Autograph Sessions...Making Art with Wendy Vecchi

I am very excited to share this next artist/author with you.

Wendy Vecchi  has become one of the most sought-after

mixed media stamp artists in the U.S.  Her style is so relevant

to the new products on the market today.

On a personal note, I had a slight brush with this

wonderful artist as she became a customer of my

stamp store, which at this moment, seems a lifetime ago.

She has since become a stamp designer and author,

a design team member for Tim Holtz Ideaology, Maya Road

and is a Certified Ranger Instructor.

Her newest book, 'Make Art 490 Style Book 2'

is selling like crazy and I am really glad she had time

to visit with us here at The Open Window.

  Wendy ... I know you don't live too far down the road from

The Open Window.  Tell us where and what do you love about it?

We live on 5 acres in the country, outside of Oglesby, Illinois. 

We call it 'Green Acres'.

Think about this, just like the TV show:

bleach blonde...likes diamonds...

goofy, very sweet husband...plenty of animals.

I love my home because I have my studio here.  Walking

through the door makes me oh so happy!

A benefit to living in the country...no window treatments

are needed, so I have minimal valances, some of which are made

from cloth napkins.  That let's in LOTS of lights which I LOVE

and need to survive the dreadful Illinois winters.

I would love if you would share some of your professional 

creative credits with us...

Oh boy, mom said it's not nice to brag, but since you asked...

I'm living a fairytale.  I'm honored to be on the design teams for

Maya Road and Tim Holtz Ideaology, two very cool,

top-notch companies.  I'm also very happy to be Ranger's

exclusive demo artist, which means I demo for them at CHA

using their products.  Part of that requires making plenty of

art for their CHA booth.  I have also done some technique

videos and free tutorials.  Just check out Ranger.com.

I am also thrilled to have my own line of signature stamps called

Studio 490  They are manufactured by my friends

Ted & Michelle Cutts, owners of Stamper's Anonymous.

I was recently a guest instructor for Tim for the

Artful Voyage in Mexico.  It was an amazing experience

and I was totally honored to be a part of it.

I've been published in quite a few magazines both in

the U.S. and in the UK.

Which came first for you, rubber stamping or mixed media?

I've always done something creative...needlepoint, cross stitch,

tole painting.  When I found rubber stamps, I KNEW that was

exactly what I was looking for.  It all clicked and just made

sense to me.  I will be playing with rubber for a very long time.

 

It's obvious you have a passion for paper.

What else are you passionate about?

I LOVE the hunt...antiques to fit our home.

I LOVE organizing, especially art supplies.  Finding just the

right storage container makes me giddy!

Shopping is a passion.  My hubby says that if it were an 

Olympic event, I'd be on the center podium, but I'm not sure

if that's really a compliment...

I LOVE fresh flowers, too.  I could have a bouquet in every

room of the house, every day of the year.

You now have 2 books.  Writing is a creative process in

itself.  How does it compare to 'making art'?

It was much harder than I thought it would be.  I wanted to

write the instructions so that whoever bought the book could

follow them and make art.  I was lucky to be able to write it

exactly as I talk and add a bit of humor here and there.

I agonized over 'will they understand what I mean by this',

but the reviews have made me very happy.

What art tools can you NOT live without?

For sure my stamps and Ranger inks.  One tool that I LOVE

is my Genesis paper trimmer.  It's pricey, but worth every penny.

OK...I'll admit I am totally addicted to grungepaper and

chipboard mini-books.  Hey, you have to have something

to use those inks on!

 

In the creative world, what have you NOT done yet, that you

would really like to do?

Hmmm...I'd like to design some signature product, something

new, exciting and different.  No ideas yet, but I'm always thinking.

Who inspires you, living or otherwise?

I get the most inspiration from my friend, Tim Holtz.

His products are always fresh and I adore his style.

I also love to look at art made by

Jenni Bowlin and Rebecca Sower.

They each have a very distinct and unique style that I

find very inspiring.

Now for a little fun...

If you could be any fictional character,

who or what would it be?

I think Samantha from the TV show 'Bewitched'.  I could just

pop myself anywhere and avoid the drive to the airport.  I could

get to stores quicker and have more time to make art!

 

Any favorite snacks that you keep within reach in your studio?

Nope...my fingers are ALWAYS full of ink, so no eating

in the studio for me!

Coffee, tea...or something more potent?

Both and both, hot or cold...and I LOVE 

a good mojito, especially if it's made by my friend, Mario.

His are the best!  I love a good Cosmo, too.

What's one more thing that I haven't asked that

you would like to share?

I guess I want people to know that I was a surgical nurse for

30 years.  I have no art degree and you'll see no graphic design

on my resume either.  I believe with all my heart that if you

REALLY want to make art, YOU CAN!

I AM LIVING PROOF!

I've really enjoyed getting to know Wendy, haven't you?!

I hope you will visit Studio490art, Wendy's blog and I

would really appreciate it if you told her you read her

Autograph Session here at The Open Window.

 

Watch the March issue of Stamper's Sampler

as the guest artist is, Wendy Vecchi!

You can find Wendy's books and stamps

at Stamper's Anonymous and our friends in 

the UK can get yours from our other friend

Wendy, at The Stamp Attic.

IF YOU HAVE COME FOR A VISIT 

DIRECTLY FROM WENDY'S BLOG...

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT
TO SAY YOU WERE HERE.....

To read other autograph sessions,
just click for Diana Trout and Sue Roddis

Please leave a comment and let me know what you

think of Autograph Sessions.
I truly appreciate hearing from you!

It Required a Hunt! The Play Date Cafe Challenge

This has been a rather bold and bright week at The Open Window.

Lots of vibrant colors inspired by so many things.

Recognize any of this yet?  Yep, more of the new

'Mariposa' Collection from DCWV.

But I am happy to say that I managed a little BOO on this project.

Don't know what BOO is?  Click here to find out!

Before I go any further, here's an explanation for all the color...

This week's challenge is just that...A CHALLENGE!

All the designers said so...including our fabulous  
design team host, Sarah.

But there IS a story to go with these colors, so make sure you hit
The Cafe to read the inspiration behind this challenge.

So what did I come up with?

Here are the details...

The birdcage and collage-element paper are from DCWV.   

Prima flowers centered with fabric brads

from My Mind's Eye (thank you, Sarah) and Melody Ross' Artsy Urban for GCD Studios.

The orange panel was stamped with a beautiful butterfly from  

Elusive Images (again, thank you Sarah)

and the BOO on this card IS that orange panel.

Get this...I wanted just the perfect shade of orange and I literally (yes, really) looked for over an hour through every last orange 'thing' in my stash and then...  

I found it! 

 A brand, new blank mini scrapbook still in the package.  It was a freebie that came with an issue of Simply Scrapbooks

(now out of print).

Yes, it required that I cut it apart, but I was thrilled to find it!

Thank you dear Sarah...not only for the goodies used that were

sweet gifts from you,

but for dragging me out of my comfort zone with  

one terrific challenge!   : )

Sharing my Gifts With You...and Another Sneak Peek

 Back in October, I spent a couple of days enjoying the Halloween Party that was sponsored by  

A Fanciful Twist.  Over 300 blogs!  It was tremendous.

I was so glad to know that over 100 guests stopped by  
The Open Window as I hosted a small get-together as well.

Not long after the party ended, I was contacted by 2 other party hosts telling me I had been chosen to receive lovely gifts that they were giving away.  So I thought I would share those with you today.

The parcel above arrived all the way from Belgium today courtesy of  

Inge Bekaert of Pinkepinke.

The packaging of this lovely vintage button box was beautiful!  The fibers that wrapped these treasures were so vibrant and the photo of the baby holding the word BOO was so appropriate for the time.

 Inside...these lovely vintage buttons sewn on amazing hand-aged cards!  The photo definitely does not do this lot justice!  There was also a spool of black Gutermann thread and a little hand-sewn pouch with an old needle, threaded and attached to the pouch.

Again, the photo cannot tell the story...

I love this little quote, again in relation to the Halloween spirit that we were all
experiencing.

Inge...thank you so kindly for such a soul stirring gift.  It was lovely to see every little nuance you included with this special gift!

I was also the recipient of another beautiful gift that just kept getting better and better as I 'clawed' my way through the box!

This courtesy of  
Komis Couture.

I kept finding scary trinkets and chocolates before I ever got to this masterpiece!

This unbelievable necklace is constructed of bits n pieces of vintage costume jewelry.

Silver and gold, black, copper and pearl...layer upon layer, until you reach...

This beautiful bright yellow rose!  What a focal point!

I hope you will visit the girls from Komis Couture.  They have the most unique blog.  If you love stories, this is one for you to follow.

Thank you so very much for this stunning memento of a fabulous weekend!

Sneak Peek #2

Isn't this sweet?  Yummy...the mystery continues...

Autograph Sessions #1...Our Guest is Sue Roddis

Welcome to The Open Window's 'Autograph Sessions'.  This is a new feature I have been looking forward to for quite some time.   I first thought about this idea when my dear friend  
Sarah Anderson (The Art of Moodling)
sent me an autographed copy of a wonderful new book and I thought to myself  'wouldn't it be nice to do something similar online for all of us who don't always have an opportunity to meet authors and other creative contributors to publications.'
 
  For our first Session, I am pleased to introduce you to the very author of that fabulous book I received.  All the way from The United Kingdom, it's Sue Roddis.  Sue is the host of the fabulous blog 'Jabberwocky' and has many creative credits to her name.  Sue currently serves on a variety of design teams including  
The Stamp Attic with lovely Sarah.  
Her first book 'Handmade Decorative Books' is available from Search Press.

  

 Sue...we are so glad that you could join us today....
let's get started:

  1.....Where in the UK do you live 
and what do you love about it?

I live in Crewe in Cheshire in the north-west of England, famous for Rolls Royce cars and the railway! I was born here and my family still live here. The Cheshire countryside is lovely, and I can be there in just a few minutes from home. I wouldn't want live in a city although I love what a city can give........exhibitions, museums, art galleries, shopping!.........but I am always happy to head home!

2.....I would love if you would 'toot your own horn' and share your professional creative credits with us....

OK, this is not something I particularly like to do , don't get me wrong, I am proud of what I do and have achieved but I'm not too good at shouting about it!

Of course there is MY BOOK!

I have also been published in several UK craft magazines particularly Craft Stamper over the past 10 years. I have also been pleased to have work featured in Somerset Studio, Somerset Weddings, Somerset Home and Handcrafted, Altered Arts magazine, Paper Creations magazine, Tweety Jill Publications ATC and Altered Arts books, Scrap and Stamp Arts magazine and Art Specially magazine in Holland.

Blimey, quite a list when you write it down!!

I also teach workshops and demonstrate at several venues across the UK.

3.....It's obvious you have a passion for paper.  What else are you passionate about, art or otherwise?

I love my garden! I think of it as another creative outlet, mixing colours and textures but with plants. I also love to travel and be inspired by the things I see.

I like to read when I get time and to make jewellery again when I get time.

4.....'Handmade Decorative Books' is your first foray into publishing.  How did you find the process of writing a book to be?

It was exciting, frustrating in parts, hard work (especially when you leave things right to the deadlines!) lots of things rolled into one. At times I was sick of the sight of the projects, at others I was inspired and the work flowed easily, I was glad to see it done and not have to think about it any longer (it sort of took over for a while!) and then pleased to see it published. Seeing it out there for sale was strange, the feelings took me by surprise. I have been published many times in mags but being soley responsible for a book was quite daunting, seeing people buying it and hoping they would like it was scary!

5.....A common question, but what art tools could you NOT live without?

mmm...although a common question it is hard to know what to put to the top of the list, depends on the project really! For a purely paper piece, I need a sharp craft knife, a metal ruler, a cutting mat and my 3M double stick tape dispenser. For an altered project, the list would be glue stick, old book pages and gesso. For a stamped project, the one thing I use ALL the time is my trusty Memories black ink pad.

6.....In the creative world, what have you NOT done yet...that you would really like to do?

Now, that's a hard one............how about have a piece on the front cover of Somerset Studio, I'd like that!

And I'd like to write another book!  Not sure on what exactly but something along the mixed media/ altered route I think.

 

7.....Who inspires you, living or otherwise?

Now that's a hard question!

I get inspired by all sorts of things, not just people...........I love primitive art, folk art, old traditions, the natural world around us.........I like anything quirky, disparate things put together like they were meant to be, things slightly "outside the box" things, installation art......

 If we are talking about people, then I do love the work of the Glasgow 4, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, his wife Margaret MacDonald, her sister Frances MacDonald and Herbert MacNair..........I think partly because of the flow of their art, the flowing lines and curves, the use of nature, the colours and textures.............I love Art Nouveau for the same reasons.

On a completely different note I also love the work on 
Michael deMeng  

  8.....Now it's time for a little fun...if you could be any fictional character, who or what would you be?

Oh I think there is only one answer to that.............the white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland!! Bet you thought I'd say Alice didn't you!! I have this "thing" about being late, I hate it, so what is more appropriate than the rabbit!

9.....Any favorite snacks that you keep within reach in your studio?

Not much of a snacker! How holier than thou does that make me sound!! LOL

I try to stay away from chocolate as it gives me migraines, so what good are treats without chocolate!! I do love good ice cream, though I wouldn't take it into my work room, I am so clumsy it would end up all over something!

10.....Coffee, tea....or something more potent?

Well, if you are asking tea or coffee then definitely coffee, I don't drink tea, but in answer to the more potent part, a nice glass of cold Pinot Grigio, a good Shiraz or a G&T..........not that I'm an alcoholic, of course!!

Sue made the Fab 4 with our very first Play Date Cafe Challenge entry and we are so glad!

It's been a pleasure having Sue here today.  



I hope you will stop at your local Barnes & Noble or other online bookseller and get Sue's book.  

Watch for Autograph Session #2 soon...you never know who it might be!

The Play Date Cafe Challenge...

 
Because of the overwhelming response we are already having to our brand new Play Date Cafe Challenge, I have decided to give The Challenge it very own home....here's the details...

You can head on over the new Play Date Cafe Challenge Blog by clicking this link.  Sign on to follow along and when you are ready, Mr. Linky is there for you.  The rules to the challenge are posted on the sidebar AND in the post.  You will find everything in the post is duplicated and transferred.

If you prefer to play your first challenge directly from
The Open Window, just click here for the challenge.

It was my intention to wait until our next challenge to do this, but the response has been such that I felt it was best to do it immediately.  Also...there will be less confusion as I continue my regular daily posts and features.

SO...if you have ANY QUESTIONS, please feel free to email me at julieranae@hotmail.com
In the meantime....I will see you at THE PLAY DATE CAFE!

What A Stash & Julie Ranae's Thursday Night Favs!...scroll down for AI Blog Hop

What an absolutely busy week this has been here at The Open Window. I don't know if you could 'sense' the activity, but I am here to tell you that between my new design team features, the AI blog hop and even MORE news that will be coming in the next day or so,
it's been crazy busy.
But I wouldn't have it any other way!

So what are these photos about? A couple of days ago I received the other half of my birthday gift from dear Sarah in the UK and each of these photos show those lovely surprises. Above is a stash of wonderful bits and embellishments. Those long 'wooden-looking' strips you to see at the right are 'Cracker Snaps' that I asked Sarah to look for. I want to make and teach how to make authentic-style British 'Christmas Crackers' this season. Although we have a fair amount of Peel-Offs to choose from here in the US, it does not compare to the UK and Sarah knows I love them!

This lovely stamp set above came as a surprise gift from Jill Tuck at The Stampman in Yorkshire. When I had my store, I was the only US distributor of 'Aspects of Design' when Jill first released her line. Aren't they stunning?!
Can't wait to use them.

Now...this was just the best surprise of all! When I unwrapped this little package, I did a happy dance. This Pandora-style bracelet came from one of my favorite department stores in England, John Lewis'. Look at that clasp...seriously! The theme is handbags, which couldn't be more appropriate! I think on my last trip to see Paul's mum, I brought home 3 new purses and a fab coin purse,
so this bracelet is just the perfect fit!

Thank you for indulging me as I share those wonderful gifts. I know as creative people, it's fun to see the 'stamp stash' of others. As Sarah and I trade stashes all the time, you will undoubtedly see more. Get to know Sarah even more in the next post down. She was today's feature designer for The Play Date Cafe Challenge!

On to my newest favorites....I have two for you tonight that I have been dying to share, but the past couple of weeks have just not allowed me to get the proper time to do so. So let's go!

Have you been to A Vintage Chic? Go....now...just go,
but make sure you come back.
Julie is your host of this lovely, lovely blog. The projects that are featured here are photographed so well and the snapshots of the California landscape where she resides is absolutely stunning.
When you do stop by, make sure you tell her hello from me.

My next new favorite...I am not even sure how to describe it other than to use the word 'darling'. Do people still use that to describe the sweet things of life. Alice's Little Wonderland is a precious blog that makes you just take a breath and relax. Her designs are sweet and her dialogue is descriptive. This is one of those blogs that just makes me smile, and I think you will smile, too.

I hope you have a chance to visit these special places.
Stop by tomorrow because we are finishing our design team feature as I share a little more about myself,
as the final designer.
I promise I will share things that you
still don't know about me.

It's Artful INKables Blog Hop Time Again!

Welcome to the Artful INKables Blog Hop!

Did you stop by here after visiting the AI blog? If not, make sure you start from the beginning at Artful INKables
then proceed from there.
That way, you won't miss any of the great projects.
Today, the AI Design Team is featuring the
release of TWO BRAND NEW STAMP SETS

For this project, I used the very sweet, all occasion set called 'A Bird's Song'.
Eight great stamps make up this set...a beautiful addition
for your stamp collection.
I am not typically one who does a lot of 'coloring',
but this set makes it SO EASY!

Each blog on the hop will feature one of the new sets and an
opportunity to win BOTH!
Just stop by EACH blog on the hop,
leave a comment and cross your fingers!

That's all there is to it!

I'm so glad you stopped by! I hope while you're here, you will considering becoming a regular follower of The Open Window. We are getting ready to kick off our new Play Date Challenges and we'd love for you to play along...and you can enter for blog candy....HERE!
In the meantime....I will be back a little later today
with a feature on Sarah, another of our fab designers for
The Play Date Cafe Challenge, so make sure you stop back in a bit!

Your next stop on the hop is Holly's blog...
tell her Hi from The Open Window!

I Can't Wait...!

I can't wait! Halloween is just around the corner! Those of us who enjoy the creativity this holiday provides, will not find ourselves stopping when it comes to making creepy cards after October 31st. We may slow down a bit to make room for the necessary art the season calls for, but it won't be long and you will see us 'sneek' a
'witchy' project in here and there.

Those of you who saw the blog candy I recently won will recognize some of the elements in this card. Kris Dickinson from A Nostalgic Halloween provided those treats and I have had so much fun this weekend playing with them. This is just one of the cards that I came up with. Along with using Kris' fabulous finds, I also incorporated some of the new 'Spiders Web' Collection from My Mind's Eye, which are the creepy spiders crawling down and the spider web die cut. Don't those spiders look like they are actually crawling...eeeegh! I added a little glitter bling to the web
because...well, because I just had to!
I have really enjoyed playing with Kris' gift and want to thank her again for the scary but sweet surprise! Visit Kris over at A Nostalgic Halloween. If you are not quite ready for the ghosts and goblins night,
a visit to her blog is just what you need!

I can't wait! Tomorrow is the big day that The Open Window announces our very first design team who will lead the way to The Play Date Cafe Color Challenges. I told you yesterday that these girls were excited and THEY ARE! Tomorrow you will meet each designer and have a chance to visit their blogs. I sincerely hope that you will log on as a follower for each of these fantastic girls and show your support. Beginning Tuesday, you will be able to meet each one a little more personally as
I share a bit of their stories with you.
The Play Date Cafe Challenge will open soon...if you are looking forward to playing along, we hope you will spread the word to your friends and followers. We promise it will be something a little different than your average challenge...prizes, blog buttons and most of all, encouragement as you share your heart and passion
for paper with us!
See you tomorrow!

Here's to Celebrating Women!

As you can see, I have been busy once again, designing with Graphic45. Being a part of the Graphic45 community has really 'fed my' insatiable need for all things vintage.

These papers are from the Times Nouveau Collection and they just make me smile.
The verse is from The Paper Company. To keep with the vintage 'feel', I used silk ribbon laced throughout the card spine and centered it with a hand-me-down button.
The glitter is extra, too...adds a 'smidge' of pizazz!

So...what's new with you? How is autumn shaping up to be in your part of the land? Here in Northern Illinois, it's ridiculously cold and so blustery. Definitely NO INDIAN SUMMER in sight. I am looking forward to Friday as Paul uses his final batch of vacation before the Christmas rush at Barnes & Noble. As we are planning a trip to the UK to see his mum (and my dear friend Sarah, of course) in early 2010, we have opted to stay close to home and take a day trip or two and maybe an overnight away.

Thought I would fill you in on some exciting things that are just around the corner here at The Open Window.
In the next couple of weeks:

I will be featuring a terrific 'Autograph Session' with a fabulous paper artist and author
A new batch of blog candy will be up for grabs
I myself, will be featured in a Q&A on another fantastic blog

AND NEXT WEEK...
The brand new Play Date Cafe Design Team will be announced and the challenges will begin soon

So lots to look forward to! I can't wait to get started!
Will you be at The Play Date Cafe along with me?

Artful Inkables Blog Hop Time!

Welcome to the Artful INKables Blog Hop!

Did you stop by here after visiting the AI blog? If not, make sure you start from the beginning at Artful INKables
then proceed from there.
That way, you won't miss any of the great projects.

Today, the AI Design Team is featuring the
release of TWO BRAND NEW STAMP SETS

Each blog on the hop will feature one of the new sets and an
opportunity to win BOTH!
Just stop by each blog on the hop, leave a comment
and cross your fingers!

That's all there is to it!The new set that I am featuring today is called
'Halloween Hauntings'.
HOW MUCH FUN IS THIS, HUH?! I even included some fabulous new May Arts ribbon which is ALSO available from AI.
The metallic threads really sets it apart.

There are so many creative possibilities with this 11 pc set,
so make sure you add it to your shopping cart over at AI.

I'm so glad you stopped by! I hope while you're here, you will considering becoming a regular follower of The Open Window. There's something new almost everyday and quite frankly,
we have a lot fun!
Your next stop on the hop is
Jackie's blog just click here!

In the meantime....I will be back a little later today
with an update from my studio

Sneak Peek #2 - Tag Swap & DESIGN TEAM CALL

Here you go! Sneak Peek #2 of these fabulous tags from our swap. So let's see...what little 'hint' can I give you about each creator. Well, one of these great designers is truly a 'paper' artist but NOT a rubber stamper. One of these ladies lives only about 10 miles from me and one of these designers will be on the new Open Window Design Team!

That's all I can tell you for now. I want to each participant to be surprised when the tags arrive in their mailboxes. So when I know they have gotten there safe and sound, I will reveal the entire collection to you, including my offering for the swap.

Now....I mentioned a moment ago one of our swap participants is on the new Open Window Design Team....the good news for YOU is that there are still a couple of openings so I am officially announcing our very first Design Team Call.














This team will be responsible for designing and hosting a weekly challenge, called 'The Play Date'. You will need to be available to particpate once a week, with hosting responsibilities once a month.

Now...I need for you to know that this is a design team STRICTLY for fun...there is no tangible or monetary reward, but I am looking for sponsors not only for prizes, but for possible features of their stamps and/or products. So if you know of any manufacturers of wholesalers/retailers that are looking for a new and fun way to promote their products, please point them to The Open Window.

So here is all you need to do: Send an email to paul.julie1102@sbcglobal.net with your name/address/phone/blog site address. That's it! If you have additional photos of cards/projects or online galleries that you are particularly proud of, please include those, but I can easily make a decision based off of your blog entries. You will be required to submit photos of your projects that I will feature on my blog, so your photo capabilities need to be of a good quality.

It's a very short deadline for submissions...September 16th....there are only 2 openings and I am SO looking forward to seeing who comes forward for the challenge!

Although there is no tangible reward for now, I will provide a Play Date DT logo for your blog and winners of the challenges will also have a 'winner' badge to display.

Well....I need to put the finishing touches on my Artful INKables design for tomorrow's post, so I need to go for now. I heard that the new AI website, which has been under a little bit of construction, should be up and running just in time for you to stop by after tomorrow's post. See you then!