and Vintage Photo Distress Inks. steampunk butterfly not on the tutorial). 


I added some ribbon and a Tim Holtz Word band that says," possibility begins with imagination."

You can find the stamps at www.sweetpeastamps.com. It is sheet 4, plate 105 for the set or you can buy the bee separately.

Elena...Queen of Hearts

This was a Valentine's box I created for a long-time close friend who LOVES Vampire Diaries. Since she can't decide which is cuter, Damon or Stefen...I put both on for her. :P

                         It holds a giant chocolate bar...something you can really BITE!

I dripped Lindy's Stamp gang spray to look like blood, and painted Elena's gown with nail polish. The edges at the bottom have glasss bead gel with dazzling diamond glitter sprinkled over the top. Sadly, the picture does not show how sparkly it is at the bottom. The sentiment card hides in the side pocket.

My latest tutorial features a Sweet Pea Stamp called Angelic by Rachel Anderson. In the tutorial, I create the look and feel of sand using distress ink and glass bead gel. This is such a fun product to play around with! It can be found at your local art supply. The background of the image has been colored with a Copic airbrush- something I got for Christmas and love so far! :)