There was something wrong... - mini collage or why so serious?

... that was quite clear. Indeed.
Sometimes a good picture is worth of thousand words, right?

I'm sure we all can relate to this feeling of creating something for pure fun, stretching your brain and fingers... or maybe just trying something new? And if you will include in the process great company, late evening and a lot of laughter, everything can happen!

What I have here is a top of metal tin, filled with a carefully selected and altered vintage photo ;) and a precious quote (which was cut out for me by my best friend from the old book).
I focused mostly on stamping, water coloring and adding a coat o Ice Resin... and you know what? It was the best time ever :)
And I will surely follow that path. Creating is about fun - and the more you have of it, the better!

For your reference - here is a selection of products I used - all from Mixed Media Place:

I wish you all a great, creative weekend!

Sending hugs

Art-journal intrusion...

...seriously - why not?
For those of you who have a bit too much of Christmas preparation madness. ;)
Page I've made in my friend's art journal - inspired by the color... and the moment.

Supplies: Ecoline - watercolour paint, acrylic paint, Indian Ink, soft pencil, Paper Artsy stamps, Archival Ink (Ranger). 

Thank you for visiting - I'll be beck soon with something more appropriate to the season :)

Music... to make housework easier... "Breathe Me" - Sia

I'm lucky to have great, understanding, inspirational friends who don't forget about me even when I travel all year round, even when I'm away, not having possibility to see them in  person. Really. It is possible and I feel blessed.
Not so long ago, one of them, Czekoczyna came with the idea of making a collaborative project - inspired by  our favorite music... and that's how "Music to make housework easier" came to life. Who we are? Just a group of passionate, creative girls: Agnieszka-Anna, Anai, 2:16, Czekoczyna and me, Finn. And you can always join us - this inspirational challenge is open to everyone. 

So what is it all about? Here you can find the answer... and other projects of our creative team. Maybe you'll get inspired too?
This time we listened to the song that was absolutely new to me - but I fell in love with the voice, nostalgic, vulnerable, emotional. I liked the music...but the lyrics. Huge WOW. Something  made just for me.

Pages in my journal came to life quickly, without thinking. I knew what I was willing to do from the very beginning when this photo showed on my table. I love moments like this.

And here is the inspiration "Breath Me" by Sia. Beautiful Song.

P.S.

Have you heard? Prima Art Venture in California is back in January 2014!!! Here is the registration link.
I'm happy to announce I'm listed as one of the teachers on this great event... just check who is there with me! How exciting!

Journal galore! (and Sizzix Friday!)

Hi, it's me again.
I relised there weren't many journal pages shown lately here on my blog. It doesn't mean I don't create them, oh no... it is all because my life gone totally crazy now - and it is going to be even worse (or at least similar) until Summer CHA... or maybe longer? There is something really BIG and important happening now behind the scenes for me - and it takes a lot of my attention. When the time will come - I will share as much as I can, but so far... let's focus on the journal pages, lol!

First one called "Dead tongue" (or dead language - it sounds the same in Polish) was inspired by one of the poems. It was made in one of my friend's travelling journal.

Next travelling journal - next topic: this time "Macabre". What can suit better than "Danse Macabre" then?

And finally - my "Journey Notebook" - new project I started to document some of my journeys. The base is an old book, the range of mediums - very limited... you can say it is something between a notebook and a journal in one. I like it so far. It is somehow special to me, really.

Both pages above were made with Sizzix products - to learn more, see detailed photos and product list - visit Sizzix.uk blog here!
See you soon...

On the Wild Side - Creative Jump Start 2013 video by Finn

 Do you recognize this crazy journal page? No?

Some of you could see it before, it was my project made for the second edition of the great project by Nathalie Kalbach and her artsy friends called Creative Jump Start 2013. 

Nathalie invited a group of wonderful, inspiring and creative ladies and gentlemen from around the globe in the mixed media and scrapbooking world to join together for the Creative Jump Start Summit 2013.

 We were coming together to show you some ways to get back into the creative groove and how to get your creative juices flowing. We shared with you "3 Ways to ..." to help you jump-start your creativity in 2013. Now the project is over and I want to show you all my video - I hope you will enjoy!

I know for some of you the idea of cutting and altering a photo might be very scary or totally out of comfort zone - but this is what challenges are for, right?
Please let me now your thoughts about my project and video - I appreciate your opinion:)
Remember you can find of my short videos on my YouTube channel - here!
Sending hugs

Creative Jump Start is here again!

Here we go again!!!
 After last year's success of Creative JumpStart Nathalie Kalbach decided to organize it again. About 4.500 subscribers joined the Creative JumpStart in 2012. It was so much fun! So here is the scoop about it: January is approaching - a month that is full with promises, resolutions and intentions. A month that for many is following lots of holiday celebrations, family gatherings and other end-of-the-year events. It’s also time to start creating again. But suddenly there it is for some of us: that lost feeling on how to start. Here is the cure :)
 Nathalie invited a group of wonderful, inspiring and creative ladies and gentlemen from around the globe in the mixed media and scrapbooking world to join together for the Creative Jump Start Summit 2013. We are coming together to show you some ways to get back into the creative groove and how to get your creative juices flowing. We want to share with you "3 Ways to ..." help you jump-start your creativity in 2013. Let me show you who is participating:

 

 Here’s what you get and how it works:

• 1. Throughout January we will share videos showing tutorials to inspire you –
• 2. You sign up for the Creative JumpStart 2013 newsletter HERE and, in January 2013, you will receive  a daily link and password to unlock the view of the materials as soon as they go live
• 3. On some days our Sponsors will have a giveaway for you and you will receive two newsletters these days

• 4. You watch the presentations and you will be hopefully inspired to be more creative—all for FREE! If you like it you can donate to the cause - check it out here.

So come on—get inspiration from some of the most creative people in the community.
What are you waiting for? (Did I mention it’s FREE?)

Sending warmest hugs!

Finn

Sizzix Friday: be creative with your dies : Maria Morievna

Hi again - yes, it's me again!
Today I've got for you a new idea for using your ornamental dies - how about using them to create a fairy-tale outfit for a princess or queen? Why not?
Here is what I did using Sizzix products - with a little help of Ranger, Luminarte and 7 Dots Studio. As you can see I was deeply inspired by Russian folklore and fairy tales... all because of my friend JaMajka and her  amazing journal:

"Maria Morievna - beautiful princess" - "Maria Moriewna, śliczna królewna"

text: Why should you look for her in the whole world? This princess - is me..

If you want to learn more about the products and technique - please visit Sizzix.uk blog today. You will find a product list and a step-by-step info about the creative process. Enjoy!
xoxo
Finn

Szczęśliwa 13 - projekt kolaboracyjny:)

Hej kochani!
Śpieszę z wiadomością, że dziś w ramach zorganizowanego przez Ulę Phelep projektu "Szczęśliwce 13" na blogu "Sen Mai" można znaleźć mój artykuł dotyczący poniższej pracy - ale tez samego tworzenia jako mojego sposobu na codzienne życie.
Serdecznie zapraszam do zaglądania - i odwiedzenia także wpisów znakomitych koleżanek:)
Na zachętę - scrap: kolejny z cyklu "Industrialny Barok" - oczywiście na kolekcji "Domestic Goddess" od 7 Dots Studio.

Po więcej szczegółów zapraszam już na bloga "Sen Mai" - o tutaj!

Family Travelling Journal II - inside!

As I promised, here is the second part of the photos of my "Family Travelling Journal" - my part of the travelling art journals project we are launching for the second time just now:)
I'm very excited, waiting to see what will happen with the family photos I put in the envelope in the back...
I can't wait to see the again - in the new surroundings, interpretations... this is one and only chance to get a priceless treasure with not only our family memories but also my art friends talents closed inside of the very old book!

So, here is what I did to the book - I didn't want to cover the beautiful old pages with paint: there were beautiful old stamps, handwritten notes, underlined texts... So I only added a bit here and there!

Starting pages:

Page with title and first family photo ( with baby Finn ;))

And the inspirational page - information about the project. I decided to use only 2 colors of ink on the pages - and a very soft pencil, not more! Starring: my dad, Krzysiek in the age about... 20?

 Text:
Let's create together this family album - one you go through with a cup of tea or coffee in your hand. Let's write a completely new story...

Finally double page: "Memories-Secrets" - with gesso, inks, pencil and a lot of layers!

Starring: Jadwiga and Władka, my husband's grandma and her sister;)

And here is the last page (I showed  it yesterday) - with envelope full of old photos and the last photo embellished by me:) Starring: My dad, Krzysiek and my uncle, Bogdan - playing football. 

I hope you enjoyed the project - I surely did!!! I can't wait to get it back in my hands...

Supplies: Ranger: Glossy Accents, Cracle Accents, Archival Ink: Jet Black, Library Green, gesso. Tim Holtz:  File Tabs, metal cornrners and embellishments, stamps: Wendy Vecchi, 7 Gypsies, Sizzix, letters: Sizzix (Tim Holtz - Word Play, Stenciled), elements: Sizzix - Paula Pasucal. Others: twine, brads, lace, washi tape, rubbish from my collection and tea stain. 

Sizzix Friday: Travelling Family Album

Hi friends!
Today on Sizzix.uk blog I'm sharing details of the new project - travelling journal inspired by old family photos... and tea! This altered book is starting it's journey on Sunday - and when I'll get it back it will be full of beautiful pages done by wonderfully talented creative friends :) I can't express how excited about this project I am!

About altering the book: I didn't want to lost it's beauty under heavy paint, spraying or texture - that's why I decided for only some Tim Holtz add-ons: few metal embellishments  alphabet Sizzix die (Word Play) and  plain cotton ribbon to close the book.
I used Glossy Accents from Ranger on the floral elements and Crackle Accents on the painted chipboard letters. I love the efect!

On the Sizzix blog you can see the book before altering, but also have a detailed peek inside: I've made double page with envelope and one of my favorite photos of my dad and his brother! You will also find a full product list and some detailed photos :)

I hope you like it - I'm totally in love and I know I HAVE TO make another book just for myself!!!
Tomorrow I'm sharing more of the pages - stay tuned!
xoxo
Finn

We will help - next chapter. Inspirational video!

Can you remember THIS post from July?
Me, and my friend, 2:16 were asking you a question:
"Imagine that you meet someone who is just starting his/her adventure in this wonderful world of art - it may be a bit overwhelming, scary.. - all those techniques, supplies, people worth knowing - so many questions, so many doubts... but a lot of will and hopes too! * * * what kind of advice would you give to such a person? * * *?
We've got loads of wonderful answers from you - and this is the next chapter of the story. Our great creative friend, Agnieszka-Anna agreed to help with photos for our project... then wonderful Polish artists, scrapbookers, cardmakers gave us their helpful hands! Finally we were able to make for you this short inspirational video! We hope you'll enjoy it - and maybe it will help too?

You can find this Video on my YouTube channel too - it is a new thing to me, so pleasse forgive any mistakes :) But hey - I keep learning! :)

The photos were made during V Polish Scrapbooking Convention in Warsaw - and we'd like to thank you our amazing friends for helping with this idea and giving loads on-the-spot ideas! It was unbelivable!

Of course - we'd love to hear your opinion on this project - and we hope to continue this topic in the future :)
(And me - I plan to explore more the You Tube ocean and come expand a bit in that direction too...but..step by step ;))

Pomożecie? - następny rozdział. Film inspiracyjny :)

Pamiętacie jeszcze TEGO posta z czerwca?
Wraz z 2:16 zadawałyśmy wam wtedy pytanie:
Wyobraźcie sobie, że przychodzi do was ktoś, kto dopiero zaczyna wchodzić w ten cudowny twórczy świat, Świat, który może czasem trochę przytłaczać - bogactwem technik, materiałów, ludzi do poznania, mnożących się pytań i wątpliwości.Nieco zagubiony, choć pełen chęci.
 * * * Jakiej rady udzielilibyście takiej osobie? * * * 
Mamy teraz tony fantastycznych odpowiedzi od was - a oto i następny rozdział tej historii! Nasza fantastyczna przyjaciółka po fachu (i nie tylko) - Agnieszka-Anna - zgodziła się pomóc nam przy zdjęciach do naszego projektu... a potem nasze kochane rodzime artystki, scrapbookerki, dziewczyny kartkujące podały nam pomocne dłonie i tak oto mogłyśmy w końcu przygotować dla Was ten mały filmik inspiracyjny :) Mamy nadzieję, że się spodoba... i pomoże?

Film został także załadowany na mój nowo otwarty i jeszcze raczkujący kanał YouTube. To dla mnie zupełnie nowe medium, wiec proszę wybaczyć wszelkie potknięcia - i upraszam o cierpliwość do mojej osoby!

Zdjecia zostały zrobione podczas V Ogólnopolskiego Zlotu Scrapbookingowego w Warszawie - i bardzo chciałybyśmy podziękować  wspaniałym dziewczynom za tak chętną współpracę, pomoc i mnóstwo rzucanych "na gorąco" pomysłów. Jesteście nieocenione!

Oczywiście - jesteśmy bardzo ciekawe Waszych wrażeń i opinii - i obiecujemy wrócić do tematu w kolejnych odsłonach :) Miłego oglądania:)

Online class give away: Dimensional Details with Nic Howard (Big Picture Classes)

Hi my friends, I've got an awsome, exciting news for you! Few months ago I was asked by talented teacher from New Zealand, Nic Howard to prepare a project and handout for one of her new classes for Big Picture Classes : Dimensional Details - Expanded Version. 
Of course I was happy and excited to participate in this project... here here is a peek of a layout I made:

And some peeks into Nic's projects of course:

Here is more info about the class:

Details: the Expanded Version taught by Nic Howard 

13 week workshop for $79 

Class starts on 5th July  

Class Description:
Dimensional Dimensional Details - the Expanded Version, has been updated with hot new techniques, step-by-step instructions and is full of gorgeous new examples, as well as including the favourites from the original class. Add all this to the lighthearted mood that Nic is well known for and this is one class that you won't want to miss. Students new to Dimensional Details, as well as those that joined Nic in 2010, will enjoy fresh new enthusiasm for the creative process and plenty of inspiration to scrap projects for months to come.
Register and read rest of class description here 
New to Big Picture Classes? Learn more here 

Now, I'm even more happy to announce that Nic is so generous to give away one seat for her online class to one of my blog readers - isn't it amazing? I can't wait to make a drawing and give the winner Free ticket for this great creative event:)

Here is how it works:

To take part in the drawing leave a comment under this blogpost, saying what do you love the most about creating:) It would be nice if you could start following my blog, Finn page on Facebook or my brand new Twitter account (finnabair1)  :) I'll be having more exciting news for you coming soon - so stay tuned!

Random drawing will be made on Monday, 2nd July here on my blog. The list will be closed at 10 pm of my time (8.00 pm GMT) and the winner will be announced the same evening in a new blogpost:) Then I hope to send the prize to one of my blog readres - it is just that easy!
I wish you all good luck :)
See you soon!
Finn