Please Help If You Can!

Dear Friends, 

Most of you know that suicide prevention is something that I believe very strongly in. In the past five years, eleven of my daughter Jorgey's friends have passed away. Although some were from natural causes or accidents, six of the eleven committed suicide. They were all under 20 years of age. With the right help and support these sad deaths may have been prevented. 

On September 7, Jorgey and I will be walking in the Hampton Roads, VA Out of the Darkness Community Walk to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. We are asking for your help in raising money for this very worthy cause. If you feel led to donate, please visit our fundraising page. We are very grateful for any amount you can give, even if it's only pennies. 

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is at the forefront of research, education and prevention initiatives designed to reduce loss of life from suicide. With more than 38,000 lives lost each year in the U.S. and over one million worldwide, the importance of AFSP's mission has never been greater, nor more urgent. 

I hope you will consider supporting our participation in this event. Any contribution will help the work of AFSP, and all donations are 100% tax deductible. 

Our Fundraising Page can be found here: http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.participant&participantID=441950 

Also, for all of our stamping friends, Smeared Ink will be donating this very special "Just One" Grumpie digital image to anyone who donates $5 or more. 

You will notice on our donation page that there is a place to put your name. If you would like the special digi please make sure you insert your name on the donation page. Then email us at smearedinkstamps@gmail.com to get your "Just One" digi.

Please share this information with whomever you choose. Thank you so much!

With Love, 

Terra & Jorgey 

Important Facts to remember about depression and suicide: 

The latest statistics reported an all time high with 38,909 suicides making suicide the 10th leading cause of death in America. 

There are almost twice as many suicides as homicides. 

Every 13.7 minutes, a person takes their own life. 

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in teenagers and young adults, and the fourth leading cause for adults ages 18-65. In 

Virginia one out of every four individuals eighteen years or older who dies by suicide is a veteran. 

The suicide rate among U.S. military members rose sharply in 2012, with an average of one suicide per day. 

Survivors of suicide are five times more at risk for suicide themselves. 

Approximately 18.8 million people suffer from depression. 

There are over 900,000 suicide attempts each year, with an estimate that an attempt is made every minute. 

Over ninety percent of all people who die by suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death; thirty-three percent of suicides have a substance abuse component. 

The number one cause of suicide is untreated depression. Depression is a disease, a disease that is treatable. Therefore, suicide can be prevented. 

We can save lives! 

If you or someone you love is in crisis you can always call: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK

Design Team Throwdown #8 Entry- Old and Grey

Hi everyone, welcome back to my blog! I'm so excited to be posting the Smeared Ink Team entry for the 8th Design Team Throwdown Challenge. In case you didn't know yet, the Design Team Challenge has moved from the Smeared and Smudged Forum to its own BLOG. Hopefully this will make it easier for more Design Teams to join in the fun! 

Voting for this challenge begins Wednesday, August 28th, so please be sure to swing by the new blog and cast your vote for your fave team projects after you check out all the amazingness presented by the participants. Of course, we'd LOVE if you choose us, but we encourage you to vote for the projects (team) that you think are the best :)

This time around the theme was brought to us by our Challenge #7 Champs, Quoth The Raven. They challenged us to make something "Old and Grey", and they left it up to us to interpret that how we wanted. I'm excited that I got to play again on the Smeared Ink Team, and you'll see my project last (it's heavy on the pictures once again). Here are the entries for the Smeared Ink Team:

#1 Our first entry comes to you from Shell.

She created an awesomely beautiful piece featuring Smeared Ink's Man digi stamp from the Specimen Jar set. Be sure to visit her BLOG to get all of the details on her amazing work.

click for larger views

#2 Our second entry is from Lady Brayton.

She rocked out a vintage pinball machine using various Smeared Ink rubber, including images from Morte and As Death, both available exclusively as past club offerings through our Smeared Ink Rubber Club. For more information and an video on LB's wicked pinball machine, please visit her BLOG.

click for larger views

 (backing)

(with cover in place)

#3 Our final entry is from Terra (me)

For my "Old and Grey" project I though I would make an art doll. It's made from scratch and the face features one of the three new Smeared Ink digi singles from our artist Alexandria S. The image is called Within and is available in our shop today, along with Beyond and Behind.

Here's my doll, she's about 14" tall. More detail pics are included below my description.

click for larger views

I started by molding my doll body and head from air dry ceramic clay. I molded just the basic form, added pins to the head, and let it dry for about a day and a half. Then I came back with an x-acto knife and carved out my torso "hole" and bones. Needless to say, it took a while. You'll see in some close-up pics that the bones are actually 3-D and protrude from the hole. Then I let my body dry completely.

While it was drying, I worked on my base. I used an old candle holder, a wooden dowel, and plaster. I poured the plaster into the middle of the holder and inserted the dowel, then let that set up. Then it got a coat (or several) of paint. I forgot to mention, while the clay was drying I had to keep putting it over the dowel to make sure it still fit, and on the last day I left it to dry on the stand because the clay actually shrinks almost 10% when it dries. I didn't want it to not fit over the dowel, so if you try something like this please remember that tip.

Anyways, then I got to work with my paint on the body and head. It took a few coats, then a few more, to get the cracked and aged look I wanted. While that dried, I worked on the wings which are made of tissue paper and wire with paint and seed bead embellishments. Then I sewed, distressed, and burned the layers of the skirt; under the skirt I attached a swirled wire "petticoat". Then I added my face to the head, which is a tissue paper transfer of my digi image.

To finish off, I made the arms, which are wire and little salvage-metal pieces (they look like tiny washers) that I've had for a long time. I also attached my heart shaped wish box to her chest, added the bead embellishments and chain to the skirt, and finished by adding her hair and attaching her wings. 

Whew! That was a mouthful. Okay, now I'll let the pictures show what I've been blabbering about. These pictures were taken outside so you can see a truer color.

 click for larger views

I know there are alot of pictures and information, but I was trying to show and tell all the details :)

Overall I'm pretty happy with it, and I think I may eventually make her some sisters. For now, she's a permanent fixture in our living room, at least until after Halloween and then we'll see where she goes.

I hope you've enjoyed my project, and the projects of my teamies! Be sure to swing by all the blogs for details, and please come over to the Design Team Throwdown blog and vote on the 28th. Thanks for visiting!

August Member Blog Hop

Hello everyone! Today is our August Member Blog hop on Smeared and Smudged! The theme is anything goes, and we have some fabulous members who are featuring their best stuff for you to peruse today. Unfortunately I am feeling under the weather and wasn't able to get my project finished, but I still have the blog roll posted below for you. Please hop on through and leave some love for all of the lovely ladies and their "Anything Goes" projects.

Shell
Maureen
Jane
Evil Edna
Kay
Madeleine
Kapree
Ike
Lisa

If I am able to finish my project today I will get it posted as soon as I can.
Thanks for visiting!

Smudgefest Day 7- Final Challenge!

Today is the last day to play along with our Smudgefest Challenges over on Smudgy Antics. I hope you've had the chance to play during the week, and if not, today is a great day to head over there because there is a Smeared Ink freebie to use in today's challenge!

I made the sample for today using the freebie, and his name is ghoulipop. Hope you like him!

*click for larger view

As you can see, this is an all-digital card. I started out by coloring up my image, and then used various brushes and effects to create the backgrounds.  I tried to think of a clever saying to go along with the image, but after a long week and a hard time saying "bye" to my mom today, this is all I could think of :)

Finally, I added smoke effects and staples, and there you have it!

I hope you get the chance to play along in our final challenge, and be sure to swing by Smudgy Antics tomorrow for the Day 7 AND Grand Prize Winner announcements! Thanks for visiting today.

NEW Design Team Call- Mixed Media University

Yes, you read the title right.....Smeared Ink is having a Design Team Call!!!

Mixed Media University Design Team Call

Smeared and Smudged Forum/Smeared Ink Stamps

Do you have a different way of looking at things when it comes to rubber stamping? Do you LOVE working with different and unusual mediums in your stamped artwork? Do you have the urge to share your ideas with others? Smeared Ink is looking for design team members for our first ever Mixed Media University Design Team on our Smeared and Smudged Forum! 

We are looking for 4-5 team members who are not afraid to think outside of the box and express themselves in interesting ways through their projects, who enjoy using all types of mixed media in their projects, who aren't afraid to try new things, and who have the capability of producing video tutorials for our Mixed Media University group on our forum. The Mixed Media University Design Team will be separate from our Smeared Ink Design Team, but will receive many of the same benefits and all of the same recognition and support.

Mixed Media University Design Team member art tutorials will be featured in the Smeared and Smudged Forum Mixed Media University group. We are looking for artists who have great personalities, who can relay their ideas and techniques well through video tutorials, and who have a genuine interest in teaching, sharing, and mentoring others. We are looking for individuals with vibrant personalities and various stamping styles. No prior DT experience is necessary to apply.

Here's What You Need To Know

Requirements for Mixed Media University Design Team Members:

*You must have an active blog related to rubber stamping/paper arts or mixed media arts where you can talk about and link to your Design Team tutorials.

*You must be or become a member of the Smeared and Smudged Forum on Ning.

*You must be able to film and upload quality videos of your projects.

*DT members are required to produce a minimum of 1 instructional step-by-step video tutorial per month that features a project using various mixed media techniques. Each project can feature a different technique or a combination of techniques. Each tutorial must use at least 1 Smeared Ink stamp image, and can use any other stamp images or supplies. They must be posted EXCLUSIVELY on the S&S Forum in the Mixed Media University group. You may link to your tutorial on your blog, however you may not post your tutorial anywhere else on the internet or use it for any other purpose. 

*DT members will be assigned different due dates during the month for their tutorial, and members must adhere to their assigned due dates.

* You must actively participate in The Vent group on the Smeared and Smudged forum. A minimum requirement is two posts per week.

* You must promote the Smeared and Smudged Forum/ Smeared Ink Stamps through your blog by adding your Mixed Media University Design Team Badge, and whenever you see an opportunity.

*Prior Experience not required

*International Applicants welcome.

Benefits of Mixed Media University Design Team:

* Your tutorials will be showcased on the Smeared and Smudged Blog, Smeared and Smudged Forum, Smeared and Smudged Facebook Page, and Smeared Ink Facebook Page.

*Your blog will be linked in all Mixed Media University DT badges and in all above-mentioned feature links.

*You will receive free access to all of our Smeared Ink digital stamps and a discount on Smeared Ink rubber stamps.

*You will receive exclusive DT Member discounts on non-stamp products, including Graphic 45, Tattered Angels, Tim Holtz, Ranger, and any others that we choose to offer.

* You get to network with other wicked awesome stampers who share the same love for out-of-the-norm stamping.

*You get to share your ideas and mentor other stampers in their artistic journey.

* You get to sport a really cool Mixed Media University Design Team badge on your blog.

*You will have the opportunity to play along on the Design Team Throwdown blog as part of the Smeared Ink team if you choose to do so. 

To apply, please follow these steps:

Step 1:

Please create one short (1 to 2 minutes) instructional video. It can be a video about ANYTHING, i.e. how to change a light bulb, how to cook mac and cheese, how to wash your face, how to clean your stamps, etc. We will be looking at your personality, how you relate instructions and step-by-steps to an online "audience", and your video quality.

Upload the video to the hosting site of your choice (i.e. YouTube, Photobucket, etc) and name it "Smeared and Smudged Mixed Media University DT App- Your Name"

Create a post on your blog that links to or embeds your app video so we can view it!

Step 2:

Email the following information to smearedinkstamps@gmail.com with the subject line: Mixed Media University Design Team Call

Name:

Email:

Blog URL (home page):

Blog post URL that contains your embedded/linked application video:

Attach the Following to your email:

Pictures of three card, scrapbook page, or other paper art  -AND-  one altered item that best represent your style of stamping with mixed media. These two projects must use rubber or digital stamps somewhere on the project. (No all digital projects, please)

Please answer the following questions in your email:

What do you think you can bring to the Mixed Media University Design Team? We want to know what makes you tick!

If you could choose one word to describe yourself, what would it be?

What is your favorite mixed media technique or supply and why?

If you were to be chosen for the MMU team, what are three mixed media techniques or ideas that you'd be interested in sharing in a tutorial?

Do you feel you can meet all the requirements listed above, including the deadline requirements?

Please list past and present Design Team experience. (Experience not necessary to apply)

Deadline for Submissions is Monday September 23, 2013

Winners will be contacted by Monday, September 30, 2013.

DT term will run for 12 months starting October 1, 2013

For questions please contact us at smearedinkstamps@gmail.com

Good Luck!

Terra & Tori

owners, Smeared and Smudged Forum/Smeared Ink Stamps

http://www.smearedandsmudged.ning.com

http://www.smearedink.com

Twisted Thursday- Smudgefest

Hello again! Today over on the Smudgy Antics blog is day 4 of Smudgefest, and the theme this time around is Twisted Thursday.

The challenge is to create an ATC with a "twist", interpreting "twist" any way you like. My sample was made using the Muse image from Smeared Ink's Symbology of Angels digi set.

 click to view larger

My top picture is a little faded out so I apologize for that, but you can see more details in my close up. I colored, cut, and layered the Muse image, using silver paint for his skin and prisma markers for his wings. The backgrounds are done with different inks and pens on layers, and there is some sewing behind the angel. My "twist" comes into play in two different spots. I inserted a wire through the card that can be twisted to turn the Genuine Miraculous Elixer sign on the top, and the wire also has a twisted bottom with a metal tassel. Finally, I added my words and my glittered straight pins.

Here's a close up of the card so you can read the words.

 I hope you like it, I'd love to hear your opinions. Then head over and join in the challenge fun!

Terrifying Tuesday- Smudgefest

Today is day 2 of Smudgefest over on the Smudgy Antics blog, if you haven't yet checked it out you really should! The seven days of challenges boasts a huge grand prize at the end, and even if you haven't participated in all challenges, there are still daily prizes to be won.

For today the theme is Terrifying Tuesday and I have made the sample. The challenge is to use your favorite scary Smeared Ink stamp. I chose to work with an image from our As Death stamp set, now available only through our Smeared Ink Rubber Club as a past club offering. I chose this image because, although we have-I dare say- numerous scary stamps, this one just creeps me out and calls to me all at the same time.

click for larger view

I didn't do much to the sample because I wanted the image to speak for itself, so I stamped and then drew the background with ink. I colored the wings in blue, although it's hard to see in the pics, and added shading to the whole thing with charcoal and pencils. Finally I added deep red (almost black) jewels to the bottom, along with my saying.

I hope you enjoy this simple card, and that you get a chance to participate this week in Smudgefest! See you in a few days with another sample.

IT'S TIME....ARE YOU READY??????

Welcome to the planning stages of 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN 2013! Are you ready for round five? We are super excited to be bringing you our 5th annual Halloween/Day of The Dead celebration on the Smeared and Smudged Forum, and we cannot WAIT!

As in years past we are recruiting Wicked Blogs to join in the 31 Days extravaganza of projects, so you'll have a plethora of Halloween goodness to feast your eyes on all month long! The challenge for the Wicked Blogs is to participate all month by providing a different stamped project each and every day in October. If they complete the task, they will be entered into the huge prize drawing at the end of the month!

I know I am looking forward to the challenge again, and I hope you are excited to participate as either a Wicked Blogger, Horrifying Hopper, or Sinister Lurker. Here's how you do it...

Wicked Blogger

What You Have To Do:

Wicked Bloggers sign up to make and post one Halloween or Day of the Dead themed project for each and every day in October. Sign up begins on August 1, 2013 and ends on September 21, 2013. To sign up, go to THIS PAGE on our forum and add your NAME and BLOG ADDRESS to a comment section September 21, 2013. All Wicked Bloggers will receive a coveted Survival Button at the end of the month to proudly post on their blog.

The Rules:

Wicked Bloggers must post one project each day in October on their blog by 9AM Pacific time in order to qualify for the grand prize drawing. The project must be handmade and stamped with either a rubber or digi stamp from any company. This year we are once again allowing all digital projects as long as they are the bloggers original digital art.

Wicked Blogger projects must be "new" in that they can't have been posted anywhere before, including on your own blog, other blogs, forums, or other websites. In other words, no re-using previous projects. Bloggers are allowed to combine projects to fit into other scheduled postings; for instance, if you have to post a DT project that day or are following other challenge criteria, if you make your other-scheduled project Halloween themed, it can count for 31 Days as well. However, if you do not make it Halloween or Day of the Dead themed, you will need a separate post for 31 Days.

Bloggers must also post the Wicked Blog list with links to all participating blogs in either their daily posts or on the sidebar of their blog for easy access. The Wicked Blogs list will be posted here by September 25, 2012. Bloggers will also be required to hide at least one scavenger image during the month.

Horrifying Hopper

What You Have To Do:

Hop through each of the Wicked Blogs that are participating and leave a comment on each project. No need to sign up, just start on the first day and work your way through all the blogs. All Horrifying Hoppers will receive a Survival Button at the end of the month to proudly post on their blog.

The Rules:

You must leave a comment on EACH participating blog EVERY day in October to qualify for the grand prize drawing. Your comment should be about the project or something related (i.e.-no "Here's my comment for today" or "I'm here!"...these types of comments won't count!) If you miss a day or a blog, you will still qualify to receive a survival button, but will not qualify for the grand prize drawing.

Sinister Lurker

What You Have To Do:

Some of you can't participate all month long, and that's okay! Only Wicked Bloggers and Horrifying Hoppers are up for the grand prize drawing, but if you can't do either of those you will still have the chance to win some Lurker prizes! We will be hiding scavenger hunt pictures randomly throughout the month on various participating blogs...if you find one on any given day, you will be put in for that day's freebie drawing. It may be a coupon, a free digi, or a Halloween goodie, who knows! We are working on some great sponsor prizes for the scavenger hunt this year, and it will be well worth your time to visit every once in a while.

The Rules:

Scavenger Items will be hidden randomly on the Wicked Blogs, and are not guaranteed to be available every day. You will have to visit blogs to find them. If you find one, you will email and let us know exactly where it was and your name will go into that scavenger item's drawing. Each person who finds the "hidden" picture will get one entry. The drawing for each scavenger prize will be the day after it was posted and winners will be chosen by random number based on who emailed. Wicked Bloggers are able to participate and find scavenger pictures as well, unless it is hidden on their own blog.

Grand Prize Drawing

Doesn't this all sound like fun? I know WE can't wait!!

But wait, I know you are now asking yourself "What huge prize drawing at the end of the month are they talking about?" In addition to some awesome scavenger prizes provided by some pretty amazing sponsors, we are offering up a glorious concoction of 31 Days goodies worth over $300! We'll be posting a picture soon!

How To Win It:

Each person who successfully completes the 31 Days as either a Wicked Blogger  or a Horrifying Hopper will receive one entry toward this prize drawing. If you successfully complete both, you will receive two entries. (Meaning if you are a Wicked Blogger and you comment on every blog every day, you have successfully completed both)

That just about covers all the rules and regulations for this year's celebration. If you represent a business and are interested in sponsoring 31 Days of Halloween by providing a scavenger prize and getting awesome advertising for your website, please contact us at smearedinkstamps@gmail.com. We will feature you during the whole month of celebration!

If you'd like to spread the news about 31 Days, feel free to grab one of the buttons below and post it on your blog or website, share on facebook,or email it to your favorite stamper friends. We can't wait to share 31 Days of Halloween 2013 with you, so sit back and enjoy the ride!

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