Alpha Stamp/Tallulah's Swap: Leslie Hanson

Leslie Hanson, who hails from Portland, OR sent in TWO sets of 5 cards, plus 2 extra cards for Alpha Stamps' owner Leslie Elledge & myself. Thanks so much, Leslie!! As you can see below, Leslie H's cards are beautifully put together. I am impressed with her artwork and her style!
Click on any scan for more detail. Leslie used images from Drama Queens, Paris Showgirls #1 and #2 and also, Women with Wings. The green leaf ribbon is also available at Alpha Stamps and one of my favorites!

Alpha Stamp/Tallulah's Swap: Joan Hoffman

From Joan Hoffman in North Beach, MD we have received 6 beautifully stitched fabric postcards. Joan used images from the Tallulah's sheet, Cleo #1 available at Alpha Stamps. I am not sure if Joan was working with a fabric sheet or if she copied the papre images onto fabric herself for this project. However she accomplished this, her postcards are great! Thanks, Joanie.

Alpha Stamp/Tallulah's Swap: Cynthia Zdanzukas

Look at what we have received from Cynthia Zdanzukas in Waterbury, CT!
Click on any scan for a more detailed picture.

I love the old postcards that Cynthia used to create her Tallulah's postcards with. She used images from the Kisses sheet available at Alpha Stamps, and created her own text to go along with the images. Cynthia also used feathers, sequins and other embellishments to complete her cards -Wonderful!

Alpha Stamp/Tallulah's Swap: Cynthia May

From Cynthia May in Claremont, CA we have 5 natural looking cards created with images from the Tallulah's 'Women with Wings' collage sheet available at Alpha Stamps. Thanks, Cynthia!

Alpha Stamp/Tallulah's Swap: Cathy Johnson

From Irving, Texas, Cathy Johnson sent in 5 beautiful Tallulah's postcards for our swap using paper images from the 20 Beauties sheet and Paris Showgirls #1 - available at Alpha Stamps. She also used Alpha Stamps' Dresden paper scrap & victorian fans. Cathy does a lot of fabric art including quilting and told me she thought she was going to make fabric postcards, but she had such fun creating paper postcards she made them all out of paper! You can read more on Cathy's own blog, Altered Fabrications - Thanks for participating Cathy, and thank you so much for the unexpected treat of the pretty lime green & pink fabric!

Alpha Stamp/Tallulah's Swap: Katherine DeCarlo

From Katherine DeCarlo in Niagra Falls, NY we have some awesome additionsto our Alpha Stamps Tallulah's card/postcard swap. Katherine used transparency images from the Women with Wings sheet and Cleo #1, all available at Alpha Stamps. I love all the curly-Q's, postage stamps, flowers & paper bits you added, Katherine. Thanks for participating!

Alpha Stamp/Tallulah's Swap: Nicole Austin

From San Jose CA, Nicole Austin sends us beautiful Tallulah's postcards using images from the 20 Beauties collage sheet. The ribbons and fibers left hanging are such a nice effect. Thanks too for the collage goodies!! Saturday (3/22) is the deadline and I will soon get to swap these out!

Alpha Stamp/Tallulah's Swap: Cynthia Weed

From Cynthia Weed ~way out West in Wyoming! Look at hese gorgeous postcards - click on any photo for more detail . . . I had to scan both the fronts AND the backs!




Thank you so much Cynthia . . . now how many swaps of mine have you participated in?? A LOT! You always amaze me with your creative ideas -so refreshing! Also, many thanks for always sneaking in wonderful hostess gifties for me to use in my art. Much apppreciated!

Alpha Stamp/Tallulah's Swap: Terrie Lightfoot

Terrie Lightfoot's artwork has always impressed me (she hosts a yahoo group that I am a member of), and her cards for this swap are no exception to that rule! Click on this scan for a better look!

Above are 2 "shaker cards" Terrie created with images from Paris Showgirls #1. I think I could describe Shaker cards as a layered card with small windows covered with clear accetate. Before covering the window with accetate, you place your image inside along with something to shake (glitter, small charms, sequins). Very fun and in this case, beautiful!!


Terrie also created 3 flat postcards -- Very wonderful cards, Terrie - so beautiful!


Thank you for participating Terrie, even when I know you are so busy!

Alpha Stamp/Tallulah's Swap: Carol Stocker

Carol Stocker from Omaha, NE has created a number of gorgeous fabric postcards for our Alpha Stamps Tallulah's swap, wow!!


Carol was very busy and creative and made 6 cards with images from Paris Showgirls #1. She made one extra fabric postcard for me to send to Leslie Elledge, the owner of Alpha Stamps (the orange one, above) and she also created another extra one, so I could choose one for myself. Thanks so much, Carol!!

Oh! Take a look at these wonderful fabric cards; click on any scan for more detail and the picture will open much larger in a new window. I love the way Carol has "captured" things under netting!!





Way to go, carol! Awesome fabric postcards : )

White Quilties! ~ Joellyn Quinn

Joellyn Quinn from Sun Prarie, WI has sent in some really lovely shades of white quilties. I am going to let the photos do the talking! Click on any photo for more detail.

Thanks so much, Joelleyn.

This photo is a bit blurry unfortunately, Joellyn did a great job with the backs, printing the info on fabric.

New Swap #5: ‘Altered by Design’ Angels, Fairies & Divas ATC swap 6 for 5

2008 - swap #5 - An ‘Altered by Design’ sponsored Angels, Fairies & Divas ATC swap due May 24th!

Think “Diva Darlings” and create 6 ATCs on the theme of angels, fairies and/or divas for 5 ATCs in return, using any of Altered by Design collage sheet images. The extra ATC will go to the sponsor/hostess of the swap. This swap is due in my hands May 24, 2008. Late entries will be returned.
Requirements: Your ATCs should be 2.5 x 3.5 in size, landscape or portrait orientation. The base of the ATC can be created from fabric, cardstock or both. Each ATC must have one ‘Altered by Design’ collage sheet image by Carol Murphy incorporated into it's design. These images can be found for purchase at joggles.com where there are many beautiful sheets to choose from on all different themes. Participants in this swap can create Angel ATCs, Fairy ATCs or Diva (beautiful women) ATCs using Carol Murphy’s wonderful collage sheets. Create some of each kind or create all on one theme. I will leave that decision totally up to you! You will receive a variety of ATCs in return.

Please look at Carol’s collage sheets and you will certainly be inspired to create for this swap! You might recognize the “Be my Valentine” collage sheet, as Carol used these images for her Valentine Ornaments in our recent creative swap (left). There is even one collage sheet called “Darling Diva Potpourri” – it would be just perfect for this swap.

An Important Note!! Each participant will receive an ‘Altered by Design’ limited edition collage sheet created just for the participants by Carol, along with a "Snippet Pack" (random images from Carol’s collage sheets) with their swap returns. One lucky artist will be awarded a special first prize for the most creative ATCs. Carol Murphy, the sponsor of this creative swap, is awarding this first prize participant a copy of Bernie Berlin’s fabulous book, the Artist Trading Card Workshop. WOW!

*Because participation is limited you must email lenna to check availability and to sign up for any of the creative swaps. Please include your first and last name along with your preferred email address for correspondence. After I receive your email I will let you know promptly if there is room in the swap you desire to join - and sign you up, if there is/or put you on a waiting list, if there is not. Once your participation is confirmed, I will send you via email the full details of this swap including mailing instructions. Your swaps must arrive to me -by the due date. Create your swaps and send them along with your label/envelope/shipping funds. All swaps will be mailed to you promptly in early June, 2008. As the swaps arrive, I will post your artwork on the creative swaps blog for all to enjoy. If you have a personal blog or website, send the address to me with your swap pieces and I will add that to your post of your swap pieces.
This swap is limited to 35 players. I'm looking forward to this! : ) lenna

New Swap #6: Alpha Stamps/Grimm Fairy Tale Collage Swap due June 28

Creative Swaps 2008, swap #6 - An Alpha Stamps/Grimm Fairy Tale small collage swap, due June 28 and closed for joining. This is a 4 for 4 swap of mixed media collages (all sized 5”x 5”). If you desire, create 5 pieces for 4 in return. This extra will go to the sponsor/hostess and is optional. I will send your extra piece along to Leslie at Alpha Stamps after choosing a few to keep for myself! Any extras are most appreciated by your host & sponsor. If you are not familiar with the Grimm Fairy Tales, take a look at this Wikipedia entry.

This swap is sponsored by Alpha Stamps and has required Alpha Stamp products. Each participant will receive a special Alpha Stamps gift collage sheet made especially for this swap just for participating : ) One lucky artist will be awarded a special first prize from Alpha Stamps for the most creative collages! This swap is limited to 35 players.

Requirements: The collages for this swap will be created and layered onto a 5”x 5” art board or cardstock -your choice, but no substitutes. Your collages must utilize fabric, paper and/or transparency images from the new collection of Alpha Stamps Grimm Fairy Tale collage sheets. This special collection includes Red Riding Hood sheets, a dozen new Cinderella Sheets, new Sleeping Beauty, Grimm fairytale book covers, related castle, roses and jousting sheets -- all available now. Snow White and the Frog Prince collage sheets should be available soon, as well as many others! Leslie Elledge, owner of Alpha Stamps collects vintage children's books, so lucky for us! There is a link under “More Fairy Tales” on the Brother’s Grimm page on Alpha Stamps where you can sign up to be notified of additions to the page.

Your collages MUST be created with any of the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale collage sheet images from the Alpha Stamps website. You may do TWO sets of four collages if you wish. When you receive your swaps back, four collages would make a lovely framed display and eight pieces could even be made up into a small book. It’s up to you whether you create 1 or 2 sets of 5” x 5” collages & you do not have to tell me in advance how many pieces you will create. Deadline for this swap is due in my hands by June 28th, 2008. Late entries will be returned.

*Because participation is limited you must email lenna to check availability and sign up for any of the creative swaps. Please include your first and last name along with your preferred email address for correspondence. After I receive your email I will let you know promptly if there is room in the swap you desire to join - and sign you up, if there is/or put you on a waiting list, if there is not. Once your participation is confirmed, I will send you via email the full details of this swap including mailing instructions. Your swaps must arrive to me -by the due date. Create your swaps and send them along with your label/envelope/shipping funds. All swaps will be mailed to you promptly in early July, 2008. As the swaps arrive, I will post your artwork on the creative swaps blog for all to enjoy. If you have a personal blog or website, send the address to me with your swap pieces and I will add that to your post of your swap pieces.

After confirming your space in this swap, create your collages! Again, they must be based on either a 5”x 5” piece of cardstock or art board and utilize fabric, paper and/or transparency images from any Alpha Stamps Brothers Grimm collage sheets. You can use additional papers, fabric, paint, watercolour crayons, any mixed media along with the Alpha Stamps images. Your collages can be completely different from one another or they can be all of the same design. They should be left plain, without a hanger, so that your recipient can decide whether to put these collages into a book, hang them together in a frame, hang them separately, or not at all! You will receive a mixed variety of collages in return. It is always nice to know who created what, and even how, so for each collage please add a tag, write a note, add a business card, a Moo card, or at least sign your name, and perhaps add a description of your techniques. Thank you!

New Swap #7 - a fabric page/quilties swap, due July 19th

Sorry, this swap is already FULL. You may email me to put your name on a waiting list in case someone has to drop out - you could take theeir place.

Swap # 7 in 2008: Due July 19th – a fabric page/Quilties swap! Theme: Shades of spring ~ Brown & Robin’s Egg Blue (4/4) The deadline for this swap is: due in my hands by July 19th, 2008. Late entries will be returned. Participants will create four 6” x 6” Quilties (fabric pages) in exchange for four different ones in return. You may create 2 sets of 4 quilties if you wish, trading 8 for 8 –your choice. There’s no need to tell me in advance how many quilties you are creating. As always, a small gift or extra quiltie for the hostess is very much appreciated!

Requirements:
1. Your quilties must all be the same size: 6” x 6” - Some participants will take their fabric pages and bind them into a fabric book, some will create a wall hanging or make a small lap quilt, so it is good if they are all the same size. Your Quilties should have finished edges (not open). Edges can be raw (not turned under) but should be stitched.

2. Your fabric pages/quilties will be created on a theme of “shades of spring” – and specifically the colors: shades of Brown & Robin’s Egg Blue. I got this idea from a color combo ATC swap; these 2 shades are just great together! Above is a scan of a Quiltie I created in 2006 for a 'Blue' Quilties swap, added here simply to give you an idea of what this swap is about. Think spring, rebirth, nests, eggs, birds, and shades of brown & soft blue. Mixed media embellishments are encouraged. Be creative! Challenge yourself to try something new with this swap. The most creative Quilties will be awarded a first prize packet of mixed media & fabric goodies hand-picked from my own stash that is sure to delight!

*Because participation is limited you must email lenna to check availability and sign up for any of the creative swaps. (This swap is FULL). Please include your first and last name along with your preferred email address for correspondence. After I receive your email I will let you know promptly if there is room in the swap you desire to join - and sign you up, if there is/or put you on a waiting list, if there is not. Once your participation is confirmed, I will send you via email the full details of this swap including mailing instructions. Your swaps must arrive to me -by the due date. Create your swaps and send them along with your label/envelope/shipping funds. All swaps will be mailed to you promptly in early August, 2008. As the swaps arrive, I will post your artwork on the creative swaps blog for all to enjoy. If you have a personal blog or website, send the address to me with your swap pieces and I will add that to your post.

This swap is limited to 30 players. After confirming your participation, CREATE your quilties! I have basic instructions on my website to help you get started: http://www.creativelenna.com/FAQs/faqs.htm

Note: the front and back of the Quiltie put together with batting in the middle, is considered one page, for all my swaps. It is your choice whether or not you are going to decorate both side of your fabric page. If you like, you can concentrate on the front of the page and save the back for your contact information. If you prefer, decorate both sides – again, the choice is yours and either way is acceptable! This swap is limited to 30 players and due in my hands July 19th, 2008. If you do not make the deadline, you cannot be included in the swap - so please mail early! Check with me via email to sign up first, thanks!

Alpha Stamp/Tallulah's Swap: Teri Calia

Oh my! This is Teri Calia's Tallulah's postcard created especially for Leslie Elledge, the owner of Alpha Stamps & sponsor of this swap. I think this postcard Teri made is very beautiful and it's so fitting that she asked me to pass this card on to Leslie - who works very hard to create beautiful images for us to work with! Teri also created a card especially for me, and then enclosed 4 more cards to swap. Wow! Teri hails from Emeryville, CA - the hometown of Alpha Stamps!
The backs of Teri's postcards look like this:

I love it! Plain backs are very nice, but I enjoy this so much.

I recently found out Teri has an ETSY shop, called Catnip Designs! You must check it out! Teri is very talented and has many great pieces of art for sale. Below are the rest of Teri's cards for our swap- please click on any one that you wish to see in more detail.

Teri's images on her postcards come from the Beauty Queens Sheet and Paris Showgirls #1 found at Alpha Stamps.

Thank you, Teri!