Category Archives: Circus

Step right up

Step right up

Ladies and gents, step right up because this week we are taking a shine to circus.

I mean that literally, since my project today features different shiny surfaces that you can apply to circus trading coins. 

 Each circus trading coin features a different shiny surface: fine glitter, chunky glitter, distressed glitter, red metallic flakes or silver metallic flakes.

You can use these as trading coins, ornaments or as package tags. 

If you want to learn how to make these coins, please visit my featured tutorial at Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts.

You spin me right ’round–like a Valentine carousel

You spin me right ’round–like a Valentine carousel
You spin me right ’round–like a Valentine carousel

 

 

 

I don’t think there’s any sweeter combination than Valentines and merry-go-rounds–at least if you exclude the food category. Everyone knows there’s nothing sweeter than a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.
Valentine-Carousel-by-Betsy-Skagen-of-Paper-Calliope-033940

This carousel features glittering lights, prancing horses in perfect pastels and mid-century sweethearts all dolled up for the holiday.  Read the rest of this entry

Tune into the NETwork for an important announcement

Tune into the NETwork for an important announcement
Tune into the NETwork for an important announcement

 

 

 

Time to tune in to your retro televisions because today is the big day!

A few weeks back I announced that I “made the cut” and was named to the ColourArte Design Team. Today my inaugural project is featured on the ColourArte blog.

Paper-Calliope--ColourArte-Retro-TV-Card-1c

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All aboard for the circus altered art train

All aboard for the circus altered art train

 

 

Paper-Calliope-Betsy-Skagen-Alpha-Stamps-train-Side-A

Ladies and Gents–step right up because Cirq Alpha is coming to town!

Loaded with spellbinding stars and breathtaking beasts, Paper Calliope’s circus train is sure to dazzle and delight you. Step up close and learn just how this spectacle was created.

I am sooooo excited to be featured as a guest artist at Alphas Stamps, that the over-the-top adjectives of the circus world do not even begin to describe  how I feel. Since my journalism professor would roll over in his grave if he saw me using this superfluous language ( “Omit needless words, Betsy!”), I will move along and get right to the point. Read the rest of this entry

Pretty, pretty Prima—with sprinkles on top

Pretty, pretty Prima—with sprinkles on top
Pretty, pretty Prima—with sprinkles on top

 

 

Prima Marketing is having a design team call. A long-time fan of theirs, I simply could not resist giving it a try. But the best part???? The best part is how much fun I had creating these projects with Prima products!

 

Paper-Callipe-Prima-Fourth-Rosette-2

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Paper Calliope makes its first…are you ready for this…paper calliope

Paper Calliope makes its first…are you ready for this…paper calliope
Paper Calliope makes its first…are you ready for this…paper calliope

So, by now you probably know that I love making vintage circus art. It probably has a little something to do with the fact that my kids have gone to a circus performing arts school since the youngest was still in diapers. Yep, The Daughter™ hung from a trapeze, even before she was out of Pampers.

Aside from my kids’ involvement, I also like making circus-themed art because of the vibrant graphics and the endless opportunities for whimsy and creativity. Over the last week,I have been laboring over a special project that has been on my to-do list for a long, long while. It was finally time to make a paper calliope.

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