I Is For . . . (Blogging From A To Z Challenge 2014)

Welcome to Blogging From A To Z with Pin & Tack.
A letter is assigned and you have write about it.

Today's letter is . . .

I is for Illustration, which - to quote it very dictionary-like - "visualization or a depiction made by an artist, such as a drawing, sketch, painting, photograph, or other kind of image of things seen, remembered or imagined, using a graphical representation."

Caitlin Russell

Emily Brickel

Monika

A Grape Design

Enjoy these? Check out Illustration for famous illustrators from across the world.

Blessings & joy, yours truly . . .  Corrinne Quinn

Craft It Up with Pin & Tack: Arts & Crafts Challenge #3 - Hearts

It's February - WOWZERS! This year is moving quickly, but there's always time to craft.

So, let's not waste a moment and get to the details . . .

{Anything Goes with Heart}

To join in the challenge, your craft must include a heart or the word "love." Simple enough, right?

Well, I hope so since Valentine's Day is just around the corner ;)

This challenge ends on Friday, February 14th at 11:55 PM.
Winner will be announced no later than the following Wednesday.

{Inspiration}

{Just Peach Pink Diamond Magnets by Pin & Tack}

{Digital Scrapbook using FREE papers from Jennifer Scraps}

{Prizes}

A big ol' MYSTERY grab bag of craft goodies: die cuts, embellishments, papers & more.

You will have a lot to work with for your next craft project. I promise that you will love it.

{Charity}

For every entry, $0.10 (up to $50 total) will be donated to Animal Place, who provides refuge and permanent sanctuary to 100s of neglected farm animals.

Share this challenge with as many people as you can, so they will receive the full amount! You can also donate directly at the link above.

{ The How To . . . }

1. Your project must be new & handmade by you or your child.

2. Display this project on your blog or online gallery, adding a direct link to the blog post in the linky list below.

3. Include a link to Craft It Up with Pin & Tack using http://pinandtack.blogspot.com in your blog post.

4. Be inspired, create and have fun with this challenge. It’s the most important rule of all 

(NOTE: You can enter up to FIVE times as long as it’s a new and different project. Rules must be followed; Otherwise, your entry will be deleted without notification. If you have any questions, please send an email to pinandtack@gmail.com)

Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue . . .

Roses are red, violets are blue . . . a poem that starts with this typically ends with an expression of love. Unless you like to be snarky, but we won't go that route - Ha! If you enjoy giving gifts, let roses & violets inspire you to choose one for your loved one.

(Source, Clockwise: 1. Botanical Print - Peony & Thistle Paper, 2. Thumb Tacks - Pin & Tack, 3. Flower Earrings - Handsome Honey, 4. Dome Ring - Xerces Art, 5. Pleated Wristlet - Oyeta, 5. Beaded Bracelet - Just Charming, 7. Flower Crown - Gardens Of Whimsy, 8. Clay Earrings - D Fox Jewelry Designs, 9. Origami Bouquet - The White Bouquet, 10. Paper Garland - La Mia Casa, 11. Digital Print - Rosie & Violets)

Have you already gotten ready for the big LOVE day? If not, now is the time. Please don't be a procrastinator. It's just not the thing to do if you celebrate this day with your love. Otherwise, you end up giving a crappy card, boring box of chocolates, and not-so-fresh flowers.

Blessings and joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Enjoy A Bit Of Crazy Happiness!

I was crazy happy when I found, well, Crazie Happy - Ha!

This shop offers a unique twist on mozaics. Instead of tile, it's pieces of clay.

Bold colors, outstanding patterns and just so fun that I had to share with you!

(Source, Clockwise: 1. Aladdin's Lamp, 2. Incense Holder, 3. Tea Pot, 4. Bowl, 5. Wall Hanging, 6. Cookie Jar.)

"Making things with my hands has become a defining characteristic of who I am.

I usually bring clay with me on vacations.

My passion (or obsession, actually both) is a fire that has not died down or even slowed down.

It satisfies me and gives me pleasure to a degree that is almost unexplainable."

- Lydia Ruark of Crazie Happy

Did you enjoy her work as much as me? Are you a clay artist or crafter? Share your own joy with us!

Blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Craft It Up with Pin & Tack: Arts & Crafts Challenge #2

Welcome! Are you ready for the new year? Well, you better be as it has arrived! To start it off, let’s be creative.

{ Challenge: Anything Goes with Sparkle }

To join in, create any art &/or craft project with “sparkle.” Examples of sparkle include glitter, rhinestones, or shiny metal.

Picking Sparkling Toadstools Mixed Media Minuature

This challenge ends on Tuesday, January 14th at 11:59 PM PST. Winner will be announced no later than Saturday, January 18th. (Note: Craft It Up with Pin & Tack runs from the 1st - 14th of each month.)

{ Prizes }

Two crafters will win a set of handcrafted Sapphire Thumb Tacks by me. These rhinestones are a deep blue that will sparkle up your cork board.

{ Charity }

For every entry, $0.10 (up to $50 total) will be donated to Dogs For The Deaf, who rescues & professionally trains dogs to assist people, enhancing their lives & provide greater independence.

Share this challenge with as many people as you can, so they will receive the full amount! You can also donate directly at the link above.

{ The How To . . . }

1. Your project must be new & handmade by you or your child.

2. Display this project on your blog or online gallery, adding a direct link to the blog post in the linky list below.

3. Include a link to Craft It Up with Pin & Tack using http://pinandtack.blogspot.com in your blog post.

4. Be inspired, create and have fun with this challenge. It’s the most important rule of all 

(NOTE: You can enter up to FIVE times as long as it’s a new and different project. Rules must be followed; Otherwise, your entry will be deleted without notification. If you have any questions, please send an email to pinandtack@gmail.com)

Arts & Crafts Challenge #1: Craft It Up With Pin & Tack

Blog has moved and a new challenge has begun.

Create a craft project, share it and you could win fabulous prizes!

Join the craft challenge at Pin & Tack.

Carve It, Ink It, Print It with Allyn Paperworks

My blog has moved - You are welcome and encouraged to join me.
Then you can Carve It, Ink It, Print It with Allyn Paperworks.

P.S. For my crafty followers, a new challenge will begin on December 1st.
Share your handmade arts & crafts with a chance to win a prize.

7 Reasons Why Rain Clouds Don't Bring Me Down

Rain clouds used to be sad, but crafters & artist have changed this perception.

They bring such a bit of joy and the real ones give you an excuse to get out of yard work.

Rainy Day Earrings, petite Vanilla

Flood Rain Cloud Print, Golly Bard

Rain Cloud Journal, Ordinary Artists

Gray Rain Cloud Emroidered Hoop, Hey Abby

Rain Cloud Shot Glass, Villareal Ceramics

Rain Cloud Mobile, Lullaby Mobiles

Rain Clouds Necklace, Katheyl

A is for . . .

A is for AMAZING!

I discovered this artist while on the search for new FB pages that I can like. Since I am the only one running Pin & Tack's FB page, it's nice to have the content come right to my feed, then I can share it with you.

Vibrant Shadows Paper Art

Jordan Taylor Schwartz caught my interest right away with a series of shares on her Facebook page, showing a work in progress. (See below.) She creates art through paper cutting. Paper and blade is all she needs. She may actually go through several blades creating a single artwork. One piece took over 10 blades to complete!

"This one is so delicate. I hope I can finish it without tearing it!" - Jordan Taylor Schwartz

This piece took 4 blades to complete! Every piece of art Jordan creates is one of a kind. You will always have an original work. If you want to see her in action, she shares plenty of time-lapsed videos. As I said, it's simply amazing!

Did you know? Paper cutting is actually a very old art form, which is credited to the Chinese. It traveled to Europe in the 1500s and was called scherenschnitte, the art of "scissor snipping" or "scissor cutting."

So, are you going to give it a try, my crafty friends? I think I will leave this to the professionals or those with the patience. (The piece above was a day long project for Jordan!)

If you have any paper-cutting creations, please share them. I know we would love to see them!

Spark Your Creativity Now! Challenge #11: Anything Goes

Oh, my goodness! It's July. What is up with that?

The older I get, the faster time flies by.

I better get to crafting, so I don't miss out - ha!

You're invited to join me and the fabulous Design Team, who has inspiration just for you.

And let's not forget about our prize sponsors. Thank you, everyone, who is a part of this crafty flow.

{Prizes}

Fred She Said

Fred She Said Designs offers a wide variety of digital products with a floral flair and cute characters too - Digi's, Pre-coloured images, Papers, Sets, Fred's Flower Kits, and even digital cutting files. Have some fun with Fred!

Pin & Tack Handcrafted Delights

Pin & Tack Handmade Delights offers handmade boutique treasures, treats & trinkets.

These handcrafted delights are made in Oregon and shipped worldwide!

{Inspiration}

CraftyGirl

Tania

Karen

Kitt

{Participate}

Now, let's get to the details. You know - the rules. No groaning, though, These rules are easy!

1. Your project must be new and handmade.

2. Display it on your blog or online gallery, then add the direct link to it in the linky list below.

(If you don't have either, you can email Corrinne a photo of your project to: pinandtack@gmail.com)

3. Mention "Spark Your Creativity Now!" in your post and include a link back to this blog.

4. Be inspired and create - Have fun with this challenge. It's the most important rule :)

(Note: You can enter up to FIVE times as long as it's a new project.
You can also combine with as many other challenges as you'd like.)

Challenge ends on July 31th at 11:55 PM PST.

Come One, Come All With Your Craftiness!

The Anything Goes challenge is happening right now, so get your supplies and create!

Any craft, any theme, anything that is handmade by you.

{ Click here to share at SYCN! Challenge #10 }

Inspiration abounds! And there is, of course, a chance to win something fun.

Check out these entries along with a special project from one of our DT members.

CraftyGirl (SYCN! DT Member)

#47 DLR

#67 Karen P

Don't forget to stop by our sponsors, too :)

Beccy's Place - 3 Digital Images

Pin & Tack Handcrafted Delights - Micro Clothes Pin Banner Gift Kit

Click here to share at SYCN! Challenge #10

Sparks Of The Moment: Join Us For The Anything Goes Challenge

It's Anything Goes at the Spark Your Creativity Now! Challenge.

Share your crafty goodness with us - We'd love to see it!

Click here to join Challenge #3 :)

{ Sponsor }

Pin & Tack Handcrafted Delights

Mini Clothes Pin Banner Kit

{ Inspiration }

Here are some lovely creations that have already been shared at the challenge.

Remember: You can enter as many times as you want AND you can combine with as many other challenges, too. Challenge ends on November 30th at 11:59 PM PST.

#41 - Melissa SunshineHoneybee

#54 - Lucy Patrick

#71 - Cathy (Krafty koolkat)

{ Click here for Spark Your Creativity Now! Challenge #3 }

Spark Your Creativity Now! WINNERS: September 2012

{ Click here for October's Anything Goes Challenge }

It was an absolutely wonderful start for Spark Your Creativity Now! Challenges. Thank you, everyone, that took the time to share their creativity with us. It was a joy to see so many crafty people among us!

{ Prize Winners }

Creative Bug Digital Stamps - 4 Digital Stamps

#19 - Sukie

Pin & Tack Handcrafted Delights - Micro Clothes Pin Banner Gift Kit

#37 - Orit

You have until Sunday, October 7th 5:00pm PST to claim your prize by sending Corrinne an email at pinandtack@gmail.com. For digital prizes, please send your name & valid email. For physical prizes, please provide your name & full shipping address. If prize is not claimed, a new winner will be picked.

{ Sparks Of The Month - Our Top Picks }

#56 - Jill Tiffany

Karen: "This is just stunning! A beautiful work of art and we can see how much work went into making this book card."

#122 - Nancy Y

Corrinne: "Absolutely gorgeous! I adore the "vintage" image and fabulous mix of embellishments."

{ Click here for October's Anything Goes Challenge }

Tuesday Alchemy Challenge #33: Random Word Inspiration - Blackboard, Gears & Tart

A new challenge starts at Tuesday Alchemy today. It's Random Word Inspiration. Be inspired by these three words: Blackboard, Gears & Tart.

You can use one, two or all three. Have fun, share you creation and you could win a prize from these wonderful sponsors:

CraftyCat957 - 1 Graphics CD

Floppy Latte - $10 Store Voucher

I was inspired by blackboard and created this chalkboard frame. Yep, it's purple. Everything that is purple can be written on with chalk, erased then written on again!

This creation was submitted to these blogs.

Card Crafter's Circle: #41 - Ribbon & Roses

Come & Get It: Anything But A Card

Crafts & Me: #102 - Roses

Fat Pages/Cards w/Attitude: #23 - Anything Goes

Forever Friends: #45 - Colors

Inspire Me Fridays: #77 - Anything Goes

Make It Monday: #108 - Anything Goes

Paper Pretties: PWC224 - No Patterned Paper

Twisted Tuesday: #25 - No Tools

Anything But A Card Challenge #2: Texture

ABAC Challenge #2 begins today. It's all about texture. Create ANY project as long as it's not a card and add that texture to it!

This canvas was covered with glittered cardstock before I painted over it with navy, then distressed in white.

Satin ribbon is topped with a piece of a broken belt (Super cute belt, but oh, so cheap & broke on me!)

I painted the butterfly white, so it would go with the color scheme, then topped with a grosgrain ribbon bow.

Lots of different textures - Yeah!

This canvas art was submitted to these blogs.

ATCs/Cards w/Attitude: #22 - Anything Goes
Hiding In My Craft Room: #63 - Distressing
Inspire Me Fridays: #76 - Anything Goes
Simply Create Too: #22 - Anything Goes
Speedy Fox & Friends: #125 - Fave Technique
(Distressing/Painting)
Top Tip Tuesday: #85 - Recycle It

Friday Sentiments (Lady Anne's Paper Crafts): Sports with A Twist

It's a new challenge for the Friday Sentiments Challenge: Sports with the twist of adding brads.

Now, I enjoy going to sporting events. Seeing them live is very fun, but watching them on TV or talking about them . . . well, that's just not my cup of tea.

This challenge made me pause for a bit. Sports? What? I'd rather not. Ha!

Well, I searched through my supplies and was surprised to find these very cool football stickers. And who knows how long I've had them :) An idea was born and here it is.

Do you enjoy sports? Which one?

This card was submitted to these challenge blogs.

See below for details, so you can share, too!
A Gem Of A Challenge: #54 - A Boy Thing
Craft Your Passion: #127 - Blast From The Past
(Chalenge #79 - Black/White/Other Color)
Crafts 4 Eternity: #89 - Numerical Numbers
Cutie Pie: #26 - No Flowers
Hand Stamped Sentiments: #135 - Alphabets
Hooked On Craft: #24 - Cards For Men
Inspire Me Fridays: #76 - Anything Goes
Make It Monday: #106 - Anything Goes
Simply Create Too: #22 - Anything Goes
Use Your Stuff: #51 - Earning Your Stripes

Sparks Of The Week - Anything Goes Monthly Challenge

Click Here To Join The Anything Goes Challenge!

Spark Your Creativity Now! is a monthly challenge, so you still have time to share your latest creation and gain a chance to win prizes! (Challenge ends September 30th.) It's anything goes, which means you get to choose the challenge and share ANY craft with us. Click here to play, inspire and just have crafty fun :)

{ September Sponsors }

Pin & Tack Handcrafted Delights

Micro Clothes Pin Banner Gift Kit

Creative Bug Digital Stamps

4-Pack of Digital Stamps

{ Sparks Of The Week }

For an extra blast of inspiration, I would like to share these wonderful crafters' entries with you from September's challenge. They are listed in no particular order. Without further ado, here are this week's Sparks Of Inspiration . . .

#9 - Denimo

#13 - Julia Vazquez

#8 - DIANA L.

At Spark Your Creativity Now! Challenges, you can enter as many times as you.

AND you can combine your project with as many other challenges as you'd like.

Click Here To Join The Anything Goes Challenge!