Last post of 2007

This year is toast! It seems like it just started and now it is over already. I think this is a sign of getting older. I can remember as a child, I was always looking forward to tomorrow and time seemed to drag. It dragged when school was letting out for the summer, when school was ready to start in the fall. Christmas seemed to take forever to come around. Kids have a warped sense of time. My mom used to tell me when I started complaining about something taking too long that one of these days I would wonder where that time went. Well, that day has arrived and the days go more quickly everyday I am here on earth. Reality bites! I went from being a member of the youngest generation of our family to being a member of oldest generation in what seems like a blink of an eye. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and a few of my older cousins are all gone now. Our time here is so minuscule and insignificant in the realm of this vast universe. Take a hold of every minute that you are here and live it to the fullest. That is my only New Year's Resolution for 2008. I have felt this way for a long time but the quicker time passes the more important it becomes. I can't make my loved ones see this but I hope they can allow me to lead the way for them to see that life is short and the things that we think are so important aren't really important at all.
OK, enough of my rambling. My first project for the new year is a ME journal that I am doing with a group of artist friends. I am so glad that Tracey made us do this as I really needed the push to get out of my rut. I have had a hellashious month (I will talk about that later!!) and this is a nice treat for me to do this for no one but me.
Well, in case I don't get a chance to do it before midnight on the 31st.........HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!!

Dan Fogelberg has left the building.

We lost a musical genius yesterday. Dan Fogelberg was one of my all time favorite musicians. He touched my heart and my very soul with his wonderful songs and heartfelt words. I loved him the first time I heard him and I am saddened by his passing. He is in the hands of God now and suffering no longer but I will miss him. I am sure he is singing among the angels tonight. Rest in peace dear Dan. You gave so much while you were here and your music will live on in our hearts as long as there are ears to hear it.

It's Ornamental my dear!

Where has this year gone????? What has happened to all my good intentions of having everything prepared and ready ahead of time? Down the tubes again. Alas, another Christmas with half laid plans and no extra time. It seems to get worse every year. Oh well, the road to hell is paved with good intentions or so they say. I hope that is not what is happening here! I am just paddling as fast as I can for now trying to stay ahead.
I did make a few little ornaments. One for my WorldWin DT entry and one for a swap. The big one I did with a hand cut flower but the little one was done with a small laminate sample and little bits and pieces of stuff. They are easy to do, just make a flat chipboard or other piece such as a laminant sample or a domino and add little bits of whatever you have on hand, lace, ribbon, pretty Christmas paper and of course some glitter and glitz. What would Christmas be without the sparkle?
Hope you enjoy your season no matter if you are prepared or not.

ATC, a small wonder of big art

When I first heard of ATC's, (artist trading cards for those of you that might have been living in a cave for the last 5 years) I wasn't really too excited. I was thinking that what kind of art could be expressed on such a tiny canvas. Then I started looking at fine pieces of jewelry, tiny locket portraits, plus other tiny pieces of art. I guess it could pack a lot of art and boy do they. I have seen some real beauties and some really not so beautiful ones but each one means something to the artist that created it.
The rules about them vary from person to person and group to group. I have read some mighty heated conversations in groups, on what should or should not be on them and of course the biggest argument being they should always be traded and never sold. Well, if someone wants to pay me a healthy sum of money for my little artwork, I say, end of debate! Sold!!! Come on, let's not carry the starving artist gig any further than is has been carried so far. I really think that rule was made up because the people who started them didn't think anyone would be inspired enough to purchase one and since they are called trading cards, well that's my theory. Think of all those boys back in the 50's and 60's that clipped Mickey Mantel's rookie cards on their spokes or traded it for some now forgotten pitcher's trading card. Doh! It the atc moves you, then by all means buy it from the creator! You can both ignore the rule. :)
There is only one rule, it must fit into a trading card sleeve, 2.5 x 3.5 inches. Notice I didn't say the finished card had to be that size......I once made some cute little atc dolls that folded into a size suitable to fit inside of a trading card sleeve.
OK, that is enough about atc's. On with sharing, I am going to share some of my faves with you today. I have made so many that this is going to be hard but I will manage. Cheers everyone! Happy trading!

Just sharing my new stamps.........

I am procrastinating my weekend away. It is almost finished and I have not accomplished a danged thing. Well, I am adding to my blog so that is SOMETHING! I need to be in my studio finishing up deadlines. (Hanging my head in shame)
I just hate when I get one of these creative blocks. Once I go sit at my desk with some sort of plan I know I will come up with something! I think I like living on the edge, I don't do it in any other way anymore and this is my last bit of being edgy and risk taking. That just made me laugh! I'm comparing my being able to sit down at my art desk without a plan or motivation with a deadline looming over my head, compared to jumping out of a plane or climbing a mountain. Well, that is about as daring as I get in my old age! So there laugh all you want. I laugh in the face of danger!! I don't have the energy to do the other stuff.
Anyway, I wanted to share my newest stamps that I made for Innovative Stamp Creations. They are really fun ones this time and will work great with altered art. I love to see what others do with them. I always feel a bit uncomfortable working with my own but I do manage to once in a while.
Well, I hope your Sunday is more productive than mine but maybe you are working at being unproductive............eh?

The first post for November

I have been keeping busy and staying out of trouble so that is a good thing! I have not been keeping up my blog which is not a good thing! I have been urged to start doing Christmas things for creativity. It has taken me years of forcing myself to start early denying the fact that this holiday keeps coming earlier every year. I used to work retail. Anyone that works retail knows what a nightmare this time of the year can be. I worked in the hobby/craft retail market so believe it or not we started getting our first Christmas merchandise in March for the following December. Scary to think about isn't it? I used to spend hours setting up displays and decorating the store so doing my own home was the last thing on my mind. I used all of my creative energy in making the stores look pretty. Sadly, I never bothered to take one picture of any of my work. Anyway once I left the store, it took me ages to be able to get back into the Christmas spirit. Gradually it returned when my grandchildren arrived. Kids and Christmas just go together.
Well, here is my first attempt at an assembly line Christmas card this year. These are easy to do up ahead in mass and put together when you are watching TV.
The glossy cardstock was sprayed with those wonderful Radiant Rains and stamped and embossed with a flourish stamp designed by Susan Stringfellow by Inque Boutique. WorldWin Cardstock and gold embossing. Easy to do.
Enjoy!

Love those Radiant Rains!!!

I have been playing with my Radiant Rains by Luminarte and I am having so much fun. They are rich watercolor based dyes that come in the most luscious colors and color is what I am all about. They make an excellent partner with my wonderfully versatile World Win cardstocks so I really got busy. I have made a few different sheets of backgrounds but the three cards I am sharing are all from one sheet of autumn tones. I am really into red lately and I wanted to see how red I could go. I used Indian Copper, Spiced Pumpkin, Jasper Red, Solar Gold, Yellow Rose and Nutmeg on White Quartz Elan Metallic cardstock from World Win. One I left plain with a spray of black Krylon webbing spray and a touch of spray glitter (no scan does these colors justice and they don't begin to show the depth of the layers of color). Just some paper layering and a small leaf charm is all it needed. The other two I used some gold rub on leaves that I had stashed, more layering and lettering added.
Well, I hope you enjoy. Thanks for looking!

I have been lagging!!

It is time to add something! I have been busy with deadlines and have been ignoring this blog. So here goes. I thought I better show some layouts this time. I haven't done one recently and I really need to do that. I have "issues" with my basement right now (that is where my art studio is) and even though my precious stuff is fine, the plumbing is not. It has been raining constantly here, and we are getting a leak from somewhere. So, my enviroment is not pleasent all the time. I do what I have to do to fulfill my commitments to my design teams and come right back up. Boo Hiss. I shouldn't be so ungrateful. I have lots of fun stuff and this is just a little glitch in the picture. I am so thankful for all that I do have. This problem will be resolved eventually. I think all of this gloomy weather is getting me down. I love a little rain, but this is getting ridiculous!
I will add something that always makes me smile, my grandkids! I have TONS of photos of them that need to be scrapped! Wishing you all (and myself) sunny days.

In the Background

There is something so freeing of my muse to work on backgrounds. I know that there is any number of scrapbook papers out there that have beautiful backgrounds and if I am in a hurry, I will use one of them. But I love doing backgrounds. Experimenting with color, form and texture. I have a good excuse because that is my job for WorldWin Papers. I get to use and abuse their wonderful papers and report back to them what I have put on them next! Their paper can take it and I am always surprised as to how they turn out because they all turn out differently. I never know what I am going to come up with next! Well today I am just going to share some cards that I made with my own backgrounds.
I better get to work on some more. So many colors and types of ink, paints and paper and never enough time to play!

The Beauty of Autumn

I love autumn! It's only fault is that it is such a short season. I have heard some people say that they don't care for it, not because of the beauty but because it means winter is around the corner. I can't think that way. I am only thinking of the moment. What if winter never comes? You have spent all of your time worrying about what is next instead of taking pleasure in what is now and right before you. Autumn is full of color and smells and change. I think of gorgeous rusts, mossy greens, deep purple reds, bright golden yellows, rich chocolatly browns, reddish oranges and all the rich deep tones of the earth. Cool crisp air, the smell of fireplaces being lit up, warm snuggly sweaters, small creatures scurrying around gathering food for the winter months. I love autumn and always will. Here is hoping that you do too.

Fairytales

I got this amazing sheet of Fairys from Fran at Hearts in Touch. I have been creating little works of art with these adorable images a little at a time. I have been having a good time using my colored pencils and experimenting with colors and tones. I hope you enjoy my little winged nymphs. Hats off to the artist Marjolein who created these little beauties. You will see more of them to come but for now here is what I have done.

Here Kitty Kitty

I have always had a love affair with cats. I love the fact that they are so independent and full of curiousity. I love all animals but cats are just special. You don't take care of cats, not really. You feed them and love them and respect them but other than cleaning their cat box and giving them treats and food, they pretty much take care of themselves. They LET you think you are caring for them, they command that from you. If push comes to shove, they could take care of themselves but why should they and deny you that pleasure? I think that is what I love the most about them!
My cat is BooBoo Magoo. He is my heart. He loves me for who I am and knows when I am not myself. He will stay by my side when I am sick, leaving only to use the litterbox or have a bite to eat. Otherwise he is near me, letting me know that he is there for me. He gets mad at me but always forgives me. If I love someone, well, he loves them too, sometimes against his better judgement. I can do anything to him, I can dangle his legs and he will not flinch. I can hold him very close to me and stare in his eyes, he will not turn away. He lets me dress him up for Halloween and Christmas and although he does not care for it, he lets me because he loves me that much. He trusts me with his life, that is pretty impressive. He knows I love him and I always will. We share the same soul and can read each other's minds. He is 13 and a half now but the vet says he has the vital signs of a young cat. So hopefully, I will have him around for a long while. He even loves my puppy and has forgiven me for bringing that bundle of energy into our rather sedate life. So here's to cats and all the people out there that love them. You are special and your cat knows it! Cheers!

Paper Sculpture

Since becoming a designer for WorldWin paper I have made a paper sculpture for each CHA convention. I really wanted to show what could be done with their wonderful paper. It is very sturdy and the colors are vivid. I totally soaked this paper with water and they have stayed exactly the same. Here is my Sunflower for the Summer and the purple winter Orchid. Each wall sculpture measures a foot across, so they aren't little by any means. :)

Happy Accidents

I seem to have good luck with my accidents. Some of my best work has been from goof ups. I think the reason is, once I have messed something up I lose my fear of ruining it so therefore my inhibitions are out the window. I might as well see how far I can take this as I have already stepped over the line and what do I have to lose. I learn a lot from my mistakes. I know how far to take something and still make something out of it. I guess that is how a lot of risk takers are towards life. I stay that way with my art but you won't catch me sky diving in the near or distant future. So be a risk taker, do something daring with your art, get messy, add layers, try a new technique and remember it is only paper. The worst thing that can happen is you will have something to throw away. Hint, even my real disaster are cut up and used as backgrounds, borders and mosaics. So all is not ever lost.
Here was my experiment. I started piling dyes on my paper and webbing and stamping. I had no idea of what I was going to end up with but I kept going until I was satisfied. Ta Dah! an old world triptych arch for a swap. Be daring, have fun, let your imagination go wild!

OK, This has been a busy week but I am trying to add something everyday and I missed a day. Spent all day doing Dr. appts. YUK! I hate it but luckily other than a few minor glitches I am pretty darn healthy right now. I am really trying to take care of myself but I probably will never be obsessive about it. Moderation is the key to everything and I truly believe that the body is an amazing machine that can and will repair itself if you take care of it. I really didn't do that when I was younger but health is something that you can't put a price on it. It is priceless and the older you get the more that this becomes apparent.
Anyway, one of the things that keeps me healthy is my two little furbabies. They are my heart and soul. Having a pet is good for your blood pressure and keeps your attitude positive. Besides, they are just plain cute and fun to have around!
Here is Noel, my little ball of energy that my dh calls the happiest dog in the world. He says he has never seen a dog that was just so happy to be alive. He is right about that. She is always so full of joy and I cannot look at her without laughing or smiling. She is always up to something.
BooBoo Magoo is my very sage and serene big black cat. I have had him since he was an abandoned kitten and he is 13 1/2 years old now. He is my heart, we have been through so much together and we can read each other's thoughts. He has even forgiven me for bringing home the rambunctious little mini schnauzer that he has to claim as his baby sister. They have their moments but they love one another very much and they both love me so they try to get along for my sake.
My life is so much better because they are a part of it.

Grandchildren - The light of my life.

Well, another weekend has flown by and that means that we are nearly into fall. That means that the grandkids are back in action again. They have busy schedules so I have plenty to do also, since I am their back up when mom and dad are working. I really enjoy the role as I never had a grandparent when I was growing up and I always wanted one. My grandparents on both sides had passed away before I was born or shortly after so I was too young to remember them. I was forever adopting old people as substitute grandparents. I think every child should have an older adult in their lives. Grandparents are more tolerant, patient and listen to the little things that parents don't always have the time to do. I am guilty of that with my son. Although I love him more than life when I was raising him there were plenty of other things to think about, like making a living, paying bills. I was a single parent and although his father was there and supportive too, it is not like having both parents under the same roof. It is always a little tougher but I think my son is a better person for it. He knows what single moms go through and I think he appreciates women more because of it. Yet he knows that just because parents are divorced, your dad can have just as big a role in raising you as your mom. It would have been a lot easier for Mike and me if we had lived closer to my parents, but then again maybe not! My dad was a spoiler of grandchildren! He let them get by with murder and the reward was that they worshipped the ground he walked on! It would take me months to get Michael back in line after spending time with my dad. My mom at least would respect my rules. LOL!
I digress, back to my pride and joy.
My grandson David is playing football this season and my granddaughter Katie is back in dance. He is a Boyscout and she is a Brownie scout. He is going to join the school band and it won't be long until he has basketball practice. They are both good students David has made the honor roll every year and has been awarded with state honors in math and spelling. Katie, well, Katie is the darling of her class. She is loved by everyone and is a real character. She was selected as an attendant for the Jr. Miss pageant, so she got to wear tierra and a fancy ball gown. She has a wonderful sense of humor and is very artistic. Ok, they are really good kids and yes, I am very proud of them. You get the picture! I do layouts of them and have been behind lately but here are some that I am most proud of.

My Dad was a Beautiful Man

He had faults like we all do but in my eyes I could have never asked for a better father. He took care of his family, he always kept his promises, he was a good citizen, a hard worker as an engineer on the Union Pacific railroad (only laid off one time when he had the flu in 39 years), he was always ready to listen to you no matter what. He passed away on August 20, 2004 at the ripe old age of 89, he outlived my mother by 34 years and his second wife of 19 years by 7 months. He was active and interested in everything until just before he passed on. He taught me more about life and what to expect from it than any other living person. I can only hope that I leave half that legacy for my son and grandchildren as left for us. Dad, I know you are up there and I got all your messages. I know I will see you again someday. :)

OK, for those of you that know me you know that I finally, after years of avoiding the practice, have taken up the art of scrapbooking. I see so many neat layouts out there and mine aren't as "trendy" but I don't do the latest and greatest. I don't really care if the paper line and embellishments are "in" or totally out. I have always liked things for what they are. If I like them, then I am using them. End of story. I matched this color of paper with my mother's gorgeous hair. She was a pretty lady and I was a real surprise for her and my dad. She turned 40 the year I was born. Now, I am sure that she had to have wrung her hands a few times when she found out but she or my dad never let on that they did. Mom said I made her feel young again and Dad, well, he fell head over heels for me the instant I was born. I have an older sister Soni, 11 years older and an older brother Dick, 8 years older. So I really was the baby of the family and got a lot of attention but I always acted older for my age. Styles were a little edgy back then. Check out those curtains!! We had a lot of love in our home and I was really lucky to be born into such a wonderful family. Anyway, here I am with my Mommy and we both look pretty happy posing for my dad and his ever present camera.