odds and ends

Yesterday in my ICAD post I showed a couple I made with my newly handmade stamp.  Here's how I made the stamp:

I glued little pieces of that thin craft foam onto an empty hair spray bottle using a glue stick.  Nothing fancy and no super glues.  My little squares are imperfect as are the longer strips making the stripes.  Make sure to leave enough room to grip the "roller" at the ends without getting too painty.  You can see my practice rolls here using acrylic paint.

I'm surprised this works so well as a stamp when that craft foam is so darned thin - but it works beautifully.  Don't know how long lasting it will be yet, but by the time it falls apart, I'll be sick of the pattern and ready for something different anyway.

My friend and I hit some great yard sales this last weekend and I had a few things on my search radar.  Here's what I came home with....

I was looking for an art apron after seeing the fabulous one Corinne made for herself.  She even gave me some encouragement to make my own, but then I found this one for only $1 and I saved myself the effort.  You might also notice the painting of Seattle.  I bought it for the canvas (15 x 30" for $2.50) and will paint over it (don't tell the little girl who painted it!).  Someday someone will scrape off my painting to discover this one underneath and it will be worth thousands because it's an original "Lia".... :)

Then I found some fun jewelry pieces for $1 each that I plan on cutting apart and using as charms or on the cover of a journal/AB, or ..... who knows?  They are just cool.

And, last, but not least, the rolling pin ($1).  No, I'm not a baker.  I'm going to turn it into a larger, more efficient roller stamp!  Just waiting for the right pattern to manifest itself (and my cold to go away so I can think again!).

And, today's ICAD, in honor of being sick.  Felt the need for some bright color, finger smooshing painting and ink drips to lift my spirits.  Then back to bed! :)

Stay healthy!