Alter Everything

Day 85: Put A Bird On It

As an artist, I often struggle with how to "create" things.  What belongs there?  Does this go with that?  Is this the right direction?  Sometimes, the choices are so overwhelming, even I don't know where to start.

Well...thank God for Portlandia...a cute sketch comedy show with the solution to my creative worries. 

OMG.  Why didn't I think of that?  (Oh wait, maybe I have).

Altered CD Jacket Journal by Kathy Tagudin

OK, no problem.  At least my bird ideas are distinct amongst all of the other bird ideas.

 

Or....maybe not.

But at least I'm taking the time to be creative and put stuff out there.
This is true. This is arguably true.

So, if you've got something to express, but don't know where to begin...put a bird on it.  I DARE YOU!  If for no other reason than just because you can.

Flippin the Bird T-Shirt by chillin penguin designs

Altered Today: Giving a Flip, Flipping the Bird, More Silly Bird Artwork, Bird on a ?????, Daring YOU to create something.

Day 79: Something Old, Something New

Ok. I get it. You're tired of hearing about poop, pain, and doctors. Me too.  That's why today, instead of writing about it (or me, or you), I thought I'd show you some fun stuff that just tickles my fancy. 

Below are some fabulous finds on Etsy recycled from old ties, ratty t-shirts, retired luggage, and other found junk.  Aren't they neat??!?!?

Just goes to show...with enough love, patience, and creativity, anything can be beautiful. Happy Window Shopping!

Altered Today: It's not about me.

Day 61: Lights, Camera...

Me and My New Ukulele.  One of the opening pics in my new video.

Back when I worked in PR, I was on tv quite a bit. I did talk show interviews, telethons, short news segments...and a few other things I'm sure I've forgotten. 

It was loads of fun--especially since the cause was important.  I'd show up, answer a few questions, flirt with the camera crew, and be on my way.  I loved the challenge of thinking on my feet and was thrilled to get paid for merely talking (something I got in trouble for a lot in high school).

Today, I relived some of that joy, as I started recording an instructional video teaching others how to make altered book journals. 

The opportunity came as a surprise via an email I received from Chicago. 

"Saw your books on Etsy....love your stuff!  Would love to have someone teach me how to do this, but I have not been able to find anyone," the note said.

Thrilled to help, I offered to make a how to video...which has now spilled into other things...including me becoming a producer, director, and video editor.

While I don't think I'll be winning an Oscar anytime soon, I've often thought about making videos that highlight the things I love: SoulCollage, Creativity Seminars, Silly Songs, and Life Coaching. 

Who knows?  Maybe this is the start of a new adventure.

Altered Today: Skill with a Video Camera and Editing Software, Action on an Idea

Day Three: Altering File Folders

Since cleaning out my office, I have TONS of leftover file folders. The colors range from bright red to purple (not really my style anymore), but I hate to just throw them in the trash or sell them for pennies at a yard sale. The solution???  Recycle them of course!!!!  Following are the steps I took to make adorable, custom mailing envelopes.

STEP ONE:  Gather old, ugly file folders. 

 

STEP TWO:  Get sample envelope in basic size you want to copy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STEP THREE:  Open sample envelope, carefully pulling apart glued edges.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STEP FOUR:  Open unglued sample. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STEP FIVE:  Place sample over top of file folder (if you keep the seams in the same place it helps) and trace carefully around the edges (like a sewing pattern).

 

STEP SIX:  Cut out pattern and adjust as needed (ie: my folder did not allow for the envelope flap to be as large as the sample so I just modified).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STEP SEVEN:  Fold over edges of the new envelope and crease the edges.  FYI:  I used a ruler, but you can use your thumb, a burnishing tool, whatever....just get it really crisp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STEP EIGHT: Glue down edges of envelope with your favorite adhesive.  I particulary like rolling sticky tack tape (the kind scrapbooker's use), but pick your poison. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STEP NINE:  Embellish folder with your favorite stamps, crayons, paints, or paper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STEP TEN:  Marvel at your ingeninuity and creativity.  Then mail something.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day Two: Altering Gift Packaging

I'll admit it. I'm not a "fancy" person. Raised on a farm, I am pretty comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt and I am definitely not known for my social graces.  But now that I've started an Etsy Shop, it's got me thinking about packaging.  I mean, everybody loves a pretty package...don't they??? That's why I wanted to make the one I sent today EXTRA special.

For starters, I sold my first upcycled journal today (HOORAY), but with the order came a request to write an inscription on the first page (not my forte).  Initially, I handwrote it with a calligraphy pen, but hated it.  Then, I got the bright idea to make a bookplate, which I think turned out pretty nice.

It was relatively easy to do (vintage image + computer + heat transfer tool + old file folder). The added benefit was it also allowed me to cover up the horrible handwriting and even out the message (making Sis bigger really helped balance things out). 

Now I have a new product to offer AND a sent package I am really proud of.  Heck, I got so inspired, I even made a custom bookmark with the recipient's name (I knew I'd find a good use for those scraps of paper).  Final product was wrapped in recycled craft paper adorned with butterfly stamp and left over twine (so much better than just a book in a box).  Don't have craft paper?  You could also turn a Panera or shopping bag inside out.  What do you think? What do you do for packaging?