Week 31 - Art Deck Challenge - "No Regrets"

The journaling on the back of this card reads: "Some souls by instinct to each other turn."

I read that in a Victoria magazine newsletter years before I met my husband....and it stayed with me. I had it engraved in Rob's wedding band, and if couples have "taglines" - this is the perfect one for us.

Nine years together, seven years married---no regrets that you are the one I will grow old with. xo

Elsie Challenge!

Elsie's "blog party" yesterday included this cute challenge - and how perfect for me, because I had started my vacation journal using the Love, Elsie TOBY line...so... I am offering up my "pre-vacation to-do list." LOVE this paper, the color combinations....oooooohhhh I wish I had won those chipboard BUTTONS in her TOBY giveaway! (I am ridiculously happy with the cover of my journal. I feel so "Elsie!")

Inspired by Ali Edwards' "Daily Something"

In addition to all the artful blogging going on today, Ali Edwards' AEzine arrived, and as always, was full of inspiration. LOVE her "daily something" idea...love the idea of scheduling time EVERY DAY for creative pursuits. Last night I was all over the place -painting more pages in my art journal, creating a mini purse from a Cocoa Daisey kit from earlier this year, and working on some gift projects. Quite a while ago, I had pasted this picture into my journal, from an old magazine - the floor-to-ceiling windows reminded me of a shore house my sister rented a few summers ago, with a heavenly "sleeping porch" -- ever since I have dreamed of having a lovely summer cottage, by the shore, with a sleeping porch. Heaven. I finally just stamped in the words the photo evokes in my mind.....and I think I will just leave it at that. Thanks, Ali, for reminding us to capture the moments, the stories, the memories, the dreams, and most importantly, enjoying the process along the way.

BLOG PARTIES!

Inspired today by Elsie's Blog Party (and the funfest here!) Oh if only I didn't have to WORK all day I'd have gorged on all the artful blogger blogginess going on today!!

In the spirit of the artful blogging...thought I'd post a few of my art journal pages. The pages are from the art journal I started after taking Donna Downey's online class (and doing the book binding tutorial on Teesha Moore's site....see the last post for links...I cannot GUSH enough about these!) Donna D is considering adding a Christmas Journal class -- ohh...I will SO join in, how about you?

Art Journal Challenge - Week 30 "Counting my blessings"

This week's prompt is "count your blessings." Perfect timing, as I had been working on a "grateful" page in my art journal (I recommend this online class by Donna Downey). Had been journaling about some sad/difficult things....felt better when balanced with the positive and light-hearted. Sorry this scan is the best I could do...the actual pages are much brighter!

Green satin fabric scrap from my Emily pack; bling and number rub-ons are Heidi Swapp; Paper is from Amy Butler pack. Photo is from my art journal [Fabrino Artisico watercolor paper (try Dick Blick for bulk prices); pages painted with making memories scrapbook paints; "grateful" written with Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens--fine point, then gone over with brush tip pen, then outlined with Caran d'ache Neocolor II and Derwent Aquatone watercolor crayons; 'i do love you' stamp $1 at Michaels; circle dots stamp by 7Gypsies. Instructions for binding your own art journal at the amazing Teesha Moore's website. ]

Also grateful for all the inspiration and generous sharing from all the artful bloggers I follow and those who are participating in this challenge. Thanks for all your kind words you post, and for sharing your work. Extra thanks to Emily for bringing us together!

Art Journal Challenge - Week 29 "PERFECTION"

Getting caught up....Week 29 prompt was "Define Perfection." Right now, I am SO looking forward to our upcoming vacation...a week away for our annual family funfest- this year in Mexico. Journaling on back reads: "Nothing better than having something to look forward to. Vacation in paradise...that is perfection. *heart*"

Snail Mail Goodies!

How fun is THIS? Received some snail mail love this week from my blogger/ scrappin' classmate pal Aimee. How cool is this circle pocket minibook? And all the extra embellies, too! So sweet--thanks, Aim! I love it! (those flourish cuts are fab. so SWIRLY! LOVE THEM!)

Troll Bead Love (and lust)

For my friend Aimee....cannot get over that we are both Troll lovers!! I have had mine since last Valentine's day .... and still drool over it...love the stories behind all the beads....the Blue Fizz (top) is my newest...it is so pretty-mine is a deeper color than the photo appears. "Three Siblings" is one of my favorites (in honor of my sissies! i am the 3rd of 5...and when you count the swirls from a certain angle...you get five...a stretch, I know...but it works for me!) the bottom one is the one Rob surprised me with on my birthday last year -"Valentine."

Someday (when I hit the lottery?) I will buy the silver/gold PLANET. How gorgeous is that one?

Hmmm...think I will go update my WISH LIST! : )

Swirls!

Week 28 - Emily's Art Journal challenge - What is Your Goal This Week?

Yeah!! Emily is back! (how gorgeous are those photos of Miss Yindi? So sweet.)

This week's prompt was "what is your goal for the week?" I always have PLENTY on my to-do list...but I focused on what I wanted to CREATE this week. So... my goal for the week was to finish the projects on my list before the weekend is over. Looks like it is going to be a long night...I only completed ONE of the four so far and it's SUNDAY again already.

This one did not scan well...the paper is MUCH nicer IRL! Paper is Amy Butler; tab is from K&C Company's Essential Pink File set; Pink ink is Stampin' UP!'s Pink Passion; DMC floss colors 718 and 470; pink rhinestones from a Cocoa Daisey kit; Pen is Faber-Castell PITT artist pen (superfine point, black)

Week 27 - Ali Edwards' Prompt - for Emily's Art Journal

The prompt for this week was from ALI EDWARDS (sitting in for Emily)...and it was "Junk Mail." Of course, I love Ali's interpretation. How does she do it so effortlessly? In her hands, a piece of junk mail and some paint (I am guessing that is yellow paint?) and a pen and it becomes a work of art. Love her style. So...I set out this week to find something useful among the STACKS of junk mail that enter our home each day. How can there be NOTHING I can use??? Finally settled on the DELL catalog...the paper isn't the best quality for this project...but the colors were fun. What is it about the NAMES of colors that are so interesting to me? I think that would be the most fun job. Sitting around NAMING colors of products....appliances, fabrics, car paint, nail polish (the OPI colors?! YUM), crayons, paints, EYE SHADOW, LIPSTICK.....how fun. Who has these jobs and where do I apply??

Week 26 -Emily's Art Challenge-"Celebrating Daughters"

A fitting prompt from Emily's friend Margie, after the arrival of Miss Yindi Willow (how beautiful is that name?)...."Celebrating Daughters."

This photo is of my six lovely nieces....journaling on back reads:

"I am not lucky enough to have children of my own....but I am lucky enough to have four sisters and one sister-in-law who have been blessed with a total of 11 children between them....six of which are my beautiful nieces. All very different -- all very special to me -- all fun to be around -- all bright and funny - all of whom I'd be proud to call my own. Love you, girls!"

Congrats to Emily on the arrival of her second beautiful daughter....and to my cousin Garrett and his wife Dana on the arrival of their first yesterday! (baby girls galore!)

Background paper--Flavia note paper; sticker tabs and words --KI Memories; "love" sticker-- Wonderful Words; black micron pen ;(not sure of the manufacturer of the little circle stickers letters-they are made to fit on brads--Making Memories, maybe?)

Amy Butler is the Shiznit

How fabulous is Amy Butler????

I want these chair covers.

And this QUILT!!

I WANT THIS QUILT!

And a bunch of these skirts.

And don't even get me started on the purses..... but I don't want to SEW them!

I just want to wake up and HAVE them.

It's true.

Quite sad. But true!

(Do you think there is a "Make a Wish" foundation for the lazy?)

Help! Anyone out there recognize these?

I am trying to find the blogger who posted these favor boxes on her website - she made them for a friend's daughter's graduation party (if I recall correctly?) and I commented and asked for some details...which she provided in an edit .... but I cannot recall the blog/artist and I want to thank her! I made them for my niece's graduation and they were a hit (also resulted in the very best thank you note I have ever received....my niece Emily is the most gracious young lady--the best thank-you note writer....one of the many things I love about her!)

ANYWAY...if anyone can lead me to the blog I would greatly appreciate it!

Week 25 - Emily Art Deck Challenge CAUGHT UP!

Week 25 - caught up again (except the one week I skipped---I will get back to it as soon as I dig up the photo I want to use for it....)

But back to this week's prompt. Tara Whitney acted as "guest prompter." Tara is a photographer and aptly, her prompt was "use a photo that means something to you." (I'd love to have her photograph me and Rob together....check out her work, you will agree!)

So....lots of pics I could have chosen...but I decided on this one of my hubby....cause I just love it and it makes me smile whenever I see it (it's on my desk at home). It was taken in March the day we toured the model home in the neighborhood where my sister- and brother-in-law are building their new home. An all-around great day. Exciting to see the gorgeous home Lynne and Lar are creating...and so good to see Rob smiling and enjoying the day with his family after a string of stressful months. Love these moments.

And now to BED! Caught up again, finally! Surprised you, huh, Nik?! LYB!

Black Micron 03 pen; K&Company sticker letters (right Aimee?) [edited Jul 1...oops! just noticed the typo]

Week 24 (almost caught up!) Emily Art Deck Challenge

LOVE THIS PROMPT!! This was perfect timing.....prompt was "remember when..." and it just so happened that my sister Jackie, niece Mikayla and their friends, and Rob and I went to Hershey Park on the 16th ..... and amusement parks always remind my sisters and me of "back in the day" when we went to KENNYWOOD PARK every year for our school picnic. (And yes, you kind of have to scream the word. It's that exciting.) The best part was on the way to the park, when we first saw the KENNYWOOD SIGNS!!!!!!!! which pointed the way.

The THUNDERBOLT roller coaster is pictured on my card...along with the yellow KENNYWOOD sign. Can't help it. It just always makes me SMILE.

Red marker and "No." stamp by Stampin' UP!; rhinestones by My Mind's Eye.

Week 23 - Emily Art Deck Challenge

The Week 23 prompt was "Right Now" - as in "what is going on in your life at this moment?" I should have just stapled all my LISTS to the card!

Busy month in our household....traveling every weekend; work picnic at Hershey Park; a week away at my annual sales meeting for work; graduation party for my eldest niece (Congrats Em! We are so proud of you!); laundry is piling up; work is busier than ever.....etc. etc. etc.

Paper is from my Emily art deck kit (love this piece....been hoarding it--finally decided to JUST USE IT!); trusty black Micron 03 pen and Stampin' UP! "No." stamp; embellished paper clip from the March Cocoa Daisy Kit; "Wish" ticket purchased here --used them on my niece Emily's graduation party favor boxes.

Week 22 - Emily Art Deck challenge

The prompt was "What I want to learn." I liked this one....lots I want to learn (better yet, wish I just already KNEW how to do!) Number one on my list of late is to learn how to DRAW. Bought the Betty Edwards book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain -I hope it works!

Paper is a page from my 2006 Flavia Daytimer; ribbon is 1/2" Craft Seam Binding in Plum from Martha Stewart Crafts (much prettier than the scan shows); black Micron 03 pen; edges sanded.

Week 21 - Emily Art Deck Challenge

This one stalled me for a while! Prompt was: "Your redeeming qualities; qualities you aspire to."

As already noted--I am not comfy with declarative statements about myself--my first instinct is to ask someone else "what do you think my redeeming qualities are?" Not exactly a casual conversation starter, eh? : ) In the end I managed to list a few!

Pink rhinestones from a thank you packet of goodies from Cocoa Daisy - which arrived with the June kit (their kits are so yum-O! I have ordered 4 now and have not been disappointed!); rub-ons "Violet Tatoos" from KI Memories.t

Catchin' Up! Week 20 - Emily's Art Deck Challenge - CHANGE

Week 20 Prompt was CHANGE. Not my forte! Lots of directions this one could have taken...decided to focus on the positive changes in the works... Journaling on the back of this card reads:

"So many things needing our attention - lots of changes ahead for me and Rob. Changing our diets. Changing our living spaces (working on re-organizing some rooms). Changing our spending habits. I don't usually do well with change...but I am learning to embrace it. It's time."

Paper is from my Emily kit; rub-on letters are Heidi Swapp, swirl stamp is Swirls V1 -Rhonna Farrer, Clear Stamps; red gems are Bohemia. My Mind's Eye (love these big red ones!), clock was cut out of a magazine, topped with Diamond Glaze; "No." stamp is my trusty Stampin'UP! stamp...ink is black Memories. Not sure of the manufacturer for the number stickers.

Week 19 - Emily Art Journal Challenge - SURPRISE!

Playing catch up again! Left off at week 19 -- the prompt was SURPRISE. And I knew immediately I'd do my card on the whopper of a SURPRISE I pulled off on my sister Jackie. The idea started when our Uncle asked her at Christmastime (her birthday is Dec 30)..."how old are you going to be this year?" and she replied "Thirty-nine. Forever." ha ha....so that birthday came and went....flash forward two months or so later....her friend and neighbor, Lisa, approached me with the idea to have a SURPRISE 40th birthday party for our dear Jackie. The problem? Jackie knows EVERYTHING that happens in the entire tri-state area. How EVER would we pull it off?

For starters...we planned it for JULY - six months before her birthday (she'd not be expecting THAT, huh?) We decided a "ladies night" would be the theme...all her girl friends....poolside at Lisa's house....drinks and desserts. And music. My sister has been a huge American Idol fan since the first season....and JUSTIN GUARINI was her FAVORITE. (No lie--she referred to him as "my Justin.") Through the power of the Internet...we booked Justin for a special appearance at my sister's birthday party. AND WE PULLED IT OFF! Surprised is not the word for it....she FLIPPED. I still grin when I think of it...what a fun party that was!

And so I give you....my sister Jackie and "Her Justin" at her "Forever 39" surprise party (also known as "Desperate Housewives Meets American Idol." )

Photo adhered to card, edges sanded. Label from Martha Stewart; rub on letters rob and bob studio; Pentel metallic gel pen; "No." stamp from Stampin' Up!

I loves me some LuRay! and other antique shop finds....

Another fabo find while in Berkeley Springs this weeked....Look at this stash of LuRay Pastels! I didn't buy any.....but the sight of these all stacked together makes me smile (isn't half the fun of collecting the SEARCH?) and....my sister Jackie spotted the PITCHER.....I had never seen one in person....that baby was marked $120...and was in perfect shape. Aren't I strong for resisting?

I did splurge on one thing...an old printer's tray....in great shape (one blotchy ink stain--but that just makes me love it more)...and only 11 bucks!! BARGAIN!

Meet Isaiah

We met this little cutie while shopping in Berkeley Springs during our weekend with Auntie....seems Sir Isaiah doesn't think it's so cute though. His human keeper told us "he isn't friendly" when we wanted to pat his little head, er, helmet!

Nice guy. Funny lookin' dog!

Week 18 - Prompt: "Nature"

How perfect is this? This week's prompt is "Nature" (love Emily's card...don't you? I must try SEWING on my cards/papers!)....

So the NATURE prompt. At work on Monday, we discovered a duck had nested in the courtyard in our building...and 11 ducklings were waddling about with their mama. HOW CUTE IS THIS? Nothing like fuzzy baby animals to melt the hearts of grownups. You can't help pause for a few minutes each time you pass the window to check on the little darlings. (The game warden was called - we thought they would need to be moved. But he said the ducklings are fine as long as we don't feed them, just keep them supplied with clean water. Appears there are plenty of bugs for them to eat in the foliage...and in a few weeks they will fly away. We will miss them!)

Adhered photo to card. Sanded edges. Green velvet rickrack ribbon and May Arts purple wired puffs ribbon...(The ribbons are as soft as I imagine the baby ducks would feel if we could hold and pet them! )Journaling on back reads: "Lovely serendipity. 'Nature' is this week's prompt, and just LOOK at what appeared at work on Monday! So beautiful. I wish I could pet one!"

Here's to experiencing more of Nature's beauty in all our lives. It does a heart good.

Thanks for a great prompt, Emily!

Who Should Paint You: Gustav Klimt

Sensual and gorgeous, you would inspire an enchanting portrait.. With just enough classic appeal to be hung in any museum!

What Artist Should Paint Your Portrait?

Saw this on my cool blogging friend, Karalenn's blog. I confess the first time I did it I got Escher (not a fan--tho' the description was apt: "Open and raw, you would let your true self show for your portrait. And even if your painting turned out a bit dark, it would be honest." ) anyway...I cheated and redid it and got this!! Much better! My alltime favorite painting is "The Kiss" -- how awesome would it be to have been painted by him?

More Magazine Love....

How gorgeous is this cover? Can't get enough of the talented Anahata Katkin - took me six days trekking to 6 stores to get my hands on a copy! Tons of eye candy in this issue - some great techniques with layering of mixed media pieces to try....thinking I want to try a fabric piece one day...

Victoria, sweet Victoria!!

GUESS WHAT??? VICTORIA MAGAZINE IS COMING BACK!! YIPPIEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!! read about it here...http://adage.com/mediaworks/article.php?article_id=116371 I can't wait--I have MISSED this magazine....lovely lovely lovely. (And I still want these pink striped glasses--wouldn't they be perfect for an afternoon tea party?)

Head(ers) Up.

Did the BLOGGER gremlins just add that "add a picture" thing to the header template element -- or was I missing that all along?

Not the most impressive topper...but not bad for a rookie, eh? What's with the blurry type? (I should download the demo of Photoshop...I really should.)

What Susan Needs....

OK....saw this on a couple of blogs but didn't understand WHAT it was exactly--until I came across one that explained it. Seems the game is to Google your name (first name) + "needs" to find out, well, what it is you need, of course.

Curiousity got the better of me...

1. Susan clearly needs demystification to help her recognize that she is much better at understanding language than she is at using it in school. (huh? wha?)


2. Susan needs all your love and money an ugly millionaire dating online agency marriage men seeking love bureau. (well now that's just wrong on so many levels)


3. Susan needs a set of t-shirts graced with silly cliches that, nevertheless, exemplify her willingness to step off the cliff of safety and follow her dreams. (now we may have something here.....)


4. Susan needs to work on writing better songs. Songs that deal with more than lonely, sad, I can't have you. Susan needs to write "her age."


5. Susan needs your help! $5000 needs to be raised to cover the costs of recording and manufacturing the CD. (Uh, right. Because those sad, lonely songs aren't selling!)


6. Susan needs not respond. You have no class. What kind of decent respectful lady would use the kind of language you use. God help you. ...(and you as well. YIKES...that was a scary one. The author of that one was defending Mel Gibson I think?)


7. Susan needs to slow down to increase her quality of eye hand foot control. (I think that one has something to do with sports and we all know I don't bend.)


8. Susan needs help in many areas, from transporting kittens to cleaning litter boxes (who doesn't?)


9. Susan needs to discard the bustle and loosen her corset. (leave my bustle out of it!)

And as proof that there is no original thought left....some of the entries were links to other Susans' blogs who played the game. And round and round we go.

Week 16 - Emily's art deck challenge

Week 16 - Emily's prompt was "get someone else to contribute." Uh-oh. I knew who I wanted to ask...and I knew how much he wasn't going to like it! (He always claims to be terrible at "arts and crafts.") But he played along like a good sport!

Card reads: "She said: 'Honey, will you contribute?' He said: ILY" then drew a heart around it and signed his name.

I love you, too, honey! xxoo

(Card was sanded, gesso-ed, then painted with Honeydew Making Memories paint {much greener than the scan shows!} and dabbed with Ranger's Adirondack Brights acrylic paint Dabber in Raspberry. arrows drawn with Faber-Castell Pitt pen, journaling Zig Millennium marker in Pure Violet, All-Night Media Brenda Walton alphabet stamps; "No." stamp from Stampin' Up!; black dye ink is Memories. Is it just me, or does everyone like to read the "recipes" as much as look at the art?)

TFL!

Art Journal inspiration....

So very into my art journaling these days....and poring over others' journals. Revisiting my Somerset Studio's "Signatures" tonight...over 250 journal pages from 59 artists........(PLUS - it came with the 2003 Art Journal Calendar to alter....how clever are they to re-market an outdated calendar? and the paper quality is great - perfect base for altering.)

So in love with my new Faber-Castell Pitt artist pen (fine point)...learned from the guy at the art supply store that the reason I am trashing so many MICRON pens is because I press too hard--huh? didn't realize I was doing that! But this one seems smoother - and I love the density of the black -is that an Indian Ink thing?

Off to journal some more....here is an (unfinished) piece I started on the weekend. I've had this alphabet stamp set for eons (Brenda Walters, All Night Media)---suddenly in love with it again for these pages--but I am missing the "F" - luckily, so far no F words have come up.....(which is really funny since I am such a CURSER. Guess I can alter the "E" when the time comes for some F words........)

Art Journal page....I need a PROMPT!

I think Spring has FINALLY decided to get here. Our daffodils bloomed yesterday (thought they were goners after the freezing temps last week....but they are resilient buggers, no?) Today it was 70 degrees...tomorrow is expected to be even warmer. I think Mother Nature is having hot flashes.

And so with Spring here....I am trying to get up the nerve to JOURNAL on this page in my art journal....did the background with a light watercolor wash in metallic blue...the sun and flowers are collaged from magazine pages (Veranda...these were all fabrics...pillows and sofas. The green was a photo of ivy or something....) Outlined them with Neocolor's (and felt oh-so-Teesha-Moore doing it!)....but now I am stuck. Don't know what I want to WRITE on it...or if I do? I need an EMILY PROMPT! ha. Maybe I will get my nerve up to stamp a little something....

Week 15 - Art Deck...."Parents"

This week, Emily's art deck challenge prompt was "Parents."

Been mulling this one over all week...decided on using my parents' wedding portrait -- with just a bit of jazzing up (Primo flower smooshed into a carnation boutonniere for my dad, some glitter glue highlights and swirls with a white Signo pen--which didn't work too well on the glossy photo paper.) Love this photo...but it's bittersweet because my dad died so young (at 40).

Journaling is a simple thanks for the best gifts my parents gave me (stories are too long and boring to anyone but me...they are about my dad sticking up for me and my mom always being there with a cool hand on my forehead when I was sick...nothing more soothing than the mom-magic- touch.)

Playing TAG!

Well as if being LINKED was not enough of a thrill for me, today I was TAGGED by Suzi Finer! (shut UP!). The object of the tag game is to "name five blogs that inspire you daily"....how do I chose just five?

In addition to the fabulous Ms Finer and some of the others she and Helle already tagged...here are some of my favorite blogs/sites...inspiration and eye candy galore...

Teesha Moore - This woman is amazing. I check her blog for new entries daily---and though they are few and far between I don't begrudge her--the sheer NUMBER of art journal pages she has posted on her website make me wonder how many hours of sleep she can possibly be getting a night! Oh to have been at Artfest last month! Maybe next year... (direct link to her blog http://www.teeshascircus.blogspot.com/ - let's start a campaign to ask her to post more often!)

Donna Downey: Another prolific one! Discovered her last March when I bought her Decorative Journals book ("Don't throw away your notes. Build pretty homes for them.") then took a class she taught. I've lost count of how many of the journals/minibooks I have made/gifted from her ideas....clever clever lady. She has more books in the works, she tells us...and a cd of FONTS coming, too. Can't wait! (And check out her latest pics of her studio...great organizational ideas. Oh-- and her "trash to treasure" handmade binder for her acrylic stamps....brilliant.)

Karalen Hippen aka Penelope Crackers: I discovered Miss Penelope (how great is that name?) through the Art Deck of Me Challenge on Emily's site. This girl is magic with a paintbrush! Love her stories and pictures of her family, too....what a dreamy life she has created....

Ali Edwards: "Capture Life. Create Art." The inspiring Ms Ali describes herself as a Life Artist. Love that. Love her work, her philosophy, her impeccable sense of design, her art. I admit to copying more than one of her minibooks...can't wait for her new book!

Kirsty Wiseman: In addition to being a great photographer and "digi" scrapbook artist (how kind of her to share so many free digi brushes?!? I have GOT to get Photoshop!)....this cool chick writes very entertaining posts. Love her stories--I want to hang with her!

Is that five already?! Thanks, ladies, for all the inspiration!

Painting inspiration

Had to post this pic...just loved this. When we were coloring Easter Eggs last week, my nephew David was very into painting an egg to look like a football ...(I think this boy has real creative talents....I am looking forward to more big things from him....but I digress....) anyway....David didn't last at the table as long as the rest of us....and after he left the room....I noticed his paint palette...

Doesn't it look like a CHOCOLATE BUNNY? (I added the eye and nose and pink part of the ear....but the rest was the random swirling of David's paint brush.)

Love that.